January, 2004Deadly Force Faced with more attacks against them, police are killing increasing numbers of Chicagoans.

February, 2004All or Nothing Competing in the most diverse statewide race ever, Democratic Senate hopefuls face a primary free-for-all. And no one has a dependable bloc of votes.

March, 2004Refusing to go Along José L. Oliva works to fill the spaces separating undocumented workers, government agencies and lawbreaking employers.

April, 2004Nina and Mama Though government, school and family safety nets may elude them, Latina teen mothers say they aren’t giving up.

June, 2004Babies Forever DCFS says it shouldn’t be held responsible for
children who die under its watch, but its own inspector general wonders if these lives had to be cut short.

July, 2004Deadly Moves The redevelopment of public housing creates new dangers.

September, 2004Missing Targets Among city and suburban children, asthma rates are
through the roof, especially in black neighborhoods.
But officials aren’t doing much to help families cope
with the disease.

October, 2004Kids Again The movement to treat teens as adults when they commit crimes loses steam.

November, 2004Small Victories Most employers still have a hard time believing they should hire former inmates.

December, 2004Low Priority Federal cutbacks leave young workers out in the cold.