Rahmaland: Homicides Up 22.6%; Gang Member Signing Bonuses $50K

Maria Elena Sifuentes moved to Albany Park from the Pilsen neighborhood 30 years ago in part to escape street violence and shootings, she said. But now, on her block on Spaulding Avenue the sound of gunfire too often rings out.

"It's terrifying," said Sifuentes, 51. "I thought I was over with that part of my life. When you hear about shootings in other places, you think it's not connected to you. But when it happens right here, it gives you a different outlook. It's so sad to see kids killing kids." 

Some of the surge in the Albany Park violence comes from an increase in gang activity, said Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th. 

Authorities have said a reputed leader of the Simon City Royals gang used some of the winnings from a $25 million verdict for a wrongful murder conviction to recruit new members through intimidation and $50,000 cash bonuses. -Chicago Tribune

I wonder how the Labor Department records these bonuses? Is this part of the "discouraged" workers? How about "discouraged from above ground" work? 

-RW