Budget conferees reach agreement at the Capitol. The legislature's conference committee on the state budget met for just the second time Wednesday, and as Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch noted, they did make some progress, agreeing on 583 budget items which the Assembly and Senate had already approved. Funding for the UW System and the Senate Democrats' Healthy Wisconsin proposal are just two of the major items which still separate the Assembly and Senate.
Hainstock "didn't think Klang was going to die"
August 1, 2007 By
Eric Hainstock took the stand Wednesday, in his trial for the murder of Weston School principal John Klang. Hainstock said he bought two loaded guns to Weston School last September, to get some attention for the constant teasing he'd been forced to endure. “No one was listening to me, doin' nothin' about it,” Hainstock told his attorney. Hainstock said that after he shot Principal John Klang, he hoped Klang would be alright: “I didn't think Mr. Klang was gonna die.” Hainstock faces life in prison if convicted of first degree intentional homicide in Klang's death.
Tech companies make push for cable bill
August 1, 2007 By
Members of the technology sector are making a new push for the Video Competition Act.
As lawmaker continue to debate legislation de-regulating the state's cable industry, Tom Cohen with the Fiber-to-the-Home Council says Wisconsin is missing out on millions of dollars in new investments. The group estimates an initial investment of nearly $400 million, if the bill is passed.
Cohen says that's just for upgrading fiber optic lines to provide video services. After that's done, he says many companies that rely on broadband technology will have a new reason to look at Wisconsin because of the enhanced network.
The Fiber-to-the-Home Council represents a variety of companies that market broadband technologies.
The Video Competition Act remains tied up in a legislative committee, largely over concerns about consumer protections and funding for Public Access TV stations.
Bad loans, bad mortgages and bankruptcies
August 1, 2007 By
Wisconsin bankruptcy filings are up fifty per cent for the first half of the year mostly because people can't keep up with their mortgages.
Eric Skrum with the Bankers Association says there are predatory lenders out there. That's why the consumer needs to be armed with knowledge. Talk with several lending institutions when shopping for a loan and know exactly what you are being offered.
And if you get behind on mortgage payments, talk with your lender right away. There may be a payment plan that can keep you in your home.
Skrum says consumers should thoroughly understand what they're getting when they sign on the dotted line. There are things to look for that could avoid a questionable loan that might get you in financial trouble later.
Skrum says check your paperwork for blank spaces and false statements. Is your lender talking about multiple re-financings? Are you being asked to borrow too much or beyond your means?
Skrum says the key to cleaning up the risky loan mess is education and borrowers who are honest about their financial situation .
Jenkins walkoff homer lifts Brewers past Mets
August 1, 2007 By
Tom Glavine will have to wait until Sunday night in Chicago to get another shot at his 300th win. Glavine allowed just 2-hits in six-plus innings of work and left with a 2-1 lead, but the Mets bullpen couldn't hold it. They fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 in 13 innings.
Brewers outfielder Geoff Jenkins was the hero, clubbing a 2-run walkoff game winning homer in the bottom of the 13th off of Aaron Sele.
Dave Bush was supposed to start for the Brewers tonight, but he was pressed into relief and earned the win (9-8).
Jeff Suppan earned the start for the Brewers and pitched well despite the no decision. Game two of the series is tonight.
