11/01/03 – Dove Hunt

Wisconsin's first hunting season for mourning doves wrapped up this week. The D-N-R is collecting information on the season and preparing for another legal fight. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

11/01/03 – Tribal Suit

Two Wisconsin Chippewa tribes are suing the federal government over a clause in another tribe's gaming compact. The suit charges the Department of Interior with pitting smaller rural tribes against those that operate large urban based casino's. Gil Halsted has more...

11/01/03 – Loan Stores

Wisconsin is seeing a growing industry of "pay-day loan" stores, and one mayor says he wants to put on the brakes. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

11/01/03 – Binding Arbitration

Union leaders have come out swinging against a freshman senator's proposal to change the binding arbitration law. An Assembly hearing on the proposed changes to the binding arbitration law is scheduled for Monday. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

10/31/03 – Schiavo Case

The legal and ethical dispute over a Florida woman is getting people to think about whether they should communicate their wishes about medical treatment...before they're unable to do so. But medical ethicists say the case of Terry Schiavo (shy'-voh) probably won't drastically change the legal landscape as other high profile right-to-die cases have. Shamane Mills reports...

10/31/03 – Concealed Carry

Some Wisconsin Legislators say they see lots of support for a Concealed Carry law. But Wisconsin Sheriffs say there's a lot of opposition. Sandra Harris reports...

10/31/03 – Job Creation Act

With an eye toward getting the "red" out of bureaucratic red tape, Republican leaders at the State Capitol have announced what they're calling the "Job Creation Act." Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/31/03 – Crandon Mine Suit

The Crandon mine project may be dead, but it's still generating legal controversy. Gil Halsted reports...

10/30/03 – Power Plant Approval

The Public Service Commission has given initial approval to the largest power plant project in Wisconsin history. It involves building two new coal-burning power plants in Oak Creek. Gil Halsted has more...

10/30/03 – U-S Patriot Act

The din of local governments arguing over the U-S Patriot Act is growing louder...with some for, and some against. Mike Simonson reports that several communities are joining the debate. Last night (Tues) the Ashland City Council voted 6 to 4 against the resolution opposing the U.S. Patriot Act....

10/30/03 – Roads Projects Cleared

It's now more than just a verbal agreement and a handshake; its law. There WILL be enough money for road projects stalled by threat of a Republican lawsuit. Governor Doyle signed the highway bill today (Wednesday). Critics say the bill was drafted and approved too fast -- and without public oversight. Shamane Mills reports...

10/30/03 – Fetus Disability Bill

Another abortion bill is wending its way through the state legislature. A bill was taken up in Committee yesterday (T) that would prohibit a parent or child from collecting damages for a disability either not diagnosed or not disclosed during pregnancy. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/29/03 – Crandon Mine

Two tribal governments have bought the Crandon mine for 16-point-5 million dollars. Tribal leaders say they used casino revenues to protect the site in Forest County from an unsafe mining proposal. Gil Halsted reports...

10/29/03 – Mississippi

It'll be the environment versus shipping interests when the future of the Mississippi river goes up for discussion Wednesday. Sandra Harris reports...

10/28/03 – Gun Safety Lock

Governor Jim Doyle is joining forces with police and sheriffs to suppport a gun safety program. Shamane Mills reports....

10/28/03 – Crandon Mine Sale

A deal that could end a quarter century-long battle over a northern Wisconsin copper mine could be announced today (T). Gil Halsted has more...

10/28/03 – Possible Power Plant

A peak-power electrical generating plant could be back on the front burner for Superior soon. Duluth-based Minnesota Power has applied to the Public Service Commission to have its building permit extended. Mike Simonson reports that the market for electricity seems to be on the rebound....

10/28/03 – Utility Approval Process

Governor Doyle says he and key Republican lawmakers have a deal on speeding up the approval process for new electric power plants, pipelines and transmission lines. But some people who were left outside the negotiations are raising concerns. Chuck Quirmbach reports....

10/24/03 – Logging Lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed against some timber sales in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The action is part of a broader fight over the future of logging in the federal area. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/23/03 – Mercury Reduction

The D-N-R is considering changes in its plan to reduce mercury from large, coal-burning power plants. The agency is under pressure from Republican legislators and the Republican-controlled D-N-R Board. Chuck Quirmbach reports.....

10/23/03 – Bush Job Plan

A Republican from Green Bay is sticking up for President Bush's economic plan ...... which a new report says has not resulted in the number of jobs promised for Wisconsin. Shamane Mills reports...

10/22/03 – Gun Fight

Debate raged all day Tuesday and into the night at the State Capitol. That as the legislature's joint finance committee considered voting to legalize concealed weapons in this state. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/22/03 – Arsenic May Drop

The D-N-R Board tomorrow (today- W) may approve a plan to reduce arsenic in state drinking water wells. Arsenic is a potential cancer-causing chemical. The D-N-R Board also expects to vote on a plan to reduce ammonia nitrogen in water supplies. That could affect about one-hundred smaller communities that use sludge lagoons for wastewater treatment. Chuck Quirmbach reports....

10/22/03 – Gas Mark-up

Like clockwork every other year, there's an effort to repeal Wisconsin's minimum mark-up law. This year the effort is getting a boost from a newly formed consumer coalition, and from the Federal Trade Commission. Gil Halsted has more...

10/21/03 – Recall Is On

There'll be a recall election in Milwaukee today (T)...pitting incumbent state Senator Gary George against Representative Spencer Coggs. Yesterday (M) the state Supreme Court declined George's last-minute request to block the contes. Chuck Quirmbach reports the court ruling was very close...

10/21/03 – Road Fund Cleared

Both sides are claiming victory after a compromise deal over state highway funds. Last week, the republican assembly speaker threatened to sue the Governor. Monday republican leaders and Governor Doyle came out smiling. Mostly. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/17/03 – Free Clinic Drugs

The rising cost of prescription drugs is at the top of the agenda at the annual free clinics conference in Menomomonee Falls today. Gil Halsted reports...

10/24/03 – Logging Lawsuit

A lawsuit has been filed against some timber sales in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The action is part of a broader fight over the future of logging in the federal area. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/23/03 – Mercury Reduction

The D-N-R is considering changes in its plan to reduce mercury from large, coal-burning power plants. The agency is under pressure from Republican legislators and the Republican-controlled D-N-R Board. Chuck Quirmbach reports.....

10/23/03 – Bush Job Plan

A Republican from Green Bay is sticking up for President Bush's economic plan ...... which a new report says has not resulted in the number of jobs promised for Wisconsin. Shamane Mills reports...

10/22/03 – Gun Fight

Debate raged all day Tuesday and into the night at the State Capitol. That as the legislature's joint finance committee considered voting to legalize concealed weapons in this state. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/22/03 – Arsenic May Drop

The D-N-R Board tomorrow (today- W) may approve a plan to reduce arsenic in state drinking water wells. Arsenic is a potential cancer-causing chemical. The D-N-R Board also expects to vote on a plan to reduce ammonia nitrogen in water supplies. That could affect about one-hundred smaller communities that use sludge lagoons for wastewater treatment. Chuck Quirmbach reports....

10/22/03 – Gas Mark-up

Like clockwork every other year, there's an effort to repeal Wisconsin's minimum mark-up law. This year the effort is getting a boost from a newly formed consumer coalition, and from the Federal Trade Commission. Gil Halsted has more...

10/21/03 – Recall Is On

There'll be a recall election in Milwaukee today (T)...pitting incumbent state Senator Gary George against Representative Spencer Coggs. Yesterday (M) the state Supreme Court declined George's last-minute request to block the contes. Chuck Quirmbach reports the court ruling was very close...

10/21/03 – Road Fund Cleared

Both sides are claiming victory after a compromise deal over state highway funds. Last week, the republican assembly speaker threatened to sue the Governor. Monday republican leaders and Governor Doyle came out smiling. Mostly. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/17/03 – Cranes Take Off

Fifteen Whooping cranes left Necedah National Wildlife Refuge Thursday, beginning their migration to Florida. It's the latest step for an experiment to create a migrating flock of cranes in the eastern u-s. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/17/03 – Land Stewardship

Three Legislators who wanted to increase their say over state land purchases have backed off. But there are continued hard feelings between Republicans and Governor Doyle over the stewardship program. So majority legislators may not get what they want. Shamane Mills reports...

10/17/03 – SBC Calling

Wisconsin's phone customers will soon have another choice for long distance service. The Federal Communications Commission has granted S-B-C the right to get into the highly competitive market. The company says its entry into long distance will save consumers money. But some of S-B-C's competitors say the state needs to stay vigilant to ensure S-B-Cplays by the rules. Patty Murray has more....

10/16/03 – Dems Seek Relief

Democrats are putting pressure on Republicans to consider their property tax relief plan. Fourteen democrats are calling on the senate majority leader to call an extraordinary session. Shamane Mills reports...

10/16/03 – Low Carbs

There are five thousand fewer pounds of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere thanks to a contest run by an envionmental group in Madison. Gil Halsted reports on the "Car-Free Challenge."....

10/16/03 – Cow Power

The federal Government is putting more money into turning cow manure into power. But groups that oppose large farms say taxpayer dollars are better spent elsewhere. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/16/03 – Finance Committee Bills

High-interest state purse-string issues came before the legislature's budget-writing committee yesterday (W). Bills up for passage before the Joint Finance Committee included legislative oversight of stewardship purchases, tax breaks for businesses, streamlined permitting and expanding school choice. Debate on *THAT* issue lasted into the late afternoon and brought a full house to the committee room. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/15/03 – Kucinich Visit

Wisconsin is considered a swing state; President George Bush narrowly lost the state in the last election. And Democrats hoping to unseat him in the upcoming election are flocking into territory once considered "fly over" country. The latest to land was Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich. Shamane Mills reports how a candidate thirsty for attention avoided a Madison rainstorm; but got a welcome shower of support...

10/15/03 – One Word--Hot Debate

A bill that would redefine one word is expected to generate thousands of words in heated debate this week in the state capitol. The change could eliminate pollution regulations for many of the states streams and rivers. Gil Halsted has more....

10/15/03 – Mine Up North

A huge deposit of taconite iron ore in far northern Wisconsin is being considered for mining by two Lake Superior counties. Mike Simonson reports that although actual mining may be more than a decade away, one company is looking for a developer...

10/15/03 – And The Winner Is . . .

It's called the "Oscar's of Teaching..." and two Wisconsin educators have received the national recognition. The awards are made at suprise all-school assemblies and include a hefty check of thanks. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/14/03 – Concealed Carry Bill

The full State Senate could vote next week whether to over-turn Wisconsin's 130-year old ban on concealed weapons. Yesterday (M) Senate committee voted in favor of that. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/14/03 – Sex Preditor Suit

The state has agreed to pay 365 thousand dollars to settle a lawsuit filed by four convicted sex offenders. The settlement clarifies a key aspect of the state's sexual predator law. Gil Halsted has more...

10/14/03 – Better Travels

Train and bus service may be better connected in Wisconsin, after the Amtrak station in Milwaukee is rebuilt. The state transportation department has signed on to a plan to set up a station that's more "intermodal". Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/13/03 – Burke Decision Wait

It could be days or even longer before the public knows if a former legislator and attorney general candidate is bound over for trial on criminal charges. As Shamane Mills reports, the judge will consider the evidence before making a decision...

10/13/03 – Kind In Iraq

Western Wisconsin's U.S. Representative says there's definitely a need for the 20-billion dollars proposed by President Bush to rebuild Iraq. Sandra Harris reports...

10/13/03 – Corporate Influence On Education Criticized

A national civil rights leader is in Wisconsin today (F), criticizing corporate influence over public education. One specific target is the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/10/03 – Pests Bug The State

People in southern and western Wisconsin are up to their eyeballs in pests this fall. A combination of factors has led to an infestation of not one...but two different insects. But they shouldn't be around much longer. Terry Bell reports.....

10/10/03 – State Sues Power Co.

The State Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against one of Wisconsin's largest power companies. The case is making the utility very upset, as Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/10/03 – Smart Growth Hearing

It was standing room only for a hearing at the Capitol on whether to throw out a state land-use law now on the books. Opponents of "Smart Growth" say it strips local control and is complicated and costly. Proponents say comprehensive planning is needed to reduce urban sprawl. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/10/03 – I.D. Theft

Identity theft experts say consumers aren't always told when thier financial information has been obtained illegally. They say victims of potential identity theft should know. Sandra Harris reports...

10/9/03 – Arnold's UW Days

One of the University of Wisconsin System's best-known grads is now the Governor-elect of California. Mike Simonson looks back to Arnold Schwarzenegger's time as a student at U-W-Superior...

10/9/03 – Wisconsin's Terror Preparedness

According to top state military and emergency management brass, Wisconsin is in pretty good shape to fend off or respond to acts of terrorism. But those in charge of security say the prepardness curve is still very steep. Frederica Freyberg reports...

10/9/03 – Prison Rally Planned

Prison reform advocates say the state is dragging its feet in making court-mandated changes at the prison once known as the Supermax. They plan a rally outside the prison in Boscobel on Saturday. Gil Halsted has more...

10/9/03 – Doyle Fights For Jobs

Governor Jim Doyle says top officials from several states will pressure Washington for more help reversing the slide in manufacturing jobs. But the fight over improving the bleak manufacturing sector will be fought in Madison, too. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

10/8/03 – Union Contracts

Republican state lawmakers want to change the way local governments negotiate labor contracts with their unionized employees. They say the changes will hold down costs, and homeowners would see lower property tax bills. But critics say the package aims to hurt workers, and would not cut taxes at all. Terry Bell reports...

10/8/03 – Active Students

Money may help get kids off the couch in La Crosse. A grant from the U-S Department of Education will fund what's called the "Adventure of a Lifetime" program this year. La Crosse is one of a dozen state school districts that will try to get kids to be more active for the rest of their lives. Sandra Harris reports...

10/8/03 – Regents Atone

Facing accusations of stealthy policy-making, the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents promises lawmakers it will have roll call votes on all UW salary issues and do better to alert the public of meetings. Shamane Mills reports...

10/8/03 – Smart Growth?

A bill that would repeal Wisconsin's "Smart Growth" law is under fire from hunting and fishing groups. But supporters of the bill say the state shouldn't be telling small towns how to plan their future. Gil Halsted reports.

10/8/03 – Illegal Visas

Federal prosecutors claim the former leader of an Arabian festival in Wisconsin illegally helped several Middle Eastern people obtain visas to the U-S. The head of the state office of the F-B-I says the case is NOT about terrorism. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

10/7/03 – New Pipeline

Enbridge Energy will build a 630-mile long crude oil pipeline from Superior to southern Illinois. The pipeline would add 20-percent more capacity for Enbridge. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

10/7/03 – Locally Grown

There's a new effort underway to get more locally-grown fruit and vegetables into school cafeterias in the Madison area. But the project has run into a few roadblocks. Gil Halsted reports on the challenges facing the Homegrown Lunch program.

10/7/03 – Organic Beef

The UW-Madison is expanding its organic menu. All the hamburger patties served at residence hall cafeterias this year are produced without chemicals; the organic patties account for 2-thirds of all the beef used by campus housing . Shamane Mills reports.

10/4/03 – VA Clinic

A new veterans clinic is expected to be open by the end of the year. The Green Bay clinic will serve vets in Northeastern Wisconsin. Vets elsewhere will also benefit...because long waiting lists are expected to be eliminated. Patty Murray reports.

10/7/03 – Women Urged To Quit

The state is stepping up its efforts to keep women from smoking or stop them if they already have the habit. Shamane Mills reports.

10/4/03 – Bush Campaigns In Milwaukee

President Bush spoke in Milwaukee on Friday---sounding upbeat themes about the economy...and aggressive themes about the war against Iraq. The President's re-election campaign also took in close to one million dollars. Chuck Quirmbach reports.

10/3/03 – Ads Critical of Bush

(Undated) Environmental groups have launched a new television ad in Wisconsin to coincide with President Bush's visit to Milwaukee Friday. Chuck Quirmach reports.

10/3/03 – Simple Tax System

(Undated) A simpler sales tax system would make it easier for companies that do business in several states to collect sales taxes. That's the reason a western Wisconsin lawmaker is co-author of legislation introduced Thursday. Mary Jo Wagner has more.

10/3/03 – Governor Recall?

(Undated) It's too early to recall Governor Jim Doyle, but some say they are willing to wait and try to do just that. Sandra Harris reports.

10/3/03 – Smoke Insurance

(Madison) As the cost of health care expands, what's covered often shrinks. But there's pressure on Wisconsin insurance carriers to ADD a benefit for smokers that's predicted to save money and lives. Shamane Mills reports.

10/2/03 – Republicans Seek to Undo Veto

(Madison) Republicans hope to pass a bill that will undo one of Governor Jim Doyle's vetos. It would restore legislative oversight for all land purchases through the state stewardship fund. Gil Halsted reports.

10/2/03 – Dramatic Testimony Against Power Line

(Solon Springs)The four year battle to build a large transmission line from Duluth to Wausau continues as home owners squared off against business interests at a public hearing in Solon Springs Wednesday. Mike Simonson reports.

10/1/03 – Punative Damages Tougher to Get

(Milwaukee) A lawyer for three workers killed in the Miller Park roof disaster says a court ruling on Tuesday will make it hard for any person to win *punitive* damages in Wisconsin personal injury disputes. A state Appellate court has thrown out a 94 million dollar punitive damage award in the Milwaukee stadium case. Chuck Quirmbach reports. .

10/1/03 – Ativists Defend Gay Marriage

(Madison) Gay rights activists from across the state came to the Capitol Tuesday. Some 200 people came to lobby lawmakers. They're advocating for same-sex marriage and benefits and speaking out AGAINST the so-called "defense of marriage" act. Frederica Freyberg reports..

10/1/03 – "Sister Cities" Work to Limit Chemical Weapons

(Undated) Two Wisconsin cities are helping their Russian "Sister Cities" clamp down on chemical weapons stockpiles. The weapons are left-overs from the cold war. Volunteers from Appleton and LaCrosse are trying to stabilize life in the former Soviet Union and keep the weapons from getting into the wrong hands. The issue is the focus of an international conference this week in Appleton. Patty Murray has more..

10/1/03 – City/County Health Merger Pending

(Madison) The City of Madison and Dane County have reached agreement on a partial merger of their health departments. Similar efforts are underway in other parts of the state as local governments look for cheaper and more effective ways to deliver services. Gil Halsted reports.

10/1/03 – PSC Hearing

(Superior) For the second time in three years, the state Public Service Commission will hear from the public about what they think of the proposed Duluth-to-Wausau transmission line. But as Mike Simonson reports from Superior, this time there are differences. .

Tuesday, September 23 2003

(Milwaukee) A battle over the fate of federal planning dollars is shaping up in the state legislature.