6/30/03 – Dean, Kucinich Lead in Internet Primary

(Undated) The presidential primary is still more than 7 months away. But a recent national online poll has stirred excitement among some left of center Democrats in Wisconsin. Gil Halsted has more.

6/30/03 – Terrorism Protection for Water Ways

(Milwaukee) A research lab that's looking at how to protect drinking water and freshwater ecosystems from bioterrorism will be dedicated Monday in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/30/03 – Battle in Congress Over Medicare

(Washington, DC) President George Bush is asking Congress to finish work on a medicare prescription drug bill by the end of the week. However, major partisan differences make it unlikely an agreement will be reached by then. John Wanamaker has more.

6/30/03 – Incentives for Grassland Preservation

(Statewide) The latest farm bill included a provision to reward land owners who preserve grasslands. Mary Jo Wagner has more on the first sign up that begins June 30th.

6/30/03 – GOP Spat Nets Milwaukee County Leader

(Milwaukee) A Republican leader of the state's largest county is trying to downplay a spat with the G-O-P leader of the state senate. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/28/03 – Will Property Tax Payers Oppose Freeze?

(Madison) Both supporters and opponents of a proposed property tax freeze have launched lobbying efforts urging Governor Jim Doyle to either veto the measure or sign it into law. City and county leaders sent a petition to the governor Friday demanding a veto. Meanwhile, Republicans have launched website where property tax payers can sign an e-petition in favor of the freeze. Gil Halsted has more.

6/28/03 – Group Calls for More Computer Recycling

(Madison) Wisconsin is one of 20 states conisdering laws aimed at forcing computer manufacturers to recyle the toxic waste in old P-C's. Gil Halsted has more.

6/28/03 – $4 million Infusion for Midwest Airlines

(Milwaukee) The state plans to funnel $4 million in federal money to helping financially-troubled Midwest Airlines. Governor Jim Doyle argues that the airline company is very important to Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/28/03 – Federal "Do Not Call" List Popular, Too

(Undated) People may sign up for the federal government’s do not call list beginning Friday. However, a Wisconsin official advises people to sign up for the state’s no call list as well. Sandra Harris reports.

6/27/03 – Rally in Support of Peace Activists

(Madison) Peace activists in Wisconsin continue to speak out against the Bush administration about the war in Iraq. In Madison Thursday, about 100 people carrying signs in support of patriotic dissent gathered at on the steps of the Dane County Courthouse. Gil Halsted reports.

6/26/03 – Senate Set to Lower Blood Alcohol Level

(Madison) The State Senate may go into extra-ordinary session to pass what's called the point-oh-eight bill. The Senate failed to take up the measure to lower the legal blood alcohol limit in its session that ended this week. But if Wisconsin does not sign .08 into law by July 15th, the state would lose millions of dollars in federal highway money. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/26/03 – Gay Activists Hail Court's Ruling

(Statewide) Gay rights activists in Wisconsin are praising a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a Texas sodomy law. However, critics call the decision immoral. Melba Lara reports.

6/26/03 – Group Works Toward Civility In Legislature

(Madison) Last fall, Wisconsin lawmakers launched the so-called New Patriotism Project. The goal was to increase civility at the statehouse. Unusually partisan flare-ups during floor debates this week may suggest the project isn't working. One of those involved in it says give it time. Terry Bell reports.

6/26/03 – Is Organic Milk Better For You Or Not?

(Undated) Organic dairy farmers in the state are angry about a national ad campaign accusing them of false advertising. The full page ads appearing in newspapers across the state call on consumers to contact grocery stores and complain about misleading labels on cartons of organic milk. Gil Halsted has more.

6/26/03 – Council Tries to Crank Up State's Economy

(Milwaukee) The state of Wisconsin has a new Economic Growth Council. Jason Landrum reports.

6/26/03 – DNR Upholds Ban on Deer Baiting

(Waupaca) A controversial plan to cut mercury emissions from coal burning power plants is a major step closer to becoming law. The D-N-R Board passed the mercury rule package Wednesday. But critics will ask legislative committees to make changes in the plan. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/26/03 – DNR Upholds Ban on Deer Baiting

(Waupaca) The Department of Natural Resources board has rejected legislative calls for exceptions to a permanent general ban on the baiting and feeding of deer. But when baiting is allowed under special permits the board says bait should not contain animal parts. Chuck Quirmbach reports from the board's meeting in Waupaca.

6/26/03 – Tiny School District Faces Cuts

(White Lake) The state budget approved by the state legislature could mean budget cuts are looming for Wisconsin schools. A tiny school district in Langlade County is struggling with whether to shut its doors. The superintendent of White Lake schools says there is no-where left to cut. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/26/03 – Debate Over GM Food Comes to Wisconsin

(Undated) Genetically modified food has been praised by the government and denounced by demonstrators at an international bio-technology conference this week in California. Bio-tech has plenty of supporters and detractors here in Wisconsin, too. Terry Bell reports.

6/25/03 – DNR Looks to Curb Mercury Emissions

(Undated) A major proposal to reduce mercury emissions from large coal-burning power plants goes before the Department of Natural Resources board. Many fishing groups like that plan, but utilities want some amendments. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/24/03 – Decorum Returns to State Senate

(Madison) Before passing the state bi-ennial budget onto the Governor, the state senate cleared the air over what happened the last time they met. Very early last Thursday morning, after 16-hours, the state senate erupted into chaos. Nerves were already frayed when Republicans introduced last minute changes and then imposed time limits on speeches. As Frederica Freyberg reports, the raw partisan wound has healed, but scars remain.

6/24/03 – Tribe, State Pollution Deal Choked

(Milwaukee) Special air pollution protections for the Forest County Potawatomi reservation in northern Wisconsin remain on hold four years after the State of Wisconsin said yes to the pollution controls. The U-S E-P-A has yet to sign off on the deal, because of continuing concerns raised by the state of Michigan. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/24/03 – Bacterial Reistance to Anitbiotics Lessens

Medical experts say they think resistance to antibiotics is down in Wisconsin. Sandra Harris reports.

6/24/03 – Bacterial Reistance to Anitbiotics Lessens

(Madison) Medical experts say they think resistance to antibiotics is down in WIsconsin. Sandra Harris reports.

6/23/03 – UW Officials Applaud S.C. Decision

(Madison) The University of Wisconsin System President says she is relieved and delighted over the U.S. Supreme court ruling today concerning affirmative action policies at the University of Michigan. The high court ruled Michigan cannot use a point system for undergraduates but can continue to give minority applicants an edge at its law school. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/24/03 – NRC to Check Point Beach Nuclear Plant

(Milwaukee) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will take a closer look at some cooling water problems at the Point Beach nuclear power plant. The N-R-C will discuss its inspection plans at a meeting Tuesday in Manitowoc. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/24/03 – Republicans Expect Gains in Special Elections

(Milwaukee) Voters in two Wisconsin Assembly Districts go to the polls for special primary elections. Both districts have been held by Democrats. But Republicans claim they have a chance of taking the seats. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/23/03 – Doctors Say Medicare Cuts Threaten Care

(Madison) President Bush says Congress must take what he calls "a tough vote" to modernize and save Medicare. Bush says improving Medicare is a goal that can be achieved this year. Meanwhile, the nation's largest doctors' group wants a change in the amount physicians are paid when they take on Medicare patients. Melba Lara reports.

6/23/03 – Libraries Prepare For Changes

Libraries that receive federal dollars will be forced to install and use anti-pornography filters. Today's ruling by the U.S. Supreme COurt will have limited impact on some public libraries. Sandra Harris reports.

6/23/03 – Binge Drinking Puts Fetuses at Risk

(Superior) Women in upper midwestern states need to take a second look at binge drinking, or an expert says a whole generation of babies with fetal alcohol brain damage could be born. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

6/23/03 – Milwaukee Mayor to Leave Office

(Milwaukee) Milwaukee's mayor will leave office in January. But John Norquist says the announcement about a career change should not weaken Milwaukee's clout in the state budget fight. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/23/03 – Thousands Attend Renewable Energy Fair

(Undated) The 14th annual Midwest Renewable Energy Fair drew thousands of green power advocates to central Wisconsin over the weekend. The keynote speaker told fair goers windmills and roof top solar panels are the key to America's energy future. Gil Halsted explains.

6/23/03 – Record Number of Baby Elk

(Superior) A record number of elk will be born in far northern Wisconsin this month. The experimental transplanted herd may see as many as 35 newborns. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

6/23/03 – College Bound Hispanics Face Obstacles

(Statewide) A new study of hispanic high school students finds those who want to go to college often get derailed by the admissions and financial aid process. Melba Lara reports.

6/20/03 – Some Legislators Advocate Raising Sales Tax

(Madison) The 49 billion dollar state budget now headed for Governor's Doyle's desk eliminates a 3 point two billion dollar deficit without raising taxes. But there's still a handful of Democratic lawmakers who think a tax hike makes sense. Gil Halsted reports.

6/17/03 – Mainstreet Program Facing Budget Cut

(Chippewa Falls) Keeping downtown areas alive with jobs and customers has been a challenge since shopping malls came to town. But business leaders know a lot more these days about how to utilize historic downtown buildings for job growth and consumer spending. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

6/17/03 – Seniors, Disabled Protest Joint Finance Budget

(Madison) Senior Citizens and advocates for the disabled packed a hearing room at the state capitol today one day ahead of scheduled floor action on the state budget. They came to voice opposition to the Republican-held Joint Finance Committee version of the budget. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/16/03 – Fueling Cars with French Fried Afterthought

(Madison) Some Madison motorists have kicked the fossil fuel habit and are filling their tanks with used vegetable oil instead . Gil Halsted reports on the small but growing number of people who are running their cars on bio diesel.

6/16/03 – Lawmaker Proposes More Public Defenders

(Madison) A republican legislator wants to expand eligability for who qualifies for a state public defender. Grand Chute state representative Terri McCormick says the current cut-off is out-dated and unfair. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/16/03 – Regent President Wants Quick Budget Action

(Superior) This week the legislature starts to take apart the state's budget as passed by the Joint Finance Committee. One person watching closely will be the new president of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

6/16/03 – Johnson Controls: Diversity is Good Business

(Statewide) A Wisconsin Company is marking its ten year anniversary of working closely with women and minorities. Johnson Controls says it's not because that's the "politically correct" thing to do it's just good business. Patty Murray reports.

6/17/03 – Public Input On Camping Fee Increases

(Statewide) A proposed increase in some fees for camping and trail use in Wisconsin state parks will be discussed at public hearings starting Monday. Jason Landrum reports.

6/14/03 – Some Question State Business Grants

(Madison) Some lawmakers say they want to make sure public money given to private companies is a good investment. They want more oversight of businesses getting state help. Shamane Mills reports.

6/14/03 – Memorial Dedicated to Lynching Victims

(Superior) People from Wisconsin and Minnesota gathered in Duluth Friday for a silent march to remember three black men lynched there in 1920. It's part of a week-long observance dedicating a park that supporters say will not right a wrong, but allow diversity to flourish. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

6/14/03 – UW Students Head to Concrete Canoe Competition

(Madison) A group of students from Wisconsin are headed to the national concrete canoe competition. Madeline Scherb has more.

6/13/03 – Doyle, Republicans Come to Terms on Budget

(Madison) Republican leaders expect both houses of the legislature they control to pass a state budget by the end of next week. And few changes are expected. But things get much harder after that, when Republicans and Governor Jim Doyle have to come to terms on divisive issues like how much to spend on schools ....and whether the state should clamp down on local spending. Shamane Mills reports.

6/13/03 – Monkeypox Spread From Human to Human?

(Madison) Health care officials are investigating three new cases of monkeypox in Wisconsin. They could be the first to have been transmitted from person to person. Gil Halsted has more.

6/13/03 – New Restrictions Proposed for Sex Offenders

(Madison) There's a legislative proposal for new restrictions on where child sex offenders could live. But state Corrections officials say the rules are so limited that many released offenders would have to move, most likely out to the country where there are few jobs and limited treatment options.. Shamane Mills reports.

6/12/03 – Politicians May Scrap Gas Tax Increase

(Madison) The start of the summer driving season ... and discussions about the state budget -- have renewed concerns about automatic increases in Wisconsin's gas tax. Shamane Mills reports.

6/12/03 – Digging Up Answers To a Deadly Deer Disease

(Madison) Getting rid of a fatal deer disease concentrated in southwest Wisconsin may be harder than thought. New research will determine whether C-W-D spreads to other animals and whether certain soil types retain the deadly proteins of the disease. Shamane Mills reports.

6/12/03 – Callers Could Pay Extra to Call Cell Phones.

(Madison) In many cases, footprints of cellular company local calling areas and local landline telephone calling areas don't match. As a result, callers from landline phones may soon be paying to call cell phone numbers they didn't have to pay to call in the past. Sandra Harris reports.

6/12/03 – Washington Might Change Class Action Lawsuits

(Madison) Lawmakers in Washington are considering legislation that would change the way class-action lawsuits are handled. Businesses are pushing for large lawsuits to be heard in federal, instead of state courts. But critics say it's an effort to make it harder for people to sue for damages. Patty Murray reports.

6/12/03 – Tribes Say Aid Cuts Force Dependency on Casinos

(Madison) The Ho Chunk Tribe is speaking out against state budget cuts that will hurt some of the state's poorer Indian tribes. Meanwhile, a Republican legislator wants to establish a joint tribal-state council to improve relations with the state's eleven tribes. Gil Halsted has more.

6/11/03 – GOP: Budget Won't Hurt Community Safety

(Milwaukee) State Republicans are trying to sell themselves as the best friends of local police and fire departments. Four top GOP leaders traveled to Milwaukee Tuesday to discuss what the state budget would mean for community safety and security. But Democrats sharply criticize the tactic. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/11/03 – Environmentalists Want Timber Saved

(Madison) Opponents of more logging in national forests are pleading their case with the Bush administration. Shamane Mills reports.

6/11/03 – Panzer: No Hike in Hunting Fees

(Milwaukee) Republican senate leader Mary Panzer has a message for state hunters and anglers. Panzer says the legislature will not approve the higher hunting and fishing license fees that some outdoors groups want. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/11/03 – Library Records Should Be Open to Parents

(Madison) Lawmakers are considering whether parents should be able to see what materials are checked out if they are concerned about what their kids get from public libraries. Shamane Mills reports.

6/10/03 – Health Departments Unprepared for New Virus

(Undated) Milwaukee health officials say the appearance in the Western Hemisphere of the African Monkey Pox has caught many public health departments off guard. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/10/03 – Battle Over Land Buy Program

(Undated) A Democratic lawmaker says he'll try and undo Republican budget cuts to a land conservation and preservation program. Shamane Mills reports.

6/10/03 – Petri: Youth Ignorant of American History

(Undated) A member of Wisconsin's congressional delegation says American youth aren't learning enough history. Tom Petri wants the federal government to help train new teachers how to get school kids interested in the nation's past. Patty Murray has more.

6/10/03 – Virus Could Lead to Pet Dumping

(Undated) News about monkeypox has humane societies wondering if pet owners are going to swamp them with prairie dogs and other animals which could get the smallpox-like disease. In the meantime, Wisconsin ag officials are briefing private vets about monkeypox so they know what to look for in any sick animals they might see. Shamane Mills reports.

6/10/03 – Battle Over Land Buy Program

(Undated) A Democratic lawmaker says he'll try and undo Republican budget cuts to a land conservation and preservation program. Shamane Mills reports.

6/10/03 – Overcrowding in E-R Hurts Patients, Staff

(Undated) A new federal survey finds a sharp increase in the number of emergency room visits nationwide even as more ER's are closing. Emergency room nurses say the report is a wake-up call for government and health officials. Melba Lara reports.

6/10/03 – Youth Ignorant of American History

(Undated) A member of Wisconsin's congressional delegation says American youth aren't learning enough history. Tom Petri wants the federal government to help train new teachers how to get school kids interested in the nation's past. Patty Murray has more.

6/09/03 – Wisconsin Residents Hit by Monkeypox Virus

(Undated) Several Wisconsin health departments are stepping up their investigation into the apparent outbreak of a rare virus known as Monkeypox. At least four Wisconsin residents are reported mildly ill from the virus. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/09/03 – WI Congressmembers Seek More CWD Money

(Undated) Members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation are stepping up efforts to funnel more federal research dollars to the state for the study of Chronic Wasting Disease. Gil Halsted reports.

6/09/03 – Property Tax Freeze Squeezes Cities

(Undated) A key part of the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee plan to balance the state budget is a freeze on property taxes. The Eau Claire City Manager is worried the plan will also freeze economic growth. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

6/7/03 – Indian Activist Suit

(Undated) A legal battle between jailed Native American activist Leanord Peltier and a Wisconsin Native American journalist is heating up. At issue is whether or not Peltier was the trigger man in the 1975 murder of two F-B-I agents in South Dakota. Gil Halsted has more.

6/7/03 – GOP Woos Union Members

(Undated) Republicans keep trying to chip away at democrats' traditional support from labor unions. The state GOP is starting a group of Republican union members. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/7/03 – Mayors Meet

(Denver, CO) Mayors across the country are putting their heads together on ways to boost the economy.Shamane Mills reports.

6/7/03 – World War Two Vets Honored

(Superior) Veterans groups around the state are remembering this weekend's anniversary of the storming of Hitler's European fortress on the beaches of Normandy. That was 59 years ago. Now, a World War Two Heritage Center in memory of America's "Ace of Aces" is holding its first observance in Superior. Mike Simonson reports.

6/6/03 – Legislators Take Budget to Constituents

(Madison)Legislators are taking their budget message on the road now that the Republican version has passed out of the Joint Finance Committee. Assembly speaker John Gard is in his home district. The City of Peshtigo and its schools lose money under Republican changes, but Gard is pounding the message of property tax and spending freezes. The Governor is also making the rounds...and he's got problems with the GOP plan. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/6/03 – Researchers Monitor Spread of Soybean Aphid

(Madison) Researchers in Wisconsin have been closely monitoring the spread of the soybean aphid - the leaf eater is now spreading a virus to snap bean fields. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

6/6/03 – Governor Blasts Joint Finance Senior Plan

(Madison) Wisconsin is busy digesting the budget proposal that came out of the Joint Finance Committee this week. One area that could give senior citizens heart burn is increased fees for the "Seniorcare" prescription drug program. Patty Murray reports.

6/6/03 – Lawmaker Wants Live 'Taps' at Veterans Funerals

(Madison) There could soon be a financial incentive for student musicians to play Taps for the funeral of a veteran. On the governor's desk this week is legislation to provide a 25-dollar voucher for use at UW schools and Technical Colleges. Mary Jo Wagner reports.

6/5/03 – Governor Finds Fault with Republican Budget

(Madison) The legislature's Republican-held budget writing committee finished its work Wednesday after making major changes in shared revenue, school aids and property taxes. Changes the Governor says he cannot approve. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/5/03 – Governor Doyle and School Choice Supporters Spar

(Madison) Governor Doyle is making it clear he would strike a proposed school voucher expansion out of the state budget. But the well funded Milwaukee voucher movement plans to keep pressing its case. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

6/5/03 – Longer School Year Shortens Tempers

(Madison) For the second year, school is winding down later in Wisconsin, thanks to the law requiring most schools to start after Labor Day. Educators say their worst fears about a later school calendar are coming true. Terry Bell reports.

6/5/03 – Haven for Troubled Teens

(Madison) There are fewer and fewer places where teens around the nation can get intensive, 24-hour a day therapy for mental illness without being institutionalized. There are only 4 in-patient facilities in Wisconsin; that would have dropped to three, but Meriter Foundation officials broke ground for a replacement facility today in south central Wisconsin. Shamane Mills reports.

6/5/03 – Great Lakes Beach Tests Spread

(Superior) As Wisconsin begins its first comprehensive beach testing along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, Minnesota is following suit along Lake Superior's North Shore. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

6/4/03 – Ho-Chunk: GOP Apology Falls Short

(Madison) Officials with the Ho-Chunk Tribe are calling for the resignation of the chair of the Republican Party. They are not satisfied with an apology Rick Graber issued over a cartoon on the party's website that the GOP says was a 'light hearted poke' at the Governor's handling of Indian gaming compacts. Sandra Harris reports.

6/4/03 – Democrats Chilled by Republican Spending Freeze

(Madison) State Republicans call it their Taxpayer Protection Plan unveiling proposals today for more than a half of the entire state budget. It includes a property tax freeze and state spending freeze. Democrats call it an ideologically contrived assault on citizens. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/4/03 – Paper Makers Rip Regulations

(Undated) The Wisconsin Paper Council says the state must change the way it taxes and regulates mills or risk losing high-wage jobs to other states. The Council released a report that calls for changes in the way paper makers are taxed. It also recommends changes in the way environmental regulations are enforced. Patty Murray reports.

6/4/03 – How Deregulaton Could Affect Wisconsin

(Undated) The fight over new media de-regulation is likely headed to Congress and the courts. The Federal Communications Commission voted this week to let companies buy T-V stations reaching nearly half the nation's viewers. No matter what happens, one expert says sweeping changes likely won't happen in Wisconsin. Terry Bell reports.

6/4/03 – Medicine and Moral Beliefs Clash

(Madison) A bill allowing health professionals to avoid giving treatments they find morally objectionable is up for a final vote Wednesday. If it passes, some are advocating that patients quiz their doctors to ensure ethics and moral beliefs don't hinder needed medical treatment. Shamane Mills reports.

6/3/03 – Madison Schools Seek More Money

(Undated) Madison's school district wants to spend more than the state allows. So its holding a referendum to get permission from voters who gave a thumbs up to the last request 4 years ago. Shamane Mills reports.

6/3/03 – Budget Committee Stalls on Big Issues

(Undated) The legislature's budget writing committee called it quits last night without taking up the final big items. That as Senate and Assembly Republicans continued to iron out differences and craft their changes to the governor's budget. Frederica Freyberg reports.

6/3/03 – Some WI Schools Won't Use Much Irradiated Beef

(Undated) The federal government may ask more schools to use irradiated beef. Officials in Wisconsin say its unlikely to have a significant impact here. Sandra Harris reports.

6/2/03 – Student Loan Rates Fall to Historic Lows

(Undated) One of college students biggest burdens just got a little lighter. This summer, interest rates on student loans will go down to their lowest level ever. Shamane Mills reports.

6/2/03 – Remote Control Trains Raise Concerns

(Undated) Remote controlled trains with no one onboard will begin rolling in railyards and communities across Wisconsin this month. Mike Simonson reports that proponents say it's time to make way for a new technology, while others worry it's a dangerous move.

6/2/03 – Railroad Safety Efforts Underway

(Undated) The number of vehicles that collide with trains in Wisconsin continues to frustrate police and railroad safety officials. So Operation Lifesaver is underway in three regions of the state. A special passenger train traveled over more than a dozen railroad crossings between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls - it was the first stop of a safety effort that moves to Milwaukee and Sheboygan this week. Mary Jo Wagner took the train ride out of Eau Claire.

6/2/03 – Second Ferry Service for Lake Michigan?

(Undated) There could soon be more than one ferry hauling cars and people across Lake Michigan. But Wisconsin Congressmembers and other people are battling over whether the second ferry service ought to quality for government aid. Chuck Quirmbach reports.