Wisconsin is regarded much as an eco-friendly state, for its extensive recycling and conservation programs. Yet a Verona businessman says state residents should take heed of large amounts of chemicals and metals that are placed in the ground, on a routine basis across the Badger State. As Brian Bull reports, it’s a GRAVE situation…

The State Tourism Department has gone high-tech, in order to lure visitors to a number of places across Wisconsin, and to promote a unique treasure-hunting craze that’s growing more popular. Erin Syth explain…

The Lamar advertizing company has taken down three billboards in Weston that featured a Marijuana leaf. Wausau Attorney Gene Linehan says the sign simply advertized his office's expertise in defending people accused of drug possession. But residents complained the signs promoted illegal drug use. Gil Halsted has more…

A law was upheld today that is designed to get poor and lower income persons into neighborhoods they couldn't otherwise afford. The Dane County court decision means Madison apartment owners will have to set aside a certain percentage of low income units. Shamane Mills reports…

Governor Doyle says he's doubling the amount of money available to people who may need help paying their heating bills this winter. The additional 16 million dollars in aid is part of a larger initiative aimed at reducing the rising cost of natural gas Gil Halsted reports…

The state Supreme Court will hear a case today/tomorrow that challenges the reliability of eyewitness testimony in a sexual assault case. Attorney's from the Wisconsin Innocence Project want the court to use the case to strengthen rules aimed at preventing wrongful convictions. Gil Halsted reports…

Some good news amidst the warnings that heating bills will be way up this winter: It looks like we'll have a milder winter than normal this year. Mike Simonson reports two very diverse weather organizations agree that temperatures won't be severe…

State lawmakers have reintroduced a plan that would let Wisconsin residents carry concealed firearms. Shawn Johnson reports…

The state's considering what limit to put on the price of pain and suffering for injured patients....but the amount won't be known for awhile. Shamane Mills reports…

A University of Wisconsin-Green Bay department has taken on a name change. As of last month, the former American Indian Studies department now goes by "First Nations Studies". Backers say it's a more accurate moniker, that is gaining popularity in the US. Brian Bull reports…

A "back to the basics" school celebrated the annual fall harvest recently along the shore of Lake Superior in Washburn. Their message is as simple as their celebration. It's centered around pumpkins. But as Mike Simonson reports, back to the basics isn't always the easy way to go…

Wisconsin's junior United States Senator will begin covering ground favored by people running for President. Democrat Russ Feingold will make his first speech in New Hampshire Friday night. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

The State Elections Board is considering what it should do with the company that's late in developing Wisconsin's voter registration list. Critics of the firm "Accenture" want the Board to hold the company in breach of its contract. Shawn Johnson reports…

There's a proposal working its way through the Legislature that makes it harder to get rid of what opponents call "eyesores" in the community. Suporters say the bill ensures that mobile home parks, cement plants and quarries aren't run out of town without being compensated. Shamane Mills reports…

Tribes that want to build casinos outside of Indian reservations would need the legislature's ok under a measure that cleared the Wisconsin Assembly early Wednesday morning. Shawn Johnson reports…

Democrats are out with a legislative plan to counter what they call Republican attacks on women's health care. Shamane Mills reports…

The agenda of the anti-abortion lobby took center stage in the Wisconsin State Senate on Tuesday.

Lawmakers debated a measure that would ban human cloning in Wisconsin. They also passed a plan that would let health care workers opt out of several procedures on ethical grounds.

Supporters say the bills would protect human life... as well as the rights of doctors and nurses. Critics say the plans reach too far... and would end up hurting both researchers and patients. Shawn Johnson reports.…

UW Madison Chancellor John Wiley says he's looking forward to serving on a new National Security Advisory Board. He's one of sixteen chancellors and university presidents who will advise the FBI on the best way to preserve academic freedom while complying with new Homeland security regulations. Gil Hlasted reports…

Two more Wisconsin National Guard soldiers have died in action in Iraq. Gil Halsted reports…

A Wisconsin battle over ads during election campaigns will go before the US Supreme Court. The anti-abortion group Wisconsin Right to Life says it's happy the high court will hear its case. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

State Supreme Court Justices heard arguments today in a case that could shape tenure rights for professors in Wisconsin. The discussion focused on what public officials might or might not have talked about behind closed doors. Shawn Johnson reports…

Some Wisconsin cities are contemplating layoffs to deal with increasing fuel costs and a state-imposed limit on spending. A couple of western Wisconsin mayors say upcoming budgets will be tough because of costs they can't control--but say they hope to avoid employee layoffs. Sandra Harris reports…

The company that's developing Wisconsin's voter registration list has delivered a copy of its software to the Wisconsin Elections Board. But the system still won't be ready statewide in time to meet a January 1st federal deadline. Shawn Johnson reports…

A federal program that kicks in when the price of milk falls below a certain level is set to expire September 30th. Wisconsin lawmakers and the dairy industry are looking for last-minute ways to extend it. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

Madison is starting a public education program to get people ready for disaster. That after finding out few citizens are prepared for catastrophes that might come their way. Shamane Mills reports…

There's been widespread concern about bird flu in Asia and whether it could create an epidemic in people. There is similar concern now over an UNRELATED flu virus. UW health experts say it could potentially infect people... especially dog owners. Shamane Mills reports…

The Wisconsin Prison built to house the state's toughest prisoners has never filled all its beds. Now the Department of Corrections is looking for ways to transform 100 empty cells at the former Supermax into a standard maximum security prison. Gil Halsted reports…

What may be the first television ad of the 2006 Congressional races is up and running. It's a commercial that targets Wisconsin Republican House Member Jim Sensenbrenner and his vote against aid for Hurricane Katrina victims. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The state will invest two million dollars in a Madison-based stem cell research company. The announcement was part of a statewide economic development plan rolled out by Governor Jim Doyle Monday. Shawn Johnson reports…

La Crosse County board members are feeling the heat over an expensive urban assault vehicle the county bought with a federal grant. Sandra Harris reports…

Wisconsin's Smart Growth planning law is getting the attention of researchers in another state. Not for something the law is specifically intended to do; rather something which health experts say it should and can do: namely, help fight obesity. Shamane Mills reports…

A state Senate Committee is considering a batch of proposals aimed at curbing abortions in Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports…

Wildlife researchers say they expect changes in the federal Endangered Species Act. But some hope the ideas of a famous Wisconsin conservationist are not locked out of the debate. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

More and more college graduates aren't being handed just a degree...but a growing load of student loan debt, too. The problem is worse than ever, and graduates in Wisconsin are not immune. Terry Bell reports…

Peace groups say fourteen busloads of people from Wisconsin are heading to Washington DC, to be part of large-scale protests against the war against Iraq. Some protestors are threatening mass, non-violent civil disobedience. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

In response to the thousand of anti-war protestors expected to gather in DC this weekend, many are planning counter-demonstrations and "support the troops" events nationwide. Brian Bull reports…

Not everyone demonstrating in Washington this weekend will be there to protest the war. Thousands are expected to rally in support of the Bush administration's "stay the course" policy. Reporter Gil Halsted talked to three people who support the war but have very different attitudes about the rallies…

The Great Lakes Indian, Fish and Wildlife Commission is asking the legislature to give their wardens the same power and protections of other state law officers. Mike Simonson reports from Superior that a hearing is set Wednesday on this bill…

A new job training program for female inmates at the Taycheedah prison has some teeth in it. Corrections officials hope training prisoners to make dentures will give them a skill that will lead to a job when they're released. It could also save the state money it now spends on buying new choppers (dentures) for inmates who need them. Gil Halsted reports…

The internet has prompted changes in everything from how people date to how they shop and pay monthly bills. It's also changing how government interacts with its citizens. Shamane Mills reports…

Duck hunting season opens in Northern Wisconsin this weekend...and in Southern Wisconsin the following weekend. Biologists are warning hunters to check out their favorite spots before heading out to marshy areas. This summer's dry weather means lower water levels in some places. Patty Murray reports…

A group of family farmers from southeastern Wisconsin have launched a relief effort to help a group of poor black farmers who've lost their liveliehoods in the wake of Hurricaine Katrina. Gil Halsted reports…

State Assembly Democrats were still simmering today over a key vote that took a step toward overriding one of Governor Jim Doyle's vetos. Shawn Johnson reports…

Advocates for the hearing impaired are praising an apartment building that may be the state's first affordable housing for senior citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing. Chuck Quirmbach prepared this report.…

A shooting rampage on Minnesota’s Red Lake Indian reservation this spring spurred flocks of reporters to the area who found it largely closed off to outsiders. Chippewa tribal leaders said the closure was to protect residents from the media deluge, but journalists argued it tread on their free press rights…only to learn free press isn’t guaranteed in “Indian Country.” As sovereign entities, tribal governments often restrict or censure coverage on the reservation. And as Brian Bull reports, the debate over who controls the message is far from over…

Murphy Oil’s refinery along coastal Louisiana flooded during Hurricane Katrina causing a major oil leak. Nick Pelletier reports that the new Gulf Coast hurricane is causing even more concern…

Get ready for another round of gas price hikes because of Tropical Storm Rita. That’s according to the Wisconsin Petroleum Council, Erin Roth. He says “Rita” could be as devastating to his industry as Katrina. Now those who decided many years ago to power their vehicles with used restaurant oil are feeling very glad they did. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

Madison's strict smoking ban will stay -- at least for now. Earlier this week city officials upheld the ban. But it could face another challenge. Some want a statewide policy that would overturn local ordinances in more than 20 Wisconsin communities. Shamane Mills reports…

Some La Crosse County communities say a state imposed spending freeze has the county putting the squeeze on them. Sandra Harris reports…

A plan that would bar undocumented immigrants from holding a drivers license in Wisconsin has cleared another hurdle in the state legislature. Shawn Johnson reports…

Milwaukee's Police Chief is defending the fact that her department's Vice Squad was sent to shut down a gay musical revue in the city last month. Chief Nan Hegerty (HEG-er-tee) met last night with members of Milwaukee's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Chuck Quirmbach has the story…

For the first time in the history of the national Gallup Poll, more Americans say they prefer wine over beer. The July survey showed 39-percent of drinkers went for vino, compared to 36-percent for suds. And as Brian Bull reports, winemakers are touting this fact, as they pursue younger consumers…

The DNR says Wisconsin beaches along Lakes Michigan and Superior were closed less often due to bacteria this year. But the department... and environmental groups... both say there still are beaches with frequent pollution problems. Chuck Quirmbach report…

Veterans clinics in Eastern Wisconsin are getting more staff to help eliminate long waits for healthcare. 8th District Representative Mark Green announced the staffing increases yesterday (T) in Green Bay. That city's outpatient clinic is making the most new hires. Patty Murray reports…

Governor Jim Doyle and seven other Democratic governors say oil companies used Hurricane Katrina as an excuse to overcharge people for gas. Shawn Johnson reports…

Last night, the unexpected happened in the state Assembly. Lawmakers voted to override the Governor's budget veto that would eliminate millions in state funding for nursing homes. Equally unusual was the way it got done. It ultimately took a lawmaker leaving the room at the wrong time to tip the scales against the governor. Shawn Johnson reports…

Wisconsin was a battleground state in the last Presidential election. And its likely to play a pivotal role in the fight over gay marriage. A preview as to how the debate is shaping up will take place tonight (W) on the UW Madison campus. Shamane Mills reports…

Environmentalists say the state's low landfill fees encourage other states to bury their gargage in Wisconsin. La Crosse County does take waste from elsewhere--but the solid waste manager says out of state waste isn't always bad. Sandra Harris reports…

A task force will take up the issue of garbage flowing into Wisconsin from other states. Diesel fuel prices, landfill development and recycling are all factors that could affect the future of Wisconsin as a solid waste dumping ground. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A few dozen Wisconsin residents are joining a major lobbying effort in Washington D-C today (T) , aimed at blocking the latest push to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Several Hmong refugee groups say pressure from the Milwaukee Welfare to Work agency Maximus are partly to blame for the death of a Hmong Refugee. Gil Halsted reports…

People who know they have diseases like AIDS but don't tell their sex partners could face prison time under a measure at the Wisconsin capitol. Shawn Johnson report…

In every field, there's a notable person. In computers, its Bill Gates. In the biotech world, its James Thompson. He's the UW Madison researcher who was featured on the cover of Time magazine for being the first to isolate stem cells; a discovery that Science magazine called "breakthrough of the year." That was 1998. And there's been high expectations and controversy ever since. Shamane Mills reports…

Airport security changed in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the U-S . Four years ago, box cutters and utility knives were used to hijack planes. Ever since, the government has limited what passengers can take with them. Shamane Mills reports on the items that had to be left behind…

Joining the thousands of students swarming across the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is Milton Bliss. Bliss is not your typical student – he doesn’t pay for classes, nor is he studying for a career --even though he’s taken more than 60 courses. He’s also 95 years old – which readily qualifies him for the University’s Senior Guest Auditor Program. In this narrative produced by Julia Monczunski, Bliss talks about his academic pursuits…

Legislators can't take anything of value from lobbyists. Some lawmakers say doctors should play by the same rules; forgoing anything that pharmaceutical companies may offer. Shamane Mills reports...

Higher gas prices may be prompting more people to sign up for a program that challenges you to give up at least one car trip per week. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Last week, an appeals court decision in Sacramento stopped three California school districts from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. But that won't change the way things are done in Wisconsin. Mike Simonson reports that state law requires schools make the pledge…although it is optional for students…

Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez was in Milwaukee today promoting free trade and Gulf Coast investment. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Pharmacists are hoping to encourage a handful of Democrats to vote against their Governor in the state Assembly next week. They'll need the support to overturn key vetos they say cut into their bottom lines. Shawn Johnson reports…

The jury has begun deliberating in the case of the man accused of killing six deer hunters in northern Wisconsin last November. If convicted, Chai Vang faces six consecutive life terms. Gil Halstad reports on the closing arguments…

Native American hunters have been watching the trial of Chai Vang carefully. Some say his bloody encounter in the woods with six white deer hunters last November was a tragedy waiting to happen. Gil Halsted reports…

The man accused of killing six hunters in northern Wisconisn last November took the witness stand in his own defense Thursday. Chai Vang said he shot the five men and one woman because he feared for his life. But as Gil Halsted reports, he also said some of those he shot deserved to die…

It’s been almost 30 years since some Hmong refugees arrived in Wisconsin. The lost connection to their homeland is at the heart of an Eau Claire teacher’s five-week trip to Southeast Asia. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

--A hospital executive says a general accounting office report regarding the high cost of healthcare in La Crosse hospitals refers only to charges for federal employees' healthcare in the area. Sandra Harris reports…

National Latino business leaders meeting in Milwaukee say they want Attorney General Alberto Gonzales nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Governor Jim Doyle wants Wisconsin's homeland security chief to review whether the state would be ready for a disaster on the scale of Hurricane Katrina. Shawn Johnson reports…

There's a big football game in Green Bay this weekend, and it doesn't involve the Packers. Two of the city's High Schools are marking the one-hundredth anniversary of a cross-town rivalry. It's one of Wisconsin's longest lasting sports feuds and the two teams each have their share of famous football lore. Patty Murray reports…

A bill that lets health care workers opt out of certain procedures based on their religious or moral beliefs has been amended. But critics say the changes won't get them to support the bill. They say it still would allow end-of-life decisions to be ignored in certain cases, and might give pharmacists legal footing to refuse birth control. Shamane Mills reports…

Two state senators are looking at ways to expand Wisconsin's energy resources, including the state's only oil and gas refinery. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Forensic firearms experts and a medical examiner testified at the Sawyer county trial of Chai Vang, Wednesday (9/14). The jury also heard Vang's own description of what happened in a letter he wrote to a Chicago reporter. Gil Halsted reports…

Leaders from Wisconsin's ports say a proposed state law would end international shipping to Wisconsin. Mike Simonson reports on a meeting of port officials, Thursday (9/15) in Washburn…

Next week, Assembly Republicans say they'll try to restore funding Governor Jim Doyle cut from health care for the poor, elderly and disabled. As Shawn Johnson reports, the debate will turn on where the money would come from…

Wisconsin and Michigan will temporarily halt the killing of problem wolves. That's after a new court ruling that says a federal agency did not allow enough public comment on a permit for the states' wolf euthanization programs. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Hurricane Katrina is making life slightly more difficult for people from Wisconsin planning to travel abroad. Terry Bell explains…

The collaboration underway in western Wisconsin to stir economic growth resulted in the Synergy Conference in Eau Claire this week. It brought higher education, businesses and government agencies together to tackle some well-known challenges. Mary Jo Wagner attended the conference’s first session on Wednesday (9/14)…

A public company that represents municipal electric utilities is celebrating 25 years of NOT being a privately-owned firm. But Wisconsin Public Power, Incorporated, joins with other utilities in pushing for more power lines in the state. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The trial of the Minnesota man accused of killing six hunters in Northern Wisconsin last November is moving faster than expected. Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager says she'll wrap up the prosecution's case by Thursday (9/15) morning. Gil Halsted has more…

Tuesday’s (9/13) testimony in the trial of Chai Vang contradicted that of Monday. Nick Pelletier reports…

A Senate Committee has killed a proposal that would have wiped out Wisconsin's "minimum markup" on gasoline. Shawn Johnson reports…

State lawmakers asked University officials on Tuesday (9/13) why they haven't fired three employees convicted of felonies. They also called on the UW to make quick changes to its hiring and firing practices, although that may be up to the legislature. Shawn Johnson reports…

Thousands of Latino business owners are gathering in Milwaukee this week for a national convention of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Federal Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez will speak there Friday. The event comes as the number of Latino-owned businesses in Wisconsin continues to rise. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Mandatory deposits on soft drink bottles and cans have faced strong opposition for years, but a western Wisconsin county is encouraging adoption of a law, and a state representative is trying to write legislation that will appease opponents--and pass. Sandra Harris reports…

A lawmaker who wants to ban prescription drug ads in Wisconsin faces opposition from those who make money on the ads: publishers and pharmaceutical companies. Shamane Mills reports…

The whooping crane experiment based at a wildlife refuge in Central Wisconsin produced no crane chicks this summer. But officials say they're optimistic about next year. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Dozens of family members of the hunters who were shot and killed in the north woods of Wisconsin are dealing with the trauma of the murder trial. The trial began Saturday. Mike Simonson reports from Hayward…

A Hmong civil rights group is watching the murder trial of Chai Vang very closely. Mike Simonson reports from Hayward that volunteers will be observing the case first hand…

This year's Fighting Bob Fest transformed the Sauk County Fair ground into what organizers called the largest political convention in the state. The more than 4 thousand people who came to the event on Saturday were treated to fiery speeches on election reform, the war in Iraq, and a call to help rebuild hurricane ravaged New Orleans. Gil Halsted was there and prepared this report…

The Bush Administration's concern about dirty bombs and other potential radiation attacks has netted the Medical College of Wisconsin an 18 million dollar contract. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Now that the state Justice Department has come up with standards for using stun guns, more police departments are getting the devices. Critics say the weapons may not be safe for suspects and may even be harmful to officer's safety in certain situations. Shamane Mills reports…

A new survey predicts Wisconsin employers may slightly trail the national average when it comes to adding new workers over the next three months. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin is the first state in the country to pilot a new organic farming program. And a new state agriculture grant is creating multiple networks of organic grain and livestock producers. Micah Schweizer reports…

With energy prices much higher than a year ago, there's a new push to create electricity from alternative sources like manure and landfill garbage. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

There's a new website that details how state lawmakers vote on environmental issues. The League of Conservation Voters says people often learn too late what their legislators decide on bills having to do with nature. Patty Murray reports…

Wisconsin Corrections Secretary Matt Frank is reorganizing the way the prison system deals with female inmates. The new gender specific approach is designed to help prepare women prisoners better for returning to their communities after their release. Gil Halsted reports…

Minors caught with cigarettes could get hit with a hundred dollar fine under a plan introduced at the state capitol. Shawn Johnson reports…

On Sunday (9/11), across Wisconsin many will mark the 4th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with memorial concerts and special church services to honor the victims. But a small minority believes that's the wrong approach. They're convinced our own government was behind the attacks, and they're organizing forums to debate the evidence they say proves it. Gil Halsted reports…

Heart attack victims who have to wait for angioplasty often are given clot busting drugs first. Now a study shows that using both may actually hurt a patient's chances of staying alive. Shamane Mills reports…

Many of the 180 Hurricane Katrina evacuees who arrived in Wisconsin by plane on Thursday (9/8) say they're being treated well here. But even so, some want to go back home. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Jury selection has moved quickly for the trial of Minnesota man accused of killing six hunters during a confrontation in Sawyer County last fall. As Gil Halsted reports, the Dane County jury of ten women and four men was chosen and sworn in--in less than three hours…

Little has physically changed at the site of the hunter killings in the woods of Sawyer County last November. But Mike Simonson reports that on the eve of the trial for Chai Vang, the man accused of the crime, people in that rural township are not quite the same…

Donations of supplies and money are pouring into the Gulf Coast. The head of Brown County's United Way is encouraging people to give to hurricane survivors, but she's concerned the disaster could overshadow on-going charitable needs at home. Patty Murray reports…

An abortion rights group is lobbying against Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee John Roberts in the home states of Senators who will cast key votes on his confirmation. The group began its latest push in Wisconsin, Thursday (9/8). Shawn Johnson reports…

There's an effort to reduce the number of hospital patients who die each year from infection and delayed treatment. Shamane Mills reports…

Northland College in Ashland says it will accept up to 25 students from hurricane-ravaged New Orleans. Nick Pelletier reports that this is part of an agreement with Dillard University, which is swamped in the aftermath of Katrina…

Energy efficiency standards are the issue, as Wisconsin has joined fourteen other states in a new lawsuit against the federal government. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A proposal that aims to keep innocent people out of prison got a hearing at the State Capitol Wednesday (9/7). Assembly and Senate lawmakers heard from the man whose case inspired the idea and from the woman whose false identification once put him behind bars. Shawn Johnson reports…

The State Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday (9/7) in a tribal casino case it deadlocked on last year. This time around, the Justices raised pointed questions about how much power the state has to limit or eliminate tribal casinos. Gil Halsted reports…

A major employer in Northeastern Wisconsin broke ground Wednesday (9/7) on a new facility that will keep and create jobs in the region. Procter and Gamble is building a new paper machine. It's the first such capital investment that's come to the state in years. Patty Murray reports…

A Northland College student in Ashland is receiving extra financial aid after her family lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. Nick Pelletier has the story...

The state Supreme Court will hear arguments today (W) in a case that could restrict or eliminate tribal casinos in Wisconsin. Gil Halsted reports...

John Gard has officially announced that he's running for Congress. Gard is prepared to give up his post as Speaker of the State Assembly to represent Northeastern Wisconsin's 8th District. Patty Murray reports...

Emergency and government officials in Richland and Vernon counties still don’t know if the federal government will declare a disaster because of tornado damage---but they’re working on other angles to help residents. Sandra Harris reports...

Motorists feeling pinched at the pump may be able to drive less to save money. Cities can ask workers to do that, but generally have to provide the services taxpayers expect. Recent gasoline price increases mean that municipalities in Wisconsin are facing millions of dollars in additional costs. Shamane Mills reports on what they're doing about it...

Chief Justice Rehnquist will be remembered by many for bringing a conservative perspective to the U-S Supreme Court. But he used a trip to Madison more than a decade ago to pay tribute to one of Wisconsin's more prominent liberals. Shawn Johnson reports...

Historical Society Home to Civil Rights Struggle Artifact 09/06/05 Simply put, toilet paper is not considered much of a keepsake. Yet within the archives of the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, rests a carefully-preserved six-foot swathe of toilet paper. Its relevance in chronicling the civil rights struggle can best be told by Miriam Real, who used it as stationery while incarcerated in a Port Allen, Louisiana jail, in September 1963.

Real -- then Miriam Feingold -- was a U-W Madison grad student in the 1960s, and one of hundreds of people arrested during a voter registration drive coordinated by the Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE. In today's feature, Real describes her fateful assignment in the Deep South.

running time 7:25 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer ***WEB EXTRA*** Click here for a full transcript of Miriam Real's letter of September 5th, 1963.

State officials say they're ready to take in thousands of people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. But some African-American leaders say they want input into the process. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Traffic police for the city of Madison are making their annual show of force on the University of Wisconsin campus. They're cracking down on bad bike riders. Shamane Mills reports…

Thousands of labor union members marched in their annual Labor Day parade through Milwaukee's downtown Monday (9/5). But the festivities came as the labor movement continues to debate recent defections from the AFL-CIO. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

There’s a movement underway to attract good jobs and workers in western Wisconsin -- it involves higher education, businesses and government agencies. All are coming together for the Third Annual Synergy Conference next week in Eau Claire. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

A worker shortage in the near future could hamper the state’s economy - especially in western Wisconsin where lots of people are moving from the Twin Cities. Mary Jo Wagner has this update...

Hurricane Katrina has spawned a storm of a more political nature. A Madison-based group wants the Federal Emergency Management Agency to remove "Operation Blessing" from its list of endorsed charities gathering money for hurricane victims. Brian Bull reports...

More than 500 people turned out for a spirited anti-war rally at a theatre in Madison last night . They were there to hear the stories of military families and Iraq war veterans who have been camped out in Crawford Texas with Gold Star mother Cindy Sheehan demanding to speak with President Bush. Gil Halsted was there and filed this report...

People across Wisconsin are remembering William Rehnquist----the suburban Milwaukee native who went on to become Chief Justice of the U-S Supreme Court. Rehnquist died Saturday night, after a lengthy illness. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

About sixty members of Wisconsin's Army and Air National Guard Military police boarded a plane in Madison this afternoon to head for Louisiana. Governor Doyle was at Truax field to see them off. Gil Halsted reports…

Gasoline prices remained over three dollars a gallon in much of the state Friday (9/2). But the high price has not deterred thousands of racers from coming to Crandon for an annual championship program. Chuck Quirmbach filed this report…

At the federal courthouse in Madison today animal rights activist Peter Young plead guilty to freeing more than two thousand mink from a farm in Wisconsin in 1997. As Gil Halsted reports some of his supporters who turned out say his actions were justified…

There's a new piece of memorabilia on display at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. A longtime Packer fan has reached into a cedar trunk and donated a rare team jersey. Patty Murray reports…

A champion for Wisconsin Indian spearfishing rights died this week. Gil Halsted prepared this portrait of treaty rights advocate Jim Schlender…

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, thousands have been left homeless. People across the country want to help, and many have listed their homes on the internet, offering to provide free housing for hurricane victims. Julia Monczunski reports…

The recent jump in gas prices could boost interest in a unique festival in southern Wisconsin this weekend. Users and fans of cars that use turbo-diesel-injected engines that run on bio-diesel, will gather in Lake Mills for the TDI fest. As Gil Halsted reports, the event will celebrate the virtues of these fuel-efficient cars…

Politicians and poll workers have their say on how to make election day go easier while ensuring fairness. Shamane Mills reports…

The Assembly's Natural Resources Committee wants the DNR to do something about a bird some say is eating too many fish. The Double Crested Cormorant is blamed for depleting the number of yellow perch in Green Bay. Patty Murray reports…

The internet has a myriad of ways to connect people with similar interests, or even similar maladies. A La Crosse man who suffers from bipolar disorder has started a chat room for others with the illness. Sandra Harris reports…

Gasoline prices have surged over three dollars a gallon in much of Wisconsin. If and when they'll come back down is still a guess. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Gas prices in much of Wisconsin have spiked at three dollars or more, just in time for a big travel weekend. More than 34 million people are expected to hit the road for Labor Day. The high cost of travel probably won't keep people home, but habits could change if prices continue to climb. Patty Murray reports…

The court case is all but closed against an animal activist who evaded authorities for seven years. On Friday (9/2), Peter Young is scheduled to plead guilty to federal and state charges. Shamane Mills reports…

The exoneration of suspected rapist Steven Avery two years ago, and the more than 300 prisoners nationally whose convictions have been reversed in the past decade has spawned several initiatives aimed at preventing wrongful convictions. The most recent in Wisconsin is a statewide criminal justice panel that held its first meeting Wednesday (8/31). Gil Halsted reports…

It's been two weeks since heavy storms and tornadoes ripped through southern Wisconsin, damaging hundreds of homes and killing a Stoughton man. And the state's Congressional delegation is still pressing the Bush Administration to give federal disaster aid to the affected regions. Brian Bull reports…

The number of poor people in the United States has increased steadily for the past four years. The trend is similar in Wisconsin, especially in some cities. Sandra Harris reports…

The number of “green” charter schools -- that focus largely on the environment -- continues to grow in Wisconsin. The classroom for a new one that opens Thursday (9/1) in western Wisconsin is at the Beaver Creek Nature Reserve. Mary Jo Wagner has more…