Chicago City Wire

Another mass shooting has once again brought attention to the ongoing gang violence in Chicago. The recent incident, which resulted in four deaths and 14 injuries outside a River North lounge, was linked to a gang feud involving factions from the South Side. The intended victims were reportedly attending a party for an album release by drill rapper Mello Buckzz, who is associated with the NLMB gang.

The Chicago Tribune's decision to name the gang involved marks a shift in media coverage of such incidents. Traditionally, media outlets have avoided naming gangs due to concerns about glorification or stigmatization. However, with gangs responsible for much of the city's gun violence, this approach is changing.

"Gangs like NLMB and their rivals aren’t just 'part' of the problem. They are the problem," states the article. It emphasizes that city leaders need to take more decisive action against these criminal networks.

The article highlights that despite some prosecutions under federal racketeering laws (RICO), efforts have been sporadic and insufficient. "What’s holding us back?" it asks, pointing to local politics as a significant barrier.

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx's departure has brought hope for change with newly elected Eileen O'Neill Burke taking office. Her approach signals a potential shift towards more serious public safety measures.

The article argues for dismantling gangs using RICO and other legal tools, emphasizing that breaking this cycle of violence could unlock untapped potential in Chicago's housing market by making high-crime neighborhoods safe again.

"The time is now," concludes the piece, urging federal-local partnerships under new leadership at the State’s Attorney’s office to tackle gang violence effectively.