There have been such conflicting reports in the Indianapolis media recently about what residents in central Indiana are experiencing. On one hand, we have seen Hamilton County ranked at the top of a list of 'Best Places to Raise a Family' in America. And then there is the near eastside and near northeastside of Indy, which has taken the brunt of 11 homicides in the last 10 days and where an officer was shot in the head last night.  And then, a glimmer of hope: a playground constructed in the heart of recent violence and the home of last year's top local tragic story: that of Tajanay Bailey and the Phoenix Apartments.

It seems that the national and local economic strains have taken their toll, but I keep wondering--what can we do to bring peace?