On August 7, the Phoenix received a press release from the Boston Police Department heralding something called National Night Out 2001. The event, scheduled to "kick off" that day, was intended to "heighten crime prevention awareness" in the area. "We urge all the residents of Boston and Massachusetts," said Neighborhood Crime Watch director Chris Hayes, "[to] turn on your outside lights to demonstrate a solid community effort against crime." The same day, the Globe ran a story with the headline heat blankets the region: record power usage expected as people struggle to stay cool. Perhaps they should rename the event National Blackout 2001.

Issue Date: August 9 - 16, 2001