This spring, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and the rest of the world held its breath as the United States prepared for war in Iraq. In the April Voice, we reported on some of the local actions that accompanied the anxiety of impending battle in the Middle East. Students at Blair High School (far right) walked out of classes. Other people gathered in candlelight vigils. Click on pictures for bigger versions.

Photos by Julie Wiatt

News

Creative Construction: Design competition brings a new Civic Center to downtown Silver Spring BY ETHAN GOFFMAN

A threat to Progress: Job training program faces HUD budget cuts BY IRENE TSIKITIS

Why Did the Fire Station Cross the Road?

Takoma Park reacts to War BY ALICIA UPANO

Food co-op might sell meat BY LISA MACKIE

Savor community at Taste of Takoma BY PETE DELEA

Public assistance decreasing, poverty increasing BY JAMILA A. JACKSON

Ethics board nixes Moose book BY AMY MARCUS

Tachys hoop it up: Local basketball team still going fast and strong BY GARY WEINSTEIN

Medical Marijuana Passes Senate, Awaits Governor's Approval BY MARIA TSIGAS

Features

The Big Acorn

Inside Blair: Students take to the streets

Kid's Voice
Blue Chips

Profiles: Jamin Raskin

Q: What do you think will be the outcome of the war in Iraq?

Queries for Carrie

Sin of the Month

Easy Gardener

Sligo Naturalist: Orchids

Search and Rescue: On this year's House & Garden Tour, explore two Takoma homes saved from the brink

Spa treatments: Local dentists bring herbs, homeopathy, and comfort to their practices BY CARLA CORREA

Painful disease strikes many Researchers seek to understand Fibromyalgia BY PETE DELEA

The Cycle of Violence: Understanding the seemingly senseless dynamic of abuse in the home BY JAMILA A. JACKSON

¡Adelante Niñas! Community Bridges gives girls a jump start BY CAROLYN FEOLA

Folk Festival Seeks Craftspeople and Committee Members BY GINA GASPIN

Opinion

What would Jesus do about anti-semitism? BY MICHAEL TABOR