Rising homicide rates, A conversation with author Ann Patchett

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
Milwaukee police car
Police are seen outside of a house near Potomac and Courtland after a shooting at Molson Coors, Wednesday Feb. 26, 2020, in Milwaukee. AP Photo/Morry Gash

Major cities including Milwaukee set records for homicides in 2021. A criminologist talks with us about what’s behind a rise in murder rates after years of decline. We also talk with author Ann Patchett about writing a series of essays during the pandemic that became her latest book.

Featured in this Show

  • What's driving up homicide rates in large U.S. cities?

    With more than two weeks left in 2021, Milwaukee has reportedly surpassed last year’s record total for homicides with more than 190. Other U.S. cities have also broken similar records. We look at what’s behind the increase and what’s happening with other types of crimes.

  • Essays from an author in a pandemic

    An author shares her experience writing — and re-writing — essays for a new collection that’s just come out. She talks about writing during the pandemic and changing gears from planning to create a complete novel.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Bill Martens Producer
  • Tim Peterson Producer
  • Janice Iwama Guest
  • Ann Patchett Guest

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