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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Tax Time's Coming - With Its Very Own Grinch

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Thursday, December 21, 2006   


According to a new report from the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, over 130,000 Wisconsinites take out "refund anticipation loans" each year to pay for tax prep and quick access to cash. Spokesman John Keckhaver says the loans target low-income communities, don't speed up refunds very much, and cost an average of $250, a high percentage of the actual refund.

"This siphons off millions of dollars every year from what has been a very successful anti-poverty program, which is the earned-income tax credit."

Some larger tax prep firms have recently announced changes in their refund anticipation loans, including more disclosure of costs and alternatives. The report says Wisconsinites paid over $32 million for the loans in 2004, the most recent data available.

One option for low-income filers is to use a "VITA" site, a volunteer-operated tax service. Accounting professor Phil Bice directs a VITA site at UW-La Crosse.

"We can help them if they care to do their own filing, and we certainly have the ability to electronically file from our site. It's very quick and straightforward, and without a fee, of course".

For a local VITA site, you can call the state Department of Revenue at 608-266-2772.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

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