“Senate Approves Landmark Tax Overhaul”

In a vote in the early Wednesday morning hours, the Senate approved the final version of the first overhaul of the US tax code in more than 30 years, handing President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans their most significant legislative victory of 2017. The bill passed along party lines, 51-48 with the final result announced by Vice President Mike Pence who presided over the vote. Sen. Jeff Flake, the last undeclared Republican, voted yes. On the floor, senators cheered when the bill was passed. The House passed the bill earlier Tuesday, but technical changes were made to it in the Senate, and the bill will go back to the House on Wednesday for a revote, where it is expected to pass again. It will then head to the President's desk for his signature before the Christmas holiday, making good on the Republican Party's promise to enact tax relief by the end of the year. "This is without question the single most important thing we can do to once again make America the best place to do business," a Wisconsin Republican said.

In Other News A tour bus destined for Mayan ruins in eastern Mexico flipped over on a two-lane highway early Tuesday, leaving a dozen people dead and many more injured. Among those hurt were seven Americans and two Swedish tourists, according to a spokesman for the Quintana Roo state Civil Defense agency, which also said it was looking into the cause of the crash. The Associated Press reports: "The bus ended up on its side in vegetation along the two-lane road. Video taken after the crash showed some survivors lying on the pavement and others walking around.  EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY!! Beat the clock and Ms. Fetters to extra credit! Thurs. at halftime of the girls’ basketball game One person will have the opportunity to challenge Ms. Fetters to a layup, free throw and three pointer. If you win, earn EC for the marking period.