Unemployment Rises in Wisconsin’s Largest Cities

Unemployment rates rose in all of Wisconsin’s largest cities in January.

Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday shows unemployment rates in every one of the state’s 32 largest cities increased from December. Racine had the highest rate at 7.2 percent, up from 6 percent in December.

Another Wisconsin Death Linked to Bloodstream Infection

Another death has been linked to an outbreak of a bloodstream infection in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says 16 people with suspected cases caused by Elizabethkingia bacteria have died since the outbreak began in November. That’s an increase of one since last week. The department said Wednesday the number of reported cases also has increased, from 48 to 54.

Texas Officer Who Killed Teen Arrested on Murder Charge

An off-duty suburban Dallas police officer who fatally shot a 16-year-old and wounded another juvenile was arrested today on charges of murder and aggravated assault, authorities said.

Farmers Branch officer Ken Johnson was taken into custody tonight by Addison police officers and was being booked into Dallas County Jail.

Age to buy tobacco products increases to 21 in Chicago

The age to legally purchase cigarettes and tobacco products in Chicago is now 21 instead of 18.

The Chicago City Council approved the age increase Wednesday along with other efforts to combat illegal tobacco sales. The new ordinance enacts higher taxes including 20 cents per cigar, $1.80 per ounce for smokeless and smoking tobacco and 60 cents per ounce for pipe tobacco.