May 2008 NEWS ARCHIVES


Jobs Still Available in Wisconsin
5/31/08

Despite hard economic times, Wisconsin employers will still have to hang out the "help wanted" signs over the coming decade. New estimates from the State Department of Workforce Development show there will be a million job openings. Patty Murray reports…

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Still Room for Improvement Among Poor Students
5/31/08

Wisconsin education officials say test scores for low income and minority students are better than they were 3 years ago, but there’s still room for improvement. Brian Bull reports…

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Wisconsin Gay Marriage Ban Upheld
5/31/08

A Dane county judge has ruled against the first legal challenge of Wisconsin's Gay marriage ban. But UW Oshkosh instructor Bill McConkey says he hopes to appeal the decision. Gil Halsted reports…

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McCain Apologizes For Using Military in Fundraising
5/31/08

In Milwaukee today, Republican presidential candidate John McCain said it was wrong to use the military in a fundraising e-mail for his campaign. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Desire for Anonymity May Drive Reduction in Campaign Ad Groups
5/31/08

Contributions to what are known as "527 groups" that run campaign ads are at all time high in Wisconsin. But a government watchdog says these groups could be on the way out. Shawn Johnson reports…

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”Defense of Marriage” Amendment Challenged in Court
5/30/08

Opening arguments begin this morning in Dane county circuit court in a lawsuit challenging the state's constitutional gay marriage ban. The suit, brought by a UW-Oshkosh professor whose daughter is gay, will likely end up in the state Supreme Court. Gil Halsted reports…

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Homeland Security Searches for Bombs in Green Bay
5/30/08

There was an extra layer of security at the Green Bay airport Thursday. Federal Transportation Security agents were working with local law enforcement to conduct random searches. The searches will eventually be performed at all of the nation's airports. Patty Murray reports…

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Kids Health Care Pricey in Wisconsin
5/30/08

A national health policy group ranks Wisconsin high for access and quality of care given to children. However, Wisconsin does poorly in comparison to other states when it comes to cost. Shamane Mills reports…

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Deadly Pipeline Explosion Found Accidental
5/30/08

The first report from the Enbridge pipeline explosion that killed two Superior men is complete. Enbridge Energy says a series of unusual conditions caused a pipeline leak and fire at a repair site in northwestern Minnesota last November. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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Lt. Governor Reports on Status of Women
5/30/08

A new report from Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton suggests Wisconsin women have seen improvements in the workforce and in health and safety in recent years. But she says a few roadblocks are still standing in the way of full equality. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Play Ball!
5/30/08

While the Brewers have been playing baseball now since the beginning of April, fans in Duluth, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Wausau, Madison, and Green Bay are ready to root for *their* hometown teams.

The Northwoods League season is underway, weather permitting in some towns, and joining us now with more on that is League President Dick Radatz, Junior. Good morning!…

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John McCain Says He Can Win Wisconsin
5/30/08

GOP presidential candidate John McCain continues his visit to Wisconsin today. He'll do media interviews and hold a news conference. Last night, McCain raised money in Milwaukee....and tried to raise concerns about Democratic candidate Barack Obama. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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National Guard Deployments More Frequent, But Shorter
5/30/08

More than 34 hundred Wisconsin National Guard soldiers will be heading overseas next year most to Iraq or Afghanistan. It's the largest mobilization of the guard since World War II. What happens to these weekend warriors when they get back depends a lot on the economy and their current employees. Gil Halsted reports…

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Communities Embrace Small Electric Cars
5/29/08

The City of Marshfield is the latest Wisconsin community to consider allowing small electric cars on its streets. Glen Moberg reports…

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New UW-Madison Chancellor Chosen
5/29/08

The candidate recommended to become the UW Madison’s next Chancellor says she’ll work to improve faculty pay, review the school’s funding model, and strengthen the university’s role in economic development in Wisconsin. Brian Bull reports…

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Court Rules Against Insurance Company
5/29/08

A Wisconsin family denied certain health coverage for their son who had a brain tumor has won a final court battle. That means the HMO must pay for the child's cancer treatment. Shamane Mills reports…

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Legislators Fear Governor Will Cut Basic Services
5/29/08

The State Assembly tried unsuccessfully this afternoon/yesterday to put limits on where Governor Jim Doyle can cut when he trims hundreds of millions of dollars from the state budget. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Wisconsin Justice Reprimanded by Peers
5/29/08

For the first time in its history the state supreme court has disciplined one of its own. In a sixty page ruling released today/yesterday the court publicly reprimanded Justice Annette Zeigler for what it termed a "serious failing". Gil Halsted reports…

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DNR Opposes Paintball on Public Lands
5/29/08

The DNR is closer to curtailing paintball games in state parks and other DNR -controlled lands. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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State to Partner With Individuals to Protect Wetlands
5/29/08

The DNR has updated its strategy for reversing the loss of wetlands in Wisconsin. But the quality of some created wetlands remains in question. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Cities to Apply for Great Lakes Water
5/28/08

The city of Waukesha says it's getting ready to apply for drinking water from Lake Michigan, now that Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has signed a bill ratifying the Great Lakes Compact. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Insurance Companies to Estimate Patient Costs
5/28/08

As consumers spend more of their own money on health care, insurance companies in Wisconsin are promising to give patients an idea what costs they'll have to pick up on their own. Shamane Millls reports.…

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Groups Criticize Village’s Land Sale
5/28/08

Two organizations that oppose the Village of Holmen’s controversial sale of a piece of land to the local Lion’s Club are considering their legal options. Steve Roisum reports…

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Some University and State Workers Get Small Raises
5/28/08

A panel of legislative leaders has signed off on new contracts for unionized state workers and in the process scaled back raises that were scheduled for university employees. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Legislators Will Try to Veto Governor’s Veto
5/28/08

Republicans in the State Assembly will try to override one of Governor Jim Doyle's vetoes today that took more than 100-million dollars out of Wisconsin's roads fund to help balance the budget. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Dells Face Shortage Foreign Workers this Summer
5/28/08

There'll be fewer young Europeans working at resorts in the Wisconsin Dells this year . Resort owners blame new visa restrictions and the rising value of the Euro. On top of that , high gas prices are making it harder to recruit young Wisconsinites to fill the available jobs. Gil Halsted reports…

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Legislators Extend Land Stewardship Program
5/28/08

Land conservation groups in Southern Wisconsin are making a pitch for more dollars from the state Stewardship Fund. The groups hope local restrictions on hunting don't hurt their cause. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Soldiers and Peace Activists Share Wish
5/27/08

Cut roses and the sound of the bagpipes both played a prominent role in two different Memorial Day ceremonies in the state Capitol yesterday. One of them featured military music, the other anti-war anthems. But as Gil Halsted reports speakers at both events veterans spoke about their hopes for peace. …

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Future Factors Could Derail New Budget Fix
5/27/08

State government faces a variety of possible pitfalls over the next year or so that could unravel the budget fix lawmakers and the governor crafted this month. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Wisconsin Youngsters Getting Wider, say Officials
5/27/08

State officials say a sizeable portion of Wisconsin kids are at an unhealthy weight. Shamane Mills reports.…

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Interior Department Decision May See Legal Response
5/27/08

Last week, the U-S Department of the Interior announced that it’s going to put more than 13-thousand acres of land into trust for the Oneida Indian Nation of New York. Among those disputing the decision is a Wisconsin tribe. Brian Bull reports…

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It’s a Nice Day for a…Green Wedding
5/26/08

At least two million weddings will be held in the U-S this year. Many of them will be extravagant events, with limousines. But for some couples, their walk down the aisle will be more like a stroll on an environmentally-friendly path. They'll have what's called a green wedding. Chuck Quirmbach reports.…

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Liability of Power Companies in Voltage Dispute Discussed
5/26/08

State lawmakers are considering limiting when farmers can sue utility companies over claims that stray voltage hurt their cows' milk production. Shawn Johnson reports...…

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Nixon-era Politician Recognized in New Boook
5/26/08

This Memorial Day weekend, there's one book topping the summer reading lists of political junkies in Wisconsin. With Honor is a critically acclaimed biography of Marshfield native Melvin Laird. Glen Moberg reports.…

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Slain Student Case Still Haunts University
5/26/08

Among the Memorial Day services being held today, is one for a murder victim whose case remains unsolved - 40 years after her body was found on the U-W Madison campus. Jesse Boyett-Anderson reports.…

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Charity Booster Group Sets up Shop in Wisconsin
5/26/08

A self-described philanthro-pest and his organization is now pushing people in the La Crosse area to make charitable donations an annual commitment. Maureen McCollum reports on the “One-Percent Club”.…

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Congressman Reports On Gas/Energy Concerns
05/23/08

Western Wisconsin congressman Ron Kind says lawmakers are working to lower gas prices and energy independence. As Steve Roisum reports….kind says more needs to be done…

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Dells Could Benefit From High Gas Prices
05/23/08

Gas prices keep rising as the summer travel season begins. As Jesse Boyett-Anderson reports, record-breaking fuel prices may end up helping one Wisconsin tourist destination …

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Main Street Wisconsin at 20
05/23/08

Wisconsin's Main Street Program is marking its 20 year anniversary. In that time, supporters say, they've helped save old buildings and pump up the economy. Patty Murray reports…

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College Applications Up
05/23/08

Colleges nationwide are reporting record numbers of applications from high school graduates. But how that all plays out in filling next fall’s freshman class varies from campus to campus. Brian Bull checked in with several U-W schools, and has this report…

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Northwoods State Senate Seat to be Contested
5/23/08

Former Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Jim Holperin has formally declared his candidacy for the northwoods state senate seat being vacated by Democrat Roger Breske. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Madison MedFlight Resumes Limited Service
5/23/08

A UW Hospital official says MedFlight operations out of Madison will resume today. The announcement comes nearly two weeks after a helicopter crash killed a MedFlight crew outside La Crosse. Brian Bull reports…

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Mental Disorder Not Treated in Jails, Prisons
5/23/08

A disability rights advocate says the sentencing this week of a sex offender with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder highlights the shortage of mental health treatment in Wisconsin jails and prisons. Gil Halsted reports…

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Feds Investigate Selective Prosecution
5/23/08

he US Department of Justice says it's investigating allegations of selective prosecution in the case of wrongly convicted Wisconsin state employee Georgia Thompson. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Two Civil War Soldiers Get New Headstones
5/23/08

A graveside ceremony in Milwaukee tomorrow will officially reverse a rare error in a National Cemetery. The error dates back more than one-hundred years . Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Wisconsin Man Leads 50th Trip to the Indianapolis 500
5/23/08

You're listening to "Morning Edition" on Wisconsin Public Radio. I'm Terry Bell. The Indianapolis 500 is one of America's greatest sports traditions... and it's a great tradition, too, for many people in Wisconsin who've been taking the bus with Jerry McGovern from Sun Prairie to see the big race, every year, for the last half-century! Jerry McGovern joins us on the phone right now. Good morning!…

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Wisconsin Senators Grill Oil Executives
5/22/08

In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill yesterday, lawmakers took oil executives to task for record-high fuel prices. Among them were Wisconsin Democrats Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold. Brian Bull reports…

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Great Lakes Legacy Act Up for Re-Authorization
5/22/08

Congress is looking at reauthorizing a major pool of money for cleaning up Great Lakes harbors. But various groups want the program improved. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Sixth GOP Assembly-member Bows Out From Further Races
5/22/08

Another longtime state representative has announced he won't seek re-election. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Rwandan Refugee Shares Her Story of Hope
5/22/08

A survivor of genocide in the African country of Rwanda brought a message of hope and forgiveness to Central Wisconsin Wednesday. Glen Moberg reports…

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Teens Don’t Rely on Racial Stereotypes
5/22/08

A new national study headed by a U-W researcher indicates that while most teenage students don't label themselves solely by ethnicity, about 30-percent are labeled as such by their peers. Jesse Boyett-Anderson reports…

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Prison Psychiatrist Accused of Medical Malpractice
5/22/08

An inmate at the Columbia Correctional facility is accusing the state's chief prison psychiatrist of medical malpractice. That and other allegations in Brian Locke's ongoing legal battle with the Department of Corrections raises questions about how the state is dealing with mentally ill inmates. Gil Halsted reports…

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This story was prepared cooperatively with Bill Lueders of Isthmus.
Read the Isthmus story online.


Madison Group Holds Vigil for Illegal Immigrants
5/22/08

An immigration raid at a meat packing plant in Iowa last week has inspired a group of Guatemalan immigrants in Madison to hold a vigil and fundraiser for the families of more than 300 likely deportees. Gil Hlasted reports…

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Astrophysics Team Captures Birth of a Supernova
5/22/08

A Wisconsin scientist is part of a team that's reporting the first-ever look at light from the earliest stages of a super-nova. The team hopes the event tells them more about us. Chuck Quirmbach has the story…

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Budget Repair Expands Wisconsin Shares Funding
5/21/08

At a time when many state agencies will be cut to help fill a budget shortfall, Wisconsin lawmakers and the governor agreed to spend more money on a child care subsidy. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Group Pushes for Passage of Child Victim's Protection Act
5/21/08

A group that represents victims of clergy abuse is calling on Wisconsin lawmakers to act on a bill that would lift the statute of limitations in some cases. It is also wants a Wisconsin State Supreme Court Justice to explain why he never prosecuted a now-convicted Priest when two boys accused him of abuse. Patty Murray reports…

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Complications Found in Teen Blood Donation
5/21/08

States hoping to increase blood donations have passed laws allowing teens to do so. This generosity may come with a price: a study by the American Red Cross shows teens are more likely to faint or bruise. Shamane Mills reports…

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Phone Scams Moving Out of US
5/21/08

Increased enforcement of state and federal fraud laws is beginning to have an impact on phony e-mail and telemarketing scams. The Federal Trade Commission today/yseterday released a list of 180 enforcement actions carried out in states across the country including Wisconsin. Gil Halsted reports…

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Ginew Grandmothers Plead Not Guilty
5/21/08

Ten Lac du Flambeau tribal members have all pleaded “not guilty” to charges stemming from a protest last March. The group, known as the Ginew Grandmothers, appeared at the Vilas County courthouse earlier this week. Brian Bull reports…

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Program Encourages Environmentally Friendly Drug Disposal
5/21/08

Two Wisconsin counties will test a free, mail-in program to dispose of old prescription drugs. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Wolf Population Remains Steady
5/21/08

A report that the grey wolf population in Wisconsin may be levelling off may not quell the push for a wolf hunt. Chuck Quirmbach has the story…

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Doyle Travels to Canada
5/20/08

Governor Jim Doyle is in Canada this week to talk about how Wisconsin can work with its biggest trading partner on expanding renewable energy and agriculture. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Lessons Learned From High School Shooting
5/20/08

Almost two years after a student fatally shot his high school principal, the district’s superintendent will be publicly sharing lessons from that tragedy. Brian Bull reports on today’s online event…

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Minority Business Program Comes Closer to Reaching Goals
5/20/08

Once again Wisconsin's State Government has not met its goal of buying 5-percent of what it needs from minority-owned businesses. But the program has made gains, and Officials say this might be the year the goal is finally met. Patty Murray reports…

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McGee Trial Advances
5/20/08

Jury selection is underway for a former Milwaukee alderman accused of political corruption and other charges. But some see the trial of Michael McGee, Jr. as a civil rights case. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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School Lunches Hurt by Rising Costs
5/20/08

Rising food prices are forcing schools to work harder to make a dollar go as far as possible. For some districts its meant substitutions in what students are served or how much they pay for each meal. Shamane Mills reports…

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DNA Collection Could Both Help and Hurt the Innocent
5/20/08

A spate of new laws passed since 2001 require both state and federal law enforcement agencies to increase the number of people they take DNA samples from after arrests. An attorney for the Wisconsin Innocence project says expanding DNA data bases is a doubled edged sword. Gil Halsted reports…

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Does Craigslist Threaten Print Media?
5/20/08

Today on "Morning Edition", we've been considering the impact the website "Craig's List" has had on smaller communities around America, as the popular online advertising site is expanding. We'll consider how it's having an affect on Wisconsin. Terry Bell spoke with Peter Fox, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. Good morning!…

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Doyle Appoints New Railroad Commissioner
5/20/08

Governor Jim Doyle has tapped a longtime state senator to be Wisconsin's next Railroad Commissioner, and in the process he's left Senate Democrats with a tougher fight on their hands for this November's election. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Questions Raised Over Efficacy of 911 System
5/20/08

Public frustration about Dane county's 911 system boiled over at a public hearing in Fitchburg last night. A County supervisor at the meeting promised to push for establishing a separte tax levy to improve emergency response procedures. Gil Halsted reports…

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Former DNR Employee Bequeaths Money For Land Preservation
5/20/08

A ceremony is scheduled for today to honor a former Wisconsin DNR employee who gave six-hundred thousand dollars to help protect some state land. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Film Project Benefits Local Venues
5/19/08

John Dillinger’s legacy as a bank robber actually seems to be helping put money into the coffers of groups who are often looking for financial help the state’s historical societies. Brian Bull reports…

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Retail Clinics Expand Health Care Options
5/19/08

An industry that had explosive growth its first couple years is showing signs of slowing down. Some retail health clinics across the nation are scaling back, but others are expanding in places like Wisconsin. Shamane Mills reports…

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Red Cliff Chippewa Receive Low-Income Housing Grant
5/19/08

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is providing more low-income homes for its members, with help from a grant they received last year. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior…

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Family Seeks Combat Casualty Status for Son
5/19/08

The parents of an Iraq war veteran from Neenah have launched a legal battle to win official recognition that their son is a combat casualty of the war. Gil Halsted reports…

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Doyle Applies Veto Pen to Budget
5/17/08

Governor Jim Doyle used his veto pen Friday to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the budget repair bill legislators sent to his desk earlier this week. Shawn Johnson reports…

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UW Awards Two Honorary Degrees
5/17/08

Honorary degrees are causing controversy at some higher learning institutions. Phyllis Schlafly just got an honorary doctorate from Washington University. UW Madison will award 2 honorary degrees,doing so without the firestorm seen at other universities. Shamane Mills reports…

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Blind Bicyclists
5/17/08

More bicyclists have been on the streets and roads, during this week's Bike to Work Week. Today some visually impaired bicyclists begin their riding season. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Students Pledging to Stay Green After Graduation
5/17/08

It's graduation season and some students in Northeastern Wisconsin will be wearing their concerns for the environment on their robes. They'll put on green ribbons as a sign they plan to keep the planet's well being in mind in their future careers. Patty Murray reports…

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More Wisconsin Soldiers Will Deploy in 2009
5/16/08

The head of the Wisconsin National Guard says up to 40-percent of his soldiers could be deployed overseas next year. Shawn Johnson reports…

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New Doctor Graduates at Age 53
5/16/08

On average, only a dozen students over age 50 will graduate from medical schools in the United States. Today one them will do so at UW Madison. Shamane Mills reports…

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Wisconsin Shares Election Emergency Expertise
5/16/08

Wisconsin’s chief elections official has testified at a Congressional hearing, to help representatives understand emergency contingency plans for disasters that occur during elections. Brian Bull reports…

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State May Raid ID Fund to Fix Budget
5/16/08

Governor Jim Doyle says he's concerned with the legislature's decision to use a recently increased drivers license fee to help balance the budget. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Monitoring Bracelets Too Expensive for Some Prisoners
5/16/08

The number of Dane County parolees and proabtioners wearing electronic monitoring bracelets instead of sitting in jail is on the rise. So is the fee they have to pay to wear one. Gil Hals ted reports…

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Groups Speak Out Against Drunk Driving
5/16/08

With spring comes prom, senior skip days and graduation parties, local schools are reaching out to raise awareness about drinking and driving. Tegan Wendland reports from Superior…

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More People Biking as Gas Prices Rise
5/15/08

Now that gas prices have topped the four dollar mark in some parts of the state...more people are using two-wheels instead of their cars. Statistics show bicycles are a relatively safe way to get around, but experts say cyclists and car drivers need to remember the rules of the road. Patty Murray reports…

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State and City Work to Protect Milwaukee Witnesses
5/15/08

The State Justice Department is teaming up with the Milwaukee police and District Attorney's office to crack down on people who threaten crime victims and witnesses. Supporters say if it works it will make the city safer but they also say there's not enough money available to fund it over the long term. Gil Halsted reports…

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Wisconsin Senate Approves Great Lakes Compact
5/15/08

The state senate has ratified the Great Lakes Compact, but Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior that one legislator says there’s still more work to be done…

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Cities Ban Deer Feeding
5/15/08

Several cities in Wisconsin are looking at banning the feeding of deer....in hopes of reducing the urban deer population. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Assembly Passes Budget Patch
5/15/08

Twenty Democrats joined with 31 Republicans in the state assembly to pass a budget repair bill today/yesterday. The final vote was 51 to 46. But Governor Doyle is expected to make some targeted vetoes. Gil Halsted reports…

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Controversial Farm Bill Passes Congress
5/15/08

The 290-billion dollar Farm Bill has cleared the U-S House of Representatives by a veto-proof margin, despite opposition from most of Wisconsin's Congressional delegation. But feelings remain mixed as to whether it truly helps farmers and their families. Brian Bull reports…

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Proposed Power Plant Provokes Environmental Concerns
5/15/08

The battle over coal-fired power plants continues this morning in Madison, as stockholders of Alliant Energy gather for their annual meeting. Environmental groups hope to sway investors to oppose a plant Alliant wants in Southwestern Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Budget Repair Bill Passes Senate
5/14/08

Today the Assembly is expected to take up a budget repair bill passed by the state Senate on Tuesday. The vote to pass the spending package was mainly along partisan lines and came amidst warnings that it won't solve Wisconsin's financial woes for long. Shamane Mills reports…

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Doyle Orders Racial Tracking in Criminal System
5/14/08

Governor Doyle has ordered some steps to try to reduce future racial disparities in the Wisconsin criminal justice system. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Lake Superior Tours Raise Awareness
5/14/08

Educators from the U-W Extension are promoting awareness of water quality issues facing the most pristine of the Great Lakes. Sign-up for the three-hour tours begins next week. Danielle Kaeding has the story…

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Endangered Status Sought for Polar Bears
5/14/08

An international advocate for polar bears is speaking in Wisconsin this week, as the Bush Administration nears a deadline for declaring polar bears a threatened species. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Housing Slump Effect in Wisconsin
5/14/08

A realtor’s group says home sales in Wisconsin are down compared to this time last year, and have fallen more in the Midwest as a whole. As Brian Bull reports, experts cite several factors…

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Warnings About Salvia Divinorum
5/14/08

Parents and state lawmakers are raising the warning flag again about the health risks of smoking a legal herb, known on the street as "Sally D." The author of a bill to to ban its sale in Wisconsin says partisan politics are to blame for blocking his efforts. Gil Halsted reports…

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State Legislature Reaches Compromise on Budget Repair
5/08/08

State legislative leaders have a compromise budget repair bill they say can pass both houses later this week. How long it lasts depends on a lot of factors outside lawmakers control. Shamane Mills reports…

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Governor Doyle Unhappy with Legislature's Budget Repair Bill
5/08/08

Legislative leaders have a plan to plug the state's half-billion dollar budget hole. Governor Jim Doyle does not agree with all of it. Shamane Mills reports…

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New G.I. Bill Before Congress
5/08/08

Wisconsin veterans are urging Congress to pass a new G.I. bill. The House of Representatives may vote on the bill this week. Patty Murray reports…

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Philanthropist Believes Government Ineffective at Social Work
5/08/08

A philanthropist who's pledging 50 million dollars to fight social and economic ills in Milwaukee says he doesn't want the money going to a *government* program. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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UW's Med Flight Grounded
5/08/08

The head of UW Hospital’s Med Flight program says they’re keeping their two remaining helicopters grounded in the wake of Saturday night’s fatal crash outside of La Crosse. Three crew members died in the crash, which happened shortly after take-off from an airport. As Brian Bull reports, the UW Hospital is getting some help…

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Doyle Signs Emissions Agreement With UK
5/08/08

Governor Doyle has signed an agreement with the United Kingdom to share information about reducing emissions that trigger climate change. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Wisconsin Farmer's Union Supports Current Version of Farm Bill
5/12/08

The head of a large farmer’s advocacy group says she’s “pretty pleased” with the current version of the Farm Bill, and hopes Congress passes it in spite of a veto threat by the White House. Brian Bull reports…

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Facebook Works With Attorneys General to Stop Internet Predators
5/12/08

A major social networking website is teaming up with the nation's top law enforcement officials in combatting Internet Predators. Jesse Boyett-Anderson reports…

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Michigan May Pass Smoking Ban
5/12/08

Another midwestern state appears poised to enact a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars. As Shawn Johnson reports, proponents of a smoking ban in Wisconsin say that would make the badger state the ashtray of the Midwest…

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Website Tracks Animal-Based Diseases
5/12/08

There's a new online map for tracking wildlife diseases that threaten animals and people. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Arthritis Keeps Diabetics From Exercise
5/10/08

A lot of diabetics are advised to exercise; but they don't. They're not necessarily unwilling to get active, rather some feel they can't. A new government study points out why - and what's wrong with that perception. Shamane Mills reports…

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Gas Prices Don't Deter Bird Watchers
5/09/08

Bird watchers are starting to gather at favorite sites in Wisconsin, for tomorrow's International Migratory Bird Day. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Bells Pay Tribute to Deceased Students
5/09/08

Today, UW Madison honored the memory of seven students who've died during the past year. Jesse Boyett Anderson attended the on-campus ceremony, and produced this report…

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Twin Ports Workers Will Not Need New IDs Until Next April
5/09/08

The Department of Homeland Security is pushing back the use of new security clearance ID cards at ports across the nation. Danielle Kaeding reports that Duluth and Superior ports are among them…

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Ongoing Concerns of Inmate Mental Health at Boscobel Prison
5/09/08

Official federal oversight of conditions at the Boscbel prison ended a week ago. But some are still concerned that the strict isolation at the prison may cause mental health problems for inmates. Gil Halsted reports…

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Madison Company Hopes to Improve Flu Vaccine Production
5/09/08

The UW-Madison developed technology to get more flu vaccine.... prepared more quickly. Now a Madison company whose principal founders played a role in creating this method are hoping to expand on that knowledge ...to prevent and treat both seasonal and pandemic flu. Shamane Mills reports…

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Central Wisconsin Whooping Cranes Abandon Eggs
5/09/08

Whooping crane experts are trying to salvage what's left of crane eggs laid in the wild in Central Wisconsin this year. Difficulties with young cranes hatching on their own continues to slow progress of the whooping crane reintroduction experiment in the eastern U.S. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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College Grads’ Future Plans
5/08/08

College graduations are approaching, bringing thousands of new job applicants into an already crunched economy. At Marquette University in Milwaukee some graduating seniors say they have jobs. Others plan more schooling, and others are still looking. Elizabeth Shirek collected these comments…

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Midwestern Judicial Campaigns Cost More
5/09/08

A new review of judicial elections nationwide finds that the most expensive races are concentrated in Great Lakes states like Wisconsin. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Debate Over Environmental Impact of Utility Project
5/09/08

The DNR and environmental groups are back at odds, over a proposed cooling water system that environmentalists say could kill a lot of fish in Lake Michigan. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Religious Display Controversy Solved by Land Sale
5/09/08

The Holmen Village Board has decided on the future of Star Hill, where a long-time religious display has sparked a local controversy. Marureen McCollum has more…

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Democratic Leader Wants Budget Addressed on Tuesday
5/08/08

Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly will come to the capitol next week for a legislative session to address Wisconsin's 527-million dollar budget shortfall. But as Shawn Johnson reports... they may not have much company…

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Twin Ports Hoping for More Cruise Ship Traffic
5/08/08

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority is hoping to bring passenger cruising back to the Twin Ports. Danielle Kaeding reports…

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Wisconsin Part of Medical School Enrollment Boost
5/08/08

The need for more doctors has prompted medical schools in the U.S. to enroll more students. Wisconsin is part of that trend. Shamane Mills reports…

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Sandra Day O'Connor Urges Justice Selection Reform in Wisconsin
5/08/08

Former US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was in Milwaukee yesterday....urging lawyers to promote judicial independence. O'Connor was helped by the State Supreme Court Justice next up for re-election. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Website Scams Packer Fans
5/08/08

An online ticket-broker from Minnesota has agreed to shut down his website and to stop selling Packers tickets...unless he actually has possession of them. The action comes after an investigation by the State's Department of Consumer Protection found the seller had violated fair trade practices. Patty Murray reports…

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UW Prof Proposes Higher Alcohol Tax
5/7/08

Health and policy experts say Wisconsin could reduce over-consumption of alcohol by raising the liquor tax and making it less available. Shamane Mills reports…

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Wisconsin Student on Democratic Credentials Committee
5/7/08

A Lawrence University student might help affect the outcome of the Democratic Presidential nomination contest. Brian Bull explains…

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Blatnik Bridge Undergoes Maintenance
5/7/08

The safety of a major bridge connecting Duluth and Superior is under question after inspections found thin gusset plates. Tegan Wendland reports from Superior…

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Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Taverns
5/7/08

What first looked like a law student's prank turned out to be a tough knot for Wisconsin Supreme court to cut through. Tuesday, in an unusual 3 to 1 decison the state high court ruled that Madison bars did not violate state anti-trust laws four years ago when they agreed to restrict drink specials. Gil Halsted explains…

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More Wisconsin Companies Join Green Tier Program
5/7/08

Another Wisconsin company has joined the state's "Green Tier" program. Thirty-five Wisconsin businesses are involved with the initiative that's run by the DNR. Supporters say there are signs Green Tier is meeting its goal of reducing pollution. Patty Murray reports…

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Dane County Executive Apologizes for Mishandled Emergency Call
5/7/08

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk says she's sent letters of apology to the family and fiancee of a UW Madison student murdered last month, following an investigation into how the county's 911 Center handled a call from the victim's cell phone. Brian Bull reports…

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Wisconsin Assembly Democrats Feel Left Out of Budget Repair
5/7/08

Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly say legislative leaders need to bring them into budget negotiations if they're expected to help pass a budget repair bill. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Water Walk to Raise Awareness of Great Lakes Pollution
5/7/08

About a dozen Native people are walking north along Lake Michigan near Milwaukee at this hour as they near completion of a five year walk to draw attention to the Great Lakes. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Factory Jobs Return to Wisconsin
5/6/08

Some factory workers who once saw their jobs head overseas now have a chance to get them back. A company from Brazil is using the former Mirro plant in Manitowoc to make cookware once again. Now it plans to expand operations in Wisconsin and shift production here from a plant in China. Patty Murray reports…

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Racial Gap in Drug Arrests
5/6/08

Two new national studies place Wisconsin near the top of the list of states that arrest and imprison a disproportionate number of black drug offenders. Gil Halsted reports…

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WisDOT Considers Widening I-94
5/6/08

The State D.O.T. is getting some last minute advice on whether to widen Interstate 94 between Milwaukee and the Illinois State Line. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Road Projects May Be Cut to Fix Budget
5/6/08

Road builders say several highway projects and construction jobs may be cut in about a week without a deal to fix the state budget. Shawn Johnson reports…

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UW Losing Professors
5/6/08

The University of Wisconsin is one of the highest-ranking educational institutions in America. But its salaries and other compensation for faculty is low enough that professors are being hired away by other institutions at an alarming rate. The trend caught the eye of Robin Wilson, who's a reporter for the Chronicle of Higher Education, who recently wrote an article about it. Terry Bell spoke with her…

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Wisconsin Farms Supplement Income With Carbon Credit Exchange
5/6/08

Wisconsin's largest farm group hopes to get more farmers to sign up for a program to reduce carbon emissions into the air . The group is sponsoring ten informational meetings that begin today. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Organic Farmers Still Feeling Effects of Flooding
5/5/08

Last August's flooding hit many organic farmers hard in parts of Wisconsin. As Steve Roisum reports, farmers are rebuilding their operations, and planting seeds for this year's crops…

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Wisconsin's Support of Obama Unique in Election Season
5/5/08

When Wisconsin voters had their say in the Democratic presidential nominating contest, they overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. But some of the key demographics that Obama captured here have eluded him elsewhere. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Conference Addresses Concerns Over Development Along Lake Superior
5/5/08

Environmental researchers, architects and cities are pushing for green development along the shores of Lake Superior. Danielle Kaeding reports on a conference held in Duluth…

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Immigration a Topic at Town Hall Meeting
5/5/08

A few days after 30-thousand people marched in Wisconsin in favor of more immigration, some opponents of illegal immigration are making their views known to a sympathetic Congressman. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Reading Instruction Technique Rated Unsuccessful
5/3/08

A reading program that's part of No Child Left Behind is getting poor marks. An interim report shows the voluntary program being used in some Wisconsin schools is not improving reading comprehension among those its supposed to help: students at low income elementary schools. Shamane Mills reports…

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UW Madison Creates Text Alert System
5/3/08

The UW Madison is encouraging campus employees, students, and faculty to sign on for the latest component of its emergency alert system. Brian Bull reports…

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Head of Midwest E.P.A. Resigns Over Conflict With President
5/3/08

The head of the Midwest office of the E.P.A. has stepped down, apparently after criticism from the Bush Administration. Chuck Quirmbach looks at how top environmental regulators often get into trouble with politicians…

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Law Enforcement Turns Up the Heat This Summer
05/02/08

Commuters and vacationers are being warned to slow down this summer on Highway 41. Police will be working overtime to target speeders and people who are driving aggressively. Patty Murray reports…

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Ho Chunk Nation Denied Cigarette Tax Refund
05/02/08

A state appeals court says the Ho Chunk Nation cannot collect thousands of dollars in cigarette tax refunds. A representative for the Ho Chunk says they’re weighing their next move in the matter. Brian Bull reports…

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Thousands Rally for Immigration Reform
05/02/08

Marches and rallies were held in several Wisconsin cities Thursday, as Latino groups promoted federal immigration reform in the next administration. Tens of thousands of people marched in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach prepared this report…

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Concerns Growing Over State Budget Deficit
05/02/08

Governor Jim Doyle called legislative leaders into his office yesterday to discuss where they can find common ground on fixing a state budget shortfall. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Controversial Prayer Breakfast a Success
05/02/08

A controversial prayer breakfast that the Freedom From Religion Foundation says crossed the line between church and state went on yesterday morning without a hitch. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

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High School Seeks Race-Neutral Mascot
5/1/08

This week, people in Wisconsin Rapids are voting on a new team mascot for a local high school. It’s the latest development in an effort to eradicate Native American imagery from schools across the state. Brian Bull reports…

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Spirit of the Smelt Run
5/1/08

The smelt run is nearing its peak in Lake Superior. Danielle Kaeding reports on a fading tradition of an invasive species…

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Trial Begins in Death of 11-Year-Old Girl
5/1/08

Two Wausau area parents charged with reckless homicide in the death of their daughter will stay out of jail as they prepare for a trial that could go all the way to the Supreme Court. As Glen Moberg reports, the case involves issues of religious freedom and the safety of children…

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Economic Slowdown May Hurt Kids Health Plan
5/1/08

A national study warns that job loss could strain government health programs. Wisconsin officials say they've weathered financial ups and downs before. Shamane Mills reports…

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Cougar Prowled Through Wisconsin En Route to Chicago
5/1/08

Wildlife experts say a cougar killed by Chicago police this month was the same one that roamed South Central Wisconsin earlier this year. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Exhibit Brings Les Paul’s Legacy to Life
5/1/08

Guitarist Les Paul says he wants more young people to learn the science of sound. So, he's lending some of his more famous musical inventions to a museum in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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Legislators Oppose Plan to Bundle Budget Reform, Water Compact
5/1/08

Several state lawmakers are protesting the idea lumping together a budget repair bill with the Great Lakes Water Compact. Shawn Johnson reports…

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Milwaukee Latinos March for Immigration Reform
5/1/08

Thousands of Latinos are expected to march through Milwaukee and dozens of other US cities today. Pro-immigration groups are hoping to get the next US president to be more supportive of their efforts. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

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