These stories report on the riot and public opinion among both blacks and whites following the verdict of acquittal for the police officers accused of beating Rodney King. Also covered are the long-standing racial divisions in Los Angeles as revealed by the violence following the verdict; the trial itself and the jury decision; an interview with Willie L. Williams who will assume the position of Chief of Police in Los Angeles; and the failure of the election of African Americans to local, State, and Federal offices to ease the plight of their constituents. The final article identifies actions President Bush could take to enhance public safety, such as the provision of more police in poor, high-crime neighborhoods; gun control; and support for a law that would more easily permit the victims of police brutality to recover monetary damages.