Morning Headlines - Thursday, Mar. 19, 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

Joe Kent Under FBI Investigation For Alleged Leaks

The FBI is investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent in connection with alleged leaks of classified information, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter tell CBS News. The probe began before Kent resigned this week over the Trump administration's handling of the war with Iran, the sources said. The FBI's Criminal Division is handling the probe, which has been underway for some time, one source said.

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady In 1st Move Since Iran War Spiked Oil Prices

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday at its first meeting since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran drove up gasoline prices and risked a wider bout of inflation. The central bank's move marked the second consecutive time it has opted to maintain interest rates at current levels since the outset of 2026. Before that, the Fed cut interest rates a quarter-point three straight times.

Gold And Silver Sell Off As Inflation Fears Grip Global Markets

Gold and silver joined a broad sell-off on Thursday, with the metals shedding around 3% and 5%, respectively, as fears about the Iran war and inflation gripped global markets. Mining stocks and ETFs linked to gold and silver also fell in pre-market trading.

The Teens Hooked On Sports Betting Apps

In a recent survey from Common Sense Media, a non-profit education and advocacy group, a third of boys in the U.S. between 11 and 17 reported gambling within the past year, including online sports betting, lottery tickets and poker games with friends. One survey in Massachusetts found that about 10% of kids who placed bets experienced “problematic gambling” that disrupted their personal lives, families or schooling.

WNBA Players Reach Deal, With Salaries Jumping To Nearly $300K

In a major victory for WNBA players, incoming rookies will receive substantially higher starting salaries than in prior seasons. Following extended negotiations, the new collective bargaining agreement will increase base salaries for entry-level players from $66,000 to $300,000 annually and raise the salary cap for other players.

Will A New Law Allowing Roadside Drug Tests Help Fight Impaired Driving In Wisconsin?

Wisconsin police will soon be allowed to conduct roadside saliva testing for marijuana and other illegal substances. Supporters say the new law will help strengthen cases against suspected drugged drivers who may be flying under the radar. A Wisconsin attorney and impaired driving defense expert argues it’s “merely symbolic.”

Lawmakers Pass Bill To Ban Soda And Candy Purchases On FoodShare

Wisconsin lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal to restrict food purchases for those on SNAP benefits. The state Senate has passed a bill requiring the Department of Health Services to seek necessary paperwork to prevent people from buying candy and soda with FoodShare. Several Democrats oppose the bill, arguing it imposes more restrictions on low-income individuals.

$1.05 Billion To Rebuild Blatnik Bridge Connecting Wisconsin And Minnesota

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced over $1.05 billion for the replacement of the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge on I-535, which connects Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. The project has received bipartisan support from both the Wisconsin and Minnesota congressional delegations.

Wisconsin Senate’s Informal ‘Rule Of 17’ Bypassed Dozens Of Times In Past 20 Years, Records Show

Dozens of bills have passed the state Senate since 2003 with fewer than 17 votes from the majority party, according to a spreadsheet Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu’s office shared with WisPolitics. The lone exception was the 2021-22 session, LeMahieu’s first leading the GOP caucus.

Uptick In Bird Flu Outbreaks Expected In Wisconsin And Nationwide

Veterinary experts are urging owners of commercial and backyard flocks to take steps to protect their birds as the nation sees an increase in bird flu outbreaks during spring migration. In the last month, Wisconsin has had the second-highest number of birds affected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza among flocks nationwide. Currently, more than 14.3 million birds have been infected in 84 flocks across the country.