( NewsNation ) — The U.S. Justice Department has cut nearly $1 billion in grants that support everything from centers for domestic violence victims to gun violence prevention to police training. Some worry that this slashing comes with a price, especially in major cities like Chicago.
For 13 years in a row, Chicago has worn the grim badge as the nation’s leader in the number of annual homicides (populous Chicago actually ranks 13th in the U.S. when murders are tabulated per capita). In 2024, the number of homicides within the city stood at 573.
There’s reason for hope. This year, the Chicago Police Department says murders are at the lowest level in six years. Officials credit changes in the way homicide investigators operate as well as grassroots efforts supported by federal funding…