The Latest In The Investigation Of Nolan Wells’ Death
The investigation into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells continues to intensify as new legal developments, a reward for information and additional investigative steps keep public attention focused on the case. This week, Bart Edmiston Jr., a former teammate who has been identified online through speculation, issued cease-and-desist and evidence preservation letters through his attorney after receiving death threats. His family denied any involvement in Wells’ death, said he fully cooperated with investigators and warned that defamation lawsuits could follow. The case also carries a $50,000 reward announced by the Rev. Al Sharpton for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Filmmaker Tyler Perry later pledged to match the reward, bringing the total to $100,000.
What’s Next? Attorney Ben Crump also announced the family has subpoenaed multiple social media and technology companies as part of its independent investigation. Investigators are expected to complete their inquiry before presenting the case to a Jackson County grand jury, a standard step in suspicious or unnatural deaths. Crump has said the family will continue pursuing every available investigative and legal avenue until they receive answers about what happened to Wells.
Mandela Barnes Ends Wisconsin Governor Bid, Reshaping Democratic Primary
Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor Thursday, exiting the race less than two weeks before the August 11 primary. Barnes announced his decision in a video posted on Facebook, citing the need for Democrats to unite as the race entered its final stretch. His departure followed recent polling that showed state Rep. Francesca Hong gaining momentum and made Barnes the third major Democrat to leave the contest after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Deep Dive: CEO Missy Hughes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Rep. Francesca Hong, state Sen. Kelda Roys and former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan remain in the race. The Democratic nominee will face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, in November’s general election to succeed retiring Governor Tony Evers. Early voting is underway, and Wisconsin voters will choose the Democratic nominee in the August 11 primary.
Why the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Matters
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law July 11 after Congress approved the bipartisan package and President Trump allowed it to take effect without his signature. The legislation marks the most significant federal housing overhaul in decades, expanding affordable housing programs, streamlining development and encouraging local governments to reduce barriers to new housing construction. It also updates rental assistance programs, strengthens housing supply initiatives and includes provisions designed to increase access to homeownership for first-time buyers.
The Impact: Supporters say the law will help address the nation’s housing shortage and improve affordability for millions of Americans. Housing advocates also note the measure could benefit Black families, who continue to experience lower homeownership rates and higher housing cost burdens than white households because of longstanding disparities in wealth, lending and access to affordable homes. The law’s implementation now shifts to federal agencies, which will begin rolling out the new housing programs and funding.
Former President Obama Endorses Turek in Iowa Senate Race
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek on Wednesday, lending national support to one of the party’s top Senate recruits in the 2026 midterm elections. Obama announced his endorsement in a campaign video featuring the two playing basketball while encouraging Iowans to support Turek’s bid for the U.S. Senate. Obama praised Turek’s leadership and recalled Iowa’s role in launching his 2008 presidential campaign, calling the state one of his favorite political memories. Turek, a four-time Paralympian and state legislator, is seeking to flip the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, a key Democratic pickup opportunity as the party looks to regain control of the Senate.
Why It Matters: The race carries significance for many Black voters in Iowa because control of the Senate could shape federal action on voting rights, criminal justice, health care and economic opportunity, issues that Black civic organizations have consistently identified as priorities. Although Black residents make up a relatively small share of Iowa’s population, their turnout has proven influential in close Democratic contests, particularly in urban communities such as Des Moines and Waterloo.