OCTOBER 2004 NEWS ARCHIVES


Republicans Organize Last Minute Phone Calls to the Undecided
10/29/04

Vice President Dick Cheney stopped at the Republican campaign headquarters in Eau Claire on Friday morning. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

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Native American Rights May Finally Fall Under Reservation's Authority
10/29/04

The Native American Rights Fund is working on special legislation to protect Indian women from domestic violence. Organizers hope to have the measure before Congress early next year. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Brian Bull reports...

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Milwaukee Ruling Strikes GOP Complaint
10/29/04

Republicans announce on Friday the 29th whether they'll appeal a Milwaukee ruling concerning 5600 voter addresses. The Milwaukee Election Commission on Thursday rejected a GOP complaint about whether the addresses are valid. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Senate Political Ad Gives Halloween the Creeps
10/29/04

Across the region, homes are being decorated with jack-o-lanterns, tombstones, and other ghoulish touches. Even the campaign season has taken on the air of Halloween. Ghosts and spectres of one of the state’s most infamous political scandals are looming over the 16th Senate race, largely in part because of a political ad. Brian Bull explains more in this report...

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Feingold vs. Michels: Campaign Styles
10/29/04

In an election year, political candidates never really stop campaigning. From rallies, to debates to TV ads... everything they say or do has a chance to impact voters. In the final installment of our series on the US Senate race Shawn Johnson looks at the campaign styles of Democrat Russ Feingold and Republican Tim Michels...

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Is Kerry the Boss or is Springsteen?
10/29/04

John Kerry was in Madison Thursday where thousands came to hear him speak - not to mention Bruce Springsteen sing. Shamane Mills was there...

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Workers' Death Compensation Hearing Struggles With Monetary Figures
10/29/04

The state Supreme Court heard arguments on Thursday over whether a jury awarded too much to the widows of the workers who died in a giant crane accident. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Kerry Rally Followed by Early Voting
10/29/04

Dozens of voters walked a few short blocks from the John Kerry Campaign rally at the state Capitol on Thursday to cast absentee ballots at the Madison city clerk's office. As Gil Halsted reports many said they were worried they won't have time to vote on Election Day...

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La Crosse Battles With School Referendums
10/29/04

Voters in the La Crosse School District approved a multi-million dollar operating referendum in September. But it could be more difficult to pass a building referendum on Tuesday. Sandra Harris reports...

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14 Term Congressman Faces New Blood
10/29/04

U.S. Representative Tom Petri is running for his 14th term in Congress. After a quarter century in office...two challengers say its time for a change of leadership in the 6th district. It's a geographically large and diverse district. Patty Murray has more the candidates in the running...

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Northeastern Congressional Race Smoothed by 3 Term Incumbent
10/29/04

The race for Congress is Northeastern Wisconsin has gone on quietly this fall. That's partly because the incumbent Republican has a three-term record to run on. Not to mention a lot more campaign money than his novice Democratic challenger. Patty Murray has this report on the race for the Eighth Congressional seat...

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Cheney Makes 11th Hour Tour of Wisconsin
10/28/04

Wisconsin got an extended look at Dick Cheney. The Vice-President hit Schofield on Thursday and Eau Claire on Friday. On Wednesday night, Cheney campaigned in Waukesha. He offered and prompted some strong opinions as Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Allegations of Illegal Dumping Hit Michels
10/28/04

A Democratic incumbent with high rankings from environmental groups versus a Republican challenger whose company has made some controversial environmental moves. That's part of the green report card for the U.S. Senate battle between Russ Feingold and Tim Michels. Chuck Quirmbach has the latest in our Senate series...

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Libertarian Presidential Hopeful Harangues Republican Increases
10/28/04

Libertarian Presidential candidate Michael Badnarik was stumping for votes in Wisconsin on Wednesday. During a stop in Madison he echoed the message in his latest TV ad. The ad blames George Bush for increasing the size of Government instead of shrinking it. Gil Halsted reports...

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Majority Leader Lands in Wisconsin for Michels Endorsement
10/28/04

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist campaigned in Wisconsin on Wednesday with Republican Senate candidate Tim Michels. Frist contends that Michels is gaining on Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold....and will win the Wisconsin Senate race. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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10th District Senate Race May Hinge on Property Tax Issue
10/28/04

The western Wisconsin senate district that saw record spending on campaign ads four years ago is quieter this time around - most of the talk is about rising property taxes. Mary Jo Wagner has more on the tenth senate district...

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Lack of GOP Candidate Lets 3rd Parties Free in 7th District
10/28/04

Third party candidates are basking in the limelight in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District in far northern Wisconsin. While veteran Congressman Dave Obey is seeking his 18th two-year term, no Republican is running against him. Mike Simonson continues our series on congressional races this year...

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Simplification or Facts? The Double-Edge of Political Messages
10/28/04

Diplomas and ballots often go hand in hand. According to a recent report by The College Board, those with more education are more likely to vote. But its a tossup as to which political candidate benefits the most from a learned electorate. Shamane Mills reports...

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Feingold vs Michels: Unions & Business
10/27/04

For the past eight years... Republican US Senate Candidate Tim Michels has helped run a family construction business. During that time Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold has championed the causes of labor unions in Washington. The two candidates for Wisconsin's US Senate seat hail from different schools of thought when it comes to the economy. Shawn Johnson looks at where they stand in this second installment of our series on the race...

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Bush Pushes for Small Businesses in Onalaska
10/27/04

President George W. Bush campaigned in Western Wisconsin this morning, telling a rally in Onalaska that he is the best candidate for small business owners. Steve Roisum reports...

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Kerry Pushes Police & Fire Funding From Green Bay
10/27/04

John Kerry made his last policy statement of his campaign on Wednesday...and he made it in Green Bay. Kerry says the current administration is undermining homeland security by cutting money for police and firefighters. The Democrat also continues to issue sharp criticism of President Bush for losing track of an explosives stockpile in Iraq. Patty Murray reports...

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Local Businesses & Citizens Get Involved in Election Fairness
10/27/04

On Tuesday video stores across the country begin offering free rentals of the anti-bush film Fahrenheit 9/11. The political giveaway started in Madison and at least one resident wants it stopped. But a week before the election federal officials have not gotten a formal complaint -- and say its unclear whether such a practice violates any rules. Shamane Mills reports...

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96th District Race Remarkably Friendly
10/27/04

The race to replace retiring 96th District Assembly member Duwayne Johnsrud is between two friends. Regardless of who wins --- they say they'll remain friends. Sandra Harris reports...

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GOP Aiming for Key Kenosha State Senate Seat
10/27/04

Republicans are trying to capture a State Senate seat in Kenosha that's been in Democratic hands for decades. Chuck Quirmbach has the story as our series on key legislative elections continues....

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Conference Between Native Journalists & Government Wraps Up
10/27/04

The first-ever conference between native journalists and judicial officials has wrapped up in Vermillion, South Dakota. Organizers hope that the discussion will lead to greater understanding and cooperation between reporters and judges. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Brian Bull prepared this report:

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Dane County Voters To Aid the Needy
10/26/04

Voters in Dane County are urged to help the hungry while casting their ballots. Terry Bell explains...

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Two Personalities at Loggerheads: The Wisconsin Senate Seat
10/26/04

The race for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat pits a two-term maverick incumbent against a construction executive and former Army Ranger. In the first installment of our series on the race... Shawn Johnson has this profile of Democrat Russ Feingold and Republican Tim Michels...

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Badger State Senior GOP Candidate Could Feel Increase in Voter Turnout
10/26/04

Wisconsin's senior Republican in Congress faces a more spirited challenge than he has in several years. GOP incumbent James Sensenbrenner squares off against Democrat Bryan Kennedy, in a suburban Milwaukee House contest. Chuck Quirmbach has more, as our series on Congressional races continues...

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Kerry Swings Through Wisconsin
10/26/04

John Kerry makes a "home stretch" campaign swing through Wisconsin. He held a late night rally in Ashwaubenon on Monday night. He told a crowd of supporters that a missing stockpile of explosives in Iraq puts Americans in danger...and compromises the safety of U.S. troops. Patty Murray reports...

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Conference Between American Native Journalists & Government Officials Underway
10/26/04

A first-time gathering of Native journalists and judicial officials is taking place in Vermillion, South Dakota. Organizers say the two-day conference will facilitate more understanding about tribal sovereignty, the U.S. Justice System, and how reporters cover them. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Brian Bull attended the event and has this report...

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Ozone Killing Chemical Center Stage in Environmental & Economic Clash
10/26/04

An ozone-depleting chemical that's made by a Midwest company and used here may be headed for a legal fight. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Elections Board Assures Voters that Absentee Ballots Will Reach Destination
10/26/04

The director of the state elections board is playing down concerns some have raised about the need to put extra postage on absentee ballots. Kevin Kennedy says the ballots come with postage paid return envelopes that have already been weighed and metered by city clerks. Gil Halsted reports...

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Two Senators Go Head to Head Over the 30th
10/26/04

Voters in Northeastern Wisconsin might be feeling a touch of "Deja Vu" during the election season. The race for the 30th Senate District is a re-match between one-time Senator Gary Drzewiecki and the man who now holds the seat...Dave Hansen. Patty Murray reports...

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Previous Dental Standards Changed
10/26/04

The government has guidelines on what we should eat and other ways we can best take care of ourselves. One recommendation for healthy teeth is to see a dentist twice a year for a checkup. But that's changing. Shamane Mills reports...

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Final Debate Between Feingold and Michels Finishes in Milwaukee
10/25/04

Democrat Russ Feingold and Republican Tim Michels have finished the debating part of their Senate campaign...with more sharp exchanges. The two candidates squared off Sunday night in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Kayakers Prepare for Lake Superior Then the Arctic
10/25/04

Think running out of towels in a hotel room makes for a rough trip? That is nothing compared to a kayak trip planned for November along Lake Superior’s South Shore. Nick Pelletier has the story...

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Schutz vs. Incumbent Kind Trade Accusations
10/25/04

Longtime Western Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind is facing one of his most formidable election opponents in recent years. Republican challenger Dale Schutz says Kind has done a poor job representing his district in Washington, so it's time for a change. Steve Roisum reports...

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32nd District Senate Seat Important to Democrats & Republicans
10/25/04

The 32nd District State Senate Seat is one Republicans hope to bring back into their camp. The Democratic candidate for the open seat faces a well-known Republican opponent who's run for it before. Sandra Harris reports...

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Agriculture and Farm Related Issues Rise to Spotlight in Election
10/25/04

When President Bush spoke in Eau Claire during the week of October 18 - 22... his stage was decorated with bales of straw and the facade of a barn. Meanwhile, Democrat John Kerry is running ads in Wausau and LaCrosse asserting that he'll protect the dairy industry if elected. Wisconsin's farmers are getting plenty of attention this campaign. As Shawn Johnson reports...

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Senate Seat Candidates Watch Each Other's Campaign Ads
10/23/04

The two candidates for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat watched each others' campaign ads and asked one another questions at a debate in Madison on Friday night. The direct exchange highlighted their differences on tax policy and foreign trade. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Local TV Station Refuses to Sell Slots for Political Ads
10/22/04

A Madison TV station is turning down a windfall in political advertising revenue. After almost a full year of non-stop political ads the station has stopped selling ad time to independent groups known as 527's . Gil Halsted reports...

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Great Lakes to Recieve Concerted Environmental Clean Up and Regulations
10/22/04

Great Lakes officials will meet in Chicago this December to start revising ways to clean up the Great Lakes. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Mike Leavitt made the announcement on Friday. Chuck Quirmbach reports from Pittsburgh...

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Libertarian Candidate To Campaign in Wisconsin
10/22/04

With just days to go before the election, politicians continue to troop through Wisconsin. The two major party candidates have made many high profile visits here. This weekend, one of the third party candidates will begin several days of campaigning in one of the country's most contested states. Patty Murray reports...

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Court Ruling Undercuts School Funding & Fundraising
10/22/04

A twist of fate...and Wisconsin state law...have conspired to make a shortage of funds for the school district in Marshfield. For years, the Marshfield Clinic was exempt from local property taxes, but a court ruling has changed all that. Terry Bell reports...

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Magnum Republicans Hope for Victory over Democrat Incumbent
10/22/04

Republicans hope a victory in the Second Congressional District on November will show their triumph more than a decade ago wasn't a fluke. But the political scale is often tipped toward incumbents, and the district's new political borders benefit democrats. Shamane Mills reports on the race between Tammy Baldwin and Dave Magnum...

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President Bush Sr. Campaigns with Michels
10/22/04

The 41st president was in Milwaukee on Thursday. George Bush Senior spoke at a fundraiser for Republican Senate hopeful Tim Michels. Shamane Mills reports...

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Sovereign Tribes a Maverick in Coming Election
10/22/04

Political activists on Wisconsin's Indian reservation's are hoping Native American voters can make the difference in this year's presidential race. Both major parties are stumping for the native vote. But only the Democrats have launched a door to door effort in the state to get tribal members to the polls. Reporter Gil Halsted recently joined a group of Kerry supporters on the Oneida reservation near Green Bay...

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Reconstruction of Iraq Subverted by Violence
10/22/04

It's getting harder for humanitarian aid workers to do their jobs in Iraq. A volunteer who left Baghdad this summer says the violence in the Iraqi capital has forced reconstruction to grind to a halt. He spoke to students on the UW Madison campus this week. Gil Halsted was there and filed this report...

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Veteran's Benefits Recieve Campaign Attention
10/22/04

Veterans benefits were the focus of comments today by the wife of Democratic Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards. Elizabeth Edwards made an appearance in southeastern Wisconsin today. Dave Cole has more...

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National Railroad Museum Hosts Vice-President
10/22/04

It was another swing state-campaign swing on Thursday for the Vice President. Dick Cheney spoke to a group of about 500-supporters at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon. He chided Democrat John Kerry on everything from the war in Iraq to goose hunting. Patty Murray reports...

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Propane Gas Prices Will Fluctuate With Supply
10/22/04

Some propane gas customers are worried about their supply and costs this winter. As Sandra Harris reports, one company facing financial troubles says the supply will hold up, but prices will go up...

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Deep Divide Over Environment & Land Use Continues with Cheney
10/21/04

From the shores of the Great Lakes, to the swamps of duck hunting country, President George Bush and Senator John Kerry have some different ideas for Wisconsin's environment. Chuck Quirmbach has details as our series on the Presidential race continues...

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Bush Speaks to Dairy Farmers in Eau Claire
10/21/04

President George Bush's theme at his campaign stop in Eau Claire yesterday was "Standing with Rural America". Mary Jo Wagner has more...

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PHOTO: George Bush at the Republican rally in Eau Claire - photo by Gina Renae Duwe.


Feingold Holds Wide Lead on Michels
10/21/04

If the election was held today U.S. Senator Russ Feingold would beat his challanger by a wide margin. A new Wisconsin Public Radio, St. Norbert College poll shows voters think the incumbent would do a better job on a wide range of issues. Patty Murray reports...

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Milwaukee Coal Plant Challenged by State & Tribes
10/21/04

The state of Illinois and a group of Great Lakes Indian tribes are raising concerns about mercury pollution from a proposed coal fired power plant near Milwaukee. The Illinois attorney general's office is calling for a full environmental impact study. Gil Halsted reports...

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Election Observers Suit Up In Wisconsin
10/21/04

Fears over voter suppression and confusion have spurred drives to staff polling stations with attorneys. Many efforts are gaining steam in so-called “battleground states” with tight congressional and presidential races, including Wisconsin. Brian Bull reports...

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GOP Incumbent Ryan Favorite in Race Among Four Parties
10/21/04

Voters in Wisconsin's First Congressional District have a maverick streak in them. What was once the backyard of the late Democrat Les Aspin is now considered safe terroritory for three-term incumbent Republican Paul Ryan. Ryan says he wants voters to return him to Washington, because he says there's much for him to do. Terry Bell has more...

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Democrat Could Take Inside in Four-Way Milwaukee Race
10/20/04

Gwen Moore will become the first African-American from Wisconsin elected to Congress.... If the Democrat defeats four other candidates in a Milwaukee House race November 2nd. Many Democrats --and Republicans-- seem to think Moore has the inside track for the seat. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Edwards Fires Up Crowd in UW-Eau Claire
10/20/04

Democratic Vice Presdential Candidate John Edwards fired up a crowd on the UW-Eau Claire campus yesterday. Mary Jo Wagner was there...

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New Report Shows Significant Loss of Jobs to Overseas Markets
10/20/04

A new labor union report says foreign trade is to blame for the loss of at least 16,000 Wisconsin factory jobs in the past three years. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Stem Cell Research Could Be Election Surprise
10/20/04

In movies when an unlikely film garners a lot of attention it is called a sleeper. In this year's presidential campaign, science has turned into a suprise feature. Shamane Mills reports on role of embryonic stem cell research in the election...

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Poll Continues 'Swing State' Statistics
10/20/04

Wisconsin's reputation as a "swing state" is safe. A new poll says the race for president is in a statistical dead heat. Patty Murray has results from the Wisconsin Public Radio-St. Norbert College Survey...

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Canadian Groups Uniting to Stop Prescription Exports
10/20/04

Some Canadians want to stop sharing their country's drugs with Americans who are seeking cheaper prescriptions. Shamane Mills reports...

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Feingold Shares Coffee with Union
10/19/04

At a campaign stop in Janesville on Monday... U.S. Senator Russ Feingold shared a cup of coffee with some of his biggest supporters: union members. The discussion focused almost exclusively on the rising cost of health care. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Political Vandalism Rises With Election Tension
10/19/04

With just under three weeks left before Election Day, conflicts of opinion have mounted over which candidates deserve to win. But some of the tension has lead to growing levels of politically-motivated vandalism. Eri Hillyer reports...

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White Spruce Falling to Possible Epidemic
10/19/04

White spruce over thousands of acres in northern Wisconsin forests are dying. Mike Simonson reports on what forestry officials are calling an epidemic...

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Flu Clinics Feel Pressure as Vaccine Demand Increases
10/19/04

Demand for flu shots has skyrocketed. A recent flu clinic in Appleton drew more than a thousand people. In Ripon, flu clinic workers alerted police about potential traffic problems. In Dane County, a nurse hit a deer while driving to the flu clinic ... but still showed up because so many people want shots. Shamane Mills went to a flu clinic in Verona at senior center and produced this report...

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Madison Mopeds Put Kinks in Streets & Parking
10/19/04

Mopeds are a popular way to get around campus these days. That's true at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. But more mopeds are bringing more headaches for campus police, who say they've had enough. Terry Bell reports...

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Kayakers to Brave November Weather: Stab North
10/18/04

Think running out of towels in a hotel room makes for a rough trip? That is nothing compared to a kayak trip planned for November along Lake Superior’s South Shore. Nick Pelletier has the story...

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Paper or Machine Ballots Both Provided in Wisconsin Booths
10/18/04

The punchcard ballots that created headaches in Florida four years ago won't be an issue in Wisconsin. The same goes for the touch screen voting machines that some states will use as replacements. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Draft Counselors Arrive in Madison
10/18/04

Rumors about the revival of a military draft are increasing. Both Presidential candidates have promised NOT to do it. But that didn't stop more than thirty people from coming to a draft counseling workshop in Madison during the weekend. Gil Halsted reports...

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Baldwin & Magnum Clash on Global Issues
10/18/04

Big issues on a world scale. That's what the two candididates for the 2nd congrssional district faced on Sunday night in a debate on foreign policy. Shamane Mills reports...

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Low Wage Sick Pay Seeks Congressional Legislature
10/18/04

With flu vaccine in shorty supply, health officials are telling people to protect themselves by washing hands and avoiding contact with those who have influenza. But low wage workers may feel pressure to show up at work -- even if they should be home in bed. Shamane Mills reports...

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Illinois Volunteers Step Into the Badger State
10/15/04

Dozens and maybe hundreds of Illinois residents are expected to come to Wisconsin. They're not coming for the lakes or beer....but for the battleground state that Wisconsin is during this election cycle. Many Chicago-area supporters of Democrat John Kerry have already been making weekend treks to do volunteer work in Wisconsin, because there isn't much political action at home. Chuck Quirmbach of Wisconsin Public Radio reports...

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Canadian Flu Vaccine Supply May Not Offset American Shortage
10/15/04

President Bush said during the Wednesday debate that the US is working with Canada to obtain more doses of the flu vaccine. An expert at the University of Wisconsin Medical School says he doubts that alone will ease the national shortage. Shawn Johnson reports...

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19th Century Tribal Reservation Downsize Cramping 21st Century Citizens
10/15/04

A federal magistrate has ruled that a 19th century act of Congress diminished the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican reservation to 15,000 acres. Tribal leaders say there’s no basis for cutting their reservation down to a fourth its original size. Brian Bull reports...

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Dungeons & Dragons: The Labyrinth to Success
10/15/04

Wizards and barbarians take note: Saturday is "Worldwide D & D Day", a celebration of 30 years of the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game -- which got its start in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Players use maps, miniature figurines, dice, and their imaginations to battle formidable monsters. But as Brian Bull reports, the D & D franchise has been through its own share of spine-tingling adventures...

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Program for Blind Uses Friday as Reminder Day
10/15/04

Those who can't see cars and trucks want to make sure people in those vehicles see them. October 15th is white cane day, a reminder for motorists to look out for blind pedestrians. Shamane Mills chatted with one such man during a walk around Madison...

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Can Polls Present the Unbiased Picture?
10/14/04

Presidential preference polls have become an issue in the campaign. Before the debates, supporters of John Kerry said they were skeptical of surveys showing President Bush with double-digit leads, especially in a toss-up state like Wisconsin. Even venerable pollsters like Gallup and Harris Interactive have come under fire from allegations of bias. Terry Bell reports...

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Local Builds Memorial for Soldiers Killed in Iraq & Afghanistan
10/14/04

War memorials are usually built after a war is over. But a Walworth county man has been gradually building one on his front lawn since July of 2003. It's a tribute to soldiers killed in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We first reported on the Coalition Memorial in April. Gil Halsted reports...

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A Tour of Wright Family Homes in Milwaukee
10/14/04

Frank Lloyd Wright's homes for the common family are being featured this week in Wisconsin, during a national conference on the famous architect. While Wright is most often associated with the Madison area, Milwaukee claims some of his fame, too. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Absentee Balloting Comes Under Increasing Surveillance
10/14/04

The two parties representing Wisconsin Democrats and Republicans are accusing each other of trying to restrict voting. Shamane Mills reports...

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NRA Targeting Battleground States with Anti-Kerry Ads
10/14/04

Look for a barrage of National Rifle Association ads attacking presidential candidate John Kerry. The NRA announced Wednesday that it is targeting battleground states…including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota…to support the Bush-Cheney presidential ticket. Mike Simonson has the story from Superior...

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Cheney Speaks in Wisconsin: Faults Opponents
10/13/04

Vice-President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne Cheney came to Wisconsin on Tuesday. They tried to paint John Kerry as weak on terrorism. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Innocent Inmate Sues County and Officials
10/13/04

The Manitowoc County man who wrongfully spent nearly 18 years in prison on a sexual assault charge is using a different part of the legal system. Stephen Avery has filed a multi-million dollar civil lawsuit against the county and two former county officials. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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County Struggles with Choice of Representative
10/13/04

Voters in a central Wisconsin county will decide in November whether to put an executive in charge of their local government. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Wisconsin Inmate Insourcing Reaching Completion
10/13/04

At one point, Wisconsin had more inmates serving time outside its borders than any other state in the union. As recently as 2000, nearly 4,400 inmates from the Badger State were spread across the country, but now corrections officials want them back. Eri Hillyer reports...

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Negotiations Could Ease Brewery Standoff
10/13/04

Negotiations could end a standoff among owners of a La Crosse Brewery. Sandra Harris reports...

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Taxes Major Issue in State Legislature
10/12/04

State Republicans and Democrats are sparring over who has the best plan to lower Wisconsin's taxes. As Shawn Johnson reports party leaders are making it an issue in state legislative campaigns...

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Edwards Discusses Anti-Meth Plans
10/12/04

The Kerry - Edwards campaign is reaching out to rural voters in the midwest this week with a promise to increase funding to fight the spread of meth amphetamine. Senator John Edwards laid out the plan in a phone conference with reporters on Monday. Gil Halsted reports...

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Pharmacist Refuses to Sell Contraceptive Pills
10/12/04

State regulators are deciding whether or not to punish a pharmacist who wouldn't give a customer birth control pills because of personal beliefs. Shamane Mills reports on the first day of testimony in a formal hearing in which the rights of pharmacists and patients clash...

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National Conference on Architect: Focus on 'Common' Home
10/12/04

A national conference in Wisconsin this week on Frank Lloyd Wright will look in part, at the famous architect's homes for the common family. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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La Crosse Brewery Not Up for Sale
10/12/04

The President of a La Crosse Brewery says the owners are not trying to sell the company. Sandra Harris reports...

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On Aging: Mom and Dad Growing Old
10/12/04

While the American culture embraces youth, it shuns talk about dying. But it is a fact of life that it happens to everyone. We conclude our Wisconsin Public Radio series on aging: "Mom and Dad Growing Old" as Mike Simonson reports on a family in Superior helping their dying dad...

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Kerry/Edwards Home in on Women Voters
10/11/04

The Kerry-Edwards campaign is trying to close a perceived gap with President Bush in Wisconsin by appealing to women voters. Vice-presidential candidate John Edwards got hugs, tears and questions from a group of women in West Allis on Sunday. Chuck Quirmbach prepared this report...

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On Aging: Family and Alcohol
10/11/04

Recent surveys find as many as ten percent of elderly patients admitted to hospitals show signs of alcohol abuse. But the problem is likely much larger because seniors are often skilled at disguising their drinking until a fall or some other medical emergency reveals it. For the adult children of aging alcoholics dealing with their parents drinking can be a heart wrenching experience. Gil Halsted examines the problem in today's installment of our continuing series on aging om and dad growing old...

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Senior Citizens Battle for Canadian/European Pharmaceuticals
10/11/04

The high cost of prescription drugs causes many senior citizens to look around for the best prices…and for many that continues to be Canada. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

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Douglas County Rations Flu Vaccine
10/11/04

At least one Wisconsin county is out of flu vaccine. After the previous week's announcement that the nation's flu vaccination supply was cut in half, Douglas County in northern Wisconsin found itself especially vulnerable. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

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Post Partum Depression Figures as Major Factor in Infanticide
10/11/04

A woman convicted of killing her newborn baby is asking for a pardon, and the state is listening. Mike Simonson reports that 12 years after her conviction, new information is coming out about post-partum depression...

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Wisconsin Senate Seat Debate Slug Out Round Two
10/10/04

Democratic U.S. Senator Russ Feingold and his Republican challenger met for their second debate on Saturday night. The forum was held in front of about 300 people in Wausau...and it was sponsoed in part by Wisconsin Public Radio. Terry Bell has more...

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Michael Moore in Milwaukee Speaks about the Elections
10/08/04

Film-maker Michael Moore spoke in Milwaukee on Friday afternoon--taking on George Bush, Ralph Nader and the news media. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Self-Published Magazine Festival Hosted in Madison
10/08/04

A state-wide celebration of the written word is underway this week in Madison. A new initiative of the Wisconsin Humanities Council, The Wisconsin Book Festival features more than one-hundered novelists, poets and literary historians from all across the country. But as Catherine Brand reports...you don't need a publisher to be an author...

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Independents Rebutt Charges of Republican Financing
10/08/04

Friday in Madison... the running-mate for independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader lashed out at Democrats for stealing votes from his ticket. Peter Camejo also responded to Democratic complaints that he and Nader are taking money from Republicans. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Bush Rally at Wasau Brings 5,000
10/08/04

With just 25 days before the election President Bush steps up his attacks on Senator John Kerry . He brought his reelection campaign to Wasuau on Thursday where he spoke at a rally that drew more than five thousand people. Gil Halsted reports...

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Family of 9/11 Victims Criticize Bush's War on Terror
10/08/04

Two women whose husbands died in the 9/11 attacks have been travelling the state, criticizing President Bush's record on terrorism. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Women's Group Raises Awareness for Afghanistan
10/08/04

A Madison-based peace group thinks the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan deserves as much attention as the war in Iraq. A handful of Madison Women for Peace members visited local Congressional offices on Thursday. As Shawn Johnson reports they tried to revive awareness of Afghan struggles just two days before the country's first election...

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Brewery Sale Provokes Investor's Struggles
10/08/04

Some investors are trying to stop the potential sale or recapitalization of La Crosse's City Brewery. Sandra Harris reports...

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Turn of Century Epidemic Provides Clues for Today
10/08/04

There's evidence pointing to why some flu viruses are worse than others. Shamane Mills reports on research focusing on an influenza outbreak that killed tens of millions of people in the early 1900s...

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On Aging: Alzheimers
10/08/04

For generations, when older people suffered personality shifts, memory lapses, speaking problems, and even hallucinations – others shrugged it off as “senior moments”. But today, researchers look at these signs more seriously, in case it’s Alzheimer’s Disease – an ailment suffered by four-and-a-half million Americans. Brian Bull reports...

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"Green" Regulations Stimulate Economy
10/08/04

Almost 100-thousand workers in Wisconsin can thank environmental regulations for their jobs. That's according to a new report that examined the economic impact of "green technology. The authors say the statistics show caring about the environment doesn't hurt the economy. Patty Murray reports...

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Scientists Look for Big Picture in Wisconsin's Environment
10/07/04

Wisconsin scientists are trying to look at the big picture of change among wildlife and natural resources in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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On Aging: Driving
10/07/04

The keys to a car represent independence and freedom for most seniors. The ability to drive to the mall, the doctor, a restaurant, or wherever, is a basic necessity. But what happens when a senior driver should NOT get behind the wheel -- the answer can be hard on families. As our series on Aging continues, Mary Jo Wagner has some insight into the problems of senior driving...

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UW Audit Reveals Increasing Payroll Contrary to Budget Cuts
10/07/04

An audit released in September showed that the University of Wisconsin added jobs and gave administrators raises during a period of state budget cuts. UW officials told lawmakers on Wednesday that the moves were needed to keep pace with competition. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Air America Radio Comes to Madison
10/07/04

Politicians and celebrities have paired up throughout history in hopes that one's appeal will rub off on the other. For instance, Frank Sinatra supported JFK, it was an early example of the trend of celebrity politicking that one journalism professor predicts will continue to grow...because it helps win elections. Shamane Mills reports...

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Flu Vaccine Eligibility Shifts With Shortage
10/07/04

A mass flu immunization planned by several western Wisconsin counties and the Ho Chunk Nation will go forward on Saturday, but the rules have changed on who's eligible. Sandra Harris reports...

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Relatives of Military Personnel Enter Political Ad Campaigns
10/07/04

A Wisconsin woman is featured in a new political TV ad attacking the way the Bush Administration is handling the war in Iraq. It uses footage from the recent presidential debate and the reactions of four women whose relatives are in the military. Gil Halsted has more...

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Political Parties Compete for Younger Voters
10/06/04

Popular musicians are getting more active in the presidential campaign than ever before. About 20 artists are touring the country raising money and support for John Kerry's presidential bid. Supporters say they're motivating young voters. But critics aren't so sure. Terry Bell reports...

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On Aging: Estate Planning
10/06/04

When a person dies, or goes into a nursing home, he or she often leaves behind a house full of everyday items that collectively formed the backdrop of their lives. Family members must figure out what to do with the furniture, dishes, and photographs. And that can be tricky. We continue our series on the challenges of aging with a look at how to disperse an estate without creating bad feelings. Patty Murray reports...

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Vice Presidential Debate Draws Clear Lines Between Candidates
10/06/04

The debate between the Vice Presidential candidates centered on familiar themes - but political experts say last night's debate was more even than the presidential debate last week. Sandra Harris reports...

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Will Women Be Faster Than Men?
10/06/04

Right now the fastest person on earth is a man. Researchers in the United Kingdom say its only a matter of time before its a woman: A study shows females eventually beating men in the 100 meter sprint. Shamane Mills reports...

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Lower Flu Shot Quantities May Mean Hospitals Share
10/06/04

Some western Wisconsin hospitals and health departments have plenty of flu vaccine on hand, but that still doesn't guarantee healthy people will be able to get their flu shots this fall. Sandra Harris reports...

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Wisconsin Poll Indicate Pro-Spending Limits & Pro-Canadian Pharmaceuticals
10/06/04

A survey released Wednesday suggests a majority of Wisconsin residents back constitutional limits to government spending. The poll also shows strong support for buying prescription drugs from Canada. Shawn Johnson reports...

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America's Health Subject of Discussion for First Lady and Others
10/06/04

First Lady Laura Bush promoted her husband's record on health care....as she spoke in Milwaukee on Tuesday. But several other groups say Bush Administration policies could make some people ill. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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On Aging: Staying Healthy
10/05/04

It’s 80-something degrees on a steamy July afternoon. Inside the Madison Senior Center, a mostly 80-something crowd gathers for what has become a weekly tradition in the cafeteria. Served up sizzlin’hot: one big-band tune stacked on top of the other. As Catherine Brand reports – it’s just one way older couples and singles are staying heart-healthy in their golden years.

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Communities Tested Providing Absentee's with Ballots
10/05/04

Ralph Nader's successful court battle to get on Wisconsin's presidential ballot will prevent some people from voting as early as they hoped, but not all. Shamane Mills reports whether communities meet the deadline for getting absentee ballots out...

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Only One Candidate Shows at Congressional Debate
10/05/04

Tammy Baldwin had an easy debate; her Republican challenger for the 2nd congressional district failed to show up at an event in a Democratic stronghold. The group sponsoring the forum went ahead and videotaped anyway. Now candidate Dave Magnum is crying foul. Shamane Mills reports...

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Oshkosh Uses Web Forum To Include Voters in Discussion
10/05/04

A state Assembly race is taking to the internet. Candidates in Oshkosh's 54th district are taking part in an on-going debate...blog-style. It's thought to be the first time web-logs have played a prominent role in informing voters about what candidates think about specific issues. Patty Murray reports...

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Wisconsin & Illinois Import European Pharmaceuticals
10/05/04

The state of Wisconsin has teamed up with Illinois to help residents of both states buy prescription drugs from Europe. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Can New Brewers Owner Win?
10/05/04

The prospective new owner of the Milwaukee Brewers says he's up to the challenge of running the club. 47 year-old Mark Attanasio met the media on Monday as the Brewers signed a letter of intent to sell the team to the California multi-millionaire. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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Oral Histories Recording Project Comes to Wisconsin
10/04/04

A project that collects oral histories of the civil rights movement rolled through Wisconsin on Sunday. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

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On Aging: The Financial Picture
10/04/04

The aging of the Baby Boom and World War Two Generations is pushing millions of people towards retirement, nursing homes and even....funeral homes. Over the next ten days, Wisconsin Public Radio reporters will walk us through some of the issues that come up during what used to be called The Golden Years. Chuck Quirmbach begins our series with a look at the changing financial picture faced by today's retirees...

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Commonalities to be Established in Environmental Charter
10/04/04

Two Wisconsin college campuses will host Earth Charter Summits this week. The events are among more than thirty being held around the world in honor of the environment and social justice. Patty Murray reports...

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African-American Mortality Rates Higher Than White's
10/04/04

The Wisconsin medical society says African-Americans are at higher risk for infant mortalities and maternal deaths than whites. Brian Bull reports...

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Wisconsin Senate Seat Debate Squares Off
10/01/04

There's another debate Friday, 1st of October, but it won't involve George Bush or John Kerry. Instead, the candidates for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat will square off at a forum in Milwaukee. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Monona Grocer Asked to Limit Sales to Juveniles
10/01/04

The Monona Police Department is asking area grocers not to sell certain commodities to high schoolers during the month of October. Brian Bull reports...

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Forestry Study Experiments with the Future
10/01/04

An international study of greenhouse gas effects on forests around the world is creating a time capsule. The goal is to find out what forests will look like 100 years from now. The project is called Aspen FACE...short for Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment...and uses a unique way to turn the clock forward. Mike Simonson has the story from Rhinelander, Wisconsin...

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Trade Wars between Wisconsin and Japan?
10/01/04

In a conference call on the 30th of September, Governor Jim Doyle told reporters that he's used his time in Japan to discuss a trade war involving a Wisconsin business. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Local College Hosts Presidential Debate Minus Spin
10/01/04

When the presidential debate ended, political pundits across the country immediately began analysing it . But a group of voters in Madison chose to ignore them. More than 200 people gathered at Edgewood College last night for what was billed as a debate party minus the "spin". Gil Halsted reports...

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SBC Wins Fee Hikes
10/01/04

The Public Service Commission has approved an increase in what S.B.C. Wisconsin can charge competitors to use its phone lines. Shawn Johnson reports...

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Milwaukee Researches Sewage Problem
10/01/04

A Milwaukee commitee's report on sewage dumping in Lake Michigan released the 1st of October suggests some ways to reduce the pollution, but says there are no silver bullets. Chuck Quirmbach has details...

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Movies to Be Sent to Soldiers
10/01/04

A Milwaukee man with a son fighting in Iraq has launched an ambitious project to help ease the stress of combat for more than five hundred U-S troops stationed there. It's called Operation Take a Soldier to the Movies and the website is http://soldiertomovies.org/index.html Gil Halsted reports...

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