Senator Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, discussed Wisconsin's implementation of the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact, an agreement made by the Governor's of the Great Lakes States. The interview conducted by WisconsinEye Host John Powell took place at WisconsinEye Studios in Madison on October 31.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, hosted this seminar, one of six held across the state, on October 29 at the American Family Center Auditorium in Madison to discuss Wisconsin's public records law and open meetings law. At the seminar Van Hollen was accompanied by assistant attorneys general who are experts in Wisconsin’s open meetings and public records laws.

Steve Walters, Madison Bureau Chief for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel presides over a roundup of Capitol reporters October 29 to discuss the conclusion of the state budget process. The group of reporters, WisPolitics.com Senior Reporter Greg Bump, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Capitol Reporter Stacy Forster and Wisconsin State Journal Capitol Reporter Jason Stein, discussed the political winners and losers from the last week of action at the State Capitol.

This meeting of business, governmental, civic and academic organizations, on October 25, was organized to identify and address root causes of poverty in Milwaukee area. The symposium was held at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. Keynote speeches were delivered by Michael Eric Dyson, a professor at Georgetown University and john a. powell, a professor at Ohio State University. The event was organized by the Social Development Commission of Milwaukee, an intergovernmenal action agency which serves as a planner, coordinator, and implementer of human service programs for low-income individuals and families in Milwaukee County.

This meeting of business, governmental, civic and academic organizations, on October 25, was organized to identify and address root causes of poverty in Milwaukee area. The symposium was held at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. Keynote speeches were delivered by Michael Eric Dyson, a professor at Georgetown University and john a. powell, a professor at Ohio State University. The event was organized by the Social Development Commission of Milwaukee, an intergovernmenal action agency which serves as a planner, coordinator, and implementer of human service programs for low-income individuals and families in Milwaukee County.

Senator Neal Kedzie, R-Elkorn, the Chair of the Special Committee on Great Lakes Water Resources and member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, discussed Wisconsin's implementation of the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact, an agreement made by the Governor's of the Great Lakes States. The interview conducted by WisconsinEye Host John Powell took place at WisconsinEye Studios in Madison on October 24.

President of WisPolitics.com Jeff Mayers interviewed Brian Fraley, a blogger for DailyTakes.com and Corey Liebmann, blogger for One Wisconsin Now, about how blogs began, how the status of bloggers has changed and what impact they have on the state budget process and the 2008 elections. The discussion took place in WisconsinEye Studios in Madison on October 24.

Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple and Rep. Donna Seidel, R-Wausua, took bus around he city of Wausau to hear the concerns of their constituents on October 22. It was the second time Seidel held a listening session on a Wausau city bus, and a first for Tipple.

Policy and Conservation Specialist with the Wisconsin Wetlands Association Erin O'Brien discussed why wetlands matter to Wisconsin on October 22. O'Brien advocated community-based protection and restoration programs and discussed the role that conservation organizations play in Wisconsin wetland protection.

Gov. Jim Doyle, Assembly Speaker Rep. Michael Huebsch, R-West Salem, and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Judith Robson, D-Beloit, held a press conference to discuss a budget compromise. The press conference took place late on Friday, October 19 from the Governor's Conference Room.

Part of the Roosevelt Energy Conference, this introductory session titled "Wisconsin's Energy Situation," took place on October 19 in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Chambers at the State Capitol in Madison. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

Part of the Roosevelt Energy Conference, this session titled "State Energy Regulation: The Wisconsin Case Study" took place on October 19 in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol in Madison. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

Part of the Roosevelt Energy Conference, this session titled "Energy Efficiency Standards" took place on October 19 in the Senate Chamber of the Supreme Court Chamber in the State Capitol in Madison. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

Part of the Roosevelt Energy Conference, this session titled "International Security Issues" took place on October 19 at the State Capitol in Madison. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

Part of the Roosevelt Energy Conference, this session titled "Environmental Issues and Energy Policy" took place on October 19 at the State Capitol in Madison. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

Part of the Roosevelt Energy Conference, this closing session titled "Environmental Issues and Energy Policy" took place on October 19 at the State Capitol in Madison. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

Part of the Roosevelt Energy Conference, this session titled "Capital Investments in Energy" took place on October 19 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

The Roosevelt Energy Conference started with a dinner, music and speakers on October 18. John D. Wiley, the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, Richard Dovere, the director of the conference, and Nate Lowewentheil, the executive director of the Roosevelt Institution highlighted events to follow and why the conference was important. Roosevelt Energy, a conference hosted by the Roosevelt Institution at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks to connect members of the Institution nationwide with private and public sector leaders in energy policy. The forum is intended to provide these future policy leaders with the contacts and initial insight into the fundamentals of creating an energy policy for the United States of America.

Representatives from AARP Wisconsin held a press conference on October 18 at the State Capitol to discuss the implications of the budget impasse on SeniorCare.

Dr. Demond Means, Assistant Superintendent of the Mequon-Thiensville School District and Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, discussed the role that race has in the access to education. Means is the Coordinator of the Chapter 220 Program for the district. The program, enacted in 1976, allows minority students from Milwaukee to attend suburban schools and non-minority suburban students to attend Milwaukee Public Schools. Grothman holds a seat on the Senate Education Committee and Chaired the Special Committee on Affirmative Action. The two discussed race conscious admissions at the University of Wisconsin, affirmative action and the Chapter 220 Program at WisconsinEye Studios in Madison on October 18.

Senate Republicans Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, and Sen. Joseph Leibham, R-Sheboygan, held a press conference on the state budget from the Senate Chambers at the state Capitol October 18.

Two opposing rallies were held regarding the state budget at the State Capitol October 17. AFSCME, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO and other organizations demonstrated in the Capitol rotunda, then held a news conference in the senate parlor. After the news conference, Americans for Prosperity held a rally titled "Defend Wisconsin - Taxpayer Rally" at the Capitol steps. Participants from the previous rally gathered in a counter demonstration. WisconsinEye covered both events as well as activities before and after the events. The following documentary follows the day's events in chronological order.

Rep. James Kreuser, D- Kenosha, joins Steve Walters, Madison Bureau Chief for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, at WisconsinEye Studios in Madison to discuss the state budget.

A panel of agriculture experts discussed the The Future of Farming and Rural Life in Wisconsin project results and recommendations, October 18. The report, issued on October 7 by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, is the culmination of a two and a half year comprehensive assessment of Wisconsin's rural status. It intends to provide an impetus for both policymakers and citizens to take action on different challenges and opportunities affecting Wisconsin agriculture. This panel, which consisted of Project Director Wilda Nilsestuen, Project Co-Chair Stan Gruszynski, Rod Nilsestuen, Wisconsin secretary of agriculture, and David Ward, dairy director of Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, also discussed strengthening and growing Wisconsin’s dairy industry, the growing organic sector, new demographics of Wisconsin agriculture, and technological developments for more productive and sustainable agriculture. The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, founded in 1870, is an independent, nonprofit organization, separate from state government and the university. Funded by grants, private endowments and members, the academy aims act as a catalyst for ideas and action.

Democratic Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, held a campaign rally in Madison, Wis. October 15 at the Monona Terrace.

The 30th Annual Freedom From Religion Foundation Conference October 12-14 took place at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis. Speakers discussed the issue of the separation of church and state. Among the speakers was author Christopher Hitchens ("God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything"). The event sponsor, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which is headquartered in Madison, calls itself the nation's largest association of atheists and agnostics and advocates the seperation of church and state. This segment is a collection of events from October 12.

The 30th Annual Freedom From Religion Foundation Conference October 12-14 took place at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis. Speakers discussed the issue of the separation of church and state. Among the speakers was author Christopher Hitchens ("God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything"). The event sponsor, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which is headquartered in Madison, calls itself the nation's largest association of atheists and agnostics and advocates the seperation of church and state. This segment is a collection of events from October 13.

The 30th Annual Freedom From Religion Foundation Conference October 12-14 took place at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis. Speakers discussed the issue of the separation of church and state. Among the speakers was author Christopher Hitchens ("God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything"). The event sponsor, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which is headquartered in Madison, calls itself the nation's largest association of atheists and agnostics and advocates the seperation of church and state. This segment is a collection of events from October 13.

Senate Republicans Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, Sen. Joseph Leibham, R-Sheboygan, and Sen. Carol Roessler, R-Oshkosh held a press conference on the state budget outside the Senate Chambers at the state Capitol October 11.

Assembly Speaker Michael Huebsch, R-West Salem, held a press conference on the state budget from the Assembly Parlor in the State Capitol October 9. Assembly Majority Leader Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, joined Huebsch.

The Wisconsin Historical Society hosted a presentation by art conservator Barry Bauman on October 9 in Madison. The event marked the return of two major works in the museum's collection, which had been absent while being cleaned and conserved. Those works were John Singer Sargent's portrait of Lucius Fairchild and Thomas Sully's portrait of George Washington. Bauman, who was the conservator of the paintings, spoke on the process of art conservation and discussed some of his more interesting finds his career, which has spanned more than 30 years.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Judith Robson, D-Racine, held a press conference on the state budget from the Senate Parlor in the State Capitol October 9. Sen. Russell Decker, D-Weston, joined Robson.

"Bright Lights, Big Show" was the theme of World Dairy Expo 2007, located in Madison, October 2-6. WisconsinEye attended the Parade of Champions, which features the Grand Champion of each of the seven breeds of cows, for both the Open and Junior Show. From these grand champions emerged the World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion. Expo is the international dairy meeting place, a five day event showcasing the finest in dairy genetics and the newest technologies available to the dairy industry.

"Bright Lights, Big Show" was the theme of World Dairy Expo 2007, located in Madison, October 2-6. In this program WisconsinEye visited with international guests at the Expo. Visitors from Romania, Canada, and Spain shared their views of the World Dairy Expo, the dairy industry, and the state of Wisconsin. Expo is the international dairy meeting place, a five day event showcasing the finest in dairy genetics and the newest technologies available to the dairy industry.

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster named 163 new Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition at the Capitol Rotunda October 3. To be recognized, schools must be eligible to receive federal Title I funding and be among the highest poverty schools in the state based on free and reduced-price school lunch data. Additionally, student achievement on statewide reading and mathematics assessments must outperform the state average and also beat the average for schools with similar poverty rates. Finally, the school must have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) for the past two years as defined under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

As Wisconsin’s Legislature debates Healthy Wisconsin and the potential of consumer-driven purchasing, the UW’s Evidence-Based Health Policy Project adds perspective on Health Care Purchasing and Utilization Decisions: Challenges Facing Consumers and Employers. Consumer engagement in decisions about coverage, provider treatment choices, and purchasing is central to value-based purchasing and benefit design strategies. Several organizations in Wisconsin and nationally seek to advance the use of consumer tools, resources and performance information. The event covered assessing the status of current efforts, examining the potential of the consumer’s role in evaluating providers and services and how public policy fits into these efforts. The event featured François de Brantes, Director of the National Bridges to Excellence program, Christopher Queram, President/CEO of the Wisconsin Collaborative on Healthcare Quality, and Dr. Judith Hibbard of the University of Oregon, whose research focuses on consumer engagement and the use of tools for healthcare decision-making. The Evidence-Based Health Policy Project is a collaborative initiative of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, the Wisconsin Legislative Council, and the University of Wisconsin La Follette School of Public Affairs. The event was held in the state Capitol on October 3.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, held a press conference from the Senate Chamber on October 1 to discuss the state budget process.