Morning Headlines - Wednesday, Apr. 15, 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

Tax Day Is Here, And The IRS Is Issuing Bigger Refunds To More People

It’s Tax Day, and taxpayers have until midnight to file or request an extension.

Most people are seeing their refunds increase by about 11% this year, with an average refund of $3,500 — and more people are getting refunds. The IRS issued nearly 70 million tax refunds through April 4 compared to nearly 68 million at that point last year and about 66.8 million in 2024.

Thanks to changes in President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” there are new deductions for seniors, tip income, overtime pay and car loan interest, generating a $775 boost to the average refund, according to the IRS.

Walmart Is Refreshing The Look Of Great Value, Its Largest Private Label Brand

Walmart’s Great Value brand, which includes about 10,000 items from milk to frozen chicken nuggets, will get a new look.

Starting this May, shoppers will see snacks, cereals and other items from the brand in more colorful and modern packaging.

In an interview with CNBC, David Hartman, vice president of creative at Walmart, said customer research indicated that shoppers liked the quality and price of the products, but “didn’t particularly feel very proud to display it in their home or with their families.”

McDonald’s To Launch New Menu Item In Surprising Collaboration: ‘Absolutely Feeding Into Addiction’

McDonald’s is diving into the booming energy drink craze despite mounting backlash over highly caffeinated beverages blamed for serious health risks and even deaths.

The fast food giant is launching a new Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, marking the first time it has partnered with the energy drink brand.

Pew Research Center: Local News Fact Sheet

The landscape of local news in the United States has changed significantly in recent decades as Americans have been turning away from print and television and toward digital media. This fact sheet examines Americans’ experiences and preferences when it comes to local news, from data starting in 2016.

The fact sheet is part of the Pew-Knight Initiative, a research program funded jointly by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Attention to local news has declined since 2016, mirroring trends in attention to national news and news in general. In 2025, 21% of Americans say they follow local news very closely, down from 37% in 2016.

Senate GOP Divided Over Trump Push For Iran War Funding

Senate Republicans are deeply divided over how to handle an expected request from President Trump to fund the military conflict with Iran, which some GOP lawmakers worry has no end in sight.

Several Republican senators are talking with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) about crafting a resolution to authorize military force against Iran beyond the 60- to 90-day period set by the 1973 War Powers Act to respond to national security threats without congressional authorization.

Wisconsin Headlines

Republican Lawmakers Keep Gerrymandering Special Session Open

Wisconsin Republican leaders stalled a vote Tuesday on a constitutional amendment to ban partisan gerrymandering, keeping a special session open until Thursday morning.

Gov. Tony Evers called for the special session to vote on the measure. In past special sessions, Republicans quickly gaveled in and out without a vote. This time, Republican leaders gaveled in, but offered no debate or vote.

Democrats Vying For Wisconsin Governor Sound Off On Data Centers, Climate Accountability During Forum

During a forum framed as vetting Wisconsin’s next governor who will “blunt the authoritarian thrust of the Trump regime,” the seven Democrats vying for their party’s nomination called for more state regulations on AI data centers and a pivot to 100 percent renewable energy.

The virtual Democratic forum hosted by the liberal group Citizen Action of Wisconsin featured Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Madison state Sen. Kelda Roys, Madison state Rep. Francesca Hong, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes and former Greater Milwaukee Committee President Joel Brennan. The candidates have been working to stand out from one another ahead of the August Democratic primary, which most voters haven’t begun paying attention to.

Wisconsin Sees Surge In Online Child Exploitation Reports As ICAC Conference Begins

The Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is working to combat a sustained increase in suspected online child exploitation as the Wisconsin Department of Justice kicks off its annual Internet Crimes Against Children Conference on Missing and Exploited Children in Appleton.

In 2025, the task force, led by DOJ, received 19,767 CyberTips. A CyberTip is a report of suspected online child sexual exploitation made to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. From 2021 to 2025, CyberTips grew from 4,671 to 19,767, representing a more than 323 percent increase.

School District Of Monroe To Cut 22.5 Positions After Failed Referendum

The Monroe School District announced staff cuts Tuesday, one week after voters rejected an operating referendum.

2,803 people voted for the 4-year, $11 million operational referendum, while 2,957 voted against it.

Now, the district said it will eliminate 22.5 positions starting in the fall, including an elementary administrator. The district will also cut 10 core classroom teachers.

One Of The Most Popular 3D Cameras Was Invented In Wisconsin

One of the most popular cameras of its kind was made in Milwaukee. This innovative camera kicked off an entire era of 3D photography.

Introducing the Stereo Realist 3D camera. It was invented by the Wisconsinite Seton Rochwite and manufactured by the David White Company from Milwaukee.

“A lot of people in the film industry really preferred using the 3D cameras, and it was popular among many people in Hollywood," Alan Hanson, a curator with the Wisconsin Historical Society, said.