Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Apr. 1, 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

China Holds Major War Games Around Taiwan

The Chinese military announced large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan on Tuesday that include an aircraft carrier battle group, as it again warned the self-ruled island democracy against seeking formal independence.

The joint exercises involve navy, air ground and rocket forces and are meant to be a "severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence," according to Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command. No operational name for the drills was announced or previous notice given.

Republicans Fear Florida Election Upset Could Threaten Trump's Agenda

Standing in front of a few dozen supporters in a strip-mall parking lot in Ocala, Florida, on Monday evening, Democratic congressional candidate Josh Weil made a prediction.

The public school maths teacher said that in less than 24 hours, he was going to make history by flipping a solidly Republican congressional seat – helping to wrest control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans.

"Their 2025 agenda stops here," he promised, railing against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to slash government services and personnel.

RFK Jr. Sends ‘Worrisome Signal’ With Vaccine Chief’s Ouster

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won’t acknowledge the scientific consensus that childhood vaccines do not cause autism.

That skepticism over seemingly settled science appeared to come to a head over the weekend when the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top vaccine official was forced out and issued a fiery public letter blasting Kennedy.

“It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies,” wrote Peter Marks in his resignation letter.

Hooters Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy Protection

Hooters, the U.S.-based restaurant chain known for chicken wings and “Hooters Girls” skimpy wait-staff outfits, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

HOA Restaurant Group filed the motion for Chapter 11 protection Monday in the North Texas Bankruptcy Court in Dallas.

The company ran into financial woes as its debts mounted, but it says it intends to stay open and resolve its troubles within months. A group of the company’s original founders that own almost a third of Hooters’ U.S. locations, including about half of its biggest volume restaurants, plans to buy and operate more of the outlets, Hooters said in a news release.

Conservative Cable Channel Newsmax Spikes More Than 700% In First Trading Day On NYSE

Cable channel Newsmax began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, and shares spiked more than 700%.

The conservative TV news outlet has seen its ratings rise with the election of President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans — although it still falls behind the dominant Fox News.

Newsmax raised $75 million through the sale of 7.5 million class B common shares at a price of $10 a share.

Wisconsin Headlines

Wisconsin Court Election Poses Key Test For Musk As Kingmaker

It's only been five months since voters in Wisconsin faced a bitterly fought election, but residents of the US state are already heading back to the polls.

This time, Elon Musk looms large in the race to fill a vacancy on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, even if the billionaire's name doesn't appear on the ballot.

It's the most expensive judicial contest in US history, with more than $90m spent so far, including $20m from Musk and groups affiliated with him.

The choice is between conservative Brad Schimel, backed by President Donald Trump and Musk, and liberal Susan Crawford, who is supported by former President Barack Obama and Democratic mega-donors like George Soros.

No Threat At Wisconsin State Capitol After Bomb Threat Reported, Dept. Of Administration Confirms

Wisconsin officials determined no explosives were detected after a visitor went into the Wisconsin State Capitol Monday afternoon and told an officer they had a bomb.

According to the Department of Administration Communications team, the person appeared to have Nerf darts taped to their belt area. Law enforcement detained the person and took them outside the building.

How A 2025 Election In Wisconsin Became The Most Expensive Race For A Court Seat In US History

In 2015, the state of Wisconsin approved unlimited political spending — a decade later, as spending for its 2025 state Supreme Court race approaches $100 million, campaign finance activists are asking if the state is reaching a tipping point.

Wimberger: Federal Spending Audit Shows “Clear Need For Improvement” In Wisconsin

There are certain to be questions at the Wisconsin Capitol about a recent audit into the state’s federal spending that identified problems with five state agencies, and nine major programs.

The Legislative Audit Bureau released its federal funds audit last week.

“[This report] focused on 25 federal programs that accounted for 68.7% of the federal financial assistance administered by state agencies in fiscal year (FY) 2023-24,” the auditors wrote.

In all, the report explains that Wisconsin handled $18.6 million in federal dollars in the 2023-2024 budget year.

Wisconsin Helpline Will Shut Down, Citing Federal Health Grant Cuts

A helpline Wisconsinites can call for support with their mental health or substance use will shut down Saturday, April 5. It’s one of many services affected by recent federal cuts to over $210 million in health funds across the state, officials said.

The funds are part of about $12 billion in grants allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic to state health departments that were all recently canceled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.