The state at 1 a.m.

Associated Press

2:03 AM EDT, July 9, 2008

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FESTIVAL FAILURES

MILWAUKEE -- From a hot air balloon festival in Jackson, Mich., to parades in Clearwater, Fla. to a seafood festival in Annapolis, Md., organizers grappling with the effects of a weakening economy are calling it quits. Or at least putting off their events until next year. Corporate sponsors are pulling out as they worry about keeping money in their own businesses, organizers are reluctant to raise ticket prices, and costs for hiring bands, vendors and renting grounds are rising. By Business Writer Emily Fredrix.

AP Photos WIRAC501-502.

With:

-- FESTIVAL FAILURES-SUMMARY BOX

MIDWEST FLOODING-STRANGE DEBRIS

ST. LOUIS -- As floodwaters make their retreat across the Midwest, remnants of the lives and livelihoods touched by raging rivers and swollen lakes are popping up miles from those who lost them. Duffels of police riot gear. Thousands of pens and highlighters. Everything from children's toys found hanging from trees along the Iowa's Cedar River to water heaters, dog houses and pistols in the muddy ooze of flood-ravaged parts of southern Wisconsin. By Jim Suhr.

AP Photos.

MUSEUM-MAMMOTH

MILWAUKEE -- The Hebior mammoth, a 14,500-year-old skeleton dug up in Kenosha County in 1994, was unveiled Tuesday at the Milwaukee Public Museum, providing locals a glimpse of the most intact specimen discovered in North America. By Dinesh Ramde.

AP Photos.

CANDIDATE FILINGS

MADISON -- Everyone and his brother, sister and uncle apparently think they've got a shot at winning office this campaign season. Scores of candidates have lined up to run for Congress and the Legislature, according to nomination papers filed with the state Government Accountability Board by the deadline of 5 p.m. Tuesday. By Todd Richmond.

With:

-- CANDIDATE FILINGS-GLANCE

-- KENOSHA CANDIDATES, from KENOSHA -- Peter Barca, a former legislator who briefly served in Congress in the early 1990s, is among the candidates to represent the 64th Assembly District, which includes part of the city of Kenosha.