
Chicago verdict raises hopes of greater police accountability
A rare scene in the American justice system unfolded last week in a Chicago courthouse. A white officer stood before a mostly white jury and was convicted of killing an African-American teenager.

African-American communities must factor into infrastructure upgrades, clean energy jobs
Disadvantaged communities, including African-American enclaves, must be a central focus for any future legislation to upgrade the nation’s aged and deteriorating infrastructure, according to Gilbert G. Campbell III, co-founder and managing partner of Volt Energy, a minority-owned solar energy development firm based in Washington.

Justice Kavanaugh takes seat on U.S. Supreme Court
Justice Brett Kavanaugh spent a collegial first day on the bench as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday that contrasted sharply with the venom of his confirmation process, taking an active role in arguments alongside his eight new colleagues.

Opportunity time
It hasn’t been a week of good news for Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras and the Richmond School Board.

Rename Chesterfield roadway for MLK
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Help available for restoration of voting rights
The midterm elections are just over a month away, and many Virginians still can’t take part in what is the most important part of the democratic process: Voting.

$13.5M surplus
That’s what city expects this year after crying money blues
Just like last year and the year before, financial officials at City Hall were singing the hardship blues in May in reporting to Richmond City Council that revenues were barely keeping up with expenses. They warned the council not to expect any big surplus.

First Lady Melania Trump lays wreath at slave castle in Ghana
First Lady Melania Trump laid a wreath at a 17th century slave fortress in Ghana on Wednesday, vowing never to forget where Africans were held before being shipped away into further hardship, most across the Atlantic.

Personality: Maiesha Hawkins
Spotlight on volunteer chair of Slay for a Purpose Fashion Show
When you have a vision that exudes sincerity and genuine caring in helping others, people can relate to what it stands for, applaud what you are doing and want to be counted as part of your effort.

Penn State Coach James Franklin on course to win NCAA title
Coach James Franklin is in position to make history one day. It possibly could happen as early as this season. The talented Penn State coach seems a strong bet to become the first African-American coach to win an NCAA collegiate football title on the highest level.

MLB playoffs start Oct. 4
After a grinding seven-month regular season, Major League Baseball is starting all over this week with playoffs leading to the World Series.

VSU kicks it up a notch to beat Shaw 34-17
The 2018 Virginia State University football team is starting to look a lot like the 2017 version, which is exciting news around Ettrick.

VUU QB ties touchdown school record
Darius Taylor’s initials are “D.T.” but “T.D.” might be more apropos. Virginia Union University’s senior quarterback is on a touchdown passing binge.

Nonprofit’s effort to buy St. Emma-St. Francis property collapses
A nearly two-year effort to protect the heritage of a sprawling Powhatan County site that was the home of two African-American Catholic boarding schools has collapsed.

New alliance seeks to improve lives of Highland Park residents
Bernice Clack did not have to go to church last Sunday. Church came to her in the form of a volunteer crew from nearby St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Highland Park.

Wine Women & Shoes benefit Oct. 7
Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation will host Wine Women & Shoes, a fundraising event to help victims of abuse, 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa at Short Pump, 12042 W. Broad St.

City Councilman Jones proposes to girlfriend — and she said …
Weddings bells will soon ring again for City Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District. The full-time pastor of the Village of Faith church recently popped the question to his girlfriend, June Cober, director of promotions for Atlantic Records, and she said, “Yes.”

30th anniversary of 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward this weekend
Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets of Jackson Ward this weekend to enjoy the history, music, food and art of the 30th Annual 2nd Street Festival.

Former city worker’s lawsuit alleges FMLA, overtime violations
For 11 years, Dikiviya Howell was considered a valuable city employee with an unblemished record and a willingness to work extra hours to ensure the job was done.

Deadline Oct. 21 for 3rd Annual Veterans Day Essay Contest
The Virginia War Memorial is holding its 3rd Annual Veterans Day Essay Contest for Virginia high school and middle school students.