Wisconsin's Midday News

Panthers Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bart Lundy talks about how the Wisconsin Senate passed bills to legalize online sports betting and establish college athlete NIL rules. Is the world of NIL moving away from its perception as "the wild west" and to a model that is more regulated? Does this legislation change your pitch to recruits? Are you now selling more professionalized experience at UWM compared to other mid-major programs in states without similar laws? The bill allocates $200,000 annually specifically for Klotsche Center maintenance. How does freeing up those funds impact the daily environment for your players or allow for upgrades that weren't possible before? While the legislation could be helpful, does it further underscore the divide between power conference institutions like UW-Madison and smaller division one programs like Milwaukee and Green Bay? What is missing? What else needs to happen to further dispel the Wild West nature of pay for play?

1. We're just hours away from Washington County leaders taking up a controversial proposal to rename part of Highway K, after conservative activist Charlie Kirk. 2. The war with Iran has kept oil and gas prices high, and with that, airfare is also getting higher.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Three Big Things. Guests include ABC News Correspondent Jim Ryan and TMJ4 News Chief Meteorologist Brian Niznansky. We also talk about how lines at airports across the nation are getting longer as more TSA officers call out sick and viewership falls short for this year's Academy Awards.

ABC News Correspondent Jim Ryan talks about how the annual process of determining the best college basketball team in the country has begun in Dayton, Ohio and won’t end until the 2026 NCAA champion is crowned in Indianapolis early next month. Considering that millions of fans are watching, many on their phones or office computers, workplace productivity is busted long before most brackets. Managers are faced with a dilemma, maintaining office morale or maintaining productivity.

1. Turns out a Baywatch star was among the activists who broke into a controversial breeding facility in Dane County over the weekend. 2. The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, at a range between 3.5 and 3.75 percent. 3. The FAA just announced a new safety protocol to prevent collisions between planes and helicopters near busy airports.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Now at Noon headlines. Guests include Washington Correspondent Scott MacFarlane. We also talk about where to watch Brewers games without blackout restrictions, renderings of a new plaza at American Family Field, and why Vogue is "barking" up the wrong tree.

Washington Correspondent Scott MacFarlane talks about how the confirmation hearing for Markwayne Mullin will take place in Washington D.C. today. President Trump nominated Mullin to replace Kristi Noem, who was removed following intense criticism over the department's handling of immigration and recent fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agent. Was it just standard hearing, or were there any fireworks? What is Mullin pledging to do? Is there any reason to believe he won’t be confirmed? House Oversight Chair James Comer officially subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi for a closed-door deposition in April regarding her handling of the Epstein Files. What information does the committee believe can only be obtained through a sworn deposition? Bondi has testified before a house judiciary committee before, how will this be different? Was there bipartisan support for the subpoena? Lastly, did Scott fill out a March Madness bracket?

1. We're just hours away from Washington County leaders taking up a controversial proposal to rename part of Highway K, after conservative activist Charlie Kirk. 2. The Wisconsin Senate passed a bill that would provide taxpayer funding for University of Wisconsin athletic facilities to facilitate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments. 3. President Trump's new pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security faces tough questions today from the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Top Two at Two. Guests include ABC News Technology Reporter Mike Dobuski. We also talk about how the naming rights for Lambeau Field may be up for grabs and the hot weather hitting the Brew Crew at Spring Training.

ABC News Technology Reporter Mike Dobuski talks about how OpenAI is now getting sued by the makers of one of the most popular books in the world: the dictionary. Encyclopedia Brittanica, the company behind the Merriam Webster dictionaries, is taking the artificial intelligence firm to court, alleging OpenAI infringed on its copyright. It's not the first lawsuit of its kind, but even still, the outcome of the case is still deeply uncertain. Also, it was a busy week for the EV space, with Rivian and Lucid hitting the gas on new, lower-cost vehicles, and Honda shifting into reverse on its EV strategy.

1. The leader of the group who broke into a controversial breeding facility in Dane County was just released from jail. 2. A bipartisan bill to legalize statewide online sports betting through Wisconsin tribal gaming compacts is pending a crucial vote in the state Senate today.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Three Big Things. Guests include Animal Rights Activist Jennifer Tourkin and TMJ4 News Meteorologist Lauren Larsen. We wrap up with how one of the most common numerical passwords in the world is now being used as a support line for Cancer.

Jennifer Tourkin, who was among the animal rights activists who freed 23 beagles from Ridglan Farms, talks about what the experience was like breaking into the facility and taking out a beagle in her arms. Why does she feel like she didn’t do anything illegal and that this act was morally justified? What are her hopes for the future of Ridglan Farms? Why did her group call police upon their arrival? How does she describe the environment she witnessed while inside Ridglan Farms? How does she define the word “criminal”? Where are the beagles today? Why does she believe the arrest was worth breaking out the beagles?

1. President Trump has some unkind words for a senior counterterrorism official who resigned in protest over the US-led war against Iran. 2. Iran wants to move its World Cup games from the U.S to Mexico. 3. A new Gallup poll examines how Americans view their country's place on the world stage right now.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Now at Noon headlines. Guests include Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy Patrick De Haan and Brewers Extra Innings Host Dominic Cotroneo. We wrap up with how "ant trafficking" is a thing, and couple of men have now been charged with it.

Brewers Extra Innings Host Dominic Cotroneo talks about yesterday’s marathon game against the Dodgers with only one major offensive highlight for the Brewers, the four Brewers players going for gold during today’s World Baseball Classic, how heat could impact the Spring Training schedule, and a questionable article title...

Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy Patrick De Haan talks about how oil prices continue to fluctuate wildly because of the war with Iran. What happens if the war drags on for more weeks? When could gas prices start coming down?

1. The leader of the group who broke into a controversial breeding facility in Dane County was just released from jail. 2. A bipartisan bill to legalize statewide online sports betting through Wisconsin tribal gaming compacts is pending a crucial vote in the state Senate today. 3. The top counter-terrorism official in the country is stepping down.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Top Two at Two. Guests include Wisconsin State Emergency Operations Center Public Information Officer Katie Rousonelos and ABC News Technology Reporter Mike Dobuski. We wrap up with how the Brewers are considering changing this week's spring training start times because of high heat.

ABC News Technology Reporter Mike Dobuski talks about how it’s time once again to talk about the big winners, big losers, and big moments at this year's Oscars. The race leading up to Hollywood's biggest awards show was far more unpredictable this time around, compared to the past few years. Will the most nominated movie in Oscar’s history, Sinners, pull out a win over One Battle After Another, which has been cleaning up at precursor awards shows like the Golden Globes and the PGA Awards? Does Marty Supreme, himself, Timothée Chalamet, have what it takes to nab the Best Actor prize, or did some recent controversial comments about opera leave the door open for the ascendent Wagner Moura from The Secret Agent, or Michael B. Jordan from Sinners?

Wisconsin State Emergency Operations Center Public Information Officer Katie Rousonelos talks about the statewide winter storm. Which state agencies offer help during winter storms and what roles do they play? Are there resource centers available for people in need of getting out of the cold? How are they in communication with county and tribal emergency managers dealing with numerous reports of highways being impassable, vehicle crashes, and some power outages?

1. The blizzard of 2026 in southeast Wisconsin is not done yet! 2. A double whammy for air travelers today.

ABC News Correspondent Jim Ryan talks about how the heads of major U.S. airlines have urged Congress to move quickly to end a month-long partial government shutdown that has forced 50,000 airport security officers to work without pay. Absences by Transportation Security Administration agents have already disrupted travel at some major airports. Meanwhile, local groups have stepped up to provide help to TSA officers who’ve gone without paychecks for two weeks. The Justice Department's probe centered on Powell's testimony to Congress last year about cost overruns in a multi-billion-dollar office renovation project.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Three Big Things. Guests include Ridgeland Farms Attorney Eric McLeod, TMJ4 News Meteorologist Lauren Larsen, and ABC News Correspondent Jim Ryan.

Ridgeland Farms Attorney Eric McLeod talks about how Dane County, a significant event involving beagles, occurred when animal rights activists stormed Ridglan Farms, a controversial dog breeding facility, on Sunday. The activists managed to rescue 23 beagles from the facility, which is known for breeding beagles for biomedical research. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare and the treatment of beagles in breeding facilities.

1. New snow totals are in! 2. The Wisconsin Badgers begin play in the NCAA men's basketball Tournament on Thursday in Portland, Oregon. 3. This year's flu shot is proving not so effective.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Now at Noon headlines. Guests include MMAC Senior Advisor Tim Sheehy and We Energies Director of Media Relations Brendan Conway. We wrap up with how amid slowing sales, Peloton is now launching specialized stationary bicycles designed for high-traffic gyms.

We Energies Director of Media Relations Brendan Conway talks about how his crews are working to overcome the winter storm. How can customers help report outages? How many customers are currently without power? What was the peak number of people without power? When does he estimate power will be turned back on for everyone? How does he determine which outages to prioritize?

MMAC Senior Advisor Tim Sheehy talks about how in 2025, 15 million Americans moved to a different state, who gained and who lost in this net migration, and how did Wisconsin fair? In a new report on trends in state taxes, there seems to be a shrinking middle ground, with more states cutting income taxes, and others raising income taxes, what does this mean for Wisconsin and where do we stand? Wisconsin girls state basketball tournament, why was this the most exciting sporting event over the weekend?

1. The blizzard of 2026 in southeast Wisconsin is not done yet! 2. A double whammy for air travelers today. 3. Criminal charges could be coming this week for people who broke into Ridglan Farms in Dane County over the weekend and stole dogs.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Top Two at Two. Guests include ABC News Investigative Reporter Peter Charalambous. We also talk about how The Big 12 is transitioning back to a traditional hardwood court for the remainder of its conference tournament at T-Mobile Center after the innovative LED glass court it was using led to some slipping and grip issues for players and Stories of the Strange.

ABC News Investigative Reporter Peter Charalambous talks about how two Live Nation employees bragged to each other about their ability to “gouge” customers and charge excessive fees, boasting that the entertainment company was “robbing them blind,” according to recently unsealed court exhibits. The private exchanges between the employees, both regional ticketing directors at the time of the messages, were revealed in court exhibits unsealed this week in the DOJ’s antitrust case against Live Nation. In a statement to ABC News, a representative of Live Nation condemned the messages and said the company “will be looking into the matter promptly.” Over two dozen states are weighing whether to continue their antitrust trial against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster.

1. First is the wicked winds, then a lull, next comes a winter storm that could be one for the record books. 2. WTMJ confirms the plane that went down in western Iraq is not from Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Three Big Things. Guests include Westown Association of MKE Executive Director Stacie Callies and TMJ4 News Chief Meteorologist Brian Niznansky. We wrap up with the Week in Review.

TMJ4 News Chief Meteorologist Brian Niznansky gives the forecast for the weekend ahead.

Westown Association of MKE Executive Director Stacie Callies talks about the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day parade returning this weekend in Downtown Milwaukee. Are there concerns about the weather? How has this parade lasted so long? How has the route changed over the years? What are some of the highlights to look forward to this year? How far in advance is the parade planned out?

1. WTMJ confirms the plane that went down in western Iraq is not from Wisconsin. 2. Putting aside objections from major allies, the Trump Administration is halting sanctions on Russian oil, for at least a month. 3. Major League Baseball’s tallest players are looking forward to the first full season with the robot-umpire system.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Now at Noon headlines. Guests include Child Safety Advocate and Founder of Erin’s Law Erin Merryn and CBS News Justice Correspondent Scott MacFarlane. We wrap up with how the Moxy Hotel planned for downtown Milwaukee's Deer District will instead be an AC Hotel by Marriott.

CBS News Justice Correspondent Scott MacFarlane talks about his future following the announcement he’s leaving CBS News. Has the rhetoric regarding the legality of military action against Iran intensified or subsided? Congress did not approve the war in Iran, is it possible they will need to approve a funding package to keep it going? State Attorney's General are fighting back against the wishes of the President, specifically in Maryland. What is happening here? Why is the question of the possibility of ICE agents showing up at polling places in November being raised to the press Secretary? Has the administration declared a stance on the notion? Why or why not?

Child Safety Advocate and Founder of Erin’s Law Erin Merryn talks about how a proven child safety law is once again at risk of dying in the Wisconsin State Senate, for the 11th time, as a March 17th deadline approaches. What is Erin’s Law? What has it been credited with across the country? Why is Wisconsin one of the states holding out?

1. First is the wicked winds, then a lull, next comes a winter storm that could be one for the record books. 2. In Iraq, crews are working to rescue two crewmembers from a U.S. refueling jet that crashed, killing four others on board. 3. We now know a Department of Justice settlement would end Live Nation's deal with Milwaukee World Festival.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Top Two at Two. Guests include ABC News Crime and Terrorism Analyst Brad Garrett and WTMJ Reporter Neil Doyle. We wrap up with why headlights seem brighter on cars lately.

ABC News Crime and Terrorism Analyst Brad Garrett talks about how as days turn to weeks in the U.S. Israel Iran War, U.S. Intelligence has a growing concern that Iran will unleash attacks inside the U.S. using sleeper cells, lone actors or organized crime syndicates. The FBI recently warned that Iran aspired possibly to attack the West Coast using offensive drones. For example, there has been a concern of Mexican drug cartels using drones to attack U.S. law enforcement and U.S. military along the U.S.-Mexican border. The cartels could be used as a proxy for Iran since Iran has a history of getting others to carry out attacks. Attempts to kill the Saudi Ambassador in a DC restaurant and the assassination attempt on former National Security John Bolton are just two examples of multiple plots attempted by Iranian agents or their criminal proxies. Experts assess Iran as using terrorism as an extension of foreign policy, fighting enemies who have military superiority. As this war drags on, law enforcement and the Intelligence community grow more concerned about attacks on our Homeland.

1. Some Milwaukee city leaders are expressing serious concern over police use of Flock license plate readers, after accusations that a police officer used the system to stalk his partner and his partner's ex. 2. Closing arguments begin today in a landmark lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram and Google, parent company of YouTube, regarding social media addiction.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Three Big Things. Guests include Wisconsin Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara, TMJ4 News Chief Meteorologist Brian Niznansky, and Dr. Ben Weston from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The latest Weekly Wellness Check with Dr. Ben Weston includes if GLP-1s can help treat addiction, the pros and cons of using ChatGPT for medical advice, and the importance of smoke alarms.

TMJ4 News Chief Meteorologist Brian Niznansky gives the latest forecast.

Wisconsin Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara talks about being the author of SB831 RE: Autonomous Vehicles in Wisconsin. What would SB831 allow, if passed? Is SB831 part of a broader piece of legislation? What's next in the process? Does it appear to have bi-partisan support? Why did the corresponding assembly bill die?

1. New details about the U.S. service members who suffered serious injuries in the drone attack in Kuwait that killed six service members. 2. Gas prices could be going down with a historic release of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. 3. As the U.S. and Israel step up their strikes against Iran, the regime there is retaliating, saying the world should be prepared for oil to reach 200 dollars a barrel.

Wisconsin's Midday News has your Now at Noon headlines. Guests include Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin CEO Tracy Johnson and Milwaukee Bucks Play-by-Play Broadcaster Lisa Byington. We wrap up honoring an Everyday Hero.