Morning Headlines - Monday, Dec. 16, 2024

Start your day informed with today’s must-read headlines from around Wisconsin and the world. And don’t forget to check out our Meme of the Day and the end for a little humor to go with your news!

U.S. and World Headlines

More Than 120 House Democrats Send Letter To Biden Urging Him To Ratify Equal Rights Amendment

A coalition of more than 100 lawmakers wrote a letter on Sunday urging President Biden to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would outlaw gender discrimination in the Constitution.

“We must continue our efforts to fully affirm and recognize the equality of rights for all people, regardless of sex, as part of our Constitution, a vital effort that has never been more urgent,” Congress members penned.

“This action is essential as we prepare to transition to an administration that has been openly hostile to reproductive freedom, access to health care, and LGBTQIA+ rights.”

Why The U.S. Government Is Saying All Citizens Should Use End-To-End Encrypted Messaging

The federal government recently revealed a massive hacking campaign called Salt Typhoon that compromised the nation’s largest telecommunications companies including AT&T and Verizon, and which agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation say was orchestrated by China.

While the targets of cyberattack were mostly “high value” like government officials, the FBI, CISA, and the National Security Agency published a joint guide to help protect Americans following the hack.

One suggestion is to use end-to-end encryption, a method that makes communications more secure.

Thousands Feared Dead After Cyclone Chido Hits French Overseas Territory Mayotte

Rescue workers were rushing Monday to reach the remote French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean after the archipelago was devastated by Cyclone Chido, the worst storm to hit the region in nearly a century.

While the official death toll stood at 14, officials in Mayotte said they feared hundreds, if not thousands of people had been killed by the storm on the densely populated territory, which is home to around 300,000, according to The Associated Press.

Israel Plans To Double Population In Golan Heights Amid Intensive Airstrikes In Syria

A massive explosion rocked the Syrian port city of Tartus overnight, following a presumed Israeli airstrike, fueling fresh scrutiny over Israel's actions in Syria following the Assad regime's ouster.

Footage of the blast emerged as Israel announced plans to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, citing threats from Syria. The move earned international condemnation and came after Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, said he has no interest in engaging in new conflicts.

As Drone Sightings Spread Across East Coast, Federal Officials Still Don't Know Much

As the mystery grows around the drones flying over New Jersey, so do the calls from puzzled residents to authorities about the flying machines. Reports of drone sightings have spread from New Jersey to other states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Connecticut and Ohio.

Federal authorities on Sunday repeated assurances that the drones are not a security threat. But they still don't know where they came from or who is responsible.

Meanwhile, some state and federal officials called for Congress to pass expanded legislation that would give federal authorities greater resources to mitigate risks from drones.

Wisconsin Headlines

Enbridge's Line 6 Pipeline Spills About 70,000 Gallons Of Oil In Jefferson County

Roughly 70,000 gallons of oil from a pipeline spilled into the ground in Wisconsin, officials said.

The problem was discovered Nov. 11 in Jefferson County, 60 miles west of Milwaukee, by an Enbridge Energy technician.

Enbridge said the spill on the company’s Line 6 was caused by a faulty connection on a pump transfer pipe at the Enbridge Cambridge Station. It was an estimated 1,650 barrels, which is equivalent to about 70,000 gallons.

State Regulators Approve Largest Solar Project In Wisconsin History

State regulators this week paved the way for the largest solar energy project in Wisconsin’s history, expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 200,000 homes.

The Vista Sands Solar Project will be built on more than 6,000 acres in Portage County. It will generate more than 1,300 megawatts and feature 300 megawatts of battery storage. It’s more than four times the size of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm, currently the biggest solar project online in Wisconsin.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin unanimously approved construction of the roughly $2 billion project Thursday.

Wisconsin Man Sentenced To 14 Months For Passing Counterfeit $100 Bills

Alex J. Stubbs, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 14 months in federal prison for passing counterfeit U.S. currency. Stubbs pleaded guilty to this charge on September 19, 2024. He was also ordered to pay $3,400 in restitution.   

Between July and November 2023, Stubbs and codefendant Cornelius Stewart presented counterfeit $100 bills to more than three dozen merchants throughout Wisconsin. Stubbs and Stewart presented the phony bills when making small purchases, thereby receiving significant amounts of change in legitimate U.S. currency. Stewart manufactured the bills and gave them to Stubbs in exchange for legitimate currency.

Oak Creek Company To Pay Over $2.3 Million To Resolve Allegations It Submitted False Claims To Obtain A Paycheck Protection Program Loan

Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 3, 2024, Zund America, Inc., a corporation located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, agreed to pay $2,300,825 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was not eligible.

Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive loans guaranteed by the SBA and, if the business spent the loan proceeds on qualified expenses, SBA would repay the loan and any accrued interest on the borrower’s behalf.  In December 2020, Congress authorized certain borrowers who received an earlier PPP loan to obtain an additional “second-draw” loan. The second-draw loan program included additional eligibility requirements.  Under the second-draw loan rules, for a company to be deemed a small business eligible for a second loan, the company, together with any corporate affiliates, had to employee 300 or few individuals.

Jordan Love Throws For 2 TDs And Packers Beat Seahawks 30-13

Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes to Romeo Doubs and the Green Bay Packers ended Seattle's four-game winning streak with a 30-13 victory Sunday night over the Seahawks, who lost quarterback Geno Smith to a knee injury.

Josh Jacobs ran for 94 yards and a touchdown for the Packers (10-4), who have won eight of 10. Jacobs finished with 136 yards from scrimmage and Brandon McManus kicked three field goals.