Washington, DC -- Rising crime rates have some claiming the U.S. government has neglected local law enforcement by directing tens of millions of dollars to federal anti-terrorism initiatives.

A review of 55 cities found the number of murders has risen 4.2 percent compared to the same period in 2005.

Robberies also rose nearly 10 percent and aggravated assaults are up sightly. Of the 55 cities surveyed, 19 had double-digit percentage increases in murders.

Orlando has had 30 homicides in the first six months of this year, compared to seven last year, a jump of more than 300 percent. About 60 percent of this year's murders have been linked to drugs.

Homicides rose more than 43 percent in Memphis, robberies are up 35 percent and aggravated assaults 7.4 percent over last year.

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More Weird News From 2006-10-14 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Kim Jong-Il Gains Nukes, Could Loose Cognac Lobster, Caviar And McDonald's Hamburgers • Rising Crime Raises Questions about Funding • Bubba the Lobster Finds a New Home • Church Promotes 'Pure Sex' • Zimbabwean Hairdressers Offer Free Condoms To Their Clients • Man Jailed For Urinating In Soda Suffering From 'Shy Bladder' • British Airways Employee Suspended For Wearing Necklace With Cross • Kim Jong-Il Gains Nukes, Could Loose Cognac Lobster, Caviar And McDonald's Hamburgers • Rising Crime Raises Questions about Funding • Bubba the Lobster Finds a New Home • Church Promotes 'Pure Sex' • Zimbabwean Hairdressers Offer Free Condoms To Their Clients • Man Jailed For Urinating In Soda Suffering From 'Shy Bladder' • British Airways Employee Suspended For Wearing Necklace With Cross   « Current Weird News Stories