NEWS & FEATURES

The math needed to beat Bush: There are lots of ways to analyze what's going on in those swing states, but however you break it down, it seems Kerry has a good shot at the presidency. Dan Kennedy explains.

Nearly everywhere they look, Boston's inner-city youth see a withdrawal of systemic support. Is it any wonder they're going wild with despair? David S. Bernstein and Adam Reilly report.

Kristen Lombardi adds up Governor Mitt Romney's hostile lunges against immigrants.

Defying all expectations - the Bl(A)ck Tea Society's included - the hundreds of protesters who descended on Boston for the Democratic National Convention were somehow muted, and yet BTS, in the end, declared victory. Camille Dodero wonders: on what possible grounds?

In "Out There," Kris Frieswick plays the name game.

In "Urban Buy," Christine Junge sees shawl days a-comin'.

In the Phoenix editorial, we show how the appointment of Porter Goss to head the CIA makes the world safe - for George W. Bush.

Letters to the editor

Moon Signs

Savage Love

Dr. Lovemonkey

Plus, this just in:

MUSIC

Sean Richardson watches Taking Back Sunday and Midtown get Warped.

Boston's Rising Rap Rebels: Steve Perez hears 7L & Esoteric break out on DC2: Bars of Death.

Clea Simon talks with Emmylou Harris about the 'Sweet Harmony Traveling Revue'.

Franklin Soults says Jadakiss takes his shots on Kiss of Death.

Michael Freedberg looks into the many faces of Miss Kittin.

Banning Eyre travels from South Africa to Eastern Europe.

Live reviews of: THE CURE, MODEST MOUSE, and BLUE HERON CHOIR.

Also, short reviews of:

SPECIALS