PHOENIX — State lawmakers are launching dueling efforts to reduce gang violence, warning gangs have become sophisticated modern-day mafias.

Hybrid gangs are characterized by their young, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender demographics, fluid gang affiliation and their use of social media. Members are typically between 14 and 19 years old.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The vice mayor of a small Southern California city is under fire after appearing to call on street gangs to organize in the face of immigration sweeps by federal agents in and ...