Morning Headlines - Thursday, Jul. 2, 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

Judges Strike Down Trump Administration Student Loan Forgiveness Overhaul

Two federal judges on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from implementing new restrictions on a student loan forgiveness program that would have barred public service workers from receiving debt relief if their employers are deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose."

The rulings, issued by Biden-appointed judges in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., came just one day before the new eligibility rules were set to take effect.

Google Loses Fight Over Record $4.7 Billion EU Antitrust Fine

Europe’s top court has upheld Google’s fine of around 4.1 billion euros ($4.67 billion) over alleged anti-competitive practices.

In 2018, the European Commission slapped Google with the record-breaking penalty on the grounds that it abused Android’s mobile dominance.

Google has been appealing the ruling through the EU court system. But the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Europe’s top court, dismissed Google’s appeal.

The United States At 250: How The Country Has Changed In The Past 50 Years

In July, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. The country’s last major milestone was 50 years ago, at its bicentennial on July 4, 1976.

U.S. society has changed profoundly since then. Over the past five decades, the U.S. population has aged significantly, with the percentage of people 65 and older nearly doubling. The country has also become more racially and ethnically diverse, as growing shares of people identify as Asian or Hispanic. And following more than 70 million immigrant arrivals, the percentage of foreign-born people in the population has more than tripled.

U.S. Men Beat Bosnia And Herzegovina In Round Of 32 For Second-Ever World Cup Knockout Round Win

The United States is through to the round of 16 after taking down Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, in just the second-ever win in the World Cup knockout round for the men's team — but a controversial red card will leave the national team without one of its key players for the next match.

What To Know About The Social Security Fix Proposed By Sens. Elizabeth Warren And Bernie Moreno

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., called for lifting a cap on the amount of annual income subject to the payroll tax that funds Social Security. Currently, the cap stands at $184,500.

In other words, the plan would require individuals making more than $184,500 per year to pay taxes on the entirety of their income, potentially generating trillions in additional funds for the program over the next 10 years.

MacIver's PPL Investigation Prompts Legislative Audit Committee Letter To DHS

MacIver‘s ongoing investigation of, and research into, the state's selection of PPL as the sole provider for the state's Medicaid IRIS program has prompted the legislative audit committee to send the following letter to the department of health in Wisconsin.

You can read Part I, Part II, and Part III of our ongoing series on PPL and the IRIS contract now.

MacIver will be sure to keep breaking news on this story as it develops.

Evers Administration Hails Roadmap To Reducing Emissions; Some Question Costs

The Evers administration released what it called a roadmap to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while driving economic growth, protecting natural resources and improving the health of state residents.

Produced by the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy, the report released yesterday was billed as the “first statewide framework to address all major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin.”

The report, which touched on everything from the ag industry to building codes and energy generation, didn’t include a price tag for the proposals.

Dem Socialist Hong’s Appearance On Left-wing Livestreams Draws Cash, Condemnations

When state Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, took part in two livestreams on Monday, it was a sign of the times. Leading Twitch and YouTube streamers have greater reach than many traditional media platforms, and appearances with these new-media influencers are an avenue to broader recognition.

The appearances got eyeballs on Hong, and raised money for her gubernatorial campaign, where she’s a leading Democratic contender. But they also drew criticism for associating with streamers who have made comments some have found to be antisemitic and anti-American in the past.

NRB Approves 2026 Deer Season Quotas And Framework

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that on June 24, 2026, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) approved the deer harvest quotas and framework for the 2026 Wisconsin deer hunting season.

Beginning Aug. 17, 272,720 total bonus antlerless harvest authorizations will be available for purchase across the state. These authorizations are in addition to the free antlerless harvest authorizations issued in farmland zones, which are not reflected in this total.

New Analysis Says Wisconsin’s Hottest Month Is Growing Hotter For Some Cities

As heat blazes across Wisconsin, a new analysis finds that the state’s hottest month has been growing even hotter due to climate change.

Since 1970, July has warmed by an average of 2.6 degrees Fahrenheit in 94 percent of 243 cities analyzed nationwide, according to the nonprofit group Climate Central. Zack Labe, a climate scientist with the group, said climate change also pushed the mercury higher in Wisconsin cities.