Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 | 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

After Months Of Infighting, House GOP Could Vote Today To Release The Epstein Files

Republicans in the House could be on track today to approve the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, a vote that follows President Trump's unexpected blessing for a measure that has driven rancor through the party and its base.

The bipartisan effort, which has been led by Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., was long fought by Trump and Republican leadership from reaching the House floor. As recently as last week, White House officials met with Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., about her support for releasing the files, but her position was unchanged after the meeting.

New Flu Strain: What You Need To Know About H3N2 Subclade K

Scientists fear a new strain of influenza, which has already caused waves of illness in Japan, Canada and the U.K., could lead to a severe flu season in the U.S.

The new variant is a strain of H3N2, a subtype of influenza A that has caused hospitalizations in other countries, straining health care systems.

The new variant has been labeled subclade K, a mutation of the H3N2 strain of influenza A.

Global Stocks Sell-Off As AI Valuation Concerns Persist Ahead Of Nvidia Earnings

Global equities stumbled Tuesday as concerns of inflated valuations and an uncertain macro environment grips investors ahead of Nvidia earnings this week.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 opened in negative territory on Tuesday with mining-linked stocks and banks leading Europe’s losses. The Stoxx Europe 600 Technology Index shed 1.4%, following in the footsteps of U.S. stocks as fears of an artificial intelligence-fueled bubble persist.

Seniors Hit With 10 Percent Medicare Part B Cost Increase In 2026

Medicare Part B premiums will rise by about 10 percent in 2026 according to a notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS released a notice laying out the monthly actuarial rates for Medicare Part B beneficiaries beginning in 2026. For seniors and disabled enrollees, the monthly actuarial rates will be $405.40 and $585.60.

“The 2026 premium is 9.7 percent or $17.90 higher than the 2025 standard premium rate of $185.00,” the notice stated, leaving a total of $202.90.

Social Security 'Full Retirement Age' Is Changing, Delaying Benefits For Gen X

Starting in 2026, Social Security's full retirement age is set to make its final scheduled increase, marking the last step-up in age enacted under a 1983 congressional reform designed to shore up the program's finances. Before that overhaul, people could claim their FRA benefits at 65, but the law gradually pushed that age higher, culminating in the change that takes effect in 2026.

Since 2021, the FRA has been rising by two months each year. It now stands at 66 years and 10 months for people born in 1959. Next year brings the final step in that schedule, when the FRA will reach 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later.

Evers: Tribal Control Of Online Sports Betting “Ultimate Goal”

Wisconsin’s governor is closing the door on online sports betting in the state that doesn’t include the state’s tribes.

Gov. Tony Evers said on UpFront Sunday that he hasn’t seen the specifics of a plan to allow companies like DraftKings offer sport bets in Wisconsin, but the governor said he wants to keep gambling with the tribes.

“I haven't seen it yet, but that has to be the ultimate goal. That the tribal nations of the state are the ones that deal with gambling,” the governor said.

There is disagreement at the Capitol, however. The current plan for sports gambling would have the tribes keep 60% revenue from online sports betting. Companies like DraftKings and others want a more generous split for themselves.

Wisconsin Awards $14M In EV Charging Grants To 26 Projects Across The State

After a legal fight with the Trump administration, Wisconsin is awarding $14 million in federally-funded grants to build electric vehicle fast-charging stations at 26 businesses across the state.

Gov. Tony Evers and the state Department of Transportation made the announcement on Monday. Last year, Wisconsin awarded $22.4 million for more than 50 EV charging projects.

Through two funding rounds, the state has awarded more than $36.4 million for a total of 78 projects. The Biden administration awarded Wisconsin more than $78 million through a program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

UW Launches New Research Center To Examine Aging And Age-Related Diseases

Aging is the biggest risk factor for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disease, according to UW Health.

A new research center at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health will focus on understanding how metabolic changes associated with aging influence health and cause disease.

Late Start To Wisconsin’s Gun-Deer Season Could Be Tough On Hunters

Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season will get a late start this year, which could mean fewer deer on the move for the hundreds of thousands of hunters set to take to the woods.

This year’s season will start on Saturday, Nov. 22 and run through Sunday, Nov. 30.

While the late start will work against hunters because of reduced deer movements, colder temperatures and the potential for snow may provide more favorable conditions for hunters. State Deer Program Specialist Jeff Pritzl said in a virtual media briefing that this year’s archery harvest is running ahead of the same time last year.

WisDOT: Work Together To Protect Those Who Protect Us

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is joining partners throughout the state and country this week to remind motorists that “safety starts with you – move over or slow down" for flashing lights on the side of the road to keep first responders safe. Nearly 50 counties and municipalities across Wisconsin are taking a stand to protect roadside workers in their communities by joining Gov. Evers in proclaiming Nov. 17-21 as Crash Responder Safety Week. For almost 10 years, Wisconsin has participated in this nationwide effort to raise awareness about the risks first responders face on duty.

“Every year, there are about 128,000 traffic crashes in Wisconsin and each crash impacts the safety of other travelers and our state’s emergency responders,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We must work together to protect those who protect us. Behind every safety vest and vehicle with emergency lights on is a person who chose to serve their community. When we drive with care – moving over, slowing down, staying off our phones – we return that service with respect. Let’s make sure every responder makes it home.”