Morning Headlines - Wednesday, Mar. 11, 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

U.S. Attacks Iranian Mine-Laying Vessels Near Hormuz On Day 12 Of War

The Iran war entered its 12th day as uncertainty grew over when it might end – amid continued attacks and a mounting human toll.

Iranian and Lebanese health officials and Israeli authorities have reported more than 1,200 people killed in Iran, 570 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel. Seven U.S. soldiers have died, the Pentagon says.

The Pentagon also said Tuesday that roughly 140 U.S. soldiers have been injured by Iranian missile and drone strikes. Eight of those injuries were considered severe, but most were described as minor. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said many of the injuries occurred at U.S. bases in countries neighboring Iran.

Trump Says U.S. Will Build First Refinery In 50 Years With Investment From India’s Reliance Industries

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. will get its first oil refinery in 50 years, funded by investments from Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries.

“THIS IS A HISTORIC $300 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL — THE BIGGEST IN U.S. HISTORY,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

He thanked India’s largest privately held energy company, Reliance Industries, “for this tremendous Investment.”

Fuller, Harris Advance In Race For Greene’s House Seat

Shawn Harris, a Democrat, and Clayton Fuller, a Republican, will head to an April runoff as voters in northwest Georgia decide who will fill the U.S. House seat previously occupied by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, according to a Decision Desk HQ projection.

Voters in the 14th Congressional District chose among a crowded field of 22 candidates. Fuller, a district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, received President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Georgia special elections are conducted in what are called “jungle primaries,” in which all candidates run on a single ballot, regardless of political party.

Republicans Eye Second GOP-Only Megabill, But It Faces Uphill Climb

House Republicans want to usher through a second massive spending package as the 2026 midterm elections ramp up, a tall order for a fractured GOP conference and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who commands a razor-thin majority.

Republicans have been looking to strengthen their economic messaging amid voter concerns over rising grocery prices, gas costs and inflation. And they are eyeing to do so using the same mechanism that allowed them to usher through President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year without requiring any Democratic votes.

Bam Adebayo Scores 83, Second-Most Points In NBA History

Bam Adebayo had a night for all time on Tuesday, with a point total second to only Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA record books. Adebayo scored 83 points, setting league marks for free throws made and attempted in a game in the Miami Heat's 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards.

"An absolutely surreal night," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Obviously, we've been blessed to have been part of a lot of big moments in this arena. This one, it just happened. Moments happen and I'm grateful that we're all able to be a part of it and witness it."

Wisconsin Headlines

Federal Judges Decline To Extend Schimel’s Appointment As U.S. Attorney

A majority of federal judges on the Eastern District have declined to keep former GOP AG Brad Schimel in his role as interim U.S. attorney after his appointment expires March 17.

In a statement posted on the court’s website, the judges said the move was intended as “no criticism or commentary on the performance or qualifications of the Interim United States Attorney or any of the attorneys in the United States Attorney’s Office.”

Wisconsin Bill Would Give Local Governments Veto Power Over Large Wind And Solar Projects

A bill that would require developers of large wind and solar projects to obtain approval from local cities, villages, and towns before the state can sign off received its first public hearing Tuesday at the state Capitol.

Senate Bill 3 would change the current process in which the state Public Service Commission has final authority over large-scale wind and solar projects designed to generate 15 megawatts or more — enough to power thousands of homes.

Under the bill, developers would need approval from every local municipality where a project would be built before the state could act.

Survey: Fewer Than 10 Percent Of UW-Madison Faculty Are Conservative

Fewer than 10 percent of faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identify as conservative, while 70 percent identify as liberal, according to a new poll from the school’s Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership.

The study surveyed 2,388 tenured and tenure-track faculty across all of UW–Madison’s schools and colleges on ideological composition, campus climate, academic freedom, free expression and hiring.

Reactions Pour-In Following Justice Ziegler Election Announcement

The reactions to Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Annette Ziegler’s decision not to run for re-election is pretty much exactly what you’d expect.

Ziegler on Monday announced that she will not run again for the state supreme court next year.

"After three decades on the bench, now is the right time for me to step away to spend more time with my husband, kids and grandkids. I will, therefore, not be seeking reelection to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2027," Ziegler said in a statement.

Judge Maria Lazar, who is seeking a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court next month, praised Ziegler for her years of service.

Democrats in Wisconsin, however, went in a different direction.

Will New Postmark Rule Affect Voter Registration, Absentee Ballots In Wisconsin?

The ACLU is warning Wisconsinites that the new postmark rule could affect voters who register to vote by mail.

Under Wisconsin rules, materials for registering to vote by mail need to postmarked 20 days before an election.

For people registering ahead of the April 7 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, that deadline is March 18.

Because of the postmark rule change, Cox suggests sending in your voter registration form a few days before that deadline.