Special Interests Close in on High Court Contest
2/29/08

More than a half million dollars has already been spent on the contentious race for a seat on the state Supreme Court. The two candidates have spent about half of that with the rest spent by outside groups. Gil Halsted reports on who these outside groups are and what the candidates think of them…

Lawyer's and immigrant rights activists will gather at the U-W Madison Law school this weekend to talk about the impact a recent wave of arrests and deportations is having on immigrant communities in the state. Gil Halsted reports…

A national group focusing on prevention of costly, long-term health conditions now has a chapter in Wisconsin. The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease wants presidential candidates to tackle the issue of obesity, diabetes, cancer and other preventable conditions. Shamane Mills reports…

A state appeals court has given a town a legal victory against Wisconsin realtors and builders. Conservation groups say the environment wins, too. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Assembly lawmakers traded insults last night as they debated whether to mandate insurance coverage for autism or whether to spend more state money to treat it. As Shawn Johnson reports... nothing was ultimately accomplished…

e Sokaogon Chippewa tribal community of northern Wisconsin is getting help in its efforts to create small businesses across the Mole Lake area. Brian Bull reports on how a 100-thousand dollar grant figures into the initiative…

Parents of autistic kids rallied at the capitol today in support of a bill that would require insurance companies to cover autism treatment. As Shawn Johnson reports... they directed their message at Republicans who control the state Assembly…

Douglas, Ashland and Bayfield Counties are hoping to keep their communities safe by investing more in those people behind bars. Danielle Kaeding is covering Superior Days delegates who are in Madison this week, endorsing the idea…

A higher education will soon be more readily available for working adults. The UW Extension is expanding its Adult Student Initiative by putting more Bachelors courses online. Patty Murray reports…

Actor Johnny Depp may be ready for Wisconsin, but is Wisconsin ready for Hollywood? Universal Pictures will be filming parts of the new John Dillinger movie in the Badger State. Danielle Kaeding reports on reaction from one small burg that is still buzzing after being scouted earlier this winter…

There are nine states where health insurance pays for hearing aids and cochlear implants. Wisconsin is considering whether the devices should be covered by insurance. Shamane Mills reports…

A proposal to offer full public financing to Supreme Court candidates was one of several bills that died unceremoniously in the Wisconsin State Assembly late last night. Shawn Johnson reports…

Supporters of a statewide smoking ban for all Wisconsin workplaces have taken their fight to the State Assembly with time running out on this legislative session. Shawn Johnson reports…

The Wisconsin Hospital Association wants its members to be taxed as a way to help the state deal with an impending budget shortfall. Shawn Johnson reports…

Two competing versions of a bill that would limit the ability of inmates to file charges against prison guards may come head to head today on the floor of the state Senate. One would deny inmates the right to take their complaint directly to a judge, the other would give judges more discretion in deciding whether or not to pursue an inmates complaint. Gil Halsted explains…

A Wisconsin power company will see if it can cut its carbon dioxide emissions through the use of liquid ammonia. Chuck Quirmbach reports on a test that's getting underway in Kenosha County…

Assembly Republicans voted last night to sit on a plan that would have forced the state to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Shawn Johnson reports…

A police department report says voting problems in Milwaukee on Election Day in November 2004 were more widespread that previously thought. Chuck Quirmbach has the story…

The largest importer of Canadian oil has gotten approval from the Canadian government to expand its pipeline. The 3-billion dollar expansion could nearly double the capacity of Enbridge Energy Pipeline to pump crude oil from Alberta through Wisconsin. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Immigrant right's activists say they're pleased with the large turnout at a public hearing in Madison last night. More than a hundred people, both immigrants and native born citizens, showed up to speak out against Dane county's policy of sending the names of undocumented immigrants to federal authorities. Gil Halsted reports…

A state proposal to change how Wisconsin tries to contain chronic wasting disease in whitetail deer goes before the DNR Board today. Some hunters have suggestions for the state. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A law that would notify communities about people with a violent criminal record moving in will receive a public hearing in the state legislature today. Danielle Kaeding reports as Superior Days citizens lobby in Madison…

A widespread die-off of bees in northwestern Wisconsin could mean serious problems for farmers this year. Glen Moberg reports…

The Oshkosh Public Museum is sorting through a trove of Civil-War-era letters. The museum recently purchased an extensive collection that belonged to a local veteran of the battle between the states. Patty Murray reports…

The head of a multi-tribal organization spoke before state lawmakers today, asking them to recognize the issues facing Indian Country, and to formalize the government-to-government relationship between the legislature and Wisconsin’s 11 federally-recognized tribes.

Brian Bull attended the 4th annual State of the Tribes Address, and prepared this report…

The challenger in the race for state supreme court Judge Michael Gableman has accused the incumbent, Justice Louis Butler of casting the decding vote in a ruling that freed a sex predator. In a debate Tuesday in Madison Butler called the charge false and asked Gableman to publicly retract it. Gil Halsted reports…

A representative speaking on behalf of Wisconsin’s eleven federally-recognized tribes says Tuesday’s 4th Annual State of the Tribes Address will bear an invitation…and also pack a gentler tone than last year’s. Brian Bull has more…

Governor Jim Doyle says the nation's governors are reaching agreement on some energy issues, but not so on the use of coal. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A new report on Human Trafficking in Wisconsin finds the number of victims is much higher than previously thought. Authors of the report are hoping it will help thier efforts to pass a state allow outlawing the practice. Gil Halsted reports…

Another Wisconsin County is looking at passing its own regulations to try to control the spread of invasive species. That's after getting a favorable ruling from State Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Assembly lawmakers have took hours of testimony Tuesday on their latest plan to keep virtual schools operating in Wisconsin. As Shawn Johnson reports... it's likely going nowhere…

Assembly Republicans will hold a hearing for invited speakers only later this morning on a new plan that would let virtual schools continue to operate in Wisconsin. But it lacks the temporary enrollment cap Governor Jim Doyle and other Democrats want. Shawn Johnson reports...

Wisconsin may soon follow the lead of Kansas and Texas by launching a comprehensive study of its prison system. The goal of the study is to find ways to increase the number of non-prison programs to manage law breakers, and to reduce the state's prison population. Gil Halsted reports…

The D-N-R is warning of another fish virus that is NOT harmful to humans. But it can damage a smaller number of fish than the high-profile V-H-S virus. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

It may sound like a soap opera, but the Department of Natural Resources wants to find out if its true love between ATV's and LUV's...as in "Lightweight Utility Vehicles". So they're conducting a pilot program in a handful of northern Wisconsin counties to find out if the relationship can work. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.…

A type of small car called "Neighborhood Electric Vehicles" has been approved for use in about three-dozen Wisconsin Communities. Now, a northern Wisconsin city that some view as an environmental paradise is moving closer to allowing the cars. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Democrat Barack Obama spent five times as much as opponent Hillary Clinton on television advertising in advance of Wisconsin's presidential primary. Shawn Johnson reports…

Some business leaders are helping Governor Doyle pressure lawmakers to move ahead with a plan to protect the Great Lakes from large scale water diversions. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A proposal to remove the names and court records of people who are found innocent from the state court system's web site is headed for the floor of the state Assembly. But freedom of information advocates say limiting free on-line access to court records will simply boost the profits of private companies that gather and sell such information to employers. Gil Halsted reports…

NASA is marking a milestone today. For the first time every scientist on the team controlling the Mars "Spirit" Rover is female. Patty Murray reports…

State officials say illegal sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors are at a record low. Brian Bull reports…

A report on this month’s massive backup on Interstate 39-90 is critical of the Wisconsin State Patrol’s response to the incident. About 2000 motorists were motorists stuck overnight in a massive winter storm. Brian Bull reports…

Next month, the US House is expected to hold hearings on another attempt to regulate tobacco products. Half of Wisconsin's congressional delegation has shown support by signing on to the bill. Shamane Mills reports…

There's been a slight dip in the number of women who hold elected office in Wisconsin. While women hold some high level positions, they are less likely to be involved in local government. Patty Murray reports…

A plan that would make police officers undergo psychological testing before they're hired has cleared a state legislative panel. As Shawn Johnson reports, it's in response to the off-duty officer who killed six people and wounded another in Crandon, Wisconsin last year…

A bill to require closer scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding inmate deaths in state prisons is headed for the floor of the state Assembly. Recent changes to the bill have assured it won't face opposition from the prison guards union. Gil Halsted reports …

A Dane County Judge has rejected a motion by former Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen to move his criminal retrial closer to his home in Waukesha County. Shawn Johnson reports…

A bill to ratify a plan to protect the Great Lakes from large-scale water diversions has been formally introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature. And, at a hearing on the measure in Kenosha Thursday, disagreement quickly bubbled to the surface. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Pipeline safety officials say they have not reached any conclusions about the cause of an oil pipeline explosion and fire that killed two Superior men in northwestern Minnesota last November. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

One of Wisconsin's US Senators says he thinks the end of Fidel Castro's reign in Cuba will open doors for US relations with that country. Castro says he's leaving office after 49 years in power. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Two Wisconsin lawmakers are promoting another commercial use for corn. They want retailers to offer only eco-friendly plastic bags made with corn starch. Shamane Mills reports…

A national conference in the Fox Valley is focusing on missing persons. The Fox Valley Technical College began hosting the event three years ago, partly in response to a large number of adults who have seemingly disappeared in the area. Patty Murray reports…

After closing without notice last December, the VA Clinic in Hayward will re-open on March 4th. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Some judges in Milwaukee are praising an opinion released by Attorney General JB Van Hollen Wednesday. It makes clear that counties can not legally use a jury selection system that would increase the number of jurors from any racial or ethnic group. Gil Halsted explains…

The DNR is proposing to add to a list of polluted waters in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Barack Obama carries with him the keepsake of a slain soldier from Wisconsin whose family is hoping for an end to the Iraq war. Glen Moberg reports…

A recent study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal concludes that the state needs to pay better attention to how it’s spending its public health funding in poorer counties. Steve Roisum reports…

When the presidential campaigns barnstormed Wisconsin this past week, they made a point of courting the youth vote. The end result is that young people voted more here than they have in other states but they still went the polls in smaller numbers than older residents. Shawn Johnson reports…

A scientific panel says a radioactive compound used in hospitals and other sites could be an ingredient in so-called "dirty bombs." So a Wisconsin professor and others on the committee are urging the federal government to push for changes. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin Attorney General JB Van Hollen wants the state supreme court to reverse an appeals court ruling that granted a new trial to a day care provider convicted of killing a child she was babysitting. Gil Halsted has more…

Wisconsin's largest gay rights organization handed out absentee ballots at the polls Tuesday in an effort to recruit voters to turn out for the April first Supreme Court election. That election is more important to Fair Wisconsin than the presidential primary because the court may soon be considering two cases that challenge the scope and constitutionality of the state's Gay marriage ban Gil Halsted reports…

State Senate Democrats have voted to go back on a bipartisan deal that was drawn up to keep virtual schools open in Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports…

Senator Hillary Clinton didn’t stay in Wisconsin to concede her defeat in Tuesday’s presidential primary, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of her supporters who gathered at the Stadium Bar in Madison to cheer her on to victory in November. Gil Halsted Reports…

Illinois Senator Barack Obama won Wisconsin's Democratic primary last night, defeating New York Senator Hillary Clinton by a 58-41 percent margin. Shawn Johnson reports…

John McCain has picked up an easy victory in Wisconsin's Republican presidential primary. The Senator says he thinks he can win in the state again in this fall's general election. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

After an intense week of political campaigning by Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, and Mike Huckabee, Wisconsin is holding its presidential primary today. State election officials expect a high turnout, despite the frigid weather. Brian Bull reports…

One and a half million people are expected to vote in today's Wisconsin primary election. As Glen Moberg reports, the big turnout is due in large part to a tight Democratic race for President…

Voter turnout is expected to be higher than usual for Tuesday’s primary -- including more young people heading to the polls. In Superior this week, Danielle Kaeding spoke to some students waiting for a Barack Obama rally that was canceled by bad weather. …

Senator Hillary Clinton brought her presidential campaign to Northeastern Wisconsin Monday. During a visit to the campus of St. Norbert College in De Pere, she outlined an "economic blueprint" that focuses on the middle class. Patty Murray reports.…

The full State Senate is scheduled to vote on a plan Tuesday that would offer full public financing for supreme court candidates who abide by spending limits. Shawn Johnson reports…

A preliminary government report says the pipeline explosion in northwestern Minnesota that killed two Superior men last November was caused in part by improper procedures used during repair work. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

It's likely some Wisconsin voters will be casting ballots tomorrow for candidates they don't actually want to see end up in the White House. Some of those voters belong to the state's Green Party. As Gil Halsted reports the Greens are are looking ahead to July when the party will choose from five candidates including Ralph Nader at a convention in Chicago…

Both the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates have spent time and energy talking about energy issues , as they've campaigned in Wisconsin over the last week. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Terry Bell speaks with Kevin Kennedy, the head of the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, Tuesday morning…

It's voting day in Wisconsin. Elections experts predict more of you will come to the polls than normal and that you won't be deterred by the weather. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

While the economy has slipped past the War on Terror as Americans’ top concern in choosing a Presidential candidate, many college-age voters - including those at the University of Wisconsin-Madison - still see it as a deciding factor. Election officials are expecting an above-average turnout of young voters, which could influence the outcome of tomorrow’s primary eleciton. Brian Bull reports…

Four of the five major presidential candidates will campaign in Wisconsin today. Democratic candidate Barack Obama told Wisconsin Public Radio last night that he hopes he's reached out to diverse groups. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

When Wisconsin voters head to the polls tomorrow to cast votes in the presidential primary there will be about 40 thousand state citizens who won't be joining them. Not because they don't care about the election, but because they're on parole or probation for committing a felony. Gil Halsted reports on a proposal to change the law that bars them from voting…

Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will campaign in Wisconsin today, after a night of bowling and trying to "frame" himself as a tax reformer. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Speeding and drunk driving are offenses you might normally associate with roads and highways. But state officials are cracking down on those who violate the law on snowmobile trails as well. Brian Bull reports…

Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama make another campaign swing through Wisconsin Friday. In Milwaukee, he made a multicultural appeal to voters. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Arizona Senator John McCain brought his campaign to Wisconsin Friday with appearances in Oshkosh and LaCrosse. While he doesn't have his party nomination sewn up yet, he was acting like the Republican frontrunner. Patty Murray reports…

Wisconsin's aging population will require more health care workers. And some of them may be past retirement age themselves. Shamane Mills reports …

In the days leading up to Wisconsin's primaries, many presidential candidates are touting the backing of major politicians. One of Senator Barack Obama's biggest endorsements harkens back to one of Wisconsin's Democratic primaries from almost 50 years ago. Shawn Johnson reports …

Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee presented himself as a populist and a Washington outsider to a crowd of hundreds at a Madison hotel Thursday. The former Arkansas Governor also promised he'd push for U-S constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage and abortion. Shawn Johnson reports...

Bill Clinton is campaigning in Wisconsin on behalf of his wife Hillary. The former president says his spouse is very different on key issues from her Democratic presidential rival Barack Obama. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The Presidential candidates are stumping full force across Wisconsin. Along the way they're addressing something on voters' minds: the economy. Some national polls show the economy has surpassed Iraq as the most important issues. Patty Murray reports…

Wisconsin's primary election is Tuesday. Some ballots are already in. According to state election officials, absentee voting has been on the rise the past few years. Shamane Mills reports…

A realtors’ group says despite the nation’s sub prime mortgage disaster and struggling housing market, things appear better and brighter in Wisconsin. Brian Bull has more…

Governor Jim Doyle says he'll consider reviving the hospital tax he proposed about a year ago as he looks for ways to deal with a 650-million hole in the state budget. Shawn Johnson reports…

There's a three year effort to step up training for high skill jobs in a dozen counties in south central Wisconsin. It's funded by a five million dollar grant from the U.S. Labor Department. Shamane Mills reports…

Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama says the economic stimulus plan signed by President Bush Wednesday may not be enough to solve the nation's economic woes. Obama spoke in Waukesha this afternoon while on a swing through the state. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama sought to distinguish himself as the best choice for working people during a meeting with employees at the Janesville General Motors plant Wednesday. Shawn Johnson reports…

Ice covered Lake Mendota in Madison is being used as a proving ground for a robotic submarine that will eventually be used to explore the frozen oceans on Europa , the moon that orbits the planet Jupiter. Gil Halsted reports…

Mike Huckabee's "faith, family and freedom" campaign continues across Wisconsin Thursday with stops scheduled in four cities. Last night in Pewaukee, the Republican Presidential candidate promoted largely conservative causes and said he's not dropping out of the presidential race. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

In recent national polls the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have slipped behind the economy in the list of national priorities that voters are weighing as they choose the country’s next President. But war and terrorism are still at the top for many voters in Wisconsin, especially those who have lost family members in those wars. In the first of a four part series leading up to next week's primary election Gil Halsted reports on how these voters are weighing the candidates’ positions on the war…

The Presidential election of 1992 focused largely on health care. Sixteen years later, it’s a hot topic once again. Shamane Mills looks at the issue in Wisconsin Public Radio's series on the upcoming primary……

There are four nursing homes in Wisconsin that don't meet federal quality requirements. U.S. Senator Herb Kohl is among those who have insisted the names of such facilities be public. Shamane Mills reports…

State lawmakers are finally moving forward on a package that would boost public financing for political candidates and make interest groups disclose their donors. Shawn Johnson reports…

Scheduled campaign appearances by Mike Huckabee in Wisconsin this week are a reminder that John McCain still hasn't sewn up the Republican nomination. Glen Moberg reports…

Auto-maker General Motors has reported a 38-billion dollar loss for 2007, its biggest annual loss ever. Now GM’s offering retirement incentives – or “buyouts” -- to its US hourly workers, which can be replaced with new ones who’d be paid lower wages. As Brian Bull reports, some Janesville employees are excited at the prospect…

One of the most anti-war candidates the Democrats ever nominated to be President says this year's likely Republican nominee is too hawkish about Iraq. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama was welcomed to Wisconsin last night by a rally of around 17-thousand people at a packed Kohl Center in Madison. Obama made no mention of Democratic primary opponent Hillary Clinton, but he attacked likely GOP nominee John McCain for his stance on the War in Iraq. Shawn Johnson reports…

The wife of Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama has been campaigning in eastern Wisconsin. Michelle Obama is hoping in part, to draw working class voters away from Democrat Hillary Clinton. Chuck Quirmbach reports. …

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is facing a cash crunch, and is even considering mortgaging some of its land. As Brian Bull reports, a number of questions have been raised about the tribe’s finances…

The politics of global warming heated up during a Madison forum Monday called "Coping with Climate Change." The event featured Republican James Sensenbrenner and Democrat Tammy Baldwin. They disagree on the impact of global warming and solutions to fight it. Shamane Mills reports…

Wisconsin Assembly speaker Mike Huebsch says the state should find out this week how much lawmakers will have to cut in the current two year budget to make up for an unforeseen shortfall. Steve Roisum reports …

People who cast ballots in next Tuesday's primary will have the biggest say in who Wisconsin nominates as presidential candidates. But 18 of Wisconsin's Democratic delegates won't be beholden to the popular vote as they help choose their party's nominee. Shawn Johnson reports…

The daughter of Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton began a two-day swing through Wisconsin universities Mondays as the Clinton campaign tries to win over more college students. But some of the students say they're still on the fence. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

Peace activists plan to protest a series of simulated bombing runs in the Fox Valley. The first "dry attack" is scheduled for today, in Menasha. Protesters will gather outside its city hall this afternoon, before the simulation is carried out. Brian Bull has more…

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama has done very well with college-age voters so far, and UW students will likely come out in large numbers to hear him speak in Madison tonight. But Senator Hillary Clinton is making her own push for young voters with the help of her daughter. Shawn Johnson reports…

Four national parks and a Lake Superior tribe hope to slow the spread of a deadly fish virus by joining forces. Danielle Kaeding reports on their efforts to prevent and respond to VHS…

Shipping saw a lot of activity last year. Danielle Kaeding reports the future of the Twin Ports may be blowing in wind…

The emergence of John McCain as the Republican frontrunner may refocus the Presidential debate on the issue of national security just in time for the Wisconsin primary. Glen Moberg reports…

Governor Jim Doyle says he wants to know why state authorities failed to recognize the severity of this week's snowstorm that stranded thousands of motorists on Interstate 39-90. Shawn Johnson reports…

Twenty three thousand dollars isn't much to give someone wrongfully imprisoned for 5 months. That's according to former Catholic school teacher David Sanders who was awarded that amount by the Wisconsin State Claims Board. As Gil Halsted reports some state legislators are considering raising the state's cap on compensation for wrongful conviction. …

Wisconsin is the nation's seventh largest ethanol producer in the United States. Depending on how it’s produced, ethanol can create more carbon dioxide than it prevents. Alternative energy officials are trying to address the situation. Shamane Mills reports.…

The UW System’s President has unveiled the so-called “Growth Agenda” -- which aims to improve the statewide campus network, and stimulate Wisconsin’s economy. As Brian Bull reports, part of the emphasis is on increasing the number of graduates from UW schools…

State officials now say more than 2-thousand vehicles were affected in yesterday's massive back-up on Interstate 90. Thick snow, icy roads, and high winds are blamed for the incident that spanned Dane and Rock Counties. As Brian Bull reports, officials admit there was room for improvement in their response…

People who owe the city of Green Bay money may be disappointed in their state tax returns. The city is joining many other Wisconsin municipalities in a program that intercepts tax refunds to pay off outstanding fines. Patty Murray reports…

Madison's longtime progressive daily newspaper, the Capital Times, is scaling back its print edition while increasing its focus on the internet. Shamane Mills reports…

The lawyer for six lesbian couples says he's pleased with Thursday's Wisconsin Supreme court ruling that allows their claim for domestic partner benefits to go forward. The ruling bars eight local governments from intervening in the case. Gil Halsted explains…

It may take a few months for State legislators along with prison and law enforcement officials to digest the report released this week by the governor's Commission on Reducing Racial Disparities in the Wisconsin Justice System. It's 90 pages long and includes more than 50 recommendations. Gil Halsted reports…

The State Department of Justice has issued its final report on the off-duty police officer who killed six people in Crandon, Wisconsin. The Department says Tyler Peterson was shot in the arm by a sniper before he ultimately took his own life. Shawn Johnson reports…

Federal immigration agents have recently netted 40 people in raids throughout Wisconsin. While authorities say they’ve largely targeted criminal fugitives, some immigrant rights advocates question their motives. Brian Bull reports…

Heavy snow in much of Southern Wisconsin made things difficult for some people who had to work outside today. (W) But others say they didn't mind working in snow. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

Wisconsin's top election official expects turnout for the upcoming presidential primary will be as high as it's been in two decades. Shawn Johnson reports…

Environmental groups are asking Congress to reverse proposed federal cuts in programs that help the Great Lakes. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

60 years ago, the UW Madison got a patent for a drug originally used as rat poison; Warfarin later became the most widely-prescribed blood thinner in the world. It has drawbacks, but no easy-to-manage alternative has been found. Shamane Mills reports…

The state plans several job fairs over the next couple of months, largely to help people who're losing their jobs at area paper mills. The first -- held this Thursday in Wausau -- targets veterans. Brian Bull reports…

There's more confirmation that a cougar was recently seen in Southern Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

A new project will try to provide more science-based information about how global climate change may affect Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

Now that "Super Tuesday" is over, it won't be long before the remaining candidates for President turn their attention to Wisconsin's February 19th primary. And some of the state's leading Democrats are preparing for two weeks of campaigning on behalf of Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Shawn Johnson reports…

On Super Tuesday, the senior Democrat of Wisconsin's congressional delegation still isn't willing to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Glen Moberg reports…

A Wisconsin paper company is dramatically increasing its use of renewable energy. It may be a sign "Green Energy" is becoming more acceptable, even though it costs more up-front. Patty Murray reports…

The UW Board of Regents wants to pay top University leaders more, in order to attract higher quality candidates for open positions. But a state lawmaker says that’s irresponsible given the shaky economic situation in Wisconsin. Brian Bull reports…

A conservation group says President Bush's budget includes more help for many birds in Wisconsin and other states. Chuck Quirmbach reports. …

A US House member from Wisconsin who expected presidential candidates to focus on health care now says that issue may be upstaged by the economy. Shamane Mills reports.…

A proposal at the state capitol would crack down on notaries public who pretend to be lawyers so they can bilk Spanish-speaking residents out of their money. Shawn Johnson reports…

President Bush's proposed federal budget would cost Wisconsin low-income residents some energy assistance dollars. But Republican lawmakers see some good points in the President's package. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

It's the 23rd year for Wisconsin's signature Olympic style sports festival. Glen Moberg reports on preparations for this weekend's Badger State Winter Games …

US Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt was in Madison Friday promoting the use of electronic health records. Wisconsin was highlighted as one state using these and other systems designed to improve the quality of health care. Shamane Mills reports.…

Advocates of a bill that would return 17-year old offenders to the juvenile justice system are praising a government audit released today (F) that documents the downside of putting minors in adult prisons. Gil Halsted reports.…

A 79 year-old nun has been sentenced to twelve months in jail, for sexual abuse of boys in Milwaukee about forty years ago. Chuck Quirmbach reports …

New data show a large demand for domestic violence services, but not enough money to provide them. The Wisconsin Council Against Domestic Violence took a "snapshot" of how many people seek shelter or counseling. Patty Murray reports…

Many of Wisconsin’s’ virtual schools start open enrollment Monday. Operators of the online schools say they’re breathing easier about their future, following proposed legislation that would keep them legal and funded. Brian Bull reports…

The Great Lakes Compact is expected to be introduced this week in the state legislature. Wisconsin would join an effort by the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces to protect the region from environmental threats and water diversion. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

A proposal to ban local ordinances that restrict where sex offenders can live is likely to pit state lawmakers against town and city officials. Gil Halsted reports.…

People who get ticketed twice for driving drunk in Wisconsin would have to install ignition locks that check blood alcohol content under a measure being considered by Wisconsin lawmakers. Shawn Johnson reports…

Democratic State Senators have passed a plan that would let victims of wage discrimination sue their employers. Shawn Johnson reports…

The state school superintendent wants to expand foreign language education to younger students in Wisconsin. Two lawmakers supporting the idea are pushing for state grants that would help pay for bilingual teachers. Shamane Mills reports.…

Supporters and opponents of a proposal for a new state law banning a procedure know as Partial Birth abortions testified before an Assembly committee in Madison Thursday. The bill is designed to bring state law intro compliance with a federal ban on the procedure. Gil Halsted reports.…

Victims of clergy abuse are expressing doubts about the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese's stated financial problems. A victim's group is also charging cover-up, after documents about the sexual misdeeds of a former Wisconsin priest were released Thursday. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

Prison Guards and prisoner's rights advocates are often at odds. That's the case with a proposed bill to limit the ability of inmates to bring criminal complaints against prison staff directly to a judge. Gil Halsted reports.…

A plan that cleared the State Senate yesterday would ban insurance companies from using peoples' credit scores to calculate premiums. Shawn Johnson reports…