Morning Headlines - Thursday, Feb. 27, 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

Gene Hackman, 95, And Wife Found Dead In Their New Mexico Home, Sheriff Says

Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 64, and their dog were found dead Wednesday afternoon in their home outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office says.

In an email to CBS News early Thursday, the office said, "Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time. However, (the) exact cause of death has not been determined."

'We're Not Prepared': States Brace For Trump's Plans To Dismantle The Education Department

President Donald Trump has set his sights on abolishing the U.S. Education Department and has said he’d prefer to put education policy in the hands of the states.

But that may not be so simple, with state officials and lawmakers saying they’re wildly unprepared for such a huge undertaking.

NBC News reported this month that the White House is preparing an executive order to eliminate the agency, though the details of how that would work remain unclear. Trump cannot unilaterally get rid of a federal agency without congressional approval, and his nominee for education secretary, Linda McMahon, agreed at her recent Senate confirmation hearing that they hope to present a plan that Congress will support.

As Trump's Deadline To Eliminate DEI Nears, Few Schools Openly Rush To Make Changes

Schools and colleges across the U.S. face a Friday deadline to end diversity programs or risk having their federal money pulled by the Trump administration, yet few are openly rushing to make changes. Many believe they’re on solid legal ground, and they know it would be all but unprecedented — and extremely time-consuming — for the government to cut off funding.

State officials in Washington and California urged schools not to make changes, saying it doesn’t change federal law and doesn’t require any action. New York City schools have taken the same approach and said district policies and curriculum have not changed.

AFP Grows Capitol Hill Footprint; Trump 2028 Push Looks To House

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) may be in the doghouse with President Trump, but it is increasing its footprint on Capitol Hill as it advocates for its top priority this year: Extension of the president’s 2017 tax cuts.

The libertarian-conservative Koch-funded group got a boost in that endeavor when it hosted Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday for a “congressional conversation” with Guy Benson, a Fox News Contributor and member of AFP’s advisory council.

It took place at AFP’s Capitol Hill outpost, which the organization calls its “Freedom Embassy” – a relatively new office located just a block away from the epicenter of GOP Hill politics, the Capitol Hill Club and the Republican National Committee.

Trump Threatens To Slap 25% Tariffs On EU, Says Bloc Was Always Meant To Hurt The U.S.

President Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union, claiming that the economic and political bloc was formed “to screw” the U.S.

At the first Cabinet meeting, Trump said that duties against Canada and Mexico would take effect on April 2 and that his trade measures will include a 25% tariff on goods from the EU.

Town Treasurer In Monroe County Accused Of Theft

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the arrest of a local town treasurer.

According to a press release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, on Feb 25, 2025, Town of Adrian Treasurer 50-year-old Kelly Schleusener was arrested after an investigation indicated that she had been withdrawing sums of money from the township accounts since April of 2022.

Crawford Decries Musk's Involvement In The 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford, backed by Democrats, is decrying Trump advisor Elon Musk's involvement involvement in the race on behalf of conservative candidate Brad Schimel, who is backed by Republicans.

Schimel Says Soros Support For Crawford Is Worse Than His Support From Musk In 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Brad Schimel, the Republican-backed candidate in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race who has received support from Elon Musk, says it's more concerning that Democratic-supported candidate Susan Crawford has received support from liberal philanthropist George Soros.

Wisconsin Legislative Audit Chiefs Want Learning Standards, Grant Reviews

Wisconsin’s next deep-dives will look into the decision to change the state’s learning standards, and look into $44 billion worth of state grants.

The heads of the Legislative Audit Committee on Tuesday announced plans for two new audits.

"The first of the two audits will explore the background of how DPI came to create and apply its new testing standards. The second audit will inspect how funding is utilized through the various grant programs overseen by departments within Wisconsin’s executive branch," Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto, and Rep. Bob Wittke, R-Caledonia, said in a joint statement.

Northern Wisconsin Venue Looks To Restructure After Years Of Financial Setbacks

For nearly four decades, music enthusiasts and skiers have descended onto Big Top Chautauqua and Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area in Bayfield County.

Now, the joint outdoor venue plans to restructure operations.

The Ashwabay Alliance, which manages both nonprofit organizations, recently detailed how warm winter weather and rising performance costs since 2022 have contributed to a deficit of nearly $1 million.