State of Illinois

Statewide: Chicago and violent crime

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford

Published September 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM CDT

Chicago has been in the national spotlight as President Trump has called it a "hell hole" because of widespread violence. The city saw a rise in shootings in recent years. But the latest numbers indicate a possible turnaround.

A review of data shows the fewest murders between June-August of 2025 in 60 years. Overall violent crime is also way down. We talk with a reporter about the numbers.

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