Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Sept. 2, 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

Here Is Where Key States Stand On Redistricting

A handful of states have placed themselves front and center in a national redistricting battle after Texas took an unusual step to do mid-decade redistricting and advance a friendlier map for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The Lone Star State’s map, which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed into law on Friday, has prompted red and blue states alike to consider redrawing their own maps. California is the only state so far to tee up a potential new House map ahead of next year in response, where voters will weigh in November whether to pass new congressional lines.

The redistricting tit-for-tat will have major implications for which party controls the House – and whether President Trump could see a check on his power in Congress.

Here’s where key states stand on redistricting:

Maduro Says Venezuela Ready To Respond To US Military Presence In Caribbean

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday said his country was at “maximum preparedness” and ready to respond if attacked by forces that the United States government has deployed to the Caribbean.

His comments during a news conference come as the U.S. government this week is set to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. The U.S. has not signaled any planned land incursion by the thousands of personnel being deployed. Still, Maduro’s government has responded by deploying troops along its coast and border with neighboring Colombia, as well as by urging Venezuelans to enlist in a civilian militia.

Congress Returns From Recess As Government Shutdown Deadline Looms, Epstein Files Dominate The House

As lawmakers finally return to the Capitol after a six-week break, perhaps the most critical legislative item looming is the deadline to fund the government -- and Republicans are set to face questions about what's next for Congress on the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Here's a look at the key obstacles and priorities when both chambers return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

Congress Cut $1.1 Billion In Funding For PBS And NPR. Here's How Struggling Stations Are Coping

Coping with a sudden loss in federal funding, PBS affiliate KSPS in Spokane, Washington, faced a surprise extra hurdle. Many of its contributing members — at one point almost half — lived in Canada, and they were withdrawing support out of anger at President Trump's desire to make the country the 51st state in the U.S.

When Congress decided this summer to eliminate $1.1 billion allocated to public broadcasting, it left some 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations, each with unique issues related to their communities and history, to figure out what that means.

Many launched emergency fund drives and are heartened by the response. The national NPR and PBS networks are reducing expected dues payments, and a philanthropic effort focused on the hardest-hit stations is taking shape. No stations have shut down, but job and programming cuts are already beginning.

Kraft Heinz To Split Into Two Companies In Growth Push

Kraft Heinz said on Tuesday it would split into two publicly-listed companies, one focusing on the sauces business and the other on groceries, as the U.S. packaged goods maker aims to revive growth after years of muted sales.

The one, called the “Global Taste Elevation Co,” houses brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia and Kraft Mac & Cheese, while the other, called “North American Grocery Co,” consists of Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables labels.

Lawsuit From Ho-Chunk Nation Accuses Online Platform Of Illegal Sports Betting In Wisconsin

A Native tribe in Wisconsin says an online platform is running an illegal sports-betting enterprise.

The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court last month, accusing a company called Kalshi of breaking state, federal and tribal laws that regulate gambling.

In Wisconsin, sports betting is mostly illegal, except at tribal casinos. Those tribes operate under agreements with the state.

Dem Hopefuls Talk To ‘UpFront” At Pfaff’s Western Wisconsin Fundraiser

Several Dem hopefuls lined up at state Sen. Brad Pfaff’s annual corn roast, looking to win over western Wisconsin voters ahead of the critical races for governor and U.S. House.

“I don’t think I’m surprising anyone by saying it’s Democrats where we’ve been hemorrhaging and losing votes in rural areas,” Pfaff told WISN’s “UpFront,” which is produced in conjunction with WisPolitics. “And I am proud to be a rural Democrat. These are my roots, and I’m going to continue to try to do what I can to make sure that we, as a party, can continue to reach people in hard-to-reach areas.”

Pfaff himself is considering a bid for lieutenant governor and said he will likely make his decision before Halloween.

34 Wisconsin FFA Members Are Honored At The National Level For Their Proficiency Projects

Wisconsin FFA members advancing to the national stage in the Agricultural Proficiency contest were recognized for their hard work and skill development in their projects on the national level.

Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.

Nationally, students can compete for awards in nearly 50 areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members who are exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.

Ascension Wisconsin Could Be Dropped By Unitedhealthcare If New Contract Isn’t Reached By October

Ascension Wisconsin and UnitedHealthcare have been locked in a months-long dispute over reimbursement rates. And if the two sides don’t reach an agreement by October, Ascension could be dropped by UnitedHealthcare.

A spokesperson for Ascension said UnitedHealthcare has not offered rates that cover the rising costs facing the health care system, from inflation to higher prices for medication, equipment and supplies.

But UnitedHealthcare says Ascension is asking for large price hikes that could increase health care costs by nearly $55 million for consumers and employers in Wisconsin. The insurer argues these demands would make Ascension one of the most expensive health systems in the region, especially for Medicare and Medicaid Advantage plans, and would push up premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Green Bay Packers Fans Keep Labor Day Fence-painting Tradition Alive

The Green Bay Packers are a team steeped in tradition, and fans celebrated another one Monday.

Every Labor Day, fans paint a new motivational slogan in green on the Packers' fence to support the team for the upcoming NFL season.

The tradition began more than 20 years ago when Fred Harrsch moved from New Jersey to retire near the team. His home and the fence are located across from Lambeau Field.