Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023

U.S. and World Headlines

Trump’s Day In Court Paints A Dark Preview Of The National Ordeal Ahead

The judge in Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial despairingly pressed the ex-president’s lawyer: “I beseech you to control him if you can.”

Judge Arthur Engoron’s plea reflected his frustration at an incorrigible witness who boasted Monday about his piles of cash, aimed scathing political attacks and spouted uniquely illogical logic.

But Engoron, who is presiding over the New York trial, also put his finger on a deeper question that will define a singular political figure’s place in history.

5 Candidates Qualify For Third GOP Presidential Primary Debate

Just five Republican presidential candidates will participate in Wednesday night’s primary debate in Miami — the smallest stage yet, the Republican National Committee announced Monday night.

The candidates in the third debate are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, businessperson Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

The Biggest Races To Watch On Election Day 2023

Happy Election Day, America. On Tuesday, voters in at least 37 states are heading to the polls to vote in the biggest election day until the hotly anticipated 2024 presidential election. But Tuesday is much more than just a dress rehearsal for next year's big kahuna.

Control of state government is up for grabs in states that are home to a total of over 25 million people, and voters will weigh in directly on hot-button issues like abortion access through numerous ballot measures. It would be impossible to run down every election on Tuesday's ballots, but here's the skinny on some of the most important races to watch.

How The U.S. Has Increased Its Military Presence In The Middle East Amid Israel-Hamas War

The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas. The deployment of Defense Department assets to the region is aimed at deterring the conflict from widening into a larger regional war, U.S. officials say.

Here's a look at some of the known groups and equipment that have been sent to the area.

Even Google Calendar Isn't Safe From Hackers Any More

Hackers have reportedly found a way to use the Google Calendar as command & control (C2) infrastructure which could create quite a few headaches in the cybersecurity community.

One of the bigger challenges for cybercriminals these days is how to get the malware on an infected endpoint to execute the commands they’d like done.

To do that, they need C2 infrastructure, usually compromised servers, but the problem is that it never takes long for security pros to discover the ruse and terminate the connection. But if the C2 infrastructure leveraged legitimate resources, such as Google Calendar for example, cybersecurity pros would have a much harder time detecting the attack and terminating the connection.

Wisconsin Headlines

Bill Would Create Reentry Center To Ease Transitions After Prison

Legislation advancing in Wisconsin would create a reentry center that aims to ease transitions for people getting out of prison.

State senators heard testimony this month on a bill that would direct Wisconsin's Department of Corrections to contract with a nonprofit or other organization to run the facility.

The center would include offices where people can meet with their parole and community supervision agents. Additionally, staff at the center would help people with tasks, including finding housing, creating and submitting resumes, signing up for health care, getting government documents like social security cards and setting up bank accounts.

Ben Shapiro Speaks At UW-Madison

Conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro gave a speech at UW-Madison Monday night.

Young Americans for Freedom invited Shapiro to speak on campus.

Shapiro titled his lecture "Stop Being Apologetic About the Superiority of Western Values." He spoke out against radical anti-western ideals and about the importance of free speech on campuses.

UW Unveils Plan To Recover $32 Million Cut By Republican Lawmakers

The Universities of Wisconsin unveiled a $32 million workforce development plan on Nov. 6 in an attempt to recover funds that were cut by the Republican-controlled Legislature earlier in 2023 in a fight over campus diversity programs.

The Legislature’s budget committee voted in June to eliminate 188 diversity, equity and inclusion positions within the university system and slash UW’s budget by $32 million, which is the amount Republicans estimated would be spent on so-called DEI programs over the next two years.

DNR Seeks Public Comment On Updated Water Condition List

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on revised water condition lists included in the draft 2024 Impaired Waters List.

Every two years, the Clean Water Act requires states to publish a list of all waters not meeting water quality standards and an overall report on surface water quality status of all waters in the state. The department is seeking comments and will hold an informational meeting on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.

More than 80% of Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers recently assessed are attaining water quality standards, continuing a trend of improved surface water quality across the state.

Milwaukee Brewers Manager Craig Counsell Hired By Chicago Cubs

Former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell has been hired by the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs confirmed the shakeup in a statement Monday afternoon.

"Going forward, our Major League team will be managed by Craig Counsell. We look forward to welcoming Craig at Wrigley Field early next week," the statement read.

Counsell replaces fired Cubs manager David Ross in what one Chicago outlet called a "stunning" move.

USA Today Sports reported Counsell will receive a $40 million contract, making him the highest-paid manager in baseball history.

Counsell has been the Brewer's manager since 2015 and has the most wins of any manager in the team's history. He grew up just miles away from American Family Field and before leading the team played with the Brewers for six seasons.