Morning Headlines - Thursday, Apr. 2, 2026

Start your day informed with today’s must-read headlines from around Wisconsin and the world. And don’t forget to check out our Meme of the Day at the end for a little humor to go with your news!

U.S. and World Headlines

Five Takeaways From President Trump’s Address On Iran

President Trump delivered a primetime address about the war on Iran on Wednesday evening, more than a month after hostilities commenced.

Trump’s decision to launch the war, in conjunction with Israel, has come to look more and more risky.

The conflict has been unpopular since its inception. Soaring gas prices and turbulence on the financial markets have sharpened the cost for Americans.

In opinion polls, Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to, or close to, the lowest point of his second term.

The president and his allies insist he deserves credit for being willing to take action against Iran. They also emphasize the successes that have been notched by the U.S. military.

Here are the main takeaways from Trump’s speech.

Artemis Il Live Updates: Crew Testing Orion Systems, Preparing For Push Toward Moon

NASA's Artemis II mission lifted off on April 1 at 6:35 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The four-person crew will go on a 685,000-mile, 10-day journey around the moon, also known as a lunar fly-by.

FDA Approves Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 Pill, Opening The Next Phase Of The Weight Loss Drug Market

The FDA approved a GLP-1 pill from Eli Lilly called Foundayo.

Foundayo isn’t as effective as Lilly’s weekly shot Zepbound, but the once-daily pill could be attractive for people looking for convenience, and it can be scaled around the world, Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said.

Lilly is also awaiting data from a more potent weight loss shot called retatrutide.

2,500-Year-Old Golden Helmet Found Over A Year After It Was Stolen From Dutch Museum, Art Detective Says

A priceless gold 2,500-year-old helmet from Romania that was stolen last year in the Netherlands has been recovered, Dutch art detective Arthur Brand told AFP on Thursday.

"It's amazing. It's the best news we could have got," said Brand, confirming that the lost Helmet of Cotofenesti had been found.

Prosecutors are expected to make an official announcement later on Thursday.

Why Gas Prices Vary So Much Across The US

Gas is back above $4 a gallon nationally for the first time since 2022 amid the Iran war, but drivers in some states are paying far more than others.

The national average for a gallon of regular gas is now $4.06, up from $2.98 before the conflict.

In California, the average price is $5.89 per gallon, the highest in the country. Washington and Hawaii are also above $5, while Oregon and Nevada are close behind.

That variation isn’t random. Gas prices differ widely based on factors like state and local taxes, access to supply, local competition and operating costs.

Wisconsin Headlines

We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service Seeking Rate Hikes In 2027, 2028

Two of the state’s largest utility companies are applying for nearly $500 million in electric rate increases over the next two years.

We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, both owned by WEC Energy Group, filed requests Wednesday with the state Public Service Commission for rate hikes in 2027 and 2028.

The company says the rate increase will help cover the cost of bringing new solar, wind, battery storage and natural gas projects online, as well as fund investments in tree trimming, burying power lines and replacing aging equipment.

Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Marijuana Trafficking

In June 2025 the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a tip indicating that Angelo’s “X” account posted racist and violent threats to kill Jews and African Americans. Police obtained a search warrant for Angelo’s near eastside Madison apartment and found numerous marijuana compounds including approximately 19.5 pounds of marijuana, 423 grams of hashish, and 1,500 grams of hashish oil.

Police also found numerous firearms in the apartment and hundreds of ammunition boxes in Angelo’s rented storage unit. The investigation determined that Angelo operated a cannabis company and regularly sold marijuana in the community.

Wisconsin Senate Report: AG Kaul “Weaponizing” Office With Outside Influences

Republicans at the Wisconsin Capitol are calling for changes in the state’s Department of Justice after a blistering report into outside influences.

The Senate Special Committee on Oversight of the Department of Justice on Tuesday approved its final report on Attorney General Josh Kaul's office, and how he is using a special environmental prosecutor paid for with money from billionaire Michael Bloomberg.

"It is clear that Attorney General Kaul is weaponizing the power vested in him by the people of Wisconsin to further partisan interests with the help of out-of-state billionaires. The Senate is not done looking into this matter," Special Committee chair Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, said in the report.

What SCOTUS’ Conversion Therapy Ruling Means For Wisconsin

Days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled decisively that bans on conversion therapy — the process of counseling people away from certain sexual or gender experiences — violate the First Amendment, it’s unclear exactly how, or when, the ramifications will be felt in Wisconsin.

And it’s a particularly loaded question because Wisconsin had its own complex journey with a state ban on conversion therapy — one that culminated in a seismic state Supreme Court decision that fundamentally reshaped the separation of powers in Wisconsin.

DNR Announces 2025 Recipients Of Annual Hunter Education Awards

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Hunter Education Program today announced the recipients of the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Archery Instructor of the Year and Hunter Education Group of the Year honors.

Following statewide nominations to the DNR hunter education awards committee, the following individuals and group have been recognized for their expertise, skill and dedication to educating the next generation of Wisconsin hunters.