Free Republic

Health authorities in Hubei province said Thursday that "clinically diagnosed" cases accounted for much of the increase in the "confirmed case" count, resulting in a surge in new confirmed cases for the prior day. (see 7:55 am update) The change was made so that more patients could receive the same treatment as a confirmed case would, according to a CNBC translation of the official announcement's Chinese text.

Americans for Tax Reform took action today to educate residents of Elgin, Illinois about a city council vote this week to increase their taxes. The proposed 3-percent tax on alcohol sales in Elgin would hurt area small businesses and leave Elgin families with less money in their pocket just in time for the holiday season. Bah Humbug. Elgin residents who live in Cook County would be hit with the second tax hike on alcohol in as many months, as Cook County recently approved a tax increase on alcohol despite bipartisan opposition from taxpayers and small businesses alike. 2011 has been...