This article from Chicago Magazine tries to examine Chicago (and by extension Illinois’) culture of corruption in politics.
Among the reasons cited for the state’s problem: old habits die hard, no will for reform, mob connections, racial tensions and more.
What do you think after reading this?
How many of the same things apply to your city?
-KG
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Hot off being named the national leader in manufacturing job growth, two senseless crimes are causing the city of Youngstown to temper its exuberance.

Tales From the Rust Belt offers this analysis:

The recent murders of Realtor Vivian Martin on the East Side and elderly residents Thomas Repchic and Angela Figmonari on the South Side near St. Dominic’s church are especially hard on a city that seemed to be focusing on the positives. Earlier this year we were able to celebrate the long list of jobs coming to the area including a third shift at GM Lordstown and the V&M Steel expansion.

By now you have probably heard, police have found ten bodies inside and east Cleveland home.
The resident, Anthony Sowell, was arrested by Cleveland police earlier this week after a short manhunt. Sowell, a convicted rapist, was found not far from the home.

He previously served 15 years for rape and was being monitored by police when he was accused of raping and strangling a neighborhood woman he lured into his house with an offer of alcohol.
For days, investigators have been dismantling Sowell’s home, finding remains throughout. Neighbors reported a foul smell, …

As many young adults do, I recently took upon the endeavor of buying my very first home. I began my search after many years (almost ten) of renting apartment after apartment, and then renting an entire house. I always enjoyed the freedom that comes with renting. An apartment felt like an over extended stay in a hotel room, it really wasn’t my place to begin with, I just stayed there for a while-I can leave anytime I want, or that is, when my lease ends. After some time, I started to see and hear the value of ownership from friends who became proud home owners.

I began my search in Youngstown, focusing on both the North and south sides of the city.

Block Watch organizations across the county are latching on to a new powerful tool: social media.

The Associated Press reports block watch organizations are increasing utilizing tools like Twitter and blogs.

The article follows a Columbus lawyer who tweets about suspicious vehicles and break-ins to protect his crime-ridden Old Oaks neighborhood.

The strategy has payed off for Mr. Vickers. Neighbors report criminal activity has dwindled and the streets are safer.

I hesitate to even post this story, it is so violent, depressing, and hopeless.
At a recent cookout in East Baltimore, a dozen people were shot – which in itself is bad enough – but is part of a larger wave of violence that swept the city recently.
“The shootings on Conkling were not related to the shooting on Ashland, which might have sparked the shootings at Baltimore and Bond, which might have led to the shootings on Comet, which might have been retaliation for a shooting six months ago which was …

Last month, 66-year-old Robert Brundage was riding his bicycle home from a Jobs with Justice meeting at the library in Toledo’s Old West End neighborhood.
Around 6:30 p.m., he was knocked off his bike by a 15-year-old who lives nearby; the teen stole Brundage’s bicycle. Brundage died.
Brundage was well-known to many in the city – he was often seen riding his bike, or attending board or other meetings for the Collingwood Arts Center, the Toledo Poetry Foundation, the Urban Coalition, the MultiFaith Council of Northwest Ohio, Toledo Area Jobs With Justice …

According to this piece in the Baltimore Sun, police and Baltimore leaders are worried after some serious attacks in the Inner Harbor area. The story describes some violent and troubling crimes.
Sadly, I’ve never been to Baltimore, so my knowledge of the city is limited to what I have learned from Homicide and The Wire. But luckily I will soon get to experience B-more in person; I have a trip planned there for next weekend.
Are people there concerned about these crimes? Are they being blown out of proportion because some of …

  Gawker.com has a good roundup of a wave of violence that swept Chicago last night, claiming seven lives.
  Police are investigating a possible connection, but it’s just as likely random. 

  The deaths were the result of six incidents which took place at different sites throughout the city. Many are considered to be gang-related.
  On Thursday night, five were shot in a drive-by shooting.
  The bloodshed got little mention in the mainstream media, Gawker reports. Could it be being downplayed so as not to cramp Chicago’s Olympic hopes?
  Also last week, Chicago’s Alderman in charge of …