The Corridor of Pain between America's Towers of Power

These cities are the largest in their respective cities. At one point they were wealthy and vibrant but now they've become the poorest and some of the most violent in country. 

Earlier this month, Baltimore burned as protesters rioted in the streets. The cops are the ones trying to keep order and let protesters make their voices heard. But they're not making the money.

Wilmington isn't that much different from Detroit; automotive and steel factories were once the industry in this city. Nationwide, unemployment is at 5 1/2%, just don't tell them that.

Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love but it's still reeling from the Amtrak train derailment. Just four days after the Americans with Charlie LeDuff pulled into Philly on the same tracks, the train derailed and killed eight. The infrastructure this train rides on is antiquated and falling apart.

Then there's Newark. From the Jersey city, you can actually see Wall Street and all its money. But it may as well be a million miles away. 

The Corridor of Pain on the next Americans with Charlie LeDuff.