5/31/03 – Budget Crunch Affects Mosquito Money

(Undated) Heavy Rains in some areas of the state have also brought large numbers of mosquitos. For some communities, tight budgets mean vector control departments can't do much about the bugs. Sandra Harris has more.

5/31/03 – Wisconsin Farmers Protest Ban on GMO Corn

(Undated) Wisconsin Corn growers and organic farmers both have a stake in the outcome of a complaint the U-S has filed with the World Trade Organization. They're hoping European countries agree to lift their ban on genetically modified corn. Gil Halsted has more.

5/31/03 – Hunting Groups Want Higher License Fees

(Undated) Hunting and wildlife groups say they plan to pepper the legislature with calls for *higher* hunting and fishing license fees. Republicans on the legislature's Joint Finance Committee scaled back fee hikes that Governor Doyle proposed. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/31/03 – Republicans Vow No Public Safety Cuts

(Undated) There's been local government backlash over possible state aid cuts --along with a freeze on spending. Now some Republicans are trying to reassure communities that they won't have catastrophic cuts in police and fire service. And also that economic development will continue despite the state's 3 billion dollar deficit. Shamane Mills reports.

5/30/03 – Presidential Candidate Kucinich Coming to WI

(Undated) The Democratic candidates for President continue to come through Wisconsin. One of them, Ohio Congressmember Dennis Kucinich is due to speak at rallies in Lake Geneva and Madison. Kucinich's visit spotlights a split within the Democrats as they prepare to take on likely Republican nominee George W. Bush. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/30/03 – Opposition to Tax Freeze Plan

(Undated) The assembly republican plan to freeze property taxes in Wisconsin is causing a firestorm of opposition from local governments and schools. As the clamor against it rises, the legislature's republican-held joint finance committee is trying to work such a freeze into its budget. But from all appearances, assembly and senate republicans cannot agree on how to do it. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/30/03 – Mississippi to be Lowered

(Madison) A couple of drawdowns of the Mississippi River are planned for this summer. Another is under discussion for the future and environmental interests say they hope the drawdowns become common practice in the future. Sandra Harris reports.

5/30/03 – African Art Show Details Violence

(Madison) A Wisconsin man has put together an art show to tell the world about horrors in his homeland. Benson Gardner has more.

5/29/03 – Jewish, Muslim Students Look for Common Ground

(Madison) While the violence between Israelis and Palestinians continues some Jewish and Mulsim students at U-W Madison are looking for common ground. They don't expect to bring peace to the Middle East, but they've decided it's worth it to learn more about each other's religion. Gil Halsted reports.

5/28/03 – Priest Death Spurs Call for Change in Law

(Undated) The death of a former Catholic priest accused of abusing many children has a victims rights group asking the Legislature to hurry up with some proposed legislation. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/28/03 – U.S. Supreme Court Sides With State Workers

(Undated) A group fighting for worker's rights is "relieved" by a U-S Supreme Court ruling. The high court decision allows state employees to sue if denied time off under the federal family leave act. Shamane Mills reports.

5/28/03 – Report: WI Could Do More for Working Families

(Undated) A new economic report shows Wisconsin does a better job than most other states when it comes to supporting the working poor. But it also says the state should do more to help poor families improve their long-term financial prospects. Patty Murray has more.

5/28/03 – CUB Turns Against Oak Creek Plan

(Statewide) A former supporter of the plan to build the state's largest power plant is now firmly against the proposal. The Citizens Utility Board says WE Energies plan to dramatically expand its coal burning plant in Oak Creek would be too costly for consumers. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/27/03 – Ports Will Have to Batten Down the Hatches

(Statewide) Final regulations requiring all ports to be secure against terrorist attacks will be released by the federal government. Mike Simonson reports that port officials are hoping the new rules come with some new money.

5/27/03 – Drug Makers Knock Efforts to Save Money

(Statewide) Legislation to control prescription drug costs in Wisconsin could hurt patients. That according to drug companies, who say there are better alternatives. The effort comes in light of a favorable U-S Supreme Court decision over a state program in Maine that's considered a model for Wisconsin. Melba Lara reports.

5/27/03 – Cuts In Special Education Worry Parents

(Statewide) Parents of children with special needs are worried about the effects of school budget cuts that include special education teachers. Mary Jo Wagner has more on one school district's decision.

5/27/03 – Professor Aims to Slow Down Gamers

(Statewide) A philosophy professor at U-W Madison is designing a new 3-D computer game to help his students better understand the French Renaissance. It's an effort to make complex philosophical theories more accessible to today's computer-savvy students. Gil Halsted has more.

5/27/03 – State Elections Board Seeing Green

(Statewide) The state Elections Board has a green shadow. the Wisconsin Green Party says it'll have one of its members at every Elections Board meeting to keep an eye on the board's work. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/24/03 – Students Who Sell Drugs Get No Aid

(Statewide) A bill introduced in the State Assembly would deny state financial aid to students convicted of selling drugs. A national student group has lauched a petition drive to defeat the bill. Gil Halsted reports.

5/24/03 – New Lie Detector Found in More Departments

(Statewide) The number of police departments using a new type of lie detector is growing. Believers say the devices are nearly infallible, but critics say they don't work at all, and violate suspects' rights. Benson Gardner has more.

5/24/03 – Republican Plan to Freeze Taxes Scrutinized

(Statewide) There's some indication that a tax freeze may be thawing. The Republican idea to control local levies is still taking shape. The nonpartisan legislative fiscal bureau is analyzing what effect a Republican tax freeze could have on local government services and development. Shamane Mills reports.

5/23/03 – Animal Hoarding Points to Trouble

(Statewide) Animal experts are urging more awareness of a mental health problem...in people. The compulsive collection of animals or "animal hoarding" can be a sign of bigger problems. Terry Bell reports.

5/23/03 – Critics of a UW power plant aren't silenced.

(Statewide) A utility trying to get approval for a controversial power plant has struck a deal with critics worried about pollution. Environmentalists hope this agreement could become a model for other communities wrestling over siting power plants. Shamane Mills reports.

5/23/03 – Turkey Award Given to Hotline

(Statewide) A special School Weapons Hotline has won a legislative Golden Turkey award for wasteful spending. But some school officials are defending it. Gil Halsted reports.

5/23/03 – Republicans Vow to Freeze Property Taxes

(Statewide) State assembly Republicans want to freeze property taxes as part of the budget. Under the plan, the amount home-owners paid last year would stay the same for the next two years. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/22/03 – Students Cancel Trips Home Because of SARS

(Statewide) Many countries appear to have had some successs controlling the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome. But the number of cases continues to climb. And some UW-Madison students from China, Taiwan and other affected areas are hesistant to go home for the summer. Shamane Mills reports.

5/22/03 – Republicans, Governor Point Fingers on Budget

(Statewide) The legislature's budget-writing committee abruptly halted its work this afternoon. And then majority Republicans blamed it on the governor. Frederica Freyberg has details.

5/22/03 – Madison's Mayor Tries to Make Good on Promise

(Statewide) A politician who campaigned on providing cheaper housing is out with a proposal that developers say will drive up their costs. Shamane Mills reports.

5/21/03 – Committee Nixes Doyle's Welfare Plan

(Statewide) A champion of welfare recipients' rights says "they should be dancing in the streets..." after action on the legislature's budget-writing committee. Joint Finance member, Senator Gwen Moore, helped craft a bi-partisan package of programs that passed unanimously. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/21/03 – Wisconsin Legislature at Odds Over Cloning

(Statewide) A federal bill banning human cloning is stalled. So ... many states, including Wisconsin, are trying to pass their own legislation. The bill was was debated during a public hearing, but critics say it will scare away biotechnology business and give Wisconsin a scientific "black eye". Shamane Mills reports.

5/21/03 – Doyle Blasts GOP For Cutting Pet Program

(Statewide) Governor Doyle chided Republicans on the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee who voted to cut 15 million dollars from one of his favored educational programs. John Wanamaker reports.

5/20/03 – State Drivers Go Fast; Don't Use Seatbelts

(Statewide) Wisconsin drivers are speeding more and buckling up less. This concerns highway and law officials who don't want a deadly repeat of last year. They're asking people to use seatbelts as part of a nationwide safety campaign. Shamane Mills reports.

5/20/03 – Governor Rips Republican Budget

(Statewide) Governor Doyle says he has deep concerns about the way the legislature's budget writers are re-shaping -his- budget. Specifically, he says action late last week on transportation spending is short-sighted and digs a deeper defecit hole. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/20/03 – Wisconsin Presidential Vote Moved Up

(Statewide) Wisconsin voters will go to the polls in February next year, to choose their nominees for President. Governor Doyle has signed a bill designating the third Tuesday in February as the new date for the state's presidential preference primary. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/20/03 – Controversial Powerline Process Begins Anew

(Statewide) One of the Public Service Commission's hottest potatoes is back on the front burner. Mike Simonson reports that the P-S-C is re-starting its permit process on the proposed Duluth to Wausau transmission line.

5/19/03 – Kick-Off to Bike to Work Week

(Statewide) Several communities around the state will hold events this week encouraging people to ride bicycles to work. In Milwaukee, bicycle activists are trying to complete the hank Aaron State trail in hopes that'll eventually become a commuting route between Lake Michigan and the city's western suburbs. Chuck Quirmbach joined a group of riders on the "Aaron".

5/19/03 – Bagdad Professor Concerned About Iraq

(Statewide) A former Baghdad University professor says the U-S is making lots of mistakes in managing the situation in post war Iraq. He talked about his concerns at a community seminar in Spring Green last night. Gil Halsted reports.

5/19/03 – Author of Children's Book to Help Charity

(Statewide) The latest installment of the "Harry Potter" series will be in bookstores on June 20th. It's author JK Rowling has rocketed to fame and fortune, but she started out as an unknown with a good idea.

Most aspiring authors will never reach the cult status achieved by the boy-wizard. But they write anyway. One Green Bay woman is promoting her books,also with a young boy as the main character. And she plans to donate half her profits to a charity. Patty Murray has more.

5/19/03 – Dangers of Wild Parsnip Detailed

(Statewide) If you grab ahold of a wild parsnip plant by accident, it can burn. That's why highway officials are warning people picking up trash along roadsides to be careful. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

5/19/03 – Public Hearings Continue Over Power Plant

(Oak Creek) A Wisconsin utility's plan to develop one of the nation's largest coal-fired power plants will get more public scrutiny this week. The Department of Natural Resources and the state Public Service Commission will hold meetings about the state's latest review of WE-Energies' proposal to expand its power plant in Oak Creek. Chuck Quirmbach reports that opponents of the project plan to highlight a concern they raised over the weekend.

5/19/03 – Murderer Seeks New Trial

(Statewide) A high-profile murderer from Southeastern Wisconsin says his actions aren't all his fault. He claims his mentally unstable father brainwashed him into killing, starting in childhood. But prosecutors don't buy it. They're currently arguing over whether the son should get a new trial. Benson Gardner has more.

5/17/03 – Decline of Songbirds Raises Alarm

(Statewide) The month of May marks a time when songbirds migrate from the tropics to Wisconsin for nesting. Conservationists are alarmed about the decline of two songbird habitats. Madeline Scherb reports.

5/17/03 – GOP Unveils Competing Road Plan

(Statewide) Republicans who didn't like the governor's plan to cut transportation funds have come up with their own proposal. They say it will help get the state's economy back on track. And they promise it has money to fix Milwaukee's aging freeway without shortchanging other road projects around the state. Shamane Mills reports.

5/17/03 – Budget Court Threaten WI Rivers

(Statewide) A rivers watchdog group says proposed budget cuts could threaten water quality in the state. Governor Jim Doyle's budget includes $275 million to increase the number of water regulators who review permits for new building projects. Republicans on the joint finance committee are considering cutting some or all of those funds to help balance the budget.

5/17/03 – Court Overturned Decades Old Rule

(Statewide) The Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned an 800-year-old rule. But some killers will still be protected by the law. Benson Gardner has more.

5/16/03 – Commitee Votes to Open New Lisbon Prison

(Madison) Republicans on the legislature's joint finance committee voted to spend 7-million dollars to open a 950-bed prison in New Lisbon. This could bring home some out-of-state prisoners. At the same time, the committee cut nearly some 25-million dollars from the state's corrections budget. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/16/03 – Gephardt Calls for Health Care Overhaul

(Mequon) Democratic presidential hopeful Dick Gephardt is touting his plan for universal health care. The Missouri Congressmember was in Mequon, in suburban Milwaukee, to raise money for his campaign. John Wanamaker has more.

5/16/03 – Guv, First Lady Tout Education Mentors

(Eau Claire) While the wrangling over state budget cuts continues in Madison, the Governor went on an education trip with his wife Thursday. At middle schools in Milwaukee, Eau Claire and Madison, the couple introduced a plan to get more community volunteers in schools. Mary Jo Wagner has more from Eau Claire.

5/16/03 – Forest Plan Makes Room for More A-T-V Trails

(Statewide) A proposed new management plan for the national forests in Wisconsin would add more trails for All Terrain Vehicles. Off road riding groups say that's not enough. And environmental groups would like to see even more limits on A-T-V access to the forest. Gil Halsted reports.

5/15/03 – Compromise Sought on Deer Feeding Ban

(Statewide) There's likely to be a compromise out of the legislature on the deer baiting and feeding ban put into effect because of chronic wasting disease. That's because the lobby opposed to it is so vocal even lawmakers in favor of the ban say they will bend with the pressure. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/15/03 – Prayer Requirement Doesn't Phase Schools

(Statewide) There's a little-known federal law that requires schools to prove they're providing opportunities for prayer and other religious activities. Educators seem to be taking the requirement in stride, but civil libertarians say it's wrong. Terry Bell reports.

5/15/03 – West Nile Threat Could Return

(Statewide) Public health officials are on 'mosquito alert'. The pest is not only an annoying feature of outdoor living but it was implicated in three deaths in Wisconsin last year from West Nile Virus. Mary Jo Wagner has more on what that means for this year.

5/15/03 – Cell Phones Would Help Curb Domestic Abuse

(Statewide) Cell phone users would pay a surcharge under a pending bill for 911 upgrades telling rescue crews where they are. The amount is yet to be determined, but some are hoping there's at least three cents tacked on to curb one kind of emergency: domestic abuse. Shamane Mills reports.

5/14/03 – Power Companies Recruit 'Green' Customers

(Statewide) Some large state electric utilities are trying to sign up more customers for programs that financially support the use of renewable energy sources. But so-called 'Green Pricing' programs face obstacles. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/14/03 – Milwaukee Alderman to Resign After Plea

(Milwaukee) A politician has admitted to using thousands of dollars in campaign donations for personal matters and could go to jail for at least eight months. That's the result of a plea agreement between federal prosecutors and Milwaukeee alderperson Jeff Pawlinski. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/14/03 – Hunters, Smokers Get Relief from Committee

(Madison) The joint finance committee is giving smokers and hunters some relief. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/14/03 – Report: WI Doesn't Punish Bad Doctors Enough

(Madison) A consumer group says too many Wisconsin doctors who make mistakes or act negligently are getting off easy. But a doctors' association dismisses the study as unscientific. And the state medical society says it doesn't reflect the state's good health care overall. Shamane Mills reports.

5/14/03 – State Officials Pursue Vets for Benefits

(Madison) An increasing number of veterans in Wisconsin are claiming federal V-A benefits. But state officials say Wisconsin still ranks low in the number of vets who get the help they deserve. Melba Lara reports.

5/13/03 – Hmong Culture on Exhibit

(Madison) The Madison Children's Museum has teamed up with a group of Hmong elders to create a travelling exhibit about Hmong history and culture. The first step is to build an authentic village house made from bamboo. Gil Halsted reports.

5/13/03 – Public Land Sale Could Violate Federal Law

(Madison) Wisconsin's former natural resources secretary says the state stands to lose not save millions from a proposal requiring the agency to sell off land. Shamane Mills reports.

5/13/03 – Doyle: Tobacco Tax Increase Unlikely

(Statewide) A proposal raising Wisconsin's cigarette tax isn't likely to make it off the govenror's desk. Jim Doyle re-iterated a no-tax increase pledge after criticizing Republican budget writers for cutting anti-smoking funds. Shamane Mills reports.

5/13/03 – Lawmaker Would End Sabbatical Salaries

(Statewide) A state lawmaker says taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for sabbaticals for UW-system faculty. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

5/13/03 – Lawsuit Challenges "Do Not Call" List

(Statewide) Wisconsin's "Do Not Call List" is coming under attack from a group of small businesses and trade associations. More than 1.3-million people have already put their names on the list. It is supposed to protect people from unwanted telemarketing. But insurance companies and realtors, among others, say the way the law is written is hurting business. Patty Murray has more.

5/13/03 – Northwest Airlines to Challenge Midwest

(Statewide) Analysts say a major expansion of Northwest Airlines into Milwaukee is not necessarily a death knell for Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines. Northwest confirmed that it's starting non-stop service from Milwaukee to six major markets. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/12/03 – College Grads Find Tight Job Market

(Statewide) It's Graduation season, but this year's College Seniors are finding there's not much to celebrate about the job market. A few years ago new grads had a lot to choose from. But these days students are finding themselves in competition with experienced workers who have been laid off. Patty Murray has more.

5/12/03 – Controversial Art Will be Unveiled

(Milwaukee) A controversial piece of art will be unveiled in the Milwaukee County Courthouse but not where the county's politically conservative executive originally planned to allow it. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/12/03 – Gathering Hopes to Promote Computer Recycling comprec

(Undated) Work on a national computer recycling program has been going slowly but could move ahead at a meeting in Chicago. Wisconsin officials say a national recycling agreement would be good for the state. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/12/03 – UW-S, Northland College Agreement Helps Students

(Superior) Enrollment caps and tight budgets may be driving students to higher costing private colleges in Wisconsin. Now, one private college has inked an agreement with all 13 two-year University of Wisconsin campuses offering their graduates scholarships. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

5/11/03 – Tommy Thompson Looks Beyond HHS

(Undated) Tommy Thompson's time in President Bush's cabinet is likely winding down. Terry Bell reports on what may lie ahead for the Health and Human Services Secretary.

5/11/03 – GOP Thinks Feingold Seat is Up for Grabs

(Statewide) A long line of Republicans is forming to challenge incumbent Democratic U-S Senator Russ Feingold. As Terry Bell reports, it's a sign the two-term incumbent may be vulnerable next year.

5/11/03 – Doyle Vows to Save Stewardship Fund

(Madison) The governor hopes people care as much about preserving land as they do about avoiding telemarketing calls. Jim Doyle hopes public prodding will hlep restore Wisconsin Stewardship program... just as an outcry helped undo changes weakening the "do not call" list. Otherwise, Jim Doyle says he will use his veto power to protect natural areas. Shamane Mills reports.

5/9/03 – Legislator Says PETA Claims Should be Investigated

(Madison) A Wisconsin lawmaker claims a "Milk Sucks" campaign run by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is false and he wants the state to shut it down. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

5/9/03 – Binge Drinking Declines After Specials End

(Madison) Limiting drink specials in downtown Madison may be helping curb alcohol-related crimes. Shamane Mills reports on a comprehensive effort by UW-Madison officials to shake the campus party image and reduce dangerous incidents caused by drinking.

5/9/03 – Union Worries About Future After Buyout

(Madison) Some Kohl's grocery workers are worried about jobs and the loss of health care benefits. That's because Roundy's bought six stores in Madison which will operate as Copps Food stores. Union members and local politicians are putting pressure on Roundy's by holding a rally and candlelight vigil. Shamane Mills reports.

5/9/03 – Reorganization for DER

(Madison) As part of his budget GOvernor Doyle wanted to eliminate the Department of Employment Relations and roll it into the department of administration for efficiency-sake. The legislature's budget writing committee did get rid of D-E-R but created a new agency outside of administration. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/8/03 – Reversal on 'No Call' Changes

(Madison) Lawmakers phones rang off the hook after the state's budget writing committee tried to change the popular law prohibiting telemarketer calls. And so after an ear-ful from voters the Joint Finance committee today scrapped its earlier proposal to expempt small businesses from the no-call law. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/8/03 – Pressure to Drop Indian Logos

(Madison) There's new pressure for change at the remaining 39 school districts with indian nicknames, logos and mascots. Currently those objecting have to prove discrimination; a legislator from northern Wisconsin wants to switch the burden of proof to school boards. Shamane Mills reports.

5/8/03 – Legal Action Threatened Over Badger Army

(Undated) Environmental groups are considering possible legal action to delay the burning of buildings at the old Badger Army Ammunition plant. But State officials are defending their decision to approve the plan. Gil Halsted reports.

5/7/03 – Budget Holes Getting Filled

(Madison) Republican budget writers at the State Capitol asked the Governor to fill the hole left by Indian gaming compacts that came up short. That fill came yesterday from the administration's budget office. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/7/03 – Courts Delay Compact Decision

(Madison) Those who filed suit against the governor over Indian gaming compacts may not get their case heard where they want or as quickly as they'd like. Yesterday, state supreme court justices sent the case to federal court. Shamane Mills reports.

5/6/03 – Job Ride Program Will Continue

()The federal government will keep helping the state pay for job-ride programs aimed at low-income residents. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/6/03 – Transcripts Confirm “Worse Fears” of McCarthy

(Undated) A critic of anti-Communist crusader Joseph McCarthy says newly-released transcripts confirm many of his worst fears about the former Wisconsin U-S Senator. Terry Bell reports.

5/6/03 – Preliminary Approval for Contracts

(Undated) There's preliminary approval for the long-awaited state employee contracts. The legislative committee that previously rejected the pacts sent them for a full vote in both houses. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/6/03 – Movie Marks Kent State Shootings

(Undated) The director of a new movie about the 1970 National Guard shootings at Kent State University is in Madison tonight for a special screening of the film. Jay Craven's movie "The Year that Trembled" follows the lives of three teenagers from Kent caught in the upheaval following the famous anti war rally. Gil Halsted reports.

5/6/03 – Patients Should Know Nursing Ratio

(Undated) Nurses and some legislators say hospital patients would be safer, if the state would tell hospitals how many nurses must be on staff. A bill to set patient-nurse staffing ratios will be introduced soon. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/6/03 – Critics Question Power Plant Water Plan

(Undated) A panel of city, state and county water experts thinks its come up with a solution to concerns about a proposed UW-Madison power plant and its effect on aquatic life. But critics aren't so sure. Shamane Mills reports.

5/5/03 – Casinos Could Face Declining Revenues

(Madison) Wisconsin and other states in a financial pinch are turning to Indian tribes and counting on revenue from casinos to help balance state budgets. But some worry casinos that are currently popular could go the way of the state lottery. Shamane Mills reports.

5/5/03 – Tribe Seeks Indian Burial Grounds

(Madison) A Lake Superior Chippewa band wants to acquire a piece of ancestoral land to help right a century-old wrong. Mike Simonson reports on a piece of federal land up for grabs that used to be an Ojibwa village in Superior.

5/5/03 – Free Clinic Struggles with Higher Drug Costs

(Eau Claire) A dramatic rise in the cost of prescription medications has a free health clinic in Eau Claire looking for creative ways to solve the problem. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

5/5/03 – MKE Companies Want to Revive Manufacturing

(Green Bay) Economists say the manufacturing sector must improve before the nation emerges from recession. But there was more dismal economic news on that front last week. A survey of purchasing managers showed losses in midwest manufacturing for the second month in a row. This week in Milwaukee owners of smaller manufacturing firms will meet to talk about how they can lift their industries out of the doldrums. Patty Murray has more.

5/5/03 – State Police Lose Planes to Budget Cuts

(Madison) The Wisconsin State Patrol says it will not fight cuts to its budget for airplanes. Troopers say they'll make do without. Terry Bell reports.

5/3/03 – Seniors Want Tough Telemarketing Curbs

(Madison) Wisconsin senior groups say don’t weaken the state’s "no call" law for telemarketers. However, some small business owners say the law is unintentionally hurting them. Sandra Harris reports.

5/3/03 – DNR Warns of Wildfire Dangers

(Superior) There’s lots of concern over the possibility of wildfires breaking out in northwestern Wisconsin. Mike Simonson reports that the fishing opener this weekend increases the chances of a major wildfire.

5/3/03 – Senator Denounces Changes to "Do Not Call" List

(Madison) The senator who authored legislation curbing nuisance calls says budget writers have "killed" a good law. But it still has a second life: the budget isn't final and the governor has indicated he'd veto changes which exempt small businesses from the no-call list. Shamane Mills reports.

5/3/03 – Cigarette Tax Hike Would Hurt Stores

(Statewide) A proposal to hike Wisconsin 's cigarette tax by eighty five cents a pack is getting strong opposition from convenience store owners. They say trying to squeeze money out of smokers won't fix the state budget and instead will hurt small businesses. Gil Halsted reports.

5/2/03 – Budget Cuts May Be Too Much

(Madison) The legislature's budget writing committee is making deeper and deeper cuts into state agencies as it continues work to fix the state deficit. But some critics say they are going to far. Frederica Freyberg reports:

5/2/03 – Plan Calls for Metra Train in S-E WI

(Undated) A $150 million plan to expand commuter rail service in southeastern Wisconsin may be about to move ahead. A series of public hearings on the plan wrapped up last night and the large majority of people who spoke are in favor of the trains. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/2/03 – Lawmakers Slam Family Planning Proposal

(Madison) A Republican state legislator is trying to derail a federally funded family planning program because it would give teenagers access to reproductive health care. Democrats say the program saves millions of dollars in the state funded Badger Care program. Gil Halsted reprts.

5/2/03 – SARS Patients Could Be Quarantined

(Madison) In light of concerns over Severe Acute Respiratory Syndome, or SARS, health officials in Wisconsin say they’re prepared and have the legal authority needed to quarantine people should an outbreak of disease occur in the state. Sandra Harris reports.

5/2/03 – Toxic "Hotspots" in WI Need Clean Up

(Milwaukee) A U-S Canadian panel says more must be done to clean up toxic hotspots around the Great Lakes including several sites in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/2/03 – Child Care Workers Lobby for More Money

(Madison) Those worried about being squeezed by a tight state budget are bending the ears of legislators. This time it was childcare workers, who staged their lobby session on Worthy Wage Day. Shamane Mills reports.

5/1/03 – Filmmaker Warns Against Historical Society Cuts

(Madison) The Wisconsin Historical Society says the governor's budget hits it harder than other similar agencies. A well-known documentary filmmaker is trying to warn the state that history may be more important than it seems. Benson Gardner reports.

5/1/03 – Budget Cuts Spur Anger on Committee

(Madison) Tempers flared once again as the legislature's budget writing committee continued its work. Accusations flew over the Indian gaming compacts that are coming in short on expected dollars. Frederica Freyberg reports.

5/1/03 – Signatures Surpass Requirement for Recall

(Milwaukee) Some leaders of a recall drive against Milwaukee State Senator Gary George dropped off about 1,500 pages of signatures at the State Elections Board. If enough signatures are declared valid, George's opponents will turn their attention to a recall election that could remove the longtime Democratic Senator from office. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/1/03 – "Puppy Protection Act" in Danger

(Statewide) The legislature's Joint Finance Committee is grappling with "great and small" budget items. One program that's scheduled to come under scrutiny is the so-called "Puppy Protection Act." Lawmakers must decide if the state can afford to regulate and inspect pet breeders. Some animal lovers say Wisconsin can't afford NOT to move forward with the Puppy Protection Act. Patty Murray reports.

5/1/03 – Tyson Strike Could Drag On

(Jefferson) There appears to be no end in sight for the two-month-old strike at the Tyson Foods pepperoni plant in Jefferson. Striking workers were in Madison yesterday asking for support from other unions at the state AFL-CIO convention. Gil Halsted has this update.

5/1/03 – State's Largest Power Plan Under Question

(Milwaukee) State regulators are raising some yellow flags about a plan to create Wisconsin's largest coal-fired power plant. The Department of Natural Resources and Public Service Commission have completed a draft environmental impact statement for WE Energies' proposal to build a major expansion of its electricity generating plant at Oak Creek. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

5/1/03 – Drug Companies Dislike Plans to Cut Costs

(Madison) Drug makers are lobbying hard for changes in Governor Doyle's proposed budget. They don't like limits on prescriptions intended to save the state money. Shamane Mills reports.

5/1/03 – Students Decry Tuition Increases

(Madison) Governor Jim Doyle says he's done his best to protect both the university and public schools from cuts in his proposed budget. But some teachers and students aren't convinced. They plan a rally at the state capitol tonight. Gil Halsted reports.

5/1/03 – Amber Alert System Begins in Wisconsin

(Madison) The Amber Alert system is now in effect in Wisconsin. Named for an abducted girl from Texas, the system will send announcements about missing children through radio and TV stations around the state, rather like weather warnings. Benson Gardner has more.