Muni tax break under threat from bipartisan scrutiny in congress

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The tax break that U.S. states, cities and counties get on the bonds they issue is in growing jeopardy now that Republicans, in addition to Democrats, are considering limits on the exemption.As part of the "fiscal cliff" negotiations to raise more federal government tax revenue, Republican lawmakers have joined Democrats in reevaluating the costly tax break, said Republican...

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Boehner plan would bring top U.S. income tax rate to 39.6 percent: source

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner's latest "fiscal cliff" proposal to President Barack Obama would see the top income tax rates rise to 39.6 percent from 35 percent for those with net incomes above $1 million a year, according to a source familiar with the talks.The source, who asked not to be identified, emphasized that the income tax rate increase would be in exchange...

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House Republicans eye limited fiscal cliff bill

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With time running short before a Dec. 31 deadline, House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner will begin work on legislation that simply would extend current low income tax rates for all families with incomes below $1 million a year, according to an aide.Negotiations will continue with the White House on a broader tax and spending deal, the Boehner aide said.Boehner is presenting...

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Senator Reid rejects Boehner "fiscal cliff" backup plan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House Speaker John Boehner's backup plan that would simply extend low income tax rates for households with incomes below $1 million a year "cannot pass both houses of Congress," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on Tuesday.Reid, a Democrat, said Boehner instead should focus on reaching a broad deficit-reduction deal with President Barack Obama. "Now is the time to show...

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White House defends offer as 'good faith effort'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is defending President Barack Obama's proposal to set a higher threshold for tax increases than what he vowed to do during his presidential campaign. The White House says Obama has moved halfway to meet House Speaker John Boehner on a "fiscal cliff" deal that raises $1.2 trillion in tax revenue, down from the $1.6 trillion Obama had initially requested.White House...

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Beer Prices at NBA Arenas Still Outrageous Says SaveOnBrew.com

SaveOnBrew.Com, the worlds only beer price-search engine, gathered information on beer prices at every NBA arena. The results are painful, yet predictable.Houston, TX (PRWEB) December 19, 2012SaveOnBrew.Com has released their 2012 - 2013 beer price findings for all 30 NBA arenas and summarized them in an infographic.Overall, the cost of enjoying one of America's best-loved adult beverages edged upward...

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NBA: Road-riding LeBron waging "vendetta" against himself

MIAMI (Reuters) - LeBron James says he is engaged in a "vendetta" against himself as he pushes himself to reach his physical peak and win a second straight NBA championship with the Miami Heat.On Tuesday, James, last season's Most Valuable Player, who spent his off-season playing in the London Olympics, was on court against the Minnesota Timberwolves for 42 minutes."He wasn't even breathing heavy,"...

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Lin's return is highest-rated Knicks game on MSG

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jeremy Lin is still must-see TV in New York.Lin's first trip back to New York since signing with the Houston Rockets resulted in MSG Network's highest-rated Knicks game of the season, according to the network.The Rockets' 109-96 victory Monday drew a 4.77 rating, MSG said Tuesday. That's well above the 3.41 average rating for the first 18 games of the season.Lin had 22 points and...

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Isiah Thomas to join NBA TV as studio analyst

ATLANTA (AP) -- Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas will join NBA TV as a studio analyst.Thomas will debut Friday and make several appearances a month. He'll also be a regular contributor to NBA.com.The 12-time All-Star point guard led the Detroit Pistons to two NBA titles. But he's more recently remembered for his stint running the New York Knicks, who failed to win a playoff game with Thomas as coach or...

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Warriors beat Hornets at home to stay hot

(Reuters) - The Golden State Warriors staved off a late fourth-quarter challenge to beat New Orleans Hornets 103-96 for a successful home return on Tuesday.David Lee had 26 points and nine rebounds while Klay Thompson added 19 points as the Warriors triumphed in their first game at Oracle Arena since a recent seven-game road trip that saw them finish 6-1.Despite the Golden State controlling the Hornets...

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