Morning Headlines - Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026 | 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

U.S. And Iran Agree To 2-Week Ceasefire

Donald Trump celebrated a 'big day for World Peace' after he brokered an 11th-hour cease-fire deal that provided a 'workable basis' to end the conflict with Iran. The last-minute agreement came after Trump issued a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and claimed a 'whole civilization will die' if Tehran did not capitulate.

Photos: NASA Releases First Images From Moon Flyby

The Artemis II astronauts are making their way back to Earth after the lunar flyby. The crew became the first astronauts in over 50 years to fly around the far side of the moon. They also experienced a solar eclipse.

Negative Views Of Israel, Netanyahu Continue To Rise Among Americans – Especially Young People

Americans have increasingly negative views of Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The survey was conducted March 23-29 among 3,507 U.S. adults. It was fielded about a month into the U.S.- and Israeli-led war in Iran. The sections below take a closer look at the results of the survey.

Republicans Win Georgia Race — But Democrats Post Largest Swing Yet In Special House Elections

Republicans padded their slim House majority with a special election win in Georgia on Tuesday night. But the race also marked the biggest swing against the GOP compared with the 2024 presidential results out of seven House special elections in President Donald Trump's second term.

Countries Around The World Are Considering Teen Social Media Bans – Why Experts Warn It’s A ‘Lazy’ Fix

Governments around the world are making efforts to crack down on teen social media use amid mounting evidence of potential harms, but critics argue blanket bans are an ineffective quick fix. Australia became the first country to enforce a sweeping social media ban for under-16s in December, requiring platforms to implement age verification measures or face penalties.

Democrats Expand Majority On Wisconsin Supreme Court With Taylor Victory

Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor is projected to win a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, expanding the court’s liberal majority, according to Decision Desk HQ. Taylor, an appellate court judge, defeated Maria Lazar, a conservative and fellow appellate court judge, for a seat left open by conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley, who opted to not seek reelection.

UW Regents Fire Rothman, Saying He Has Lost Their Confidence

The UW Board of Regents has unanimously voted to fire UW President Jay Rothman effective immediately, saying it had “lost confidence” in Rothman’s leadership. Board members deliberated in closed session for around 25 minutes before casting the vote.

Wisconsin City Passes Nation’s First Anti-Data Center Referendum

A small Wisconsin city home to a data center project backed by President Donald Trump voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to restrict future data centers, in a first-of-its-kind referendum that backers said could offer a blueprint for AI infrastructure opponents around the country. Voters in the Milwaukee suburb of Port Washington approved the measure by a roughly 2-to-1 margin.

La Crosse Man Sentenced To 12 Years For Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dwayne Davis, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor. Davis pleaded guilty to this charge on January 12, 2026. His prison term will be followed by 20 years of supervised release.

Wisconsin DNR Announces New Muskie Fishing Rules

The state Department of Natural Resources announced changes to this year's fishing season, including a unified muskie opener and a new sturgeon catch and release season. This year will feature only one muskie season opener instead of a split season. Muskie general inland fishing will begin with the regular fishing season opener on May 2.