U.S. and World Headlines
A U.S.-Iranian Miscalculation Could Lead To A Larger War, Officials Say
Neither Washington nor Tehran wants the conflict in the Gaza Strip to trigger a wider war in the region, officials in both capitals say.
But in the seven weeks since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Iranian-backed militias have launched more than 70 rocket and drone attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon, for its part, has responded with four rounds of airstrikes, killing as many as 15 people, U.S. officials say.
National security officials fear a miscalculation amid tit-for-tat attacks, combined with each side’s belief that the other does not want a larger fight, could trigger exactly that: a regional conflict, just two years after the United States ended 20 years of war in the Middle East and South Asia.
How Foreign Wars Are Distracting The US From Its Biggest Threat
U.S. defense officials often refer to China as America’s “pacing threat” — the foreign power most likely to challenge our military might. That message hasn’t changed as wars have broken out in Ukraine and the Middle East.
But new data shows the violence in Israel and Gaza is starting to pull public attention back to the Middle East, even amid a massive military buildup in the South China Sea and simmering tensions over Taiwan.
President Biden insists the U.S. can provide military support to both Ukraine and Israel, while remaining vigilant in the Indo-Pacific. But keeping the focus on China while embroiled in two foreign wars will test the president in a crucial election year.
DeSantis And Newsom Will Face Off In News Event
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis are meeting in a nationally televised event on Thursday night that will feature two young, high-profile leaders with presidential aspirations who may have to wait for future cycles to realize them.
Newsom, 56, has talked about eventually running for president but is backing President Joe Biden ‘s reelection in 2024. DeSantis, 45, entered the 2024 GOP presidential race six months ago as the perceived top challenger to Donald Trump, only to fail to dent the former president’s commanding early lead in the party’s primary.
DeSantis is betting big on Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses on Jan. 15 and could still turn things around. For now, though, he’s in a fight for second with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, with both well behind Trump.
Henry Kissinger, A Dominating And Polarizing Force In US Foreign Policy, Dies At 100
Henry Kissinger, a former US secretary of state and national security adviser who escaped Nazi Germany in his youth to become one of the most influential and controversial foreign policy figures in American history, has died. He was 100.
Kissinger died Wednesday at his home in Connecticut, according to a statement from his consulting firm, Kissinger Associates. The firm did not provide a cause of death.
Galaxy S24 Passes The FCC Test, Gets Ready For Launch In The US
Samsung seems almost ready for the announcement of its next flagship phones: Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. A few days ago, the devices passed some mandatory certification processes in India and Vietnam, and now, the upcoming phones have passed a certification process in the US a month before their launch.
The Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra have received the FCC certification after passing their tests for cellular connectivity and radiation levels. The global and USA-specific models of these upcoming smarpthones have received the certification from the FCC in the US, which means one of their biggest hurdles has been passed. These model numbers have received the certification:
Wisconsin Headlines
La Crosse Man Sentenced To 6 ½ Years For Possessing Methamphetamine For Distribution & Illegally Possessing A Firearm
Issac Santana, 26, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 ½ years in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Santana pleaded guilty to these charges on August 30, 2023. This period of incarceration will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On November 19, 2022, officers in La Crosse checked on a vehicle that had been parked and running for approximately three hours. Officers found Santana asleep in the driver’s seat. Officers searched Santana and his vehicle and found approximately 193 grams of methamphetamine and over 30 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution. They also found ammunition and over $1,500 in cash.
Santana was arrested and charged in La Crosse County Circuit Court for felony drug crimes, and was released on a signature bond on January 9, 2023. He failed to appear for a hearing in March, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
Madison Man Sentenced To 96 Months For Bank Robbery
Richard Chapman, 66, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 96 months in prison for bank robbery. Chapman pleaded guilty to this charge on June 26, 2023.
On February 3, 2023, Chapman robbed the Park Bank in downtown Madison by presenting the teller with a note saying “I have a gun. I am a robber. Give me one hundreds.” He held his hand inside a plastic bag which led the teller to believe that he had a gun. After being given money, the defendant fled the bank. Madison detectives were able to follow Chapman’s movements by watching city cameras and found clothing that he had discarded in a nearby parking garage. Further investigation led detectives to the defendant, who after initially lying about his name and trying to run, was taken into custody and said, “You got me.” Officers searched Chapman’s duffle bag and found clothing consistent with the robber’s as well as a robbery note.
Chapman has a criminal record that started in 1975 when he was 18 years old. He was convicted in federal court for bank robberies in 1996 and 2001. He was sentenced to 70 months in prison and 188 months in prison for those offenses.
Appleton International Airport Breaking Ground On Major Expansion
Wednesday at the Appleton International Airport, officials will break ground on a $66 million expansion project that will more than double the airport’s current size.
More gates, expand bathrooms, and even a beer-garden; big plans are in progress for the Appleton International Airport. Along with the expansion, travelers can also expect carriers to provide nonstop flights to 17 locations.
“I’m in airports all the time,” said Jeremy Braun, who lives in Appleton. “I will say the big airports make sure there’s a lot of amenities there, but what makes this so special is that I can leave my house in 10 minutes and be sitting right there. I don’t know where else you can do that.”
Spring Turkey Harvest Authorization Applications Due Dec. 10
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds wild turkey hunters that applications for the 2024 spring season are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2023.
Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations or purchase preference points toward future drawings through Go Wild or an authorized license agent.
Turkey harvest authorizations are issued through a preference-based drawing system. More information on the turkey preference drawing is available in the Turkey Frequently Asked Questions.
Wisconsin Running Back Braelon Allen Announces He Will Enter The NFL Draft
Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen says he is bypassing his senior season to enter the NFL draft.
Allen announced his plans Tuesday in a video he posted on social media.
“It’s always been my dream to play in the NFL,” Allen said. “And I believe I’m ready to chase that next step.”
