Governor Jim Doyle signed Wisconsin's state budget yesterday, marking the first time in three decades that a budget was completed on time. Doyle also vetoed several pieces, including an optional sales tax hike for Milwaukee County. Shawn Johnson reports…

A political watchdog group is cheering on a bill that would let people find out about their elected officials’ finances without having to provide their names. The legislation has a hearing today at the state capitol. Brian Bull reports…

U-S. Senator Herb Kohl doesn't like the pace of health care reform. While universal advocates have urged quick action, the Wisconsin democrat is cautioning colleagues to be more deliberative. Shamane Mills reports…

Prison reform advocates in the state legislature aren't happy with the Governors budget veto message. Gil Halsted reports…

A political refugee from north eastern Africa now held in a Kenosha jail is hoping a federal Immigration judge will agree to release him tomorrow. Gil Halsted reports…

Grey wolves in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan are going back on the federal list of protected species at least for now. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Governor Jim Doyle will sign Wisconsin's state budget later this morning, marking the first time in more than three decades a budget was completed before the start of the new fiscal year. As Shawn Johnson reports, the Governor could also veto some pieces that were agreed to by fellow Democrats…

Sentencing a teenager to take a dance class is cheaper than locking her up. And advocates for youth courts say mentoring teen offenders is also more likely to prevent them from breaking the law in the future. But as Gil Halsted reports corrections officials aren't convinced that cheaper might be better…

A Christian group is suing a West Bend public library. It wants a teen novel about homosexuality taken from its shelves and burned. Brian Bull reports…

The best kept secret in Vernon County appears to be whether an Illinois developer intends to continue plans to place a concentrated animal feeding operation there. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Farm groups were happy that an attempt by some lawmakers to change the way farm land is assessed was dropped during state budget negotiations early this morning. But putting a microscope to the Use Value assessment law may have opened up the possibility for future changes. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

A project to change a former Wisconsin golf course into a preserve for migrating birds is getting some help from the federal stimulus package. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Advocates for Juvenile justice reform say they have a new weapon to use to force state and local governments to find alternatives to locking up teens who break the law. Gil Halsted reports…

The Wisconsin Dental Association is hosting its first Mission of Mercy event in La Crosse Friday and Saturday. Danielle Kaeding reports on efforts to improve dental care for low income people…

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services says reform will include public insurance for medical expenses --and hopes a reform bill will be on the President's desk this year. Shamane Mills reports…

Democratic leaders approved a revised state budget deal last night that would drop a tax on oil companies and collect more taxes from investors to make up the difference. It would also for the first time require all drivers to purchase auto insurance.

The full State Senate signed off just a few hours after the agreement was made public. And when the State Assembly meets later today it could all but close the book on Wisconsin's historically large budget shortfall. Shawn Johnson reports…

A state bankers group says after high demand for mortgage refinancing boosted bank earnings for the first quarter of 2009, rising interest rates may make the rest of the year sluggish for the industry. Brian Bull reports…

A group of national and international experts in the creation of community Time Banks are in Madison this week. At a forum in the state capitol today they plan to launch a new initiative using time banks to reduce racism in the country's juvenile justice system. Gil Halsted reports…

A utility in Madison is hoping to increase the use of electric vehicles for environmental and business reasons. Shamane Mills reports…

Cars aren't the only vehicles trying rechargeable batteries. Plug-in, hi-speed motorcycles have also come to Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Republicans hope to use the bad economy and state budget woes against Democrats in next year's elections. One hotly contested State Senate seat will be in the western half of Milwaukee County. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Democratic leaders are still meeting privately to negotiate a deal on Wisconsin's proposed $62.2-billion state budget. Shawn Johnson reports…

President Obama's push to increase the number of college graduates may result in a more simplified financial aid form. A Wisconsin education official welcomes the proposed changes. Shamane Mills reports…

The public sparring between outdoors and conservation groups over a new law slipped into the budget in the early morning hours last week is over...at least for now. They were duking it out over whether or not some use could be banned from certain wilderness lands. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

The death of a nine month old neglected, starving colt is being remembered in lessons given to children in northern Wisconsin schools. The WindChill Foundation is dedicated to teach people about neglect, abuse, dignity and respect for animals. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Educators and groups that fight substance abuse in schools are upset that the Obama Administration has stopped funding a state grant program. Some local advocates want it restored, despite criticism that the program isn’t effective. Brian Bull reports…

Democratic legislators signaled for the first time yesterday that they're close to a deal on a proposed $62.2 billion state budget. But as Shawn Johnson reports... they continued to negotiate the details privately…

The DNR Board has approved a compromise plan that affects buildings along Wisconsin shorelines. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin officials are releasing more details about how they plan to handle furloughs of state workers. Those unpaid days off will not only affect workers, but citizens as well. Shamane Mills reports…

Wisconsin may soon join the majority of states that provide special protection for a journalist's right to withhold the identity of their confidential sources. Gil Halsted reports…

In Madison yesterday, a small group protested a fundraiser for an anti-domestic violence organization. Demonstrators say the event’s keynote speaker has unfairly demonized men as the sole perpetrators of violence in the home. Madeline Nordholm reports…

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will take up the issue of whether personal emails sent by public employees are public records. Shamane Mills reports…

Household dishwashing detergents could no longer contain phosphorus under a plan that's poised to pass the Wisconsin State Assembly. Shawn Johnson reports…

The economy may be affecting sales of fireworks for some in Wisconsin this Independence Day, while business is up for others in the state. Danielle Kaeding reports…

The DNR is sketching out some early details of a possible wolf hunt in Wisconsin, while stressing that any hunt is still years away. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin is losing another corporate headquarters. Indiana-based Republic Airways says it plans to buy Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

More than 200 people from Milwaukee's Latino community showed up at the state capitol in Madison today/yesterday to lobby state senators to re-instate a provision that would allow undocumented immigrants to get driver ID cards. Gil Halsted reports…

Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker is being accused by Democrats of illegal campaigning during his annual Milwaukee County tourism promotion around the state. Rich Kremer reports from a stop of the motorcycle caravan in Superior…

Environmentalists are keeping the "heat" on Governor Jim Doyle to change more state-owned coal-fired power plants to other fuel sources. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Some unions and companies are having a difficult time with contract negotiations in light of tough economic times. Danielle Kaeding reports…

An advocacy group held a news conference in La Cross today to highlight what it calls the deepening health care crisis in Wisconsin. Steve Roisum reports…

What consumer protection officials describe as an "urban legend" is making the rounds again. Incorrect e-mail alerts warn that the numbers of cell phone users are about to be released to telemarketers. Shamane Mills reports…

Wildlife experts are celebrating the successful hatch of another whooping crane egg in Central Wisconsin. They're crediting a "First Family" of whoopers. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The unemployment rate in Wisconsin is still about nine percent. So, one of the more popular forums at a weekend energy fair dealt with so-called green jobs. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Tent caterpillars are on the march across much of Wisconsin this spring. The Department of Natural Resources says the worms are crawling their way from Dane County to Douglas County. But Mike Simonson says this isn't the same bug that strips entire forests every seven to ten years…

Wisconsin lawmakers reconvene this week to finalize the state budget. Part of that process will include repealing the controversial Qualified Economic Offer law, or QEO. Kristen Durst reports…

About 20,000 people attended the 20th edition of the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair near Stevens Point over the weekend. Fair officials are now talking about expanding their efforts elsewhere in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach filed this report…

The big tent is pitched at Big Top Chautauqua and the Blue Canvass Orchestra is ready to open the summer season Friday. But for the first time in its history, founder Warren Nelson will not be on stage. But as Mike Simonson reports, the show will go on…

As lawmakers keep negotiating over the state budget at the capitol, the future of one Wisconsin landmark may hang in the balance. Colin Bennett reports…

An economic think tank is out with advice on getting alumni to shell out for their alma mater. The fundraising arm for the UW-Madison says it’s no surprise that personal solicitations work; the difficulty is reaching donors in a world where technology is changing. Shamane Mills reports…

Federal regulators want to know why the Point Beach Nuclear Power plant is falling short on setting aside money to someday close the plant. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

An item added to the budget that passed the state Senate this week could chip away at the independence of Wisconsin's ethics agency. Shawn Johnson reports…

Anti-mining groups say they're getting ready to sue the state and a mining company over pollution near a former mine at Ladysmith. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Some Wisconsin communities are having a difficult time meeting state requirements to reduce pollutants from storm water runoff. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Roughly $80-million is being made available for low-income schools to upgrade their technology and information services. A representative from the state Department of Public Instruction says the timing couldn’t be better. Brian Bull reports…

This week, visitation at the Washburn County Jail went high tech. Telephones and bulletproof glass have been swapped for cameras and computer screens. Rich Kremer reports…

The Midwest Renewable Energy Fair takes place near Stevens Point this weekend. A big crowd is expected for Saturday's keynote speaker, a best selling author with an apocalyptic vision. Glen Moberg reports…

Wisconsin health officials don't expect swine flu to fade over the summer like regular seasonal flu does. They say the H1N1 virus is active throughout the state. Shamane Mills reports…

A plan that would let kids as young as 10 go hunting in Wisconsin is on its way to the Governor's desk. Shawn Johnson reports…

Writer Mike Perry has garnered a loyal and growing following ever since his debut book called "Population 485", about his experiences as an ambulance worker in New Auburn.

Perry has a new address now, Fall Creek. And a new book, called "Coop", about life on the farm, and his family life.

And Mike Perry joins us now to talk about "Coop". Mike, thanks for being with us…

Democratic Senators passed a version of the state budget last night that would kill a proposed tax on oil and replace it with major increase in Wisconsin's capital gains tax. The change was one of several Senators made that signal the debate over Wisconsin's two year spending plan is not over. Shawn Johnson reports…

Ten Wisconsin hospitals and the U.S. Army Reserve are staging several “mass casualty drills” this week, beginning today in Pleasant Prairie. Officials say it’s the largest ever exercise they’ve done yet to prepare for a possible, large-scale disaster. Brian Bull reports…

Wisconsin has the highest survival rate in the nation for people with the HIV/AIDS virus. Because of that, more people than ever--6600--live with the virus in the state. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Supporters of some environmental items in the proposed state budget say it's not pork-barrel spending. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Federal stimulus money is coming to northern Wisconsin to reduce the chance of wildfires and will also be used to look for endangered species. Mary Jo Wagner has more on the effects of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act…

Federal stimulus money will help one western Wisconsin city chug forward on improvements to its railroad depot. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Senate Democrats proposed sweeping changes to the state budget this afternoon that would kill a proposed oil tax, raise capital gains taxes, and mandate auto insurance for all Wisconsin residents. Shawn Johnson reports...

The landscape of the news business is changing drastically. A few major city newspapers have scaled back their printing... or moved all their content to the internet. Newspapers, television, and radio news staffs have felt the pain of shrinking advertising revenue, by getting smaller themselves. But there is a future for journalism... so says Jim Baughman, who's winding down his term as the director of the School of Journalism at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and he joins us now. Good morning!

The Wisconsin Senate has scheduled a vote for tomorrow afternoon on the proposed $62.2 billion state budget. As Shawn Johnson reports, it remains to be seen what changes they'll make to the plan…

Backers of school funding reform took to the streets in Madison yesterday. Madeline Nordholm attended the event and produced this report…

Nesting peregrine falcons are preventing the demolition of an historic ore dock on Lake Superior's shore. Mike Simonson reports…

Some help is on the way for small businesses that are reeling from slow sales and tight credit, but they have to act fast. Mary Jo Wagner was at a news conference at PM Sleep Center in Eau Claire…

The latest crime statistics for the state show a 20% drop in homicides in 2008. But the numbers haven't been crunched yet to determine whether there's been a change in the racial disparity rates for Wisconsin crime. That's something the Governor's commission on reducing racial disparity in the state's justice system will be tackling over the next few months . Gil Halsted reports…

A UW Madison psychiatrist says it will probably be another decade before researchers pinpoint which genes—and how many—play a role in depression. Shamane Mills reports…

Binge drinking is a part of Wisconsin’s culture that may be hard for some folks to swallow. Danielle Kaeding reports on four counties that received grants to address the issue…

The version of the budget that passed the Wisconsin Assembly last week would let several parts of the state raise local sales taxes to pay for bus and rail transportation. But there's no guarantee that those "regional transit authorities" will survive the full legislature. Shawn Johnson reports…

A panel of scientists has released its final version of a report on climate change, and significant impacts are being seen and projected for the Upper Midwest. Chuck Quirmbach has details…

Wisconsin will submit its official proposal to General Motors today. They're hoping to beat out Tennessee and Michigan for the opportunity to build small cars at the shuttered Janesville factory. Kristen Durst reports…

A Dodge County judge says the Wisconsin Department of Corrections cannot keep force feeding an inmate unless they agree to do it humanely. The case of Warren Lilly – who’s on a hunger strike – now goes to the state appeals court. Gil Halsted reports.…

One of Wisconsin's larger Superfund sites now has a final plan for clean-up. Mike Simonson reports…

Environmental and labor groups are pleased that the spigot is apparently being turned off on a plan to study privatizing Milwaukee's drinking water system. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A bill that would help determine where wind farms can be built in Wisconsin is sparking debate among people in Monroe County. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Starting today, the state is expanding its BadgerCare Plus health insurance program to adults who don't have kids. Shawn Johnson reports...

Five wildlife protection groups are asking a court to block Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan from killing problem wolves. The groups are also challenging a federal decision to take grey wolves in the Western Great Lakes off the endangered species list. Chuck Quirmbach reports... …

Democrats in the Wisconsin Senate met privately yesterday to debate several changes to the state budget that passed the Assembly over the weekend. Shawn Johnson reports... …

This was the first day people without dependent children could apply for a new Badger Care program. The program provides health coverage to people who earn less than roughly $21,000. Steve Roisum reports on people signing up this morning in La Crosse County…

A traveling group of Native Americans wants President Obama to apologize for the government-run boarding school system that began in the 1800s. On their way to Washington, the group visited the Lac du Flambeau reservation yesterday. The event coincides with the start of a major restoration effort of a boarding school dormitory there. As Brian Bull reports, many hard feelings surround the place…

Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly made several changes to the state budget last week before they passed it early Saturday morning. But they held onto provisions that would effect who can get a license in Wisconsin, what they'll pay for insurance, and the roads that they'll drive on. Shawn Johnson reports...

Foreclosures aren't just hurting Wisconsin homeowners and lenders. For neighbors, the economic consequences can be staggering. Kristen Durst reports…

A bill in the state legislature would ban the use of a controversial chemical sometimes used in children’s plastic bottles and cups. Madeline Nordholm reports…

Shawn Johnson gives us a state budget update (Sat. 8am)…

The U-S Congress will soon be debating a bill that would create a national commission to look for ways to improve the country's criminal justice system. Reformers in Wisconsin hope the commission's reccomendations will lead to an expansion of programs that keep offenders out of prison. Gil Halsted reports…

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is having some of its rangers go on poop patrol this summer. Mike Simonson has the scoop…

The city of Whitewater wants entrepreneurs, and has launched a campaign designed to entice as many as possible to set up shop there. Brian Bull reports…

There was a flood recovery celebration in Wisconsin Dells today. It aimed to show the importance of rural development and how different government agencies can work together following a crisis. Shamane Mills reports…

The invasion of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes may be followed by a takeover from one of its close cousins. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Shawn Johnson gives us a state budget update (Sat. 7am)…

President Barack Obama says if healthcare reform doesn't get done this year, it may never get done. He brought his message to Green Bay yesterday. He said the nation should emulate the region's relatively low costs and high quality of care. Patty Murray reports…

Majority Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly met privately all day yesterday before deciding to delay a vote on the state budget until later this morning. As Shawn Johnson reports, leaders insist that the changes they've made will be enough to pass the plan…

A year after heavy rains caused massive flooding across Wisconsin, many residents are still trying to recover their losses. But one organization which sees itself as a final resort for aid, says many flood victims aren’t asking for help. Brian Bull reports…

A congressional subcommittee held a hearing on paid sick leave yesterday. Only three cities in the country have the policy. Milwaukee is one of them. But as Shamane Mills reports-- it's stalled…

A recent report shows that online job postings fell in seven states last month, including Wisconsin. Madeline Nordholm reports on what this says about the Wisconsin labor market…

State ag officials have sent another batch of tree samples infested with the Emerald Ash Borer to Michigan this week. Researchers there plan to find out how long the invasive insect has been in affected counties. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Assembly Democrats have voted to kill a provision in the state budget that would have changed the way courts decide who's to blame for accidents... and who has to pay for them. Shawn Johnson reports…

A new national report says the clean energy sector stands to provide jobs, protect the environment, and help the lagging U.S. economy recover. But the outlook for “green” prosperity isn’t so rosy for Wisconsin. Brian Bull reports…

Consumers could end up paying an extra four-cents more per gallon of gas under a modified oil tax Assembly Democrats agreed to last night. Democrats changed the plan over concerns that the version the Governor introduced was complicated and unconstitutional. Shawn Johnson reports…

Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly have voted to restore about five-and-a-half million dollars to the budget of Republican Attorney General J-B Van Hollen. Shawn Johnson reports…

The costliest natural disaster in Wisconsin's history was last year's widespread flooding. In the last installment of Wisconsin Public Radio's flood follow-up series, Shamane Mills reports on buyouts for damaged homes and how officials are still trying to get more people to buy flood insurance…

Scientists say one of the Upper Mississippi River's inhabitants -- responsible for helping keep the waters clean -- may be threatened by changing water levels. Research is now underway that will determine how freshwater mussels are affected. Danielle Kaeding reports…

An Eau Claire couple has put themselves in the public eye by writing a book on what it’s like to be a midwestern family with two gay children. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

Just about the whole town of Bayfield turned out last Tuesday night to welcome back the woman who climbed Mount Everest last month. Some 300 people packed the Bayfield Pavilion to honor Lori Schneider. She’s the first person with multiple sclerosis to scale the world’s tallest peak. Mike Simonson reports…

As Green Bay gears up for a Presidential visit today, the nation gears up for debate on expanding health coverage to the un-insured. Supporters say it's not only critical for patients, but for the economy. Patty Murray reports…

General motors says it expects to make an announcement around the end of the month, on where it will build its new line of small cars. GM’s formers SUV plant in Janesville, which has been all but closed since the end of last year, if one of the three finalists. Senetors Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold and Congressman Paul Ryan met with Gm executives yesterday to make their case for Janesville. So did Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, whose district includes part of rock county, and she joins us now with more on yesterday’s meeting…

Significant flooding in southern Wisconsin during the last two years has put stress on flood-control dams there. Danielle Kaeding reports repairs are moving ahead slowly…

Local teachers unions would have the power to bargain over class preparation time under a measure now on its way to the Governor's desk. Shawn Johnson reports…

There has been rush on ammunition since President Obama took office in January. Fed by rumors over gun bans and tax increases as well as continued military demand, prices are on the rise and shelves are bare. Rich Kremer reports from Superior…

A Neenah physician says rural areas are not getting their fair share of research dollars. Steve Roisum reports…

Electronics manufacturers would be responsible for recycling old televisions, computers and other devices under a plan that cleared the state Senate yesterday. Shawn Johnson reports…

One western Wisconsin school is taking a look at whether Native American curriculum taught there meets state standards. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Shooting is under way this week for a musical based on the life of one of central Wisconsin's most notorious serial killers. Glen Moberg has the story…

10-year-olds would be able to go hunting in Wisconsin as long as they're accompanied by an adult under a measure that cleared the Wisconsin State Senate yesterday. Shawn Johnson reports…

One river community hit hard by last June’s flooding is considering re-locating businesses and residences to higher ground. Danielle Kaeding reports on Gays Mills' struggles to move forward…

A new, one-year, $150,000 grant aims to get Native Americans fired up for rocket science, in Wisconsin and beyond. Brian Bull reports…

Wisconsin lawmakers are moving quickly to prevent the state from running out of money in the budget that runs through the end of this month. Shawn Johnson reports…

Wisconsin hopes to avoid consumer problems with new Chrysler vehicles that may have major defects. The Italian automaker buying the bankrupt Chrysler says it will honor so-called "lemon laws." Shamane Mills reports…

A state investigation says the use of so-called "quiet rooms" and special education courses in the Ashland School District targeted Native American students. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

During this economic downturn, not many of us are eager to part with our money, not even for charity. But a local credit union is helping ordinary people to discover their inner-philanthropist by intrusting them with a little bit of cash to give away for the benefit of others. James Mills reports…

A new employment survey says hiring will remain sluggish in Wisconsin over the next three months. That's despite optimism from the Obama Administration that the stimulus package will create more jobs. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Assembly leaders are helping their fellow Democrats raise campaign money this month despite a promise earlier this year to prohibit fundraising while the state budget is being debated. Shawn Johnson reports…

Two coalitions that have worked together to preserve land in its natural state are now at loggerheads. They're sparring over an amendment added by the Joint Finance Committee in the early morning hours of their last session that changes the rules on access to some publicly-owned land. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Water is what nourished the Wisconsin Dells economy and its what helped to wash it away temporarily. Now there's cautious optimism that the rebuilding of Lake Delton will help, despite the financial situation of families and the country . Shamane Mills reports…

The president of the Lac du Flambeau tribe says he’s disappointed with last Tuesday’s (6/2) plea bargain agreement with a group of protesters, who occupied tribal buildings last year. As Brian Bull reports, the tribal council is crafting a resolution that could banish the group from the reservation…

As health reform discussions get underway on the national level, those providing family planning services want to make sure their programs aren't left out . One advocate describes Wisconsin as a "microcosm" of what needs to be done. Shamane Mills reports…

Wisconsin astronaut Jeffrey Williams will return to space onboard the Russian Soyus rocket September 30th. Mike Simonson reports that this will be the veteran astronaut's third trip into orbit…

A plan added to the state budget late last week would make it easier for more poor residents to get mental health treatment. Shawn Johnson reports…

Bicycle groups are keeping their gloved fingers crossed that an increase in money for bike projects will stay in the proposed state budget. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A ceremony last Saturday in Wisconsin will call attention to when a boat of Jewish refugees was turned away from the U.S. 70 years ago. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Early in the morning, 25 years ago today, a series of tornadoes hit portions of southern Wisconsin. The worst hit was Barneveld, in Iowa County. About 90 percent of the town was destroyed. Nine people were killed, and some 200 were injured. 93 homes were lost, and 64 were badly damaged. Mary Ann Meyers lived through the tornado, and still lives in Barneveld today. And she joins us how to share her memories…

Rank-and-file Democrats in the Wisconsin State Assembly are raising concerns with party leaders over the two-year state budget plan they're scheduled to vote on next week. Shawn Johnson reports…

The University of Wisconsin regents are trying to prepare for the impact state budget cuts will have on employees and students. At a meeting yesterday in Madison U-W officials told the regents there will likely be cuts in student financial aid, and lay offs of university staff are still on the table. Gil Halsted reports…

More repeat drunk drivers could be charged as felons and some would have to install "ignition interlocks" in their vehicles under a plan that appears poised to advance in the Wisconsin State Senate. As Shawn Johnson reports... some advocates are calling for a tougher approach…

U-S Education Secretary Arne Duncan made several stops during a visit to Milwaukee yesterday. At the Milwaukee Area Technical College, he announced a nationwide grant program to help displaced workers prepare for second careers. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Business leaders in Janesville are counting on state tax credits to help draw companies and jobs to the area. Kristen Durst reports…

Outdoor groups are raising Cain over a last minute change by the Joint Finance Committee that would limit public access to some state conservation lands. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

A state farmer’s group is trying to educate local consumers on the true cost of cornflakes. Steve Roisum reports…

Rummage sale season is in full swing. The down economy could prompt a bumper crop of homemade signs on light poles, as more people clean out the basement in search of extra cash. Hard times may also prompt more buyers to search for second hand goods. Patty Murray recently hit some sales and has this report…

Wisconsin's first death from the swine flu outbreak has occurred in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Wisconsin may soon join 31 other states that bar legislators from working as lobbyists for at least a year after they leave office. Gil Halsted reports on a Wisconsin bill that would impose similar restrictions…

The leader of the Wisconsin State Senate says there may yet be changes to a plan in the budget that would set up regional transit authorities for bus and rail. Shawn Johnson reports…

State School Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster is recommending more changes for the Milwaukee school system. Burmaster spoke yesterday at the first meeting of a controversial school oversight committee. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

It was a risky venture but the decision to build a nanotechnology incubation center has paid off for a partnership of higher education institutions in the Chippewa Valley. Mary Jo Wagner was at a news conference at UW-Eau Claire yesterday…

DNR Secretary Matt Frank says shipping industry concerns about technology are holding up a state plan to make oceangoing Great Lakes ships clean up their ballast water. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A group of La Crosse scientists traveled to China this spring to share information on river management. As Danielle Kaeding reports, Chinese scientists will be making their own visit to southwestern Wisconsin this summer…

The Wisconsin woman, who became the first person with multiple sclerosis to climb Mount Everest, is back in the state arriving in Janesville from Katmandu Tuesday night. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

The Obama Administration has named Chicago environmentalist Cameron Davis to be a so-called Great Lakes Water Czar. The move comes as a dredging effort begins on a polluted Great Lakes tributary in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The Wisconsin Assembly is tentatively scheduled to debate the state budget next week. As Shawn Johnson reports, majority Democrats may need to make some changes if they're going to round up enough votes for the plan…

The State Bar Association and the Wisconsin Public Defenders office are pushing for a $30 an hour increase in the rate paid to private attorneys who volunteer to defend people who can't afford a lawyer. But Republicans say increasing lawyer's salaries isn't a priority during a recession. Gil Halsted reports…

Ten members of the Lac du Flambeau tribe have worked out an agreement in a Vilas County court, to duck charges related to their occupation of several tribal offices last year. But as Brian Bull reports, defendants say they’re jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire…

A former spokesman for the Marathon County Republican Party says he was recently dismissed because he criticized talk show host Rush Limbaugh. But as Glen Moberg reports, current party leaders say that's misleading…

A proposal in the state budget changes the way teachers bargain for salaries. Mary Jo Wagner has more on the repeal of a contentious issue…

Rural landowners in Wisconsin will get nearly $20-million to help turn cropland into wetlands and open space in hopes of reducing flooding problems . Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A bill that would ban used oil filters and oily rags from landfills goes before a state legislative committee today. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A new report shows 5-percent of electrical consumption in Wisconsin comes from renewable sources. The information is from the group "Wisconsin Environment" whose leaders say it shows the Legislature should pass a comprehensive energy bill. Patty Murray reports…

Despite several serious complaints against UW Parkside’s teacher education program, an adviser to the effort to fix it is optimistic things will turn around. Brian Bull reports…

A Middle East exchange trip involving high school students from central Wisconsin and Lebanon proved that expectations and stereotypes aren't always grounded in reality. Glen Moberg has the story…

The DNR is behind schedule on finalizing ballast water rules that would affect part of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A Dodge County judge has ordered the Department of Corrections to stop force feeding an inmate who has carried on the longest hunger strike in the history of the Wisconsin prison system. The ruling sites international law and several excerpts from federal court decisions concerning hunger striking detainees at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo, Cuba. Gil Halsted reports…

State health officials say Wisconsin now tops the nation in the number of probable and confirmed cases of swine flu . Medical experts also say the virus could re-emerge here this fall....as the weather turns cooler and less humid. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

For those who work at a business that doesn’t provide health care, a new option is starting up in 17 western Wisconsin counties. Mary Jo Wagner has more…

A Wisconsin shipping company is working with an east coast rail road in a deal it says will save money, time and fuel consumption. Schneider National will begin putting more of its iconic orange trailers onto the rails. Patty Murray reports…

Immigrants rights groups are congratulating Democratic state legislators for passing a provision that allows undocumented state residents to obtain driver's cards allowing them to drive legally in the state. But conservative legislators call it a bizarre new program that the state can't afford. Gil Halsted reports…

A mental health nurse says she's concerned about many of the troops coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. The wartime work of medical personnel will be honored this weekend in Milwaukee. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

People could get free samples of liquor at Wisconsin grocery stores under a plan lawmakers from both parties quietly added to the state budget early this morning. Shawn Johnson reports…

Women are the fastest growing group of people in Wisconsin becoming infected with the HIV virus. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

America's obesity epidemic has prompted the Institute of Medicine to issue new guidelines for how much weight women should put on during pregnancy. Shamane Mills reports…

The Vernon County board of supervisors says progress isn’t happening fast enough to get a half cent sales tax passes to pay for costly dam repairs. Steve Roisum reports…

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans is launching a new oral history project today. Organizers plan to interview 40 tribal elders on camera, in the pilot phase of what could eventually create a large, digitized archive. Brian Bull reports…

The Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights pipeline projects will begin later than expected but Enbridge Energy says it may hire more workers in Wisconsin and Minnesota than expected …up to 3,000 people in the coming months. Rich Kremer reports…

A neighborhood watch program of sorts for the Great Lakes is looking to recruit people. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…