Social issues

  Despite cuts to AmeriCorps due to federal sequestration, Wisconsin will get over $9 million to help nonprofit organizations.

Finding work isn't easy for the more than 60 million people in the country with a past conviction. A Milwaukee-based organization is offering to help ex-offenders get their foot in the door by making it easier for them to clear their criminal records.

In northeastern Wisconsin, 80 nonprofits are getting nearly $1.8 million in grants to combat poverty. It's part of a collaborative project between two private foundations and three community foundations.

Republicans in the Assembly passed three abortion-related bills Thursday, including one requiring ultrasounds for women seeking abortions.