Morning Headlines - Tuesday, May 21, 2024

U.S. and World Headlines

Bump Stock Ruling Could Trigger Booming Rapid-Fire Marketplace

If the Supreme Court rules that bump stocks aren’t machine guns later this summer, it could quickly open an unfettered marketplace of newer, more powerful rapid-fire devices.

The Trump administration, in a rare break from gun rights groups, quickly banned bump stocks after the 2017 mass shooting at a Las Vegas concert that was the deadliest in U.S. history. In the ensuing years, gun rights groups challenged the underlying rationale that bump stocks are effectively machine guns — culminating in a legal fight now before the Supreme Court.

What Is BORG Drinking, And Why Is It A Dangerous Trend?

If you’ve been to a party lately and haven’t seen someone drinking a BORG, you’re likely not partying with college students.

And if you have no idea what that sentence even means, you’re probably not a member of Generation Z.

The acronym BORG stands for “blackout rage gallon,” according to the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC. The term refers to a concoction often prepared in a gallon-size plastic jug that typically contains vodka or other distilled alcohol, water, a flavor enhancer and an electrolyte powder or drink. BORGs are often drunk at outside day parties, otherwise known as darties.

Cyberattacks On Water Systems Are Increasing, EPA Warns, Urging Utilities To Take Immediate Action

Cyberattacks against water utilities across the country are becoming more frequent and more severe, the Environmental Protection Agency warned Monday as it issued an enforcement alert urging water systems to take immediate actions to protect the nation's drinking water.

About 70% of utilities inspected by federal officials over the last year violated standards meant to prevent breaches or other intrusions, the agency said. Officials urged even small water systems to improve protections against hacks. Recent cyberattacks by groups affiliated with Russia and Iran have targeted smaller communities.

Senators Call On Justice Department And FTC To Investigate Formula 1 For Rejecting Andretti Global

A bipartisan group of influential senators is calling on the Biden administration to investigate Formula 1 over its decision to reject Andretti Global from racing on the grid in the coming years, suggesting the sport may be violating American antitrust law as it grows its U.S. fan base.

They made the request in a letter sent Tuesday and viewed by NBC News, which was led by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., the chair of the Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust, and joined by the panel’s ranking member, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.

Newest Version Of ChatGPT Could Accelerate Chatbot Care

The latest iteration of OpenAI's ChatGPT, with its sharper real-time voice interactions, may mark a turning point in how people rely on chatbots for health care.

Doctors say the new model's humanlike qualities could make patients more comfortable querying the generative AI chatbot for health care advice.

Wisconsin Headlines

Petryk To Retire From Assembly

GOP state Rep. Warren Petryk, who won a seat in the state Assembly during the 2010 Republican wave, announced today he won’t seek reelection this fall.

“To have been able to actively participate as an elected policymaker in the Great Experiment that is the Republic of the United States has been the most humbling experience of my lifetime and one which I never have and never will take for granted,” Petryk said.

Whooping Cough Impacting Wisconsin Communities

Cases of whooping cough are on the rise in Wisconsin, especially in the northeastern region.

Since the start of April, Brown County Public Health Department has investigated more than 65 cases and confirmed 11 cases of the bacterial disease. The City of DePere’s Health Department has investigated 20 additional cases this year and confirmed two people with pertussis.

It’s a major increase from last year, when Brown County only had one case of the disease.

St. Croix Falls 1985 Cold Case Trial Underway

In 1985, Yvonne Menke gave her boyfriend Jack Owen an ultimatum: Cut off ties with Mary Jo Bailey, his on-again/off-again alternate love interest — whom he also helped train horses — or Menke would leave him.

That's the scenario Polk County, Wisconsin's District Attorney Jeff Kemp laid out for the jury prior to Menke being murdered.

Know What To Do If You Encounter Baby Wild Animals This Holiday Weekend

As you head out to find your adventure this holiday weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds you to help keep wildlife wild by staying a safe distance from young wild animals. It’s essential to observe wild animals at a respectful distance to keep them wild.

“During the summer, we receive many inquiries from concerned residents about the wildlife they are encountering while camping, hiking or even in their backyard,” said Jenna Fastner, DNR captive wildlife health specialist. “While touching a young wild animal does not cause the mom to reject it, human scent can give away its location to a predator and risk the animal’s health. In addition, contact with a wild animal can also put your health at risk. Always contact the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice before intervening.”

The Annual Click It Or Ticket Campaign Is Back, Reminding Drivers To Buckle Up

Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State Patrol, are stepping up patrols for the annual Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement campaign.

The campaign coincides with the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which is the first long holiday weekend of summer. The roads are especially busy during this season, so officers will be out encouraging motorists to wear their seatbelts. The national Click It or Ticket campaign runs from May 20 to June 2, 2024.