The state's leading Gay rights group is gearing up to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Wisconsin. But backers of the ban predict it will be on a statewide ballot in early 2005. Gil Halsted reports...

Rhetoric over the effort to defeat the veto of a bill that would make it legal to carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin is at the boiling point. Mike Simonson reports on one out-of-state e-mail that was turned over to Capitol Police...

The DNR and EPA have decided to landfill PCB contaminated sludge from part of the Fox River Cleanup project. A high-tech PCB melting process has been deemed too expensive. It could also have delayed the project. But the process known as "vitrification" could still be used to destroy PCB's from other parts of the river. Patty Murray has more...

Negotiations continue in Washington over a trade agreement with Australia that affects Wisconsin's dairy industry. Some say it's unfair that the ag industry is a pawn in a political discussion. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

Wisconsin is one of 28 states that doesn't have special restrictions on elderly drivers. A bill that would change that has passed an Assembly committee. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of more frequent vision tests for the state's oldest drivers. But the bill could face a tougher challenge down the road. Shamane Mills reports...

Victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in the Milwaukee Archdiocese can turn to a new mediation program. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A bill designed to protect the jobs of striking workers is coming under fire from temporary employment agencies. It would prohibit temporary employment companies from helping to break a strike by providing replacement workers. Gil Halsted reports...

More than half of working adults in America aren't adequately preparing for retirement. That's according to results of a survey released by Thrivent Financial. The survey also shows most people don't know how much money they'll need to fund a comfortable retirement. Patty Murray reports...

Milwaukee area developers who want to end special protection for a garter snake will have to wait longer to find out if that will happen or not. Today (wed) a legislative committee agreed to keep Butler's garter snake on Wisconsin's list of threatened species until mid April. The state DNR has until then to come up with a management plan. Shamane Mills reports...

Advertisements during the Super Bowl are a big hit with viewers. But do they work? Thanks to research done in Wisconsin, we now have a better idea. Terry Bell reports...

"Green" advocates want to get greenbacks out of politics. The League of Conservation Voters says campaign finance reform would probably help the environment more than any other bill before the legislature. Shamane Mills reports...

The Chair of the Wisconsin Republican Party says Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton is spending too much of her time campaigning for General Wesley Clark. But Lawton says her work as state chair for the Clarke campaign is all done on her own time. Gil Halsted has more...

A scheduled vote on legislation allowing concealed weapons in Wisconsin did not take place yesterday (Tuesday) as planned; instead the veto override is expected to occur Thursday. Democrats accuse Republican leaders of stalling until they have enough votes. Shamane Mills reports...

Business-minded people in Wisconsin have until the end of the month to get in on a contest to win some "seed money for their idea." That's the deadline to submit an essay to the "Governor's Business Plan Contest." The state and some private businesses are chipping in money to provide start-up capital. The hope is to spur economic development. Patty Murray reports...

As Wisconsin's capitol city weighs the pros and cons of expanding a bingo hall to include casino games, the state's highest court mulls broader questions about gambling. They include whether games like roulette and keno legal under the state's constitution. Another question is whether the governor has the authority to enter into long range compacts without legislative approval. Shamane Mills reports...

Many Wisconsin law enforcement leaders are speaking out against the concealed carry of weapons, contending traffic stops could become more dangerous. But a few police officers say citizens carrying guns could be helpful to an officer who appears to be in danger. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Some are calling for better planning of the state's future energy needs. They say doing so would reduce electrical bills and increase renewable energy sources. Critics say the proposed legislation could prevent power plants from being built. Shamane Mills reports...

Another Republican is officially announcing his intentions to run against U-S Senator Russ Feingold. Tim Michels has a military and business background. Patty Murray has more...

The Monsanto corporation is cutting back on its production, and raising the price of Bovine Growth Hormone. The price hike could prompt a drop in milk production for the state. Gil Halsted has more...

High school graduates with disabilities often don't have any input into what their next stage in life will be - someone else makes that decision. That's about to change because of a federal grant the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities just received. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

Governor Doyle told the State Education Convention today (f) that he'll again fight Republican plans for a statewide property tax freeze. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A state pharmacy association calls Governor Doyle's new Canadian drug website an election year gimmick. But the Governor's office says it's a sincere effort to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Gil Halsted reports...

Governor Doyle has signed a bill that he calls regulatory reform, and Republicans call the Job Creation Act. Environmentalists are calling their lawyers, as Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The State Senate has voted to override Governor Doyle's veto of a bill allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons. But Democrats say they'll rally to sustain the veto next week in the Assembly. Gil Halsted reports...

In his State of the State message, Governor Doyle didn't spend much time talking about agriculture. But his secretary of ag says there's a lot going on to help an industry that provides one out of five jobs in the state. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

The nuclear power plant at Kewaunee remains shut down, as federal inspectors examine how a cooling system became clogged. State officials say Wisconsin has plenty of electricity from other sources. But a consumer group says the shutdown raises more concerns about a pending sale of the plant. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

One of the largest manufacturers still left in the state is reporting record earnings. Officials at Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson also claim the motorcycle company is well situated for continued growth. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Almost all those who hunted mourning doves this past fall say they plan to do it again; however a pending court case could bring an end to any more seasons. Shamane Mills reports...

A new study released by the Menominee tribe paints a rosy economic picture for Kenosha county if the tribe's plans to open a casino there succeed. But some local residents doubt that prediction. Gil Halsted reports...

The rare 10 day extension of the Great Lakes shipping season is coming with a price: One supercarrier is stuck along the Saint Mary's River by the Soo Locks. That's backing up 10 other lakers who are also ice bound now. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

The upset in the Iowa democratic caucus vote Monday could give Wisconsin’s primary more clout. Sandra Harris reports...

Last night the president talked about his accomplishments in office. The highly publicized state of the union speech is often used as a boost in the upcoming campaign. Those who don't want President Bush re-elected are pointing out what they see as flaws. Shamane Mills reports...

The State Senate could take final legislative action in the next day or two on a so-called job creation bill. Environmentalists are stepping up their campaign against the measure, and preparing to go to court. Chuck Quirmbach has the story...

Leading Wisconsin Democrats say they hope President Bush discusses jobs and health care...during tonight's (T) State of the Union speech. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A unique photo exhibit documenting a 1960's union organizing effort by migrant cucmber pickers in Wisconsin opens this week at the State Historical museum. It depicts a grueling five day march from Wautoma to Madison by workers protesting thier bleak living and working conditions. Gil Halsted reports....

The builders of the proposed Duluth to Wausau transmission line will pay eight counties and dozens of small towns more than 17-million dollars to use land for the line. Mike Simonson reports that American Transmission Company hopes the environmental impact fees ease some of the controversy surrounding the 220-mile venture...

A Nevada professor who goes by the moniker "Billy Gamble" has crunched the numbers on the proposed Dane County casino. What he's found supports the anti-gambling position of a group urging for a "no" vote on an upcoming referendum. Shamane Mills reports...

A Wisconsin citizens group is launching a campaign to repeal or amend the Bush adminstration's Medicare reform program. The effort is linked to a national TV ad campaign sponsored by the left of center group MoveOn dot org. Gil Halsted has more...

Some officials who would issue and enforce conceal-carry permits are criticizing legislation that would allow hidden weapons for those undergoing training and background checks. They're lobbying key lawmakers, who are considered swing votes, to uphold Governor Jim Doyle's veto. Shamane Mills reports...

Leaders of 14 building trade unions say they're members support the proposed Ho Chunk tribal casino in Dane County. That support could mean as many as five thousand "yes" votes in the referendum on the casino scheduled for February 17th. Gil Halsted reports...

Governor Doyle could soon be facing an attempt to override his veto of a measure that would allow people to carry guns in public places. Sandra Harris reports...

Next week the Department of Natural Resources will release information on the number of hunters who participated in the state's first mourning dove season. Whether there will a second season depends on a court case before the State Supreme Court. Shamane Mills was there as each side made its argument...

A Wisconsin peace activist just back from Iraq says he's dismayed about the lack of working infrastructure in the country. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Fox T-V commentator Oliver North is calling on Wisconsin businesses to support the war on terrorism by hiring soldiers when they return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The controversial former Marine got both cheers and jeers when he spoke to more than a thousand business people at an annual lobbying convention in Madison. Gil Halsted reports...

The fourth of seven Governor's Town Meetings around Wisconsin went off with a few hitches in Superior on Wednesday. Mike Simonson reports that the governor found himself answering more questions than hearing proposals from people...

A Wisconsin member of congress says space exploration is important to mankind---but now is not the time to focus on going to Mars. Sandra Harris reports...

A Milwaukee group opposing reconstruction of the Marquette Interchange wants all major road projects put on hold until more is known about an alleged bid-rigging scheme. Four people from 2 firms were arrested on federal charges on Tuesday. Shamane Mills reports...

The number of payday lenders continue to grow; there are currently 55 companies with more than 300 locations around Wisconsin. The proliferation of quick cash companies has critics calling for "regulation". Others say consumer "education” is enough. A public hearing at the capitol was held Tuesday. Shamane Mills reports...

The Mars rover is sending back clear color pictures of Mars, and President Bush is expected to give his vision for the future of space travel on Wednesday. Even so, a new Associated Press Poll says about half of Americans aren't in favor of expensive space stations on the moon or Mars. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

Two Presidential candidates are in Wisconsin this week. While Democrats are focusing their energies on Iowa and New Hampshire, the little-known Libertarians are meeting with voters ahead of Wisconsin’s primary vote next month. Patty Murray reports on the candidates and what they’d like to do if elected...

A state college savings program appears to be back on track after initial concerns it might be derailed. An investigation continues against Strong Capitol Management for alleged improper trades in some of the funds containing EdVest money. But new options helped boost the EdVest program to new levels. Shamane Mills reports...

Managers of the Point Beach nuclear power plant will meet with federal regulators tomorrow (today-T). At issue is an apparent violation of a rule pertaining to an emergency response plan for the Manitowoc County plant. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A rare extension of the shipping season through the Soo Locks at Sault Saint Marie Michigan is encountering the challenges of nature...but ships continue to plow their way from Lake Superior ports to the lower Great Lakes. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

The drought affecting southwestern and central Wisconsin this past year just doesn’t want to end. That has some farmers worried about the future. Sandra Harris reports...

There's been a lot of talk on ways to best improve the state's economy. Some want less government regulation. Others say higher wages would help. An argument for strong education has also been made. Now, some say we have to start early -- before kids reach kindergarten. Shamane Mills reports...

A decree by the bishop in the La Crosse catholic diocese brings back memories of why people were worried when John F. Kennedy first ran for president. Sandra Harris reports...

Wisconsin congressmember Dave Obey says a La Crosse bishop has "crossed the line" by issuing a ban on communion for some politicians. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The jobs creation bill created a little controversy in committee but got preliminary approval and now moves on to the full legislature. Shamane Mills reports...

Monroe county is among several Wisconsin counties losing tobacco coalition funding grants for anti-smoking programs. Coalitions are trying to find ways to save the programs---but county funding is unlikely. Sandra Harris reports...

Democratic Presidential candidate Wesley Clark is boosting his visibility in Wisconsin. Clark has two visits scheduled in the next four days and has been running a television ad in several cities. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

People from Wisconsin and other states who help presidential candidates campaign in Iowa this month may face greater scrutiny. Some of the contenders are fighting over whether outsiders might tarnish the caucus process in Iowa. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

As federal ag officials try to track down the remaining animals in a mad cow case discovered in Washington state, Wisconsin officials discuss a mandatory animal tracking system. But there's controversy over who should pay for it. Shamane Mills reports...

There's another plan addressing high health care costs. But this one doesn't come from public interest or labor groups. Instead it comes from insurance companies and hospitals. Shamane Mills reports...

Voters in Oshkosh could face a confusing ballot this spring. Two groups are asking the public to decide if smoking should be allowed in the city's restaurants. One group wants strict bans on lighting up in or near dining rooms. The other group wants to put a ban--on the smoking ban itself. Patty Murray explains...

The D-N-R says it wants to hear your thoughts about the agency's performance. So, the department has set up a telephone number for you to call, if you'd like to make comments. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Activists and researchers say they're dismayed, but not terribly surprised, by some news they got earlier this week; That is, young African-Americans in Wisconsin have been dying at more than twice the rate as young whites over the last twenty years. Terry Bell gathered some reaction...

Governor Doyle says the state can do better at meeting a goal for spending on minority businesses. Doyle and several members of his administration made their promise to African-American business leaders in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Four of Wisconsin's five Catholic Archdioceses are in compliance with Church policy on preventing sexual abuse of minors. The audit on La Crosse says that Diocese hasn't fully developed a training program yet. Meanwhile, a victim’s rights group says the recent audits weren't independent enough. Patty Murray has more...

Farmers and others injured physically or economically by electrical pollution say utilities should be required to fix flaws. But electric companies say pending legislation is a solution for a problem that doesn't exist at the levels critics claim. Shamane Mills reports...

Paul Molitor's election to Baseball's Hall of Fame may give a boost to the Milwaukee Brewers franchise. Molitor will be enshrined as a Brewer, after having played the first fifteen years of his major league career in Milwaukee. At a news conference Tuesday, Molitor talked about joining Robin Yount as the second longtime Brewer to make the Hall of Fame...

Wisconsin is one of four states that a national environmental group will target in the group's effort to oppose President Bush's re-election. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

This summer's battle over the state transportation budget sparked a winter snowplow fight. Roads ARE being plowed but the bills are stacking up. Right now, officials are trying to figure out the best way to pay counties who are clearing state highways. Shamane Mills reports...

The American Lung Association has analyzed how well states are working to stop smoking. Wisconsin gets only two passing grades; one is for its tobacco tax. The organization says the state would score better if that tax went up. However state politicians aren't keen on doing that despite a tight budget. Shamane Mills reports...

Another round of Presidential candidates is expected in Wisconsin next week. A Democrat is coming to Racine. And two third-party candidates will face off at a forum in Green Bay. This year marks the first time Libertarians will be on Wisconsin's Presidential Primary ballot. Patty Murray reports...

A UW-Madison physics professor is stepping down as chairman of a board reviewing the safety of a proposed nuclear waste site in Nevada. The move comes after criticism from Nevada lawmakers and environmentalists that there was bias. Shamane Mills reports...

High energy costs have prompted more Wisconsin schools to consider tapping into the earth for power. Shamane Mills reports...

A UW-Madison physics professor is stepping down as chairman of a board reviewing the safety of a proposed nuclear waste site in Nevada. The move comes after criticism from Nevada lawmakers and environmentalists that there was bias. Shamane Mills reports...

A lot of people are making new year's resolutions. One state lawmaker is resolved to get a bill banning nude sunbathing in Mazomanie through the legsilature. Terry Bell reports...

A UW-Madison physics professor is stepping down as chairman of a board reviewing the safety of a proposed nuclear waste site in Nevada. The move comes after criticism from Nevada lawmakers and environmentalists that there was bias. Shamane Mills reports...

The U.S. department of Agriculture today says it's still trying to track down a lot of cattle in its mad cow investigation. An electronic tag implanted in the animals would help trace the cows...instead, because that system is not yet in place in this country, investigators are working off paper trails. Frederica Freyberg reports...

A lot of people are making new year's resolutions. One state lawmaker is resolved to get a bill banning nude sunbathing in Mazomanie through the legsilature. Terry Bell reports...

Marvin Pratt was sworn in today as Acting Mayor of Milwaukee. He's the first non-white chief executive of the city....and one of just a tiny number of minority Mayors in Wisconsin history. But as Chuck Quirmbach reports, it may be tough for Pratt to keep his new job...

Farmers and utility companies will square off pro and con at a hearing next/this week on new stray voltage legislation. The bill is nicknamed the electrical bill of rights. It would make it easier to sue power companies for health problems allegedly caused by faulty power lines. Gil Halsted reports...

There's some concern that new security regulations for ports will mean seafarers may not be able to take shore leave. But it appears the Coast Guard is trying to work out a compromise with dock operators. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

A nearly 2-year phase-out of arsenic-laced lumber ends January first. Concerns about cancer prompted manufacturers of the pressure treated wood to slowly ease it out of the market. But it will still be sold for awhile and can be found in millions of fences, decks and play-sets. Shamane Mills reports...

The North American Free Trade Agreement is ten years old this week. Gil Halsted reports on the impact NAFTA has had on Wisconsin's economy...

The nation's heightened state of alert means more patrols by the Coast Guard in Wisconsin's ports and less access for people who want to do a little waterfront sight-seeing. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

The red kettles have been put away, but the Salvation Army's holiday fund-raiser continues in south-east Wisconsin. As Terry Bell reports, the charity is trying to make up ground after failing to meet the season's goals...