Illinois Review: Gov. Mitch Daniels: Illinois tax hikes good for Indiana

Illinois Review: Gov. Mitch Daniels: Illinois tax hikes good for Indiana:
That's because Daniels is the Governor of Indiana. If the Democrats in Springfield raise the personal income tax here in Illinois by 75% (from a flat rate of 3% to 5.25% of income, with practically no deductions or exemptions), and if they raise the corporate income tax by 75% as well (from 4.8% to 8.4%), businesses will relocate to Indiana. This state is run by a corrupt political machine that is arrogant and cynical beyond belief. They are doing this after the election, and before the new legislature is seated. They figure that in two years enough "voters" (and I use the word with some doubt as to whether it really applies) will forget that the Democrats did this. Maybe they are right.

Of course, something has to be done to raise revenues and cut spending because Illinois is insolvent. But the lack of a two-party system here is the main problem. A tax increase was in the cards. You can count on the Democrats for that, and they waited until the election was over to do it so they could keep their control of the legislature. But what about budget-cutting? That's where some Republican influence would make a difference. We need both. Instead the Democrats want to increase the money being shoveled into the maw of the teachers' unions, and because they control the entire state, that's what we will get: more taxes, more spending, and empty promises of budget-cutting to come.

Banks lose key foreclosure ruling in top Massachusetts court | Reuters

Banks lose key foreclosure ruling in top Massachusetts court | Reuters:
In a decision that may slow foreclosures nationwide, Massachusetts' highest court voided the seizure of two homes by Wells Fargo & Co and US Bancorp after the banks failed to show they held the mortgages at the time they foreclosed.
-------------
I am nearing the end of a three month effort to refinance my house. The banks and title companies are over-compensating for their slovenly ways during the housing bubble. Now you have to prove everything about yourself and your house beyond any possible or imaginary doubt. But when they want to foreclose, and they have to produce proof that they own the house, why, then things are different. Suddenly anything goes.

Vegas HOA takes Floyd Mayweather to court

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) — Unbeaten boxer Floyd Mayweather has been threatening employees of the homeowners association in the development where he lives, according to officials who have gone to court to stop him.

A complaint by Southern Highlands Estates in Clark District Court seeks $10,000 in damages and an injunction to limit contact between Mayweather and employees of the gated community south of the glitzy Las Vegas Strip.

Mayweather, 33, already faces misdemeanor battery charges from a December 16 incident in which he allegedly poked a security guard in the face outside his home over complaints about parking.

-------------------------------------
Read story here.

Homeowner tells HOA: You're messing with the wrong Marine

Marine battles homeowners association over flag pole

Merola said he went through the proper channels to ask for permission to put up a 20-foot flag pole, but permission was denied. The HOA told him he was welcome to attach a small flag pole to his house.

An attorney representing the Lakeland Village Community Association said homeowners are encouraged to display American flags, if they want to, but that freestanding flag poles are just not allowed.

Merola said the homeowners association is going too far and has hired his own lawyers.

"Being a marine, this is a battle I’m willing to fight," Merola said.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE 1/7/11:

Group plans to take on HOAs over flags

Merola's battle with his HOA could be the last of its kind. A group in Austin tired of hearing about these flag flaps is introducing a flag display bill in the upcoming Texas legislature, stipulating that HOAs cannot prohibit flags on free standing poles.

"From experience in dealing with homeowner associations, if it's not in black and white and it says you must permit or you may not prohibit, then they won't do it," said John Stratton, attorney for American Radio Relay League.

Who you gonna call? HOA Busters!

Are you fed up with your homeowner association?

Feel you're being targeted and fined by people overstepping their bounds and you have little to no recourse?

Homeowners who want to fight back against their HOA's have a new coach in their corner.

It's a group called HOA Busters and they're gearing up for battle in the wake of a Contact 13 investigation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The HOA inmates are revolting in Las Vegas. Get the scoop on HOA Busters in this story from KNTV Las Vegas 13 Action News.

GOP gets cold feet on ending bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - Yahoo! News

GOP gets cold feet on ending bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - Yahoo! News
With the housing market getting soft(er) yet again, it looks like continued government support of Fannie and Freddie will continue at least another year.