People are hunting for Halloween bargains this year when shopping for costumes. Danielle Kaeding reports thrift stores are reaping the benefits…

Cold, muddy fields have slowed the corn and soybean harvest to the lowest level in decades. And there’s worry the crop in some areas could go to waste. Mary Jo Wagner has this update…

Thousands of high school students who signed what's known as the "Wisconsin Covenant" will be eligible for $1,500 grants when they go to college. Shawn Johnson reports...

Wisconsin is seeing more people representing themselves in court. Danielle Kaeding reports court staffers are educating librarians statewide to help them assist those without legal council…

The Doyle Administration's push to insure as many Wisconsin residents as possible will soon extend to people who often don't think they need health insurance - those sometimes known as "young invincible." Shamane Mills reports…

A new book on Wisconsin farm boy and the nation's leading all-time ace pilot Richard Bong is out - and it's written for 4th to 8th graders. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

An Obama promise to Great Lakes governors for new money to clean up the Great Lakes is about to become law. A Congressional conference committee approved $475 million this week in what's being called one of the most ambitious environmental programs in Great Lakes history. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

Among the many Halloween costumes you see this week, maybe some were ordered online from a fast-growing Wisconsin company. The Buy Seasons distribution firm in the Milwaukee suburb of New Berlin says its success is a reminder of why the state government needs to help ALL types of businesses. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Even with new clean-up money on the way, scientists continue to worry about invasive species in the Great Lakes. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The Senate author of a major drunk driving bill is backing away from plans to raise Wisconsin's liquor tax. Shawn Johnson reports…

It's that time of year to lift the curtain between this world and the unknown. And it turns out Wisconsin is rife with ghost stories. Sailors are an especially superstitious breed and their stories abound throughout the Great Lakes. Patty Murray took a walk on the weird side and has this report…

Green Bay is gearing up for the return of Brett Favre. The Packers' one-time quarterback comes back to play at Lambeau Field this weekend. Only this time he'll be wearing a Minnesota Vikings uniform. Patty Murray reports…

The state supreme court is considering whether to require judges to recuse themselves from cases where the attorneys or litigants made large contributions to their election campaigns. At issue is whether such rules violate the free speech rights of donors or judicial candidates. Gil Halsted reports…

A Wisconsin-based no-nukes publication may be going out of business as contributions are not keeping up with costs. Joe Cadotte reports from Superior…

Most people in Wisconsin are satisfied with their healthcare coverage. But they still think reform is needed. Patty Murray has more results from the Wisconsin Public Radio - St. Norbert College survey…

Two seats are opening up on the Fourth District Court of Appeals. Danielle Kaeding reports a La Crosse County Judge is hoping she’ll be the first Latina elected to the state court…

A forum yesterday brought out more questions about the possible tear down of a lakefront bridge in Milwaukee. One of the questions was why the State Transportation Department wasn't at the event. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

More employers would be required to offer insurance coverage for mental health treatment under a plan state lawmakers are considering. Shawn Johnson reports…

Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton spoke out on her decision to bow out from the 2010 governor’s race. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Representative Jeff Wood is on his way to an inpatient treatment center this week. The lawmaker is also facing jail time for legal problems involving an alcohol addiction. He talked to Mary Jo Wagner this morning about the complexity of addiction…

President Barack Obama is slipping in the minds of people in Wisconsin. That's one result from the Wisconsin Public Radio- St. Norbert College Survey. Patty Murray has more…

The last surviving Wisconsin veteran of the Spanish Civil War died peacefully in Madison on Sunday. Ninety-five year old Clarence Kailin was a Madison native and a life long socialist who attended peace rallies in the city almost religiously until his health began failing him over the last two years. Gil Halsted reports…

One of the last places in Wisconsin has finally gotten its first batch of H1N1 vaccine. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

State and local officials are pushing a bill that would overhaul spending in Wisconsin Supreme Court elections. Meanwhile, a business group is looking at whether campaign contributions spent in those elections is enough to take a judge off a case. Danielle Kaeding reports…

State health officials say school and community vaccinations for H1N1 may have to be put on hold temporarily so that those who are most vulnerable can get vaccinated first. Shamane Mills reports…

Governor Jim Doyle unveiled more details of a plan to let Milwaukee's Mayor appoint a superintendent with broad powers over the city's schools. Shawn Johnson reports…

Farmers' Co-ops doing business with dairymen in southwestern Wisconsin are experiencing the ripple effect of farmers’ economic struggles. Danielle Kaeding reports…

A public defender wants attorneys arguing criminal cases before the state supreme court to consider asking Justice Michael Gableman to recuse himself from hearing their arguments. Gil Halsted explains…

A bill under consideration in the Wisconsin Assembly would help a La Crosse theater build a new site in the city’s downtown area. Steve Roisum reports…

With Barbara Lawton out of next year's race for Governor....current Governor Jim Doyle is talking up Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett as a candidate. But Barrett says he and his family still have to decide what to do. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The only announced Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin is no longer running for the post. Shamane Mills reports…

Physical fitness decreases with age. But it apparently doesn't taper off. A new study shows when it drops significantly and how to avoid it. Shamane Mills reports…

Officials at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse have been vaccinating priority groups on campus to protect them from the H1N1 virus. However, Danielle Kaeding reports limited doses raise questions as to who will be next…

Con artists playing on the fears of the flu pandemic have the federal government putting out a list of 139 fraudulent products boasting cures or treatments for the H1N1 flu. That's not unusual. Mike Simonson reports that the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic had lots of quack remedies…

Solar energy efforts in Wisconsin are getting a four million dollar boost from the Obama Administration. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton’s sudden exit from the Governor’s race Monday surprised the political world in Wisconsin. Terry Bell talks with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee political scientist and former lawmaker Mordecai Lee for some analysis …

A coalition in Wisconsin is developing a plan to help teach public school students to be more environmentally responsible. Steve Roisum reports…

Food banks serving Wisconsin are seeing a significant increase in the amount of food they’re distributing to food shelves. Danielle Kaeding reports…

The Wisconsin Innocence Project is celebrating its tenth anniversary this week. Since its founding in 1999, the project, based at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, has helped to exonerate 20 people wrongfully convicted of crimes raging from murder to rape and burglary. Gil Halsted reports…

A Wisconsin company that's selling a controversial "illegal alien" Halloween costume says it won't halt sales this month. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Efforts to get Dunn County off the top of the list for binge drinking in the state are underway. Mary Jo Wagner has more …

Operators of interactive, hands-on museums across the state are concerned about the spread of the H1N1 virus. Wisconsin Public Radio’s Kirk Carapezza reports… running time 1:33 Listen to this story now using RealPlayer

Photo by Kirk Carapezza of WPR

The City of Madison is considering banning some chronic alcoholics from buying booze in retail stores. The idea comes from Green Bay, which first implemented a "no serve" list in the mid 90's. Kristen Durst reports…

A professor at UW Oshkosh has an idea that could revolutionize college textbooks. Instead of having students pay hefty sums to either buy or rent books, he says lessons can be delivered electronically. Patty Murray reports…

UW Madison is one of seven sites around the country where researchers will try to determine the right dose of H1N1 vaccine to protect asthma sufferers. Shamane Mills reports…

The state supreme court is considering a new standard for judges who use racially charged language in their sentencing decisions. Gil Halsted reports…

Shipping traffic is down dramatically this year on the upper Mississippi River from last year at this time. Danielle Kaeding reports…

A bill pending before the state legislature could be good news for parolees who get sent back to prison. Supporters say it will save the state money and make the parole system more fair . But opponents say it undermines the state's truth in sentencing law. Gil Halsted reports…

A group of U.S. Congress members – including Wisconsin’s Ron Kind – are pushing for legislation that would change the way Medicare reimburses healthcare costs. Steve Roisum reports…

The Assembly Speaker's office says legislative leaders are forming a committee to consider expelling Representative Jeff Wood from office. The move comes after Wood was arrested for a fifth time for driving under the influence. Shawn Johnson reports...

A nationwide shortage of H1N1 vaccine means school inoculations in Dane County schools may have to wait, along with members of the community. Shamane Mills reports…

Governor Jim Doyle toured the state today touting a number of new companies that have located here recently. The state is using packages of loans and tax incentives to draw businesses away from other states. Patty Murray reports…

A recent study says the school achievement gap between Native American students and non-native students is closing in many states. Now, the Obama Administration is pledging more help for native students. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The University of Wisconsin’s fight song turns 100 this fall. Terry Bell talks with David Null about its history, legends, and the place it has taken in Wisconsin as our state song . . .

Seven members of a county board of supervisors in western Wisconsin were voted out of office yesterday in a recall election over a controversial construction project. Steve Roisum reports…

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in a criminal case without ruling on a motion that Justice Michael Gableman recuse himself. A public defender asked for Gableman's recusal claiming he is biased against criminal defendants. Gil Halsted explains…

Some parents weighing whether to vaccinate their children against h1n1 seem to have trouble weighing the risk between getting the vaccine or not. A public question and answer session in Mequon Thursday night will attempt to address those concerns. Shamane Mills reports…

A complaint filed by a Wisconsin farm policy research group against a major retailer highlights the confusion surrounding products labeled "natural" and those labeled as "organic". Danielle Kaeding reports…

A piece of Wisconsin's history is being saved from the wrecking ball. The Green Bay City Council has approved plans to help pay to move a house that began its life as a military jail. Patty Murray reports…

The DNR says a program to keep law-breaking hunters, trappers and anglers from going to other states, or coming into Wisconsin,is off to a good start. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

The DNR Board has given the go-ahead to a large land conservation project for Southern Wisconsin, but in doing so, has disappointed some hunting and trapping groups . Chuck Quirmbach reports...

Governor Jim Doyle is backing a plan that would force people charged with felonies to give DNA samples when they're arrested instead of after a court convicts them. Shawn Johnson reports...

Wisconsin biking advocates breathed a sigh of relief when Governor Jim Doyle signed the "dooring" bill in June. But four months later, some cyclists still don't know the law has changed. Victoria Caswell reports...

The DNR says it hasn't given up on trying to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer in Wisconsin. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Law enforcement and the state Department of Justice have dealt with several large marijuana-growing operations in the last few weeks. As Danielle Kaeding reports, it may be part of a nationwide trend where criminal groups are growing marijuana on government or public land…

A national health group that supports universal coverage estimates that the number of un-insured adults in Wisconsin will reach 14% this year. Shamane Mills reports…

A coalition of women’s groups says the time is right for a federal law requiring paid sick leave from work. Between shifting demographics and fears of a new flu virus, they say more lawmakers support the idea. Patty Murray reports…

Governor Jim Doyle says he favors legalizing medical marijuana in Wisconsin if a law can be written that restricts its use to people who have a doctor's prescription. Glen Moberg reports…

Deer hunting groups in the state are at odds over a proposal to expand next year’s gun hunting season from nine days to sixteen. Public hearings are underway. Mary Jo Wagner reports…

The State Senate has voted to ban drivers of all ages from sending text messages while they're behind the wheel. Shawn Johnson reports…

Eighteen Milwaukee men associated with two street gangs have been charged with drug trafficking and violent offenses. Victoria Caswell reports…

Wisconsin biking advocates breathed a sigh of relief when Governor Jim Doyle signed the "dooring" bill in June. But four months later, some cyclists still don't know the law has changed. Victoria Caswell reports…

Eleven people are applying for an open appeals court seat - among them, a prominent long-time state legislator. Mike Simonson reports from Superior…

The DNR and a Wisconsin county may be moving ahead on a plan that eventually would protect more than 20,000 acres from urban sprawl. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

The DNR is trying to set some new population goals for white-tailed deer in parts of Wisconsin. But an outdoors group wants the department to take a second look at its plan. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Immigrants rights groups are calling on a Wisconsin company to stop selling a Halloween costume, depicting an “illegal alien”. Critics say the costume is offensive and distorts the immigration debate. Brian Bull reports…

Political messages made from mud appeared on sidewalks in Madison over the weekend. The medium may seem odd but the message was clear. It was "stop denying prisoners the right to receive donated used books." Gil Halsted reports…

Late last week, a Dane County judge ruled that the Madison School District must provide educational services for an expelled student. As Brian Bull reports, the case could affect other districts across Wisconsin…

The number of people staying in many homeless shelters in Wisconsin tend to go down over the summer months. That hasn’t been the case this year for some, which has put a strain on operational budgets. Steve Roisum reports…

Teachers developing innovative learning methods are getting a little encouragement from their retired counterparts. Danielle Kaeding reports…

Teacher performance would be linked to student test results... school days and school years could get longer... and Milwaukee's schools would be put under the Mayor's control... under a package of education changes Governor Jim Doyle is proposing. Shawn Johnson reports...

Backers of a bill that would boost public money for Wisconsin Supreme Court elections say they may be close to victory. Chuck Quirmbach reports...

In rural areas, it can be difficult to find a doctor or a dentist , especially if a person is un-insured or doesn't have enough coverage. Now a free medical clinic in southwest Wisconsin has more space and a federally-funded dental clinic is setting up shop in the same place. What's unusual is how this all came about. Shamane Mills reports…

More waste from putting up and tearing down buildings may be recycled, instead of ending up in Wisconsin landfills. That's under a new agreement announced by two state agencies. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Hundreds of families streamed into Madison's Veterans Memorial Coliseum yesterday, for a first-of-its kind tailgating party. Football fans both in Wisconsin -- and stationed overseas in Iraq -- caught the Packers-Lions game together, through a simulcast satellite uplink. Brian Bull dropped by the "Tailgating with the Troops" event and has this report…

This week Dane County schools will start vaccinating against h1n1 flu. Shamane Mills reports …

Wildlife groups are trying to prevent any shrinkage of a land conservation program near farms. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

A survey found after school programs are growing in popularity in Wisconsin. But, as Steve Roisum reports, not all parents are able to sign their kids up…

A Wisconsin historian and author says he has found the answer to a question that has puzzled folklorists for years: where did the legend of Paul Bunyan start? As Glen Moberg reports, the first Bunyan stories weren't told in Minnesota, Maine or Michigan; they got their start in an 1880's lumber camp near Tomahawk, Wisconsin…

The UW-Stout in Menomonie is preparing to offer three-year bachelor degrees for several of their majors next year. Campus administrators say they'll be the first in Wisconsin to officially offer accelerated degrees. Brian Bull reports…

A major employer and healthcare provider for southwestern Wisconsin is cutting jobs and reducing employees' hours. Danielle Kaeding reports…

The Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly says he wants to be careful about a resolution calling for the expulsion of a lawmaker arrested twice this year for driving under the influence. Shawn Johnson reports…

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is trying to kill off all of the carp in a Western Wisconsin lake. Steve Rosium reports…

A new report shows most jobs in Wisconsin require more than a High School Diploma but not necessarily a four-year college degree. Authors suggest the state needs to pay more attention to training adult workers for what they call "Mid-Skill" work. Patty Murray reports…

Harley-Davidson is trimming some motorcycle product lines and laying off more people. The Milwaukee-based firm announced those changes as it released its quarterly financial results. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

Some Wisconsin nurses, firefighters and emergency response personnel are starting to get a whiff of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Chuck Quirmbach reports…

There’s a party on Saturday in Hudson for those worried about their first and second amendment rights, and they’re encouraged to carry a sidearm. Mary Jo Wagner has this preview…

At its meeting in Eau Claire today, the UW Board of Regents heard a poignant speech by a noted educator and author. One issue is whether to encourage students who want a four-year degree to avoid a two-year college. Mary Jo Wagner has more...