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Congressional Black Caucus Calls for Federal Review of Nolan Wells' Death

Congressional Black Caucus Calls for Federal Review of Nolan Wells' Death

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, activist Rev. Al Sharpton, and Congresswoman Lucy McBath are joining the family of Nolan Wells to demand a federal review of his disappearance and death. The Congressional Black Caucus, led by Chair Yvette D. Clarke, has urged the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation. Nolan Wells disappeared during a July 4th boat trip in Mississippi, and his body was found two days later. An independent autopsy commissioned by the family could not determine the cause or manner of death. The FBI is already assisting local investigators, but the family and their supporters are pushing for a more thorough federal investigation.

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump and Family of Nolan Wells Demand Answers in Teen's Death

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump and Family of Nolan Wells Demand Answers in Teen's Death

The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, a Mississippi teenager who went missing during a Fourth of July trip and was later found dead, is seeking answers regarding his death. Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, alongside Wells' parents Christine and Elmore Wonsley, and Rev. Al Sharpton, spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists to raise awareness about the case. Wells disappeared after a boating trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, with three friends, and his body was discovered on July 6. Law enforcement initially ruled the death as an accidental drowning, but an independent autopsy commissioned by the family found the cause and manner of death to be undetermined, with foul play not ruled out. Crump has launched an independent investigation and is working with the district attorney to review additional evidence, including cell phone videos that suggest a possible altercation.

Wisconsin Democrats Select Moderate Over Socialist in Gubernatorial Primary

Wisconsin Democrats Select Moderate Over Socialist in Gubernatorial Primary

In a closely watched gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin, Democrats chose David Crowley, a moderate county executive, over Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist. The election was marked by controversy, with two candidates dropping out due to scandals and Crowley suspending his campaign only to reenter the race shortly before the election. Hong, who campaigned on issues like universal childcare and free school meals, faced criticism for her past controversial positions during the pandemic, which were targeted in attack ads. Despite strong support in liberal areas like Madison, Crowley won in Milwaukee and rural counties.

ICE's plan to give officers electric shock gloves draws outrage and fears of misuse

ICE's plan to give officers electric shock gloves draws outrage and fears of misuse

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s plan to give officers gloves that deliver painful electric shocks is facing criticism from Democratic elected officials and civil rights advocates, who call it unnecessary and cruel

Francesca Hong Faces Scrutiny for Voting Against Anti-Grooming Law in Wisconsin

Francesca Hong Faces Scrutiny for Voting Against Anti-Grooming Law in Wisconsin

Francesca Hong, a prominent Democratic candidate in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, is under scrutiny for her vote against an anti-child grooming law. The law, signed by Governor Tony Evers, was enacted in response to a case involving a former teacher who pursued a relationship with a 14-year-old student. Hong was one of six lawmakers to oppose the bill, which aims to prevent adults from engaging in behavior intended to seduce or entice minors into sexual activity. The law has already been used in a case against Joseph W. Cook, who was charged with preying on a cognitively impaired girl. Hong's opposition to the bill has raised questions about her stance on child protection laws.

Maryland Senator's SUV Incident Raises Questions Over Police Response

Maryland Senator's SUV Incident Raises Questions Over Police Response

Maryland State Senator C. Anthony Muse was involved in a driving incident in Annapolis, where his SUV struck another vehicle. Muse admitted to police that he had consumed one drink, but officers did not pursue a broader investigation. The incident, which occurred on August 3, 2026, involved Muse's SUV being parked atop a tree, raising questions about the police's handling of the situation. Surveillance footage and witness accounts have prompted scrutiny over the police response, as Muse was allowed to have another licensed driver retrieve his vehicle without further action from the officers.

Houston Voters to Decide on No-Knock Warrants and Marijuana Enforcement

Houston Voters to Decide on No-Knock Warrants and Marijuana Enforcement

Houston City Council is considering placing two significant policing measures on the November ballot. These proposals aim to make low-level marijuana possession the lowest enforcement priority for the Houston Police Department and to ban the use of no-knock warrants. The initiative, driven by Ground Game Texas, seeks to codify these policies to ensure they remain in place regardless of future police leadership changes. The push follows the controversial 2019 Harding Street raid, which involved a no-knock warrant based on fabricated evidence, resulting in fatalities.

Madison Police Chief Responds to Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting

Madison Police Chief Responds to Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting

Madison Police Chief John Patterson issued a statement following the Wisconsin Department of Justice's release of the name of the officer involved in the fatal shooting of Corey Ruiz. The officer, Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, has been with the Madison Police Department since 2015 and has served in various roles, including on the Gang and Neighborhood Crime Abatement Team. Chief Patterson highlighted Baitinger-Peterson's achievements and noted that he has no prior sustained use of force allegations. The statement emphasized the department's commitment to transparency and community engagement as the investigation continues.

EPA Reconsiders Stricter Smog Rules for Southeast Wisconsin Amid Business Concerns

EPA Reconsiders Stricter Smog Rules for Southeast Wisconsin Amid Business Concerns

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reevaluating its 2024 decision to impose stricter penalties on southeast Wisconsin for not meeting national air quality standards for ozone pollution. This reconsideration comes after state environmental leaders and business groups argued that the regulations were costly and did not address the primary sources of pollution, which they claim originate from out-of-state. The EPA's decision to reclassify Milwaukee, Sheboygan County, and Kenosha County from 'Moderate' to 'Serious' nonattainment areas in December 2024 led to increased regulations. The reconsideration process will include a public comment period, although specific details and timelines are not yet available.

Chicago Residents File Police Reports Against Federal Agents in Accountability Push

Chicago Residents File Police Reports Against Federal Agents in Accountability Push

In a move to hold federal agents accountable, Chicago residents, including Marimar Martinez, have filed police reports alleging misconduct during the Midway Blitz deportation campaign. Martinez, who was shot by a Border Patrol agent, joined others in demanding investigations into alleged crimes by federal agents. This action follows a Cook County judge's denial of a special prosecutor request, citing the lack of police reports. The residents' efforts aim to prompt local and state authorities to investigate and potentially prosecute federal agents for alleged illegal activities during the campaign.

Vermont Sheriff's Deputy Accused of Violating State Policy in Migrant Arrest

Vermont Sheriff's Deputy Accused of Violating State Policy in Migrant Arrest

Migrant Justice, an immigration advocacy group, has accused Chittenden County Sheriff's Deputy Scott Costella of violating Vermont's fair and impartial policing policy. The group claims that Deputy Costella conducted a traffic stop in Franklin County and used his personal cellphone to contact Border Patrol, leading to the arrest and subsequent deportation of Alex Jimenez, a migrant farm worker in the U.S. illegally. This action allegedly contravenes Vermont's policy, which prohibits local and state law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. The incident, which occurred on July 19, has prompted an investigation by an outside party, as confirmed by Sheriff Dan Gamelin. The timing of the accusation coincides with the Vermont primary elections, including the primary for Chittenden County sheriff.

Markey and Pressley Propose $5 Billion Grant for Nationwide Fare-Free Transit

Markey and Pressley Propose $5 Billion Grant for Nationwide Fare-Free Transit

U.S. Senator Ed Markey and Representative Ayanna Pressley have introduced the Freedom to Move Act, a legislative proposal aimed at expanding fare-free public transit across the United States. This initiative is inspired by the success of Massachusetts' fare-free transit systems, which have seen increased ridership and reduced financial burdens on passengers. The proposed $5 billion grant program would be managed by the federal Department of Transportation and provide five-year grants to states, local governments, transit agencies, and nonprofits to support fare-free services. The initiative is seen as a step towards economic, racial, and climate justice.