Morning Headlines - Wednesday, Aug. 13, 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

Trump Wields Funding Card In Fight With DC

Republicans are embracing President Trump’s bare-knuckled fight with Washington, D.C., as a winning issue for the embattled president and say that Trump will use federal funding for the city as leverage to get Mayor Muriel Bowser and the City Council to crack down on local crime.

Conservatives on Capitol Hill are calling for Congress to end the District of Columbia’s era of home rule and federalize the city, something that has little chance of happening since legislation to do so would need 60 votes and the support of at least seven Democrats to pass the Senate.

Israel Is In Talks To Possibly Resettle Palestinians From Gaza In South Sudan

Israel is in discussions with South Sudan about the possibility of resettling Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to the war-torn East African country, part of a wider effort by Israel to facilitate mass emigration from the territory left in ruins by its 22-month offensive against Hamas.

Six people familiar with the matter confirmed the talks to The Associated Press. It is unclear how far the talks have advanced, but if implemented, the plans would amount to transferring people from one war-ravaged land at risk of famine to another, and raise human rights concerns.

Evacuation Warnings Intensify In Alaska's Capital With Record Glacier-Related Flooding Predicted

Sections of Alaska's capital city are bracing for the arrival of what could be record floodwaters due to rainwater and snowmelt flowing downstream from a basin dammed by the Mendenhall Glacier.

Some Juneau residents in the flood zone have evacuated, heeding warnings, and officials there intensified their warnings Tuesday, saying "Don't wait, Evacuate TONIGHT."

On Tuesday morning, authorities confirmed water had started escaping the ice dam, with flooding expected into Wednesday.

Hanesbrands Agrees To Takeover By Canada’s Gildan Activewear In $4.4 Billion Deal

U.S. undergarments-maker Hanesbrands has agreed to a takeover by Canada’s Gildan Activewear for a deal valued at $4.4 billion, including debt, the companies said on Wednesday.

Gildan will pay about $6 per Hanesbrands share, representing a 24% premium to Monday’s close and implying an equity value at $2.2 billion.

The combination is expected to double Gildan’s revenues and enhance its market position by leveraging the strong brand presence of Hanes in activewear, according to the statement.

What Is Gerrymandering? Why Is It Legal?

Halfway between the 2020 and 2030 census is not the normal time to be talking about redistricting, or gerrymandering, but the issue has nonetheless taken over the political conversation.

Perhaps sensing some political weakness and fearing the loss of their House majority, Republicans are looking for more congressional seats. But rather than just trying to win them at the ballot box, they’re primed to conjure additional seats by redrawing congressional maps in Texas.

Democrats, tired of being outplayed, have threatened to redraw maps in states they control, such as New York and California, although it’s more difficult to accomplish in states that, heretofore, have tried to make the process less political.

Wisconsin Headlines

Evers Quashes Bill That Would Bar Wisconsinites From Voting Over Unpaid Court Fees

Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed a bill that would have stopped many Wisconsinites from voting because of unpaid restitution or other court-related fines and fees.

The GOP-backed proposal was among the bills vetoed by the Democratic governor last week.

Currently, Wisconsinites with felony convictions can’t vote until they’ve finished their prison time as well as any probation, parole or extended supervision.

Madison City Attorney Fights Ordered Election Changes

Madison’s city attorney is fighting any effort to change the city’s elections operations after the city’s old clerk failed to count nearly 200 absentee ballots.

City Attorney Michael Haas, who used to lead the Wisconsin Elections Commission, on Monday sent the commission a letter asking if they have the power to order Madison to make changes.

“The Commission’s authority does not extend to requiring the future implementation of specific procedures in excess of those required in the statutes,” Haas wrote in his letter. “The Commission’s Section 5.06 authority also is not a tool to simply punish a clerk or a jurisdiction for past conduct.”

Evers Urges Trump Administration To Restore $29M For Wisconsin Unemployment System

Gov. Tony Evers has urged the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to cut $29 million in funding for Wisconsin's unemployment insurance (UI) system modernization.

The funding was crucial for enhancing the system to prevent benefit fraud and waste, Evers said in a press release.

Wisconsin's UI system, developed in the 1970s, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. A surge in unemployment claims highlighted the need for modernization. Evers began these efforts with the signing of 2021 Act 4 to update the system and prevent future crises.

Hearing Begins On Challenge To Key Permits For Enbridge’s Project To Reroute Line 5

The Bad River tribe and environmental groups are making the case that the state should overturn key permits issued to Canadian energy firm Enbridge as it seeks to reroute an oil and gas pipeline around the tribe’s reservation.

The state kicked off a contested case hearing in Ashland on Tuesday after the tribe, along with Midwest Environmental Advocates and Clean Wisconsin, challenged permits for the project in December. The proceedings will continue for weeks through Oct. 3.

In separate challenges, the tribe and environmental advocates argued that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources failed to comply with state law when it granted a wetland and waterway permit along with a construction storm water permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 relocation project.

Jordan Love Has Surgery On His Thumb

Green Bay Packers star quarterback Jordan Love underwent surgery on his thumb.

General manager Brian Gutekunst said Love tore a ligament in his left thumb during the first preseason game.

Action 2 Sports anchor Dave Schroeder says Love banged his thumb on a helmet when he was sacked on his last snap in the game. Love was seen later on the sidelines with his thumb wrapped.