World
10:53 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

How To Serve: Israelis Debate Military Exemptions

Credit Uriel Sinai / Getty Images
Israeli soldiers get ready to launch the Skylark drone during a drill in January. Israelis are required to serve in the military, and a push for exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews has created a fierce debate.

In Israel, a country where citizens serve a mandatory military service of two to three years, the exemption of some has become a topic of heated debate. It's fiercer now, after the Supreme Court struck down a law which had excused ultra-Orthodox Jews from serving in the military.

The decision highlights growing tensions between the religious and secular elements of Israeli society. As the ultra-Orthodox population continues to grow, many are asking what part they will play in the Jewish state.

'They Need To Contribute Too'

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Happening Now
8:16 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

North Mississippi Allstars - TICKETS

ONE PAIR LEFT: For a pledge of $50, receive a pair of tickets to see North Mississippi Allstars at the Orange Peel on Friday, March 9th. Ask about adding a $25 gift certificate to Barley's to your package.  Get both for a pledge of $75.

Call to make your pledge: 1-800-245-8870 (Pre-pay only)

Asia
7:58 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

Vote In Small Chinese Village Holds Big Meaning

In southern China, a village that rebelled against corrupt Communist officials has elected the main protest leaders as its new village committee leaders. Reformers are hoping this could be a template for defusing unrest through grassroots democracy, but others say the experience of the rebellious village is unique.

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The Two-Way
6:16 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

Limbaugh Apologizes For Insulting Law Student

Credit Alex Wong / Getty Images
Sandra Fluke, a third-year law student at Georgetown University, waits to testify before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee on Feb. 23.

Originally published on Sat March 3, 2012 7:24 pm

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh apologized today to a Georgetown University law student he called a "slut" and a "prostitute" this week. His comments about Sandra Fluke, who testified on Capitol Hill that insurers should provide no-cost contraception, outraged women's groups and others, including the president, who called her on Friday.

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Support
5:59 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

Bonnaroo Contest

Bonnaroo is on June 7-10, 2012 in Manchester, Tennessee this year.  Find the complete lineup here

WNCW's Bonnaroo Drawing Includes:

-          1 pair of Guest Access Passes to Bonnaroo for all four days of the festival

-          Camping at an exclusive guest campground near the stages

-          Access to the Guest Lounge with its own bar and restaurant

-          Access to the Guest Bleachers

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Support
5:57 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

Mountain Song at Sea Contest

Mountain Song at Sea is a three day cruise from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.  Sail away on the Norwegian Sky and enjoy music similar to what you enjoy at Mountain Song Festival.

The prize package includes one stateroom for two.  Airfare not included.

Everyone who contributes to WNCW during our Spring Pledge Drive from March 3 until March 9 at 6pm will be entered into both the Mountain Song at Sea and Bonnaroo drawings.  No contribution is necessary to enter.

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Laura Ziegler began her career at KCUR as a reporter more than 20 years ago. She became the news director in the mid 1980's and  in 1988,  went to National Public Radio in Washington, D.C. as a producer for Weekend Edition Saturday with Scott Simon.

In 1993, she came back to Kansas City as the Midwest correspondent for National Public Radio. Among the stories she covered - the floods of 1993, the ongoing farm crisis and rural affairs, and presidential campaigns.

After the birth of her 3rd child, Laura returned to KCUR as producer of Under the Clock, a weekly talk show broadcast live from Union Station. It was hosted by former Kansas City mayor Emanuel Cleaver. When he was elected 5th district Congressman in 2002, Laura returned to KCUR as a part-time reporter and producer.

Laura has won numerous awards for her work, including three regional Edward R. Murrow awards.

In 1992, Laura was awarded a Jefferson Fellowship in Journalism with the East West Center at the University of Hawaii which took her to China, Japan, Burma, Bangladesh and Thailand.  In 1990, she was part of a reporting trip to the then -Soviet Union with the American Center for International Leadership.

Laura graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Anthropology from Vassar College.

She, her husband, and their three children - Julia, Ellie, and Benjamin, live with Laura's father in the house in which she was born.

Around the Nation
4:25 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

After Scandal, New Rules For Juveniles In Pa. Courts

More than 2,000 young people in Pennsylvania are trying to put one of the nation's worst juvenile justice scandals behind them. It's been a year since a former judge was convicted in the so-called "kids for cash" scandal.

New rules intended to protect the rights of children took effect this week, but questions about Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system remain.

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Around the Nation
4:24 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

Settlement Only The First Step In BP's Legal Woes

Credit Patrick Semansky / AP
A cross with the words "Promises Made"-- referring to statements from BP and government officials — stands in front of a pile of crosses symbolizing things that were impacted by the spill, in a front yard in Grand Isle, La.

Originally published on Sat March 3, 2012 5:09 pm

Oil giant BP has agreed to settle thousands of lawsuits stemming from its well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico.

The deal was announced late Friday and prompted a federal judge in New Orleans to postpone a Monday trial, but the proposed settlement solves only one piece of BP's legal exposure from the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.

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Around the Nation
3:00 pm
Sat March 3, 2012

Animal Disease Center's New Home Proves Difficult

The animal disease center that the Homeland Security department has maintained since Sept. 11 has fallen into disrepair. A proposed new location in Kansas has been riddled with neighborhood concerns, safety threats and escalating costs. Laura Ziegler of Harvest Public Media reports.

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