🏈 ❄️ Saquon out, snow in

🚨 Philly’s Homicide Rate Dropped in 2024

In 2024, Philadelphia saw a significant reduction in homicides, with 268 murders recorded — a 35% decrease compared to 2023 and a nearly 50% drop from three years ago, when the city had a historic high of 562. Overall, shootings were at the lowest level since 2014. The reductions mirror declines in shooting and homicide rates across the country. [🔒 The Inquirer]

🏈 Barkley Says Bye to Record-Breaking Opportunity

The Eagles play the Giants on Sunday in what amounts to a meaningless game for both teams, and Coach Nick Sirianni has benched star running back Saquon Barkley in an effort to make sure he’s rested (and not hurt) for the playoffs. This leaves Barkley 101 yards shy of breaking the single-season rushing record set back in 1984. [ESPN]

💊 Is ‘Harm Reduction’ in Kensington Really Reducing Harm?

Kensington is known as an opioid crisis epicenter. Last year officials cut funding for certain harm-reduction programs and placed restrictions on some medical providers. They argued that some of these programs burden residents, but outreach workers say the new restrictions prevent them from helping some of those in need. [🔒 The Inquirer]

❄️ Will the First Day Back to School Be a Snow Day?

This was already a particularly long winter break for Philadelphia public school kids, and now they’re hoping for an extra day off on Monday as meteorologists track a winter storm that could drop some snow in the region. This weekend Philly will be hit with a blast of Arctic air causing temperatures to go down into the 20s. We could also see some single-digit temperatures the following weekend. [The Weather Channel, PhillyVoice]