Governor Jim Doyle’s plan to help provide more money for roads across the state may hurt Murphy Oil, the state’s lone oil refinery. This week, Superior Days lobbyists will ask the proposed sales tax on oil companies be withdrawn. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Anti war activists were arrested yesterday (2/27) after staging a sit in at the Wausau office of an anti-war Congressman. Glen Moberg reports…

People from northwestern Wisconsin say an event looking out for John Q. shows what it really means to be red, white and blue. Danielle Kaeding has the story…

Good government groups support a campaign finance overhaul proposed in Madison. It's intended to give ordinary citizens more say in who's elected...and who seeks office. The sponsor says more minority and female candidates might run if they had a level playing field on the financial front. Shamane Mills reports…

Clocks will "spring forward" a few weeks earlier than usual this year. But nobody would get sent home early from Wisconsin bars and taverns under a plan that cleared the state Senate. Shawn Johnson reports…

Two Milwaukee state legislators met with the chairman of the state Parole commission yesterday (2/27) to push for changes in the way the Commission decides when prisoners are ready to be released. Gil Halsted reports…

Some people who follow the airline industry say the courting of Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines by Florida-based AirTran is likely to continue for a while. Chuck Quirmbach reports …

A tax that's more than a century-old has sunsetted. But the IRS says many taxpayers aren't asking for a credit that's available. Patty Murray reports…

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association now supports a statewide smoking ban proposed by Governor Jim Doyle. A survey finds a majority of the public also wants a ban. Shamane Mills reports…

According to an annual survey, 1 out of 4 Wisconsin school districts are considering merging with neighboring districts or dissolving. As Brian Bull reports, the finding has rekindled debate over property taxes and caps on education spending…

Most of the 22 thousand inmates in Wisconsin's prisons are there for drug or alcohol related crimes. And according to prison reform advocates many of them don't need to be there. Gil Halsted reports on efforts by judges, prison officials and community organizations to work together to reduce the prison population by keeping more offenders in the community…

The Medical College of Wisconsin started cutting open and killing dogs today (2/26)as part of an annual physiology class for students. Groups that oppose the use of live animals in the class protested outside the suburban Milwaukee school. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold says he may have trouble with a Democratic plan to revoke the President's authority to wage war in Iraq. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin is among 22 states affected by a mysterious ailment that is killing tens of thousands of honeybee colonies. Brian Bull reports…

The Food and Drug Administration is telling people to dump old medication in the trash. The state has similar guidelines but there's no clear-cut solution to prevent drugs from falling into the wrong hands...or possibly contaminating groundwater. Shamane Mills reports…

Rural school districts that have to bus their kids long distances would get more money from the state under the budget proposed by Democratic Governor Jim Doyle. But the legislature's top Republican has a problem with how Doyle would pay for it. Shawn Johnson reports…

A national prison researcher says Wisconsin's corrections system is crumbling under the weight too many offenders constantly churning through a revolving door in and out of prison. But reform advocates both in and out of government say prison diversion programs can provide a viable fix that will reduce crime and the prison population. Gil Halsted reports…

The storms that pounded Wisconsin over the weekend triggered car accidents that killed at least seven people. Law enforcement is urging caution as you hit the roads today. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Small Wisconsin meat processors want Congress to get rid of a law that bans them from selling their products in other states. And the newest member of the House Agriculture Committee is vowing to make the issue a top priority. Patty Murray reports…

A Minnesota congressman has introduced legislation to repeal a law enacted last year that would make it easier for the president to federalize the National Guard—over the objections of governors. Sandra Harris reports …

The public would have a chance to decide whether a photo ID should be required to vote in Wisconsin under a measure that cleared a state Assembly panel yesterday (2/22). Shawn Johnson reports…

The Department of Corrections is stepping up efforts to slow down the revolving door for female offenders in Milwaukee. Gil Halsted reports…

US Representative Tammy Baldwin and labor leaders are calling on Congress to pass legislation that backers say would restore workplace rights. Brian Bull reports…

Presidential candidate Tommy Thompson continues to disagree with the White House on a strategy for Iraq. But Thompson says he thinks he can make nice with enough Republicans to win a straw poll in Iowa later this year. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Environmental groups are pushing for more action from Midwest states to ratify a plan to control water diversion from the Great Lakes. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Some Wisconsin senators are suggesting lifestyle changes they say could improve the health of people in the state. Employers are encouraged to do their part by offering wellness programs. Shamane Mills reports…

One day after their primary election victories, the two candidates for the Wisconsin State Supreme Court can't agree on whether they're running clean campaigns. Glen Moberg reports…

UW students in Stevens Point are calling on the state to use what they call "clean coal" in 23 state-owned coal fired power plants. But state officials say they may stop using coal altogether and start burning bio-diesel. Gil Halsted reports…

Latino activists in Wisconsin have kicked-off a new year of pro-immigration rallies aimed at bringing change in Madison and Washington. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The state would have to divest itself of stock in companies that benefit the Sudanese government under a plan state lawmakers will introduce this year. As Shawn Johnson reports... the idea is to pull out support from a government linked to ethnic cleansing…

State Senate Democrats say they'll advance a series of consumer protection bills this session... including a plan to curb payday lending. Shawn Johnson reports…

For the first time in memory, a wildfire has already been reported in far northern Wisconsin. Drought conditions from last year persist, and now the Department of Natural Resources is gearing up for what could be a dangerous wildfire season this spring. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior…

Low-flow toilets left some people cold when the products debuted in the 1990's. But the Environmental Protection Agency is pushing ahead with a voluntary program to create toilets that use even less water. Some toilet manufacturers say they want to join the new water saving market and hope consumers are ready to buy. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Members of the Hmong Community say they suspect U.S. anti-terrorism laws are keeping some Hmong from immigrating to the United States or delaying processing once in the country. Sandra Harris reports…

The American Heart Association says nearly all women in the US risk heart disease or stroke. Doctors are now recommending prevention and detection efforts beginning as young as age 20. Shamane Mills reports on a Madison woman who had two heart attacks --- at an age many don't expect…

Two Manitowoc County Sheriff's deputies deny they played any role in planting evidence to frame Steven Avery for the murder for Teresa Halbach. Gil Halsted reports…

A group of poll watchers and attorneys say last November’s election in Milwaukee went fairly well. But the head of the organization’s legal team says there are still plenty of challenges that could affect future elections. Brian Bull reports …

Washington County Judge Annette Ziegler and Madison lawyer Linda Clifford have survived the primary in the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Ziegler easily finished first in yesterday's (2/20) contest but both candidates say they plan to run busy campaigns between now and the April general election. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

As the state strives to keep its moniker as America's Dairyland, Wisconsin faces challenges. California produces more milk, and is catching up in cheese. Another obstacle is farmers leaving the business. It's hoped more affordable, comprehensive health insurance will help them stay. Shamane Mills reports…

An pipeline oil spill in northern Wisconsin will have permanent monitoring wells to track ground water contamination. Mike Simonson reports the incident happened during construction of the Superior to Whitewater line…

Wisconsin labor unions and some Democrats in Congress are trying to promote a bill that unions say would make it easier for workers to organize. But business groups don't like the measure. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin congressman Dave Obey says Democrats are planning their next move... after the U.S. Senate failed to pass the non-binding resolution opposing the President's troop surge. Glen Moberg has the story…

Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore is weighing in on the contract dispute between a largely female office workers union at Miller Brewing in Milwaukee, and the foreign-owned company. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Tomorrow(2/20), Wisconsin voters will cast their ballots in a primary for the State Supreme Court seat being vacated by retiring Justice Jon Wilcox. What they decide will narrow a field of three candidates down to two. Today, we'll wrap up our series of profiles on the candidates with a look at Madison Attorney Joseph Sommers, who is, by most measures, the race's political outsider. Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson has this report…

Two Wisconsin inmates will have to start paying back the state after auditors found out they were receiving unemployment benefits…while in prison. Katie Fischer reports…

There’s a new waterborne drug that will soon be available that treats several species of fish for a variety of diseases- all at once. Steve Roisum reports…

Five people in Wisconsin have the same kind of food poisoning that's making people sick in 39 states. But not all of those with salmonella ate peanut butter. Shamane Mills reports …

Activist-artists are putting on a traveling exhibit…with what they say is based on scientific findings…on what the north woods of Wisconsin would look like if global warming occurred. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

The first woman has been elected to lead the Great Lakes Inter-tribal Council...and she says she's not interested in the debate over Indian mascots and nicknames. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Some Southeastern Minnesota schools could be getting into the wind farm business. The Winona School District north of the La Crosse area is among them. Steve Roisum reports …

DNR Secretary Scott Hassett is trying to downplay concerns about the environmental enforcement approach of new Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A circuit judge from West Bend is touting her judicial experience as she tries to move up to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. But Washington County Judge Annette Ziegler is getting help from Republicans and conservative interest groups, as she tries to get through next Tuesday's non-partisan primary, in the three-way race to be a Supreme Court Justice. Chuck Quirmbach takes a closer look at Ziegler's candidacy…

Wisconsin's Attorney General and a criminal justice study group both want more money set aside for the state's crime lab than the Governor put in his budget. Shawn Johnson reports…

Governor Jim Doyle says he held off on funding lifelong GPS tracking for all child sex offenders because it would be impractical and likely unconstitutional. Shawn Johnson reports…

Consumer protection officials want the public to weigh in on proposed rules that aim to curb price-gouging during emergencies. Brian Bull reports…

The DNR says it would have more money to tackle non-point pollution and invasive species, under Governor Doyle's proposed state budget. But the department also says it would lose almost 20 employees. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Researchers at UW-Madison say they've found a substance that's stiffer than a diamond. But the new compound won't be coming to a jewelry store near you. Patty Murray reports…

Two democratic lawmakers want to pass a law similar to one in California that would reduce greenhouse gases. The Wisconsin version seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to the level they were at in 1990. The biggest contributors to such emissions, coal-fired power plants, say the bill singles them out. Shamane Mills reports…

In the first of three state Supreme Court profiles, WPR looks at Linda Clifford. The Madison attorney has put in a bid for the high bench before. She considered running in a previous election and also was a finalist for a judicial spot eventually given to Louis Butler. Shamane Mills reports …

Small business owners in three Wisconsin cities are picking up checks this week. The federal money is coming in relatively small chunks...but the business owners say it'll help them to create new jobs. Patty Murray reports…

A lapse in Congress and a printing deadline means this year’s 10-40 forms are missing several lines for key deductions. An Appleton-based tax preparer’s organization says there’s some workarounds. Brian Bull reports …

Wisconsin health officials say mid-February is the “heart” of the flu season — but it’s not too late to get kids vaccinated from the sometimes fatal disease. Katie Fischer reports…

Governor Doyle has a plan to leverage more federal Medicaid dollars. But hospitals and nursing homes say taxing beds or profits could result in higher patient bills. Shamane Mills reports…

The legislature's budget committee officially started work on the spending plan introduced by Governor Jim Doyle Tuesday night. As Shawn Johnson reports... committee members offered a brief glimpse at what will likely become a familiar argument over the next few months…

Governor Doyle's plan to continue and expand the state's land buying program is drawing praise from many conservation groups...and some questions from Republican lawmakers. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Governor Jim Doyle laid out a state spending plan last night that would use targeted tax and fee increases to expand health care coverage and spend more on schools and roads. Doyle called it a budget for the middle class... and for those trying to get there. But Republicans immediately accused the governor of forgetting about already overburdened taxpayers. They also promised to fight Doyle's plan in the legislature. Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson reports…

With a slight rise in temperatures moving across the state, organizers of an annual fundraising event hope to get hundreds of people jumping into freezing cold water again. Brian Bull reports…

Two Wisconsin fathers of fallen soldiers both say the House debate over Iraq is not likely to change anything, but that the resolution does send a message. War opponents say it rightly rejects President Bush's decision to send more troops. Supporters of the war say the debate is bad for morale and gives a signal to the world about US resolve. Shamane Mills reports…

The number of school administrators sixty years or older are on the rise, and there’s concern there won’t be enough qualified candidates to replace them once they retire. Steve Roisum reports…

More contract talks are scheduled for later this week between Harley-Davidson and its workers in York, Pennsylvania. Some local officials affected by Harley layoffs in Wisconsin are hoping a strike in Pennsylvania will be settled soon. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Governor Jim Doyle will use his budget address tonight to ask lawmakers' support for at least three targeted tax increases. But the Governor himself hasn't always been sold on the biggest of his tax hikes. During each of his first two budgets, Doyle shot down proposals to raise the cigarette tax. He now wants to increase it by $1.25 a pack. Wisconsin Public Radio's Shawn Johnson has this look at Doyle's record on the issue... and what changed between this term and last…

A man whose name was once synonymous with a wrongful conviction is now on trial for a brutal killing. DNA evidence once set Steven Avery free…and could now send him back to prison for the rest of his life. Patty Murray has this report from the opening day of his first-degree murder trial…

An ordinance proposed in La Crosse County would let you light up a cigarette while driving or walking along count-owned roads—but forbid it if you were out fishing in your boat on lake Neshonoc or sitting in front of a campfire in Goose Island Park. Sandra Harris reports…

State Senator Dan Kapanke is proposing an overhaul of the state’s Medicaid System. The La Crosse Area Republican is calling for increased efficiency, choice and transparency. Micah Schweizer reports…

Stem cell researchers and regulators from the United Kingdom are in Madison this week to discuss a possible partnership with Wisconsin scientists. Shawn Johnson reports…

Milwaukee's Archbishop says he's "nauseated" by some of the information coming out in church documents about sexual abuse by a former Milwaukee priest. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin lawmakers are still trying to reach consensus on a plan that covers large water withdrawals from the Great Lakes. But Minnesota's Legislature has become the first in the region to go along with the compact agreed to by the Great Lakes Governors. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

County jail inmates aren’t locked up for sentences as lengthy as inmates in state prisons, but La Crosse County’s sheriff says they still need programs to engage them and perhaps prevent their return or even suicide attempts. Sandra Harris reports…

The frigid temperatures this week prompted Xcel Energy to ask customers to cut back on electricity usage…and they did. Mary Jo Wagner has more from Eau Claire…

In a case closely watched by the Hmong community, a Milwaukee man was sentenced today (2/9) to more than 50 years in prison for killing three people in a drunk driving accident last fall. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The department of corrections has reached a settlement with attorneys for inmates at the Boscobel prison once known as the Supermax. Gil Halsted reports…

The author of a new law mandating lifetime GPS monitoring for dangerous sex child offenders is accusing the Department of Corrections of trying to prevent it from being implemented. The law is scheduled to go into affect in July. Gil Halsted reports…

The Wisconsin Hospital Association is readying itself for the possibility that the governor will propose a hospital tax when he releases his budget next week. Steve Roisum reports…

Wisconsin's wolf population has been taken off the federal list of threatened and endangered species. Now, a controversial new television ad is telling us that we are threatened by them. Glen Moberg reports…

Stephen Avery goes on trial today (2/12) for first degree murder in the death of photographer Teresa Hallbach. The case is generating a lot of attention...in part because of its gruesome nature. But also because Avery was once a prominent victim himself...spending years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Patty Murray reports on what to expect in the coming weeks…

Despite an increasing number of eyewitness reports, the DNR is still not ready to say that there are mountain lions in Wisconsin. Glen Moberg has the story…

Even rugged Midwesterners who are used to the long cold winters can get the blues this time of year. John Davis has more on fighting cabin fever…

Twenty-nine lakes in Wisconsin will be part of a national lake survey this year. The EPA and other agencies want to study the ecological health, water quality and recreational value of the nation’s lakes. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A new study finds that for young men getting out of prison in Milwaukee, a driver's license is more important than a high school diploma. Gil Halsted reports…

Wisconsin's sturgeon spearing season begins early Saturday morning. For the first time this year, fisherman had to line up for a chance to take a stab at the giant fish. Patty Murray reports…

A commission that advises the US and Canadian governments on the Great Lakes wants to see more accountability from Washington and Ottawa. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin transportation officials say chances of a Midwest High Speed Rail Network are looking up. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Relatives of the three people who died in the explosion at the Falk Corporation plant in Milwaukee last December have sued a Wisconsin company that laid a gas pipe at the plant nearly 20 years ago. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A new national poll finds 70 percent of voters don’t believe 17 year olds who commit crimes should be automatically waived into adult court. A Wisconsin child advocacy group hopes the poll will fuel its effort to change state law. Gil Halsted reports…

A federal judge could decide this week to lift court oversight of the state's toughest prison in Boscobel. But attorneys for the inmates presented evidence yesterday (2/7) they say proves that conditions at the high security prison still threaten the mental health of prisoners held there. Gil Halsted reports…

At some point, we'll all be faced with the questions ‘How do I want to die? and where?’ A person who understands what the end of life is like is spearheading an effort in Eau Claire to provide a new alternative for the terminally ill, and their families. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

Some Wisconsin cities worry schools, fire and police services could suffer at the expense of a recycling tax exemption. In 2005 a Court ruling expanded the scope of a state law that was aimed at giving recyclers a tax break. But the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities says large businesses like paper mills are now applying for it. Patty Murray reports…

State lawmakers and other elected officials could no longer pile up sick leave to use when they retire under a proposal that cleared an Assembly committee. Shawn Johnson reports…

So far, only 29 states in the US so far have ordered the anti-viral medication used to treat any possible bird flu pandemic which may occur. Wisconsin is one of them. But the national stockpile holding Wisconsin's share won't be at its peak for another year and there's concern cash-strapped states will hold off buying Tamiflu. Shamane Mills reports…

The brisk winter weather has affected many areas of Wisconsin. Brian Bull reports on how residents are dealing with the cold snap…

Governor Jim Doyle says the property tax limits he'll propose in his budget will give cities and counties "more room to work with" than in the past. The Governor also promised the state will help pick up more of local governments' bills. Shawn Johnson reports…

As Glen Moberg reports, the smoking ban involves questions of public health, and personal freedom, and the battle lines have been drawn…

People who study violence between people say college students can be at especially high risk. In La Crosse, a grant is paying for advocates to help students on all three college campuses in the city to deal with the issue. Sandra Harris reports …

The recent exoneration of a Georgia man wrongfully convicted of rape 22 years ago bears a strong resemblance to Stephen Avery's wrongful rape conviction in Wisconsin . The case has prompted the Georgia legislature to follow Wisconsin's lead and reform the way police use lineups to identify suspects. Gil Halsted reports…

The path towards another state land-buying program winds its way through the DNR Board beginning this morning (2/7). Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A state panel has released recommendations to further cut down on the amount of waste that's landfilled or incinerated. The suggestions include recycling computers and construction waste. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A federal law designed to cut off public health benefits for illegal immigrants apparently is shutting out legal residents as well. An analysis of Medicaid enrollment in Wisconsin and five other states shows thousands of poor people who applied were denied....even though they were eligible. Shamane Mills reports.…

Governor Doyle says he'll propose two million dollars for a state fund to connect entrepreneurs with potential sources of cash. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin's Attorney General has tapped a former Dane County Sheriff to head the office that oversees the state crime lab. Shawn Johnson reports…

For years, Minnesota and Wisconsin college students have paid much less to hop across state borders and go to school. Now that deal, known as tuition reciprocity is being threatened because some Minnesota leaders say they are losing money. John Davis reports…

Another oil pipeline spill in Northern Wisconsin is raising more questions about the company that's building two new pipelines through much of the state. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

D-N-A evidence from the charred bones of a murder victim and an eleven-year-old blood sample from the alleged murderer will both a play a key role in Steven Avery's trial scheduled to begin this week. But as Gil Halsted reports, the jury will also hear a lot about Avery's brief notoriety as the poster boy for the Wisconsin Innocence Project.…

Despite brutally cold weather, the Badger State Winter games went on as scheduled this past weekend, drawing thousands of athletes to the Wausau area. Glen Moberg reports…

The University of Wisconsin is starting a new program to train ship-building engineers. UW Marinette will be one of only two schools in the country to offer courses in new computer technology. Patty Murray reports…

Wildlife officials say they'll take another look at their policies in Florida, after last week's deaths of seventeen whooping cranes that are part of a major experiment. But the experts are happy that one bird survived. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A state researcher says 2006 was a classic up-and-down year for Wisconsin’s farmers, but it was particularly harsh for the dairy industry. Brian Bull has more…

A fish-killing virus that's approaching Wisconsin will bring together state officials, fish farm owners and others today. (M) Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The chief of the Department of Natural Resources says there oughta be a law...a new state law...to control ballast water in ocean-going ships. That's a major reason exotic species are making their way into the Great Lakes and many of Wisconsin's inland lakes. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

A Kenosha family is making big plans for a unique homecoming. The only catch is, the guest of honor may die in prison before he can make it home for the celebration. Gil Halsted reports on how the compassionate release requirements may make it almost impossible for James Orsburn and other terminally ill patients like him to die at home…

The new chancellor at UW-La Crosse says he looks forward to working with the community to tackle the issue of binge drinking. John Davis reports …

Some studies have indicated that health care may differ depending on whether you're a man or woman and what race you are. Now medical health economists are trying to learn WHEN the gap starts. Although they still aren't sure WHY. Shamane Mills reports…

Wisconsin can now boast it's had four Native Americans from the state serve as the top federal official for Indian Affairs. Yesterday (2/1) the Senate confirmed president Bush's nomination of Wisconsin Oneida Carl Artman as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Gil Halsted reports…

A plan to keep governors from using their veto pens to rewrite the state budget is one step closer to going before Wisconsin voters for approval. But as Shawn Johnson reports... there's a good chance it won't ever get there…

A now-final report from two Wisconsin agencies spells out the costs and benefits of a cleaner-burning type of power plant. But that type of plant doesn't appear to be on the front burner in the state. Chuck Quirmbach has details…

The Green Bay Area School District is wrapping up a four-year sales pitch. Later this month (Feb) voters must decide if the city needs a new high school. If approved, the referendum would reduce overcrowding...but increase property tax bills. Patty Murray reports…

Wisconsin's open meetings law almost always requires that public groups meet.... in public. But the issue of how to treat private groups, which are spin-offs of public institutions, remains controversial. Shamane Mills reports on efforts to resolve the matter…

It may be the first raffle of its kind in Wisconsin. La Crosse County is holding a raffle where the top prize will equal the average property tax bill. Sandra Harris reports…

More online schools are trying to get parents and students to sign up during the open enrollment window that begins in Wisconsin next week. For example, a major for-profit education company has hooked up with the Grantsburg School District, to promote a statewide online high school. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

When Governor Jim Doyle used his State of the State address to call for an end to the "phony issue ads" used in political campaigns, it drew some of the evening's loudest applause from state lawmakers. But it also drew claims of hypocrisy... not to mention a promise of a fight in the upcoming session. Shawn Johnson reports…

Schools have a new breed of online predators to watch out for…cyber-bullies. Danielle Kaeding reports on the grief being caused by the online offenders in Superior…and steps the school district is taking to stop it…

The national limit on ozone pollution could be tightened again...and that could affect Governor Doyle's plans for Eastern Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…