The Chicago Reporter articles from January 2004

The Chicago Reporter archives from January 2004

Editor's note.(Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy.)(Editorial)
January 1, 2004... We don't hear much about community policing these days in Chicago. A reconstituted gang crimes unit, desk cops out on the street, specialized patrols dispatched to high-crime areas and cameras with flashing blue lights capturing it all on...

The teacher: Timuel Black won't stop sharing stories of Chicago's African American community, and challenging young people to learn them.(New Voices)
January 1, 2004... Timuel Black is a busy man. Though he officially retired from teaching 15 years ago, Black, 85, continues to lead and mentor others. He serves as a board member for organizations such as the Grand Boulevard Federation, the Chicago Committee to...

Left in the cold: thousands of Chicagoans have lost the gas service they need to heat their homes. And aid is in short supply.(Keeping Current)
January 1, 2004... Jornell Holley has been without heal for a year now. One day late last fall, she came home from work to find the gas in her apartment had been cut off. Although discovering the apartment cold was initially a shock, she realized it was...

Armed and dangerous: faced with more attacks against them, police are killing increasing numbers of Chicagoans.(Investigation)
January 1, 2004... Both men ran. The suspect a black man in black clothes, took a sharp left, with his left arm pumping and his right buried in his coat. Officer Jake Alderden chased him from 15 feet behind, gun in hand. It was a scene typical of many...

Great expectations: Latino lawmakers and advocates are gaining influence in Springfield, and warning the governor not to take them for granted.
January 1, 2004... Latino lawmakers may have ended the year proclaiming support for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but their patience is wearing thin. Blagojevich reaped political benefits from Latinos throughout 2002, edging out his rivals in the hard-fought March...

Parting shot.
January 1, 2004... December 13, 2003 Santa's Express pulls up to the Green Line elevated stop at 63rd Street and Ashland Avenue in Englewood. The Chicago Transit Authority holiday train features Santa on flatbed car, greeting riders, handing out candy canes...