Listen: Homicides in US increased last year: Why are murders rising in Chicago but falling in LA?

What’s going on?

The FBI says that homicides in the U.S. rose by about 9 percent in 2016. More than a third of the increase in murders happened in neighborhoods that a third of Chicago residents call home.

In contrast, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. have both seen a decrease in homicides in recent years.

Wow. What’s contributing to the spike in murders?

The Wall Street Journal reported the numbers, noting that “murder in America is deeply local” and concentrated in neighborhoods with increased poverty and a diminished police presence. Their analysis found that the drop in homicides in L.A. and Washington was related to gentrification and greater community efforts by the police force.

What else should I know?

While homicides increased last year in certain cities, overall crime seems to be continuing its downward trend. A recent analysis from the Brennan Center for Justice found that the overall crime rate in America’s 30 largest cities will drop by about 2.7 percent this year, compared with 2016.

The Department of Justice is focusing on cities like Charlotte and Baltimore, which have both seen a rise in homicides this year.

Mike Broomhead talked about the increase in violence in Chicago and Baltimore on today’s show while standing in for Glenn.

To see more from Glenn, visit his channel on TheBlaze and listen live to “The Glenn Beck Radio Program” with Glenn Beck and Stu Burguiere weekdays 9 a.m.–noon ET on TheBlaze Radio Network.