WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsPolitics

Senate plans to vote on health care legislation

Democrats will need just 60 votes. More>>

Dane Co. Executive signs budget Video included

It's official: the controversial $489 million dollar Dane County budget is finalized. More>>

Supervisors debate Dane County budget Video included

Next year's budget proposal costs $489 million and could cut county employee salaries by 3 percent, including sheriff's deputies. More>>

Push for medical marijuana Video included

Some federal health agencies have questioned whether marijuana has any medicinal properties, but thirteen states allow marijuana to be used with a medical prescription. More>>

Analysis: Governor's Race 2010 Video included

The 2010 gubernatorial election is not until November 2, but it's already shaping up to be quite the showdown. More>>

UPDATE: Barrett announces candidacy for Governor Video included

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett made the announcement official at his home this afternoon. More>>

Video appears to show lawmaker signing holiday cards during testimony Video included

State lawmakers have been known to be distracted from their official business, even instances of playing solitaire on computers on the floors of the Assembly and Senate. More>>

Republican Party reacts to Barrett's announcement Video included

Republicans are not surprised by Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett's announcement to run for governor in 2010. More>>

Sources: Barrett running for governor Video included

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett intends to announce Sunday his long-awaited decision on whether to run for governor. More>>

Report shows Wisconsin headed for fiscal disaster Video included

It's no secret that California is in deep financial trouble. But a new report shows nine other states, including Wisconsin, are headed toward economic disaster, as well. More>>

Madison businessman talks of governor's race Video included

MADISON (WKOW) -- A Madison businessman told a political website he intends to announce his intentions on whether to run for governor next week, as Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also promised the announcement More>>

UPDATE: Madison city leaders pass budget Video included

The new budget will increase taxes 4.1%.  Mayor Dave Cieslewicz says the city council spent too much money. More>>

Obama discusses strategy in Afghanistan

Gen. McChrystal asked for 40,000 troops months ago; many expect Obama to send far fewer than requested. More>>

UPDATE: Madison City Leaders debate $37 million library project Video included

Madison's $80 million capitol budget includes a project that builds a new library downtown. More>>

Barrett to decide on run for Governor this week

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he will decide whether or not to run for Governor next year by the end of the week. More>>

Lawmakers want investigation into Walker campaign event

Some Democratic lawmakers want a gubernatorial campaign event for Republican Scott Walker investigated to determine if violated a law that bans fundraising in state buildings. More>>

Former lawmaker's corruption case argued before Supreme Court Video included

Scott Jensen's attorneys argue the political corruption case should be tried in the former legislator's home district. More>>

Many in Senate unhappy with House health care bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is already hinting that senators may not be able to finish health care this year. More>>

House passes health care reform; Senate next Video included

Former President Bill Clinton will visit with Senate democrats on Tuesday to urge them to vote for health care reform after the House passed legislation on Saturday. More>>

Governor Doyle signs educational reform bills Video included

Wisconsin is a step closer to being able to apply for Race to the Top education funds. More>>

Lawmakers pass late-night education reform bills Video included

Wisconsin is one of only a few state that bans using student test data to evaluate teachers. More>>

Dairy farmer protests to sell raw milk Video included

A local dairy farmer says he's being forced to dump his raw milk, so he did: on the lawn of the State Capitol. More>>

Doyle says no Obama administration position in future

Governor Doyle says his recent trip to Washington with President Obama aboard Air Force One involved no discussion of Doyle's future. Doyle says he talked with Obama about the economy More>>

Dane County Board votes on creation of RTA Video included

It was standing room only at the city county building in downtown Madison as people weighed in on a controversial issue, the creation of a Regional Transit Authority in Dane County. More>>

Analysts breakdown Obama's young presidency Video included

President Barack Obama's visit to Madison came on the first year anniversary of his election into office, which gives analysts reason to reflect on what he's done so far. More>>

Two hour visit backs up traffic Video included

The presidential visit only caused a few traffic back-ups in Madison. More>>

Live coverage of Obama visit on WKOWTV.com Video included

"And I'm absolutely confident that if we're all willing to come together and embrace that spirit - from the living room to the classroom; from the State House to Capitol Hill -- then not only will we see our students reach farther or our schools perform better, and not only will we help ensure that our children outcompete workers abroad and that America outcompetes nations abroad but we will protect the dream of our founding and give all our children." More>>

Madison LGBT Community Applauds Tougher Hate Crimes Law

Some comfort comes in the form of legislation signed into law by President Obama. It extends the federal hate crimes law to cover crimes motivated by a person's sexual orientation. More>>

Mayor promises student appointee on alcohol committee

College students say they play a big role in Madison's alcohol scene -- whether its drinking, or dealing with those who do. More>>

Sex education bill in Assembly Video included

A bill in the state Assembly would force schools who teach sex education to include the use of birth control. More>>

Truman last president in Madison Video included

President Barack Obama's planned visit to Madison Wednesday will be the first visit by a sitting president to our capital city in over half a century. The last presidential visit to More>>

New Obama documentary Video included

A new documentary on Barack Obama's run for the White House premiers this week. More>>

Marriage Protection Amendment heads to Sup. Ct. Video included

Back in 2006, Wisconsin approved the Marriage Protection Amendment by a margin of 60 percent. Three years later, the state's highest court is looking at the constitutionality of that amendment. More>>

UPDATE: President Obama will visit Wright Middle School

Confirmed by the White House Friday afternoon: President Barack Obama will travel to Madison next Wednesday. He will meet with students, teachers and school officials and deliver remarks on strengthening America’s education system at Wright Middle School. More>>

Lt. Gov. Lawton crime victim Video included

27 News has learned Barbara Lawton's private car was vandalized in a security locked garage at her Madison residence shortly before her announced candidacy for governor. More>>

Radio talk show host suspended over comments about Lawton

Jerry Bader Jerry Bader

Green Bay talk show host Jerry Bader has been suspended for two weeks over a story posted on WTAQ's web site, speculating on why Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton dropped out of the governor's race. More>>

UPDATE: Lawton says White House did not influence decision Video included

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton tells 27 News "My decision was a completely personal and complex decision that pivoted only on me, not on anyone else, there was no pressure on me." More>>

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton will not run in 2010 Video included

In a letter to her supporters, Lawton said "My deep commitment to our state is second only to my commitment to my family. For very personal reasons, I will not pursue the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010." More>>

Update: Special committee forming to investigate Rep. Jeff Wood

Prosecutors in Marathon County have filed 3rd offense OWI charges against Rep. Jeff Wood (I-Bloomer) in relation to a September traffic stop during Wood admitted to taking a double-dose of anti-anxiety medication and cough syrup. More>>

Senate bill may now include public insurance plan

The provision being considered in the Senate would allow individual states to drop out of the system, a design that could make it more appealing to moderates. More>>

Feingold calls for flexible timetable in Afghanistan

Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold said Sunday he is against sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan without a solid plan. More>>

Embattled lawmaker addresses criticism

For the first time since his two recent OWI arrests, state representative Jeff Wood speaks out. More>>

Rep. Wood announces he will not seek re-election

Wood says: “I am deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I have caused for my family and regret any disgrace I may have brought on the Wisconsin State Legislature." More>>

Update: Wood out of jail

State Representative Jeff Wood came up with the $1,000 needed to get out of jail Thursday afternoon. More>>

Rep. Jeffrey Wood arrested again for driving under the influence

Rep. Wood was arrested for the third time this year for Operating Under Influence of Intoxicant or Other Drug More>>

Lawmakers consider ban on texting behind the wheel

Lawmakers are trying to ban what they call one of the most dangerous habits on the road: texting while driving. More>>

Governor says Wood should consider resigning Video included

Gov. Doyle said Wood's recent conduct has left the people of Wood's 67th assembly district without effective representation, and the void it has created for his constituents needs to be addressed. More>>

UPDATE: State Senate passes bills to curb bullying, texting while driving

Also up for debate: life jacket requirements for children, protection for podiatrists at sporting events and licensing regulations for at-home fruit or vegetable canners. More>>

Proposed bill would require DNA samples before conviction

A new bill has lawmakers walking the line between justice and invasion of privacy. More>>

Assembly committee takes up puppy mill legislation

The proposal would force breeders who sell more than 25 dogs a year to be licensed, allowing the state more freedom to investigate breeders before issuing a license. More>>

Public hearings on proposed e-waste bill

Legislation requires manufacturers of electronics sold in Wisconsin to take responsibility for collecting and disposing of discarded household devices. More>>

Dane Co. D.A. Blanchard applies to become judge

Officials with the governor said Blanchard is one of eleven applicants for the judicial position being vacated by appellate judge Burnie Bridge. More>>

Senate Democrats meet to merge health care bills

Near unanimous opposition from Republican lawmakers is expected. Senate Democrats need 60 votes to block a filibuster. More>>

Gov. Doyle to apply for federal education grants; Legislation to tie teacher evaluation to test scores

Governor Jim Doyle said he will spend the next few months to purse an "ambitious agenda" to change the student and teacher evaluations. Doyle's proposals, as part of the application, include allowing student test scores to be included as part of teacher evaluations. More>>

Formal effort to expel lawmaker Wood

Rep. Steve Nass introduced a resolution that says Wood's behavior is not up to the chamber's standards. Two-thirds of lawmakers would have to agree to expel Wood, an independent from Chippewa Falls. More>>

Standing room only at beer tax hearing

Numerous small breweries showed up to speak against the bill as well as supporters of the bill, including a mother who lost her husband and son in a drunk driving crash. More>>

Democrats try to build momentum on health care reform

Democrats are trying to build momentum to pass a health care reform plan in the Senate soon. More>>

Continuing Coverage: Sheboygan mayor to keep job, censured by city council

SHEBOYGAN (WKOW) -- The Sheboygan City Council rejected a complaint from some residents asking that Mayor Bob Ryan be removed from office over a sexual comment he made about his sister-in-law that ended More>>

Public input on beer tax proposal Tuesday

A proposed bill raises taxes by $8 per barrel, or 2.4 cents per bottle. More>>

Many state offices closed Monday for furloughs

Most state departments will shut down Monday for furloughs; click here for a full list More>>

Thousands march for Equality in Washington, D.C.

Marchers carrying rainbow flags and signs walked from the White House to Capitol Hill today, asking President Obama to keep his promises to gay Americans. More>>

UPDATE: President Obama 'surprised, humbled' by Nobel Peace Prize

Obama says the prize must be shared "by everyone who strives for justice and dignity." More>>

Madison Mayor pitches his 2010 budget

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz calls the proposed 2010 Executive Operating Budget "steady." More>>

Scott Walker on jobs & health care Video included

Hear what Republican Gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker has planned for jobs and healthcare in Wisconsin. More>>

Chronic Nuisance Ordinance could soon be permanent

A law that holds landlords accountable for criminal behavior at their properties could soon be permanent. More>>

Higher property taxes coming from all angles

Madison homeowners can expect to see a rise in taxes at all levels of government in 2009: city, county and state. With so many people laid off or taking pay cuts, homeowners wonder where this extra money will come from. More>>

'Shared sacrifice' in Dane County budget proposal

The average homeowner could face a $38 dollar increase on their property taxes under the proposed 2010 Dane County budget. More>>

Gov. Doyle turns in application for federal high-speed rail funds

Doyle wants funds to develop a $651.8 million high-speed passenger rail line between Milwaukee and Madison. More>>

Proposal to abolish Lieutenant Governor position

To get rid of the position of lieutenant governor, the state's constitution would need to be amended, requiring adoption of the idea by two successive legislatures and a vote of the people. More>>

UPDATE: Kind confirms he will not run for governor in 2010

Kind will not run for governor; says he intends to focus instead on health care reform. More>>

Child care fraud puts state program in jeopardy

The Legislative Audit Bureau found four address matches among Wisconsin child care providers and registered sex offenders. The audit also found several cases of fraud within the Wisconsin Shares program, which oversees day care licensing in the state. More>>

Deputies launch ad campaign in response to proposed pay cut

The Dane County deputy sheriff's association has begun a radio advertising campaign, stressing deputies are like other citizens in coping with our economic downturn. More>>

Debate heats up over new library downtown

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz wants to rebuild Central Library downtown, at a cost of $37 million. But with the city budget so tight, many people wonder whether now is the right time for such a project. More>>

Lawmaker calls for Wood's resignation; Governor says Wood's actions "troubling"

State Rep. Stephen Nass is calling for State Rep. Jeffrey Wood to either resign or face an expulsion resolution, in the wake of Wood's arrest this week for OWI. More>>

Doyle says Democrats will have strong candidate

Gov. Jim Doyle says even though U.S. Rep. Ron Kind has decided not to run for governor, Democrats will still have a strong candidate next year. More>>

Governor wants third OWI a felony

Governor Jim Doyle says he wants to sign a "good, strong bill" toughening drunk driving laws. More>>

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