Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024

U.S. and World Headlines

Country Music Singer Toby Keith Passed Away Aged 62

Country music legend Toby Keith has died at the age of 62.

'Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,' a message posted on his social media platforms read.

The singer is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, and their three children, daughters Shelley Covel Rowland, fellow singer Krystal Keith and son, Stelen. He also had four grandchildren. During his illustrious career, Keith sold over 40 million records.

Haley’s Long-Shot Bid Fuels Questions About Her Endgame

The former South Carolina governor has shown no signs of wanting to drop out, even as it seems increasingly likely Trump will win the nomination. She has recently launched a massive media blitz, even appearing on “Saturday Night Live.”

Nonetheless, many observers don’t expect her to win, leading to speculation about her actual motivation for staying in the race. Some suggest she could be setting herself up in case Trump can’t run, while others believe this is really about positioning herself for a potential White House run in 2028.

Bipartisan Border Deal On Brink Of Defeat Ahead Of Key Senate Vote

A major bipartisan border deal and foreign aid package appears on track to fail in the Senate later this week one day after its release amid relentless attacks from former President Donald Trump and top House Republicans.

Republicans opposed to the deal, including Trump, have attacked it as too weak even though it would mark a tough change to immigration law and would give the president far-reaching powers to restrict illegal migrant crossings at the southern border. The grim odds facing the bill have also put aid to Ukraine and Israel, two key US allies, in jeopardy and it is unclear if Congress would be able to pass the foreign aid separately. Speaker Mike Johnson has already said the border deal would be dead on arrival in the House.

Iran Goes Public With Stark Warning Over Suspected Spy Ship As U.S. Refuses To Rule Out More Strikes

After a weekend of U.S. strikes against its proxies in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Iran has issued a strongly worded warning not to target a ship that U.S. officials and analysts suspect of providing real-time intelligence for attacks on other vessels in the Red Sea and serving as a forward operating base for its commandos.

In a slickly produced video published on the Iranian Army’s Telegram channel Sunday, a narrator says in English that “those engaging in terrorist activities against the MV Behshad or similar vessels, jeopardize international maritime routes, security and assume global responsibility for potential future international risks.”

The 2024 Super Bowl Is Expected To Obliterate Betting Records

Nearly 68 million American adults — about 1 in 4 — plan to bet on this year's Super Bowl, setting a record by a wide margin, according to the gambling industry's national trade association.

Figures include bets placed with legal outlets, as well as with illegal bookies and online operations in other countries.

The volume of betting participation is projected to be 35% higher than last year, when the previous record was set.

Bettors plan to wager an estimated $23.1 billion on this year's Super Bowl, up from $16 billion last year, the group predicted.

Wisconsin Headlines

Low-Income Wisconsinites Could Soon See Higher Internet Bills As Federal Subsidy Ends

Thousands of low-income Wisconsinites could soon see a bump in their internet bills as a federal subsidy is set to expire.

Congress allocated $14 billion nationwide for what’s known as the Affordable Connectivity Program as part of the 2021 infrastructure law.

The program allows low-income households to knock as much as $30 off their internet bills every month. For households on tribal lands, that discount can be up to $75. The program also allows eligible households to get a one-time discount to help with buying a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.

Elkhorn Police Have Person Of Interest In Custody In Double Homicide

Elkhorn police announced Monday evening they have a person of interest in custody in last week’s double homicide, confirmed to our news partner WISN 12 News.

Police said a lead developed over the weekend, and the person was taken into custody on an unrelated matter as officials continue their investigation. They did not release any other information.

Police said someone shot and killed Gina and Emerson Weingart Thursday, Feb. 1, inside Sports Page Barr near Wisconsin and Geneva streets in downtown Elkhorn. Right now, the shooter remains at large.

Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Extending DNA Prosecution From One Year To Three Years

Wisconsin lawmakers proposed extending prosecution in sexual assault and serious crime cases involving DNA. Currently, prosecutors have one year to bring the potential offender to court, but the new bill suggests three years.

Bill co-author Sen. Melissa Agard (D-Madison) says, although the state is backlogged with sexual assault kits, this bill would seek to help find justice for victims whose cases went cold, but a DNA hit was later found outside of the one-year limitation.

A Redo Election In Vilas County Signals Growing Ballot Scrutiny In US

For 32 years, Lorine Walters ran elections in what is known as “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness.” It was pretty routine until the spring of 2023, when an election rarity occurred — in a race in which she was a candidate.

“You can’t make this stuff up,” she said.

Walters, then the town clerk in Presque Isle in Vilas County, had challenged incumbent John MacLean for town chair. She won by one vote, 242 to 241. A recount confirmed the result. But MacLean sued Walters and other election officials. A judge, finding mistakes were made, ordered a new election.

Gov. Evers Discusses Layoffs, Health Care Access In Western Wisconsin Ahead Of Regional Closures

Gov. Tony Evers says Hospital Sisters Health System and Prevea Health should have told state officials and their employees that closures were coming well before the announcement was made two weeks ago.

Notices filed with the state Department of Workforce Development on Jan. 22 said layoffs are expected to begin on March 22 at HSHS Sacred Heart hospital in Eau Claire, HSHS St. Joseph’s hospital in Chippewa Falls and the associated Prevea Health facilities. Nearly 1,400 employees across 21 locations are expected to lose their jobs.