half-deal

According to senior Republican Senate aides, the tax side of the fiscal-cliff deal has been finalized. The basic framework is as follows:

— Current tax rates would be permanently extended for singles making $400,000 or below, and permanently extended for couples making $450,000 or below;

— For singles, capital gains and dividends of $400,000 or below would be permanently taxed at 15 percent; capital gains and dividends above $400,000 would be permanently taxed at 20 percent;

— For couples, capital gains and dividends of $450,000 or below would be permanently taxed at 15 percent; capital gains and dividends above $450,000 would be taxed at 20 percent;

— The Alternative Minimum Tax would be permanently patched;

— Estates over $5 million would be taxed at 40 percent, and that tax rate would be permanently extended.

That means tax raise for 400K+ earners. Bye-bye "Taxpayer Protection Pledge". No word on spending cuts deal, though.

Chicago

‘Legally Insane’ Judge Wins Re-Election in Chicago.

I thought, in Chicago it is pretty much required...