Savanna, Illinois, USA (April 23, 2025) - Today, the largest biker bar in Illinois, Poopy’s Saloon and Gaming Parlor in Savanna announced the death of its co-owner, Shelly Leab. Shelly, 52, and Brian Witherspoon, 57, were found dead April 18, 20125 during a welfare check at a home in Clinton, Iowa.
An Iowa medical examiner has ruled Shelly’s death a homicide and Witherspoon’s death a suicide, according to KWQC.
A candlelight vigil was held Monday outside Life Connections Peer and Recovery Services, to remember Leab’s life and legacy.
Fort Worth, Texas, USA (April 19, 2025) - A serious motorcycle crash in far North Fort Worth has left 17 people injured, including four critically. About 15 motorcycles were involved in the crash, according to officials.
The crash happened when the lead vehicle's tire blew out, leading to a chain-reaction crash, Fort Worth police believe.
The Fort Worth Fire Department said the crash occurred near Interstate 35 West by the Chucky Cheese in the Presidio shopping center after 9:00 p.m..
The southbound toll road was shutdown following the crash.
Buffalo, New York, USA (April 11, 2025) - The Buffalo chapter vice president of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) was arrested Wednesday for sex crimes against children. John Todaro, 49, of Amherst, was allegedly found to be in possession of child pornography following an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. He was also disseminating child pornography, officials said.
Police said Todaro would have had opportunities to be around children in his role. The BACA website says at least two members must be present to meet with a child to protect against accusations of child abuse. Background checks are necessary to become members. Todaro was charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child.
The Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse said in a statement it is "deeply troubled" by the charges. "The reported actions represent a serious breach of the values and mission we uphold. Such behavior is unacceptable to our organization and stands in direct violation of our strict code of conduct." the chapter said in a statement. "Upon learning of the allegations, our leadership took immediate and decisive action to permanently remove the individual from our organization."
He was released on his own recognizance and is expected back in court in May.
ABOUT: Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA)
The organization says on its website that it's a nonprofit that "exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children."
If a child is "frightened by his or her environment," an agency or individual can refer them to BACA, which makes sure the case has been reported to appropriate authorities. The BACA chapter will ride to meet with the child and give them a biker vest and assigns them two primary contacts they can call for support. The contacts may ride by the child's home or have a presence in their neighborhood if they feel intimidated, attend court hearings and interviews or even physically intervene if further violence occurs, the site says.
"Prior to becoming the primary contacts for the child, the bikers are cleared for participation by passing an extensive background check, have ridden with the Chapter for at least a year, and have received special instructions from the Licensed Mental Health Professional," the site says.
Milwaukee, WI, USA (April 10, 2025) - Harley-Davidson Motor Company is exploring options for its financing arm including a sale, which could fetch at least US$1 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. The iconic motorcycle maker is working with an adviser to solicit interest in Harley-Davidson Financial Services, or HDFS, said the sources, who asked to not be identified because the information is not public. The business could appeal to potential buyers including regional banks, private equity firms and private credit players, the sources added.
Harley-Davidson has not made a final decision on pursuing a sale of the unit and could opt to keep it, the sources said. A representative for the Milwaukee-based company declined to comment. The potential sale comes as Harley-Davidson grapples with a lagging stock price, lackluster sales growth and stiff competition from rivals including Honda Motor and BMW. Harley-Davidson announced this week that chief executive officer Jochen Zeitz plans to step down, wrapping up a five-year tenure.
Harley-Davidson fell 9.3 per cent to close at US$21.49 in New York trading on Thursday (Apr 10), giving the company a market value of about US$2.7 billion. The stock has fallen 48 per cent in the past year. HDFS helps the company’s dealers finance their inventory and helps consumers finance the purchase of Harley-Davidson and LiveWire motorcycles. It also works with third parties to provide motorcycle insurance.
Milwaukee, WI, USA (April 8, 2025) - Harley-Davidson Motor Company announced on Tuesday, April 8, that the company’s Board of Directors is engaged in an ongoing CEO search process. The search process was initiated in Q4 2024 after CEO Jochen Zeitz expressed his interest in retiring. Zeitz had been a member of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors since 2007 and was named CEO in February 2020.
Zeitz will remain as CEO until the board appoints a successor. "The Board is grateful to Mr. Zeitz for his many significant contributions to the Company as CEO". These contributions include, but are not limited to, the creation and successful execution of the Hardwire, the Company's five-year strategic plan (2021-2025), reinvigorating the brand, and his leadership during one of the most challenging operating environments in the history of the Company."
Zeitz, 65, grew up in Germany and went to school in Germany, Italy, France, and the United States. He's a graduate of the European Business School in International Marketing and Finance. He's been riding motorcycles since he was a teenager.
Hollister, California, USA (January 9, 2025) - The Hollister City Council has unanimously approved the return of the Independence Bike Rally for 2025 during a special meeting on Tuesday night. Hollister’s annual downtown Independence Day motorcycle rally has drawn large crowds of bikers and spectators for the summer holiday since the city began officially sponsoring it in 1997. The rally dates back more than 70 years, starting out as an informal gathering that was more loosely organized by the Hollister biker community.
Formerly an annual occurrence, the last formal rally event took place in 2017. Since then, various factors including financial concerns and the Covid-19 pandemic have derailed plans to host an organized rally. Johnny's Bar and Grill owner Peter Lago spoke at the meeting speaking about how the rally would be beneficial to the city. "If you're wondering if it's just we, the people, or just business owners, it is in fact every single business in San Benito Street wants this rally back," Lago said.
Rally supporters touted the event’s proven financial boon to local businesses, and stressed the advantages of hosting such an ingrained tradition that draws visitors from far outside of Hollister. Mike Corbin, founder of the Corbin motorcycle saddles company which is based in Hollister, thanked the council for considering hosting a rally in 2025. “This is all done with a high cooperative spirit,” Corbin said of past motorcycle rallies in Hollister.
Corbin and other observers said the city shouldn’t expect large crowds for this year’s rally, largely because of the short notice in organizing and promoting the event before July 4. City Councilmember Rudy Picha voiced his support of the rally at the meeting with hopes that it can be done safely. "I'm very optimistic that it can and I can see this being a very powerful thing for our local businesses," Picha said. City Councilmember Rolan Resendiz also proposed a motion that to ask Amazon to sponsor the fireworks show due to the company having a warehouse in Hollister.
