Morning Headlines - Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 | Recent News

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

Social Security Beneficiaries At Risk Of Delays Amid GOP Funding Fight

Social Security beneficiaries could face longer wait times for service next year unless Congress agrees to the White House budget office’s request to increase funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA), the administration that runs the program is warning.

House Republicans balked at increasing funding for the Social Security Administration in the continuing resolution passed in September, which forced it to implement a hiring freeze last month.

What To Know After Syrian Rebels Force Bashar Al-Assad From Power In A Rekindled Civil War

Syria's long-running civil war came to a head Sunday when opposition forces entered the capital city of Damascus and the government of President Bashar al-Assad collapsed. Russian state media later reported that Assad and his family had fled to Moscow.

Crowds gathered in Damascus to celebrate the fall of Assad's government with chants, prayers and occasional gunfire, marking the end of a regime that, between the ousted president and his father, had ruled over Syria for half of a century.

Jay-Z Accused In A Civil Lawsuit Of Raping A 13-Year-Old Girl In 2000 Along With Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Jay-Z, the star rapper and entrepreneur whose real name is Shawn Carter, was accused in a lawsuit Sunday of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 allegedly along with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The anonymous accuser, identified only as “Jane Doe,” said the assault happened after she was driven to an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.

Biden Shrinks From View Ahead Of Trump’s Return To Washington

Joe Biden is president of the United States for 42 more days. But within the Democratic Party, on Capitol Hill — and even within his own administration — it feels like he left the Oval Office weeks ago.

Biden has effectively disappeared from the radar in the wake of Democrats’ bruising electoral loss. Since Nov. 5, he’s largely stuck to prepared remarks, avoided unscripted public appearances or press questions and opted to sit out the raging debate over Donald Trump’s victory, policy conversations in Congress and the Democratic Party’s future.

Mets Land Juan Soto On 15-Year, $765m Deal

Superstar outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources told ESPN on Sunday night, the largest deal in professional sports history.

The deal includes an opt-out after five years and no deferred money, sources said. If Soto chooses not to opt out, his deal will go up $4 million per year -- from $51 million to $55 million -- for the remainder of the contract, meaning the total value could exceed $800 million.

Wisconsin Public Defender Budget Request Includes Proposals To Cut Down Criminal Charges

Wisconsin’s public defender’s office is asking for changes that aim to reduce how often criminal charges are filed in Wisconsin.

The proposal submitted to Wisconsin’s Department of Administration is part of the agency’s budget request for the next two fiscal years.

Among other changes, the agency suggests amending state law to limit the definition of criminal disorderly conduct, and getting rid of state criminal charges for marijuana possession.

Steven Avery Case Returns To Court Monday

Convicted killer Steven Avery’s appeal returns to a courthouse Monday.

Steven Avery, along with his nephew, Brendan Dassey, are serving life sentences for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. Their case was documented in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer,” which received national attention.

Attorney Sues Chippewa County Over Unpaid Legal Fees For Embattled Sheriff

An attorney who represented Chippewa County’s sheriff during a recent sexual harassment investigation is suing the county for refusing to pay the sheriff’s legal fees.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, attorney Richard Hodsdon claimed Chippewa County had an obligation to provide Sheriff Travis Hakes with legal representation during a county-led investigation into a complaint filed by a sheriff’s department employee.

The lawsuit asks the court to order county leaders to pay $27,753 for the services Hodsdon provided plus interest and legal fees.

Bridge To Wonderland Parade Lights Up Downtown Chippewa Falls

It's Christmas time in Chippewa Falls, with the Bridge to Wonderland parade.

Bridge Street downtown Chippewa Falls was lined with hundreds to see the show Saturday night. This year's parade theme was Candyland, and there was plenty of candy. It also featured over 50 musical floats and other displays from local groups.

Wisconsin Man Sentenced To Prison For Smuggling Over 200 Machinegun Conversion Devices And Felon In Possession Of Firearm

Demario Robinson (age: 22) was sentenced to 88 months (7 years, 4 months) in prison for smuggling machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The court record reflects that between July 11, 2022, and June 5, 2023, Robinson bought and caused to be imported at least 202 MCDs, commonly referred to as “switches.” This quantity of MCDs, of which approximately 59 were recovered, represents one of the largest MCD distribution schemes uncovered in Wisconsin to date. MCDs convert ordinary pistols into fully automatic weapons, making the weapons more lethal, more difficult to control, and illegal. Robinson then sold these MCDs to others in the greater Milwaukee area.