Morning Headlines - Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 | Recent News

U.S. and World Headlines

Texas, Florida Social Media Laws To Come Under Microscope At Supreme Court

A new front in America’s culture wars will reach the Supreme Court on Monday as the justices hear two cases stemming from controversial laws in Texas and Florida regulating social media bans.

The laws aim to block social media companies from banning users based on their political views — even if users violate platform policies. If allowed to stand, they could weaken companies’ ability to enforce their own rules and transform free speech online.

AT&T To Reimburse Customers After Massive Network Outage

AT&T is reimbursing customers for the nearly 12-hour network outage on Thursday, the company announced in a news release.

The mobile network will issue a $5 credit to “potentially impacted” AT&T Wireless customers, which it says is the “average cost of a full day of service.”

A Shutdown Is Approaching. Biden And Johnson’s Lack Of Relationship Isn’t Helping

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Mike Johnson have virtually no relationship.

Their lack of a meaningful relationship — let alone any relationship at all — has contributed to political friction and standstills over the past few months. But it’s putting an additional strain on the nation’s government this week, as both Biden and Johnson barrel toward another government funding deadline on Friday and into a third year of war in Ukraine as the underfunded country fights off Russia.

Network Founded By Koch Brothers Says It Will Stop Spending On Nikki Haley's Presidential Campaign

Americans for Prosperity Action, a libertarian conservative political policy network founded by the billionaire Koch brothers, announced on Sunday that it will no longer spend on Nikki Haley's presidential campaign.

The cut comes after Haley lost the Republican primary in her home state of South Carolina on Saturday to former President Donald Trump by 20 points. "Nikki Haley has shown us again and again that we made the right decision in supporting her candidacy and she continues to have our strong endorsement," AFP CEO Emily Seidel wrote in an email to staff, first reported by Politico.

Everything You Need To Know About This Year's Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America in April, offering millions of sky-watchers a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken and a “ring of fire” become illuminated overhead.

The eclipse on April 8 promises to be a major event because its path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, the continental U.S. and a small part of eastern Canada. In the U.S., weather permitting, sky-watchers in 15 states will have the chance to see the moon almost completely cover the sun, casting its shadow over the fiery orb and creating the effect of a blazing ring in the sky.

Digital Ticketing System For School Events Scrutinized By Students

Students are protesting a ticketing policy that requires families to use a digital app to pay for school events in the Racine Unified School District.

The website and mobile app Ticket Spicket is used to buy tickets to school events including games, concerts and dances.

Some students, families and community members take issue with the new system, saying the inability to pay with cash creates a culture of inequity because some families may not have easy access to the app or digital payments and because the service is only available in English.

Wisconsin Assembly Approves Increases In Out-Of-State Outdoor License Fees To Help Close Deficit

The Wisconsin Assembly approved a bill Thursday that would raise a variety of hunting, fishing and trapping license fees for out-of-state residents to help shrink a deficit in the state’s fish and wildlife account.

The Assembly passed the legislation 97-0, sending it to the Senate.

The state Department of Natural Resources estimated the changes would generate about $780,000 more annually for the account, which funds a variety of projects ranging from fish stocking to wildlife surveys.

Ethics Commission Alleges Trump Joint Fundraising Committee, Brandtjen Involved In Campaign Finance Scheme To Benefit Vos Challenger

The state Ethics Commission alleges Donald Trump’s joint fundraising committee and GOP state Rep. Janel Brandtjen schemed to evade campaign finance limits as part of an effort that steered at least $40,000 to the 2022 primary challenge of Speaker Robin Vos, according to records obtained by WisPolitics.

The commission this week recommended local district attorneys investigate and charge both, as well as the campaign of Adam Steen, who lost to Vos by 260 votes. The commission also referred for prosecution eight individuals and the three county Republican parties alleged to be involved.

Jury Finds Minnesota Man Guilty Of 2005 Madison Bike Path Sexual Assault

Aidison Yang, 42 of Eagan, Minnesota, was found guilty by a jury of three counts of First Degree Sexual Assault by Use or Threat of Use of a Dangerous Weapon, in connection with a 2005 sexual assault on a Madison bike path. The trial was presided over by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ellen Berz.

“Justice is finally being served for the violent crimes the defendant committed in 2005,” said Attorney General Kaul. “I’m grateful to the many people who have worked together to hold the defendant accountable.”

It's Wisconsin Public Education Network's Public School Week

Monday is the start of Wisconsin Public Education Network's Public School Week!

Public School Week is an annual event for the Wisconsin Public Education Network. This year, the theme is "Public Schools Unite Us."

The week will be all about celebrating the things that make public schools so special. Schools will be sharing appreciation for educators and the benefits a great public school education can bring.