Morning Headlines - Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024

U.S. and World Headlines

Schools Stare Down Fiscal Cliff As Federal Pandemic Aid Runs Out

School districts across the country received the largest infusion of federal cash ever to pull themselves out of the throes of the pandemic. But now that money is set to expire and districts are slashing jobs, increasing class sizes and cutting programs to keep their schools afloat.

Congress designed the aid — roughly $190 billion altogether — as a one-time distribution of cash primarily to tackle pandemic crises like learning loss, chronic absenteeism and worsening mental health. That’s more than one fifth of total U.S. K-12 education spending in 2022. Now, the last $122 billion runs out at the end of September.

Ukraine Pushes For Long-range Strikes As Troops Advance In Russia

The Ukrainian advance into Russia’s Kursk region has put renewed pressure on the U.S. to lift a policy that restricts Kyiv from using American-made weapons to strike deep into Russian territory.

The restriction, if lifted, could help Ukraine advance further into Kursk and hold the territory that troops have gained by using long-range artillery like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to hit airfields and logistical hubs.

Judge Strikes Down Biden Administration Ban On Worker ‘Noncompete’ Agreements

A federal judge in Texas on Tuesday barred a U.S. Federal Trade Commission rule from taking effect that would ban agreements commonly signed by workers not to join their employers’ rivals or launch competing businesses.

U.S. District Judge Ada Brown in Dallas said the FTC, which enforces federal antitrust laws, does not have the authority to ban practices it deems unfair methods of competition by adopting broad rules.

Manhunt For Escaped Murder Suspect Culminates In Chicago SWAT Restaurant Standoff

After nearly two and a half months of searching, law enforcement officials zeroed in on fugitive Joshua Zimmerman, who has been on the run since escaping from the DeSoto County Circuit Court Building in Mississippi on June 14.

The United States Marshals Service located Zimmerman at a restaurant in Chicago on Tuesday, authorities said, where he barricaded himself inside. The standoff was ongoing as of late Tuesday night, with the restaurant surrounded by the Chicago SWAT team.

America's Food Aid Gap, Mapped

Nearly three-quarters of older Americans eligible for a key federal food assistance program are not taking part, a new report finds.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, can help low-income Americans afford today's sky-high grocery bills — but those qualifying need to apply.

Wisconsin Headlines

Harris Rallies Thousands In Milwaukee As The Obamas Speak At The DNC In Chicago

Kamala Harris rallied thousands of voters in one packed arena in Milwaukee on Aug. 20 as former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama called on the nation to embrace Harris in urgent messages to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that were at times both hopeful and foreboding.

“America, hope is making a comeback,” the former first lady declared. She then tore into Republican Donald Trump, a sharp shift from the 2016 convention speech in which she told her party, “When they go low, we go high.”

Gov. Tony Evers Touts Harris' Chances To Win In Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers is in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention.

On Tuesday during an interview with CNN he said he believes Vice President Kamala Harris has a better chance of winning Wisconsin than President Joe Biden did.

"I think she's engaged young people and I anticipate that campuses across the state will be, once they're back in session, will be active politically," said Evers. "I do think Joe Biden could have won Wisconsin. It would have been a small amount than he did before. I think Kamala Harris by much more than he would."

Vance Focuses On Crime At A Campaign Rally In Kenosha

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance took the stage outside the county courthouse in Kenosha on Aug. 20 at a campaign rally focusing on crime and featuring other Republican lawmakers and candidates.

Kenosha was the site of several days of protests against police brutality that turned violent in 2020. Illinois teen Kyle Rittenhouse shot three protesters during one of the demonstrations, killing two of them. A jury later acquitted Rittenhouse of homicide and endangerment charges after he argued he fired in self-defense. The GOP held him as a symbol of gun rights.

Democrats Ask Wisconsin Supreme Court To Boot Green Party From Ballot

Democrats are asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to step in to prevent a Green Party candidate from appearing on Wisconsin ballots.

Monday’s legal filing is the Democrats’ latest move in a battle over ballot access in a state known for its razor-thin election margins.

The Democratic National Committee filed what’s known as a petition for original action this week, arguing that the state’s high court should take up the issue.

Officer Involved Shooting In Wisconsin Rapids

At approximately 12:32 a.m., Wisconsin Rapids police officers responded to a report of domestic violence at residence on the 900 block of 14th Street South in the City of Wisconsin Rapids. The subject fled the scene in their vehicle. Soon after, a Portage County Sheriff’s deputy located the subject’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The subject fled and a pursuit ensued heading westbound on State Highway 54. During the pursuit, the subject fired a handgun multiple times at law enforcement. The subject’s vehicle became disabled near 8th street and East Grand Avenue. The subject fired additional shots at law enforcement, striking law enforcement vehicles and fled on foot.

Shortly thereafter, the subject was located by a drone on the roof of a residence near 9th and Grape Street in Wisconsin Rapids. The subject fired additional shots at a drone and law enforcement, who returned fire and struck the subject.