Morning Headlines - Wednesday, Apr. 29, 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

FBI Raids Over 20 Locations In Minnesota Fraud Investigation

The FBI is raiding more than 20 locations in Minneapolis in connection with ongoing fraud investigations, NewsNation has confirmed.

Fox News initially reported the raids, which are said to be largely affecting Somali-linked businesses.

“Today, the FBI, with federal, state and local law enforcement, is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” the Department of Justice said.

FCC Orders Early Review Of ABC’s Broadcast Licenses

The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday said it was calling for early renewal of ABC's licenses that allow its eight owned television stations to broadcast. 

The order says, “The FCC has been investigating The Walt Disney Company, its American Broadcasting Company, and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Disney’s ABC”) for compliance with its obligations as a licensed broadcaster. Specifically, the FCC has been investigating Disney’s ABC stations for possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC’s rules, including the agency’s prohibition on unlawful discrimination. While Disney’s ABC has purported to respond to two FCC Letters of Inquiry Federal Communications Commission DA 26-416 2 (LOIs) as part of this investigation, the FCC has determined that additional actions are appropriate at this time."

Most Americans Now Say U.S. Foreign Policy Ignores The Interests Of Other Countries

Since 2002, we have asked Americans to what extent they think the United States takes into account the interests of other countries when making foreign policy decisions.

And for the first time, a new Pew Research Center survey finds that a majority (53%) believe the U.S. does not consider other countries’ interests much or at all.

This share is up sharply from 27% in 2023, during Joe Biden’s administration, with most of the change taking place among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents.

Redistricting War Draws To A Close: A Look At GOP, Democratic Gains

Voters in Virginia last week approved a new, Democratic-friendly congressional map that could tip the fight for House control in the midterms, but Florida is on track to parry with a GOP-favored map that could offset those gains.

The states represent the latest fronts in a national battle over congressional lines. Texas kick-started the tit for tat with new lines giving Republicans an edge last year, prompting other red states to follow suit. California then countered with a plan to benefit Democrats.

UAE’s Departure From The OPEC Oil Cartel Is Not Without Precedence. Who Could Be Next?

The United Arab Emirates’ shock decision to leave OPEC is reverberating across global energy markets, exposing fractures in the powerful oil cartel as production quotas risk prompting other members to follow suit.

The country’s decision follows weeks of missile and drone strikes by fellow OPEC member Iran, with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting its exports, putting pressure on the backbone of its economy.

Wisconsin Headlines

Panel Rejects Anti-Competitive Gerrymander Challenge To Wisconsin’s Congressional Map

A three-judge panel today dismissed a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s congressional map as an anti-competitive gerrymander.

The panel found the suit was barred by a 2022 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that found the partisan composition of districts can’t be challenged in state courts. The judges wrote as “an inferior court,” they were obligated to follow that ruling.

Former Wisconsin High School Dean Of Students Sentenced To 18 Years For Producing Child Pornography

Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier, 31, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 18 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. The prison term will be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Gilkey-Meisegeier was also ordered to pay a $10,000 assessment. He pleaded guilty to this crime on February 6, 2026.

“Make no mistake, Gilkey-Meisegeier is a predator,” said U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “He used his position as the Dean of Students to target, groom, and exploit students in his care. I commend the courage of the victims and the diligence of investigators who worked tirelessly to hold Gilkey-Meisegeier responsible for his crimes. Today’s sentence sends a clear message – anyone who sexually exploits children will face serious consequences.”

Wisconsin Could Be In For ‘A Big Year’ For Lyme Disease As Tick Bites Soar

Some Wisconsin health professionals are bracing for a bad year for Lyme disease, as tick activity is already higher in April than it was the same time last year.

In much of the nation, emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest weekly rate for this time of year since 2017, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Wisconsin, data from the state Department of Health Services for the week ending April 19 shows the state is seeing a similar trend, with a rate of 44 tick-bite visits for every 10,000 emergency room visits.

Wisconsin Congressmen Introduce Fair Air Standards Act, Addressing Ozone Nonattainment, Vehicle Emissions Testing

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Glenn Grothman (WI-06) introduced the Fair Air Standards Act, addressing Southeastern Wisconsin’s classification as an Ozone Nonattainment Area.

“Because of outdated federal rules, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin drivers in seven counties are forced to complete emissions tests every two years just to renew their registration. Wisconsin families should not be punished with costly and time-consuming mandates because of pollution drifting in from Illinois and Indiana. Four decades later and with cleaner vehicles on the road, it is time to end this non-attainment zone mandate and stop burdening drivers with a system that cannot prove it works,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany.

Wisconsin Man Sentenced For Failing To Register As A Sex Offender, Food Stamp Fraud, And Use Of A Counterfeit Passport

Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mark F. Brummitt, 69, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 6 years in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, illegally obtaining food stamps, and using a false passport. Brummitt pleaded guilty to these charges on February 4, 2026.

“Such systemic deceit will not be tolerated with regard to individuals seeking to steal benefits meant for low-income families that help them afford nutritious essentials for their health and well-being,” said Inspector General John Walk for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. “USDA OIG is proud to support Project Safe Childhood. I thank and commend the work of this office, our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the efforts to ensure that this dangerous individual is held accountable and will go to prison for his crimes.”