Morning Headlines - Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026 | Recent News

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

Strait Of Hormuz Could Be Closed For At Least Six Months

US officials reportedly said clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz could take at least six months as Iran warned the vital waterway was 'impossible' to reopen.

The fight over the narrow strait – through which one-fifth of the world's oil supply flows – has mired the US in a stalemate with little wiggle room to reach a deal.

President Trump set conditions to end the war that include Iran ending its nuclear program, turning over its highly-enriched uranium, and opening the strait.

Trump had threatened broader military action if Iran did not agree to his demands. However, he announced Tuesday that he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire.

HHS Rejects Publication Of Study Showing Covid-19 Vaccines Prevent Hospitalizations, ER Visits

Covid-19 vaccines roughly halved the chances that a US adult would need to visit the emergency room or be hospitalized with their infections last fall and winter, according to two sources familiar with the findings of a new study. But you won’t hear about it from the agency that led the research: the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The current head of the CDC blocked the publication of those findings in the CDC’s flagship journal, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, according to the sources.

Senate Republicans Adopt Budget Resolution In Late-Night Voting Marathon

Senate Republicans adopted a budget resolution during a late-night voting marathon that lasted until early Thursday morning, setting the stage for Congress to vote next month on a budget reconciliation package to fund immigration enforcement and reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The resolution passed by a vote of 50-48 shortly after 3:30 a.m. Thursday. GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Rand Paul (Ky.) joined all Democrats in voting against the measure.

Judge Blocks Virginia From Using New Congressional Maps, 1 Day After Redistricting Vote Passes

A state court judge on Wednesday blocked Virginia from moving forward with a redistricting effort that passed in a referendum a day earlier, a roadblock in Democrats' efforts to redraw the state's congressional maps and tilt as many as four House districts away from the GOP.

The order from Judge Jack Hurley of Tazewell County Circuit Court declares all votes for and against Tuesday's referendum "ineffective," and bars state officials from certifying the results or taking any actions to put the new maps passed by state lawmakers into effect.

MrBeast's Company Sued Over Alleged Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination

A federal lawsuit filed on Wednesday alleges that YouTube star MrBeast’s companies are a toxic workplace where sexual harassment was “condoned and/or perpetuated” by supervisors.

Lorrayne Mavromatis, a former employee who was the head of the company’s Instagram operations, is suing MrBeast’s production companies for wrongful termination, alleging she was demoted and then fired after she complained about the alleged sexual harassment and hostile work environment.

Ilhan Omar Endorses Francesca Hong

Wisconsin’s race for governor is getting some national attention.

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar on Tuesday endorsed Wisconsin Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong in the crowded Democratic race.

“Francesca Hong leads with moral clarity, compassion, and unmatched courage. Her commitment to building the policies working people need, and protecting our most vulnerable populations is essential in our current political climate. Voters are ready for a change, and Francesca meets this moment,” Omat wrote.

Wisconsin DNR May Cut Musky Stocking By 70 Percent, Close Fish Hatcheries Without Spending Authority

Wisconsin may be forced to close some fish hatcheries and stop some stocking of muskies, walleyes and pheasants if the state’s budget committee doesn’t grant the Department of Natural Resources new spending authority.

The looming reductions are the latest development in ongoing challenges the agency has faced with the state’s fish and wildlife account.

In recent years, the account has faced a $16 million shortfall as license fees for hunting and fishing have remained largely flat since 2005, even amid rising costs and declining license sales. Lawmakers in last year’s biennial state budget approved a $30 million transfer from the state’s forestry account to make up the deficit.

Eau Claire Man Sentenced To 10 Years For Receiving Child Pornography

Scott Graham, 41, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Graham pleaded guilty to this charge on January 14, 2026.

Graham and Natasha Rivas, 24, North Bergen, New Jersey, exchanged approximately 150 videos, 81 images, and 23 downloaded links containing child sexual abuse material of prepubescent or pubescent females. They repeatedly talked about sexually exploiting children. Rivas ultimately sent Graham sexually explicit images of children in her care.

Judge Peterson noted that while Rivas created the images, Graham encouraged her and directed her actions. So, while Graham did not participate in a hands-on offense, Judge Peterson found that Graham should still be held accountable for what happened to the children. Judge Peterson also noted that Graham had a long history and high-volume engagement with child pornography.

5th Woman In Wisconsin Named "Master Cheesemaker"

Here in Wisconsin, cheese isn't just a tradition, it's an art form. And a local woman is being recognized at the highest level for mastering that craft.

Erin Radtke is one of just five women in Wisconsin to receive the Master Cheesemaker recognition. “So I love cheese. Well, we're in Wisconsin so of course I love cheese,” says Radtke.

Packers To Announce NFL Draft Selection In Ireland

The Green Bay Packers are featuring Irish Packers fans during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

On Day 3 of the draft, one of the Packers’ selections will be announced from the Irish Institute of Music and Song near Dublin.

When ESPN plays its iconic “pick is in” chime, Irish singer-songwriter Gavin James and young Irish musicians will perform a harp rendition of “Go Pack Go” before James announces the selection.