Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Jun. 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

Divided Appeals Court Rules Trump Administration's Ban On Transgender Military Service Is Unconstitutional

A divided federal appeals court ruled Monday that the Trump administration's policy banning transgender individuals from serving in the military is likely unconstitutional.

A panel of three judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit split 2-1 in finding that the ban rolled out by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth last year was driven by animus toward transgender people.

More Than Half Of Americans Are Not Financially Literate, Survey Finds

Some 51 percent of U.S. adults failed to answer a series of basic personal finance questions correctly in a survey conducted by the financial services company TIAA.

The questions, which assess financial literacy based on eight factors, reveal that the average person’s understanding of financial concepts is up 1 percentage point since 2024 but remains the same as it was when the study started in 2017.

Super El Niño Is On Its Way: Scientists Warn There's Now An 80% Chance The Unusual Climate Pattern Will Arrive This Summer

Super El Niño is on its way, and is almost certain to arrive this summer.

That's according to scientists from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), who warn there's now an 80 per cent likelihood of an El Niño event during June–August 2026, and a 90 per cent chance this will continue until at least November.

Worryingly, the experts predict the rare climate event will bring extreme heat 'nearly everywhere' - including the UK and US.

Race For Ebola Vaccine Intensifies As Outbreak Spreads

Health officials are scrambling to fast-track a vaccine as the Democratic Republic of Congo battles a growing Ebola outbreak with at least 282 confirmed cases of the rare Bundibugyo strain and 42 deaths.

Suspected cases have already appeared in Italy and Brazil among travelers returning from Congo and Uganda, though those individuals tested negative. Former CDC Director Robert Redfield has said he would not be surprised to see cases reach the United States, particularly with the World Cup coming to North America.

Proposed 'Billionaire Tax' In California Spurs Controversy And Heavy Spending

California is considering a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of billionaires. SEIU-UHW, a healthcare workers union, recently submitted the signatures required to put the tax to a vote as a ballot measure in November. California Gov. Gavin Newsom opposes the tax.

In a May 5 debate, all the candidates running for California governor but one, Tom Steyer, voiced opposition. Steyer later told Wired that the tax “doesn’t go far enough,” though he also emphasized that he wants California to be “where the companies that are changing the world are begun and grow and stay.”

Wisconsin Headlines

Trump To Visit Chippewa County On Friday To Tout Support For Farmers

President Donald Trump will visit Chippewa County on Friday to tout his support for farmers, the White House told WisPolitics.

It will be the president’s first visit to Wisconsin of his second term.

Spokesperson Liz Huston said Trump will talk about efforts to lower costs, open new trade markets and reduce regulations. He’ll also promote the creation of Rural Opportunity Zones, which include tax incentives for those who invest in rural areas.

Wisconsin’s Crowded Governor’s Race Remains Crowded After Filing Deadline

Wisconsin candidates for governor are one step closer to getting on the ballot — and the crowded Democratic primary field remains robust.

Ahead of Monday’s 5 p.m. deadline, candidates from across the state submitted nomination papers to run for races that will appear on the primary ballot in August and the general election ballot in November.

In addition to governor, offices on the ballot include lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, the entire state Assembly, half of the state Senate and all eight U.S. House seats.

Universities Of Wisconsin Board Of Regents To Consider Tuition Increase

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents will consider a proposal this week to increase resident undergraduate tuition by 2 percent for the 2026-27 academic year.

The increase would remain below the current inflation rate and would help universities address rising operating costs while continuing to maintain affordability for Wisconsin students and families.

Wisconsin Sees Record-High Beef Prices Alongside High Demand

The price for a pound of beef in Wisconsin and nationwide has hit record highs. A Wisconsin professor and a longtime butcher shop owner say the cause dates back years.

The average price for a pound of beef reached $9.64 last month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Steak is up roughly 16 percent year-over-year and ground beef is up more than 14 percent from April 2025.

Take Action On Invasive Species This June

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to take action to avoid spreading invasive species in June, which is Invasive Species Action Month, and all year long.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and diseases that cause environmental or economic harm, or pose threats to human health. There are many species that are already widespread in the state, while others may pose a large risk if they are introduced and become established here.