Violence Continues In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Police say seven people were killed Monday around the city of Philadelphia in a sharp increase in violence that had already surged to near-record levels last year. The killings brought the total number of homicides so far this year to 62, a 55-percent increase over the number at the same time last year that saw a total of 499 homicides. Police commissioner Danielle Outlaw said many factors are behind the surge, including more people at home and more people inside. She said police were trying to ensure that mediation is available and to deal with narcotics, which has been driving a lot of the violence.