Morning Headlines - Wednesday, July 2, 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

Senate Republicans Narrowly Pass Trump Megabill After Marathon Voting Session

The Republican-controlled Senate narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy package Tuesday, bringing it one step closer to his desk.

The vote was 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a tie after three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the legislation.

In a marathon overnight session that spanned more than 24 hours, senators voted on dozens of proposed changes to the legislation and GOP leaders dragged out many of the votes as they frantically worked to win over holdouts. They ultimately secured enough votes with a catch-all amendment that was similarly approved by a vote of 51-50.

Paramount, Trump Reach $16 Million Settlement Over "60 Minutes" Lawsuit

Paramount will settle President Trump's lawsuit over a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris for $16 million, the company announced late Tuesday.

CBS News' parent company worked with a mediator to resolve the lawsuit. Under the agreement, $16 million will be allocated to Mr. Trump's future presidential library and the plaintiffs' fees and costs. Neither Mr. Trump nor his co-plantiff, Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson, will be directly paid as part of the settlement.

The settlement did not include an apology.

Trump Says Israel Has Agreed To Conditions For 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire

Israel has agreed to the "necessary conditions" to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, US President Donald Trump has said.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that during the proposed ceasefire the US would "work with all parties to end the War". He did not provide details on what the ceasefire would entail.

"The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope... that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump wrote.

Pentagon Halts Weapons Shipment To Ukraine Amid Concerns Over U.S. Stockpile

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause in sending a shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine amid concern about the U.S. military’s stockpiles, according to two defense officials, two congressional officials and two sources with knowledge of the decision.

Hegseth ordered the delay weeks after he issued a memo ordering a review of the U.S. stockpile of munitions, which has been depleted after years of the United States’ sending weapons to Ukraine to defend against the Russia invasion, as well as nearly two years of military operations in the Middle East as the United States fought Houthi rebels in Yemen and defended Israel and allies against Iran, four of the officials said.

Woman Allegedly Leaves Over 100 Cats Inside U-Haul, Arrested

A woman was arrested after leaving over 100 cats inside a U-Haul in a Southern California parking lot, according to the Merced County Sheriff's Office.

Jeannie Maxon, 69, was arrested on Sunday after deputies were dispatched to a parking lot of a Taco Bell in Santa Nella, California, to "check on the welfare of several cats in a U-Haul van," the sheriff's office said in a statement on Monday.

Once on the scene, the deputy observed "at least 20 cats in distress" through the window of the vehicle, officials said.

Animal control then responded to the scene and located 106 "extremely emaciated cats, as well as 28 deceased cats" in the vehicle without food or water, officials said.

Wisconsin Headlines

After Uptick In Firework Injuries, Wisconsin Medical Providers Urge Safety On July Fourth

Wisconsin health providers are urging residents to be mindful of fireworks-related injuries this holiday weekend after seeing a nationwide increase last year.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that fireworks-related injuries were up 52 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. An estimated 14,700 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country last year.

The agency also reported 11 deaths from fireworks, most involving misuse of the products and misfires or malfunctions.

New Chief Justice Sworn In To Lead Wisconsin Supreme Court

Justice Jill Karofsky has officially begun her term as Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The chief justice oversees the administrative functions of the state court system and works with court leadership to maintain fair and efficient operations.

Her assumption of the role follows the conclusion of Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s tenure as Chief Justice.

“I am grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me, and I will strive to ensure our Court operates with fairness, transparency, and respect. Together, I believe we will continue to advance access to justice across all 72 counties and protect the people of Wisconsin and their constitutional rights,” Chief Justice Karofsky said.

Wisconsin Native Among Idaho Firefighters Killed In Ambush; Residents Honor Victims

One of the two firefighters fatally shot in an ambush in Idaho on Sunday was from Wisconsin.

Battalion Chief Frank Harwood was born in Neenah.

Harwood graduated from Neenah High School in 2001 and played on the 2000 football team.

A member of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue for 17 years, Harwood was married and had two children, said Chief Christopher Way.

Chippewa Falls Students Help Northern Wisconsin Camp Become Energy Efficient

A nearly 90-year-old youth summer camp nestled in the woods of northern Chippewa County is the classic setting where children have made memories for generations.

And this summer, Camp Nawakwa is getting a makeover, thanks to three Chippewa Falls High School students: Zoey Eckwright, Chloe Johnson and Ellie Crosby. The trio are also known as the “Green Team.”

Their goal was to add 44 solar panels to the camp to make it more energy efficient. The total cost for the project is roughly $50,000. And in May, after winning a storytelling competition in Deerfield, they received funding for the last 20 solar panels they needed.

ATV/UTV Riders: Ride Safe This Holiday Weekend

As friends and families across Wisconsin get ready to hit the trails this Fourth of July weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging all ATV and UTV riders to make safety part of the celebration by choosing to ride sober.

So far this year, 19 people have been killed in ATV/UTV crashes. Most of them were not wearing seat belts or helmets, and alcohol and speed were also contributing factors.