4/29/2025

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lawsuit in battleground Wisconsin seeks to legalize a once-popular practice of fusion voting, where the same candidate could appear on the ballot as nominated by multiple political parties. All of the votes that candidate receives are combined, or fused, for their total. Supporters say this would empower independent voters and lesser-known political parties, at a time of increasingly bitter partisanship. Critics argue it complicates the ballot, perhaps confusing the voter, while also giving minor parties disproportionate power.

Severe Weather Possible Today

N. WISCONSIN / UP - There is an enhanced risk, a level 3 out of 5, of severe storms today in Northern and Northwest Wisconsin through tonight. Some storms will be severe and produce damaging winds and large hail.  Minor river flooding is possible across typically flood-prone rivers due to rainfall and snowmelt across the region.

4/28/2025

ASHLAND - A request to remove a book from the Ashland High Media School Center was denied after more than 20 attendees spoke in response. After more than an hour of public comment, the single resident’s request to remove “Gender Queer: A Memoir” was voted down, with only one board member voting against keep the book on the shelves. The resident who requested the book be removed said they aren’t against the book because of the topic, but rather some of the content, which was sexually explicit, saying that type of content could hyper-sexualize a young person. Superintendent Robert Prater said the district doesn’t define what is controversial. Ashland Middle School Principal Jake Levings said he was shocked at some of the illustrations at first, but after reading it, realized the book addressed the importance of consent. Several in attendance said banning the book would be a step backward and still others said although reading it was uncomfortable, the benefit a kid might gain from reading and understanding they are not alone is invaluable, and that might save a life.