Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Apr. 12, 2022

U.S. and World Headlines

GOP Readies Strategy In Case Roe V. Wade Is Overturned

Republicans are plotting out their messaging strategy in case the Supreme Court overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade decision authorizing abortion rights.

The GOP strategy is to lead with science-based arguments and portray those in favor of abortion rights as extremists.

Plea Deal Rejected By 3 Ex-Officers In George Floyd’s Death

Prosecutors revealed Monday evening that they offered plea deals to three former Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting the murder of George Floyd, but said at a hearing that the defendants had rejected them.

What Do We Know About “Stealth Omicron" So Far?

It's an extra-contagious version of the omicron variant, but it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease.

Since it was first identified in November, BA.2 has been spreading around the globe, driving new surges in parts of Asia and Europe. It's now the dominant coronavirus version in the U.S. and more than five dozen other countries.

Most Americans Say COVID Is No Longer A Crisis

Less than one in 10 Americans now describe COVID-19 as a crisis — with about three in four calling it a manageable problem and one in six saying it's no problem at all — according to the latest installment of the Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index.

How Will Russia Attack In East Ukraine?

Analysts believe Ukraine's best units are in the east, and that they are dug into trench systems and other fortified positions.

So far, Ukrainian troops have strongly resisted the Russian advance, but they could be heavily outnumbered by Russian forces who are inching forwards in some areas.

Wisconsin Headlines

Name Change Allowed $500 Bail For Man Later Shot Firefighter Dead

District Attorney Eric Toney -- who is running for Wisconsin Attorney General -- criticized Milwaukee DA in parade case is now facing his own public critique in "low bail" scrutiny.

New Republican Initiative Seeks To Make Inroads With Latino Voters In Wisconsin

Republicans are looking to attract Latino voters with a new initiative in key swing states ahead of this November's elections, including Wisconsin. Operación ¡Vamos! is a seven-figure investment by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

"Republicans have made inroads with Hispanic Wisconsinites by connecting with them over the issues that matter — the economy, education, and safer communities," said Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Paul Farrow in a statement.

Madison Felon Sentenced To 12 Months For Illegally Possessing Ammunition

Timme Baker, 42, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 12 months and one day in federal prison for possessing ammunition as felon. This prison term will be followed by 2 years of supervised release.

On March 15, 2021, Baker went to an indoor shooting range in Deerfield, Wisconsin where he rented a shooting lane. Baker presented his real identification to the shooting range employee and signed a waiver indicating that he agreed to follow any state and federal laws while at the range. Video footage from the shooting range showed Baker handling ammunition, loading a firearm, and firing several rounds.

Rep. Tiffany Seeks To Protect Mink Farms From Washington Overreach

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) led 10 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman and Subcommittee on Waters, Oceans, and Wildlife Ranking Member Cliff Bentz urging them to oppose any effort to attach extraneous language prohibiting the purchase, sale, or transport of farmed mink to China-related legislation.

DNR Announces 2022 Keep Wildlife Wild Poster Contest Winners

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is excited to announce the winners of the Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest. This year’s theme is “If You Care, Leave Them There.”

Submitted by fourth through sixth graders around the state, each poster helps spread the word about our shared role in keeping all wildlife healthy and, most importantly, wild.

“The Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest is a fun way for kids to help spread the important message to keep wildlife wild,” said Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist. “We’re thankful to the educators who incorporate environmental education into their classrooms and to all the students who help spread the word on what to do if you find a baby animal in the wild.”