Eight years after the Wisconsin Medical Society pushed for a ban on ephedra the federal government has come through. Shamane Mills reports...

The state Justice Department is taking another look at the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. This time, it's to determine whether almost two years of conference calls constituted illegal meetings. On the surface, it sounds like investigators may have a case. Terry Bell reports...

For probably the first time in Wisconsin history, and perhaps the first time in the nation's history, one person will be the mayor of two cities in two different states. Mike Simonson reports that former Superior Mayor Herb Bergson will be sworn in as Duluth mayor January 5th...

The city of Green Bay is getting ready to celebrate its 150th birthday. Party organizers are trying to track down some special guests so they can be invited to the party. Patty Murray has more...

The economic fall-out from mad cow disease could hurt Wisconsin. The state ranks among the highest beef producing states in the country. But so far, the industry is in the wait and worry mode. Frederica Freyberg reports...

2003 was a good year for Wisconsin farmers...according to Governor Jim Doyle. But concerns over Mad Cow disease cloud the horizon for the coming year. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

Howard Dean was talking health care in Green Bay today/yesterday (mon 29th). The Presidential candidate was taking questions at a forum sponsored by the State Democratic Party. The topic was "Working for Wisconsin." But most of the talk was on prescription drugs and the growing cost of health insurance. Patty Murray reports...

A federal judge’s decision has halted anthrax vaccinations for military troops across the nation including at fort McCoy near Sparta. Sandra Harris reports...

From the War in Iraq to the budget battle in Madison.....from the jobless...to the indicted. Those and more stories have made 2003 another lively year for news gathering. From the Wisconsin Public Radio News Department archives, here's a listen back at some of the highlights of the last 12 months...

Wisconsin doctors, just like those around the country, are performing an increasing number of weight reduction surgeries. More people are morbidly obese; and surgical remedies have become somewhat more acceptable, having been popularized by celebrities like Carnie Wilson and Al Roker. Shamane Mills reports...

Many farmers are worried about how the discovery of Mad Cow disease will affect beef consumption. That includes organic farmers. But they also hope their aim toward healthier animals may attract some consumers. Sandra Harris reports...

Supplies of the flu vaccine in Wisconsin are dwindling. Still, there should be enough for most people who still want a dose this season. Terry Bell reports...

State officials have been quick to proclaim Wisconsin beef and dairy cattle safe from Mad Cow Disease. But critics say the discovery this week of an infected cow in Washington state points to the need for tighter feeding regulations for all American cattle....

Counties along the path of the proposed Duluth to Wausau transmission line will probably debate whether or not to let the line be built on county property. The counties voted against letting American Transmission Company build on county property before, but this time around it might be different. Mike Simonson reports from Superior....

A UW-Madison scientist is leading an effort to build an exotic new telescope at the South Pole. Dave Potratz has the story...

Next month there will be a special session on a bill changing how Wisconsin regulates business. But don't expect lawmakers to convene on campaign finance reform. That despite more pressure for action. Shamane Mills reports....

The state wants to hold off on court-ordered changes at one of Wisconsin's toughest prisons, where inmates successfully sued; conditions were found to be cruel and unusual . Shamane Mills reports...

The state isn't taking "no" for an answer when it comes to getting cheaper prescription drugs. Shamane Mills reports on the latest efforts by Wisconsin officials to help residents get medication from across the border...

A re-licensing application will be filed early next year for a nuclear power plant that produces one-sixth of Wisconsin's electricity. WE-Energies has confirmed speculation that the company wants to keep the Point Beach nuclear plant running until at least the year 2030. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A group that promotes civil rights for lesbians and gays is raising questions about a state poll on same-sex marriage. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The new head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs has strong Wisconsin connections . The U-S Senate has just approved the appointment of Dave Anderson. Gil Halsted reports...

A citizens group opposed to a planned casino at a tribal bingo hall outside Madison will get help from a national anti gambling group. The group "No Dane Casino" plans an energetic get out the vote effort to defeat a February 17th referendum vote on the casino. Gil Halsted reports...

The third Wisconsin man freed through DNA evidence spoke at a capitol hearing today reviewing the state's criminal justice system. While genetic evidence exonerated Steven Avery and implicated another man, legal experts warn against seeing the technology as a panacea. They say the criminal justice system still relies on often inaccurate eyewitness accounts which are compounded by flaws in the appellate process. Shamane Mills reports...

Proposed federal rules on banning the blowing of train whistles could mean big changes for some Wisconsin communities that want to KEEP the whistles silent. And cities and towns that want to START bans on train whistles could face higher costs. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

As many as three thousand more Hmong refugees could be coming to Wisconsin from Thailand beginning next summer. That's good news for Hmong families here, whose relatives have been living in a squalid refugee camp. But it could put a strain on social service groups who will help re-settle them. Gil Halsted reports...

Many people in rural Polk county are alarmed by the increased use of the illegal, addictive drug, methamphetamine. And young people say it's an easy drug to obtain. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

Wisconsin isn't likely to get cheaper presciptions drugs from Canada because pharmacies there are worried about supply . Shamane Mills reports...

Eight people will hit the streets of downtown Superior tonight (Fri), to sleep in boxes and raise money for homeless and less fortunate people. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

Wisconsin politicians eager to make headway on a jobs bill before year end have come to a compromise. The proposal makes changes designed to stem a steady loss of jobs from state manufacturing and other sectors hit hard by a sluggish economy. But some are concerned that the plan to create a better business climate will harm the environment. Shamane Mills reports...

Five soldiers called up to serve in Iraq have gone absent without leave from Fort McCoy. Gil Halsted has details...

At a stop in Wisconsin yesterday, U-S Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson gave an enthusiastic endorsement of the new medicare reform legislation. The former governor joined Congressman Paul Ryan at one of several forums the Janesville Republican staged in his district yesterday (Th). David Cole reports from Kenosha...

The Wisconsin A-C-L-U is siding with family planning advocates in an effort to force employers to include contraceptives in employee health care plans. Gil Halsted has more...

About fifty people who say they were abused by Catholic clergy are starting a mediation process with the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese. A former State Supreme Court Justice will be one of the mediators. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The state justice department has completed its review of the handling of the Steven Avery case. Avery is the Two Rivers man who served nearly 18-years in prison for a sexual assault recent DNA evidence proved he did not commit. Frederica Freyberg reports...

The Bush Administration wants to allow big rigs carrying goods from across the border to travel U-S highways. The issue will be decided by the Supreme Court. Most American carriers are against the plan. However, one Wisconsin trucking company isn't fighting the proposed changes: it says let the trucks roll. Shamane Mills reports...

A Republican State Senator who's sponsoring the so-called Job Creation Act is the target of a radio ad beginning in her hometown this (th) morning. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

More than one hundred Hmong refugees in Wisconsin will lose the federal disability benefits they depend on by the end of next year, if they don't become citizens. Gil Halsted has more...

Nurses sick of working overtime are pushing for changes in state law; something they failed to get last session. They spoke out at a capitol hearing Wednesday. Shamane Mills reports...

A key state Republican lawmaker likes most of a new federal plan on reducing mercury emissions that build up in fish. The lawmaker’s view could stymie a Wisconsin proposal to cut mercury pollution. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Now that the Public Service Commission has approved the Duluth to Wausau power line, land owners in it's path are gearing up for a legal battle to stop it. One tactic they plan to use is to challenge the legal authority of power companies to condemn their land. Gil Halsted reports...

Some groups are worried a new technology could invade people’s privacy---to the point they could be tracked walking down the street. Sandra Harris reports...

A top Wisconsin official who didn't intend to publicly endorse any presidential candidate has come out in favor of Howard Dean. Shamane Mills reports...

In a suprise move the legislative committee that holds the state's purse strings dumped a jobs program of the governor's. The Joint Finance Committee met to give the welfare to work program more money to meet increased demand. It did that, but at the same time made the program cut. Frederica Freyberg reports...

The Public Service Commission is unaninmously backing the controversial Duluth to Wausau power line. At a public meeting yesterday commissioners explained their support for the 420 million dollar Arrowhead Weston Line . Land owners who own property in the path of the line disrupted the meeting before it was finished. They vowed to block the line in court. Gil Halsted has more...

A newly-proposed law would require Milwaukee private schools in the state-funded choice program to conduct criminal background checks and comply with financial standards. Frederica Freyberg reports...

3rd district congressman Ron Kind says it was a good weekend for the United States. Sandra Harris reports...

One part of the difficult fight against a deadly deer disease just got easier. The state now has a special machine to get rid of the dangerous proteins. Shamane Mills was at the unveiling in Madison this (Monday) afternoon...

A self-propelled train car that's reportedly easier on the environment got a test ride from state transportation officials Monday. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Governor Jim Doyle says he and Republican legislators are "close" to working out a deal on the lawmakers' so-called Job Creation Bill. But each side appears to be sticking to certain principles and no special legislative session has been called yet. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Budget-cutting continues to make an impact in communities large and small. In central Wisconsin, tough economic times have led to the decision to cut the Clark County Sheriffs Department's "DARE" program. "DARE" is being cut back...or cut altogether...in a lot of other places, too. Terry Bell reports...

Health officials in about half the states are reporting widespread flu outbreaks. The flu vaccine is in short supply...and some schools on the west coast have closed because most of their students are sick. So far Wisconsin hasn't been hit as hard as other states. Still, some people are searching out the vaccine "just in case." Students and teachers at U-W Green Bay got what might have been their last chance at a flu shot last Friday. Some came because of health concerns. Others say media hype drove them to get the vaccine. Patty Murray has more...

Two Milwaukee columnists are scolding Senator Russ Feingold for trying to cash in on this week's Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance reform. But the Senator says there's nothing wrong with bragging about his victory to raise cash for his re-election. Gil Halsted reports...

Now that the nation's highest court has made key decisions regarding campaign finance reform, Governor Jim Doyle says Wisconsin should act. Specifically, by passing a law regulating so-called issue ads. The U-S Supreme Court recently ruled such political speech is not protected under the first amendment. Shamane Mills reports...

Former State Senator Gary George appeared in Federal Court Friday and plead not guilty to two criminal charges. George and his attorney are already trying to pick apart the federal government's case. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A national study ranks Wisconsin at the bottom of all states in bio-terror preparedness. It tied with four other states for the lowest score, according to the year-long study released today by the Trust for America's Health. But Wisconsin Health officials say the study is just flat wrong...and they can prove it. Frederica Freyberg reports...

An important decision about the future of the locks and dams on the Mississippi River could be delayed. The National Research Council suggests the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers take more time to make recommendations for improving transportation. Sandra Harris reports...

Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold wants to cut ten billion dollars in subsidies for H-M-O's out of the recently passed Medicare reform bill. But the insurance industry says the money is needed to help them provide senior citizens more choices for health care coverage . Gil Halsted reports...

The state budget crisis is changing the way new buildings will be funded on University of Wisconsin campuses. State officials now say for the first time ever, private money will have to pay for a good portion of new classroom buildings. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

Protesters from Wisconsin who took part in demonstrations at the Free Trade conference in Miami last month, gathered in Madison last night. They chose International Human Rights Day to talk about alleged police abuses at the protest. Gil Halsted reports...

Campaign finance reform advocates in Wisconsin are ecstatic about the U-S supreme Courts ruling today/ yesterday upholding key provisions in the McCain-Feingold bill. But some corporate and political interest groups aren't happy. Gil Halsted reports...

Two top politicians will NOT face fines for leaving out campaign donor information. The state elections board has decided that Governor Jim Doyle and Assembly Speaker John Gard did not violate state campaign laws. Shamane Mills reports...

A local government summit set up by the Doyle Administration has produced several more ideas for saving taxpayer dollars across the state. But it's unclear as how many ideas will turn into action. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A lot of people in Wisconsin are having a hard time finding a flu shot. That's because supplies are dwindling. Terry Bell reports...

Possible health risks versus Wisconsin's growing need for power create a high energy debate at the state capitol over new nuclear plants. Shamane Mills reports...

Union leaders representing 470 striking workers in Jefferson are guardedly optimistic. The first bargaining meeting in the ten month long strike will take place next week. Gil Halsted has more...

Several concerns have come up, over a proposal to use taxpayer money to help the Circus World Museum in Baraboo and the Circus Parade in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

President Bush's chief political advisor was in Wisconsin last night. But Karl Rove seemed to be media-shy. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

All sixteen whooping cranes that left the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge this fall have safely made it to a refuge in Florida. That's the first time there's been no fatality on a flock's initial southbound flight. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Diplomats, Intelligence experts, attorneys and activists gathered in Green Bay Monday to talk about conflicts--and how to peacefully resolve them. They were attending an International forum on Social Justice. Patty Murray reports...

Some Y-W-C-A’s are considering a change in their mandatory policy of women-only leadership. Sandra Harris reports that some Y-W-C-A directors say the change is a bad idea...

Some Wisconsin restaurant owners are worried they'll be sued for making customers fat. A bill giving the food industry legal immunity for obesity claims got a hearing today before the senate labor committee. Frederica Freyberg reports...

Seniors and consumer groups are already working to undo the Medicare law signed by President Bush Monday. While much of the focus of the bill has been on a prescription drug benefit, the law will bring more money to Wisconsin hospitals and doctors providing care under the entitlement program. Shamane Mills reports...

Striking workers from the Tyson Foods plant in Jefferson mixed picket signs and Christmas Carols at an unusual event over the weekend. Their goal was to embarrass a member of Tyson's corporate board. Gil Halsted has more...

A new documentary video features intelligence and foreign service veterans criticizing the Bush Administration's war against Iraq. The video premiered at hundreds of house parties in U-S cities last night, including ones in Madison and Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

A Wisconsin Peace activist is just back from a trip to Iraq. He says support from the average Iraqi for the U-S military presence there is eroding. Gil Halsted has more...

It could be easier to build a new nuclear power plant in Wisconsin, that is if a bill in the legislature becomes law. It would eliminate some key requirements now needed to build new facilities. There'll be a hearing on the bill tomorrow at the state capitol. Terry Bell reports...

As congress considers reauthorizing the higher education act, much of the debate has centered on rising college costs and access for students. Two Wisconsin congressinal members who will help write this blueprint for higher education spoke to UW officials today (Friday). Shamane Mills reports...

Three Wisconsin Indian Tribes will hold a celebration Pow Wow this weekend near Green Bay. It's a thank you party for all the people who fought against the Crandon mine . Gil Halsted has more...

Sunday marks the 62nd anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, launching the United States into World War Two. While observances will take place around the state, fewer and fewer eyewitnesses to the attack are alive to talk about it. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

About one-hundred Green Party activists are paying to go to school in Racine this weekend. It's the Party's first political campaign school in the Great Lakes region. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Teams of Israeli students are touring U-S college campuses in an effort to counter what they believe is an Anti-Israeli bias in the U-S media. One team is in Madison this week. Reporter Gil Halsted talked with two of them...

Users and supporters of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore have overwhelmingly told the Park Service they want the Lake Superior archipelago to be kept as a mostly-wilderness area. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

The latest survey of high school students who engage in risky behaviors showed the use of alcohol is down from two years ago…but not much different than 10 years ago. Mary Jo Wagner has more on what the Menomonie High School has been doing about alcohol usage...

A new study by a public policy research foundation concludes prohibition is sneaking in through the back door in the United States. Sandra Harris reports...

Businesses in four Wisconsin counties will likely go back under additional air pollution restrictions, under an ozone plan that federal officials have just announced. The counties are in eastern Wisconsin. The state and E-P-A disagree about the pollution designation for a fifth county. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Property tax bills are coming soon. This fall, local governments in Wisconsin faced the first round of local budget-setting since the state legislature scaled back shared revenue aid to municipalities. Most have just wrapped up their budget decision making and many local governments are raising taxes to make up for those cuts in shared revenue. We'll look at local taxes around the state starting in Madison.

A controversial Bush Administration proposal on limiting the mercury emissions that build up in fish is re-igniting the debate over proposed mercury rules in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The state board that oversees the Edvest college savings program made it official today. It voted to approve four new non-Strong investment options....new options that include lower fees.Frederica Freyberg reports...

Wisconsin may have to spend more than half a milion dollars to keep the cells cool in the state's toughest prison. It's the latest court ruling in the ongoing legal battle with inmates at what used to be called the Wisconsin Supermax. Gil Halsted reports...

An influential government task force says doctors can do more treat obesity. It says physicians should aggressively pursue the sensitive topic with overweight patients instead of waiting for them to bring up the issue. Shamane Mills reports...

U-W Madison has joined twenty other universities in pushing the federal government to lift new restrictions on federal research grants. Gil Halsted reports...

Dairy farmers who operate in a market with widely fluctuating milk prices often have to look to the federal government for help. But for those in Wisconsin who want to take things into their own hands can get help through a program called Milk Money. Mary Jo Wagner has more...

Wildlife watchers with the Department of Natural Resources are smiling after this year's 9-day hunt. Deer harvest numbers are not only higher than last year, when Chronic Wasting Disease dampened enthusiasm, but the numbers are also higher than two years ago. Mike Simonson reports from Superior...

The state is gearing up to discourage people from burning trash and some yard waste. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Regulatory changes republicans say will encourage job growth are being criticized in new television ads paid for by an environmental group. Shamane Mills reports...

Wisconsin's paper industry is hoping the Bush Administration will repeal its tariff on imported steel. The tariff's were imposed almost two years ago in the hopes of helping the steel industry. But some of America's trading partners threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on some U-S exports, including paper. Patty Murray reports...

A so-called Jobs Creation bill now before the Legislature could affect who controls millions of dollars from utility ratepayers. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The debate over free trade -versus - fair trade is having an impact on holiday gift buying . Gil Halsted reports...

A day ago an Edvest manager reported investors pulled more money out of the college savings program than they put in during the first part of November...calling it a sign investors are nervous about allegations against Strong Capital Management. But two big announcements today could bring investors back. Namely, the resignation of Dick Strong and an agreement reached with the company allowing non-Strong investment options in Edvest. Frederica Freyberg reports...

Last month, a federal judge shut down R-X Depot, an Oklahoma-based seller of cheaper, re-imported prescription drugs. 85 stores are closed while the case is appealed. But new storefronts owned by different operators of other chains keep cropping up...allowing American consumers to buy Canadian drugs. Shamane Mills reports...

There’s political finger pointing going on in Madison over who’s to blame for cuts to state snowplowing budgets. In northern counties, already deep in snow cover, it’s the winter season of shared budget pain. Frederica Freyberg reports...

A key group of faculty at the UW Madison are hearing how they might be able to help trim book costs for studnets. The faculty senate was briefed on the matter yesterday (M) as it considers whether to appoint a comission to study the issue.. Shamane Mills reports...

Magicians are up in arms over an exhibit they say will force them to stop performing a popular illusion. The Houdini Historical Society in Appleton is in the midst of re-designing its exhibits on the famous escape artist and illusionist. But fans of magic say the results will give away the secret behind the "Metamorphosis" trick. Patty Murray has more...

In the past five years, more than 90 children have died in highway accidents in Wisconsin. New research says thousands kids in the state are in danger of injury or death in highway accidents every year. Terry Bell reports...

Millions of holiday lights have already been put up this year...and more homeowners, businesses and governments will be hanging lights soon. Now, there's an easier way to figure the cost of all the additional electricity . that's being used. Chuck Quirmbach reports...