Morning Headlines - Thursday, Jan. 8, 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

Feds, Minneapolis Officials Dispute Details On Fatal ICE Shooting

A 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer as the largest ICE immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota history ramps up, Department of Homeland Security officials said.

However, the details of what led to the fatal shooting are being debated by federal and Minneapolis city officials.

Renee Nicole Good has been identified as the woman who was shot and killed. The ICE officer was transported to a hospital, has since been released from a hospital, and is with family.

House To Vote On Renewing ACA Subsidies As A Potential Deal Takes Shape In The Senate

Against the wishes of House Speaker Mike Johnson, the House of Representatives is set to vote Thursday on a measure that would renew enhanced health insurance subsidies that expired at the end of last year.

The three-year extension is expected to pass the House, but it may not go far in the Senate, where a similar measure failed in December. A bipartisan group of senators, however, say they are close to a deal on a compromise bill for the Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Student Loan Borrowers Face Major Changes To Repayment Options, Loan Limits This Year

Student loan borrowers are about to see some of the practical changes the Trump administration is making to the system that will affect their borrowing capabilities and monthly repayments after a year of heated policy discussions.

How much a student can borrow, what options will be available for repayment and who qualifies for certain plans are all going to change this upcoming summer.

Experts say the upcoming changes will simplify a complicated system but have the potential to harm millions of borrowers, including through ultimately higher payments.

Real Estate Agents Say The Housing Market Is Starting To Balance Out

Of real estate agents surveyed by CNBC in the fourth quarter, 37.5% said it was a balanced market, up from 30% as of the third quarter.

More agents reported having at least one seller cut their price in the fourth quarter. While prices are easing, they are still historically high.

When asked how affordability is impacting their buyers, agents said fewer buyers left the market in the fourth quarter than in the prior period, and fewer delayed purchases.

Exercise Treats Depression As Well As Therapy Or Meds, Review Finds

A dose of the gym might do wonders for both an ailing body and mind. A report out today finds that exercise can provide similar benefits for depression as other widely used treatments.

Scientists in the UK reviewed the medical literature on exercise and depression, examining dozens of clinical trials. They found convincing evidence that exercise can reduce depression symptoms, at least in the short term, as well as evidence that its effects match that of therapy or antidepressants. Though more research is needed to fully quantify these benefits, exercise should be considered part of the toolbox used to help treat depression, the researchers say.

Wisconsin Headlines

Evers Names Replacement After Dugan Resignation

Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday that the vacancy left by Judge Hannah Dugan has been filled. Milwaukee Assistant District Attorney Owen Piotrowski will assume the judgeship earlier than originally planned.

Evers had previously announced Piotrowski would be appointed to Branch 38 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court following the planned mid-March retirement of Judge Jeffrey A. Wagner. However, Piotrowski will now take the bench sooner.

Proposed Bill Aims To Limit Surprise Ambulance Costs For Wisconsinites

State lawmakers heard testimony Wednesday on a proposal that would change how emergency ambulance providers are paid.

The bill would also limit what patients in Wisconsin can be charged.

“It’s not like you can shop for an ambulance service that’s in network. You get the ambulance services that show up to your house,” says Nick Romenesko, the executive director of Gold Cross Ambulance.

Proposal Seeks To Bring Driverless Cars To Wisconsin Communities

Republican lawmakers are floating a new bill to pave the way for self-driving cars on Wisconsin roads.

The proposal is being circulated by state Sen. Rachel Cabral-Guevara, R-Fox Crossing, and Reps. Dave Maxey, R-New Berlin, and Nate Gustafson, R-Omro. The bill would create a safety board to oversee autonomous vehicles. Under the bill, anyone seeking to operate a driverless car in the state would have to obtain a permit from the board.

Pronouns Bill Sparks Debate At Senate Hearing

Opponents of a bill that would require parental consent for minors to change the name or pronouns they use at school said at a public hearing the legislation amounts to bullying of an already vulnerable population.

SB 120 co-author Sen. André Jacque, R-New Franken, told the Senate Education Committee yesterday the legislation would ensure parents are involved in decisions for their children and are kept in the loop.

DNR Seeking Public Input On Beaver Management

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks public input on the state's Beaver Management Plan. Comments can be submitted through various formats (an online comment tool, email or at any of the public listening sessions) through Jan. 31.

Wisconsin's current Beaver Management Plan, adopted in 2015, was designed to guide and inform statewide beaver management practices and priorities for a period of 10 years.