Morning Headlines - Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023

U.S. and World Headlines

Winners And Losers Of The Second GOP Presidential Debate

Seven GOP presidential rivals tangled Wednesday night on a Simi Valley, Calif., stage, arguing over who is the best to take on President Biden next fall.

It was a rambunctious night filled with personal attacks by candidates battling for survival, culminating in a clash over curtains between Sen Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and his state’s former Gov. Nikki Haley.

None of the contenders are within spitting distance in polls to former President Trump, who for a second time didn’t bother showing up for the debate.

That added to the sense of desperation for some of the would-be contenders, who know the time for catching up to Trump is running out.

Here are the winners and losers.

Top House Republicans Outline Basis For Biden Impeachment Inquiry In Memo On Eve Of First Hearing

The Republican chairmen of the House Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees outlined their view of the factual and legal basis for an impeachment inquiry into President Biden in a 30-page memo, which was obtained by CBS News. It was sent to all committee members late Wednesday. The first hearing of the inquiry, by the House Oversight panel, is scheduled for Thursday morning.

According to the memo, the committees will look into whether Mr. Biden "abused his federal office to enrich his family and conceal his and/or his family's misconduct."

Biden Makes Defending Democracy A Touchstone In His Reelection Campaign — And A Rejoinder To Trump

On the anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, President Joe Biden stood in early 2022 at the literal epicenter of the insurrection and accused Donald Trump of continuing to hold a “dagger” at democracy's throat. Biden closed out the summer that year in the shadow of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, decrying Trumpism as a menace to democratic institutions.

And that November, as voters were casting ballots in the midterm elections, Biden again sounded a clarion call to protect democratic institutions, warning that their underpinnings remained under threat.

Landmark Cannabis Banking Bill Scores A Win

A landmark federal bill that would protect banks that work with cannabis companies appears headed to the Senate floor after passing out of committee on Wednesday.

Since marijuana is legal in some states, but illegal at the federal level, the industry has long struggled to gain access to financial services — instead many business owners are forced to deal with the inconveniences and dangers of transacting in all-cash.

There's fairly broad bipartisan agreement that state-sanctioned cannabis companies should have access to the banking system. 

With No Winner, Powerball Closes In On $1 Billion — Again

The Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $925 million Wednesday after no one matched all the numbers to claim the top prize, according to the game's website.

The numbers drawn Wednesday night were 1-7-46-47-63 with a Powerball of 7.

The jackpot had been $850 million going into Wednesday's drawing. Because no one won, it rolls over and increases for the next drawing Saturday.

Wisconsin Headlines

Senate Committee Hears From Evers’ Regents; Chair Hutton Noncommittal On Vote

Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, was noncommittal about a future vote on Board of Regents appointees following a confirmation hearing on 11 of Gov. Tony Evers’ nominees.

The Senate Universities and Revenue Committee chair after Tuesday’s hearing said he doesn’t know yet when the committee will hold an executive session on the appointments, some of whom were first appointed in 2019. Hutton said he is in conversations with leadership about an eventual floor vote.

While there were no contentious exchanges during the hearing, lawmakers did touch on key issues such as enrollment, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and free speech on campuses.

DWD Says It's Making Progress Updating Technology That Contributed To Unemployment Backlogs

Wisconsin is receiving over $11 million in federal funds to modernize technology used in the state's unemployment system, which struggled with long backlogs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state Department of Workforce Development announced the grant award Monday. The agency says the money will be used in ongoing efforts to create a more modern and adaptable computer system to handle the state's unemployment claims. Over time, department says the project will entirely replace the "existing, antiquated mainframe" with a flexible, cloud-based system.

In a statement, DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said the agency continues looking for ways to improve the speed and accuracy of unemployment payments, and to make the system easier to navigate.

Wisconsin Man Arrested On Felony And Misdemeanor Charges For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Wisconsin man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including destruction of property, for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He and others helped to disrupt a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to count the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election.

Charles R. Walters, 37, of Sparta, Wisconsin, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with one felony offense of destruction of government property. In addition to the felony, Walters is charged with several misdemeanors, including entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in the Capitol grounds or buildings, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

Walters was arrested today in Wisconsin and will make his initial appearance in the Western District of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lawmakers Fiercely Divided On Controversial Proposal To Ban Gender Transition Care For Kids

Some Republican lawmakers want Wisconsin to join the two dozen other states that have laws placing restrictions on gender transition care for minors.

Three legislators are looking for co-sponsors for their proposal, under which doctors and other health care professionals in Wisconsin could lose their license if they provide gender transition care to kids.

The proposed legislation calls for banning sterilization surgeries and mastectomies, as well as the prescription of puberty blockers and hormones for people younger than 18.

Blazers Deal Damian Lillard To Bucks In Blockbuster 3-Team Deal

The Portland Trail Blazers traded guard Damian Lillard to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns, the teams announced Wednesday.

Portland receives Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee's 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030, the teams said in their release.

The Suns receive Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson as part of the trade package.