truesee's Blog

The woman, in court seeking spousal maintenance, sought $1400 per week for living expenses for her and two of her children, who still live at home.

She told the Federal Magistrates' Court, sitting in Victoria, that her teenage son had a "Macca's habit".

But federal magistrate Evelyn Bender said the woman had to alter her lifestyle.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the amount claimed by the wife by way of weekly discretionary expenditure in her financial statement is excessive," Ms Bender said.

"She can no longer expect to live as she may have prior to separation, paying $100 per week in gifts, $150 on jeans for (the youngest child) as well as financing his 'Macca's habit' and providing him with generous amounts of pocket money."

In an interim decision on spousal maintenance, Ms Bender ordered that the husband pay the wife $800 per week.

The court heard that, before the couple split, the husband had given the wife $800 per week for food, clothing, medical expenses and other expenses.

But last March, he reduced the payment to $300 per week.

The wife claimed that since then she had exhausted $24,000 in savings on daily living costs.

She said weekly expenses were $1800, including costs associated with the care of their disabled child.

Ms Bender said the wife was challenged in court about some of the amounts claimed by her, including $100 for telephone, $100 for children's activities, $100 for entertainment/hobbies and $100 for medical/dental.

The woman said her expenses included $200 per week for clothes and shoes.

She said her teenage son's casual clothing was expensive, with jeans costing $150 per pair.

Ms Bender said that when challenged as to why she couldn't buy less expensive brands, she replied "well I could but he wouldn't have what his mates have".

She also told the court she needed $100 a week to buy gifts as her family had a tradition of gift giving.

The husband argued that expenses of $1800 per week were grossly inflated and that he could not afford to pay more than $300 a week.

Ms Bender said she was satisfied the husband could reasonably pay $800 a week.

RYAN ROBINSON, Staff Writer

One john called Lancaster city police shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday, police said.

He complained that he gave $25 to a female for sex in the 100 block of South Queen Street, and she took his money and left without completing the "transaction," police said.

Police advised the cell phone caller that his actions were illegal and he could be prosecuted, police said. The man then decided he did not wish police to investigate the incident any further.

Police responded to South Queen Street, but the woman was no longer there, they said.

City police Lt. Todd Umstead said the call was certainly unusual, but not a first.

"I recall handling a similar call years ago," he said. "The guy was very upset."

That john did not speak much English so he used hand signals to describe what happened, Umstead said.

Umstead also explained why police can't charge the johns in such cases.

"Without being able to locate the other half or an independent witness, it would be impossible to prosecute someone for claiming they solicited a prostitute," he said. "Even if you did locate the prostitute, it would be a difficult case to prosecute because your witness would probably be a co-defendant."

A confession alone is not enough to charge someone with a crime, Umstead said.

"You could walk in the lobby and confess to kidnapping the Lindbergh baby," he said. "Without any other proof, we wouldn't be able to charge you."

4:00 p.m. CDT, April 1, 2011

New census data shows Milwaukee is the most segregated city in America, and many are not surprised by this information. This new data has long been the perception, since the city is regularly ranks among the top segregated cities in America. The uncomfortable topic of race is now unavoidable after Milwaukee has been named the most segregated in America.

Milwaukee now has a new way to start tough conversations about race. According to the latest census data Milwaukee beat New York City, Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland for the dubious honor of being America's most segregated city.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says the reason for this is rooted in the region's economic and political history. "We've got housing policies, zoning policies, steering that occurs in real estate industry. Historically that offers, and I think there are still some people who don't want to live with people who have different skin colors than theirs."

Stephanie Harling from Milwaukee predominately white neighborhood Bay View says, "Right now in Milwaukee, there are segregated areas of poverty, and unfortunately that translates to race in Milwaukee as well."

The latest census data shows that 90% of the black population in Milwaukee's metro area, which spans four counties, lives on the north side of Milwaukee.

Mayor Barrett also says the history of suburban opposition of affordable housing means black people are more likely to live in the City of Milwaukee.

Katie Couric to give up 'CBS Evening News' anchor desk, expected to launch talk show in 2011

Bill Hutchinson
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Monday, April 4th 2011, 4:00 AM

Obama about to launch his reelection campaign. It could cost $1 billion.

Brad Knickerbocker

Staff writer

April 3, 2011 at 4:33 pm EDT