From the Newsroom: Gatehouse Media

Venice Ervin, presidnet of the Utica/Oneida County NAACP, talks about black representation -- or the lack thereof -- in local government.

Robert Calli, executive director of the Utica Municipal Housing Authority, talks about exploring opportunities outside of Cornhill.

Utica resident Freddie Hamilton discusses black participation in city events and government.

Utica Common Councilman Bill Phillips talks about his impression that some people consider themselves more American than others based on race.

A firefighters take: ‘A scam on pain cream’

Cody Shirah calls his girlfriend, Kristun Tullier, to discuss his jury in a quadruple DUI manslaughter trial. Shirah was convicted and sentenced to 60 years in prison for the deaths of four visiting Ohio softball players. According to the prosecution, these three calls, edited down to remove other personal details, show Shirah knew he had an acquantance on his jury, but only when the outcome of the trial was unfavorable to him did Shirah decide to call foul.

Reporter Jennette Barnes reads her story on Jean MacCormack's impact on the community, leading to her being honored on June 13 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Sports editor Jim Wilson breaks down the Central Mass. high school baseball tournament

Sports editor Jim Wilson breaks down the Central Mass. softball tournament

Reporter George Barnes talks about St. Bernard's Class of 1943 celebrating its 75th reunion