Homicides are at historic lows in Philadelphia as overall crime continues to fall.

Why it matters: The city is on pace to record its fewest killings in more than six decades.

The big picture: Philly and other big U.S. cities have seen violent crime persistently plummet in recent years, from pandemic-era highs.

By the numbers: Philly had recorded 101 homicides as of Sunday — a 25% decline from the same time in 2025, per police data.

• At that pace, the city could finish the year with roughly 171 homicides — the fewest since at least 1963, when police recorded 125 killings.

Catch up quick: Homicides peaked at a record 569 in 2021 before falling each year since, down to 222 last year.

Zoom in: Overall violent crime is down 4.2% compared with the same point last year.

• Robberies with a gun are down 22%
• Aggravated assaults with a gun have declined 15.8%
• Reported shooting victims have fallen 35%, while shooting incidents are down 5.7%.

Yes, but: Some violent crimes increased, including reported rapes (2.4%).

Meanwhile, property crimes dropped 9.1% year over year, led by a 26.5% decline in commercial burglaries.

Worth noting: Police say they made no arrests or issued citations during FIFA World Cup matches or the city's 39-day Fan Fest.

Between the lines: Public safety and quality-of-life issues have been central to Mayor Parker's agenda, particularly in Kensington.

• The city has also expanded crime-fighting technology over the past decade, including a surveillance system that's grown to at least 7,000 cameras.

Caveat: The crime decline isn't occurring alongside a growing jail population.

• Philly's prison population fell to roughly 3,270 people in June — down 32% from July 2024.

What they're saying: Temple University criminal justice professor Caterina Roman tells Axios the sustained decline in violent crime is likely fueled by several factors, including:

• Expanded investments in social services, youth programs and homelessness initiatives
• More and improved options for evidence-based violence reduction tactics
• Better policing aided by technology and stronger violence reduction efforts.

Police commissioner Kevin Bethel tells Axios that the department has strengthened partnerships with agencies and groups focused on prevention and intervention, complementing traditional enforcement.

• While acknowledging many Philadelphians still don't feel safe, Bethel said he doesn't expect the city to reverse course.
• "My crystal ball doesn't have us turning back," he said.

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A sculpture of Benjamin Franklin's "Join or Die" snake is coming to Philadelphia's Independence Mall this year.

Why it matters: One of Franklin's most enduring symbols, from a political cartoon in 1754, is getting a permanent home in the city where he first published it.

Driving the news: The 46-foot piece, made from eight pieces of granite, will be unveiled this fall near the Liberty Bell Center.

• The piece was designed by artist John Collins, an architect and Penn State alum.

By the numbers: The project carries a $3.9 million price tag, funded in part through donations from the city, foundations and philanthropists, per the Inquirer.

Catch up quick: The political cartoon first appeared in Franklin's newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, in 1754, with the snake segments representing the country's colonies.

• The snake was instrumental in rallying colonial opposition to the British in the fight for independence.
• It accompanied an editorial in which Franklin urged the colonies to unite during the French and Indian War. The symbol was later embraced during the American Revolution and was used by both sides during the Civil War, per the National Constitution Center.

What we're watching: How long the lines will snake around Independence Mall to see its newest inhabitant.

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⚾ The Phillies were busy at the trade deadline yesterday. The team got second baseman Luis Arraez, lefty reliever Brooks Raley, and righty Caleb Kilian.

• Plus, Bryce Harper is expected to move back to right field. (NBC Sports)

🎙️ Philly's NPR station WHYY recently finalized a deal with Penn State to acquire WPSU-TV and its FM station.

• WHYY filed its application last week with the Federal Communications Commission, which must sign off on the deal. (WPSU)

👋 Thanks for the memories, Rick Domeier! After 32 years with West Chester-based QVC, the long-time host is calling it quits at the end of the year. (US Weekly)

🎃 Welcome to "Augtober." Pumpkin Spice Draft Lattes return to La Colombe cafes starting today, a spokesperson tells Axios. Too soon?

Eagles fans know all about the Tush Push. Now the team is making another push — into the booming world of digital sports cards.

Why it matters: The partnership marks Arena Club's first collaboration with an NFL franchise, giving the Derek Jeter-backed company another marquee team as it expands across the sports world.

Driving the news: The Eagles announced the multi-year partnership yesterday, showing how digital trading cards are becoming an increasingly lucrative corner of the sports collectibles market.

• To kick off the partnership, the Eagles launched a sweepstakes that will send one lucky fan to the home opener against Washington with VIP perks, including pregame sideline access.

What they're saying: Arena Club co-founder and CEO Brian Lee said the company is "excited to give collectors a new way to connect with the players and moments they love."

Zoom in: The global sports trading card market is projected to grow from about $1 billion this year to more than $8 billion by 2035, per industry forecasts.

• More collectors are buying and collecting cards online instead of opting for traditional cardboard trading cards.
• Arena Club is growing its footprint in that evolving market. It already inked deals with the San Antonio Spurs and Texas Rangers.

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