08 October
2008
Here and Now: Arizona Ballot Propositions
It's enough to make you say 'ENOUGH!' Arizona's 8 ballot initiatives aren't as many as a couple years ago, but wading through all the campaign literature to find out what a ballot measure really does can be maddening.
To make it easy for you, KJZZ's Here and Now gives you the info you need to know to better understand what the initiatives are, who's backing them, and what a 'yes' or 'no' vote really means. Propositions like prop 102--defining marriage as only between a man and women--is pretty cut and dry. But others aren't, such as prop 200's pay day loan reform and prop 202's amending of Arizona's employer sanctions law.
We may tell you what you need to know, but that doesn't mean we have all the answers, or questions. So tell us what you think and what questions you have about Arizona's ballot propositions.
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Paul Atkinson - Here and Now Producer at
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01 October
2008
Arizona's Foreclosed Future
Real Estate, Mortgages and Bank Owned Properties
What's going on with Wall Street is a direct result of the greed that begin in Arizona and other states. Realtors, mortgage bankers and investors took advantage of incentives to encourage more homeownership. Real estate agents saw huge pay days as they helped people buy and sell homes like there was no tomorrow. Mortgage companies such as First Magnus, which declared bankruptcy last year, are accused of offering kickbacks to builders, real estate agents and brokers. Many individuals and couples started buying up property in hopes of selling a few months later for a pretty profit.
Some who wouldn't have otherwise qualified for a home loan used government incentives to buy a home, often times one they ultimately couldn't afford. Brokers and mortgage companies also threw caution to the wind by not confirming income or the ability of home buyers to pay mortgages. This became a problem when those who took out subprime loans saw their mortgage payments increase several hundred dollars after two years.
Those mortgages were bundled by banks and investment companies and sold as securities. One problem. When an excess of homes were built or put up for sale, the high prices the real estate market experienced from 2003 -2006 suddenly dropped. And are still dropping, causing many people to be upside down with their home mortgages--owing far more money than their house is worth. People stopped paying their mortgages and the rest is history.
Have a comment or question about what happened or about the new federal housing law that takes effect October 1? We'll try to get to as many questions as possible. Thanks!
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Paul Atkinson - Here and Now Producer at
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24 September
2008
Here and Now: Todd McFarlane
Todd McFarlane drew acclaim as an illustrator for Marvel and DC Comics. But he did something unheard of when he set out on his own in 1992 to create his own comic book series and company. McFarlane created Spawn, which lead to a feature movie and animated series. McFarlane also turned his attention to action figures, making replicas of rock and roll bands and now has contracts with all four major leagues sports making detailed real-life figures.
McFarlane drew attention in 1998, when he bought key home run baseballs hit by Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. Little did many people know that McFarlane was an aspiring baseball player who had his dreams dashed due to an injury he suffered playing college baseball.
Have a comment or question for McFarland? Submit it below!
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Paul Atkinson - Here and Now Producer at
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