Neil King

Six Facts Lost in the IRS Scandal

propublica.org — A century ago, Congress created a tax exemption for social welfare nonprofits. The statute defining the groups says they are supposed to be "operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare." But in 1959, the regulators interpreted the "exclusively" part of the statute to mean groups had to be "primarily" engaged in enhancing social welfare.

Minnesota Moves to Raise Revenue as Tax Cuts Stay Popular Elsewhere

online.wsj.com — Minnesota's move to raise $2.1 billion in new taxes, largely from the wealthy, to fund government programs puts it among a handful of states controlled by Democrats that are adopting more liberal fiscal policies at a time when many Republican-dominated statehouses are pushing to cut taxes.

Why does Yelp hide reviews?

washingtonpost.com — A complex and secretive algorithm chooses which reviews to display on Yelp.com. Some small business owners say they feel pressured to advertise with Yelp for favorable filtering.

Torches and Pitchforks for I.R.S. but Cheers for Apple

nytimes.com — WASHINGTON - One thing became clear this week on Capitol Hill: It is better to be a tax dodger than a tax collector. Armed with a blistering report that said Apple had avoided paying billions of dollars in taxes, senators this week had choice words for the company's chief executive, Timothy D.

Eastern Market eviction showdown puts a twist on community property

washingtonpost.com — I first heard about it from Darrell, a guy of whom I am sometimes a little afraid. Darrell does yard work for the lobbyists who live next door. He has a Mephistophelean beard and is often muttering angrily to himself. He was angry on Tuesday morning, too, but this time he was talking to me.

IRS Source: Lerner Placed On Administrative Leave

nationalreview.com — Lois Lerner, the Internal Revenue Service's director of exempt organizations, has been placed on administrative leave, according to a source in the agency's Cincinnati office. Lerner on Thursday afternoon sent an e-mail to employees in the exempt organizations division she oversees stating, "Due to the events of recent days, I am on administrative leave starting today.

Is There Really a "Conservative Reform" Movement in Policy?

nextnewdeal.net — Is There Really a "Conservative Reform" Movement in Policy?