INT’L: U.S threatened by Russia

The Russian president Vladimir Putin has warned the United States that if they walk out of a key arms treaty and start to build banned missiles, Russia will back out as well and build more missiles. President Donald Trump announced earlier this year that he was backing out of the arms treaty. The United States accuses Russia and China of violating the treaty. This would build more tension between these world superpowers. (BV)

NAT’L: A day of mourning for our former president

According to USA Today, in honor of former president George. H.W. Bush Wednesday is the National Day of Mourning. Bush passed away on Friday, Nov. 30 at age 94. The state send off took place at the Washington National Cathedral. At 10 a.m. ET, Bush’s coffin was removed from the U.S Capital and was taken over to the cathedral, where the service started at 11 a.m. The service ran for about an hour and a half. Thursday, Dec, 6 he will be taken to College Station, Texas, where he will be buried next to his wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Robin. (MR)

STATE: A new bill restricting the power of Wisconsin’s governor

Wednesday morning, Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled state legislature approved a new bill that would restrict the power of Democratic governor-elect Tony Evers and the attorney general. This new bill also limits early voting, giving state lawmakers more power over the state’s economic development agency. The bill was then sent to the outgoing Republican governor Scott Walker, who has already given his support. For the first time in eight years Wisconsin will be run by a divided government. (RP)

SPASH: A plunge for raising money

The Boston School Forest is holding their annual polar plunge in order to raise money for a new high ropes element. The plunge into the pond will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is online at the Boston School Forest homepage and now open for all students. Go with friends or on one’s own and jump into the freezing water of the pond. (WK)

LOCAL: Local crossing guard could win it big

The nonprofit organization Safe Kids Worldwide is holding an event to decide “America’s Favorite Crossing Guard.” Jefferson Elementary School crossing guard Agnes Kowalski is in the top five for this contest. Judges will decide who wins and the champions will be announced during winter this year. If Kowalski wins, $10,000 could be given to Jefferson Elementary school. According to the Stevens Point Journal, “first place will receive $10,000, second place will receive $7,500 and third place will receive $5,000.” (SL)