Morning Headlines - Wednesday, July 9, 2025

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

Supreme Court Clears Way For Trump To Move Forward With Mass Layoffs Of Federal Workers

The Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted a lower court order that blocked sweeping layoffs of federal workers at nearly two dozen agencies while a legal battle over President Trump's plans to drastically cut the size of the government moves forward.

The high court's order clears the way for the Trump administration to resume its efforts to reorganize and scale back the federal government, which has been led by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Lands In Court

President Trump’s signature second-term legislative agenda is hitting the courts.

His “big, beautiful bill” is a boon for Second Amendment groups, who say it aids their quest to strike down a 91-year-old gun law requiring many Americans to register their firearms. Meanwhile, a judge already intervened to block one provision of the massive package, protecting Planned Parenthood from cuts.

Two Charged In $650 Million Global Crypto Scam That Promised 300% Returns

Federal prosecutors charged two men in connection with a sprawling cryptocurrency investment scheme that allegedly defrauded victims of more than $650 million.

Prosecutors alleged OmegaPro operated as a global multi-level marketing scam.

The two face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Horner Sacked As Red Bull Team Principal After 20 Years

Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull team principal after 20 years in the role.

The 51-year-old has been in charge of the Formula 1 team since its inception in 2005, leading them to eight drivers' championship and six constructors' championship titles.

The dismissal follows months of declining form for the team and internal disputes at the highest level. It also comes 17 months after Horner was accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.

Giants Catcher Bailey Makes History With Game-Ending, Inside-The-Park Home Run

Patrick Bailey’s entrance into the Major League Baseball record books on Tuesday night began with a tight swing that sent a fastball from Phillies reliever Jordan Romano into Triples Alley.

It ended with Bailey chugging his way around third base then getting mobbed at home plate by his teammates after becoming the third catcher in major league history to hit a game-ending, inside-the-park home run.

Wisconsin Headlines

Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling Finds Legislative Committee Overreached Authority Conversion Therapy Ban Case

The Wisconsin Supreme Court cleared the way on July 8 for the state to permanently enact a ban on conversion therapy in a ruling that gives the governor more power over how state laws are enacted.

The court ruled that a Republican-controlled legislative committee’s rejection of a state agency rule that would effectively ban the practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people was unconstitutional. The decision, which has a broad impact far beyond the conversion therapy issue, takes power away from the Legislature to block the enactment of rules by the governor’s office that carry the force of law.

Republican Businessman Bill Berrien Announces 2026 Wisconsin Governor Bid

Republican businessman Bill Berrien has announced his candidacy for Wisconsin governor in the 2026 race, bringing his manufacturing experience and Navy SEAL background to the political arena.

Berrien moved to Wisconsin about 20 years ago with a young family before purchasing Pindel Global Precision, a New Berlin manufacturing business that now employs 80 people.

The political newcomer's path to victory in the Republican primary may depend on securing an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, though recent Wisconsin races have shown such backing doesn't guarantee success in general elections.

Supreme Court Overturns Legislature’s Power To Suspend Administrative Rules

A split state Supreme Court today overturned the Legislature’s power to suspend administrative rules, ending decades of lawmakers having the power to at least temporarily block agency regulations.

In a 4-3 decision, the court found the statutes giving those powers to the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules violate the Wisconsin Constitution’s requirement of bicameralism and presentment, which mandates any law to pass both houses of the Legislature and be presented to the governor.

New Law, Last-Minute Deal May Help Superior Residents Replace Lead Pipes

For the first time, Superior’s private water utility will be able to apply for forgivable loans to help customers replace lead pipes in the city.

Gov. Tony Evers last week signed a bill authored by Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, and Rep. Chanz Green, R-Grand View, that makes Superior Water Light & Power Company eligible for forgivable loans under the state’s Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. State law had barred privately owned water systems from receiving loan forgiveness.

Measles Reported In Wisconsin’s Neighboring States As Outbreak Surpasses 2019 Levels

Measles cases in the United States this year have surpassed a 2019 outbreak and reached a 33-year high, according to data from Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Outbreak Response Innovation.

Measles cases have popped up in 39 states, including all states that border Wisconsin — Michigan, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.

But Wisconsin, which has one of the lowest childhood vaccination rates for the disease in the country, has not confirmed a measles case in 2025, according to the state Department of Health Services.