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<title>Stop the Violence</title>
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<description><![CDATA[abc7chicago.com Stop the Violence headlines]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 21:56:21 GMT</pubDate>
<copyright>Copyright &#169;2013 ABC inc., WLS-TV inc.</copyright>
<language>en-us</language>
<item>
<title>CPD takes 2,500 guns off Chicago streets</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9100939&rss=rss-wls-article-9100939]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Chicago police say they have now seized more than 2,500 illegal guns so far this year.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Chicago police say they have now seized more than 2,500 illegal guns so far this year.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[cpd guns off street, 2500 guns off chicago streets, chicago violence, stop the violence, chicago guns]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 21:55:23 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>St. Sabina hosts Mother's Day event for parents who lost children to gun violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9099621&rss=rss-wls-article-9099621]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[For mothers who have lost a child to gun violence, Mother's Day is a difficult time.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[For mothers who have lost a child to gun violence, Mother's Day is a difficult time.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[For mothers who have lost a child to gun violence, Mother's Day is a difficult time.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2013 01:50:34 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Community leaders go door-to-door to stop the violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9090471&rss=rss-wls-article-9090471]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Several community leaders gathered with volunteers to go door-to-door in a new effort to stop the violence, with the aim of starting 10,000 conversations about the problems plaguing Chicago communities.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Several community leaders gathered with volunteers to go door-to-door in a new effort to stop the violence, with the aim of starting 10,000 conversations about the problems plaguing Chicago communities.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[stop the violence, gun violence, Community Action Day, All Stars Project of Chicago, Ceasefire, Kids Off the Block, I Can Outreach]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 22:47:34 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>'Open Book' program: Sound judgment key to stopping violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9081438&rss=rss-wls-article-9081438]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Getting kids to enjoy reading is one thing -- but helping them develop critical thinking skills could be life-saving.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Getting kids to enjoy reading is one thing -- but helping them develop critical thinking skills could be life-saving.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[stop the violence, open book, open books program, open books, englewood program]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:42:58 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Stop the Violence: YMCA offers more programs to keep kids off streets</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9062976&rss=rss-wls-article-9062976]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[In order to meet the needs of various communities, the YMCA is offering more programs to keep kids off the streets.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[In order to meet the needs of various communities, the YMCA is offering more programs to keep kids off the streets.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[The YMCA has long held the reputation as the place for ''gym and swim,'' but in order to meet the needs of various communities, the organization is offering more options to keep kids off the streets.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:42:32 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Michelle Obama: 'Hadiya Pendleton was me; And I was her'</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9059537&rss=rss-wls-article-9059537]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[''Hadiya's family was just like my family. Hadiya Pendleton was me. And I was her,'' Michelle Obama said. ''But I got to grow up.'']]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[''Hadiya's family was just like my family. Hadiya Pendleton was me. And I was her,'' Michelle Obama said. ''But I got to grow up.'']]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[First lady chicago, Michelle Obama, Harper High School, Chicago violence, hadiya pendleton, michelle obama visits chicago]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:58:46 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Social media used to help stop the violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9047572&rss=rss-wls-article-9047572]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[New numbers from Chicago Police show a big decline in murders this month compared to last year, but that does not erase last year's 500 homicides and a young man is using social media to form a movement against violence.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[New numbers from Chicago Police show a big decline in murders this month compared to last year, but that does not erase last year's 500 homicides and a young man is using social media to form a movement against violence.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[homicide, guns, violence, stop the violence, bryant cross, 500 campaign, social media, facebook, instagram]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 2013 03:31:18 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Stop the Violence: Computers help curb violence in Englewood</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9045922&rss=rss-wls-article-9045922]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[In the Englewood neighborhood, the threat of violence is always looming.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[In the Englewood neighborhood, the threat of violence is always looming.  

HOPE Technology and Education Center is housed inside the Hope Presbyterian Church. There, a new program called "Bridges to the Future" is using computers to help curb violence.

The program serves as a safe haven for neighborhood children. The young participants learn survival techniques by working through real-life scenarios that could have deadly consequences- and finding alternative ways to react.

Leaders say the students seem to be getting the message.

"It's about us as little kids trying to stop violence everywhere," said Percy Moore, 11.

"We learn about stopping violence and education and learning more about the Bible," said Dyamond Leroy, 11.

While violence prevention is the goal- computers are the draw. Students learn valuable technology skills, and as an added incentive, every family receives a new laptop for free upon completion of the program.

The computers are funded by the Chicago Area Project.  The two organizations have collaborated to find creative ways to engage youth in violence prevention.  

"It's great for us to give them this computer training.  It's great for them to be here for this nine-month program, but we thought, how about if at the end of the program they're able to take a computer home, one per household, where they are able to do some of the same things that we're doing here. Where they are able to compete with other kids in school who already have the advantage," said Julie Collier, executive director, HOPE Technology and Education Center.

"If people continue to see violence, they will continue to repeat that cycle. So it was our concept that we start early trying to help these young people break that cycle," said Reverend Leslie Sanders Sr., founder, HOPE Technology and Education Center.

For more information, visit:

Http://www.hopetec.org

Http://www.chicagoareaproject.org]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[In the Englewood neighborhood, the threat of violence is always looming.]]></dig:keywords>
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<dig:alt><![CDATA[Children on computers]]></dig:alt>
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<pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 22:46:48 GMT</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">9045922</guid>
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<title>Play 'Broken Windows' looks at choices, decisions</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9037628&rss=rss-wls-article-9037628]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[A single mother who works long hours leaves the oldest in charge, only to learn that it's an invitation to trouble.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[A single mother who works long hours leaves the oldest in charge, only to learn that it's an invitation to trouble.  

Broken Windows may sound like a familiar story, but this is a tale with a twist.  

The lead character is 19-year-old Michael White -- the oldest of six rambunctious brothers.  He struggles to parent in place of his working mother and absent father.  Actor Brandon Lewis says he can personally relate.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[broken windows chicago play,]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:58:50 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CPD hosts town hall to stop the violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9046844&rss=rss-wls-article-9046844]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Police Department hosted a town hall meeting to educate the city's youth about the recent rise in violence in some neighborhoods.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The Chicago Police Department hosted a town hall meeting to educate the city's youth about the recent rise in violence in some neighborhoods.]]></dig:D3text>
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<pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2013 22:35:35 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Windy City Hoops gives city youth basketball outlet</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9046383&rss=rss-wls-article-9046383]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[A Chicago Park District program called Windy City Hoops is keeping kids off the streets and scoring big points with teenagers.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[A Chicago Park District program called Windy City Hoops is keeping kids off the streets and scoring big points with teenagers.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[windy city hoops, basketball, kids, youth, chicago park district]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:24:49 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Stop the Violence: Solutions for ex-offenders looking for employment</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9029583&rss=rss-wls-article-9029583]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Ex-offenders looking to improve their lives are buzzing about a free job training program in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Ex-offenders looking to improve their lives are buzzing about a free job training program in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood.

Chicagoland Prison Outreach Ministries, a non-profit organization that runs the program, says having in-demand skills increases the likelihood of employment for ex-offenders. 

It also decreases the likelihood of a repeat offense—and has motivated some ex-offenders.

"I just thought the program would be a better way for me to help my family, for me to be a better provider," said David Carapia, ex-offender.

Participants of the program, like Carapia, say the training program has helped them in their job search.

Carapia and other ex-offenders must explain their criminal records to potential employers. But organizers hope that their training will help employers overlook their history.

"If they go to apply for a job, for example, as a wielder and someone else who doesn't have a felony conviction applies for the same job, their training will level the playing field and at least give them consideration for the job," said Dan Swets, founder of the Chicagoland Prison Outreach Ministries.

Terrance Shaw spent 5 1/2 years in prison and has been struggling to find employment since his release two years ago. He recently completed the wielding program and now believes he's narrowing in on a job.

"There aren't that many wielders so you're already ahead of the game. I went to a job fair last week and it was over 200 people there, but it was only three wielders," said Shaw.

"We place a strong emphasis on job readiness. We have a life skills component to this class. We really try hard with character-building type programs, included in that is a Bible study every day that they attend class," said Swets.

The program also provides mentoring and support to families of those who are incarcerated.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Ex-offenders looking to improve their lives are buzzing about a free job training program in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 22:50:52 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Play highlights real life Chicago  gun violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9027899&rss=rss-wls-article-9027899]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Real life stories from those directly impacted by gun violence have made their way to the stage in an effort to show the community that now is the time to work toward change.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Real life stories from those directly impacted by gun violence have made their way to the stage in an effort to show the community that now is the time to work toward change.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[GUN VIOLENCE, DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, STEPPENWOLF THEATER, HOW LONG WILL I CRY,]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:35:45 GMT</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">9027899</guid>
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<title>Hadiya Pendleton honored at Kennicott Park rally</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9022427&rss=rss-wls-article-9022427]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[A parade of hearses aiming to focus political attention on gun violence wound its way through several South Side neighborhoods Sunday afternoon.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[A parade of hearses aiming to focus political attention on gun violence wound its way through several South Side neighborhoods Sunday afternoon.]]></dig:D3text>
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<pubDate>Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:54:59 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Chicago group aims to Stop Violence, keep peace</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9021272&rss=rss-wls-article-9021272]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[A group in Chicago attempted to keep the peace by keeping those at risk from committing violence off the street Friday night.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[A group in Chicago attempted to keep the peace by keeping those at risk from committing violence off the street Friday night.]]></dig:D3text>
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<pubDate>Sat, 09 Mar 2013 04:42:51 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Residents of high crime Chicago neighborhoods try to stop the violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9021747&rss=rss-wls-article-9021747]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Senator Dick Durbin visited the South Side Saturday to talk about the violence plaguing Chicago and how to find solutions.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Senator Dick Durbin visited the South Side Saturday to talk about the violence plaguing Chicago and how to find solutions.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Dick Durbin, Senator Durbin, South Side, Chicago, Chicago crime]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Sun, 10 Mar 2013 00:26:35 GMT</pubDate>
<guid isPermaLink="false">9021747</guid>
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<title>Spring break trip combats Chicago violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9024883&rss=rss-wls-article-9024883]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Some Howard University students are skipping the beach this spring break- instead opting to bond with at-risk Chicago teens.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Some Howard University students are skipping the beach this spring break- instead opting to bond with at-risk Chicago teens.

"The fact that there are so many children losing their lives and the issue of gun violence is such a big deal that it's national news," D'Auria Henry, Howard University student, said.

Each day this week, the Howard University students will spend time with students from Perspectives High School in the Auburn-Gresham community and discuss topics like social trust, conflict resolution and life beyond high school. Khaheem Hill welcomes the dialogue. He's lost close friends and neighbors to gun violence.

"Sometimes you hold all of it in and it gets tough because you don't know how people will judge you because you live in this neighborhood," Hill said.

Some of the toughest neighborhoods around the country will be visited by Howard students this week as part of a competitive community service program at the university called Alternative Spring Break.

"We've got bullying issues in Atlanta, gun violence in Chicago, literacy in Detroit," Henry said. 

This is the third year Howard students have come to Perspectives High School. Those who have taken part in previous sessions say their visit makes a lasting impression.

"I feel like through the conversations I've seen students become more confident, more safe in sharing with their peers and start to believe that college can be a reality for them," Katie Immen, teacher, said.

"They're very enthusiastic, they communicate effectively with us. You develop a real strong bond with them," Aaliyah Muse, Perspectives High School student, said. 

There are two other groups of Howard students in Chicago this week-- one is petitioning for gun control laws and another is helping to complete a memorial to children lost to gun violence.  
   They head back to their campus in Washington, D.C. on Friday.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Howard University Alternative Spring Break, Perspectives High School, Chicago gun violence, stop the violence]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:17:55 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Windy City LIVE: Stop the Violence airs February 28, March 1</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community/community&id=9009887&rss=rss-wls-article-9009887]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Windy City LIVE dedicates two hour-long programs on February 28 and March 1 to address the problem of violence in Chicago.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Windy City LIVE dedicates two hour-long programs on February 28 and March 1 to address the problem of violence in Chicago.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Windy City LIVE dedicates two hour-long programs on February 28 and March 1 to address the problem of violence in Chicago.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:43:33 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Anti-violence march on Southwest Side</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9013489&rss=rss-wls-article-9013489]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Those killed by violence were remembered Saturday during a march on Chicago's Southwest Side.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Those killed by violence were remembered Saturday during a march on Chicago's Southwest Side.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[anti-voilence march, ceasefire, michael kozel, gage park]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Sat, 02 Mar 2013 22:33:54 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Training ex-offenders gives them second chance, opportunity</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9021069&rss=rss-wls-article-9021069]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Experts and community members alike agree that a major component in stopping the violence is employment.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Experts and community members alike agree that a major component in stopping the violence is employment.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Stop the Violence, Chicagoland Prison Outreach, Vocational Rehabilitation Impact Center]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:38:22 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Stricter sentences would help fight Chicago violence, CPD Supt. Garry McCarthy says</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9006621&rss=rss-wls-article-9006621]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Tougher sentences for criminals who use guns to kill are the key to stopping the violence, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Tougher sentences for criminals who use guns to kill are the key to stopping the violence, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy.

On Saturday evening, Donald Price was shot to death by person or persons unknown.    Price had done prison time for a second-degree murder conviction and served about half his sentence before being released on parole last May.  

"This murder could well have been prevented had Price still been incarcerated under another sentencing guideline," Supt. McCarthy said.

Price's life and death is part of a continuing refrain from police that more stringent sentencing guidelines, including a 3-year mandatory minimum for illegal gun possession, are needed. 

"If we stop people and stop people, and keep seizing guns and seizing guns and seizing guns, and they keep going in and out of the system without any consequence, we're going to get the same results we're getting now," Supt. McCarthy said.

The superintendent is frustrated with what he believes is a broken sentencing system.  A number of African-American aldermen may not disagree with that, but they've also started to aim their frustration at the superintendent, suggesting that patience will be gone if strategies to lower the homicide rate don't show results by the warm months of summer.

"That is when we'll be able to determine if those strategies are working and I think the pressure will be not only from the black caucus, but it'll be from the public in general," Ald. Howard Brookins, 21st Ward, said.

"Both Garry McCarthy, Al Wysinger and the entire leadership in the police department have my 100 percent support. But they also have my sense of impatience to get results throughout the city to bring the type of public safety we want in every neighborhood," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. 

"This is so simple and we're making it complicated.  Too many guns on the street; Too little sentencing," McCarthy said.

McCarthy is careful not to criticize judges. However, he said Monday that "the criminal justice system in Illinois does not support a reduction in gun violence."  

Truth in sentencing and tougher mandatory minimums for gun crimes would definitely inflate the state's prison population which is already well beyond capacity.

McCarthy - who often refers to his New York experience - says tougher gun crime penalties there have, over time, resulted in both a drop in crime and a lowering in the prison population.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Tougher sentences for criminals who use guns to kill are the key to stopping the violence, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:00:51 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>ABC7 Exclusive: Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Chicago's plan to help youth in violent neighborhoods</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=8999202&rss=rss-wls-article-8999202]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[In an exclusive interview, Mayor Emanuel announced a plan to invest $50 million for youth programs in Chicago's most violent areas.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[In an exclusive interview with ABC7, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a five-year plan to invest $50 million towards youth programs in Chicago's most troubled neighborhoods.

"We have a very bright future. And we're going to continue to have a bright future. And making it even brighter will be investing in our children," said Emanuel.

The money would be raised from the private sector, with corporations and wealthy individuals funding programs geared towards children and teenagers residing in violent areas.

"We come together in efforts like this as we have in NATO, as we have for Millenium Park.  And now we're doing it for the individual children who will be leaders in their city in the future," said Emanuel.

Allstate Insurance CEO Tom Wilson and Loop Capital Markets Chairman Jim Reynolds will take lead roles in forming a commission that will fund existing neighborhood organizations, Emanuel said.

The money will provide mentoring services, along with educational, artistic and recreational opportunities for young Chicagoans.

 "They're all our kids, and we need to try to save all of them… Sometimes you do things because it's the right thing to do," said Wilson. 

"We're going to try and identify those programs that are working well and are small and see if we can scale them up to impact thousands of kids," said Reynolds.

Emanuel believes Chicago's corporate community can use its money to build a bridge between themselves and children in the city's neighborhoods.

"I want all these kids in the city of Chicago who are at risk to be able to look downtown and to be able to say, 'Hey, I can be there,'" said Emanuel.

The fundraising has already begun, with Allstate seeding the effort with a $5 million donation.  

The mayor says troubled neighborhoods could begin feeling the positive impact of corporate giving in 2013.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[In an exclusive interview with ABC7, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a five-year plan to invest $50 million towards youth programs in Chicago's most troubled neighborhoods.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:03:27 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Windy City Hoops basketball program expanding; Mayor Emanuel and Isiah Thomas make announcement on Windy City LIVE</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8998530&rss=rss-wls-article-8998530]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Windy City Hoops evening basketball program is expanding, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Isiah Thomas announced on Windy City LIVE Tuesday.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The Windy City Hoops evening basketball program is expanding. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas made the announcement on Windy City Live Tuesday morning.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Windy City Hoops basketball program expanding; The Windy City Hoops evening basketball program is expanding. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas made the announcement on Windy City LIVE Tuesday morning.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:32:09 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Obama wraps State of Union speech tour in Chicago</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8994092&rss=rss-wls-article-8994092]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama is wrapping up his post-State of the Union tour by talking about how government can build "ladders of opportunity" into the middle class.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[President Barack Obama is wrapping up his post-State of the Union tour by talking about how government can build "ladders of opportunity" into the middle class. During remarks Friday at Hyde Park Academy in Chicago, his hometown, Obama takes up proposals to raise the federal minimum wage and pair businesses with recession-battered communities to help them rebuild and provide job training. He also was to talk about creating jobs for young people from poor families, and encouraging fatherhood and low-income couples to marry.
	
It remains to be seen whether the proposals have enough support to get through Congress.
	
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, seemed unmoved by Obama's appeals to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9 to help workers paid at that rate escape poverty. Doing so, Boehner said, would cost jobs.
	
In this week's State of the Union address, Obama appealed for help for urban and rural areas that have been plagued by high rates of youth unemployment or decimated by the loss of factories. He called on Congress to offer incentives to companies that hire people who have been unemployed for extended periods of time.
	
He promised that his administration would partner with 20 hardest-hit towns, working with local leaders to direct resources to public safety, education and housing, and proposed new tax credits for businesses that hire and invest. The president who grew up without a father also pledged to try to make it more beneficial financially for low-income couples to marry, and to do more to encourage fatherhood, including through working with the religious community and the private sector.
	
"America is not a place where chance of birth or circumstance should decide our destiny," Obama said in the speech Tuesday night. "And that is why we need to build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class for all who are willing to climb them."
	
Obama's visit to his hometown follows the weekend funeral of a Chicago teenager who was killed days after she performed during Obama's inauguration in Washington.
	
Fifteen-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot last month about a mile from Obama's Chicago home. Police say the majorette was the innocent victim of a gang-related shooting.
	
Michelle Obama attended Hadiya's funeral in Chicago last Saturday. Her parents then sat with the first lady Tuesday during Obama's State of the Union address.
	
Although the purpose of Obama's visit was to promote economic and jobs proposals outlined in the speech, he was expected to also touch on the subject of gun violence, given the setting.
	
The trip was the third stop outside of Washington in as many days for Obama since Tuesday. On Wednesday, he traveled to Asheville, N.C., to make the case for raising the federal minimum wage. On Thursday, he flew to the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, Ga., to push his proposal to provide preschool for all 4-year-olds.
	
After Chicago, Obama was headed to Palm City, Fla., to spend the long, holiday weekend relaxing with friends, the White House said. He was to return to Washington on Monday.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[President Obama wraps State of Union speech tour in Chicago after Hadiya Pendleton murder]]></dig:keywords>
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<dig:alt><![CDATA[President Obama steps off Air Force One at OHare Airport in Chicago, February 15, 2013.]]></dig:alt>
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<pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:26:37 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Teen killed same day sister sat behind Obama</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8997009&rss=rss-wls-article-8997009]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Two separate shootings have claimed the lives of two young Chicago women, Janay McFarlane in North Chicago and Frances Colon in Humboldt Park.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Two separate shootings have claimed the lives of two young Chicago women, Janay McFarlane in North Chicago and Frances Colon in Humboldt Park.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Teen killed same day sister sat behind Obama at anti-violence speech in Hyde Park; Janay McFarlane killed in North Chicago day sister attended Hyde Park Academy speech by president]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:09:05 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Mom: Victims of gun violence need voice</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8993460&rss=rss-wls-article-8993460]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Seven years ago, Ryann Brown was shot in the head while sitting in a car on the city's South Side.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Seven years ago, Ryann Brown was shot in the head while sitting in a car on the city's South Side.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Seven years ago, Ryann Brown was shot in the head while sitting in a car on the city's South Side.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:00:37 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>No charges yet to 2 questioned in Hadiya Pendleton's murder</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8987666&rss=rss-wls-article-8987666]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Police Department has confirmed that two people are in custody being questioned for the murder of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The Chicago Police Department has confirmed that two people are in custody being questioned for the murder of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[The Chicago Police Department has confirmed that two people are in custody being questioned for the murder of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 04:46:49 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Obama's visit to address gun violence, other issues</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8987662&rss=rss-wls-article-8987662]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama will travel to Chicago this week to address gun violence and other issues after his State of the Union address.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[President Barack Obama will travel to Chicago this week to address gun violence and other issues after his State of the Union address.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[President Barack Obama will travel to Chicago this week to address gun violence and other issues after his State of the Union address.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:21:08 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Shooting victim Hadiya Pendleton's father: 'Missing her smile'</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8980506&rss=rss-wls-article-8980506]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The mother and father of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton have a message Monday night about the violence that claimed her life.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The mother and father of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton have a message Monday night about the violence that claimed her life.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Shooting victim's father: 'Missing her smile']]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:46:39 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Aurora provides example for stopping violence</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8976341&rss=rss-wls-article-8976341]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[With the national spotlight focused on Chicago's violence problem,   everyone seems to agree that it will take more than extra police officers on the streets to stop the violence.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[With the national spotlight focused on Chicago's violence problem,   everyone seems to agree that it will take more than extra police officers on the streets to stop the violence.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[With the national spotlight focused on Chicago's violence problem,  
everyone seems to agree that it will take more than extra police officers on the streets to stop the violence.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:06:07 GMT</pubDate>
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