4/30/03 – Lawmakers Moving to Approving Contracts

(Madison) Approval of state employee union contracts could be a step closer. That's because members of the legislature who have to allow a vote on the matter say they like the new health-care plan proposed by the Doyle administration. Frederica Freyberg reports.

4/30/03 – WE Energies Hit With $600 Million Fine

(Milwaukee) Wisconsin's largest electric utility has reached an air pollution settlement that could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The U-S Justice Department and the E-P-A today announced the deal with Milwaukee-based WE Energies. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/30/03 – Expert: Military Needs Help Rebuilding Iraq

(Milwaukee) A Wisconsin man who worked in northern Iraq in 1993 and 1994 as part of "Operation Provide Comfort" says the U.S. military shouldn't be in charge of rebuilding Iraq. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

4/30/03 – Door County Residents to Lobby Lawmakers

(Undated) One-hundred volunteer boosters from Door County are heading to Madison. They're going to remind lawmakers that the Peninsula is home to several thousand permanent residents most of whom aren't wealthy vacationers. Patty Murray has more.

4/30/03 – American Legion Reaches Out to Younger Vets

(Milwaukee) Veterans of the war in Iraq will eventually return to Wisconsin by the thousands. When they do, they'll be asked to serve again in a different way. Terry Bell explains.

4/29/03 – Full Slate in 7th Senate Race

(Milwaukee) A Green Party candidate and a Democrat offer voters some dramatic differences in a special legislative election in Milwaukee County. Chuck Quirmbach has more on the race for the Seventh State Senate District.

4/29/03 – Controversy Will Last Beyond Election

(Madison) The race for a special election will be over soon but the political controversy is likely to continue. Shamane Mills explains.

4/29/03 – Lawsuit Could Unearth Smear Campaign

(Madison) In a related matter, there's a new judge in the case against that self-described political hit-man. That decision came out of Dane County court. Depositions expected to start soon in the defamation lawsuit should get to the bottom of who knew what when. Frederica Freyberg reports.

4/29/03 – Doyle Hits the Links to Promote State

(Kohler) Governor James Doyle is scheduled to mix golf, politics and tourism promotion today. Doyle is taking part in a publicity event for a major golf championship coming to Wisconsin next year. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/29/03 – Dean Presidential Campaign Kicks Off

(Madison) A Democratic candidate for President kicked off his campaign in Madison over the weekend. Actually the candidate wasn't in the state. But supporters of Vermont Governor Howard Dean gathered at a Madison bar to watch campaign video's, and raise money for the candidate they hope will be the next president. Gil Halsted reports.

4/29/03 – Holocaust Remembrance Observed

(Madison) Holocaust victims are being remembered in commemorations around the nation this week, including events in Wisconsin. Melba Lara prepared this report.

4/28/03 – Alpaca Farmers Celebrate Fleece

(Madison) Their owners consider them huggable investments. Over the weekend several hundred of these cuddly cousins of the camel gathered for the first Great Midwest Alpaca Festival in Madison. Reporter Gil Halsted went to run his fingers through their fleece and learn more about why more and more people are raising them.

4/28/03 – Feeding Ban Angers Northern WI Residents

(Superior) The ban on deer baiting could have an impact on Wisconsin’s already weak economy. Maria Macioce reports that the ban on deer baiting approved by the Natural Resources Board last week could mean less hunting.

4/28/03 – Women Begin 1,000 Mile Walking Journey

(Superior) Two First Nation women want to remind people about the value of the Great Lakes. So they started their one-thousand mile sojourn around Lake Superior last week at the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Mike Simonson caught up with them in Superior.

4/28/03 – DOT Plans to Curb Traffic Deaths

(Green Bay) Police and Traffic Safety Officials will confer this week to come up with ways to stem the high number of traffic deaths in Wisconsin. Last year the state almost set a record for deaths. So far this year state drivers are on pace to surpass that figure. Patty Murray has more.

4/28/03 – Stem Cell Breakthroughs Not Created Equal

(Madison) The controversy over embryonic stem cell research has prompted scientists to see if adult stem cells could be as effective in curing disease. However, a pioneer in the field says its unlikely any time soon. Melba Lara has more.

4/26/03 – 6 New Gaming Compacts

(Madison) The state of Wisconsin has signed gaming compacts with a half dozen more tribes and has an agreement with a seventh. The announcement comes as Republicans continue efforts to legally block such agreements. Shamane Mills reports.

4/26/03 – E-L-F Protestors Go to Jail

(Madison) Two anti-war protesters got new and stiffer sentences for trespassing on the Navy's E-L-F antenna site in northern Wisconsin. Gil Halsted has more.

4/26/03 – Bill Would Curb Gun Lawsuits

(Madison) A bill protecting gun makers, shooting ranges and sport clubs is moving ahead in the Republican controlled legislature. That despite opposition from anti-violence advocates and the mayors of Wisconsin's two largest cities. Shamane Mills reports.

4/26/03 – Shared Revenue Cuts Anger Officials

(Madison) A coalition which takes credit for helping oust a prominent politician who talked last year of shared revenue cuts is flexing its muscle again. And the group hints that if Republican legislators are successful doing that -- plus freezing local taxes -- they, too, could go the way of former Governor Scott McCallum. Republicans say otherwise. Shamane Mills reports.

4/25/03 – Victims Plead for Help Against ID Theft

(Madison) Victims of identity theft, along with police, say the state can take simple steps to help people get stolen identities back. Lawmakers held a public hearing on a bill aimed at making it easier to prosecute identity theft. Shamane Mills reports.

4/25/03 – Study: Entire Deer Herd Vulnerable to CWD

(Madison) New research findings on Chronic Wasting Disease indicate most of the deer in the state are susceptible to the fatal brain ailment. There had been hope that Wisconsin's wild deer herd might build up genetic reisistance to C-W-D. But a soon to be published U-W study says that's not likely. Gil Halsted reports.

4/25/03 – Anger Erupts Over Budget Cuts

(Madison) The stress of balancing the state's budget while trying to hold on to near and dear programs caused an eruption in the first minutes of work by the legislature's joint finance committee today. Frederica Freyberg reports.

4/25/03 – "Death With Dignity" Bill to be Reintroduced

(Superior) A bill that would make doctor assisted suicide legal in Wisconsin will be introduced for a sixth time Friday. Mike Simonson has the story from Superior.

4/25/03 – Business Health Insurance Program Delayed

(Statewide) Once again, a program that would help Wisconsin businesses buy more affordable health insurance has been put on hold. Wednesday the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee delayed implementation of the "Private Employer Health Care Coverage Program." Patty Murray has more.

4/24/03 – Lawmakers Begin Cutting Budget

(Madison) Deeper cuts in programs and services has come from the state legislature's budget writing committee. The Joint Finance Committee has begun its work in earnest with its formal action on the governor's budget. Frederica Freyberg reports.

4/24/03 – Feeding, Baiting Ban Made Permanent

(Madison) The Natural Resources Board has approved a new set of rules to fight Chronic Wasting Disease. The most controversial provsion is a permament statewide ban on baiting and feeding deer. Before the vote, the board heard from many who oppose the plan. Gil Halsted reports.

4/24/03 – McCallum Pays for Using Plane, Boat

(Madison) Scott Mc Callum has paid $13,500 dollars for misusing state vehicles when he was Governor of Wisconsin. As Terry Bell reports, steps are being taken to ensure it doesn't happen again.

4/24/03 – School Choice Advocates Want Expansion

(Milwaukee) Some Milwaukee parents are pushing lawmakers to expand school choice to the suburbs. Critics want more proof on how the program's working and fear losing more state aid in tight fiscal times. But supporters say the school choice program is an educational investment that saves money in the long run. Shamane Mills reports.

4/24/03 – Doyle: 'I'll Veto Ban on Stem Cell Research'

(Madison) Governor Jim Doyle is threatening to veto any legislation which would hamper stem cell research in Wisconsin. Melba Lara reports.

4/24/03 – Role of Public Art Under Debate

(Milwaukee) The power of art to uplift or enrage will be at center stage at a forum in Milwaukee Thursday. Benson Gardner has more.

4/23/03 – Program Looks to Inspire 5th Graders

(Green Bay) Hundreds of elementary school kids descended upon UW Green Bay to learn what it's like to go to college. 550 fifth-graders went on the field trip. Many of the kids live in economically depressed neighborhoods of Green Bay. Organizers hope a day on campus will encourage them to stay in school and pursue a higher education one day. Patty Murray has more.

4/11/03 – Governor Wants Better Energy Forecasting

(Milwaukee) Governor Doyle says he's told the public service commission to do more comprehensive planning for the state's energy needs. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/11/03 – Court Sides With Cities

(Madison) Cities scored a victory over towns in their ongoing fight over land-use-planning today (yesterday/friday). The victory came in the form of a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Benson Gardner reports.

4/11/03 – Tribe Wants Cultural Center

(Milwaukee) A Milwaukee building long sought by Native Americans is closer to becoming a tribal history and cultural center. Milwaukee County gave conceptual approval to turning over control of an old Coast Guard station. Chuck Quirmbach filed this report.

4/11/03 – Lake Supporters Hold Gathering

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Lakes Convention is going on in Green Bay this weekend. It's expected to attract hundreds of people who live near lakes and people who enjoy boating or fishing. Patty Murray has more.

4/11/03 – Criticism Scuttles Building Plan

(Madison) The UW Medical school says it will rely on gifts and grants to fund a state of the art research complex after its initial funding mechanism drew criticism. Shamane Mills reports.

4/11/03 – Town Fights Annexation

(Madison) A town is making a last-ditch effort to keep from being swallowed up by the city of La Crosse. Town of Campbell residents made an impassioned plea to legislators at a hearing in Madison Thursday. Sandra Harris reports.

4/10/03 – Voucher Advocates Seek to Expand Program

(Madison) Governor Jim Doyle is telling school voucher advocates not to push for expansion of the program. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/10/03 – Mental Health Advocates Oppose Cuts

(Madison) More than 100 people from around Wisconsin with mental illnesses are urging lawmakers not to cut money for medications and programs. Terry Bell reports.

4/10/03 – Lawsuit Against GB Diocese

(Green Bay) The Green Bay Catholic Diocese is facing a lawsuit. An alleged sex abuse victim claims the Church didn't punish a Priest he says was molesting him. Patty Murray has more.

4/10/03 – Brain Disease Link to CWD Investigated

(Undated) The deaths of two deer hunters in Washington state from a rare brain disease has raised concern again about the health risks of eating vension. Gil Halsted reports.

4/10/03 – Tougher Patient Privacy Rules Coming

(Statewide) Beginning next week, a sweeping new federal law will take effect designed to increase privacy for people who get medical care. Melba Lara reports.

4/10/03 – Baiting, Feeding Ban Extended

(Madison) An emergency rule prohibiting baiting and feeding deer was set to expire April 10th. But the tool against chronic wasting disease will continue, at least for a while. Action by a legislative committee keeps it in place until the department of natural resources board meets at the end of the this month. That's when a decision will be made whether to ban baiting and feeding permanently. Shamane Mills reports.

4/09/03 – Troops Get Send-Off from Governor

(Fort McCoy) Troops from Fort McCoy who are headed to the Middle East were given a send-off by Governor Jim Doyle. The governor made the trip with special military escort. Frederica Freyberg prepared this report.

4/09/03 – Study: Much Warmer Summers for Wisconsin

(Statewide) A major new study on global warming predicts a warmer Wisconsin, that's more prone to flooding and various ecological changes. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/09/03 – Int'l Students Oppose New Fee

(Madison) International student groups are mobilizing over money. They're opposed to a new fee the UW-Madison is charging as part of a federal system tracking foreign students and visitors. Shamane Mills reports.

4/09/03 – Small Businesses Get Boost from Court Ruling

(Undated) The U.S. Supreme Court recently changed the rules for Wisconsin companies in a relatively common type of legal dispute. A business lawyer in the state thinks the change is a gain for small enterprises. Benson Gardner reports.

4/08/03 – Thousands of Signatures for George Recall

(Milwaukee) A recall effort against State Senator Gary George says it has enough signatures to trigger a recall election. Organizers of the campaign have many complaints about the Milwaukee Democrat, including that he's quote aloof. But Chuck Quirmbach reports that defeating Senator George at the ballot box might take some doing.

4/08/03 – Ice Wrecks Lakeshore Homes

(Superior) The combination of a lack of snow and cold weather this winter is causing more than drought conditions. It's also ripping up lakeshore beach property. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

4/08/03 – BIA Approves Minor Changes for Gaming Deal

(Madison) With this week-end's approval in Washington of Wisconsin's Potawatomi gaming compact expect some big new expansion at the tribe's Milwaukee casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the compact with some changes. Frederica Freyberg reports:

4/08/03 – Health Costs Will Be a "Train Wreck" for WI

(Madison) A new plan urges major reforms to reduce health care costs in Wisconsin. Melba Lara reports.

4/08/03 – Soldiers Respond Well to Smallpox Vaccine

(Fort McCoy) Smallpox vaccines for soldiers at Fort McCoy haven't caused any significant problems.

4/08/03 – Consumers Could Pay for New HMO Tax

(Undated) Governor Doyle is standing behind his plan for a one-percent surchage on HMO.s That's even though health maintenance organization executives claim the charge would just be passed along to customers. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/07/03 – Support Group Helps Military Family

(Eau Claire) Some of the stress of fighting a war is often transferred back to family members at home. To cope, some form support groups. Organizers of a new one in Chippewa Falls say their goal is to share thoughts, worries and information with each other. As Mary Jo Wagner reports, experts say a lot more is known these day about helping military sons, daughters and family members deal with this dramatic change in lifestyle.

4/07/03 – Historical Society Weighs Cuts

(Madison) The Wisconsin Historical Society is trying to figure out how to cut its budget. Governor Jim Doyle's has proposed a 15 percent cut to the society's budget. It would also reduce staff. Historical Society officials say the cuts could drive away potential visitors and volunteers. Patty Murray has more.

4/07/03 – Woman Fights To Send Anti-Smoking Message

(Shorewood) A small change in the way paid obituaries appear in a major Wisconsin newspaper is a big victory for a woman who lost family members to cancer. Melba Lara has more.

4/05/03 – Changes for Elderly, Disabled in Nursing Homes

(Undated) Care givers who didn't intend to be meeting with Wisconsin's Health and Family Services Secretary Helene Nelson did so Friday. They discussed a surprise proposal to possibly move more elderly and disabled from nursing homes. Shamane Mills reports.

4/05/03 – Striking Workers May Get "Adopted"

(Jefferson) Striking workers at the Tyson Foods plant in Jefferson are turning to other unions to help them get through the strike. Benson Gardner has more.

4/05/03 – Red Level Warning At Nuclear Plant

(Two Rivers) Federal inspectors are raising concerns about the Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant. But a company that runs the plant near Two Rivers says any problem is being fixed. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/05/03 – BIA Ruling Won't Stop Lawsuit

(Undated) The Bureau of Indian affairs will approve or disapprove the controversial Potawatomi gaming compact this weekend. But that ruling isn't likely to affect a pending lawsuit challenging the compact on constitutional grounds. Gil Halsted reports.

4/05/03 – Winter Storm Blasts Lake Superior

(Duluth) A blast of wintry weather is causing significant problems in northern Wisconsin. Gusty winds and lake effect snow are putting a halt to shipping on Lake Superior. One of the lake's largest ships was forced back into the safety of the Twin Ports harbor on Thursday. And for the first time, the wind has forced the aerial bridge to stop operating. Mike Simonson reports.

4/04/03 – Final Four Fever Sweeps Marquette

(Milwaukee) The game between Marquette University and Kansas will kick off the men's N.C.A.A Final Four basketball championship Saturday. It's been 26 years since the Jesuit-run Marquette has made it to the final round. In Milwaukee this week, Marquette fans have been celebrating this year's team and remembering the school's basketball history. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/04/03 – "Wise Old Women" Protest War

(Milwaukee) Wisconsin people continue to express their opinions about the war against Iraq. On a street corner in downtown Milwaukee Thursday about 25 older women demonstrated against the war. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/04/03 – Hundreds of Students March to Protest Cuts

(Madison) U-W students, from across the state, are angry about budget cuts to the University. They rallied in Madison Thursday. Frederica Freyberg has this report.

4/04/03 – War Research Could Lead to Surgery Advancements

(Madison) Research at the U-W Madison School of Engineering could help improve a radar jamming system now in use by Air Force fighter jets flying missions over Iraq. Spinoffs from the same research could lead to advances in breast cancer surgery. Gil Halsted reports.

4/04/03 – Poll: Seniors Want Tax Hikes, Not Cuts

(Statewide) A new poll finds most Wisconsin residents over age 50 want higher taxes rather than cuts in programs for seniors. Melba Lara reports.

4/04/03 – Cops Worried About Lawsuit

(Madison) The family of a man who died while under arrest wants to know the names of the police officers involved. But the 29 officers in question say they're afraid for their lives. Benson Gardner reports on the case from Madison.

4/03/03 – Accidental 9-1-1 Cell Calls Cause Concern

(Statewide) Cell phone users who program 9-1-1 on their speed dial are sometimes calling for help they don't need. And public safety officials are trying to get cell users to be more aware of inadvertant calls caused by sitting on a phone or otherwise bumping the button. Shamane Mills reports.

4/03/03 – Ad Campaign Aims to Help Minorities Quit

(Milwaukee) A new statewide advertising campaign will be unveiled in Milwaukee aimed at getting minorities to quit smoking. However, experts caution the ads could backfire if they use the wrong approach. Melba Lara has more.

4/03/03 – Peace Activists: Arrests Will Continue

(Madison) A group of Madison pacifists say they'll continue to court arrest to protest the war in Iraq. Tuesday 20 people were ticketed for obstructing the sidewalk during a sit-in outside Senator Herb Kohl's office in Madison. Gil Halsted has more.

4/02/03 – Proceeds for Universal Health Care?

(Madison) A citizen's group hopes to block plans by the U-W Medical school to use a special public health fund to build a new research center. Gil Halsted has more.

4/02/03 – Out With the Old

(Madison) Despite a tough economy, Madison voters have rejected a former mayor with extensive financial experience and elect a challenger who promises "change". Shamane MIlls reports.

4/02/03 – Roggensack Wins Supreme Court Race

(Statewide) Appeals Judge Pat Roggensack will be the next justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. After a tight race, she beat Circuit Judge Ed Brunner by in unofficial returns. Benson Gardner reports.

4/02/03 – Shake Up Could Come for Milwaukee Schools

(Milwaukee) Teachers unions are cheering an election result in Milwaukee. Former high school principal Tom Balistreri has defeated incumbent school board member John Gardner. That puts the Milwaukee School Board back in the hands of members supported by teachers groups. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/02/03 – Incumbent Superior Mayor Ousted

(Superior) Superior has a new mayor. Voters elected a political newcomer by a 59 to 41 percent margin. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

4/02/03 – New Leaders for Green Bay, Brown County

(Green Bay) There's new leadership in place in Green Bay and Brown County. Voters picked a new city Mayor and County Executive. Patty Murray has the results.

4/02/03 – GOP Will Sue to Stop Tribal Gaming Expansion

(Madison) In what they call a last ditch effort to stop perpetual Indian gaming compacts, Republican legislators will ask the state Supreme Court to block any such agreements. They're expected to file the request with the high court by Wednesday. Frederica Freyberg reports.

4/02/03 – Fans, Alumni Snap Up Marquette Gear

(Milwaukee) The cash registers are ringing at Marquette University in Milwaukee as the men's basketball team heads to the NCAA Final Four Championship tournament. Students, workers and alumni are opening their wallets to celebrate. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

4/01/03 – UW Regents Hear Pleas to Spare UWEX

(Madison) The UW Board of Regents has heard from students asking that cuts to make up for less state aid not be too deep. Now supporters of the UW Extension, like farmers, have voiced their concerns at a hearing in Madison. Shamane Mills reports.

4/01/03 – Funding for County Fairs in Jeopardy

(Statewide) Government support for county fairs around Wisconsin could be cut to help balance the state budget. Terry Bell reports.

4/01/03 – Poll: Economy is State's Biggest Problem

(Undated) Most people in Wisconsin say the economy is the state's biggest problem. The Wisconsin Public Radio, St. Norbert College survey found the state's budget deficit, jobs, and taxes are the most important issues. Patty Murray has more.

4/01/03 – Autism Advocates Voice Concerns

(Undated) Families with autistic children continue to raise concerns about a proposed state budget cut in an education program for the kids. Chuck Quirmbach reports there are signs the concerns are being heard.

4/01/03 – Parkinson Treatment Offers New Hope

4/01/03 – U-W Coach Promises Better Recruits

(Madison) Wisconsin native Lisa Stone is promising she'll keep more top high school basketball players from leaving the state. The new UW-Madison women's basketball coach is vowing to keep more of them here. Shamane Mills reports.