January, 2005Chasing the Dream Lending disparities continue for blacks, who now have less than a 50-50 chance to get a home loan--far lower than in the '90s.

March, 2005New Outlook When searching for work after prison, Latinos and blacks sometimes take different paths--and find different results.

April, 2005Lives in Limbo Advocates say recent appeals court decisions point to long-standing problems with the way immigration courts adjudicate asylum cases.

May, 2005Role Reversal State officials believe tighter supervision and case management will keep parolees from going back to prison. But, without adequate jobs and services, some say the initiative will fall short.

July, 2005The Final Frontier Public housing teardowns have spurred nearly $2 billion in home sales. But officials say the market was already revved up.

September, 2005Paycheck to Paycheck As prices rise in Chicago, wages have yet to catch up. The gap leaves singles and families alike living paycheck to paycheck, without hope for more than making ends meet.

November, 2005Paper Bag Test: Retailers shun big bucks in black neighborhoods. With few shopping choices close to home, residents of Chicago's black neighborhoods are most likely to experience the retail runaround.