The popular notion is that most identity theft is committed by strangers prowling the internet or pawing through your garbage. But a new survey suggests you're more likely to have your identity stolen by someone you know and trust than you may think. Terry Bell reports...

Governor Jim Doyle says he wants the state to do a better job of educating Wisconsin citizens on money mattters. This week he announced the formation of a new Council on Financial Literacy. It'll promote the best financial information programs to students and to adults. Patty Murray reports...

The possibility of approval of a temporary site to store spent nuclear fuel from several utilities and electric cooperatives has reached a significant goal. But opponents still hope licensing can be stopped. Sandra Harris reports...

Milwaukee's Black Holocaust Museum is putting together a new exhibit to honor its founder, James Cameron. The exhibit comes as Cameron is celebrating his 91st birthday. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The FBI is investigating the theft and sale of software from the Milwaukee based Rockwell Company. The company says it's lost as much $3 million a month since it spotted its software being sold on ebay. Gil Halsted reports...

For those who don't eat dairy products, calcium-fortified drinks can be a substitute. But research shows consumers may not be getting as much calcium in orange juice or soy and rice products as the label indicates. Shamane Mills reports...

A Milwaukee based group says American businesses need to focus more on the quality of the services they provide. The American Society for Quality is out with the results of a ten year study on how satisfied consumers are with the things they buy and with follow up service. Patty Murray reports...

There will be fresh developments this week in the case of the accused murderer of six hunters in northern Wisconsin last November. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

Governor Jim Doyle is with other governors in the nation's capitol this week to discuss potential changes to the federal program that funds health care for poor people. Doyle says the changes could cost Wisconsin $200 million over the next decade. Shawn Johnson reports...

A new poll released this week finds strong support for boosting the state cigarette tax. Supporters of the idea say more expensive cigarettes would prompt more than 40,000 people to quit. The tax would also raise millions of dollars to pay for smoking-related illnesses. Gil Halsted reports...

A measure that would require a photo ID to vote has cleared the state Assembly. Shawn Johnson reports...

Sears Roebuck and Company has reached an agreement with Wisconsin justice officials over its "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back" policy. The action follows more than 100 consumer complaints filed with the state. Brian Bull reports...

Teens may not listen to what parents have to say. But it's what they may not be telling their kids that worries a national group fighting drug use. Shamane Mills reports...

First lawmakers tried regulating liquid farm fertilizer to stop the makers of an methamphetamine. However, lab raids over the last three years have doubled, suggesting makers of the illegal drug are busier than ever. Now lawmakers hope to have more success in stopping the illegal drug by regulating another ingredient it's made with: psuedoephedrine. It's found in common cold medication. Shamane Mills reports.

Next Tuesday's talk by controversial Colorado college professor Ward Churchill has prompted condemnation by state legislators. But faculty members at UW-Whitewater where Churchill will speak are using his visit to promote debate about academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas. Gil Halsted reports...

On Wednesday, State Senator Tim Carpenter confronted a Milwaukee Common Council member over the alderman's use of a slur against homosexuals. The confrontation took place in front a group of news reporters at Milwaukee City Hall. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The state Senate passed a property tax freeze on Tuesday that would lower tax bills for the average homeowner by $11 over the next two years. As Shawn Johnson reports, Governor Jim Doyle immediately promised to veto the measure...

Organic dairy farmers in Wisconsin say they’re facing unfair competition from huge dairy operations in Western states. They say the mega dairies are bending rules to gain access to the organic milk market. A Wisconsin based watch dog group is asking the federal government to crack down on them. Gil Halsted reports...

A UW-Madison researcher wants to find out if electric shock from Taser stun guns causes heart attacks -- or if something else is to blame for the more than 70 deaths Amnesty International reported over the last three years in the U.S. and Canada. Shamane Mills reports...

More than 200 people packed the La Crosse Public Library on Monday morning to talk about the president's plan for social security. Sandra Harris reports...

A Madison law firm is suing the world's largest water bottling company for miselading customers about the purity of its product. It's the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between environmentalists and Nestle Waters of North America, formerly known as Perrier. Gil Halsted reports...

People around the country who turned on their local TV news last fall got a lot of information about the presidential campaign. But a Wisconsin-based researcher who studies the media says they didn't find out much about other local races. Terry Bell reports...

To pray or not to pray--that was the question before La Crosse county board memebers last night. Sandra Harris reports...

The stress associated with farming can take its toll on those involved--and many farmers don't know where to turn when things get rough. Now, the state ag department has a Web site that lists places for help with counseling, financial management, or medical care. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

Some citizen activists, campaign workers, and politicians spent the weekend in Milwaukee drinking from the well of a former Minnesota Senator. It was the well of progressive politics shaped by the late Paul Wellstone. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Students at UW-Oshkosh are spending this week targeting cheaters. A public relations class is launching a campaign against "academic dishonesty." It's part of a national competition. Patty Murray reports...

Republicans in the state Assembly approved a property tax freeze on Thursday with even tighter limits than the one they supported last legislative session. Shawn Johnson reports...

Hundreds of people from Milwaukee's Hmong community marched through the city on Thursday complaining of police brutality in the recent death of a Hmong man. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

UW-Madison scientists have discovered how to rid stem cell cultures of some potentially harmful animal cells. Shamane Mills reports...

A member of the Wisconsin Green Party serving as a soldier in Iraq is the center of a new anti war effort aimed at bringing the troops home. Organizers of the "Bring Joe Home" campaign hope to draw attention to what they call the back door draft. Gil Halsted reports...

Road projects around the state will get started sooner than expected if the Governor's proposed budget passes the legislature. Governor Jim Doyle's budget calls for a 16 percent increase in transportation money even though he wants to take a few hundred million dollars out of the DOT's fund to help support education. Patty Murray reports...

Marathon County may join with Douglas County to fight efforts to make it legal to condemn county-owned property. Meanwhile, American Transmission Company may sue to allow it to condemn county-owned property. Mike Simonson reports...

2004 was a record year for Wisconsin Companies that do business with foreign countries. The state shipped nearly $13 billion in exports last year. The increase in foreign sales is giving a much needed shot in the arm to the state's paper makers. Patty Murray reports...

The GOP-controlled state Assembly will take up a new property tax freeze proposal on Thursday. As Shawn Johnson reports, it's the latest in a back and forth battle between Republicans and Democratic Governor Jim Doyle...

Lawmakers have approved a temporary fix to a shortfall in the state fund that covers health care expenses for poor people. Shawn Johnson reports...

A proposed wastewater permit for what would become Wisconsin's largest power plant remains a disputed topic. Chuck Quirmbach reports on a hearing in Oak Creek on Wednesday...

The exhaust fumes from trucks on the UW-Madison campus will be cleaner and greener this year. Last week the University began filling the tanks of its truck fleet with a blend of ultra low sulfur diesel mixed with a fuel made from soy beans. Gil Halsted has details...

The owner of an adult novelty store is suing the town of Hazelhurst and Oneida county, for revoking his zoning permit. The federal lawsuit says local officials violated his constitutional rights. Brian Bull has more...

Smoking is banned in a lot of public places, and its not allowed in a lot of private business--especially restaurants. Now, hospitals are going one step further. Shamane Mills reports...

A new report shows human waste is contaminating some of Door County's beaches. The County is releasing a preliminary report on bacteria that have prompted beach closures in the popular vacation spot. Patty Murray reports...

The state legislature along with members from the executive and judicial branches of state government will come together next month. But this time it won't be for the "state of the state." It will be for the first-ever "state of the tribes" address. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

A Wisconsin Indian Tribe could become the first tribe in the country to open an off shore casino in Mexico. The new venture would bypass state and federal Indian gaming laws and avoid the sharp politcal debate in Wisconsin over new off reservation tribal casinos. Gil Halsted reports...

A possible new strain of HIV that may have caused a New York man to develop AIDS within just a few months is disconcerting to health officials. They worry complacency could contribute to the spread of the virus if it turns out to be untreatable. Sandra Harris reports...

The tire slashing case involving some hi-profile Democrats in Milwaukee appears headed to trial. A Court Commissioner ruled Tuesday night that the case should move ahead. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A retired developer and the city council president have emerged as the winners among a record 14 candidates in La Crosse's Mayoral election. Sandra Harris reports...

A bill to track private gun sales in Milwaukee County will be introduced in the Legislature soon. But an advocate for the firearms industry says the bill would be illegal. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Nearly 40 public television stations across the U.S. plan to run a controversial episode of its "Postcards from Buster“ cartoon. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings recently objected to a segment showing a lesbian couple. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Brian Bull reports...

On Monday, the Public Service Commission re-opened the case of the Duluth to Wausau transmission line in a way that has opponents crying "foul." Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

New federal rules are making things easier for international students to study in the U.S. Many won't have to wait as long for visa clearance. And once they're here, they'll be able to stay a little longer without going through another background check. Shamane Mills reports on how this benefits the UW-Madison...

In terms of military deaths, Wisconsin appears to be paying a higher-than-average cost in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Terry Bell reports...

We've all heard we have faces or bodies that resemble a relative. But inherited characteristics may go even deeper than that. Heart research from the Medical College of Wisconsin indicates genes can influence whether a person has a heart attack, how bad it might be, and where it will occur. Shamane Mills reports...

Four candidates will be on primary ballots Tuesday in the race for state schools chief. Shawn Johnson reports...

The shutdown of another W-2 agency in Milwaukee has prompted more talk of reorganizing the welfare-to-work program. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A state legislator plans to introduce a bill that would ban drug commpanies from advertising prescription medicine. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is launching a new initiative that hopes to bring east and west closer together. A nationally known terrorism expert will speak at the school later this spring. Next year a professor from the Middle East will teach at the campus. Patty Murray reports...

Wisconsin is the national leader in ginseng production. Most of it is cultivated; however, the wild herb is more lucrative, selling for hundreds of dollars a pound. But some researchers think the plant is going the way of the dinosaur. A study predicts wild ginseng could become extinct within a century because of hungry deer. Shamane Mills reports....

Dane County has launched a new emergency response phone system called "Reverse 911." Gil Halsted has the details...

Some Republican state legislators are criticizing Governor Doyle's plan to spend $1 million on insurance beneifits for the partners of gay and lesbian University employees. But supporters say the benefits are crucial to attracting and retaining top notch faculty. Gil Halsted reports...

The state says it's trying to help more than 1,000 W-2 clients after their provider agency in Milwaukee announced on Thursday that it's closing its doors. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Governor Jim Doyle's budget blueprint would be gentler on the University of Wisconsin system than the massive state cutbacks of two years ago. But as Shawn Johnson reports, it still falls short of what the UW Board of Regents was hoping for...

Some student groups aren't happy with the tuition hikes and university staff cuts in Governor Doyle's new budget. Gil Halsted reports...

A lawsuit alleges the Catholic Archdiocese of Greater Milwaukee committed fraud when moving an abusive priest in the 1970's and 80's. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A wounded Iraqi veteran in Bayfield County may get a new house from a national organization that's trying to help disabled soldiers readjust to life back home. Mike Simonson has the story...

A professor at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee has developed a new method for detecting snowfall levels. It uses a technique that more accurately determines snow ratios, that is, the amount of liquid in the snow. Mary Huerter reports...

Transportation funding could be one of the bigger fights in the upcoming state budget talks. Governor Doyle's plan to spend more, charge more, and transfer some has various people upset. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Republican Congressman Mark Green will be able to use his full federal campaign fund to finance a likely run for Governor. On Wednesday, a state legislative panel voted to overturn a rule that would have made Green forfeit about $800,000. Shawn Johnson reports...

Governor Jim Doyle is hitting the road to sell the state budget plan he announced Tuesday night. On Wednesday, Doyle's first stop was in suburban Milwaukee where he won some praise from local officials and school moms. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

State law makers are calling for an audit of voter verification procedures. The goal is to solve problems in the November election that led to more than a thousand verification cards in Milwaukee being returned by the postal system. Gil Halsted reports...

The Governor calls it a property tax freeze. Some republicans call it a tax increase. Others say wait and see. Sandra Harris reports...

It's estimated that fewer than half Wisconsin's counties have formal, modern standards for determining where inmates are kept in jail. That matters because it can prevent inmate fights and suicides, and protect jailers. Representative Don Friske of Merrill is pushing a bill requiring certain criteria be used in placing inmates. Shamane Mills reports...

Researchers are investigating the bottom of the Fox River. The river is undergoing a cleanup that'll dredge out pcb-contaminated sludge. But the federal government is now requiring an archaeological survey. Patty Murray reports...

The president of the Wisconsin Technical College system says President Bush's budget would cut millions of dollars from two programs that serve some of the state's neediest students. Gil Halsted reports....

A quarter is usually worth 25-cents -- that is -- unless it has an extra leaf sticking out of its ear. As Catherine Brand reports, coin collectors are flipping out over a flaw found on Wisconsin's new commemorative quarter...

Those who practice law are telling those who make it not to change Wisconsin's constitution. More than 300 lawyers--along with law students--have written to legislative leaders to express opposition to a proposed ban on gay marriage. Shamane Mills reports...

Snowmobile fatalities remain up from last year, and the Department of Natural Resources says in almost all of the deaths, alcohol was involved. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

A controversial Colorado professsor who has compared the victims of the 9-11 attacks to the Nazi's may lose his chance to speak at UW-Whitewater next month. University officials say they are weighing both safety concerns and free speech rights in deciding whether to allow Ward Churchill to speak at a Native American student forum. Gil Halsted reports...

People who use the only long distance train that serves Wisconsin are starting to speak out against the latest threat to Amtrak's budget. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

More children from low-income families could enroll in Milwaukee’s School Choice program under a measure the State Senate sent to the Governor on Tuesday. The Senate's vote came on a day when hundreds of school choice advocates flocked to the capitol to support the idea. Shawn Johnson reports..

Wisconsin’s new state jingle has a familiar ring for some--maybe a little too familiar. Tourism officials are now weighing whether or not to can the tune, which may have been done first by a British band. Brian Bull reports...

The Bush Administration wants to slice hundreds of millions of dollars from a fund that pays for water quality improvement projects. The move comes as sewage treatment districts are looking for new streams of revenue to pay for projects around the Great Lakes and in other regions. One idea to be discussed at a meeting in Washington on February 16th is to put a national tax on most types of bottled drinks. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Governor Jim Doyle used his February 8th budget address to lay out a plan of his own to curb property taxes in Wisconsin. Doyle's proposal hinges on sending more state aid to school districts and local governments. His Republican critics called the idea wishful thinking and questioned where the state would find the money. Shawn Johnson reports...

Wisconsin's largest wind power project would be built just east of Horicon Marsh, if state utilities have their way. The Forward Wind Energy Center would generate 200 megawatts--enough to power tens of thousands of homes. But some neighbors, hunters, and wildlife agencies are raising concerns about the proposed wind farm. So, state regulators say they're taking a close look at the project. Chuck Quirmbach traveled to East Central Wisconsin and filed this report...

Disaster relief for last month’s tsunamis is still pouring in from across the United States. A Wisconsin-based company says it’s seen unprecedented need for its water purification product. Brian Bull reports..

High energy costs of traditional fuel along with a bumper crop of corn is kindling demand for corn stoves in certain parts of Wisconsin. Shamane Mills reports...

A hispanic politician from Illinois is upset over a doll made by a Wisconsin based company. At issue is the desire of the doll's family to escape inner city violence. Shamane Mills reports...

Governor Jim Doyle will use his February 8th budget address to call for more drug and alcohol treatment in state prisons. As Shawn Johnson reports, it's part of an effort to reduce the number of people behind bars...

Governor Jim Doyle's budget address on Tuesday will mark the beginning of months of negotiations involving billions of taxpayer dollars. There are those who think it's a bad time for Doyle, and lawmakers, to raise campaign funds. Shawn Johnson reports...

Every year, the “Nammys” celebrate the best of Native American music. Among the newest roster of nominees is a rapper from Wisconsin Rapids, who fuses political activism with his Oneida, Ho-Chunk, and Potwatomie heritage. Brian Bull has more...

Wisconsin officials are trying to figure out the best way to limit the use of methamphetamine. The drug is a serious problem in the northern part of the state. It's made with common household items, including common cold medicine. Shamane Mills reports...

Trading fish and maple syrup for milk and flour and gathering wild rice in early fall. These are vivid memories for a group of tribal elders from the Lac Du Flambeau Ojibwe tribe. They are collected for the first time in a new book that celebrates the Native American oral tradition. In this month's installment of our Books by Wisconsin Author series, Gil Halsted reports on the Memories of Lac Du Flambeau Elders...

The fate of the proposed Duluth to Wausau transmission line goes back to the state Public Service Commission after Douglas County's decision last week to refuse to allow the line on its property. Mike Simonson reports that because of that, this case must be re-opened...

Next week, the governor comes out with his spending plan for the state of Wisconsin. In it will be $10 million to help health care providers switch patient records from paper to computer. Shamane Mills reports...

Some Wisconsin cities are doing more to enhance their green--or environmentally friendly--reputations. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Hundreds of skiiers and skaters will be in north central Wisconsin this weekend for the annual Badger State Winter Games. Despite the warm temperatures, event organizers say the trails near Wausau are in good shape for the races. Gil Halsted reports...

The chancelor of the University of Wisconisn-Eau Claire has resigned to become the chief executive officer of the UW-System. The announcement came on Friday at UW-Eau Claire. Dean Kallenbach was there...

An insurance industry group is blasting proposed legislation that backers say will speed up the Fox River Cleanup. On Thursday, two legislators announced the "Fair Claims Act." They say it'll force insurers to pay claims for paper companies that dumped PCB's in the river. But the insurers say that if the bill passes, it'll send a "horrible message to Wisconsin businesses." Patty Murray reports...

Supporters of a plan to require a photo ID to vote told state lawmakers yesterday that their proposal would help safeguard elections. Others called the measure discriminatory and dubbed it a solution in search of a problem. Shawn Johnson reports...

Governor Doyle wants $5 million set aside for worker training and another five million for grants to companies that bring jobs to high unemployment areas. The Governor says the money will be part of the state budget proposal he'll unveil next week. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

An ancient tradition is making a comeback this weekend on the Menominee Indian Reservation. For the first time in more than a century tribal members will harvest sturgeon on the reservation for use in a ceremony that dates back thousands of years...

The most recent study on using a cell phone while driving shows it increases the accident rate for younger drivers. The Utah research comes at a time when Wisconsin legislators are considering restrictions on cell phone use for new drivers. Shamane Mills reports...

Two state Legislators are introducing a bill they say will force insurance companies to pay for their share of the Fox River Cleanup. If it passes, the legislation could also affect other environmental cleanup projects around the state. Patty Murray reports...

Senators John McCain and Russ Feingold have offered legislation that would curb funding for independent groups known as 527s, which garnered more than $400 million last year, mostly for the presidential race. Brian Bull reports...

The president focused on social security reform in his State of the Union speech last night. His plan drew criticism from democrats including western Wisconsin's U.S. representative. Sandra Harris reports...

The controversial Duluth to Wausau Power line hit a snag last night. The Douglas County board voted 15 to 11 to end discussions with the American Transmission Company about allowing the line to cross county land. The citizens goup Save Our Unique Lands or S.O.U.L. is calling it a victory for opponents of the power line. Nick Pelletier reports...

A critical vote is expected tonight from the Douglas County Board. The vote could stall and some say stop construction of the proposed Duluth to Wausau transmission line...or it could open the gates for an agreement. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

Madison police say they have no plans to scale back use of tasers after criticism the stun gun was used on a high school boy. Shamane Mills reports...

The cost of college text books has increased dramatically over the past decade. According to a new report by the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group publishers are to blame. Catherine Brand has more...

Governor Jim Doyle wants to increase the amount Wisconsin spends promoting tourism. Shawn Johnson reports...

The state says it's eliminated a permit backlog for major air polluters in Wisconsin. But there's a ways to go before the EPA will be completely happy with the DNR's air management program. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A Wisconsin scientist is helping NASA send a new roving camera to Mars. Aileen Yingst is on a team that will design the camera, and she'll help interpret images from the red planet as they are transmitted back to earth. Patty Murray reports...

The Ho Chunk tribe says it won't pay a $30 million casino payment until it reaches agreement with the state on a longer gaming compact. That refusal could leave a big hole in Governor Doyle's budget. Gil Halsted reports...

Surveys show people say they care most about local government, the entity which controls schools, land use, and local taxes. But local government elections generally draw the fewest number of voters. Two local governments in southern Wisconsin are trying to change that. Shamane Mills reports...

An expert in infectious disease says the world is "still ahead of the tide" in fighting epidemics. But vaccines still need to be found for AIDS and malaria, and antibiotic resistance is a huge problem. Shamane Mills reports...

The entire state of Wisconsin is under an air quality health advisory. The DNR says fine particles known as soot are to blame. But Chuck Quirmbach reports the state doesn't know if the air is getting dirtier...

Defense lawyers in a high profile tire slashing case in Milwaukee are trying to cut into the prosecution's claims. One of the defendants is the son of Wisconsin Congressmember Gwen Moore. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Property tax increases during each of the next three years might be held to less than three percent statewide, under a plan the Legislature's budget-writing commitee passed last night. The action in Pewaukee followed a lengthy public hearing, at which most people criticized the proposed property tax limit. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The Wisconsin Hospital Association warns that demand for hospital employees may soon outpace the supply. The organization released a report on Monday that shows how population and educational trends may affect the workforce. Brian Bull has more...

First Responders in Northeastern Wisconsin showed off some high-tech equipment on Monday that was paid for with Homeland Security Money. Counties are expecting to get less money for such equipment this year, and they plan to compensate by working together to come up with response plans for potential terrorist attacks. Patty Murray reports....

The Internal Revenue Service is trying to improve taxpayer use of a tax credit many people don't realize they're qualified for. Sandra Harris reports...

People would have to show a state ID card to vote under a proposal introduced by Republican lawmakers on Monday. Shawn Johnson reports...

The latest Milwaukee voucher school in trouble with the state told its students on Monday to take two weeks off. The dispute at the Academic Solutions Center for Learning comes as state lawmakers are looking at adding voucher seats in Milwaukee this fall. Chuck Quirmbach reports...