A record 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs in September



The number of people who quit their jobs rose to a record high in September, the Department of Labor said Friday.

Some 4.4 million workers, or 3% of the total workforce, quit their jobs in September, the DOL said, marking the highest number since the government started tracking the data. Moreover, the number of job openings in September was 10.4 million -- tying August for the second-highest figure ever recorded and down only slightly from the record 10.9 million job openings seen in July.

The layoffs and discharge rate, meanwhile, was unchanged at 0.9% in September.

The fresh data reflect an ongoing trend among U.S. workers who are reevaluating their work situation and life following the shock of the pandemic.

Aaron Rodgers expected to play Sunday, head coach says

From TMJ4:

Photo by: Jeffrey Phelps/AP
FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2021, file photo, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Green Bay, Wis. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst says the team remains committed to Rodgers “for the foreseeable future” one year after trading up in the first round to draft the three-time MVP’s potential successor. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps, File)
Posted at 3:56 PM, Nov 12, 2021
 
and last updated 5:03 PM, Nov 12, 2021

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers expect quarterback Aaron Rodgers to play in Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The indication is that Rodgers will be available Sunday, as long as he is cleared and off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Friday during a media briefing that it is not the first time Rodgers played without practicing.

However, Jordan Love was told to be ready to play.

Love said Friday that the plan is for Rodgers to be back.

“Obviously, plan is for Aaron to be back on Saturday, so he’ll be going,” Love said.

LaFleur also David Bakhtiari is doubtful for Sunday. He sat out Friday, but the head coach says that is part of the process and not a setback.

You can watch the full media briefing below:

From: https://www.tmj4.com/sports/green-bay-packers/aaron-rodgers-expected-to-play-sunday-head-coach-says

Kyle Rittenhouse trial: Wisconsin National Guard to support Kenosha police

From Fox6Now:



Roughly 500 Wisconsin Army National Guard troops are reporting for state active duty to support Kenosha law enforcement in ensuring public safety in relation to the Kyle Rittenhouse trial and verdict.

Gov. Tony Evers authorized the move. He issued the following statement in a news release:

"We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe. The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing. I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully."

As Mike Johnson closed up his barbershop Friday, he said there has been one main topic of conversation in his chair.

"A lot of crazy stuff going on these next few days," said Johnson, owner of Fade City Barbershop. "This Rittenhouse is all over. It’s nationwide right now. It’s all over the world."

Johnson's barbershop is one of the few businesses still open in uptown Kenosha. Two blocks away along 22nd Avenue, boards still line the street – the block burned during August 2020 unrest.

"I stood out here for five nights, with my family," Johnson said.

Johnson told FOX6 News he is hopeful he won't need to protect his business next week; the jury in the trial is expected to start deliberating on Monday.

"I think they are probably a little more prepared for it this time. Before it just came out of nowhere – ‘boom’ – and things went left real quick. It went too far. This time I think they’re more prepared for it," said Johnson.

Johnson has no plans to board up his windows.

"I’m traumatized by it, yeah definitely, but I’m not as worried this time around," Johnson said.

Members of the Wisconsin National Guard will stage outside Kenosha in a standby status and will only respond if requested by local law enforcement agencies. They will support local law enforcement and first responders in Kenosha. 

Earlier this week, the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department said it is monitoring the case closely and working with other agencies.

The National Guard may not be used to impede the ability of people to peacefully protest or impede the ability of the media to report.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/kyle-rittenhouse-trial-wisconsin-national-guard-to-support-kenosha-police

Racine County OWI, Milwaukee woman arrested: sheriff

From Fox6Now:



A 34-year-old Milwaukee woman was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Racine County early Friday, Nov. 12.

According to the Racine County Sheriff's Office, it was reported around 3:30 a.m. that a vehicle was stopped in the middle of traffic on southbound Interstate 94 near 7 Mile Road. A citizen also reported that the vehicle had hit the cement median in Milwaukee County earlier.

Upon arrival, deputies shut down traffic. They approached the vehicle and found the driver – identified by the sheriff's office as Parios Cornett – slumped over behind the steering wheel. Cornett's foot was on the brake, but the vehicle was in gear and the engine was running, according to the sheriff's office.

Parios Cornett

Fearing Cornett had experienced a medical emergency, the sheriff's office said, deputies broke the window and unlocked the door – waking Cornett and moving the vehicle out of traffic as they walked her to the shoulder of the interstate.

While speaking to Cornett, the sheriff's office said deputies noted "numerous indicators" of impairment. They conducted a standardized field sobriety test, which she failed, and subsequently took her into custody. She was taken to the hospital for a legal blood draw, but Cornett refused and a warrant was obtained.

If convicted, it would be Cornett's second OWI offense. She was cited for stopping/standing on a highway.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/racine-county-owi-milwaukee-woman-arrested

Accumulating snowfall possible Sunday

From Fox6Now:

The first flakes of the season are possible throughout the day Friday, Nov. 12 but the first accumulating snowfall won't occur until the end of the weekend. 

On Sunday, Nov. 14 it's possible parts of southeast Wisconsin will see 1"+ on grassy surfaces. Road and ground temperatures are still too warm to allow snow to stick but on elevated locations, a dusting is more than possible. 

The highest totals are expected to the north and west, while most, if not all have a shot to nearly an inch if melting is slow enough. Check for the latest forecast details as we head into the weekend. 

Snowfall forecast through Sunday evening, Nov. 14

Atmospheric models continue to favor the timing of this second round of snow from early Sunday morning, Nov. 14 into the afternoon. Most of the accumulating snow will occur Sunday morning, Nov. 14 with reduced visibility possible as well. 

Main timing of accumulating snow mostly Sunday morning, Nov. 14


From: https://www.fox6now.com/weather/accumulating-snowfall-possible-sunday

Lawyer: rise in cell phone video a "game changer" in criminal, civil court cases

From TMJ4:

Photo by: TMJ4
Posted at 5:30 PM, Nov 11, 2021
 
and last updated 5:30 PM, Nov 11, 2021

MILWAUKEE — Over the last two weeks we've seen both the prosecution and the defense in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial use cell phone video as part of their evidence.

The use of cell phone video is becoming more and more common in these types of trials. Minneapolis based lawyer Jeffrey Storms said that's because it's unfiltered and it's in real time, which is most important.

Storms is a partner at Newmark Storms Dworak LLC and has previously represented the family of George Floyd.

"Since we have these citizen journalists almost everywhere we go, every time something of significance or substance happens, there's an increased likelihood that someone is there to record that event," Storms said.

There were many citizen journalists in Kenosha the night of August 25, 2020 when Rittenhouse shot three people, killing two of them. Several of the videos that were posted and shared online from that night are now being played for a jury inside the Kenosha Courthouse.

Storms said the ability to use cell phone video from citizen journalists can have a significant impact on what the jury ultimately decides.

"Seeing is believing," Storms said. "It's very hard for the average person to believe that certain individuals who hold certain positions in society would abuse that trust. And so the ability to see that evidence has given us results in either criminal or civil proceedings that we otherwise wouldn't have had."

Because cell phone video is so prevalent in everyday life, it will likely continue being a key component in trials. Storms called the use of cell phone video in court cases "on of the biggest game changers."

From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/kyle-rittenhouse-trial/lawyer-rise-in-cell-phone-video-a-game-changer-in-criminal-civil-court-cases

Kyle Rittenhouse trial: Defense rests, closing arguments on Monday

From Fox6Now:



The defense rested its case Thursday at the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, setting the stage for closing arguments Monday in the shootings that left Americans divided over whether he was a patriot taking a stand against lawlessness or a vigilante.

Rittenhouse's lawyers put on about 2 1/2 days of testimony to the prosecution's five, with the most riveting moment coming when the 18-year-old told the jury that he was defending himself from attack when he used his rifle to kill two men and wound a third on the streets of Kenosha in the summer of 2020.

Prosecutors have sought to portray Rittenhouse as the instigator of the bloodshed, which took place during a tumultuous night of protests against racial injustice.

He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge against him.

Kenosha County Judge Bruce Schroeder

Kenosha County Judge Bruce Schroeder

After closing arguments, names will be drawn from an old, brown lottery tumbler to decide which 12 jurors will deliberate and which ones will be dismissed as alternates. Eighteen people have been hearing the case. The panel appeared overwhelmingly white.

The protests in Kenosha were set off by the wounding of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by a white police officer. Rittenhouse, then 17, went to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, with a rifle and a medical kit in what the former police and fire youth cadet said was an effort to protect property after rioters set fires and ransacked businesses on previous nights.

Kyle Rittenhouse

Kyle Rittenhouse

Rittenhouse fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, in an initial confrontation and just moments later shot and killed Anthony Huber, 26, and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 27. Rittenhouse is white, as were those he shot.

The case has stirred fierce debate over vigilantism, self-defense, the Second Amendment right to bear arms, and the unrest that erupted around the U.S. over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and other police violence against Black people.

Rittenhouse is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, which is Wisconsin's murder count; attempted first-degree intentional homicide; first-degree reckless homicide; reckless endangering; and illegal possession of a weapon by a person under 18.

Prosecutors said they will ask Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder to allow the jury to consider possible lesser charges on some of the counts.

Read more: https://www.fox6now.com/news/kyle-rittenhouse-trial-defense-rests-closing-arguments-on-monday

Rittenhouse takes stand, defense says they will ask for mistrial

From TMJ4:



Posted at 9:08 AM, Nov 10, 2021
 
and last updated 10:45 PM, Nov 10, 2021

KENOSHA, Wis. — Defense attorneys at Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial say they will ask the judge to declare a mistrial after prosecutors posed what appeared to be improper questions of Rittenhouse on the stand.

Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder did not immediately rule, saying he would give the prosecution a chance to respond. At issue were questions prosecutors about Rittenhouse protecting property and about his silence after his arrest.

Emotions were running high in the courtroom on Wednesday as the defense called Rittenhouse to recount the day when he killed two people and injured another. Rittenhouse and his attorneys are claiming self-defense.

Read and see more: https://www.tmj4.com/news/kyle-rittenhouse-trial/watch-live-day-7-of-rittenhouse-trial

50 retaliatory shootings tied to one homicide, MPD says

From TMJ4:

“I can’t remember a time where this many shootings have been linked together in this short amount of time.”
Posted: 5:30 AM, Nov 10, 2021
 
Updated: 10:44 PM, Nov 10, 2021




MILWAUKEE — The death of a teen in 2019 set off a chain reaction of events that, Milwaukee Police say, sparking 50 retaliatory shootings.

“I’ve been on the job for 25 years,” Inspector Paul Formolo said. “I can’t remember a time where this many shootings have been linked together in this short amount of time.”

TMJ4 News is leaving out the names and other identifying factors of the victims involved as to not interfere with MPD’s investigation.

Among the 50 retaliatory shootings, there have been nine homicides, none of which have been solved, and 27 non-fatal shootings and 14 shots fired investigations. Formolo says their team has tied all of these acts of violence to two groups feuding. But he says, what makes it difficult, it’s just two groups. No affiliations to any sort of gang or clique.

Milwaukee Police Retaliatory Shootings graphic
The Milwaukee Police Department says the murder of two teens sparked 50 retaliatory shootings over the last year.

“Allegiances are constantly changing,” Formolo said. “Those traditional or legendary street gangs had a hierarchy. They control a territory. This is completely different. There is no hierarchy, there is no claiming of territory. Today they may be with group A, tomorrow with group B.”

“Our city is experiencing a great deal of violence and a great deal of hurt,” Arnitta Holliman, Director of the City of Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention said. “We are aware there are a number of shootings that have happened that have been retaliatory and our office and 414Life has been working to stop retaliatory violence.”

To better understand how something like this could have gotten this out of control, Holliman points to the core of why a person decides to retaliate after a traumatic experience.

“The reality is, if we don’t help heal the harm that has been caused to the person who has lost a loved one, maybe another teenage friend to gun violence, they’re more likely or more at risk of perpetuating that cycle,” Holliman said.

While grief is a natural human response to the loss of life, how it’s handled can greatly vary. That reaction is what Police and OVP say can be the motivator of getting payback.

“Misappropriated or misdirected grief,” Holliman said. “When someone loses a loved one, especially when they are young, it is unexpected and it is tragic. Grief can be extremely difficult or complicated, particularly if no one has ever been brought to justice. It can be complicated. It’s normal to want someone to blame and to hold responsible and, unfortunately, what we have seen, some of these acts are in retaliation to shooting or killing a loved one and then responding with the same kind of harm to other people.”

Read and see more: https://www.tmj4.com/news/i-team/50-retaliatory-shootings-tied-to-one-homicide-mpd-says

1st snow of season possible Friday morning

From Fox6Now:

Our first widespread snow of the season is looking more and more likely Friday morning, Nov. 12 as the back end of a slow rotating low brings down colder air to end the week. 

Snow chances begin early Friday morning, Nov. 12, and will continue throughout the day. Accumulation chances look low but trace amounts will be possible across southeast Wisconsin. The highest totals will likely be in the SW part of the state and in parts of Iowa. 

SkyVision Plus Friday morning, Nov 12 first snow of the season possible

Those that don't see snow Friday, Nov. 12 have another widespread chance come early Sunday morning, Nov. 14 as another system moves in from the northwest. 

Just like Friday's system, the highest odds of accumulations stay to our west but it is possible we see another dusting of snow by the end of the weekend. 

SkyVision Plus Sunday early morning, Nov. 14 another chance of snow

The snow totals to come from Friday's system, while still subject to change, as of Wednesday morning Nov. 10 a widespread chance of a trace to dusting is possible. Typically, our first trace of snow occurs by Oct. 22 so while a little late, it does look like our snowless streak comes to an end by Friday, Nov. 12, and for the whole state by Sunday, Nov. 14. 

Snowtotals have a chance to be a trace to dusting Friday morning, Nov. 12


From: https://www.fox6now.com/weather/first-snow-of-the-season-possible-friday-morning