NEWS & FEATURES

Our intrepid soothsayer Chris Wright does his annual crystal-ball gazing. Ahhh ... see what's in store for 2004.

For progressives, a dark shadow is looming over 2004, and it's growing bigger and darker. Dan Kennedy explains.

All the signs point to the importance of religion in the next presidential campaign, says Adam Reilly. But Democrats have, until just recently, stayed resolutely secular. Is it too late for them to start with God talk?

Governor Mitt Romney has scads of commissions busily studying how to tackle the troubles ailing the Commonwealth. For that matter, so, too, has the legislature. So just what are these guys up to? David Bernstein finds out.

In "Out There," Steve Almond puts some dead words out to pasture.

In "Urban Buy," Brian E. O'Neill showcases some goods to help you stay on track in 2004

In the Phoenix editorial, we opine on the Geoghan panel, John Ashcroft's deadly obsession, and George W. Bush's popular front.

Letters to the editor

Moon Signs

Plus, this just in:

MUSIC

Ted Drozdowski on Josh Lederman y Los Diablos, Charlie Farren, and Johnny Cunningham.

Sean Richardson on Jay-Z's sayonara, The Black Album.

Franklin Bruno on free improv's electro-squads.

Banning Eyre on the revived music of Congo.

Ted Drozdowski on June Carter Cash's Wildwood Flower.

Matt Ashare looks forward to 'bonus' DVDs and plain ol' CDs in '04.

Jonathan Perry has the scoop on upcoming local discs.

Ed Hazell on Issi Rozen and Gilad Barkan.

Jon Garelick forecasts the jazz on tap in clubs and concerts.

Lloyd Schwartz looks forward to a busy classical music season.

Also, short reviews of:

SPECIALS