Morning Headlines - Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 | 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

Trump Administration Weighs Sending 10,000 Troops To U.S.-Mexico Border

Trump administration officials are considering deploying as many as 10,000 soldiers to the U.S.-Mexico border and using Department of Defense bases to hold migrants awaiting deportation as they plan their dramatic crackdown on illegal immigration, according to an internal government memo obtained by CBS News.

In an executive action Mr. Trump signed upon taking office on Monday, he declared a national emergency along the southern border and ordered the Defense Department to provide troops and resources "to support the activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security in obtaining complete operational control" of the border. He also instructed the military to help build border barriers to repel migrants.

7 Cops Shot One After The Other While Responding To Call For Help From Apartment

Seven police officers have been shot one after the other after responding to a call made from inside a home in San Antonio, Texas, police said.

The incident occurred Wednesday evening when police officers received a call from an apartment in San Antonio, Texas, from somebody reporting that their family member was in distress and needed immediate help, authorities said.

However, as police responded to the scene, they were shot one after the other in succession, according to San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus.

Thousands Evacuated As New Fast-growing Fire Ignites Near Los Angeles

A new, fast-moving wildfire has erupted in Los Angeles County, prompting tens of thousands of people to evacuate a region already reeling from the most destructive fires in its history.

The Hughes fire ignited 45 miles (72km) north-west of the city of Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, near Castaic Lake in a mountainous area that borders several residential areas and schools.

It grew to more than 10,000 acres in several hours on Wednesday, fuelled by winds and dry brush. No homes or businesses have been damaged, and officials expressed confidence about getting it under control.

CNN To Lay Off Hundreds Of Employees As Post-Inauguration Transformation Begins, Sources Say

CNN plans to lay off hundreds of employees Thursday as it refocuses the business around a global digital audience, according to people familiar with the matter.

The layoffs come as CNN is rearranging its linear TV lineup and building out digital subscription products. The cuts will help CNN lower production costs and consolidate teams, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic changes.

Certain shows that are produced in New York or Washington may move to Atlanta, where production can be done more cheaply, said the people.

Federal Health Agencies Told To Halt All External Communications

Employees of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were told to halt all public communications Tuesday.

NPR obtained a memo issued by the acting head of HHS, Dr. Dorothy Fink, to the heads of all the agency's operating divisions, directing them to refrain from most external communications, such as issuing documents, guidance or notices, until such documents can be approved by "a presidential appointee."

Evers Emphasizes Child Care, Mental Health, Gun Violence In Wisconsin's 2025 State Of The State Address

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers used his seventh State of the State speech on Jan. 22 to urge the Republican-controlled Legislature to enact a wide range of proposals they have rejected in the past, including numerous gun control measures just a month after there was a school shooting not far from the state Capitol.

Republicans were quick to dismiss his proposals, much as they have the past six years.

Here’s what to know about the speech from Evers, a Democrat who may run for a third term next year in the battleground state.

It's Been One Year Since HSHS Announced Hospital Closures. What's Next For Healthcare In The Chippewa Valley?

Wednesday marks one year since HSHS announced Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's hospitals would be shutting down. Since then the Chippewa Valley has seen a lot of changes while trying to recover from the loss.

The announcement made in January 2024 shocked healthcare workers, patients, and community members. HSHS and Prevea said they would close the hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls and all their clinics in western Wisconsin after "prolonged financial stress."

Study Finds Deadly Disease Reduces Deer Survival, Population Growth In Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s largest study on chronic wasting disease shows the deadly disease substantially reduces deer survival and population growth, especially where it’s most widespread.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources launched the study in 2017 by capturing more than 1,200 animals and collaring 1,089 white-tailed deer in northern Iowa, Dane and Grant counties. The state first discovered chronic wasting disease, or CWD, in that area in 2002. It has since become widespread.

78th Alice In Dairyland Applications Open Through January 31

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reminds individuals with a passion for promoting Wisconsin agriculture to apply for the position of 78th Alice in Dairyland through January 31, 2025.

In this highly visible and fast-paced position, Alice in Dairyland serves as a full-time spokesperson, cultivating relationships with media outlets throughout the state, writing and delivering speeches at events, using social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture and more. Additional responsibilities are outlined in the position announcement.

Five In Wisconsin Arrested Stemming From Shooting Incident From February 2024

Five individuals have been arrested and charged in relation to an attempted homicide investigation of a shooting that occurred in February 2024.

According to a release from the Lake Geneva Police Department, the shooting occurred in the 1000 block of Bonnie Brae Lane on February 12, 2024. The charges were issued by the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office.

The following five individuals were arrested and charged: