A police officer shot a Black man in the back multiple times in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday, a bystander`s video appeared to show, prompting a night of unrest during which protesters hurled firebombs at law enforcement officers.

Jacob Blake paralysed from the waist down: Reports

Two people were shot dead on Tuesday night in the US city of Kenosha, police said, as groups clashed during protests over the shooting of a black man.

"The shooting resulted in two fatalities and a third gunshot victim was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries," the Kenosha police department said in a tweet

Social media videos posted early Wednesday showed a gun battle involving civilians, with several people rushing a man with a long gun who apparently had been knocked to the ground. The video shows him firing at the people rushing towards him, one of whom falls to the ground. Other shots are heard in the background.

Police in riot gear fired rubber bullets, tear gas and flash-bang rounds as they skirmished after dark with 300 to 400 demonstrators defying a dawn-to-dusk curfew outside a courthouse and adjacent park in downtown Kenosha.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wisconsin-governor-calls-national-guard-after-protesters-clash-with-police-over-shooting-of-jacob-blake-322910" hreflang="en">Blake shooting: Wisconsin calls National Guard as protesters, police clash</a>

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department also deployed at least four armored patrol vehicles fitted with roof turrets from which deputies fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, many of whom hurled water bottles, bricks, firecrackers and other objects back at police.

<img alt="W" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32f05bf6-6696-4168-a807-1da3f015931e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2854%29_2.jpg" />

People hold placards as they gather for a protest outside the Kenosha County Courthouse after a Black man, identified as Jacob Blake, was shot several times by police last night in Kenosha, Wisconsin

But there was no immediate sign of buildings or cars being set ablaze, as happened on Monday night.

About three hours after declaring the protest an unlawful assembly, authorities had managed to push Tuesday night's crowd out of the downtown park, with demonstrators scattering down streets.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-man-shot-injured-by-us-police-in-wisconsin-protests-break-out-322672">&nbsp;Black man shot, injured by US police in Wisconsin; protests break out</a>

The disturbances came hours after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency and vowed to deploy additional National Guard troops in a bid to restore order in the town, while the mother of the man who was shot, Jacob Blake Jr, publicly appealed for calm.

Blake, 29, a father of six, was struck from behind at point-blank range in a hail of bullets fired on Sunday by police who were following him with guns drawn as he walked away from officers to his car and opened a door to the vehicle.

Three of his young sons inside the automobile - aged 3, 5 and 8 - witnessed their father being gunned down, according to civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Blake family.

A bystander captured the encounter in video footage that immediately went viral, unleashing outrage over the latest in a long series of instances in which police have been accused of using indiscriminate lethal force against African Americans.

Blake, who had been attempting to break up a quarrel between two women, was struck by four of seven gunshots fired at him, all by one officer, and there was "no indication he was armed," Crump said in an ABC News interview on Tuesday.

The police have not explained why Blake was shot.

At an afternoon news conference, Blake's parents voiced anguish over the shooting while decrying two previous nights of looting, vandalism and arson that overshadowed peaceful protests in Kenosha, a city of about 100,000 people 40 miles south of Milwaukee.

"They shot my son seven times. Seven times! Like he didn't matter," Jacob Blake Sr., trembling with emotion, told reporters. "My son matters. He's a human being and he matters."

Julia Jackson, Blake's mother, said her son "has been fighting for his life," but called for unity, saying she was praying for police officers. She also said her son would disapprove of damage done to the city, declaring, "It doesn't reflect my son or my family."

Officials, blaming outside agitators or much of the lawlessness surrounding demonstrations, said some three dozen fires were set on Monday night, mostly in an uptown, predominantly minority neighborhood where numerous businesses were burned.

Seeking to restrict an influx of traffic, authorities blocked off all exit ramps leading from Interstate-94 into Kenosha County from the nearby city of Racine south to the Illinois border along Lake Michigan.

Traffic barriers and heavy fencing were also erected on Tuesday around a downtown cluster of public buildings, including the courthouse, police department and sheriff's headquarters, to protect them from attack.

Crump and another lawyer for the Blake family, Patrick Salvi II, said bullets shattered some of Blake's vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down - possibly permanently. He also suffered gunshot wounds to his stomach and gastrointestinal tract, requiring surgeons to remove most of his colon and small intestine, and sustained damage to his kidney, liver and an arm, they said.

"It's going to take a miracle for Jacob Blake Jr to ever walk again," Crump said, adding that the family intended to bring a lawsuit "to hold wrongdoers accountable."

Family and protesters are demanding that the officers involved in the shooting, who have been placed on administrative leave, be fired and prosecuted.

Video captured by a neighbor shows Blake walking toward the driver's side door of his SUV, away from two officers who were pointing guns at his back. After he opens the door and leans into the car, seven shots ring out, with one of the officers tugging at his shirt.

The shooting is under investigation by the Wisconsin Justice Department, which has released no details. Kenosha police have referred all questions to state investigators.

The shooting occurred three months after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racism.

Two people were shot dead on Tuesday night in the US city of Kenosha, police said, as groups clashed during protests over the shooting of a black man. "The shooting resulted in two fatalities and a third gunshot victim was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries," the Kenosha police department said in a tweet Social media videos posted early Wednesday showed a gun battle involving civilians, with several people rushing a man with a long gun who apparently had been knocked to the ground.

Two people were shot dead on Tuesday night in the US city of Kenosha, police said, as groups clashed during protests over the shooting of a black man. "The shooting resulted in two fatalities and a third gunshot victim was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries," the Kenosha police department said in a tweet Social media videos posted early Wednesday showed a gun battle involving civilians, with several people rushing a man with a long gun who apparently had been knocked to the ground. The video shows him firing at the people rushing towards him, one of whom falls to the ground. Other shots are heard in the background. Police in riot gear fired rubber bullets, tear gas and flash-bang rounds as they skirmished after dark with 300 to 400 demonstrators defying a dawn-to-dusk curfew outside a courthouse and adjacent park in downtown Kenosha. Also read: Blake shooting: Wisconsin calls National Guard as protesters, police clash The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department also deployed at least four armored patrol vehicles fitted with roof turrets from which deputies fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, many of whom hurled water bottles, bricks, firecrackers and other objects back at police. People hold placards as they gather for a protest outside the Kenosha County Courthouse after a Black man, identified as Jacob Blake, was shot several times by police last night in Kenosha, Wisconsin But there was no immediate sign of buildings or cars being set ablaze, as happened on Monday night. About three hours after declaring the protest an unlawful assembly, authorities had managed to push Tuesday night's crowd out of the downtown park, with demonstrators scattering down streets. Also Read: Black man shot, injured by US police in Wisconsin; protests break out The disturbances came hours after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency and vowed to deploy additional National Guard troops in a bid to restore order in the town, while the mother of the man who was shot, Jacob Blake Jr, publicly appealed for calm. Blake, 29, a father of six, was struck from behind at point-blank range in a hail of bullets fired on Sunday by police who were following him with guns drawn as he walked away from officers to his car and opened a door to the vehicle. Three of his young sons inside the automobile - aged 3, 5 and 8 - witnessed their father being gunned down, according to civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Blake family. A bystander captured the encounter in video footage that immediately went viral, unleashing outrage over the latest in a long series of instances in which police have been accused of using indiscriminate lethal force against African Americans. Blake, who had been attempting to break up a quarrel between two women, was struck by four of seven gunshots fired at him, all by one officer, and there was "no indication he was armed," Crump said in an ABC News interview on Tuesday. The police have not explained why Blake was shot. At an afternoon news conference, Blake's parents voiced anguish over the shooting while decrying two previous nights of looting, vandalism and arson that overshadowed peaceful protests in Kenosha, a city of about 100,000 people 40 miles south of Milwaukee. "They shot my son seven times. Seven times! Like he didn't matter," Jacob Blake Sr., trembling with emotion, told reporters. "My son matters. He's a human being and he matters." Julia Jackson, Blake's mother, said her son "has been fighting for his life," but called for unity, saying she was praying for police officers. She also said her son would disapprove of damage done to the city, declaring, "It doesn't reflect my son or my family." Officials, blaming outside agitators or much of the lawlessness surrounding demonstrations, said some three dozen fires were set on Monday night, mostly in an uptown, predominantly minority neighborhood where numerous businesses were burned. Seeking to restrict an influx of traffic, authorities blocked off all exit ramps leading from Interstate-94 into Kenosha County from the nearby city of Racine south to the Illinois border along Lake Michigan. Traffic barriers and heavy fencing were also erected on Tuesday around a downtown cluster of public buildings, including the courthouse, police department and sheriff's headquarters, to protect them from attack. Crump and another lawyer for the Blake family, Patrick Salvi II, said bullets shattered some of Blake's vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down - possibly permanently. He also suffered gunshot wounds to his stomach and gastrointestinal tract, requiring surgeons to remove most of his colon and small intestine, and sustained damage to his kidney, liver and an arm, they said. "It's going to take a miracle for Jacob Blake Jr to ever walk again," Crump said, adding that the family intended to bring a lawsuit "to hold wrongdoers accountable." Family and protesters are demanding that the officers involved in the shooting, who have been placed on administrative leave, be fired and prosecuted. Video captured by a neighbor shows Blake walking toward the driver's side door of his SUV, away from two officers who were pointing guns at his back. After he opens the door and leans into the car, seven shots ring out, with one of the officers tugging at his shirt. The shooting is under investigation by the Wisconsin Justice Department, which has released no details. Kenosha police have referred all questions to state investigators. The shooting occurred three months after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racism.

Two dead, three shot as gunfire breaks out at Wisconsin protest over police shooting of Jacob Blake

Black man shot in back by police in Wisconsin city

Protests after Black man shot in the back by police in Wisconsin

A Wisconsin family was boating on Marshmiller Lake in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, over the weekend and stumbled across a small bear that was struggling to swim with what appeared to be a cheese ball jar stuck on its head.

Tricia Hurt,&nbsp;her husband Brian, and their son Brady&nbsp;were fishing when they spotted the animal swimming in the lake and decided to lend a helping hand.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftricia.hurt%2Fvideos%2F10219866423309286%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=267" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="267"></iframe>

"We knew that if we didn't do something, we are pretty sure it would not have made it to shore," Tricia Hurt told CNN. "It was really huffing and puffing, my husband said."

The Hurt family noticed something floating in the water when they were&nbsp;headed back to the boat landing&nbsp;after a day of fishing on Marsh-Miller Lake on Saturday,

26-year-old Brady&nbsp;Hurt&nbsp;thought it might be a rock, until he saw it move. While his&nbsp;father, Brian Hurt, , said it was probably a dog. It was&nbsp;his mother, Tricia Hurt who&nbsp;realized it was something more unusual.

"I said, 'That ain't no dog. I think that's a bear,'" Tricia Hurt told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We got closer and I said, 'Yeah, that's a bear that got hungry and got its head stuck in a bucket.'"

The young black bear was swimming across the lake&nbsp;struggling to breathe with a plastic cheese ball container around its head.&nbsp;

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had been contacted several times but had been unable to locate it thanks to the rural, wooded landscape, Hurt said.

<section data-containers="17" data-eq-pts="xsmall: 0, medium: 460, large: 780, full16x9: 1100" data-eq-state="xsmall medium large" data-vr-zone="zone-1-0" data-zn-id="body-text" data-zone-label="bodyText" id="body-text">
Since Hurt posted the video to her Facebook on Sunday, it has&nbsp;amassed almost 800,000 views.
</section>

A Wisconsin family was boating on Marshmiller Lake in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, over the weekend and stumbled across a small bear that was struggling to swim with what appeared to be a cheese ball jar stuck on its head.

A Wisconsin family was boating on Marshmiller Lake in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, over the weekend and stumbled across a small bear that was struggling to swim with what appeared to be a cheese ball jar stuck on its head. Tricia Hurt, her husband Brian, and their son Brady were fishing when they spotted the animal swimming in the lake and decided to lend a helping hand. "We knew that if we didn't do something, we are pretty sure it would not have made it to shore," Tricia Hurt told CNN. "It was really huffing and puffing, my husband said." The Hurt family noticed something floating in the water when they were headed back to the boat landing after a day of fishing on Marsh-Miller Lake on Saturday, 26-year-old Brady Hurt thought it might be a rock, until he saw it move. While his father, Brian Hurt, , said it was probably a dog. It was his mother, Tricia Hurt who realized it was something more unusual. "I said, 'That ain't no dog. I think that's a bear,'" Tricia Hurt told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We got closer and I said, 'Yeah, that's a bear that got hungry and got its head stuck in a bucket.'" The young black bear was swimming across the lake struggling to breathe with a plastic cheese ball container around its head. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had been contacted several times but had been unable to locate it thanks to the rural, wooded landscape, Hurt said. Since Hurt posted the video to her Facebook on Sunday, it has amassed almost 800,000 views.

Family rescues bear cub found swimming with jar stuck on its head

Today in History: Articles of Confederation, Apollo 14 and more!

Trump, at a rally in Wisconsin on Tuesday, sided with the self-described democratic socialist.

US Prez Donald Trump holds rally in Wisconsin

President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-hit-back-at-eu-as-tariffs-bite-harley-davidson-213010">American paper products</a> and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan.

Addressing a Republican political rally in Wisconsin state's Green Bay city on Sunday, Trump alleged that every country has been ripping off America for years.

The President has repeatedly claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-not-a-tariff-king-has-the-right-to-protect-specific-sectors-under-wto-experts-212214">India is a "tariff king"</a> and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products.

"For so many decades, we've been losing tens of billions of dollars to China and Japan, and India, and name any country and we lost, but we're not losing anymore," he said to his cheering supporters.

He said that the US was being charged high tariffs on foreign paper products.

"We charge other countries zero tariffs on foreign paper products, but when Wisconsin paper companies export it abroad... China charged us big tariffs, India charged us big tariffs, Vietnam charge us massive tariffs," Trump said.

He claimed that people of the US demanded a government that puts America first.

"And we're doing that with China, we're doing that with India, we're doing that with Japan, we're doing it with a great new trade deal, that hopefully will get approved in the house," the President said.

Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for reciprocal tax, Trump had said that he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent.

The President said that he called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

"Look at Harley-Davidson. I met with them three years ago, they would tell me tough to do business in a certain kind. I asked 'How you're doing in India?' and they said, 'Oh, we don't do any business'.&nbsp;

"So India charged a 100 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson, but when they send their motorcycles and they may come to us, we charge them nothing," Trump said.

"So I called up Prime Minister Modi, I said unfair, he cut it 50 per cent... But that's not good enough because look, it's 50 per cent to nothing. And what we're doing is changing all of that stuff, changing all of that rapidly," he added.

India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors.

On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through a cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on American paper products and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan.

President Trump has criticised India's "big tariffs" on American paper products and the iconic Harley-Davidson bikes once again, saying the US has been losing billions of dollars to countries like India, China and Japan. Addressing a Republican political rally in Wisconsin state's Green Bay city on Sunday, Trump alleged that every country has been ripping off America for years. The President has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products. "For so many decades, we've been losing tens of billions of dollars to China and Japan, and India, and name any country and we lost, but we're not losing anymore," he said to his cheering supporters. He said that the US was being charged high tariffs on foreign paper products. "We charge other countries zero tariffs on foreign paper products, but when Wisconsin paper companies export it abroad... China charged us big tariffs, India charged us big tariffs, Vietnam charge us massive tariffs," Trump said. He claimed that people of the US demanded a government that puts America first. "And we're doing that with China, we're doing that with India, we're doing that with Japan, we're doing it with a great new trade deal, that hopefully will get approved in the house," the President said. Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for reciprocal tax, Trump had said that he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent. The President said that he called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. "Look at Harley-Davidson. I met with them three years ago, they would tell me tough to do business in a certain kind. I asked 'How you're doing in India?' and they said, 'Oh, we don't do any business'. "So India charged a 100 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson, but when they send their motorcycles and they may come to us, we charge them nothing," Trump said. "So I called up Prime Minister Modi, I said unfair, he cut it 50 per cent... But that's not good enough because look, it's 50 per cent to nothing. And what we're doing is changing all of that stuff, changing all of that rapidly," he added. India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors. On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through a cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

China, India, Vietnam charged us big tariffs: Trump at Wisconsin rally

Pete Buttigieg, the gay, liberal mayor of a small American city in the conservative bastion of Indiana, officially launched his <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-bernie-sanders-announces-2020-presidential-bid-198358&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZvJDzptHhAhXlheYKHeEqDyUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw04piq_bjx7N7P_ZxrBFKPL">presidential bid </a>Sunday, joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for their party's nomination in 2020.

The 37-year-old Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan war veteran is the two-term mayor of his hometown of South Bend -- a left-leaning bubble in America's so-called "Rust Belt" region, where the decline of industries such as steel and automobile manufacturing has hurt local economies.

Voters in states such as Michigan and Wisconsin helped hand Republican US President Donald Trump his victory in the 2016 election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/far-out-from-2020-a-deep-democratic-bench-takes-shape-196543">Buttigieg</a>, who is credited with helping turn South Bend around, has couched himself as a can-do reformer who can speak to voters across the political spectrum. The message has helped catapult him from relative obscurity to becoming one of the leading Democrats in the crowded presidential race.&nbsp;

"My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me 'Mayor Pete.' I'm a proud son of South Bend, Indiana, and I am running for president of the United States!" he told a jubilant crowd of supporters at a former assembly plant turned high-tech hub in South Bend.

"That's why I am here, to tell a different story than 'Make America Great Again'" he added, referring to Trump's campaign slogan. "This time it's not just about winning an election. It's about winning an era."

The official launch -- in which Buttigieg touched upon a number of liberal talking points such as racial justice, voting rights and health care reform, as well as his faith and marriage to Chasten Buttigieg -- is expected to give his surprisingly strong campaign an additional boost.&nbsp;

Campaign staffers said they have been caught by surprise by the speed with which the mayor has generated nationwide political support, and are still staffing up the campaign. Buttigieg had no speechwriter to help him prepare his remarks.&nbsp;

'New generation'

So many people showed up for the launch event that a large crowd was left outside in the rain to watch on a large video screen. Buttigieg braved the elements and thanked the crowd moments before making his official announcement indoors.&nbsp;

"He represents a new generation of Democratic leadership. We love his vision," said Jenn Watts, 35, while her three-year-old daughter sat on her shoulders.&nbsp;

They were in the cavernous event space in the former plant of defunct automaker Studebaker waiting more than two hours to see Buttigieg speak.&nbsp;

"As a young mom with a young daughter, he represents what I want my daughter to see in leadership in this country," Watts added.&nbsp;

In the three months since he declared an exploratory committee to test a presidential run, Buttigieg has raised $7 million, more than most other candidates, and jumped to third place in the latest polls of voters in Iowa and New Hampshire -- the earliest states to vote in next year's primary elections.

The popular mayor who speaks eight languages and plays classical piano has been the focus of countless news stories and profiles.

The fascination has been in no small part due to his background: he would be the youngest, first openly gay, first millennial and first mayor to become president.&nbsp;

But Buttigieg must still overcome the perception that his youth and thin resume as mayor of a town of just 100,000 leaves him lacking the experience necessary for the presidency. &nbsp;

"I recognize the audacity of doing this as a Midwestern millennial mayor," Buttigieg said. "But the moment we live in compels us to act."

Drew Corbin, a 24-year-old college student clutching four campaign T-shirts he had purchased for friends and wearing a campaign cap, said he still had not fully committed to the candidate.&nbsp;

"There's a lot of candidates. I don't want to make up my mind so soon, almost a year before the primaries," Corbin said. "But he's definitely my favorite right now."

'Destined for national politics'&nbsp;

Buttigieg's launch at Studebaker called to mind the plant's closure in 1963 that was still reverberating in the city in 2011 when he was elected mayor.&nbsp;

He set out to tear down decaying, abandoned homes and restore the blighted Studebaker complex to make it suitable for new high-tech companies.

In an unlikely feat, the city has reversed decades of population decline and attracted new businesses and development, with the mayor's popularity growing in the process.

"His appeal, for many people in South Bend, is his ability to look forward and to focus on better days ahead," South Bend-based political science professor Elizabeth Bennion of Indiana University told AFP.

"Once people looked at his resume and heard him speak, many started talking about the fact that he was destined for national politics."

Pete Buttigieg, the gay, liberal mayor of a small American city in the conservative bastion of Indiana, officially launched his presidential bid Sunday, joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for their party's nomination in 2020.

Pete Buttigieg, the gay, liberal mayor of a small American city in the conservative bastion of Indiana, officially launched his presidential bid Sunday, joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for their party's nomination in 2020. The 37-year-old Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan war veteran is the two-term mayor of his hometown of South Bend -- a left-leaning bubble in America's so-called "Rust Belt" region, where the decline of industries such as steel and automobile manufacturing has hurt local economies. Voters in states such as Michigan and Wisconsin helped hand Republican US President Donald Trump his victory in the 2016 election. Buttigieg, who is credited with helping turn South Bend around, has couched himself as a can-do reformer who can speak to voters across the political spectrum. The message has helped catapult him from relative obscurity to becoming one of the leading Democrats in the crowded presidential race. "My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me 'Mayor Pete.' I'm a proud son of South Bend, Indiana, and I am running for president of the United States!" he told a jubilant crowd of supporters at a former assembly plant turned high-tech hub in South Bend. "That's why I am here, to tell a different story than 'Make America Great Again'" he added, referring to Trump's campaign slogan. "This time it's not just about winning an election. It's about winning an era." The official launch -- in which Buttigieg touched upon a number of liberal talking points such as racial justice, voting rights and health care reform, as well as his faith and marriage to Chasten Buttigieg -- is expected to give his surprisingly strong campaign an additional boost. Campaign staffers said they have been caught by surprise by the speed with which the mayor has generated nationwide political support, and are still staffing up the campaign. Buttigieg had no speechwriter to help him prepare his remarks. 'New generation' So many people showed up for the launch event that a large crowd was left outside in the rain to watch on a large video screen. Buttigieg braved the elements and thanked the crowd moments before making his official announcement indoors. "He represents a new generation of Democratic leadership. We love his vision," said Jenn Watts, 35, while her three-year-old daughter sat on her shoulders. They were in the cavernous event space in the former plant of defunct automaker Studebaker waiting more than two hours to see Buttigieg speak. "As a young mom with a young daughter, he represents what I want my daughter to see in leadership in this country," Watts added. In the three months since he declared an exploratory committee to test a presidential run, Buttigieg has raised $7 million, more than most other candidates, and jumped to third place in the latest polls of voters in Iowa and New Hampshire -- the earliest states to vote in next year's primary elections. The popular mayor who speaks eight languages and plays classical piano has been the focus of countless news stories and profiles. The fascination has been in no small part due to his background: he would be the youngest, first openly gay, first millennial and first mayor to become president. But Buttigieg must still overcome the perception that his youth and thin resume as mayor of a town of just 100,000 leaves him lacking the experience necessary for the presidency. "I recognize the audacity of doing this as a Midwestern millennial mayor," Buttigieg said. "But the moment we live in compels us to act." Drew Corbin, a 24-year-old college student clutching four campaign T-shirts he had purchased for friends and wearing a campaign cap, said he still had not fully committed to the candidate. "There's a lot of candidates. I don't want to make up my mind so soon, almost a year before the primaries," Corbin said. "But he's definitely my favorite right now." 'Destined for national politics' Buttigieg's launch at Studebaker called to mind the plant's closure in 1963 that was still reverberating in the city in 2011 when he was elected mayor. He set out to tear down decaying, abandoned homes and restore the blighted Studebaker complex to make it suitable for new high-tech companies. In an unlikely feat, the city has reversed decades of population decline and attracted new businesses and development, with the mayor's popularity growing in the process. "His appeal, for many people in South Bend, is his ability to look forward and to focus on better days ahead," South Bend-based political science professor Elizabeth Bennion of Indiana University told AFP. "Once people looked at his resume and heard him speak, many started talking about the fact that he was destined for national politics."

Gay mayor from 'Rust Belt' America launches presidential bid

Inside the Touchdown Tavern in the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin, voter Aric Nowicki worries over how the impending release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation could affect the 2020 election for president.

Nowicki is not concerned about potential harm to President Donald Trump if Mueller accuses the Republican's campaign of working with Russia to influence the 2016 election. Instead, the heating and air-conditioning business owner fears the report could prove a political landmine for overzealous Democrats trying to take down a president they despise.

“They absolutely run the risk of overhyping it and overblowing it," Nowicki, 41, who voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, said in Reedsburg, in southwest Wisconson. "If they take the report and spin it too far, they could end up helping Trump."

At first glance, the long-awaited Mueller report might seem a political gift for Democrats aiming to reclaim the White House next year.

If Mueller finds Trump played a role in a conspiracy with Moscow to boost his chances of winning the election or committed obstruction of justice to try to impede the probe - allegations Trump denies - the Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives could launch impeachment proceedings against the president.

But dealing with the probe's conclusions will be a delicate dance for Democrats, said a half-dozen Republican, Democratic and independent strategists and analysts.

The top US Democrat, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has tried to temper talk about impeaching Trump, noting the process is "divisive."

Mueller is widely expected to finish the investigation in the coming weeks. Strategists said candidates who focus too intently on the findings run the risk of appearing shrill and partisan. That could alienate general election voters in key battlegrounds including Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which went for Democratic former President Barack Obama in 2012 but for Trump in 2016.

Yet delivering a reaction that is too muted or measured might lose votes during the party’s nominating battle, where the Russia investigation and attacking Trump animate the base.

"There is a case to prosecute against Trump with regard to his record in office. That is where I would focus," said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist not affiliated with any presidential campaign.

Finney, who worked inside the Bill Clinton White House during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, said Democrats should bear in mind how Republicans overplayed their hand 20 years ago. Their impeachment of Clinton and focus on the scandal backfired with voters, allowing Clinton to regain the political momentum and costing Republicans congressional seats.

Strategists in both major parties said Democratic candidates should be wary about talk of impeaching Trump or putting too much emphasis on the report in general.

“We should not be gambling our future prospects of winning back the White House on what is in the Mueller report," said Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist who worked for Hillary Clinton and Obama’s presidential campaigns. “Voters want candidates to focus on issues important to them, such as healthcare and good-paying jobs.”

Strategists interviewed by Reuters said Trump likely would not suffer badly even if Mueller finds evidence damaging to him. His supporters, who are fiercely loyal, will probably see claims of wrongdoing as proof there is an FBI conspiracy against Trump, energizing them further.

According to a January Reuters/Ipsos poll, more than two-thirds of Republicans believe the FBI and Department of Justice “are working to delegitimize President Trump through politically motivated investigations."

'SO SICK OF IT'

The complexities and ramifications of the Russia investigation, while an obsession in Washington, barely registered for many voters who spoke to Reuters in the past week in snowy southwest Wisconsin.

The area known for its dairy farms, meat production and small breweries will be heavily targeted by presidential campaigns after Trump's narrow win in Wisconsin in 2016 helped deliver him the White House.

Obama easily won seven of the region's counties in 2012, but Trump won them all in 2016. Democrats hope to win them back in 2020.

Democratic presidential candidates so far have not focused on the investigation on the campaign trail.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren said in a statement last week that she would not pardon anyone prosecuted as part of Mueller's investigation should she be elected. Several other Democratic presidential candidates did not respond to email requests asking them about the report.

In interviews with two dozen people in the small towns and villages south and west of Wisconsin's state capital, Madison, the upcoming report was met with frustration and exasperation, illustrating the dangers Democrats face with swing voters if they go too far on the issue.

Thadd Ernstmeyer, 52, a plumber who voted twice for Obama and then for Trump, said people wanted the Democrats to stop badgering Trump and instead tackle issues such as medical bills and jobs.

"The whole thing’s ridiculous," Ernstmeyer said. Democrats "don’t like Trump and they are trying every angle to take him out.”

In a bar in Reedsburg, diehard Trump supporter Gary Steinke, 72, predicted Democrats would be relentless in making an issue of the report's findings. His partner, Susan Bottoms, 64, shared his concerns - even though she is a Democrat.

“Oh my God yes, of course, the Democrats will overreact and overhype this," she said. "People are so sick of it."

Bartender Mary Schlough, 53, a Democrat who does not like Trump, said she believed most Democrats also wanted the report done with.

“But we see it totally different than Republicans," she said. "If he’s guilty, we don’t want him in office.”

Inside the Touchdown Tavern in the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin, voter Aric Nowicki worries over how the impending release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation could affect the 2020 election for president.

Inside the Touchdown Tavern in the presidential battleground state of Wisconsin, voter Aric Nowicki worries over how the impending release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation could affect the 2020 election for president. Nowicki is not concerned about potential harm to President Donald Trump if Mueller accuses the Republican's campaign of working with Russia to influence the 2016 election. Instead, the heating and air-conditioning business owner fears the report could prove a political landmine for overzealous Democrats trying to take down a president they despise. “They absolutely run the risk of overhyping it and overblowing it," Nowicki, 41, who voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, said in Reedsburg, in southwest Wisconson. "If they take the report and spin it too far, they could end up helping Trump." At first glance, the long-awaited Mueller report might seem a political gift for Democrats aiming to reclaim the White House next year. If Mueller finds Trump played a role in a conspiracy with Moscow to boost his chances of winning the election or committed obstruction of justice to try to impede the probe - allegations Trump denies - the Democratic-led US House of Representatives could launch impeachment proceedings against the president. But dealing with the probe's conclusions will be a delicate dance for Democrats, said a half-dozen Republican, Democratic and independent strategists and analysts. The top US Democrat, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has tried to temper talk about impeaching Trump, noting the process is "divisive." Mueller is widely expected to finish the investigation in the coming weeks. Strategists said candidates who focus too intently on the findings run the risk of appearing shrill and partisan. That could alienate general election voters in key battlegrounds including Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which went for Democratic former President Barack Obama in 2012 but for Trump in 2016. Yet delivering a reaction that is too muted or measured might lose votes during the party’s nominating battle, where the Russia investigation and attacking Trump animate the base. "There is a case to prosecute against Trump with regard to his record in office. That is where I would focus," said Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist not affiliated with any presidential campaign. Finney, who worked inside the Bill Clinton White House during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, said Democrats should bear in mind how Republicans overplayed their hand 20 years ago. Their impeachment of Clinton and focus on the scandal backfired with voters, allowing Clinton to regain the political momentum and costing Republicans congressional seats. Strategists in both major parties said Democratic candidates should be wary about talk of impeaching Trump or putting too much emphasis on the report in general. “We should not be gambling our future prospects of winning back the White House on what is in the Mueller report," said Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist who worked for Hillary Clinton and Obama’s presidential campaigns. “Voters want candidates to focus on issues important to them, such as healthcare and good-paying jobs.” Strategists interviewed by Reuters said Trump likely would not suffer badly even if Mueller finds evidence damaging to him. His supporters, who are fiercely loyal, will probably see claims of wrongdoing as proof there is an FBI conspiracy against Trump, energizing them further. According to a January Reuters/Ipsos poll, more than two-thirds of Republicans believe the FBI and Department of Justice “are working to delegitimize President Trump through politically motivated investigations." 'SO SICK OF IT' The complexities and ramifications of the Russia investigation, while an obsession in Washington, barely registered for many voters who spoke to Reuters in the past week in snowy southwest Wisconsin. The area known for its dairy farms, meat production and small breweries will be heavily targeted by presidential campaigns after Trump's narrow win in Wisconsin in 2016 helped deliver him the White House. Obama easily won seven of the region's counties in 2012, but Trump won them all in 2016. Democrats hope to win them back in 2020. Democratic presidential candidates so far have not focused on the investigation on the campaign trail. US Senator Elizabeth Warren said in a statement last week that she would not pardon anyone prosecuted as part of Mueller's investigation should she be elected. Several other Democratic presidential candidates did not respond to email requests asking them about the report. In interviews with two dozen people in the small towns and villages south and west of Wisconsin's state capital, Madison, the upcoming report was met with frustration and exasperation, illustrating the dangers Democrats face with swing voters if they go too far on the issue. Thadd Ernstmeyer, 52, a plumber who voted twice for Obama and then for Trump, said people wanted the Democrats to stop badgering Trump and instead tackle issues such as medical bills and jobs. "The whole thing’s ridiculous," Ernstmeyer said. Democrats "don’t like Trump and they are trying every angle to take him out.” In a bar in Reedsburg, diehard Trump supporter Gary Steinke, 72, predicted Democrats would be relentless in making an issue of the report's findings. His partner, Susan Bottoms, 64, shared his concerns - even though she is a Democrat. “Oh my God yes, of course, the Democrats will overreact and overhype this," she said. "People are so sick of it." Bartender Mary Schlough, 53, a Democrat who does not like Trump, said she believed most Democrats also wanted the report done with. “But we see it totally different than Republicans," she said. "If he’s guilty, we don’t want him in office.”

In 2020 battleground state, looming Robert Mueller's report could hold dangers for Democrats

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records.&nbsp;

School districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin cancelled classes and government offices, universities and businesses shuttered, with the mercury expected to drop to a polar -40 Fahrenheit (-40 Celsius).&nbsp;

"Dangerously cold and potentially record-breaking temperatures and wind chills are expected by Tuesday and Wednesday," National Weather Service (NWS) said.&nbsp;

"The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values." &nbsp;

In Wisconsin, where nearly a foot (30 centimetres) of snow was measured in one location, Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, freeing up the Wisconsin National Guard for emergency work, if needed.

In North and South Dakota, peak wind gusts were measured at 60-70 miles (96-113 kilometres) per hour. &nbsp;

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at two airports in Chicago, a major regional hub and America's third largest city, in nearby Illinois.&nbsp;

On the heels of the storm, nearly a dozen states braced for a blast of arctic air known as a polar vortex, which was expected to lower temperatures well below normal and far below zero.&nbsp;

The frigid air mass had veered from its usual path and was forecast to fall into the Midwest beginning Tuesday. The chill was expected to bring temperatures to extreme lows by Wednesday and last through Thursday.

Temperatures were expected to plummet to between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in a vast area stretching some 1,200 miles from the Dakotas to parts of Ohio.&nbsp;

Wind chill would make temperatures feel more like -30 to -65 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS.

On Tuesday, the snowstorm was expected to move to the northeast, where it could dump another 8 to 12 inches of snow in some areas.&nbsp;

In Wisconsin's biggest city, Milwaukee, downtown streets were virtually deserted Monday and every major highway in the state covered in ice or snow, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.&nbsp;

In Minnesota, numerous cities declared snow emergencies, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.&nbsp;

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records.

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records. School districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin cancelled classes and government offices, universities and businesses shuttered, with the mercury expected to drop to a polar -40 Fahrenheit (-40 Celsius). "Dangerously cold and potentially record-breaking temperatures and wind chills are expected by Tuesday and Wednesday," National Weather Service (NWS) said. "The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values." In Wisconsin, where nearly a foot (30 centimetres) of snow was measured in one location, Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, freeing up the Wisconsin National Guard for emergency work, if needed. In North and South Dakota, peak wind gusts were measured at 60-70 miles (96-113 kilometres) per hour. More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at two airports in Chicago, a major regional hub and America's third largest city, in nearby Illinois. On the heels of the storm, nearly a dozen states braced for a blast of arctic air known as a polar vortex, which was expected to lower temperatures well below normal and far below zero. The frigid air mass had veered from its usual path and was forecast to fall into the Midwest beginning Tuesday. The chill was expected to bring temperatures to extreme lows by Wednesday and last through Thursday. Temperatures were expected to plummet to between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in a vast area stretching some 1,200 miles from the Dakotas to parts of Ohio. Wind chill would make temperatures feel more like -30 to -65 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS. On Tuesday, the snowstorm was expected to move to the northeast, where it could dump another 8 to 12 inches of snow in some areas. In Wisconsin's biggest city, Milwaukee, downtown streets were virtually deserted Monday and every major highway in the state covered in ice or snow, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In Minnesota, numerous cities declared snow emergencies, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

Snow wallops US Midwest as it braces for extreme cold

A Wisconsin school district yesterday launched an investigation into a photo making social media rounds that shows dozens of male high school students raising their right arms in an apparent Nazi salute.

The district in the midwestern US state condemned the photo, which was taken last spring before the annual prom dance and reportedly includes all the male students in Baraboo High School’s class of 2019.

“Early this morning, a photo that was taken last spring of some Baraboo School District students who appear to be making extremely inappropriate gestures began circulating on social media,” said a statement from Baraboo superintendent Lori Mueller.

“If the gesture is what it appears to be, the district will pursue any and all available and appropriate actions, including legal, to address the issue,” Mueller said, adding that the photo was not taken on school property or at a school-sponsored event.

One student in the photo also appeared to be making the “OK” hand gesture that has come to symbolise white power.

The Baraboo Police Department said it was assisting with the investigation.

Only one student in the photo did not make a sign, and said in a statement circulated widely on social media that he was “uncomfortable” with the photo, saying that at the time “I knew what my morals were and it was not to salute something I firmly didn’t believe in.”

“It needs to stop,” said the boy, identifying himself as Jordan Blue. “Bullying. Immaturity. and just taking things as a ‘joke’...”

Baraboo, a town of about 12,000 people, is located 68km northwest of Wisconsin’s capital city Madison.

“This is why every single day we work hard to educate,” tweeted the Auschwitz Memorial of the photo.

“We need to explain what is the danger of hateful ideology rising.”&nbsp;

A Wisconsin school district yesterday launched an investigation into a photo making social media rounds that shows dozens of male high school students raising their right arms in an apparent Nazi salute.

A Wisconsin school district yesterday launched an investigation into a photo making social media rounds that shows dozens of male high school students raising their right arms in an apparent Nazi salute. The district in the midwestern US state condemned the photo, which was taken last spring before the annual prom dance and reportedly includes all the male students in Baraboo High School’s class of 2019. “Early this morning, a photo that was taken last spring of some Baraboo School District students who appear to be making extremely inappropriate gestures began circulating on social media,” said a statement from Baraboo superintendent Lori Mueller. “If the gesture is what it appears to be, the district will pursue any and all available and appropriate actions, including legal, to address the issue,” Mueller said, adding that the photo was not taken on school property or at a school-sponsored event. One student in the photo also appeared to be making the “OK” hand gesture that has come to symbolise white power. The Baraboo Police Department said it was assisting with the investigation. Only one student in the photo did not make a sign, and said in a statement circulated widely on social media that he was “uncomfortable” with the photo, saying that at the time “I knew what my morals were and it was not to salute something I firmly didn’t believe in.” “It needs to stop,” said the boy, identifying himself as Jordan Blue. “Bullying. Immaturity. and just taking things as a ‘joke’...” Baraboo, a town of about 12,000 people, is located 68km northwest of Wisconsin’s capital city Madison. “This is why every single day we work hard to educate,” tweeted the Auschwitz Memorial of the photo. “We need to explain what is the danger of hateful ideology rising.”

Wisconsin school district decries photo of students giving Nazi salute

Three people were shot dead at a drag race track in Wisconsin on Sunday, authorities said, but it was unclear who was responsible and what the motive might have been.

The shooting took place at the Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wisconsin, Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth told reporters at the track in news footage carried on the FOX6 News website.

Several thousand people were at the track at the time, which was evacuated. About 100 police officers responded to the shootings, interviewing witnesses, combing for evidence and helping with the investigation.

No suspects were in custody, authorities said, and no motive had been determined.

&quot;We&#39;re not aware of any danger to the community,&quot; Beth said.

The victims, all men in their 20s or early 30s, were from Illinois. Their identities were not released.

The men were standing near a food vendor when a gunman approached and shot them at what appeared to have been a point-blank range, Beth told reporters.

Two friends who were with the victims &quot;had no idea what caused this,&quot; he said.

&quot;We&#39;re not aware of any altercations that might have happened earlier,&quot; Beth said. 
&nbsp;

The men were standing near a food vendor when a gunman approached and shot them at what appeared to have been a point-blank range

Three people were shot dead at a drag race track in Wisconsin on Sunday, authorities said, but it was unclear who was responsible and what the motive might have been. The shooting took place at the Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wisconsin, Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth told reporters at the track in news footage carried on the FOX6 News website. Several thousand people were at the track at the time, which was evacuated. About 100 police officers responded to the shootings, interviewing witnesses, combing for evidence and helping with the investigation. No suspects were in custody, authorities said, and no motive had been determined. "We're not aware of any danger to the community," Beth said. The victims, all men in their 20s or early 30s, were from Illinois. Their identities were not released. The men were standing near a food vendor when a gunman approached and shot them at what appeared to have been a point-blank range, Beth told reporters. Two friends who were with the victims "had no idea what caused this," he said. "We're not aware of any altercations that might have happened earlier," Beth said.

Three men killed in shooting at Wisconsin drag raceway - Sheriff

The world&#39;s largest contract electronics maker, Foxconn is looking at six US states including Wisconsin as locations for a display-making plant. Top Executives said that the company would make the decision next month.

 
&quot;It is one of the six we are considering,&quot; Tai Jeng-wu, CEO of Foxconn&#39;s Japanese unit Sharp Corp and group vice chairman, told reporters on the sidelines of Foxconn&#39;s annual shareholders&#39; meeting.

Formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Foxconn has previously valued the proposed US investment at more than $7 billion.

 
The Taiwan-based company has been eyeing US investments for some time. The Chairman and Chief Executive Terry Gou visited the White House for talks in April. &quot;In July we will make a conclusion,&quot; Gou told shareholders at the company&#39;s annual meeting.

 
Foxconn operates vast factories in China, where it employs a million people and manufactures most of Apple iPhones, but so far it has not invested heavily in manufacturing in the United States.

 
Gou said in January that while the United States had no panel-making industry, it was the second-largest market for televisions.&quot;This time we go to America, it&#39;s not just to build a factory, but to move our entire supply chain there,&quot; he told shareholders, without providing specific details. 
Gou showed shareholders a picture of the &quot;rust belt&quot; depicting the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Though he did not name any of those states as potential locations for the plant. &nbsp;&quot;In the US, the state governors&#39; sincerity and confidence to attract investment ... is beyond my imagination,&quot; he said.

Wisconsin is one of the six states that Foxconn is considering for its display making plants

The world's largest contract electronics maker, Foxconn is looking at six US states including Wisconsin as locations for a display-making plant. Top Executives said that the company would make the decision next month. "It is one of the six we are considering," Tai Jeng-wu, CEO of Foxconn's Japanese unit Sharp Corp and group vice chairman, told reporters on the sidelines of Foxconn's annual shareholders' meeting. Formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Foxconn has previously valued the proposed US investment at more than $7 billion. The Taiwan-based company has been eyeing US investments for some time. The Chairman and Chief Executive Terry Gou visited the White House for talks in April. "In July we will make a conclusion," Gou told shareholders at the company's annual meeting. Foxconn operates vast factories in China, where it employs a million people and manufactures most of Apple iPhones, but so far it has not invested heavily in manufacturing in the United States. Gou said in January that while the United States had no panel-making industry, it was the second-largest market for televisions."This time we go to America, it's not just to build a factory, but to move our entire supply chain there," he told shareholders, without providing specific details. Gou showed shareholders a picture of the "rust belt" depicting the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Though he did not name any of those states as potential locations for the plant. "In the US, the state governors' sincerity and confidence to attract investment ... is beyond my imagination," he said.

Wisconsin one of six U.S. states Foxconn, Sharp considering for plant

wisconsin

Wisconsin, News on Wisconsin, stories on Wisconsin, articles on Wisconsin, Wisconsin stories at Wion, Wisconsin news, Wisconsin latest news