2 legislators seek changes to rent-to-own proposal
Two Republican state senators want the Legislature's finance committee to delete wording in Gov. Scott Walker's executive budget that would exempt rent-to-own businesses from Wisconsin's consumer protection laws.
Sens. Mike Ellis and Rob Cowles sent a letter today to committee co-chairs Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. John Nygren saying the plan should be debated as a separate bill. They also say they haven't heard from anyone who supports the proposal and the GOP should fight for vulnerable people.
Walker offers plan to boost walleye production
Gov. Scott Walker has announced a nearly $13 million effort to boost walleye production.
The plan calls for $8.2 million in borrowing authority to expand hatcheries, $1.8 million for operating expenses over the next two fiscal years and $2 million for grants for private organizations to expand walleye production.
Tremper baseball game called off
Today's non-conference baseball game between Tremper and Hartford at Tremper's Andy Smith Field has been called off.
Today's Weekday Report is at kenoshanews.com
Take a look to find out more on our top stories, including opening statements from the trial of the man accused of killing a Trevor woman in 2006, and Kenosha police looking for a man they want to question about the May 14 shootings of two men here in Kenosha.
Man fatally shot in Boston bombings probe
A Chechen immigrant was shot to death by authorities at his home early today while being questioned in the Boston Marathon bombing case, officials said.
Ibragim Todashev, a 27-year-old mixed martial arts fighter, was gunned down after turning violent during a meeting with an FBI agent and two Massachusetts state troopers, authorities said. The agent was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Ministry Health Care plans job cuts
Ministry Health Care plans to lay off several hundred employees, citing a drop in the number of patients and cuts in federal reimbursement levels.
Ministry operates 15 hospitals and 47 clinics across Wisconsin. The facilities include Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield and Saint Michael's Hospital in Stevens Point.
Ministry spokesman Geoffrey Huys says about 225 to 250 employees will be cut, mainly through attrition and job eliminations.
Urlacher announces retirement from NFL
Star linebacker Brian Urlacher says he's retiring after spending 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears.
The eight-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement through social media accounts today. In a statement, he says "after spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire."
Tremper baseball team hosting Thank You Day today
The Tremper baseball team is recognizing its sponsors, contributors and volunteers for their support in helping build Andy Smith Field before today's 4:30 p.m. home game against Hartford.
The event starts at 4:15 p.m. Smith Field is located at 8560 26th Ave. (south of the tennis courts).Official: Treasury played no role in targeting groups
The Treasury Department's No. 2 official told Congress today that his agency played no role in the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of conservative groups.
Deputy Secretary Neal Wolin made the statement in testimony he prepared to deliver to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. At the same hearing, the star witness - IRS official Lois Lerner - was ready to invoke her constitutional right to not answer questions.
Chicago school board to vote on closing 53 schools
The Chicago Board of Education is expected to take a final vote tonight on whether to close 53 schools.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett say the closings are necessary to improve the struggling district's finances. They say too many buildings are half-empty and Chicago Public Schools cannot afford to keep them open. They've pledged students will be moved to schools that are performing better academically.
DOT launches travel safety initiatives
The Wisconsin State Patrol plans to increase its use of air support this summer to crack down on speeders.
Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb says the DOT will mobilize the State Patrol Air Support Unit on a regular basis this summer.
The unit includes four aircraft and 12 pilots who will clock suspected speeders and relay the information to troopers on the ground.
Core standard hearing today
While today's hearing is informational only, critics of the common core standards are calling for a closer look. D
ozens of tea party supporters sent lawmakers a letter this week raising concerns about a loss of local control, lowered educational standards and an invasion of student privacy.
Bill banning drone use up for debate
A bill that would prohibit law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin from using drones unless they have a search warrant or legitimate reason is up for a hearing today.
The bipartisan proposal from Rep. Tyler August would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using unmanned aircraft equipped with video or audio recording devices as part of criminal investigations. Evidence will not be allowed if obtained illegally.
Exceptions would apply in certain situations, such as during manhunts or rescue operations.
Milwaukee Wave to stay downtown
The Milwaukee Wave indoor soccer team will stay in downtown Milwaukee.
Wave representatives say the team has signed a two-year contract with the Wisconsin Center District to continue to play at the U.S. Cellular Arena, which has been home to the Wave for 10 years.
Veterans receive free admission to art museum
MILWAUKEE (AP) - The Milwaukee Art Museum is offering free admission to veterans and active military members all summer starting on Memorial Day.
The museum is again participating in the "Blue Star Museums" program, where military families receive free or reduced summer admission to hundreds of museums across the country.
The museum will be free for veterans, active military and up to five additional family members through Labor Day.
Boy Scouts to vote on gay scouts
GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) - The Boy Scouts of America will convene a two-day meeting of 1,400 local leaders to consider changing its long-standing ban on openly gay boys belonging to the scouting movement.
Officials of the Irving, Texas-based organization are scheduled to open the first of the ballots cast today on whether to allow homosexual gay Boy Scouts.
Scouting officials propose allowing openly gay Scouts but retaining the ban on gay adult Scout leaders.
The final vote is Thursday.
Cooler today
Not as warm today, with a couple of thunderstorms. High 70; Low 48.
Brewers beat Dodgers, 5-2
Carlos Gomez hit a go-ahead two-run double and the Milwaukee Brewers beat Zack Greinke and the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Tuesday night. For more, see Wednesday's Kenosha News.
Bargaining over health benefits narrowed
MADISON (AP) - Public safety workers could collectively bargain over their health insurance premiums but not other costs of their plan under action taken by the Legislature's budget committee.
The Joint Finance Committee voted Tuesday to make the restriction for police, firefighters, and emergency medical service providers. They retained their collective bargaining rights two years ago while all other public workers saw them taken away.
Somers board, officials gear up to revamp utility rates, cost sharing
At a special work session tonight, the Town Board quizzed consultants and town administration about several options under consideration to operate and maintain the sewer utility via fairer, more equitable cost sharing by users.
The town focused on options for paying down debt service through a structure that relies less on the tax levy and more on user fees.
Unified wants 12 percent health contribution
The Kenosha Unified School Board continues to deliberate on administration's recommendations proposing a 12 percent contribution to a proposed health plan next school year for all employee groups at its meeting late Tuesday.
Cubs fall to Pirates, 5-4
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Travis Snider hit a pinch-hit grand slam during a five-run sixth and the Pittsburgh Pirates spoiled a strong return to the mound for Matt Garza with a 5-4 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. For more, see Wednesday's Kenosha News.
Ill. gambling sponsor withdraws name from bill
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The longtime backer of a push to expand gambling in Illinois has dropped his name from a pending bill over "perceived conflict of interest" with a law firm where he's counsel.
For years state Rep. Lou Lang sponsored gambling legislation proposing more casinos in areas including Rockford, citing revenue for the state and more jobs. The most recent plan, which calls for five new casinos including in Rockford and Chicago, has cleared the Senate and awaits a House vote.
County purchases buildings
The Kenosha County Board voted unanimously Tuesday to purchase buildings adjacent to two county properties, making way for future expansion projects. The board voted to spend $215,000 to purchase property at 3308 Washington Road, next to Brookside Care Center, and another $160,000 to buy a house at 1016 56th St. next to the Administration Building.
Senate panel OKs immigration bill
WASHINGTON (AP) - Far-reaching legislation that grants a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote tonight after supporters somberly sidestepped a controversy over the rights of gay spouses.
The 13-5 vote cleared the way for an epic showdown on the Senate floor on legislation that is one of President Barack Obama's top domestic priorities - yet also gives the Republican Party a chance to recast itself as more appealing to minorities.
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