Murder Rates Rising Sharply in Many U.S. Cities

... with at least 35 of the nation's cities reporting increases in murders, violent crimes or both, according to a recent survey, the spikes are raising alarm among urban police chiefs. The uptick prompted an urgent summit meeting in August of more than 70 officials from some of the nation's largest cities. A Justice Department initiative is scheduled to address the rising homicide rates as part of a conference in September.

... Less debated [than the race-hate theory] is the sense among police officials that more young people are settling their disputes, including one started on Facebook, with guns.

... "That is not a situation that can be solved by policing," Superintendent Harrison said. "It speaks to a culture of violence deeply ingrained into a community -- a segment of the population where people are resolving their problems in a violent way."

... "I have to find a way for these young kids to understand that they have a stake in society," said Mr. Barrett [the Mayor of Milwaukee], who has met with pastors, community leaders and others to discuss the killings.

... "Everybody's struggling out here, trying to stay afloat, with no jobs, no opportunities," said Bethann Maclin, whose 13-year-old daughter stays mostly inside these days. "The violence won't end. Where do you start?"