WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that 
IRS.gov provides last-minute tax return filers with the resources they 
need to get taxes done before the April 18 deadline.

IRS.gov remains a great resource to help people working on their taxes in the final days before the deadline. The website has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">numerous resources</a>
 ranging from tax preparation and refund tracking to tax law research 
and business topics. For answers to tax law questions, taxpayers will 
find tools like the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> or they can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a> tool to find answers to dozens of topics.

For last-minute filers, IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> allows those who made $73,000 or less in 2022 to prepare and e-file tax returns for free. Anyone can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-everyone-can-file-an-extension-for-free">IRS Free File to submit an extension</a> of time to file regardless of their income. But remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes.

IRS.gov is available at any time. It's easy to view, download or 
print tax products right away. Taxpayers will find filing information 
for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals">individuals</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses">businesses and self-employed</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits">charities and nonprofits</a>.

To see their federal tax information, taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>.
 They'll find information such as a payoff amount, the balance for each 
tax year owed, their payment history and key information from their 
current year tax return as originally filed. They can also get tax 
return transcripts.

Taxpayers can also use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">Get Transcript</a>&nbsp;tool to view, print or download their tax transcripts after the IRS has processed the return.

Individuals can find the most up-to-date information about tax refunds using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov and on the official IRS mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>.
 Within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed 
return, taxpayers can start checking on the status of their refund.

Those who owe can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>
 to pay taxes for the Form 1040 series, estimated taxes or other 
associated forms directly from a checking or savings account at no cost.
 For more payment options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.

The IRS encourages all taxpayers to file electronically and choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;to avoid delays in receiving a refund. Filing on paper can significantly delay a refund.

In addition to e-filing, tax software helps individuals steer clear 
of mistakes by doing the math. It guides people through each section of 
their tax return using a question-and-answer format.

Taxpayers should be sure to have all their year-end income statements
 and other necessary paperwork before filing a return. This includes 
Forms W-2 from employers, Form 1099-G from state unemployment offices, 
Forms 1099 from banks and other payers, Form 1095-A from the Health 
Insurance Marketplace for those claiming the Premium Tax Credit and 
records of virtual currency transactions.

At the online <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Alternative Media Center</a>,
 taxpayers will find a variety of accessible products like screen 
reading software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying 
software. These products include tax forms, instructions and 
publications. Many can be downloaded or viewed online as Section 508 
compliant PDF, HTML, eBraille, text and large print. Taxpayers should 
note, however, that every product is not available in all formats. For 
example, tax forms are not available as HTML documents.

Stop tax fraud with an Identity Protection PIN

An Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit number that prevents 
someone from filing a tax return using another taxpayer's Social 
Security number. The IP PIN is known only to the real taxpayer and the 
IRS. It helps the IRS verify the taxpayer's identity when the taxpayer 
files an electronic or paper tax return.

Anyone who can verify their identity can voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Get an IP PIN</a> for details and to access the online tool. There are options for those who cannot verify their identities online.

The IRS' <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)</a> program has operated for more than 50 years. It offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals, including:

The <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html">Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)</a> program also offers free tax help for taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older.

The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">VITA/TCE Site Locator</a>
 can help eligible taxpayers find the nearest community-based site 
staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers. Demand is high for this
 service, so taxpayers may experience longer wait times for 
appointments. Taxpayers can use the locator tool to find an available 
site near them. It's updated throughout the tax season, so individuals 
should check back or increase the distance from their location in their 
search if they don't see a nearby site listed.

<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, offers online software for eligible 
military members, veterans and their families to electronically file a 
federal return and up to three state returns for free.

Adjust withholding to prevent tax 'surprises'

Now is a perfect time for taxpayers to check their withholding and avoid a tax surprise next filing season. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/managing-your-taxes-after-a-life-event">Life events</a> like marriage, divorce, having a child or a change in income can all impact taxes.

The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, 
adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change 
their withholding by submitting a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate</a>.

Taxpayers should remember that, if needed, they should submit their new W-4 to their employer, not the IRS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that 
IRS.gov provides last-minute tax return filers with the resources they 
need to get taxes done before the April 18 deadline.IRS.gov remains a great resource to help people working on their taxes in the final days before the deadline. The website has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance">numerous resources</a>
 ranging from tax preparation and refund tracking to tax law research 
and business topics. For answers to tax law questions, taxpayers will 
find tools like the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a> or they can use the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a> tool to find answers to dozens of topics.For last-minute filers, IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> allows those who made $73,000 or less in 2022 to prepare and e-file tax returns for free. Anyone can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-everyone-can-file-an-extension-for-free">IRS Free File to submit an extension</a> of time to file regardless of their income. But remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes.<h2>Get tax information, day or night</h2>IRS.gov is available at any time. It's easy to view, download or 
print tax products right away. Taxpayers will find filing information 
for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals">individuals</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses">businesses and self-employed</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits">charities and nonprofits</a>.To see their federal tax information, taxpayers can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>.
 They'll find information such as a payoff amount, the balance for each 
tax year owed, their payment history and key information from their 
current year tax return as originally filed. They can also get tax 
return transcripts.Taxpayers can also use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">Get Transcript</a>&nbsp;tool to view, print or download their tax transcripts after the IRS has processed the return.Individuals can find the most up-to-date information about tax refunds using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov and on the official IRS mobile app,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>.
 Within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed 
return, taxpayers can start checking on the status of their refund.Those who owe can use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>
 to pay taxes for the Form 1040 series, estimated taxes or other 
associated forms directly from a checking or savings account at no cost.
 For more payment options, visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>.<h2>Prevent processing holdups</h2>The IRS encourages all taxpayers to file electronically and choose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;to avoid delays in receiving a refund. Filing on paper can significantly delay a refund.In addition to e-filing, tax software helps individuals steer clear 
of mistakes by doing the math. It guides people through each section of 
their tax return using a question-and-answer format.Taxpayers should be sure to have all their year-end income statements
 and other necessary paperwork before filing a return. This includes 
Forms W-2 from employers, Form 1099-G from state unemployment offices, 
Forms 1099 from banks and other payers, Form 1095-A from the Health 
Insurance Marketplace for those claiming the Premium Tax Credit and 
records of virtual currency transactions.<h2>Include income from:</h2><ul>
 <li>Goods created and sold on online platforms.</li><li>Services provided through mobile apps.</li><li>Self-employment or other business activities.</li><li>Part-time or seasonal work.</li><li>Investment income.</li>
 </ul><h2>Assistive technology options</h2>At the online <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center">Alternative Media Center</a>,
 taxpayers will find a variety of accessible products like screen 
reading software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying 
software. These products include tax forms, instructions and 
publications. Many can be downloaded or viewed online as Section 508 
compliant PDF, HTML, eBraille, text and large print. Taxpayers should 
note, however, that every product is not available in all formats. For 
example, tax forms are not available as HTML documents.<h2>Stop tax fraud with an Identity Protection PIN</h2>An Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit number that prevents 
someone from filing a tax return using another taxpayer's Social 
Security number. The IP PIN is known only to the real taxpayer and the 
IRS. It helps the IRS verify the taxpayer's identity when the taxpayer 
files an electronic or paper tax return.Anyone who can verify their identity can voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program. See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Get an IP PIN</a> for details and to access the online tool. There are options for those who cannot verify their identities online.<h2>Get free local tax prep</h2>The IRS' <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)</a> program has operated for more than 50 years. It offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals, including:<ul>
 <li>People who generally make $60,000 or less.</li><li>People with disabilities.</li><li>Limited English-speaking taxpayers.</li>
 </ul>The <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations.html">Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)</a> program also offers free tax help for taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older.The <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">VITA/TCE Site Locator</a>
 can help eligible taxpayers find the nearest community-based site 
staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers. Demand is high for this
 service, so taxpayers may experience longer wait times for 
appointments. Taxpayers can use the locator tool to find an available 
site near them. It's updated throughout the tax season, so individuals 
should check back or increase the distance from their location in their 
search if they don't see a nearby site listed.<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services">MilTax</a>,
 Military OneSource's tax service, offers online software for eligible 
military members, veterans and their families to electronically file a 
federal return and up to three state returns for free.<h2>Adjust withholding to prevent tax 'surprises'</h2>Now is a perfect time for taxpayers to check their withholding and avoid a tax surprise next filing season. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/managing-your-taxes-after-a-life-event">Life events</a> like marriage, divorce, having a child or a change in income can all impact taxes.The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, 
adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change 
their withholding by submitting a new <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-4">Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate</a>.Taxpayers should remember that, if needed, they should submit their new W-4 to their employer, not the IRS.

Tax filing deadline is here: Turn here for last-minute help

MINNEAPOLIS,
 Minn. — Minneapolis will allow broadcasts of the Muslim call to 
prayer at all hours, becoming the first major U.S. city to allow the 
announcement or “adhan” to be <a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-188130784496?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">heard over speakers</a> five times a day, year-round.

The
 Minneapolis City Council unanimously agreed Thursday to amend the 
city's noise ordinance, which had prevented dawn and late evening calls 
at certain times of the year due to noise restrictions, the <a href="https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-just-became-the-first-major-u-s-city-to-allow-all-muslim-prayer-calls/600266786/">Minneapolis Star Tribune</a> reported. The vote came during the Muslim <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ramadan-islam-holy-month-9f797d0a724c8c4dda00df3afbfd0454">holy month of Ramadan</a>.

“The
 Constitution doesn’t sleep at night,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive 
director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic 
Relations, after the vote. He said the action in Minneapolis shows the 
world that a “nation founded on freedom of religion makes good on its 
promise.”

Minneapolis has had a flourishing population of East African immigrants since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-religion-minneapolis-united-states-ded19bdda3065dea259a8c25842956d4">at least the 1990s</a>,
 and mosques now are common. Three of 13 members of the council identify
 as Muslim. The decision drew no organized community opposition. Mayor 
Jacob Frey is expected to sign the measure next week.

“Minneapolis
 has become a city for all religions,” said Imam Mohammed Dukuly of 
Masjid An-Nur mosque in Minneapolis, who was among several Muslim 
leaders who witnessed the vote.

Three years ago, city officials 
worked with the Dar Al-Hijrah mosque to allow the adhan to be broadcast 
outdoors five times daily during Ramadan. Prayers are said when light 
appears at dawn, at noon, at mid- to late afternoon, at sunset and when 
the night sky appears. In Minnesota, dawn arrives as early as before 
5:30 a.m. in summer, while sunset at the solstice happens after 9 p.m.

The city <a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-religion-minneapolis-united-states-ded19bdda3065dea259a8c25842956d4">allowed year-round broadcasts last year</a>, but only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. — typically excluding early morning prayer and sometimes night prayer.

At a recent public hearing, Christian and Jewish leaders expressed support for extending the hours for the adhan.

Council
 Member Lisa Goodman, who on Thursday was observing the final day of 
Passover, said the Jewish call to prayer — which is generally spoken 
rather than broadcast — doesn’t face legal restrictions. Observers said 
church bells regularly toll for Christians.

“It’s something I grew
 up with, but not my children,” council member Jamal Osman said, adding 
that hearing the call to prayer from local mosques brings him joy.

Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS,
 Minn. — Minneapolis will allow broadcasts of the Muslim call to 
prayer at all hours, becoming the first major U.S. city to allow the 
announcement or “adhan” to be <a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-188130784496?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=relatedcontentmodule">heard over speakers</a> five times a day, year-round.The
 Minneapolis City Council unanimously agreed Thursday to amend the 
city's noise ordinance, which had prevented dawn and late evening calls 
at certain times of the year due to noise restrictions, the <a href="https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-just-became-the-first-major-u-s-city-to-allow-all-muslim-prayer-calls/600266786/">Minneapolis Star Tribune</a> reported. The vote came during the Muslim <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ramadan-islam-holy-month-9f797d0a724c8c4dda00df3afbfd0454">holy month of Ramadan</a>.“The
 Constitution doesn’t sleep at night,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive 
director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic 
Relations, after the vote. He said the action in Minneapolis shows the 
world that a “nation founded on freedom of religion makes good on its 
promise.”Minneapolis has had a flourishing population of East African immigrants since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-religion-minneapolis-united-states-ded19bdda3065dea259a8c25842956d4">at least the 1990s</a>,
 and mosques now are common. Three of 13 members of the council identify
 as Muslim. The decision drew no organized community opposition. Mayor 
Jacob Frey is expected to sign the measure next week.“Minneapolis
 has become a city for all religions,” said Imam Mohammed Dukuly of 
Masjid An-Nur mosque in Minneapolis, who was among several Muslim 
leaders who witnessed the vote.Three years ago, city officials 
worked with the Dar Al-Hijrah mosque to allow the adhan to be broadcast 
outdoors five times daily during Ramadan. Prayers are said when light 
appears at dawn, at noon, at mid- to late afternoon, at sunset and when 
the night sky appears. In Minnesota, dawn arrives as early as before 
5:30 a.m. in summer, while sunset at the solstice happens after 9 p.m.The city <a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-religion-minneapolis-united-states-ded19bdda3065dea259a8c25842956d4">allowed year-round broadcasts last year</a>, but only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. — typically excluding early morning prayer and sometimes night prayer.At a recent public hearing, Christian and Jewish leaders expressed support for extending the hours for the adhan.Council
 Member Lisa Goodman, who on Thursday was observing the final day of 
Passover, said the Jewish call to prayer — which is generally spoken 
rather than broadcast — doesn’t face legal restrictions. Observers said 
church bells regularly toll for Christians.“It’s something I grew
 up with, but not my children,” council member Jamal Osman said, adding 
that hearing the call to prayer from local mosques brings him joy.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Minneapolis OKs dawn Muslim prayer call, 1st for big US city

A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories 
and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were 
shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. 
Here are the facts:

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-FedNow-CBDC-223356937707">Federal Reserve’s payment service FedNow would not replace cash</a>

CLAIM: The Federal Reserve is launching a digital currency app, FedNow, that will eliminate physical cash.

THE
 FACTS: FedNow is a service that allows banks and credit unions to 
transfer funds more quickly. It’s not a form of currency, nor is it a 
move toward eliminating cash, the Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20190805a.htm">stated</a>. FedNow has been <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20190805a.htm">in the works since 2019</a>
 and will launch in July 2023. In recent days, social media users have 
misrepresented the service, claiming it is a step toward “getting rid of
 physical money and having digital currency.” In response to the 
misinformation and confusion, the Federal Reserve <a href="https://twitter.com/federalreserve/status/1644391858733187082">reiterated on Twitter</a>
 that FedNow is not a form of currency. Instead, it is a payments 
service that will be available to banks and credit unions, enabling them
 to speed up the processing of checks and electronic payments. This will
 mean people can access their paychecks and transfer money to other 
accounts instantly, any time of the day or week. Currently, these 
processes can take up to three days to clear and are often delayed on 
holidays and weekends. “FedNow has nothing to do with replacing cash. It
 is an upgrade to the decades old payment system,” said Aaron Klein, 
senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, in an 
email to the AP. Klein noted that if banks use the service, it will make
 payments faster, resulting in fewer overdraft fees, late fees and 
visits to check cashers. Many countries already have real-time payment 
systems similar to FedNow, including England. The U.S. already has a 
real time payment network, but it’s run by private banks. The Fed is 
separately researching the potential to issue a digital currency, 
commonly referred to as a “central bank digital currency,” or CBDC. Yet 
that research is in its early phases and there isn’t uniform support 
among Fed officials for issuing such a currency. A central bank digital 
currency would potentially allow Americans to make electronic 
transactions without relying on a third party, such as a bank. “The 
Federal Reserve has made no decision on issuing a central bank digital 
currency and would not do so without clear support from Congress and the
 executive branch, ideally in the form of a specific authorizing law,” 
the Federal Reserve’s website states. “A CBDC would not replace cash or 
other payment options.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-canada-bill-LGBTQ-777684926093">Posts distort proposed LGBTQ ‘safety zone’ bill in Canada</a>

CLAIM:
 A proposed bill in Canada would subject anyone who misgenders others or
 engages in anti-LGBTQ protests to prosecution and a $25,000 fine.

THE
 FACTS: The bill would not institute a blanket ban on misgendering and 
anti-LGBTQ protests. The legislation, introduced by members of the 
opposition party in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, would allow the
 province’s attorney general to temporarily prohibit people from 
engaging in acts of intimidation, such as threats or homophobic 
protests, within 100 meters (328 feet) of certain properties. Proponents
 say that the bill is intended to protect drag performers and LGBTQ 
communities from intimidation. Erroneous claims about the bill have 
spread widely across social media platforms. “New bill in Canada would 
prosecute anyone that misgendered, criticised or protested against 
Transgenderism,” one Twitter user wrote in a post shared more than 6,000
 times. “Anyone deemed ‘transphobic, homophobic or offensive’ would face
 prosecution and a $25,000 fine.” The legislation, which was introduced 
on April 4, would permit the Ontario attorney general to temporarily 
designate a property as a “ <a href="https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/free-to-be-me/2slgbtqi-plus-glossary.html">2SLGBTQI+</a>
 community safety zone” and prohibit an “act of intimidation” — such as 
threats, transphobic or homophobic demonstrations, and distributing 
“hate propaganda” — within 100 meters of that property, according to the
 <a href="https://www.ola.org/sites/default/files/node-files/bill/document/pdf/2023/2023-04/b094_e.pdf">bill text</a>.
 Violators could face a fine of up to $25,000. The New Democratic Party 
of Ontario, whose members sponsored the bill, said it is a response to a
 rise in hate crimes and intimidation of drag artists and the LGBTQ 
community. The online claims are “inaccurate and distorting,” Brenda 
Cossman, a law professor at the University of Toronto, wrote in an email
 to the AP, noting that the bill does not include a broad provision 
concerning misgendering, and the restrictions only apply to the 
designated zones. “The bill would not prosecute anyone deemed homophobic
 etc,” Cossman wrote. “It would only apply to individuals who seek to 
intimidate within the designated safety zones.” The New Democratic Party
 of Ontario said in a statement that some have “twisted the facts” about
 the legislation. “This legislation would not stop anyone from enjoying 
freedom of expression or assembly," the statement reads. To become law, 
the bill would still need to win a majority vote of the Assembly’s 
members, and The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has a large 
majority in the provincial legislative body.

— Associated Press writer Josh Kelety in Phoenix contributed this report.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-mrna-vaccine-livestock-mandate-covid-564035224253">No, farmers aren’t required to vaccinate livestock with mRNA vaccines</a>

CLAIM: Farmers and ranchers are required to inject livestock with mRNA vaccines.

THE
 FACTS: There is no mandate in the U.S. that livestock receive certain 
vaccines and there are no COVID-19 mRNA vaccines licensed for animals, 
as some online have suggested. Both <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/messenger-rna">messenger RNA</a>, or mRNA, and <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/RNA-Ribonucleic-Acid">RNA</a> are natural, essential components of all living cells. The COVID-19 vaccines from <a href="https://apnews.com/article/years-research-groundwork-covid-19-shots-f204192f07cfcc3503dc9c7687ae6269">Pfizer and Moderna</a>
 use mRNA to instruct cells to create a spike protein to fight the 
disease. Social media posts in recent days have falsely asserted that 
farmers are required to vaccinate livestock with such vaccines and 
baselessly suggested that unsuspecting humans will therefore consume the
 immunizations. “I just recently read that farmers and ranchers are 
being told that they must inject their livestock with the mRNA vaccine,”
 a man in an Instagram video claims. “What temperature do I need to cook
 my cow in order to get rid of the mRNA death jab vaccine thing?” 
Experts, industry groups and officials say there are no such 
requirements. “There is no requirement or mandate that producers 
vaccinate their livestock for any disease,” U.S. Department of 
Agriculture spokesperson Marissa Perry said in an email. “It is a 
personal and business decision left up to the producer and will remain 
that way.” Jason Menke, a National Pork Board spokesperson, said in a 
statement that the “decision to use vaccines and other medical 
treatments to protect animal health and well-being are made by the 
farmer under the direction of the herd veterinarian.” In terms of 
COVID-19 specifically, there are no licensed mRNA vaccines against that 
disease for animals, Perry said. Some animals, particularly those in 
zoos considered susceptible, have <a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-united-states-environment-and-nature-17b927609ee4b5a7a16ddfb129840d50">received vaccines</a>
 against COVID-19. But those immunizations do not rely on mRNA 
technology, said Suresh Kuchipudi, a veterinary scientist and chair of 
emerging infectious diseases at Penn State University. Experts also say 
there are no animal vaccines currently licensed in the U.S. against any 
disease that use the same mRNA approach as humans’ COVID-19 vaccines, 
which entails delivering the mRNA by using a fatty coating called lipid 
nanoparticles — though some are being researched. There are some animal 
vaccines that use other RNA platforms. The pharmaceutical company Merck 
has for several years offered a <a href="https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/swine/sequivity">customizable vaccine</a>
 using what it calls “RNA particle technology”; the company creates 
vaccines against the flu and other viruses in pigs to protect a specific
 herd as needed. That approach predates the advent of the COVID-19 mRNA 
vaccines. The notion that mRNA vaccines would be transmissible through 
animal consumption — much less cause harm to the consumer — is not 
rooted in scientific evidence, experts told the AP. “The messenger RNA 
is extremely fragile,” Kuchipudi said, and is typically gone within days
 of receipt. “The chance of the mRNA being transferred, even 
hypothetically, is extremely unlikely.” Moreover, regulators licensing 
vaccines for food animals require something called a “withdrawal time,” 
said Alan Young, a professor of veterinary and biomedical science at 
South Dakota State University who also founded veterinary vaccine 
company Medgene. “Any licensed vaccine comes with a minimum time before 
you’re allowed to actually have that animal to enter the food chain." 
Menke, of the National Pork Board, added: “Vaccines are critical to 
preserving animal health and well-being, keeping the food supply safe, 
and protect U.S. livestock from emerging and foreign diseases."

— Associated Press writer Angelo Fichera in Philadelphia contributed this report.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-video-bud-light-mexico-backlash-177684223512">Video of roller destroying beer cans unrelated to Bud Light backlash</a>

CLAIM:
 A video shows Bud Light drinkers using a “steamroller” to destroy beer 
cans in response to the brand partnering with Dylan Mulvaney, a 
transgender social media influencer.

THE FACTS: The video is from 
February 2023, prior to the controversy, and shows a road roller in 
Mexicali, Mexico, being used to destroy thousands of beer cases that had
 been confiscated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The municipality 
announced that the cases were destroyed due to health risks. But some 
online posts misrepresented the video as showing cans being destroyed in
 response to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-ap-check-656908474339">brand’s partnership with Mulvaney</a>,
 which has been met with transphobic commentary from conservative social
 media personalities. “Bud Light drinkers use steamroller to destroy 
beer in protest against partnership with trans influencer,” one blog 
featuring the video falsely stated. The false claim also circulated 
widely on TikTok and Reddit. The footage matches multiple similar <a href="https://twitter.com/ArmandoNieblas/status/1630669862183006208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1630669862183006208%7Ctwgr%5Ecefd0f22b16d9aee194439a51ea42b345a61f714%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fembedly.forbes.com%2Fwidgets%2Fmedia.html%3Ftype%3Dtext2Fhtmlkey%3Dcfc0fb0733504c77aa4a6ac07caaffc7schema%3Dtwitterurl%3Dhttps3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FArmandoNieblas%2Fstatus%2F1630669862183006208image%3Dhttps3A%2F%2Fi.embed.ly%2F1%2Fimage3Furl3Dhttps253A252F252Fabs.twimg.com252Ferrors252Flogo46x38.png26key3D8804248494c144f5b4765c41f66c6ed5">videos</a> that were posted on Feb. 28, 2023. That day, the Mexicali municipal <a href="https://twitter.com/GobiernoMxl/status/1630721652966457345">government’s Twitter account</a>
 posted photos of the same event, explaining that it showed the 
destruction of more than 85,000 beer containers that had been seized in 
2020 by the City Council of Mexicali. According to local reports, the 
cans were confiscated during the pandemic as people tried to bring cases
 of beer across the U.S.-Mexico border. In April 2020, the AP reported 
that Mexico had <a href="https://apnews.com/article/latin-america-business-mexico-caribbean-pandemics-b267fed62a6b4a3540b7c68b4c7bf57a">ordered the closure</a>
 of most “non-essential” industries, which included the country’s major 
breweries. Norma Bustamante, municipal president of Mexicali, <a href="https://twitter.com/NormaMXL/status/1630366137644109827">tweeted on Feb. 27</a> that the authorization to destroy the cases of beer was approved “in order to avoid infections or other health risks.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1572956883313.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressA roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories 
and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were 
shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. 
Here are the facts:___<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-FedNow-CBDC-223356937707">Federal Reserve’s payment service FedNow would not replace cash</a>CLAIM: The Federal Reserve is launching a digital currency app, FedNow, that will eliminate physical cash.THE
 FACTS: FedNow is a service that allows banks and credit unions to 
transfer funds more quickly. It’s not a form of currency, nor is it a 
move toward eliminating cash, the Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20190805a.htm">stated</a>. FedNow has been <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20190805a.htm">in the works since 2019</a>
 and will launch in July 2023. In recent days, social media users have 
misrepresented the service, claiming it is a step toward “getting rid of
 physical money and having digital currency.” In response to the 
misinformation and confusion, the Federal Reserve <a href="https://twitter.com/federalreserve/status/1644391858733187082">reiterated on Twitter</a>
 that FedNow is not a form of currency. Instead, it is a payments 
service that will be available to banks and credit unions, enabling them
 to speed up the processing of checks and electronic payments. This will
 mean people can access their paychecks and transfer money to other 
accounts instantly, any time of the day or week. Currently, these 
processes can take up to three days to clear and are often delayed on 
holidays and weekends. “FedNow has nothing to do with replacing cash. It
 is an upgrade to the decades old payment system,” said Aaron Klein, 
senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, in an 
email to the AP. Klein noted that if banks use the service, it will make
 payments faster, resulting in fewer overdraft fees, late fees and 
visits to check cashers. Many countries already have real-time payment 
systems similar to FedNow, including England. The U.S. already has a 
real time payment network, but it’s run by private banks. The Fed is 
separately researching the potential to issue a digital currency, 
commonly referred to as a “central bank digital currency,” or CBDC. Yet 
that research is in its early phases and there isn’t uniform support 
among Fed officials for issuing such a currency. A central bank digital 
currency would potentially allow Americans to make electronic 
transactions without relying on a third party, such as a bank. “The 
Federal Reserve has made no decision on issuing a central bank digital 
currency and would not do so without clear support from Congress and the
 executive branch, ideally in the form of a specific authorizing law,” 
the Federal Reserve’s website states. “A CBDC would not replace cash or 
other payment options.”__<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-canada-bill-LGBTQ-777684926093">Posts distort proposed LGBTQ ‘safety zone’ bill in Canada</a>CLAIM:
 A proposed bill in Canada would subject anyone who misgenders others or
 engages in anti-LGBTQ protests to prosecution and a $25,000 fine.THE
 FACTS: The bill would not institute a blanket ban on misgendering and 
anti-LGBTQ protests. The legislation, introduced by members of the 
opposition party in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, would allow the
 province’s attorney general to temporarily prohibit people from 
engaging in acts of intimidation, such as threats or homophobic 
protests, within 100 meters (328 feet) of certain properties. Proponents
 say that the bill is intended to protect drag performers and LGBTQ 
communities from intimidation. Erroneous claims about the bill have 
spread widely across social media platforms. “New bill in Canada would 
prosecute anyone that misgendered, criticised or protested against 
Transgenderism,” one Twitter user wrote in a post shared more than 6,000
 times. “Anyone deemed ‘transphobic, homophobic or offensive’ would face
 prosecution and a $25,000 fine.” The legislation, which was introduced 
on April 4, would permit the Ontario attorney general to temporarily 
designate a property as a “ <a href="https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/free-to-be-me/2slgbtqi-plus-glossary.html">2SLGBTQI+</a>
 community safety zone” and prohibit an “act of intimidation” — such as 
threats, transphobic or homophobic demonstrations, and distributing 
“hate propaganda” — within 100 meters of that property, according to the
 <a href="https://www.ola.org/sites/default/files/node-files/bill/document/pdf/2023/2023-04/b094_e.pdf">bill text</a>.
 Violators could face a fine of up to $25,000. The New Democratic Party 
of Ontario, whose members sponsored the bill, said it is a response to a
 rise in hate crimes and intimidation of drag artists and the LGBTQ 
community. The online claims are “inaccurate and distorting,” Brenda 
Cossman, a law professor at the University of Toronto, wrote in an email
 to the AP, noting that the bill does not include a broad provision 
concerning misgendering, and the restrictions only apply to the 
designated zones. “The bill would not prosecute anyone deemed homophobic
 etc,” Cossman wrote. “It would only apply to individuals who seek to 
intimidate within the designated safety zones.” The New Democratic Party
 of Ontario said in a statement that some have “twisted the facts” about
 the legislation. “This legislation would not stop anyone from enjoying 
freedom of expression or assembly," the statement reads. To become law, 
the bill would still need to win a majority vote of the Assembly’s 
members, and The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has a large 
majority in the provincial legislative body.— Associated Press writer Josh Kelety in Phoenix contributed this report.___<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-mrna-vaccine-livestock-mandate-covid-564035224253">No, farmers aren’t required to vaccinate livestock with mRNA vaccines</a>CLAIM: Farmers and ranchers are required to inject livestock with mRNA vaccines.THE
 FACTS: There is no mandate in the U.S. that livestock receive certain 
vaccines and there are no COVID-19 mRNA vaccines licensed for animals, 
as some online have suggested. Both <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/messenger-rna">messenger RNA</a>, or mRNA, and <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/RNA-Ribonucleic-Acid">RNA</a> are natural, essential components of all living cells. The COVID-19 vaccines from <a href="https://apnews.com/article/years-research-groundwork-covid-19-shots-f204192f07cfcc3503dc9c7687ae6269">Pfizer and Moderna</a>
 use mRNA to instruct cells to create a spike protein to fight the 
disease. Social media posts in recent days have falsely asserted that 
farmers are required to vaccinate livestock with such vaccines and 
baselessly suggested that unsuspecting humans will therefore consume the
 immunizations. “I just recently read that farmers and ranchers are 
being told that they must inject their livestock with the mRNA vaccine,”
 a man in an Instagram video claims. “What temperature do I need to cook
 my cow in order to get rid of the mRNA death jab vaccine thing?” 
Experts, industry groups and officials say there are no such 
requirements. “There is no requirement or mandate that producers 
vaccinate their livestock for any disease,” U.S. Department of 
Agriculture spokesperson Marissa Perry said in an email. “It is a 
personal and business decision left up to the producer and will remain 
that way.” Jason Menke, a National Pork Board spokesperson, said in a 
statement that the “decision to use vaccines and other medical 
treatments to protect animal health and well-being are made by the 
farmer under the direction of the herd veterinarian.” In terms of 
COVID-19 specifically, there are no licensed mRNA vaccines against that 
disease for animals, Perry said. Some animals, particularly those in 
zoos considered susceptible, have <a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-united-states-environment-and-nature-17b927609ee4b5a7a16ddfb129840d50">received vaccines</a>
 against COVID-19. But those immunizations do not rely on mRNA 
technology, said Suresh Kuchipudi, a veterinary scientist and chair of 
emerging infectious diseases at Penn State University. Experts also say 
there are no animal vaccines currently licensed in the U.S. against any 
disease that use the same mRNA approach as humans’ COVID-19 vaccines, 
which entails delivering the mRNA by using a fatty coating called lipid 
nanoparticles — though some are being researched. There are some animal 
vaccines that use other RNA platforms. The pharmaceutical company Merck 
has for several years offered a <a href="https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/swine/sequivity">customizable vaccine</a>
 using what it calls “RNA particle technology”; the company creates 
vaccines against the flu and other viruses in pigs to protect a specific
 herd as needed. That approach predates the advent of the COVID-19 mRNA 
vaccines. The notion that mRNA vaccines would be transmissible through 
animal consumption — much less cause harm to the consumer — is not 
rooted in scientific evidence, experts told the AP. “The messenger RNA 
is extremely fragile,” Kuchipudi said, and is typically gone within days
 of receipt. “The chance of the mRNA being transferred, even 
hypothetically, is extremely unlikely.” Moreover, regulators licensing 
vaccines for food animals require something called a “withdrawal time,” 
said Alan Young, a professor of veterinary and biomedical science at 
South Dakota State University who also founded veterinary vaccine 
company Medgene. “Any licensed vaccine comes with a minimum time before 
you’re allowed to actually have that animal to enter the food chain." 
Menke, of the National Pork Board, added: “Vaccines are critical to 
preserving animal health and well-being, keeping the food supply safe, 
and protect U.S. livestock from emerging and foreign diseases."— Associated Press writer Angelo Fichera in Philadelphia contributed this report.___<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-video-bud-light-mexico-backlash-177684223512">Video of roller destroying beer cans unrelated to Bud Light backlash</a>CLAIM:
 A video shows Bud Light drinkers using a “steamroller” to destroy beer 
cans in response to the brand partnering with Dylan Mulvaney, a 
transgender social media influencer.THE FACTS: The video is from 
February 2023, prior to the controversy, and shows a road roller in 
Mexicali, Mexico, being used to destroy thousands of beer cases that had
 been confiscated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The municipality 
announced that the cases were destroyed due to health risks. But some 
online posts misrepresented the video as showing cans being destroyed in
 response to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-ap-check-656908474339">brand’s partnership with Mulvaney</a>,
 which has been met with transphobic commentary from conservative social
 media personalities. “Bud Light drinkers use steamroller to destroy 
beer in protest against partnership with trans influencer,” one blog 
featuring the video falsely stated. The false claim also circulated 
widely on TikTok and Reddit. The footage matches multiple similar <a href="https://twitter.com/ArmandoNieblas/status/1630669862183006208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1630669862183006208%7Ctwgr%5Ecefd0f22b16d9aee194439a51ea42b345a61f714%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fembedly.forbes.com%2Fwidgets%2Fmedia.html%3Ftype%3Dtext2Fhtmlkey%3Dcfc0fb0733504c77aa4a6ac07caaffc7schema%3Dtwitterurl%3Dhttps3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FArmandoNieblas%2Fstatus%2F1630669862183006208image%3Dhttps3A%2F%2Fi.embed.ly%2F1%2Fimage3Furl3Dhttps253A252F252Fabs.twimg.com252Ferrors252Flogo46x38.png26key3D8804248494c144f5b4765c41f66c6ed5">videos</a> that were posted on Feb. 28, 2023. That day, the Mexicali municipal <a href="https://twitter.com/GobiernoMxl/status/1630721652966457345">government’s Twitter account</a>
 posted photos of the same event, explaining that it showed the 
destruction of more than 85,000 beer containers that had been seized in 
2020 by the City Council of Mexicali. According to local reports, the 
cans were confiscated during the pandemic as people tried to bring cases
 of beer across the U.S.-Mexico border. In April 2020, the AP reported 
that Mexico had <a href="https://apnews.com/article/latin-america-business-mexico-caribbean-pandemics-b267fed62a6b4a3540b7c68b4c7bf57a">ordered the closure</a>
 of most “non-essential” industries, which included the country’s major 
breweries. Norma Bustamante, municipal president of Mexicali, <a href="https://twitter.com/NormaMXL/status/1630366137644109827">tweeted on Feb. 27</a> that the authorization to destroy the cases of beer was approved “in order to avoid infections or other health risks.”

NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🚨 I-80 is CLOSED for both directions of travel between mile marker 179 (North Platte) and mile marker 199 (Brady) due to a crash. Highwah 30 is the alternate route around the closed area. <a href="https://t.co/q8dYtbJe9X">pic.twitter.com/q8dYtbJe9X</a>&mdash; Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) <a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol/status/1646608744418103297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Portion of I-80 closed at North Platte after accident

Warner
 Bros. Discovery is sticking with safe bet franchises that will likely 
lure viewers, including a “Harry Potter” series and a “Game of Thrones” 
prequel for its <a href="https://apnews.com/article/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-streaming-max-app-9a662dfab76d312bc2af4d9cb13b9b98">rebranded Max streaming service</a>.

Executives
 touted Max and made original Warner Bros. Discovery programming 
announcements on Wednesday during a presentation for journalists and 
investors. The $16-per-month service will be released May 23 in the U.S.
 and automatically replace the company’s existing HBO Max.

The 
“Harry Potter” series is described as a “faithful retelling” of the 
books about the boy wizard by J. K Rowling, featuring a new cast.

Each season is intended to focus on one of the seven books, though Max anticipates stretching the series to a decade-long run.

Max
 also announced it is has also ordered a “Game of Thrones” prequel 
called “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” set in 
Westeros 100 years prior to the events of “Game of Thrones." It's based 
on fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, which follow the adventures 
of a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Aegon V 
Targaryen (called Egg). Martin will serve as an executive producer and 
writer on the series alongside Ira Parker.

“House of the Dragon” also a “Game of Thrones” prequel, has begun production on its second season for HBO.

Other
 announcements included a series based on the Penguin character in "The 
Batman", which is now in production with Colin Farrell resuming his role
 and another comedy set in the “Big Bang Theory” universe from Chuck 
Lorrie, both for Max.

Associated PressWarner
 Bros. Discovery is sticking with safe bet franchises that will likely 
lure viewers, including a “Harry Potter” series and a “Game of Thrones” 
prequel for its <a href="https://apnews.com/article/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-streaming-max-app-9a662dfab76d312bc2af4d9cb13b9b98">rebranded Max streaming service</a>.Executives
 touted Max and made original Warner Bros. Discovery programming 
announcements on Wednesday during a presentation for journalists and 
investors. The $16-per-month service will be released May 23 in the U.S.
 and automatically replace the company’s existing HBO Max.The 
“Harry Potter” series is described as a “faithful retelling” of the 
books about the boy wizard by J. K Rowling, featuring a new cast.Each season is intended to focus on one of the seven books, though Max anticipates stretching the series to a decade-long run.Max
 also announced it is has also ordered a “Game of Thrones” prequel 
called “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” set in 
Westeros 100 years prior to the events of “Game of Thrones." It's based 
on fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, which follow the adventures 
of a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Aegon V 
Targaryen (called Egg). Martin will serve as an executive producer and 
writer on the series alongside Ira Parker.“House of the Dragon” also a “Game of Thrones” prequel, has begun production on its second season for HBO.Other
 announcements included a series based on the Penguin character in "The 
Batman", which is now in production with Colin Farrell resuming his role
 and another comedy set in the “Big Bang Theory” universe from Chuck 
Lorrie, both for Max.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

'Game of Thrones' prequel and 'Harry Potter' series are a go

SANTA
 MONICA, Calif. — This winter's been a hard one in Southern 
California. Highways flood and the rain keeps coming. Pedestrians pick 
their way across fallen cypress trees, around puddles on sidewalks roped
 off with caution tape. Between fire, flood, and drought, sometimes it 
feels like the end of the world.

But tonight, there’s a break. 
Just east of the Santa Monica boardwalk, a dozen or so longboarders 
cruise in loping patterns along the empty stretch of South Lot 4, a 
mostly empty parking area.

Hannah Dooling glides down the 
pavement, earbuds hidden by long brown hair tucked beneath a baseball 
cap. She steps off her longboard, flips it in a semi-circle in the air 
while taking a few running steps, and hops back on the board, landing 
with a resounding thud.

“That’s cool, right?” another woman asks.

It
 is, in fact, really cool. The trick is the half moon, named for the arc
 the board makes in the sky, and it’s one that Dooling, 30, has shown 
other women how to master. They include Yun Huang, a 33-year-old tech 
worker, and Jane Kang and Christie Goodman, both 29, who work as a nanny
 and real estate agent, respectively.

They’re all here in wide-leg
 pants and zero-drop sneakers for the longboard session, bundled against
 the wind in hoodies, puffer coats or trucker jackets.

They get 
together most Saturday and Sunday afternoons if the weather’s good, at 
meetups supported by Dancing Foundation, a non-profit started with a 
matching grant from Google by Achille Brighton, a 39-year-old software 
engineer.

Longboard dance is still in its infancy, but Brighton 
says it has already spread — here, in Paris, in Seoul — anywhere with 
public squares or wide, open sidewalks where people can watch.

“You
 don’t need skate parks. You just need roads," he says. "And because you
 do it in public, you’re out there, people see it. And they’re like, 
‘Oh, that’s kind of cool.’”

Originally designed for surfers 
entertaining themselves between sets, most longboards range from 3 to 4 
feet in length, about a foot longer than traditional skateboards. The 
longer decks can be cumbersome, but also graceful. They’re used for 
carving sidewalk turns and bombing hills, as well as longboard dancing, a
 skate/dance hybrid that fuses movement, music and danger.

“When 
you’re doing longboard dancing, you’re listening to music, typically, 
and you’re moving your body to the beat,” Brighton says. “There’s this 
effect where the rest of the world melts away. And I think that is like 
one of the things that gets you addicted.”

Dooling was an early 
adopter, learning how to skate in Seattle. If anyone wants to learn a 
trick, she can probably show them how. She works remotely for Amazon and
 moved to L.A. with her partner in 2021 during “peak COVID,” not knowing
 anyone. Skating was a way to find community.

Huang, a native of 
Melbourne, Australia, started skating during the pandemic. Some days, 
her board and her dog were the only things that would get her outdoors 
and moving.

“We were all kind of depressed from COVID," she says. 
"I tried meditation before. That didn’t work for me, but I felt like I 
could really be in the zone with this.”

At first, Huang just 
wanted to learn how to skate. Then she got sucked into “the longboard 
dancing hole of Instagram,” where a 30-second clip can be posted with 
music. That’s how Huang learned about Brighton and Longboard Dancing Los
 Angeles.

Says Dooling: “As a woman, skating can feel intimidating
 and not welcoming.” But during the pandemic, people were connecting 
through social media, finding their niche.

Longboard dance was 
featured in a commercial for Facebook Groups during the 2021 Tokyo 
Summer Olympics, showing skaters of different genders, races and 
nationalities finding each other online. You could watch reels and 
think, “I identify, or I see myself, or connect with the people that I’m
 seeing doing this,” Dooling says.

Goodman, flashing a “rock on” 
sign with her index and pinky finger, says, "I was like, Tony Hawk!” The
 women laugh, but Goodman is semi-serious. “Yeah! I was obsessed with 
him! And now I’m like, I can do some of those tricks!”

The four 
women jump in and out of conversation, their speech overlapping. Kang is
 the most reticent, a former dancer attracted to the sport’s grace. 
Dooling is unassuming yet self-assured, a quietly rebellious “solo 
sporter” who grew up snowboarding and practicing Tae Kwan Do. Huang, 
also a snowboarder, sports a sea-green manicure and dark hair balayaged 
into blonde.

Goodman is animated, her long red hair moving with her as she gesticulates.

“Don’t laugh at me, I’m fulfilling my 12-year-old dreams, OK?” she says.

Goodman first stepped on a skateboard in 2021. Now she’s sponsored, as is Huang.

Goodman
 does downhill, descending inclines at rapid speed. It’s dangerous; it’s
 exciting; “it brings up all the emotions,” she says.

The thing 
that ties together longboarding and longboard dancing is danger, 
Brighton says. You might miss a step; you might fall; you might get 
hurt, he says. “And that’s the exciting bit.”

Brighton has ADHD 
and falls on the autism spectrum, he says. Longboarding attracts a 
neurodiverse community, says Goodman, who also has ADHD. “It’s, like, 
seeking that adrenaline,” she says.

On a longboard, Brighton says,
 he doesn't have to try to concentrate. It’s built into the movement. If
 you don’t pay attention, you’re going to get hurt, he says.

“You’re
 on a board. Your brain now needs to learn not only where the body is, 
but also where the board is, and how the board is moving with relation 
to the ground,” he says. Longboarders “jump in and out of two different 
planes of movement… You need to be able to keep track of those two 
states.”

When one of the women lands a new trick, “we fully 
celebrate,” Goodman says. They hang out after sessions, walking up to 
Samosa House on Main St., Jameson’s, or Venice Beach Bar, which you can 
skate down to.

The sun is lowering on the horizon, which is thick 
with clouds. The sand has turned gray and damp. Waves and wind have 
pushed sand onto the boardwalk, where it swirls and drifts in marbled 
patterns punctuated by footsteps, stroller wheels, and the tire patterns
 of a bike caravan glowing with LED lights, revolutions of pink and 
green slowly cycling towards the Ferris wheel.

The women, 
shivering in ripped jeans, want to make the most of the light that’s 
left. “We need to move,” Huang says, and, laughing, they glide off into 
the sunset.

Associated PressSANTA
 MONICA, Calif. — This winter's been a hard one in Southern 
California. Highways flood and the rain keeps coming. Pedestrians pick 
their way across fallen cypress trees, around puddles on sidewalks roped
 off with caution tape. Between fire, flood, and drought, sometimes it 
feels like the end of the world.But tonight, there’s a break. 
Just east of the Santa Monica boardwalk, a dozen or so longboarders 
cruise in loping patterns along the empty stretch of South Lot 4, a 
mostly empty parking area.Hannah Dooling glides down the 
pavement, earbuds hidden by long brown hair tucked beneath a baseball 
cap. She steps off her longboard, flips it in a semi-circle in the air 
while taking a few running steps, and hops back on the board, landing 
with a resounding thud.“That’s cool, right?” another woman asks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681412146316.jpg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It
 is, in fact, really cool. The trick is the half moon, named for the arc
 the board makes in the sky, and it’s one that Dooling, 30, has shown 
other women how to master. They include Yun Huang, a 33-year-old tech 
worker, and Jane Kang and Christie Goodman, both 29, who work as a nanny
 and real estate agent, respectively.They’re all here in wide-leg
 pants and zero-drop sneakers for the longboard session, bundled against
 the wind in hoodies, puffer coats or trucker jackets.They get 
together most Saturday and Sunday afternoons if the weather’s good, at 
meetups supported by Dancing Foundation, a non-profit started with a 
matching grant from Google by Achille Brighton, a 39-year-old software 
engineer.Longboard dance is still in its infancy, but Brighton 
says it has already spread — here, in Paris, in Seoul — anywhere with 
public squares or wide, open sidewalks where people can watch.“You
 don’t need skate parks. You just need roads," he says. "And because you
 do it in public, you’re out there, people see it. And they’re like, 
‘Oh, that’s kind of cool.’”Originally designed for surfers 
entertaining themselves between sets, most longboards range from 3 to 4 
feet in length, about a foot longer than traditional skateboards. The 
longer decks can be cumbersome, but also graceful. They’re used for 
carving sidewalk turns and bombing hills, as well as longboard dancing, a
 skate/dance hybrid that fuses movement, music and danger.“When 
you’re doing longboard dancing, you’re listening to music, typically, 
and you’re moving your body to the beat,” Brighton says. “There’s this 
effect where the rest of the world melts away. And I think that is like 
one of the things that gets you addicted.”Dooling was an early 
adopter, learning how to skate in Seattle. If anyone wants to learn a 
trick, she can probably show them how. She works remotely for Amazon and
 moved to L.A. with her partner in 2021 during “peak COVID,” not knowing
 anyone. Skating was a way to find community.Huang, a native of 
Melbourne, Australia, started skating during the pandemic. Some days, 
her board and her dog were the only things that would get her outdoors 
and moving.“We were all kind of depressed from COVID," she says. 
"I tried meditation before. That didn’t work for me, but I felt like I 
could really be in the zone with this.”At first, Huang just 
wanted to learn how to skate. Then she got sucked into “the longboard 
dancing hole of Instagram,” where a 30-second clip can be posted with 
music. That’s how Huang learned about Brighton and Longboard Dancing Los
 Angeles.Says Dooling: “As a woman, skating can feel intimidating
 and not welcoming.” But during the pandemic, people were connecting 
through social media, finding their niche.Longboard dance was 
featured in a commercial for Facebook Groups during the 2021 Tokyo 
Summer Olympics, showing skaters of different genders, races and 
nationalities finding each other online. You could watch reels and 
think, “I identify, or I see myself, or connect with the people that I’m
 seeing doing this,” Dooling says.Goodman, flashing a “rock on” 
sign with her index and pinky finger, says, "I was like, Tony Hawk!” The
 women laugh, but Goodman is semi-serious. “Yeah! I was obsessed with 
him! And now I’m like, I can do some of those tricks!”The four 
women jump in and out of conversation, their speech overlapping. Kang is
 the most reticent, a former dancer attracted to the sport’s grace. 
Dooling is unassuming yet self-assured, a quietly rebellious “solo 
sporter” who grew up snowboarding and practicing Tae Kwan Do. Huang, 
also a snowboarder, sports a sea-green manicure and dark hair balayaged 
into blonde.Goodman is animated, her long red hair moving with her as she gesticulates.“Don’t laugh at me, I’m fulfilling my 12-year-old dreams, OK?” she says.Goodman first stepped on a skateboard in 2021. Now she’s sponsored, as is Huang.Goodman
 does downhill, descending inclines at rapid speed. It’s dangerous; it’s
 exciting; “it brings up all the emotions,” she says.The thing 
that ties together longboarding and longboard dancing is danger, 
Brighton says. You might miss a step; you might fall; you might get 
hurt, he says. “And that’s the exciting bit.”Brighton has ADHD 
and falls on the autism spectrum, he says. Longboarding attracts a 
neurodiverse community, says Goodman, who also has ADHD. “It’s, like, 
seeking that adrenaline,” she says.On a longboard, Brighton says,
 he doesn't have to try to concentrate. It’s built into the movement. If
 you don’t pay attention, you’re going to get hurt, he says.“You’re
 on a board. Your brain now needs to learn not only where the body is, 
but also where the board is, and how the board is moving with relation 
to the ground,” he says. Longboarders “jump in and out of two different 
planes of movement… You need to be able to keep track of those two 
states.”When one of the women lands a new trick, “we fully 
celebrate,” Goodman says. They hang out after sessions, walking up to 
Samosa House on Main St., Jameson’s, or Venice Beach Bar, which you can 
skate down to.The sun is lowering on the horizon, which is thick 
with clouds. The sand has turned gray and damp. Waves and wind have 
pushed sand onto the boardwalk, where it swirls and drifts in marbled 
patterns punctuated by footsteps, stroller wheels, and the tire patterns
 of a bike caravan glowing with LED lights, revolutions of pink and 
green slowly cycling towards the Ferris wheel.The women, 
shivering in ripped jeans, want to make the most of the light that’s 
left. “We need to move,” Huang says, and, laughing, they glide off into 
the sunset.

Longboard dance: Moves, music, risk elevate a skating hybrid

WASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded low- to moderate-income 
taxpayers, especially those who don't normally file a tax return, to 
consider IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> to prepare their own federal tax return to potentially receive overlooked tax credits or refunds.

The 2023 federal tax filing deadline for individuals is next Tuesday,
 April 18. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return.

IRS Free File allows qualified individuals to file electronically and
 get a refund by direct deposit – all for free. The program is a 
public-private partnership between the IRS and several tax preparation 
software companies who provide their online tax preparation and filing 
software for free. The software is safe, easy and accurate, and must be 
accessed through IRS.gov.

It offers two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free:

Not required to file doesn't mean shouldn't file

Generally, taxpayers with gross income less than $12,950 for single 
filers, and $25,900 for married filing jointly, are not required to file
 a federal tax return. However, low-income individuals may mistakenly 
assume that since they owe no tax, they're not entitled to a refund. In 
fact, they may get money back if they file a tax return. For example, if
 an individual qualifies for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/who-qualifies-for-the-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)</a> or if their employer withheld taxes from their paycheck, they may be owed a refund when they file their taxes.

The IRS encourages everyone to consider taking advantage of the speed and convenience of IRS Free File, including:

In order to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS</a>,
 taxpayers will need their AGI from their most recent tax return. If 
using the same tax preparation software as last year, this field will 
auto-populate. However, first-time filers over the age of 16 should 
enter zero as their AGI.

Don't have a bank account to direct deposit a refund?

Filing a tax return electronically and choosing direct deposit is the fastest way to get a refund. 

The <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)</a> and the National Credit Union Administration's <a href="https://mapping.ncua.gov/">Credit Union Locator Tool</a> have information on where to find a bank or credit union to open an account online.

Veterans should use the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)</a> for access to financial services at participating banks.

Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that can be used for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> as well.

Only one place guarantees IRS Free File for free

While there are many offers for free tax filing software, the only 
guaranteed place to find IRS Free File software is IRS.gov. Anyone can 
use IRS Free File by accessing a computer or similar device. Even 
without a computer, IRS Free File products support <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">mobile phone access</a> too.

For those not comfortable doing their own tax return, IRS-trained community volunteers offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help</a>
 through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling 
for the Elderly (TCE) programs to qualified individuals at thousands of 
locations nationwide. The IRS website has a <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">special tool</a> for finding the nearest site. Taxpayers can also call <a href="tel:800-906-9887">800-906-9887</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON
 — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded low- to moderate-income 
taxpayers, especially those who don't normally file a tax return, to 
consider IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> to prepare their own federal tax return to potentially receive overlooked tax credits or refunds.The 2023 federal tax filing deadline for individuals is next Tuesday,
 April 18. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return.IRS Free File allows qualified individuals to file electronically and
 get a refund by direct deposit – all for free. The program is a 
public-private partnership between the IRS and several tax preparation 
software companies who provide their online tax preparation and filing 
software for free. The software is safe, easy and accurate, and must be 
accessed through IRS.gov.It offers two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free:<ul>
 <li>Guided Tax Preparation:&nbsp;Provides taxpayers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/definition-of-adjusted-gross-income">Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) </a>is
 $73,000 or less with free online tax preparation that guides people 
through the tax return process. It uses a straightforward 
question-and-answer format for each section of their tax return. IRS 
Free File partners deliver this service at no cost to qualifying 
taxpayers. Some partners charge a fee for filing a state tax return.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Free File Fillable Forms:&nbsp;Provides a free option to 
taxpayers whose&nbsp;AGI&nbsp;is greater than $73,000. These are electronic 
federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. This option is 
generally intended for those comfortable preparing their own tax return 
using instructions and IRS publications as needed.</li>
 </ul><h2>Not required to file doesn't mean shouldn't file</h2>Generally, taxpayers with gross income less than $12,950 for single 
filers, and $25,900 for married filing jointly, are not required to file
 a federal tax return. However, low-income individuals may mistakenly 
assume that since they owe no tax, they're not entitled to a refund. In 
fact, they may get money back if they file a tax return. For example, if
 an individual qualifies for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/who-qualifies-for-the-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)</a> or if their employer withheld taxes from their paycheck, they may be owed a refund when they file their taxes.The IRS encourages everyone to consider taking advantage of the speed and convenience of IRS Free File, including:<ul>
 <li>Low- to moderate-income workers and working families who don't normally file a return. They may miss out on certain <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions-for-individuals">credits for individuals</a>, including the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, the Child &amp; Dependent Credit and the Premium Tax Credit if they don't file.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>People experiencing homelessness (the address of a friend, 
relative or trusted service provider, such as a shelter, drop-in day 
center or transitional housing program, may be used on the tax return).</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Students just entering the workforce or who may have only worked part time.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>All eligible parents of qualifying children born or 
welcomed through adoption or foster care in 2022. They may be eligible 
for the Child Tax Credit.</li>
 </ul>In order to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS</a>,
 taxpayers will need their AGI from their most recent tax return. If 
using the same tax preparation software as last year, this field will 
auto-populate. However, first-time filers over the age of 16 should 
enter zero as their AGI.<h2>Don't have a bank account to direct deposit a refund?</h2>Filing a tax return electronically and choosing direct deposit is the fastest way to get a refund. The <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)</a> and the National Credit Union Administration's <a href="https://mapping.ncua.gov/">Credit Union Locator Tool</a> have information on where to find a bank or credit union to open an account online.Veterans should use the <a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)</a> for access to financial services at participating banks.Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that can be used for <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> as well.<h2>Only one place guarantees IRS Free File for free</h2>While there are many offers for free tax filing software, the only 
guaranteed place to find IRS Free File software is IRS.gov. Anyone can 
use IRS Free File by accessing a computer or similar device. Even 
without a computer, IRS Free File products support <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">mobile phone access</a> too.For those not comfortable doing their own tax return, IRS-trained community volunteers offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help</a>
 through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling 
for the Elderly (TCE) programs to qualified individuals at thousands of 
locations nationwide. The IRS website has a <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/">special tool</a> for finding the nearest site. Taxpayers can also call <a href="tel:800-906-9887">800-906-9887</a>.

IRS: No filing requirement? Don't forget overlooked tax credits, refunds

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service announced today that nearly
 1.5 million people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax 
year 2019 but face a July 17 deadline to submit their tax return.

The IRS estimates almost $1.5 billion in refunds remain unclaimed 
because people haven't filed their 2019 tax returns yet. The average 
median refund is $893 for this year, and the IRS has done a special 
state-by-state calculation to show how many people are potentially 
eligible for these refunds.

"The 2019 tax returns came due during the pandemic, and many people 
may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds," said IRS 
Commissioner Danny Werfel. "We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, 
but time is running out. People face a July 17 deadline to file their 
returns. We recommend taxpayers start soon to make sure they don't miss 
out."

Under the law, taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim 
their tax refunds. If they don't file within three years, the money 
becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.

But for 2019 tax returns, people have more time than usual to file to
 claim their refunds. Usually, the normal filing deadline to claim old 
refunds falls around the April tax deadline, which is April 18 this year
 for 2022 tax returns. But the three-year window for 2019 unfiled 
returns was postponed to July 17, 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic 
emergency. The IRS issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/irb/2023-11_IRB#NOT-2023-21">Notice 2023-21</a> on Feb. 27, 2023, providing legal guidance on claims made by the postponed deadline.

The IRS estimates the midpoint for the potential unclaimed refunds 
for 2019 to be $893. That means half of the refunds are more than $893 
and half are less.

"With the pandemic taking place when the 2019 tax returns were 
originally due, people faced extremely unusual situations. People may 
have simply forgotten about tax refunds with the deadline that year 
postponed all the way into July," Werfel said. "We frequently see 
students, part-time workers and others with little income overlook 
filing a tax return and never realize they may be owed a refund. We 
encourage people to review their records and start gathering records 
now, so they don't run the risk of missing the July deadline."

By missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than
 just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2019. Many low- and 
moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit
 (EITC). For 2019, the credit was worth as much as $6,557. The EITC 
helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain 
thresholds in 2019. Those who are potentially eligible for EITC in 2019 
had incomes below:

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2019 tax refund that their 
checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021.
 In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to 
the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child 
support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.

Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) and instructions are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a> page or by calling toll-free <a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-TAX-FORM</a> (800-829-3676).

Need to file a 2019 tax return? Several options to get key documents

Although it's been several years since 2019, the IRS reminds 
taxpayers there are ways they can still gather the information they need
 to file this tax return. But people should start early to make sure 
they have enough time to file before the July deadline for 2019 refunds.
 Here are some options:

Based on tax information currently available, the IRS estimated 
how many people in each state may be entitled to a tax refund. The 
actual refund amount will vary based on a household's tax situation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service announced today that nearly
 1.5 million people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax 
year 2019 but face a July 17 deadline to submit their tax return.The IRS estimates almost $1.5 billion in refunds remain unclaimed 
because people haven't filed their 2019 tax returns yet. The average 
median refund is $893 for this year, and the IRS has done a special 
state-by-state calculation to show how many people are potentially 
eligible for these refunds."The 2019 tax returns came due during the pandemic, and many people 
may have overlooked or forgotten about these refunds," said IRS 
Commissioner Danny Werfel. "We want taxpayers to claim these refunds, 
but time is running out. People face a July 17 deadline to file their 
returns. We recommend taxpayers start soon to make sure they don't miss 
out."Under the law, taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim 
their tax refunds. If they don't file within three years, the money 
becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.But for 2019 tax returns, people have more time than usual to file to
 claim their refunds. Usually, the normal filing deadline to claim old 
refunds falls around the April tax deadline, which is April 18 this year
 for 2022 tax returns. But the three-year window for 2019 unfiled 
returns was postponed to July 17, 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic 
emergency. The IRS issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/irb/2023-11_IRB#NOT-2023-21">Notice 2023-21</a> on Feb. 27, 2023, providing legal guidance on claims made by the postponed deadline.The IRS estimates the midpoint for the potential unclaimed refunds 
for 2019 to be $893. That means half of the refunds are more than $893 
and half are less."With the pandemic taking place when the 2019 tax returns were 
originally due, people faced extremely unusual situations. People may 
have simply forgotten about tax refunds with the deadline that year 
postponed all the way into July," Werfel said. "We frequently see 
students, part-time workers and others with little income overlook 
filing a tax return and never realize they may be owed a refund. We 
encourage people to review their records and start gathering records 
now, so they don't run the risk of missing the July deadline."By missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than
 just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2019. Many low- and 
moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit
 (EITC). For 2019, the credit was worth as much as $6,557. The EITC 
helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain 
thresholds in 2019. Those who are potentially eligible for EITC in 2019 
had incomes below:<ul>
 <li>$50,162 ($55,952 if married filing jointly) for those with three or more qualifying children;</li><li>$46,703 ($52,493 if married filing jointly) for people with two qualifying children;</li><li>$41,094 ($46,884 if married filing jointly) for those with one qualifying child, and;</li><li>$15,570 ($21,370 if married filing jointly) for people without qualifying children.</li>
 </ul>The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2019 tax refund that their 
checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021.
 In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to 
the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child 
support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.Current and prior year tax forms (such as the tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) and instructions are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">Forms, Instructions &amp; Publications</a> page or by calling toll-free <a href="tel:800-829-3676">800-TAX-FORM</a> (800-829-3676).<h2>Need to file a 2019 tax return? Several options to get key documents</h2>Although it's been several years since 2019, the IRS reminds 
taxpayers there are ways they can still gather the information they need
 to file this tax return. But people should start early to make sure 
they have enough time to file before the July deadline for 2019 refunds.
 Here are some options:<ul>
 <li>Request copies of key documents: Taxpayers who 
are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2019, 2020 or 
2021 can request copies from their employer, bank or other payers.</li><li>Use Get Transcript Online at IRS.gov. Taxpayers 
who are unable to get those missing forms from their employer or other 
payers can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript">Get Transcript Online</a> tool. For many taxpayers, this is by far the quickest and easiest option.</li><li>Or request a transcript. Another option is for people to file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/transcript-types-and-ways-to-order-them">Form 4506-T</a>
 with the IRS to request a "wage and income transcript." A wage and 
income transcript shows data from information returns received by the 
IRS, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, Form 5498 and IRA contribution 
information. Taxpayers can use the information from the transcript to 
file their tax return. But plan ahead – these written requests can take 
several weeks; people are strongly urged to try the other options first.</li>
 </ul>Based on tax information currently available, the IRS estimated 
how many people in each state may be entitled to a tax refund. The 
actual refund amount will vary based on a household's tax situation.

Time running out to claim $1.5B in refunds for tax year 2019

NEW YORK — Dust off your eclipse glasses: It’s only a year until a total solar eclipse sweeps across North America.

On
 April 8, 2024, the moon will cast its shadow across a stretch of the 
U.S., Mexico and Canada, plunging millions of people into midday 
darkness.

It's been less than six years since a total solar eclipse cut across the U.S., from coast to coast. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-ap-top-news-us-news-oregon-north-america-11d5c10bf3be44c994eedab6e39f4e6f">That was on Aug. 21, 2017.</a>

If
 you miss next year's spectacle, you'll have to wait 20 years until the 
next one hits the U.S. But that total eclipse will only be visible in 
Montana and the Dakotas.

Here’s what to know to get ready for the 2024 show:

Next year's eclipse will slice a diagonal line across North America on April 8, which falls on a Monday.

It will start in the Pacific and first reach land over Mexico around 11:07 a.m. local time, <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2024/apr-8-total/where-when/">NASA predicts</a>. Then, it’ll cross over into Texas and move across parts of the Midwest and Northeast in the afternoon.

All
 in all, it will hit parts of 13 U.S. states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
 Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, 
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Cities in its path include Dallas; 
Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis; Cleveland and Buffalo, New York.

Parts
 of Canada — including Quebec and Newfoundland — will also get a glimpse
 before the eclipse heads out to sea in the early evening.

A total
 eclipse will be visible within a 115-mile wide swath — the path of 
totality. Outside that path, you can still see a partial solar eclipse, 
where the moon takes a bite out of the sun and turns it into a crescent 
shape.

Total eclipses happen about every 18 months, but a lot of times they cross over remote areas where few people see them.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light from reaching us.

Even
 though the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, it’s also 
about 400 times closer to Earth, explained University of Colorado 
astronomer Doug Duncan. So when the orbits line up just right, the 
little moon can block out the whole sun. Those who are standing in the 
right spots will experience totality: when the moon casts its shadow 
over the landscape.

“In just seconds, you go from bright, bright 
daylight to like the middle of the night,” said Dr. Debby Brown, who saw
 her first total eclipse in 2017 with Duncan in Grand Teton National 
Park in Wyoming.

“The stars are out. All of a sudden, all the animals are quiet,” recalled Brown, of Arlington, Virginia.

During the 2024 eclipse, totality will stretch to around four and a half minutes — almost twice as long as in 2017.

To
 catch the full eclipse experience, planning ahead is key, Duncan said. 
Weather could be a big factor since the eclipse is coming in the spring,
 when conditions are unpredictable. That’s why Duncan selected Texas for
 his eclipse tour next year, where there are better odds of clear skies.

Your
 choice also depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, said
 Bob Baer, who’s coordinating eclipse plans at Southern Illinois 
University in Carbondale.

Carbondale — in the crossroads of both 
the 2017 and 2024 eclipse paths — will hold a viewing event at the 
school's stadium again. It’s a big group experience, Baer said: “The 
last 20 minutes before totality, the stadium gets as loud as a football 
game.”

But you can find eclipse events of all different flavors 
planned along the eclipse path: luxury cruises in Mexico, music 
festivals in Texas, farm camping in Arkansas, planetarium visits in 
upstate New York.

“The goal, at the end of the day, is to get as 
many people outside as possible, looking up during totality,” said Dan 
Schneiderman, who is helping the Rochester Museum and Science Center 
plan events. “Hopefully with their close friends and loved ones.”

You’ll want to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-mo-state-wire-ia-state-wire-id-state-wire-or-state-wire-fd679ae2684b4c35b8ba64531cab2e80">grab eclipse glasses</a>
 to see the partial phases before and after totality, Schneiderman 
added. Looking at the partially covered sun without protection can cause
 serious eye damage.

Brown and her husband are planning to join Duncan’s eclipse tour in Austin. Her first eclipse experience flew by.

“I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy this even longer,” Brown said. “To be able to just lean into the moment.”

WHAT OTHER ECLIPSES ARE COMING UP?

The
 U.S. will get some eclipse action ahead of the big event in 2024. There
 will be an annular eclipse — when the sun isn’t completely covered, but
 appears like a ring of fire in the sky — later this year, on <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2023/oct-14-annular/where-when/#:~:text=In%20the%20U.S.%2C%20the%20annular,at%2012%3A03%20p.m.%20CDT.&amp;text=The%20path%20of%20the%20annular%20solar%20eclipse%20next%20visits%20Mexico,Honduras%2C%20Nicaragua%2C%20and%20Panama.&amp;text=The%20annular%20eclipse%20crosses%20into%20South%20America%20in%20Colombia.">Oct. 14</a>.

The path of that eclipse will cross from Oregon down through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Later this month, there will be a rare <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2023-april-20">hybrid eclipse</a>,
 which switches between a total and an annular eclipse at different 
points along its path. But few people will see it. The April 20 eclipse 
is mostly over the Indian Ocean, and only crosses over a few slivers of 
Australia and Southeast Asia.

With a 20-year gap until the next 
total solar eclipse in the U.S., Duncan says it will be worth it to be 
in the path of totality next year. He’s witnessed 12 total eclipses so 
far.

Seeing a partial eclipse — even if it’s 90% covered — means “you missed all the good stuff,” he said.

Associated PressNEW YORK — Dust off your eclipse glasses: It’s only a year until a total solar eclipse sweeps across North America.On
 April 8, 2024, the moon will cast its shadow across a stretch of the 
U.S., Mexico and Canada, plunging millions of people into midday 
darkness.It's been less than six years since a total solar eclipse cut across the U.S., from coast to coast. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-ap-top-news-us-news-oregon-north-america-11d5c10bf3be44c994eedab6e39f4e6f">That was on Aug. 21, 2017.</a>If
 you miss next year's spectacle, you'll have to wait 20 years until the 
next one hits the U.S. But that total eclipse will only be visible in 
Montana and the Dakotas.Here’s what to know to get ready for the 2024 show:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680886783788.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>WHERE CAN I SEE IT?Next year's eclipse will slice a diagonal line across North America on April 8, which falls on a Monday.It will start in the Pacific and first reach land over Mexico around 11:07 a.m. local time, <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2024/apr-8-total/where-when/">NASA predicts</a>. Then, it’ll cross over into Texas and move across parts of the Midwest and Northeast in the afternoon.All
 in all, it will hit parts of 13 U.S. states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
 Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, 
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Cities in its path include Dallas; 
Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis; Cleveland and Buffalo, New York.Parts
 of Canada — including Quebec and Newfoundland — will also get a glimpse
 before the eclipse heads out to sea in the early evening.A total
 eclipse will be visible within a 115-mile wide swath — the path of 
totality. Outside that path, you can still see a partial solar eclipse, 
where the moon takes a bite out of the sun and turns it into a crescent 
shape.Total eclipses happen about every 18 months, but a lot of times they cross over remote areas where few people see them.WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ECLIPSE?Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light from reaching us.Even
 though the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, it’s also 
about 400 times closer to Earth, explained University of Colorado 
astronomer Doug Duncan. So when the orbits line up just right, the 
little moon can block out the whole sun. Those who are standing in the 
right spots will experience totality: when the moon casts its shadow 
over the landscape.“In just seconds, you go from bright, bright 
daylight to like the middle of the night,” said Dr. Debby Brown, who saw
 her first total eclipse in 2017 with Duncan in Grand Teton National 
Park in Wyoming.“The stars are out. All of a sudden, all the animals are quiet,” recalled Brown, of Arlington, Virginia.During the 2024 eclipse, totality will stretch to around four and a half minutes — almost twice as long as in 2017.WHAT'S THE BEST SPOT?To
 catch the full eclipse experience, planning ahead is key, Duncan said. 
Weather could be a big factor since the eclipse is coming in the spring,
 when conditions are unpredictable. That’s why Duncan selected Texas for
 his eclipse tour next year, where there are better odds of clear skies.Your
 choice also depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, said
 Bob Baer, who’s coordinating eclipse plans at Southern Illinois 
University in Carbondale.Carbondale — in the crossroads of both 
the 2017 and 2024 eclipse paths — will hold a viewing event at the 
school's stadium again. It’s a big group experience, Baer said: “The 
last 20 minutes before totality, the stadium gets as loud as a football 
game.”But you can find eclipse events of all different flavors 
planned along the eclipse path: luxury cruises in Mexico, music 
festivals in Texas, farm camping in Arkansas, planetarium visits in 
upstate New York.“The goal, at the end of the day, is to get as 
many people outside as possible, looking up during totality,” said Dan 
Schneiderman, who is helping the Rochester Museum and Science Center 
plan events. “Hopefully with their close friends and loved ones.”You’ll want to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-mo-state-wire-ia-state-wire-id-state-wire-or-state-wire-fd679ae2684b4c35b8ba64531cab2e80">grab eclipse glasses</a>
 to see the partial phases before and after totality, Schneiderman 
added. Looking at the partially covered sun without protection can cause
 serious eye damage.Brown and her husband are planning to join Duncan’s eclipse tour in Austin. Her first eclipse experience flew by.“I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy this even longer,” Brown said. “To be able to just lean into the moment.”WHAT OTHER ECLIPSES ARE COMING UP?The
 U.S. will get some eclipse action ahead of the big event in 2024. There
 will be an annular eclipse — when the sun isn’t completely covered, but
 appears like a ring of fire in the sky — later this year, on <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2023/oct-14-annular/where-when/#:~:text=In%20the%20U.S.%2C%20the%20annular,at%2012%3A03%20p.m.%20CDT.&amp;text=The%20path%20of%20the%20annular%20solar%20eclipse%20next%20visits%20Mexico,Honduras%2C%20Nicaragua%2C%20and%20Panama.&amp;text=The%20annular%20eclipse%20crosses%20into%20South%20America%20in%20Colombia.">Oct. 14</a>.The path of that eclipse will cross from Oregon down through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.Later this month, there will be a rare <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2023-april-20">hybrid eclipse</a>,
 which switches between a total and an annular eclipse at different 
points along its path. But few people will see it. The April 20 eclipse 
is mostly over the Indian Ocean, and only crosses over a few slivers of 
Australia and Southeast Asia.With a 20-year gap until the next 
total solar eclipse in the U.S., Duncan says it will be worth it to be 
in the path of totality next year. He’s witnessed 12 total eclipses so 
far.Seeing a partial eclipse — even if it’s 90% covered — means “you missed all the good stuff,” he said.

Save the date: One year until total solar eclipse sweeps US

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced a series of enhancements to the online consumer application system for the Affordable Connectivity Program to make it easier for eligible consumers to apply and enroll in the program.  The nation’s largest-ever broadband affordability effort, the ACP is now supporting internet connections in 17 million households.  The program, authorized and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.  

“As of today, seventeen million households have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program.  No small feat.  But we aren’t stopping there.  We continue to look for ways to reach more people who could benefit from its support,” said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “Our application enhancements roll-out is part of our ongoing work to improve the consumer experience with the program, so even more families can get the support they need to get online and stay online.” 

 “We partnered with the Federal Communications Commission to advance the President’s mission to lower internet cost and expand internet for all, ensuring that every household has access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.  The Affordable Connectivity Program application enhancements will streamline the process and ensure that benefits reach as many households as possible with as little friction as possible,” said U.S. Digital Service Deputy Administrator Cori Zarek.  “Our focus on simplifying the applicant's experience will help get affordable internet to more households, ensuring families can do their homework, work from home, and access critical government services.”

The enhancements are designed to reduce the time it takes to enroll by providing clear instructions, to decrease steps and to simplify language while continuing to protect against waste, fraud and abuse and guarding the integrity of the program.&nbsp; Enhancements were developed in consultation with digital navigators, digital equity advocates, and Internet Service Providers.&nbsp; The FCC will continue to make improvements to ensure that all qualifying consumers can easily access the Affordable Connectivity Program. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission this week announced a series of enhancements to the online consumer application system for the Affordable Connectivity Program to make it easier for eligible consumers to apply and enroll in the program. The nation’s largest-ever broadband affordability effort, the ACP is now supporting internet connections in 17 million households. The program, authorized and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. “As of today, seventeen million households have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program. No small feat. But we aren’t stopping there. We continue to look for ways to reach more people who could benefit from its support,” said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Our application enhancements roll-out is part of our ongoing work to improve the consumer experience with the program, so even more families can get the support they need to get online and stay online.” “We partnered with the Federal Communications Commission to advance the President’s mission to lower internet cost and expand internet for all, ensuring that every household has access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program application enhancements will streamline the process and ensure that benefits reach as many households as possible with as little friction as possible,” said U.S. Digital Service Deputy Administrator Cori Zarek. “Our focus on simplifying the applicant's experience will help get affordable internet to more households, ensuring families can do their homework, work from home, and access critical government services.”The enhancements are designed to reduce the time it takes to enroll by providing clear instructions, to decrease steps and to simplify language while continuing to protect against waste, fraud and abuse and guarding the integrity of the program.&nbsp; Enhancements were developed in consultation with digital navigators, digital equity advocates, and Internet Service Providers.&nbsp; The FCC will continue to make improvements to ensure that all qualifying consumers can easily access the Affordable Connectivity Program.

More than 17M households enrolled in discounted internet program

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This Easter, Americans will devour more 
than 1 billion Peeps — those radiant marshmallow chicks whose appearance
 on store shelves each year is as much a herald of spring as azaleas at <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/the-masters">the Masters</a>.

What
 makes the treats so vibrant is erythrosine, a chemical that shows up on
 ingredient labels as Red No. 3. It's one of several chemicals, along 
with titanium dioxide, used to color some of the most popular candy in 
the country — including Skittles and Hot Tamales.

Both chemicals have been linked to cancer. More than 30 years ago, U.S. regulators <a href="https://apnews.com/article/83322a29c173c2756755c0a2e9311064">banned Red No. 3 from makeup</a>. The U.S. still has not banned the chemical from food, to the dismay of some consumer safety groups.

Now,
 a state lawmaker wants to ban erythrosine and titanium dioxide in 
California, plus three other chemicals used in everyday favorites like 
tortillas and some store brand sodas.

The bill, scheduled for its 
first public hearing next week, has prompted headlines around the world 
declaring California wants to ban Skittles and other candy. 
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat who authored the bill, said he 
wants to ban the chemicals, not the candy. He said plenty of alternative
 ingredients are available, noting the chemicals are already banned in 
Europe and that companies still find a way to sell candy there.

“They
 still produce Skittles in other parts of the world. What they do is 
they take out these toxic ingredients, and they replace them with 
something else,” Gabriel said. “What we really want is for these 
companies to make the same minor modifications to their recipes that 
they made in Europe and elsewhere.”

The National Confectioners 
Association, the trade group that represents candy companies, says it's 
not that easy. Tastes vary across cultures, it said, meaning just 
because a candy is accepted by Europeans doesn't mean it will be 
received well in the United States. Plus, changing ingredients would be a
 hardship for regional candy makers who don't sell their products 
overseas, according to the trade group.

“There's a lot more here 
at play than a simple soundbite solution,” said Christopher 
Gindlesperger, spokesperson for the association. “We need a 
comprehensive look at this to make sure there aren't unintended 
consequences for chocolate and candy companies.”

In addition to 
erythrosine and titanium dioxide, the bill would ban potassium bromate 
and propylparaben, two chemicals used in baked goods, and brominated 
vegetable oil, which is used in some store brand sodas.

The U.S. 
has allowed dyes like erythrosine in food since 1907. Decades later, 
researchers found rats exposed to lots of erythrosine over a long time 
developed thyroid cancer. In 1990, based in part off of that research, 
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned erythrosine from cosmetics.

Consumer
 safety groups have tried for years to get the agency to ban the 
chemical in food to no avail. Researchers have since linked the chemical
 to other health problems besides cancer, including hyperactivity and 
other neurobiological behaviors in some children, according to a 2021 
report from the California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of 
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

The International 
Association of Color Manufacturers argued in a 2021 statement that 
California study was “based on insufficient scientific evidence.”

Titanium
 dioxide is a white powder that, because it scatters light, can make 
colors appear brighter. It's been used for 100 years in products like 
paints, paper, rubber, toothpaste, soap and food coloring. The 
International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed titanium dioxide 
as a possible carcinogen in humans. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers 
Association maintains there is no evidence of it causing cancer in 
humans.

The candy industry insists the chemicals California is 
considering banning “have been thoroughly reviewed by the federal and 
state systems and many international scientific bodies and continue to 
be deemed safe,” according to a letter signed by various industry trade 
groups.

“These scientifically based regulatory processes should be
 allowed to continue without second guessing their outcomes,” the letter
 stated.

Scott Faber, senior vice president for governmental 
affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said the only 
reason the chemical is still deemed safe by federal regulators is 
because of a loophole that has been exploited by chemical companies. He 
says regulators have not reviewed their prior decisions in light of new 
science.

“The confectioners and the food industry know the review 
process at the FDA is broken. They have been hiding behind it for 
decades. We shouldn't let them hide behind it anymore," Faber said. “If 
FDA won’t fix this review system and keep us safe from dangerous 
chemicals in our food, it’s up to states like California to keep us 
safe.”

Just Born Inc., the Pennsylvania-based company that makes 
Peeps, said in a statement the company complies with FDA regulations and
 gets their “ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable 
suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards.”

The 
company noted its development team is looking for other options, 
“including colors derived form natural sources that can deliver the same
 visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.”

Associated PressSACRAMENTO, Calif. — This Easter, Americans will devour more 
than 1 billion Peeps — those radiant marshmallow chicks whose appearance
 on store shelves each year is as much a herald of spring as azaleas at <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/the-masters">the Masters</a>.What
 makes the treats so vibrant is erythrosine, a chemical that shows up on
 ingredient labels as Red No. 3. It's one of several chemicals, along 
with titanium dioxide, used to color some of the most popular candy in 
the country — including Skittles and Hot Tamales.Both chemicals have been linked to cancer. More than 30 years ago, U.S. regulators <a href="https://apnews.com/article/83322a29c173c2756755c0a2e9311064">banned Red No. 3 from makeup</a>. The U.S. still has not banned the chemical from food, to the dismay of some consumer safety groups.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680886645163.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Now,
 a state lawmaker wants to ban erythrosine and titanium dioxide in 
California, plus three other chemicals used in everyday favorites like 
tortillas and some store brand sodas.The bill, scheduled for its 
first public hearing next week, has prompted headlines around the world 
declaring California wants to ban Skittles and other candy. 
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat who authored the bill, said he 
wants to ban the chemicals, not the candy. He said plenty of alternative
 ingredients are available, noting the chemicals are already banned in 
Europe and that companies still find a way to sell candy there.“They
 still produce Skittles in other parts of the world. What they do is 
they take out these toxic ingredients, and they replace them with 
something else,” Gabriel said. “What we really want is for these 
companies to make the same minor modifications to their recipes that 
they made in Europe and elsewhere.”The National Confectioners 
Association, the trade group that represents candy companies, says it's 
not that easy. Tastes vary across cultures, it said, meaning just 
because a candy is accepted by Europeans doesn't mean it will be 
received well in the United States. Plus, changing ingredients would be a
 hardship for regional candy makers who don't sell their products 
overseas, according to the trade group.“There's a lot more here 
at play than a simple soundbite solution,” said Christopher 
Gindlesperger, spokesperson for the association. “We need a 
comprehensive look at this to make sure there aren't unintended 
consequences for chocolate and candy companies.”In addition to 
erythrosine and titanium dioxide, the bill would ban potassium bromate 
and propylparaben, two chemicals used in baked goods, and brominated 
vegetable oil, which is used in some store brand sodas.The U.S. 
has allowed dyes like erythrosine in food since 1907. Decades later, 
researchers found rats exposed to lots of erythrosine over a long time 
developed thyroid cancer. In 1990, based in part off of that research, 
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned erythrosine from cosmetics.Consumer
 safety groups have tried for years to get the agency to ban the 
chemical in food to no avail. Researchers have since linked the chemical
 to other health problems besides cancer, including hyperactivity and 
other neurobiological behaviors in some children, according to a 2021 
report from the California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of 
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.The International 
Association of Color Manufacturers argued in a 2021 statement that 
California study was “based on insufficient scientific evidence.”Titanium
 dioxide is a white powder that, because it scatters light, can make 
colors appear brighter. It's been used for 100 years in products like 
paints, paper, rubber, toothpaste, soap and food coloring. The 
International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed titanium dioxide 
as a possible carcinogen in humans. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers 
Association maintains there is no evidence of it causing cancer in 
humans.The candy industry insists the chemicals California is 
considering banning “have been thoroughly reviewed by the federal and 
state systems and many international scientific bodies and continue to 
be deemed safe,” according to a letter signed by various industry trade 
groups.“These scientifically based regulatory processes should be
 allowed to continue without second guessing their outcomes,” the letter
 stated.Scott Faber, senior vice president for governmental 
affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said the only 
reason the chemical is still deemed safe by federal regulators is 
because of a loophole that has been exploited by chemical companies. He 
says regulators have not reviewed their prior decisions in light of new 
science.“The confectioners and the food industry know the review 
process at the FDA is broken. They have been hiding behind it for 
decades. We shouldn't let them hide behind it anymore," Faber said. “If 
FDA won’t fix this review system and keep us safe from dangerous 
chemicals in our food, it’s up to states like California to keep us 
safe.”Just Born Inc., the Pennsylvania-based company that makes 
Peeps, said in a statement the company complies with FDA regulations and
 gets their “ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable 
suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards.”The 
company noted its development team is looking for other options, 
“including colors derived form natural sources that can deliver the same
 visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.”

California lawmaker wants Peeps to change its ingredients

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service wrapped up the annual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen">Dirty Dozen</a>
 list of tax scams for 2023 with a reminder for taxpayers, businesses 
and tax professionals to watch out for these schemes throughout the 
year, not just during tax season.

Many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare 
their tax returns. In reality, these scams can occur throughout the year
 as fraudsters look for ways to steal money, personal information, data 
and more.

To help people watch out for these scams, the IRS and the Security 
Summit partners are providing an overview recapping this year's Dirty 
Dozen scams.

"Scammers are coming up with new ways all the time to try to steal 
information from taxpayers," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "People
 should be wary and avoid sharing sensitive personal data over the 
phone, email or social media to avoid getting caught up in these scams. 
And people should always remember to be wary if a tax deal sounds too 
good to be true."

Working together as the Security Summit, the IRS, state tax agencies 
and the nation's tax industry, including tax professionals, have taken 
numerous steps since 2015 to warn people about common scams and schemes 
during tax season and beyond that can increase the risk of identity 
theft. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>&nbsp;initiative is committed to protecting taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from scammers and identity thieves.

Some items on this year's list were new and some made a return visit.
 While the list is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency 
enforcement priorities, it is intended to alert taxpayers and the tax 
professional community about various scams and schemes.

Taxpayers should be aware of aggressive pitches from scammers who promote large refunds related to the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit">Employee Retention Credit (ERC)</a>.
 The warning follows blatant attempts by promoters to con ineligible 
people to claim the credit. The IRS highlighted these schemes from 
promoters who have been blasting ads on radio and the internet touting 
refunds involving Employee Retention Credits. These promotions can be 
based on inaccurate information related to eligibility for and 
computation of the credit. Additionally, some of these advertisements 
exist solely to collect the taxpayer's personally identifiable 
information in exchange for false promises. The scammers then use the 
information to conduct identity theft.

Taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake 
communications from those posing as legitimate organizations in the tax 
and financial community, including the IRS and the states. These 
messages arrive in the form of an unsolicited text (smishing) or email 
(phishing) to lure unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and
 financial information that can lead to identity theft. The IRS 
initiates most contacts through regular mail and will never initiate 
contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill 
or tax refund.

Online account help from third-party scammers

Swindlers pose as a "helpful" third party and offer to help create a taxpayer's IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>&nbsp;at
 IRS.gov. In reality, no help is needed. The online account provides 
taxpayers with valuable tax information. But third parties making these 
offers will try to steal a taxpayer's personal information this way. 
Taxpayers can and should establish their own online account through 
IRS.gov.

The fuel tax credit is meant for off-highway business and farming use
 and, as such, is not available to most taxpayers. However, unscrupulous
 tax return preparers and promoters are enticing taxpayers to inflate 
their refunds by erroneously claiming the credit. The IRS has seen an 
increase in the promotion of filing certain refundable credits using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4136">Form 4136, Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels</a>.

Bogus charities are a perennial problem that gets bigger whenever a 
crisis or natural disaster strikes. Scammers set up these fake 
organizations to take advantage of the public's generosity. They seek 
money and personal information, which can be used to further exploit 
victims through identity theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service wrapped up the annual <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen">Dirty Dozen</a>
 list of tax scams for 2023 with a reminder for taxpayers, businesses 
and tax professionals to watch out for these schemes throughout the 
year, not just during tax season.Many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare 
their tax returns. In reality, these scams can occur throughout the year
 as fraudsters look for ways to steal money, personal information, data 
and more.To help people watch out for these scams, the IRS and the Security 
Summit partners are providing an overview recapping this year's Dirty 
Dozen scams."Scammers are coming up with new ways all the time to try to steal 
information from taxpayers," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "People
 should be wary and avoid sharing sensitive personal data over the 
phone, email or social media to avoid getting caught up in these scams. 
And people should always remember to be wary if a tax deal sounds too 
good to be true."Working together as the Security Summit, the IRS, state tax agencies 
and the nation's tax industry, including tax professionals, have taken 
numerous steps since 2015 to warn people about common scams and schemes 
during tax season and beyond that can increase the risk of identity 
theft. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>&nbsp;initiative is committed to protecting taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from scammers and identity thieves.Some items on this year's list were new and some made a return visit.
 While the list is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency 
enforcement priorities, it is intended to alert taxpayers and the tax 
professional community about various scams and schemes.<h2>2023 Dirty Dozen summary:</h2><h2>Employee Retention Credit claims </h2>Taxpayers should be aware of aggressive pitches from scammers who promote large refunds related to the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit">Employee Retention Credit (ERC)</a>.
 The warning follows blatant attempts by promoters to con ineligible 
people to claim the credit. The IRS highlighted these schemes from 
promoters who have been blasting ads on radio and the internet touting 
refunds involving Employee Retention Credits. These promotions can be 
based on inaccurate information related to eligibility for and 
computation of the credit. Additionally, some of these advertisements 
exist solely to collect the taxpayer's personally identifiable 
information in exchange for false promises. The scammers then use the 
information to conduct identity theft.<h2>Phishing and smishing</h2>Taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake 
communications from those posing as legitimate organizations in the tax 
and financial community, including the IRS and the states. These 
messages arrive in the form of an unsolicited text (smishing) or email 
(phishing) to lure unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and
 financial information that can lead to identity theft. The IRS 
initiates most contacts through regular mail and will never initiate 
contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill 
or tax refund.<h2>Online account help from third-party scammers</h2>Swindlers pose as a "helpful" third party and offer to help create a taxpayer's IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>&nbsp;at
 IRS.gov. In reality, no help is needed. The online account provides 
taxpayers with valuable tax information. But third parties making these 
offers will try to steal a taxpayer's personal information this way. 
Taxpayers can and should establish their own online account through 
IRS.gov.<h2>False Fuel Tax Credit claims</h2>The fuel tax credit is meant for off-highway business and farming use
 and, as such, is not available to most taxpayers. However, unscrupulous
 tax return preparers and promoters are enticing taxpayers to inflate 
their refunds by erroneously claiming the credit. The IRS has seen an 
increase in the promotion of filing certain refundable credits using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4136">Form 4136, Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels</a>.<h2>Fake charities</h2>Bogus charities are a perennial problem that gets bigger whenever a 
crisis or natural disaster strikes. Scammers set up these fake 
organizations to take advantage of the public's generosity. They seek 
money and personal information, which can be used to further exploit 
victims through identity theft.Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity might be able to claim
 a deduction on their federal tax return if they itemize deductions, but
 charitable donations only count if they go to a qualified tax-exempt 
organization recognized by the IRS.<h2>Unscrupulous tax return preparers</h2>Most tax preparers provide outstanding and professional service. 
However, people should be careful of shady tax professionals and watch 
for common warning signs, including charging a fee based on the size of 
the refund. A major red flag or bad sign is when the tax preparer is 
unwilling to sign the dotted line. Avoid these "ghost" preparers, who 
will prepare a tax return but refuse to sign or include their IRS 
Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) as required by law. Taxpayers 
should never sign a blank or incomplete return.<h2>Social media: Fraudulent form filing and bad advice</h2>Social media can circulate inaccurate or misleading tax information, 
and the IRS has recently seen several examples. These can involve common
 tax documents like Form W-2 or more obscure ones like Form 8944. While 
Form 8944 is real, it is intended for a very limited, specialized group.
 Both schemes encourage people to submit false, inaccurate information 
in hopes of getting a refund. Taxpayers should always remember that if 
something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.<h2>Spearphishing and cybersecurity for tax professionals</h2>Phishing is a term given to emails or text messages designed to get 
users to provide personal information. Spearphishing is a tailored 
phishing attempt to a specific organization or business.The IRS is warning tax professionals about spearphishing because 
there is greater potential for harm if the tax preparer has a data 
breach. A successful spearphishing attack can ultimately steal client 
data and the tax preparer's identity, allowing the thief to file 
fraudulent returns.<h2>Offer in Compromise mills</h2>Offers in Compromise are an important program to help people who 
can't pay to settle their federal tax debts. But "mills" can 
aggressively promote Offers in Compromise in misleading ways to people 
who clearly don't meet the qualifications, frequently costing taxpayers 
thousands of dollars. A taxpayer can check their eligibility for free 
using the IRS <a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/">Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool</a>.<h2>Schemes aimed at high-income filers </h2><ul>
 <li>Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT): <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-remainder-trusts">Charitable Remainder Trusts</a>
 are irrevocable trusts that let individuals donate assets to charity 
and draw annual income for life or a specific period. Unfortunately, 
these trusts are sometimes misused by promoters, advisors and taxpayers 
to try to eliminate ordinary income and/or capital gain on the sale of 
the property.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Monetized Installment Sales: In these 
potentially abusive transactions, promoters find taxpayers seeking to 
defer the recognition of gain upon the sale of appreciated property. 
They facilitate a purported monetized installment sale for the taxpayer 
in exchange for a fee.</li>
 </ul><h2>Bogus tax avoidance strategies</h2><ul>
 <li>Micro-captive insurance arrangements: A 
micro-captive is&nbsp;an insurance company whose owners elect to be taxed on 
the captive's investment income only. Abusive micro-captives involve 
schemes that lack many of the attributes of legitimate insurance. These 
structures often include implausible risks, failure to match genuine 
business needs and, in many cases, unnecessary duplication of the 
taxpayer's commercial coverages.</li><li>Syndicated conservation easements: A conservation 
easement is a restriction on the use of real property. Generally, 
taxpayers may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the fair 
market value of a conservation easement transferred to a charity if the 
transfer meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code 170. In abusive
 arrangements, which generate high fees for promoters, participants 
attempt to game the tax system with grossly inflated tax deductions.</li>
 </ul><h2>Schemes with international elements </h2><ul>
 <li>Offshore accounts and digital assets: The IRS 
continues to scrutinize attempts to hide assets in offshore accounts and
 accounts holding digital assets, such as cryptocurrency. The IRS 
continues to identify individuals who attempt to conceal income in 
offshore banks, brokerage accounts, digital asset accounts and nominee 
entities. Asset protection professionals and unscrupulous promoters 
continue to lure U.S. persons into placing their assets in offshore 
accounts and structures saying they are out of reach of the IRS. These 
assertions are not true. The IRS can identify and track anonymous 
transactions of foreign financial accounts as well as digital assets.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Maltese individual retirement arrangements misusing treaty:
 These arrangements involve U.S. citizens or residents who attempt to 
avoid U.S. tax by contributing to foreign individual retirement 
arrangements in Malta (or potentially other host countries). The 
participants in these transactions typically lack any local connection 
to the host country. By improperly asserting the foreign arrangement as a
 "pension fund" for U.S. tax treaty purposes, the U.S. taxpayer 
misconstrues the relevant treaty provisions and improperly claims an 
exemption from U.S. income tax on gains and earnings in and 
distributions from the foreign individual retirement arrangement.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Puerto Rican and foreign captive insurance:
 U.S. business owners of closely held entities participate in a 
purported insurance arrangement with a Puerto Rican or other foreign 
corporation in which the U.S. business owner has a financial interest. 
The U.S. business owner (or a related entity) claims a deduction for 
amounts paid as premiums for "insurance coverage" provided by a fronting
 carrier, which reinsures the "coverage" with the Puerto Rican or other 
foreign corporation. Despite being labeled as insurance, these 
arrangements lack many of the attributes of legitimate insurance.</li>
 </ul>Where appropriate, the IRS will challenge the purported tax 
benefits from these types of transactions and impose penalties. The IRS 
Criminal Investigation Division is always on the lookout for promoters 
and participants of these types of schemes. Taxpayers should think twice
 before including questionable arrangements like this on their tax 
returns. After all, taxpayers are legally responsible for what's on 
their return, not a promoter making promises and charging high fees. 
Taxpayers can help stop these arrangements by relying on reputable tax 
professionals they know and trust.<h2>Help stop fraud and scams</h2>As part of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort, the IRS encourages 
people to report individuals who promote improper and abusive tax 
schemes as well as tax return preparers who deliberately prepare 
improper returns.To report an abusive tax scheme or a tax return preparer, people should mail or fax a completed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14242.pdf">Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers</a>PDF&nbsp;and any supporting material to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.Mail:Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center 
Stop MS5040 
24000 Avila Road 
Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405 
Fax: 877-477-9135Alternatively, taxpayers and tax practitioners may send the information to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/compliance/whistleblower-office">IRS Whistleblower Office</a>&nbsp;for possible monetary reward. For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/abusive-tax-schemes-and-abusive-tax-return-preparers-irs-lead-development-center">Abusive Tax Schemes and Abusive Tax Return Preparers</a>.

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