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Tag: Wisconsin

  • Mandela Barnes Runs for WI Governor

    Big news out of Wisconsin! Mandela Barnes, the state’s first Black lieutenant governor, has officially announced his run for governor in the upcoming gubernatorial race. With a powerful campaign video released on Tuesday, Barnes declared, ‘This moment demands bold leadership for Wisconsin. That’s why I’m running for Governor.’

    A Working-Class Agenda Rooted in Family

    The campaign announcement kicks off with a poignant symbol: Barnes’ father’s UAW Local 1866 union jacket. For the 39-year-old Democrat, this jacket represents more than just a job; it signifies a promise of solidarity and mutual support. Barnes highlighted how union jobs once provided stability, allowing families to afford homes, support themselves, and save for retirement – a stark contrast to today’s economic realities.

    He didn’t shy away from criticizing the current political climate, particularly targeting President Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s agenda. Barnes argued that Washington seems to favor billionaires with lower taxes while working people face higher prices. He characterized the political landscape as one filled with ‘distraction and chaos’ designed to avoid accountability, where outrage and viral performances overshadow the struggles of everyday families.

    Focusing on ‘The Wisconsin Way’

    Barnes believes Wisconsin can only move forward by rejecting the ‘Washington way’ and embracing ‘the Wisconsin way.’ He emphasized that the election isn’t about partisan divides or who yells the loudest. Instead, it’s about ensuring residents can afford to live in their home state, access healthcare, see their children learn skills and stay local, and earn a good day’s pay for a good day’s work.

    He reiterated the promise symbolized by his father’s jacket: ‘We show up, we look out for each other.’ This commitment to community and mutual support forms the bedrock of his gubernatorial campaign.

    A History of Breaking Barriers

    Mandela Barnes, named after South Africa’s first Black president, Nelson Mandela, has a history of making history himself. He served as Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023. In 2022, he became the first Black American to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, narrowly losing to incumbent Republican Senator Ron Johnson by just 1% in a highly contested race.

    At the time of his Senate run, Barnes told TheGrio that while making Black history is significant, making a difference for the next generation is paramount. He’s not the only Black candidate aiming to break barriers in Wisconsin; he’s running in a crowded primary that includes Milwaukee County executive David Crowley.

    • Mandela Barnes announced his candidacy for Wisconsin Governor.
    • He previously served as Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor.
    • His campaign focuses on working-class issues and rejecting D.C. politics.
    • Barnes aims to make healthcare affordable and ensure good-paying jobs.
    • He is competing in a primary against other candidates, including David Crowley.

    Barnes’s campaign signals a strong push for leadership that prioritizes the needs of everyday Wisconsinites, drawing on his roots and past experiences to advocate for a more equitable future for the state.

    What are your thoughts on Mandela Barnes’s campaign for Wisconsin Governor? Do you think his focus on working-class issues will resonate with voters? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Family Seeks Answers in Wisconsin Man’s Death

    A grieving family in Wisconsin is demanding transparency and a thorough investigation after their loved one, Tory Medley, was found dead, hanging from a tree at the Brookfield Hills Golf Course on November 13. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions, prompting the family and the NAACP to seek answers.

    A Family’s Plea for Transparency

    Tory Medley’s older sister, Shena, shared her heartbreak on Facebook, stating, “On November 13th, life as my family knew it changed forever.” She expressed concern that the Brookfield Police Department immediately labeled the death a “possible suicide” before fully examining critical questions about how Tory got there and what truly happened. The family has been pushing for a comprehensive and transparent investigation from the outset.

    Despite the family’s concerns, local police released a statement hours after Medley was found, ruling his death a suicide and stating they had “no information at this point to indicate a crime was involved.” However, the family’s attorney, William Sulton, believes officials rushed to this conclusion without completing their investigation. He highlighted the historical context of racial violence, noting, “We all know the negative relationship that Black men have with lynching in our country, and this is a big deal.”

    Seeking Details and Due Process

    The family’s concerns echo those of other families who have faced similar tragedies. Just two months prior, 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found hanging from a tree at Delta State University. Like the Reed family, who hired attorney Ben Crump, the Medley family, with attorney William Sulton, has requested a meeting with Brookfield’s chief investigator and the Waukesha County Medical Examiner’s Office.

    “Regardless of what the ultimate conclusion is here, the family deserves to know what actually happened,” Sulton told WISN 12 News. “If it was suicide, we’ll accept that. But if it was something else, we’ll accept that, too. We just need to know that all i’s have been dotted, t’s have been crossed, and it’s been fully reviewed and investigated, which is only fair,” Shena added.

    Community Support and Official Statements

    The Milwaukee and Waukesha chapters of the NAACP have offered their support to the family. Montre Moore, a member of the Waukesha NAACP chapter, stated at a news conference that the circumstances are “extraordinarily unusual” and emphasized the need for communication and respect. On November 23, the Brookfield police department acknowledged “several speculative and inaccurate statements circulating publicly” and confirmed they are conducting a deeper investigation while providing updates to the Medley family.

    • Tory Medley found hanging from a tree in Brookfield, Wisconsin on November 13.
    • Authorities initially ruled the death a possible suicide.
    • Family and NAACP demand a transparent and thorough investigation.
    • Attorney highlights historical context of racial violence.
    • Family seeks detailed information about the circumstances and injuries.
    • Brookfield police confirm ongoing investigation and communication with the family.

    The Medley family’s mission remains clear: to obtain complete transparency and answers about what happened to Tory. As Shena stated, “I will not stop asking questions until we know exactly what happened to my brother.” Their fight for answers underscores the critical need for justice and accountability in all communities.

    What are your thoughts on the investigation into Tory Medley’s death? Share your views in the comments below.

  • Wisconsin Black Business Hub Fuels Entrepreneurship

    In Madison, Wisconsin, a powerful initiative is taking root to cultivate Black entrepreneurship and drive economic justice. The Black Business Hub (BBH), a project spearheaded by the Urban League of Greater Madison, is more than just a building; it’s a launching pad for dreams and a beacon of opportunity for Black business owners.

    From Catering to a Brick-and-Mortar Future

    Take the inspiring story of Daijah Wade, for example. Before the Hub opened its doors in August 2024, Wade ran ‘The Walking Jerk,’ a Caribbean plant-based restaurant, solely as a catering business. Now, thanks to the BBH, she has a permanent shop on the first floor, allowing her to expand her menu and reach a wider audience. Wade emphasizes the invaluable sense of community and appreciation she feels among fellow entrepreneurs at the Hub.

    This impressive $25.5 million, 80,000-square-foot facility is intentionally designed to foster a ‘Black Renaissance’ in South Madison. Leaders at the Urban League recognized a stark reality: only a tiny fraction of Dane County businesses with employees were African American-owned. This statistic, which persisted for decades, fueled the vision for a dedicated resource center.

    A Hub for Resources and Growth

    Spearheading this transformative project was CEO Dr. Ruben Anthony. He understood that a consolidated, dedicated center was crucial to finally bridge the economic gap. The building’s vibrant aesthetic, with its bright colors and warm, inviting overhangs reminiscent of historic community gathering spots, sends a clear message of welcome and progress.

    The Hub makes success feel tangible by centralizing critical resources. Business owners can access specialized training programs, and vital financial organizations like Hope Community Capital and Forward Community Investment operate on the upper floors. This close proximity allows entrepreneurs to get immediate information about the funding they need to grow their ventures.

    A Gift That Keeps on Giving

    Since its launch, the Black Business Hub has already made a significant impact, engaging with over 200 entities through its various programs and pop-up events. Dr. Anthony is confident that the Hub will continue to be a powerful engine for economic development, serving as ‘a gift that will keep on giving for many years to come’ to the South Madison community.

    What do you think about initiatives like the Black Business Hub? How important are these dedicated spaces for fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Attorney Demands Charges in Alleged Racial Assault of Teen

    A disturbing incident in Wisconsin has taken a new turn as an attorney representing a 14-year-old victim is demanding that the teenagers involved face charges, potentially including hate crime enhancements. While law enforcement initially stated the attack was not racially motivated, the victim’s attorney, B’Ivory LaMarr, disputes this conclusion, presenting cellphone footage that allegedly captures the attackers using racial slurs against the boy.

    Disputing Official Conclusions with Video Evidence

    The incident, which occurred on August 17th, involved a group of teenagers allegedly attacking the 14-year-old victim. The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office stated that the assault was not racially motivated but rather a response to alleged crimes committed by the victim. However, LaMarr argues that the video evidence clearly contradicts this assessment, as racial epithets can be heard during the assault.

    LaMarr, speaking to WKOW, emphasized that the victim has not been charged with any crimes. He stressed that even if the victim had committed alleged acts, it is irrelevant to the video evidence depicting a racially charged attack. “Irregardless [of] whether the victim was the individual who is alleged to have committed these acts, I think that’s completely beside the point here. There have been no criminal charges whatsoever against the victim,” LaMarr stated.

    Seeking Accountability and Justice

    LaMarr believes the evidence presented warrants further investigation, particularly regarding the potential for escalating charges to include hate crimes. “I think that the evidence based on the racial slurs that can be heard in a video, at least that I present, warrants further investigation into potentially escalating any charges that would be referred to a hate crime,” he said. At a minimum, LaMarr expects assault and battery charges, possibly rising to a felony level based on the severity of the attack and the alleged racial motivation.

    The victim’s family has contacted LaMarr, and the boy is reportedly willing to speak with police investigators. The attorney’s firm stance underscores the importance of addressing potential hate crimes and ensuring accountability for actions fueled by racial animus. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting hate crimes and the critical role of evidence in such proceedings.

    What are your thoughts on the alleged racial assault and the attorney’s call for hate crime charges? Share your views in the comments below!

  • Wisconsin Teens Accused of Hate Crime in Combine Harvester Attack

    What began as a barn party in Wisconsin took a terrifying turn for a 14-year-old Black boy. The teen was reportedly attacked by a group of young people and violently shoved towards a massive piece of farm equipment, a MacDon FD135 combine harvester header. Adding to the horror, racial slurs were allegedly shouted during the assault, strongly suggesting a racially motivated motive.

    A Near-Tragic Encounter

    Miraculously, the victim managed to escape before being pulled into the dangerous machinery. However, a video of the incident quickly surfaced online, igniting widespread outrage and shock. Many were horrified not only by the brutality of the attack but also by the young age of both the victim and the alleged perpetrators, as well as the blatant display of hate.

    While initial online descriptions mistakenly identified the equipment as a meat grinder, community members familiar with agriculture clarified it as a combine header, a machine designed for cutting crops. Regardless of the specific equipment, the threat to the boy’s life was undeniably real.

    Investigation Underway as Hate Crime Concerns Rise

    When authorities arrived at the scene, the teenagers involved had already fled. The assault is now under investigation as a potential hate crime. Community members and activists are demanding that the attackers, including a reported 20-year-old who allegedly led the group, face the most severe charges possible.

    This disturbing incident has reignited crucial conversations about racism, particularly in rural areas where discrimination against Black residents often goes unreported. Activists and local leaders are emphasizing that this was not merely a fight but an alleged attempted murder fueled by hate. The event has deeply shaken the small Wisconsin town and prompted calls for justice across the nation, serving as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers of racism.

    What are your thoughts on this horrific incident? How can communities better address racism and prevent such violence? Share your views in the comments below.

  • Ex-NFL Player Buster Skrine Charged in Fraud Scheme

    A former NFL player is facing serious legal trouble after being accused of a sophisticated financial exploitation scheme targeting women met through dating apps. Darryl “Buster” Skrine, 36, was arrested on August 27th and now faces 18 charges, including deposit account fraud, identity fraud, financial transaction card fraud, theft by taking, and criminal attempt to commit theft.

    A Pattern of Deception

    Authorities describe Skrine’s alleged crimes as an extensive financial fraud operation that spanned multiple states and impacted at least three victims in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York, with detectives suspecting more victims nationwide. The total losses are estimated to be around $300,000. The investigation began after a woman filed a complaint in July, accusing Skrine of exploiting her financially.

    Investigators discovered a pattern where Skrine allegedly fabricated stories about facing financial difficulties. He reportedly promised repayment using his NFL annuity, but instead, used the funds to finance a lavish lifestyle that included Airbnb stays, travel, and gift cards. This alleged deception preyed on the trust built through online dating platforms.

    Previous Legal Troubles and NFL Career

    Skrine is no stranger to law enforcement. He was previously arrested in August 2023 in Canada for a $100,000 check fraud case. After being released on bail with GPS monitoring in April 2024, he reportedly fled back to the United States by removing the monitoring device.

    Originally from Cherokee County, Georgia, Skrine had a notable football career. He played for Etowah High School, then the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2011 NFL Draft. He also played for the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans before retiring from the sport in 2022.

    What are your thoughts on this alleged fraud scheme by a former NFL player? How can people protect themselves from such scams? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Rapper 600Breezy Arrested in Wisconsin

    Chicago rapper 600Breezy has reportedly been arrested in Wisconsin. According to reports from No Jumper, the artist was taken into custody during a traffic stop due to an active warrant. Arrest records indicate he was booked by authorities around 7:30 AM on Thursday.

    Details of the Arrest

    As of now, specific details regarding the nature of the active warrant or the circumstances leading to the traffic stop remain unclear. 600Breezy, whose real name is Antonio S. Smith, has not yet publicly commented on the arrest via his social media channels. His mugshot, shared by No Jumper on Instagram, drew a mix of reactions from fans, with some commenting on his appearance and others questioning his presence in Wisconsin, given his Chicago origins.

    The artist is known for several projects, including “Breezo George Gervin,” “Six0 Breez0,” and “First Forty-8.” His legal situation is developing, and further information is expected as the case progresses.

    Recent Headlines and Community Impact

    This arrest comes after 600Breezy made headlines earlier this summer for his strong reaction to a mass shooting at a Mello Buckzz concert in Chicago. The incident, which occurred during the rapper’s mixtape release party, resulted in four fatalities and 15 injuries. 600Breezy took to Instagram to condemn the shooters, expressing anger over the violence and the impact on innocent bystanders.

    He voiced his support for Mello Buckzz, whose boyfriend was among those killed in the attack. His passionate statements highlighted the devastating effects of gun violence on the community and the music scene. The rapper’s recent arrest adds another layer to his public narrative, as fans await more information on the current legal proceedings.

    What are your thoughts on 600Breezy’s arrest? Do you think the focus should be on the music or the legal troubles? Share your opinions in the comments below!