Charges have been dropped against Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy. The District Attorney refused to file charges in the case.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas —&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies in Texas arrested Kansas City Chiefs standout wide receiver Xavier Worthy on Friday.

The 21-year-old was booked into the&nbsp;&nbsp;Williamson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; assaulting a family/house member by impeding their breathing or circulation, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

Williamson County is just north of Austin where Worthy played college football at the University of Texas.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details on the arrest.

The Chiefs selected Worthy with their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He scored two touchdowns in the Chiefs'&nbsp;Super Bowl loss&nbsp;to Philadelphia.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741449455694.png" alt="Worthy photo Williamson County Texas Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Worthy photo Williamson County Texas Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741483775149.png" alt="Court listing for Xavier Worthy has been updated to “dismissed/declined”" />
 <figcaption>Court listing for Xavier Worthy has been updated to “dismissed/declined”</figcaption>
 </figure>Charges have been dropped against Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy. The District Attorney refused to file charges in the case.------------WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas —&nbsp; Sheriff's deputies in Texas arrested Kansas City Chiefs standout wide receiver Xavier Worthy on Friday.The 21-year-old was booked into the&nbsp;&nbsp;Williamson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; assaulting a family/house member by impeding their breathing or circulation, according to online jail records.&nbsp;The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741449585493.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Williamson County is just north of Austin where Worthy played college football at the University of Texas.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details on the arrest.The Chiefs selected Worthy with their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He scored two touchdowns in the Chiefs'&nbsp;Super Bowl loss&nbsp;to Philadelphia.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Texas DA refused to charge Chiefs star receiver after arrest

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741272644468.png" alt="Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted

'Aging with Attitude' estate planning to be offered by Cottonwood Extension District

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday night will stand at the front of the U.S. House chamber to address a joint session of Congress, the first of his second term in office.

It looks like the State of the Union, and will be carried on live television, just like those annual addresses are. But it’s called something else: a joint address to Congress. And it has its origins in the first term of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-1985-inauguration-trump-cold-weather-bd01fac5d72796efa15e6177e3a60a39">Ronald Reagan</a>.

The U.S. Constitution requires that the president updates Congress and recommends policies, although the founding document doesn’t specify precisely when that address should take place.

Usually, presidents will deliver those remarks in January or February, reflecting on events of the previous year and outlining their policy priorities for the coming one. The message used to be known as “the President’s Annual Message to Congress.” In 1934, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-145c384e00ac42ec9d7d1e81aed0b508">Franklin D. Roosevelt</a>&nbsp;began referring to it as the “Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union.”

Shortly after he was sworn in for his first term in 1981, Reagan addressed a joint session of Congress, remarks that were called “Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the Program for Economic Recovery,” according to The American Presidency Project, at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton followed suit in their own first years in office, with 1989 and 1993 messages both entitled “Administration Goals.” In 2001, President George W. Bush’s speech was his “Budget Message.”

According to the American Presidency Project, the impacts of these first-year speeches should be considered to have the same heft as the State of the Union addresses that follow in subsequent years. And, just like the State of the Union address, the opposing party to the one that occupies the White House gives a brief speech in response, which, like the president’s remarks, is televised. This year’s will be delivered by Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741121345176.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-b19e004dddb579c373b247037e04424b">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday night will stand at the front of the U.S. House chamber to address a joint session of Congress, the first of his second term in office.It looks like the State of the Union, and will be carried on live television, just like those annual addresses are. But it’s called something else: a joint address to Congress. And it has its origins in the first term of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-1985-inauguration-trump-cold-weather-bd01fac5d72796efa15e6177e3a60a39">Ronald Reagan</a>.The U.S. Constitution requires that the president updates Congress and recommends policies, although the founding document doesn’t specify precisely when that address should take place.Usually, presidents will deliver those remarks in January or February, reflecting on events of the previous year and outlining their policy priorities for the coming one. The message used to be known as “the President’s Annual Message to Congress.” In 1934, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-145c384e00ac42ec9d7d1e81aed0b508">Franklin D. Roosevelt</a>&nbsp;began referring to it as the “Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union.”Shortly after he was sworn in for his first term in 1981, Reagan addressed a joint session of Congress, remarks that were called “Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the Program for Economic Recovery,” according to The American Presidency Project, at the University of California at Santa Barbara.Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton followed suit in their own first years in office, with 1989 and 1993 messages both entitled “Administration Goals.” In 2001, President George W. Bush’s speech was his “Budget Message.”According to the American Presidency Project, the impacts of these first-year speeches should be considered to have the same heft as the State of the Union addresses that follow in subsequent years. And, just like the State of the Union address, the opposing party to the one that occupies the White House gives a brief speech in response, which, like the president’s remarks, is televised. This year’s will be delivered by Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.

Why Trump’s joint remarks to Congress won’t be a ‘State of the Union’ address

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Feb. 19, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Rawlins ‑&nbsp;25‑77 KA‑6737‑02 ‑ K‑25, from the junction K‑25/U.S. 36 north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, guard fence, 13.2 miles, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $1,213,461.20.

Ness ‑ 96‑68 KA‑6609‑02 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Ness City east to the Ness/Rush county line, guard fence, 16.9 miles, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $6,563,044.01.

The following projects were approved from the Jan. 22, 2025, letting.

Ness ‑ 96‑68 KA‑6447‑01 ‑ Pavement restoration on K‑96 in Ness City, from Court Street to Kansas Avenue; and from U.S. 283 to School Street, grading and surfacing, 0.2 mile, Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., La Crosse, Kansas, $1,776,823.40.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740512071821.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Feb. 19, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Area county projects include:District Three — NorthwestRawlins ‑&nbsp;25‑77 KA‑6737‑02 ‑ K‑25, from the junction K‑25/U.S. 36 north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, guard fence, 13.2 miles, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $1,213,461.20.District Six — SouthwestNess ‑ 96‑68 KA‑6609‑02 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Ness City east to the Ness/Rush county line, guard fence, 16.9 miles, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $6,563,044.01.The following projects were approved from the Jan. 22, 2025, letting.Ness ‑ 96‑68 KA‑6447‑01 ‑ Pavement restoration on K‑96 in Ness City, from Court Street to Kansas Avenue; and from U.S. 283 to School Street, grading and surfacing, 0.2 mile, Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., La Crosse, Kansas, $1,776,823.40.

KDOT announces NW KS approved February bids

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

The Barton County Conservation District and the Cottonwood Extension District will host a&nbsp;Prescribed Burn Association formation meeting for Barton County and the surrounding area.&nbsp;

 The meeting will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 at the Great Bend office of the Cottonwood Extension District. 

Attendees will hear from leaders of a neighboring county Prescribed Burn Association about considerations and a timeline involved in forming a Prescribed Burn Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This meeting is a follow up to the brush management workshop “Keeping Grass Grass” presented in January by the conservation district and the extension district at the Hoisington Activity Center.

&nbsp;What is a Prescribed Burn?&nbsp;

Prescribed burning is a safe, effective land management tool used to restore ecosystems, manage vegetation, and reduce fire hazards. It’s an important practice for maintaining healthy landscapes and preventing wildfires.

Prescribed burn associations are driven by volunteer member landowners who assist one another in planning and implementing a burn according to guidelines provided by conservation agencies. Through an association, access to equipment and training are facilitated, and it allows a landowner to show due diligence has been followed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

March 18, 2025,&nbsp;4 p.m., Great Bend office of the Cottonwood Extension Agency (or, if not available, the USDA conference room at 10th and Patton), RSVP to&nbsp;Barton County Conservation District 620-792-3346 ext. 303

• Gain valuable knowledge and resources to safely incorporate prescribed burning into your land management plan. •Learn from experts and network with local landowners and professionals who share your goals. •Discover how to collaborate with the Prescribed Burn Association for assistance with equipment and burn planning.

Together, we can work to protect and restore our land while preventing the dangers of uncontrolled wildfires.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Veronica at the Barton County Conservation District, 620-792-3346 ext. 303.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District The Barton County Conservation District and the Cottonwood Extension District will host a&nbsp;Prescribed Burn Association formation meeting for Barton County and the surrounding area.&nbsp; The meeting will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 at the Great Bend office of the Cottonwood Extension District. Attendees will hear from leaders of a neighboring county Prescribed Burn Association about considerations and a timeline involved in forming a Prescribed Burn Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;This meeting is a follow up to the brush management workshop “Keeping Grass Grass” presented in January by the conservation district and the extension district at the Hoisington Activity Center.&nbsp;What is a Prescribed Burn?&nbsp;Prescribed burning is a safe, effective land management tool used to restore ecosystems, manage vegetation, and reduce fire hazards. It’s an important practice for maintaining healthy landscapes and preventing wildfires.Prescribed burn associations are driven by volunteer member landowners who assist one another in planning and implementing a burn according to guidelines provided by conservation agencies. Through an association, access to equipment and training are facilitated, and it allows a landowner to show due diligence has been followed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting Details:&nbsp;March 18, 2025,&nbsp;4 p.m., Great Bend office of the Cottonwood Extension Agency (or, if not available, the USDA conference room at 10th and Patton), RSVP to&nbsp;Barton County Conservation District 620-792-3346 ext. 303Why Attend?• Gain valuable knowledge and resources to safely incorporate prescribed burning into your land management plan. •Learn from experts and network with local landowners and professionals who share your goals. •Discover how to collaborate with the Prescribed Burn Association for assistance with equipment and burn planning.Together, we can work to protect and restore our land while preventing the dangers of uncontrolled wildfires.For more information or to RSVP, contact Veronica at the Barton County Conservation District, 620-792-3346 ext. 303.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

BOOR: Prescribed burns prevent dangers of uncontrolled wildfires

WASHINGTON — As millions of people file their 2024 tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/-TjH_n0VO6iXqJ1xOHRWmjfInwxsLz7Gnm694tHdacI=394">“Where’s My Refund?"</a>&nbsp;tool on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/NdZNlbzEe-e87VdoZlz6XZ_uaCJvvkocPJG8UhDyGDA=394">IRS.gov</a>&nbsp;to confirm receipt of their return and track a refund.&nbsp;

Taxpayers who file electronically can typically use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check the status of a tax refund within 24 hours of filing. It takes about four weeks for the same information to be available for those filing paper returns.&nbsp;

The tool is available 24/7, and is a fast, easy way for taxpayers to get information about a refund without needing to call the IRS. The tool also allows taxpayers to access information about returns from tax years 2024, 2023 and 2022.&nbsp;

The online tool is mobile-friendly and can be accessed through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Firs2goapp/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/ZOTBAYConIBLRA6fFS1g6d1g-Aixa84iL493qf8b6pQ=394">IRS2Go mobile app</a>, where users also can find free tax help and make payments.&nbsp;

Information needed to use ‘Where’s My Refund?’&nbsp;

The IRS updates the “Where’s My Refund?” tool once daily – usually overnight – so there’s no need to check refund status multiple times a day. To check refund status, taxpayers will need:&nbsp;

Most refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit as the delivery method. Taxpayers who do this typically get their refund in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can find out how to open one at a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbanks.data.fdic.gov%2Fbankfind-suite%2Fbankfind/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/lhAm0FdfiSpIC4m4N-TOF8fxXfKqDhN8ZptPRPB-_8I=394">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmapping.ncua.gov%2F/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/6lUKjAlxnrUZ1SGcMoitH1HuUejhAU7xnmJqM_SyDUU=394">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.&nbsp;

Several factors may affect the timing of a refund delivery, including:&nbsp;

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return. IRS representatives reached by phone or by walking into a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapps.irs.gov%2Fapp%2Foffice-locator%2F/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/P3rrqnGwvn-1uto0aUuKqjyEnGuwUvORawEp3tG1Xb0=394">Taxpayer Assistance Center</a>&nbsp;can only research the status of a refund if:&nbsp;

Changes made by the IRS may sometimes affect the amount of an expected refund. These changes include corrections to the Child Tax Credit or EITC amounts, or an offset to pay past-due tax or debts. More information about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc203/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/p6CW8mWcem-skYxPBivKKzmtN118DA7jv4lYCsykdvk=394">reduced refunds</a>&nbsp;is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2F/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/QrzbkbAA86wQDLMGt1yvnVXUWSsC38oc0W7V2iR_06c=394">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;

The deadline for most taxpayers to file a return, pay taxes due or request an extension is April 15.&nbsp;

Taxpayers with questions should make IRS.gov their first stop. It’s available 24/7 and contains information on a variety of topics, including:&nbsp;

For information on amended returns, use the “<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Fwheres-my-amended-return/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/dHEYng4porSbE4lNyLMhREzWuwqPJeBdQlShth2Cxm0=394">Where’s My Amended Return?</a>”&nbsp;tool.&nbsp;

This news release is part of a series called the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Ftax-time-guide/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/-adEfAWuqkAmdhfzvJSYVmh2te7Rufd2LUstdSAZLkg=394">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource designed to help taxpayers file an accurate return. Additional help is available in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpub%2Firs-pdf%2Fp17.pdf/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/Dbpuk8g1_Fg_NmX_sWifV8OnnsJ2Fx6MPbN_B5O1oE0=394">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740609345748.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — As millions of people file their 2024 tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/-TjH_n0VO6iXqJ1xOHRWmjfInwxsLz7Gnm694tHdacI=394">“Where’s My Refund?"</a>&nbsp;tool on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/NdZNlbzEe-e87VdoZlz6XZ_uaCJvvkocPJG8UhDyGDA=394">IRS.gov</a>&nbsp;to confirm receipt of their return and track a refund.&nbsp;Taxpayers who file electronically can typically use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check the status of a tax refund within 24 hours of filing. It takes about four weeks for the same information to be available for those filing paper returns.&nbsp;The tool is available 24/7, and is a fast, easy way for taxpayers to get information about a refund without needing to call the IRS. The tool also allows taxpayers to access information about returns from tax years 2024, 2023 and 2022.&nbsp;The online tool is mobile-friendly and can be accessed through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Firs2goapp/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/ZOTBAYConIBLRA6fFS1g6d1g-Aixa84iL493qf8b6pQ=394">IRS2Go mobile app</a>, where users also can find free tax help and make payments.&nbsp;Information needed to use ‘Where’s My Refund?’&nbsp;The IRS updates the “Where’s My Refund?” tool once daily – usually overnight – so there’s no need to check refund status multiple times a day. To check refund status, taxpayers will need:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)</li><li>Filing status</li><li>Exact refund amount&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Refund delivery&nbsp;Most refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit as the delivery method. Taxpayers who do this typically get their refund in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can find out how to open one at a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbanks.data.fdic.gov%2Fbankfind-suite%2Fbankfind/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/lhAm0FdfiSpIC4m4N-TOF8fxXfKqDhN8ZptPRPB-_8I=394">FDIC-insured bank</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmapping.ncua.gov%2F/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/6lUKjAlxnrUZ1SGcMoitH1HuUejhAU7xnmJqM_SyDUU=394">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.&nbsp;Several factors may affect the timing of a refund delivery, including:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return</li><li>Corrections to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit-eitc/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/1N3igLTHiHZEoE7jppC9d8c_-nHGPz22Ns04M2kI_WM=394">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;(EITC) or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2Fother-refundable-credits-toolkit%2Fwhat-you-need-to-know-about-ctc-and-actc%2Fwhat-you-need-to-know/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/8ys6aOOoP3K5T2wyC1LujAbPMK7VPV6D6nZD9F1PDhM=394">Additional Child Tax Credit</a>&nbsp;(ACTC)</li><li>Bank processing and posting times&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return. IRS representatives reached by phone or by walking into a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapps.irs.gov%2Fapp%2Foffice-locator%2F/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/P3rrqnGwvn-1uto0aUuKqjyEnGuwUvORawEp3tG1Xb0=394">Taxpayer Assistance Center</a>&nbsp;can only research the status of a refund if:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>21 days or more have passed since the return was e-filed</li><li>Six weeks or more have passed since the return was mailed</li><li>“Where’s My Refund?” tells the taxpayer to contact the IRS&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Changes made by the IRS may sometimes affect the amount of an expected refund. These changes include corrections to the Child Tax Credit or EITC amounts, or an offset to pay past-due tax or debts. More information about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc203/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/p6CW8mWcem-skYxPBivKKzmtN118DA7jv4lYCsykdvk=394">reduced refunds</a>&nbsp;is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2F/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/QrzbkbAA86wQDLMGt1yvnVXUWSsC38oc0W7V2iR_06c=394">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;Filing season reminders&nbsp;The deadline for most taxpayers to file a return, pay taxes due or request an extension is April 15.&nbsp;Taxpayers with questions should make IRS.gov their first stop. It’s available 24/7 and contains information on a variety of topics, including:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Fchoosing-a-tax-professional/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/PXD1_ZNvnRRQ0HJVFBObWYxBk_voSljn6yeANbW8pe4=394">Choosing a tax professional</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/5WCrTmgkn4e4R3o1xjhIlajixRSckachx9XiFIslQFk=394">Using IRS Free File</a></li><li>Seeking answers to tax questions using an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Fita/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/IMFLxVafGue-KvXoTZhrtgwSwaKMu5pDCpHzcvNof7M=394">Interactive Tax Assistant</a></li><li>Finding&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling/2/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/dHNODntC8LmIhxolGlZ08_ODFNrJI1ZpPHv93mPbhbI=394">tips on filing a return</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftax-scams%2Frecognize-tax-scams-and-fraud/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/EnkQmy-hhvtgCBX7Efe7Q5kAA2wkDzgp2s4_UkQhNfY=394">Recognizing tax scams</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>For information on amended returns, use the “<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Fwheres-my-amended-return/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/dHEYng4porSbE4lNyLMhREzWuwqPJeBdQlShth2Cxm0=394">Where’s My Amended Return?</a>”&nbsp;tool.&nbsp;This news release is part of a series called the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fnewsroom%2Ftax-time-guide/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/-adEfAWuqkAmdhfzvJSYVmh2te7Rufd2LUstdSAZLkg=394">Tax Time Guide</a>, a resource designed to help taxpayers file an accurate return. Additional help is available in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpub%2Firs-pdf%2Fp17.pdf/1/0100019543075ead-509a94bd-87f6-4e13-8c11-0a99cb2be96d-000000/Dbpuk8g1_Fg_NmX_sWifV8OnnsJ2Fx6MPbN_B5O1oE0=394">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>.&nbsp;

IRS: Use this tool to track your refund status

KANSAS CITY —The suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides that occurred late Thursday night, as well as an Amber Alert, is believed to have also committed a number of felonies overnight in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before midnight on Thursday, Kansas City, Kansas police dispatch received a 911 call reporting a shooting inside a bar at 2724 N. 13th Street, according to a media release.&nbsp; When officers arrived, they confirmed a non-injury aggravated assault had occurred.&nbsp; Witness reported the suspect, who matched the description of George C. Manning, the suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides earlier Thursday evening, had fled the scene on foot.

Minutes later, just a few blocks away, a carjacking was reported near N. 11th and Rowland Avenue.

Again, that suspect matched the description of Platte County suspect, George C. Manning. Officers canvassing the area found that vehicle wrecked a short time later. Then at approximately 5:57a.m., a caller to 911 reported that a man had just stolen his unoccupied, light blue Hyundai Accent, outside a convenience store at 1313 Quindaro Blvd.

Once again, that suspect matched the description of George C. Manning.• That vehicle then left Kansas City, Kansas at 6:07a.m.The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that at approximately 7:30 AM, Manning was killed in Riverside, Missouri, in a police-involved shooting.

PLATTE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol canceled the Amber Alert for a 5-year-old girl just before 7a.m. Friday. The victim was located and is safe. The suspect is still at large and possibly driving a stolen blue 2013 Hyundai Accent with Kansas license 3939ABK.&nbsp; He is considered armed and dangerous, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

PLATTE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert in Platte County, Missouri, for 43-year-old George Manning.

The victim is 5-year-old Giuliana Manning. She was last seen wearing a pink Hello Kitty Shirt and answers to the nickname Kachis. The suspect is armed and on foot with the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740747986245.png" alt="Manning photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Manning photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Update&nbsp; 11a.m. Feb. 28KANSAS CITY —The suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides that occurred late Thursday night, as well as an Amber Alert, is believed to have also committed a number of felonies overnight in Kansas City, Kansas.Just before midnight on Thursday, Kansas City, Kansas police dispatch received a 911 call reporting a shooting inside a bar at 2724 N. 13th Street, according to a media release.&nbsp; When officers arrived, they confirmed a non-injury aggravated assault had occurred.&nbsp; Witness reported the suspect, who matched the description of George C. Manning, the suspect in two Platte County, Missouri homicides earlier Thursday evening, had fled the scene on foot.Minutes later, just a few blocks away, a carjacking was reported near N. 11th and Rowland Avenue.Again, that suspect matched the description of Platte County suspect, George C. Manning. Officers canvassing the area found that vehicle wrecked a short time later. Then at approximately 5:57a.m., a caller to 911 reported that a man had just stolen his unoccupied, light blue Hyundai Accent, outside a convenience store at 1313 Quindaro Blvd.Once again, that suspect matched the description of George C. Manning.• That vehicle then left Kansas City, Kansas at 6:07a.m.The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that at approximately 7:30 AM, Manning was killed in Riverside, Missouri, in a police-involved shooting.---------PLATTE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol canceled the Amber Alert for a 5-year-old girl just before 7a.m. Friday. The victim was located and is safe. The suspect is still at large and possibly driving a stolen blue 2013 Hyundai Accent with Kansas license 3939ABK.&nbsp; He is considered armed and dangerous, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.-------------------PLATTE COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert in Platte County, Missouri, for 43-year-old George Manning.The victim is 5-year-old Giuliana Manning. She was last seen wearing a pink Hello Kitty Shirt and answers to the nickname Kachis. The suspect is armed and on foot with the victim.

Amber Alert suspect at large; driving stolen car with Kan. license plate

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace to take advantage of March’s Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.

“Kansans are builders and doers, and nothing demonstrates this more than our strong and robust manufacturing industry across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas’ outstanding manufacturing and aerospace employers are looking for skilled talent to join their ranks across every region of our state — don’t miss this opportunity to connect and explore the high-growth professions here in Kansas.”

The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a new position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

The Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FKW-MAR-5-JOB-FAIR/1/0101019542e29eac-c2702ec2-1ff7-448a-b8ce-87da985ea094-000000/9-g9v70OsjCWEIoWuuMW6urDubyq32FDrglXt3a20Uw=394">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.5TWXrJO3b3qLJa9ieHzydq1eJNWfc7-AJ-GW80r08s8/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Area Development Magazine’s</a>&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.K9Y9Tb0NsjacA1MsAu_7H-njrBFCuqNGN6ODZXi3nmY/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Gold Shovel award</a>&nbsp;in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.dNNQWTpQT0szY4qD2n2LvtDSg1A0HrY6qDhbvmHjyjk/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Site Selection Magazine</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services&nbsp;KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kansasworks.com%252F%26data=04%257C01%257CKirstin.Hadel%2540ks.gov%257C1eec5adebb104b4856be08d9b9ae7699%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C637744981296484235%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000%26sdata=rctWTuS7I483PsTHn%252FzpM5oZjOH3SEJbyQqtVHPJaKA%253D%26reserved=0/1/0101019542e29eac-c2702ec2-1ff7-448a-b8ce-87da985ea094-000000/nJeikqXhlTNS1Hf5JkQ40207cCHqolhCizGvWnLZtdU=394">KANSASWORKS.com.</a>&nbsp;State employment opportunities can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fadmin.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fstate-employment-center%2F/1/0101019542e29eac-c2702ec2-1ff7-448a-b8ce-87da985ea094-000000/W6_rAVPRJPCzOJ-k5eFhVVvufLGSgl6w8Ja-O-slWzk=394">jobs.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace to take advantage of March’s Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.“Kansans are builders and doers, and nothing demonstrates this more than our strong and robust manufacturing industry across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas’ outstanding manufacturing and aerospace employers are looking for skilled talent to join their ranks across every region of our state — don’t miss this opportunity to connect and explore the high-growth professions here in Kansas.”The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a new position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.The Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FKW-MAR-5-JOB-FAIR/1/0101019542e29eac-c2702ec2-1ff7-448a-b8ce-87da985ea094-000000/9-g9v70OsjCWEIoWuuMW6urDubyq32FDrglXt3a20Uw=394">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>About the Kansas Department of Commerce</h2>As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.5TWXrJO3b3qLJa9ieHzydq1eJNWfc7-AJ-GW80r08s8/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Area Development Magazine’s</a>&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.K9Y9Tb0NsjacA1MsAu_7H-njrBFCuqNGN6ODZXi3nmY/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Gold Shovel award</a>&nbsp;in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.dNNQWTpQT0szY4qD2n2LvtDSg1A0HrY6qDhbvmHjyjk/s/1303135913/br/109392404636-l">Site Selection Magazine</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>About the KANSASWORKS</h2>KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services&nbsp;KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kansasworks.com%252F%26data=04%257C01%257CKirstin.Hadel%2540ks.gov%257C1eec5adebb104b4856be08d9b9ae7699%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C637744981296484235%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C3000%26sdata=rctWTuS7I483PsTHn%252FzpM5oZjOH3SEJbyQqtVHPJaKA%253D%26reserved=0/1/0101019542e29eac-c2702ec2-1ff7-448a-b8ce-87da985ea094-000000/nJeikqXhlTNS1Hf5JkQ40207cCHqolhCizGvWnLZtdU=394">KANSASWORKS.com.</a>&nbsp;State employment opportunities can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fadmin.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fstate-employment-center%2F/1/0101019542e29eac-c2702ec2-1ff7-448a-b8ce-87da985ea094-000000/W6_rAVPRJPCzOJ-k5eFhVVvufLGSgl6w8Ja-O-slWzk=394">jobs.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSASWORKS hosts manufacturing and aerospace job fair

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Hino Box Truck driven by David E.&nbsp;Bridgeforth, 58, Tre, New Jersey, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles west of 12th Road. The truck traveled off the road, entered the north ditch and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The truck rolled onto the passenger side and came to rest blocking both lanes of travel.

A westbound 2021 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Iazizion&nbsp;Vafoev, 24,&nbsp;Trevosed, Pennsylvania, attempted to avoid the box truck. The semi struck the undercarriage beneath the cab of the box truck.&nbsp; The impact caused the truck to spin into the north ditch. The semi came to rest facing northwest in the north ditch.

Bridgeforth was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported Vafoev to Wesley Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Update 11a.m. One lane (passing lane) has been reopened on westbound I-70, according to the Kansas Dept. of Transportation.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Westbound Interstate 70 is closed in Ellsworth County between Kansas 14 and Kansas 232 due to a semi crash, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

At approximately 6:45a.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol was notified of a serious crash involving two semis on Interstate 70 westbound just west of the Vesper exit in western Ellsworth County.


KDOT is on scene assisting with traffic control and rerouting.


 The KHP’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) is also on-site. This specialized team of troopers is highly trained in accident reconstruction and works to provide clarity in serious crashes like this.
Drivers should expect delays, seek alternate routes,

For updates and more info <a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,oversizeLoads,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">click here </a>or call 511 in Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740580961363.png" alt="Image KHP" />
 <figcaption>Image KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Hino Box Truck driven by David E.&nbsp;Bridgeforth, 58, Tre, New Jersey, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles west of 12th Road. The truck traveled off the road, entered the north ditch and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The truck rolled onto the passenger side and came to rest blocking both lanes of travel.A westbound 2021 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Iazizion&nbsp;Vafoev, 24,&nbsp;Trevosed, Pennsylvania, attempted to avoid the box truck. The semi struck the undercarriage beneath the cab of the box truck.&nbsp; The impact caused the truck to spin into the north ditch. The semi came to rest facing northwest in the north ditch.Bridgeforth was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported Vafoev to Wesley Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.-----------Update 11a.m. One lane (passing lane) has been reopened on westbound I-70, according to the Kansas Dept. of Transportation.------------ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Westbound Interstate 70 is closed in Ellsworth County between Kansas 14 and Kansas 232 due to a semi crash, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.At approximately 6:45a.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol was notified of a serious crash involving two semis on Interstate 70 westbound just west of the Vesper exit in western Ellsworth County.
KDOT is on scene assisting with traffic control and rerouting.
 The KHP’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) is also on-site. This specialized team of troopers is highly trained in accident reconstruction and works to provide clarity in serious crashes like this.
Drivers should expect delays, seek alternate routes,For updates and more info <a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,oversizeLoads,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">click here </a>or call 511 in Kansas

1 lane of westbound I-70 closed in Ellsworth Co. due to fatal crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barely a week after mass firings at the Food and Drug Administration, some probationary staffers received unexpected news over the weekend: The government wants them back.

Beginning Friday night, FDA employees overseeing medical devices, food ingredients and other key areas received calls and emails notifying them that their recent terminations had been "rescinded effective immediately," according to messages viewed by The Associated Press.

Four FDA staffers impacted by the decisions spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity because they planned to continue working for the agency and weren't authorized to discuss its internal procedures.

The reversal is the latest example of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk's chaotic approach to cost-cutting, which has resulted in several agencies firing, and then scrambling to rehire, employees responsible for nuclear weapons, national parks and other government services.

The FDA reinstatements followed pushback by lobbyists for the medical device industry, which pays the agency hundreds of millions of dollars annually to hire extra scientists to review products. The industry's leading trade group said Monday "a sizable number" of device reviewers appear to be returning to FDA.

"This would be welcome news, and I appreciate the administration for acting quickly," AdvaMed CEO Scott Whitaker said in an emailed statement. "We all share the same goal — an efficient, effective FDA review process that helps advance the medical technologies American patients depend on."

FDA staffers said entire teams of five or more medical device reviewers had been reinstated.

In the agency's food program, at least 10 staffers responsible for reviewing the safety of new ingredients were offered their jobs back, according to a food staffer who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss internal agency matters.

The FDA's deputy commissioner for foods, Jim Jones, resigned last week, citing "the indiscriminate firing" of nearly 90 staffers in his division, according to a copy of his resignation letter obtained by the AP. The food program recently underwent a major restructuring to better oversee essential products like infant formula and baby food.

The FDA hasn't released official numbers on the terminations, but former FDA officials have pegged the number at roughly 700, with more than 220 coming from the medical device center. That would represent roughly 10% of the program's total staffing.

The FDA did not respond to requests Monday about how many employees were being reinstated.

Like other agencies, the FDA terminations went to employees in their probationary period, typically the first two years of federal employment. But that approach resulted in firings across key areas where the agency has been working to beef up staffing, including rapidly evolving fields like artificial intelligence and digital health. The cuts also included agency leaders who were recently hired for senior roles.

"The disarray caused by the wholesale termination of a wide swath of device center staff was counterproductive and appears to have caused a variety of unintended and negative results," said Steve Silverman, a former FDA device official who now runs a consulting firm. "It's encouraging to see a shift in the opposite direction that recognizes the critical expertise of these staffers."

Many reviewers have advanced degrees in specialized medical and technological fields. They can typically earn more in the private sector than in government.

Last week, the lobbying group AdvaMed pushed back on the firings, calling on Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse course. The group warned that the cuts would result in slower approvals for companies and fewer new treatment options for patients.

"FDA will lose hundreds of new employees, the best and most innovative hires under our most recent agreement," Whitaker wrote in a statement posted online. He noted that the hiring of FDA device reviewers is largely financed through an ongoing five-year agreement between the FDA and medical device companies.

More than half the device program's $791 million budget last year came from industry fees, according to federal figures. In return, the FDA is obligated to meet certain benchmarks for quickly and predictably reviewing applications for new and updated devices.

FDA staffers who were reinstated said their immediate supervisors received no explanation or advance notice on the decisions. Instead, staffers received calls or emails from the FDA's "Office of Talent Solutions," informing them that their access to FDA computer systems and offices had been restored.

"We are so grateful to still have you working for the FDA and serving the American public!" the emails concluded.

A week earlier, the same employees received emails stating that they were "not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and skills do not fit the agency's current needs."

Nearly half the FDA's budget, or about $3.3 billion, comes from fees paid by drugmakers, device and tobacco companies. The result is that broad cuts to those programs won't add much toward Musk's stated goal of shrinking the federal budget.

But the financial support of industry fees did not appear to help staffers in other parts of the agency.

FDA's tobacco center — which reviews new products like electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches — is 100% funded by industry fees. But there did not appear to be an effort to rehire the estimated 100 or so employees fired from that center.

AP Health Writer JoNel Aleccia contributed to this story.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738862484363.png" alt="File photo Elon Musk-courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Elon Musk-courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Barely a week after mass firings at the Food and Drug Administration, some probationary staffers received unexpected news over the weekend: The government wants them back.Beginning Friday night, FDA employees overseeing medical devices, food ingredients and other key areas received calls and emails notifying them that their recent terminations had been "rescinded effective immediately," according to messages viewed by The Associated Press.Four FDA staffers impacted by the decisions spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity because they planned to continue working for the agency and weren't authorized to discuss its internal procedures.The reversal is the latest example of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk's chaotic approach to cost-cutting, which has resulted in several agencies firing, and then scrambling to rehire, employees responsible for nuclear weapons, national parks and other government services.The FDA reinstatements followed pushback by lobbyists for the medical device industry, which pays the agency hundreds of millions of dollars annually to hire extra scientists to review products. The industry's leading trade group said Monday "a sizable number" of device reviewers appear to be returning to FDA."This would be welcome news, and I appreciate the administration for acting quickly," AdvaMed CEO Scott Whitaker said in an emailed statement. "We all share the same goal — an efficient, effective FDA review process that helps advance the medical technologies American patients depend on."FDA staffers said entire teams of five or more medical device reviewers had been reinstated.In the agency's food program, at least 10 staffers responsible for reviewing the safety of new ingredients were offered their jobs back, according to a food staffer who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss internal agency matters.The FDA's deputy commissioner for foods, Jim Jones, resigned last week, citing "the indiscriminate firing" of nearly 90 staffers in his division, according to a copy of his resignation letter obtained by the AP. The food program recently underwent a major restructuring to better oversee essential products like infant formula and baby food.The FDA hasn't released official numbers on the terminations, but former FDA officials have pegged the number at roughly 700, with more than 220 coming from the medical device center. That would represent roughly 10% of the program's total staffing.The FDA did not respond to requests Monday about how many employees were being reinstated.Like other agencies, the FDA terminations went to employees in their probationary period, typically the first two years of federal employment. But that approach resulted in firings across key areas where the agency has been working to beef up staffing, including rapidly evolving fields like artificial intelligence and digital health. The cuts also included agency leaders who were recently hired for senior roles."The disarray caused by the wholesale termination of a wide swath of device center staff was counterproductive and appears to have caused a variety of unintended and negative results," said Steve Silverman, a former FDA device official who now runs a consulting firm. "It's encouraging to see a shift in the opposite direction that recognizes the critical expertise of these staffers."Many reviewers have advanced degrees in specialized medical and technological fields. They can typically earn more in the private sector than in government.Last week, the lobbying group AdvaMed pushed back on the firings, calling on Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse course. The group warned that the cuts would result in slower approvals for companies and fewer new treatment options for patients."FDA will lose hundreds of new employees, the best and most innovative hires under our most recent agreement," Whitaker wrote in a statement posted online. He noted that the hiring of FDA device reviewers is largely financed through an ongoing five-year agreement between the FDA and medical device companies.More than half the device program's $791 million budget last year came from industry fees, according to federal figures. In return, the FDA is obligated to meet certain benchmarks for quickly and predictably reviewing applications for new and updated devices.FDA staffers who were reinstated said their immediate supervisors received no explanation or advance notice on the decisions. Instead, staffers received calls or emails from the FDA's "Office of Talent Solutions," informing them that their access to FDA computer systems and offices had been restored."We are so grateful to still have you working for the FDA and serving the American public!" the emails concluded.A week earlier, the same employees received emails stating that they were "not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and skills do not fit the agency's current needs."Nearly half the FDA's budget, or about $3.3 billion, comes from fees paid by drugmakers, device and tobacco companies. The result is that broad cuts to those programs won't add much toward Musk's stated goal of shrinking the federal budget.But the financial support of industry fees did not appear to help staffers in other parts of the agency.FDA's tobacco center — which reviews new products like electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches — is 100% funded by industry fees. But there did not appear to be an effort to rehire the estimated 100 or so employees fired from that center.___AP Health Writer JoNel Aleccia contributed to this story.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

FDA moves to rehire medical device, food safety staffers fired earlier

GREAT BEND — K-State Research and Extension will sponsor the event titled “Aging with Attitude: Estate Planning on Your Own Terms.”&nbsp;It will take place Wednesday, April 2 in Great Bend at The Page, 2920 10th St. 

 The day will kick off with an estate planning panel providing insights of estate planning. This professional panel has a wealth of information to share and will also open the floor to answer your questions. 

The next featured speaker is Erin Martinez, extension specialist and associate professor with K-State Research and Extension. Martinez will discuss advanced directives to ensure your end of life wishes and decisions are carried out.

 Nancy Honig, extension agent, will present the last session sharing ways to pass down your family’s cherished treasures. These sessions will all cover the importance of planning ahead, how to communicate your wishes, and the paperwork necessary to validate these wishes. 

Along with hearing the valuable information the speakers will share, participants will have the opportunity to visit and engage with various local vendors.

 Registration is $25 per person or $40 for two family members, and the pre-registration deadline is March 18. Lunch is included with the registration, along with a packet of estate planning information and publications. 

The program will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

To register or become a vendor, please visit our website <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/field_days/aging_with_attitude.html">https://www.wkrec.org/events/field_days/aging_with_attitude.html</a> or email Ashley Svaty asvaty@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583379077066.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension DistrictGREAT BEND — K-State Research and Extension will sponsor the event titled “Aging with Attitude: Estate Planning on Your Own Terms.”&nbsp;It will take place Wednesday, April 2 in Great Bend at The Page, 2920 10th St. The day will kick off with an estate planning panel providing insights of estate planning. This professional panel has a wealth of information to share and will also open the floor to answer your questions. The next featured speaker is Erin Martinez, extension specialist and associate professor with K-State Research and Extension. Martinez will discuss advanced directives to ensure your end of life wishes and decisions are carried out. Nancy Honig, extension agent, will present the last session sharing ways to pass down your family’s cherished treasures. These sessions will all cover the importance of planning ahead, how to communicate your wishes, and the paperwork necessary to validate these wishes. Along with hearing the valuable information the speakers will share, participants will have the opportunity to visit and engage with various local vendors. Registration is $25 per person or $40 for two family members, and the pre-registration deadline is March 18. Lunch is included with the registration, along with a packet of estate planning information and publications. The program will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register or become a vendor, please visit our website <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/field_days/aging_with_attitude.html">https://www.wkrec.org/events/field_days/aging_with_attitude.html</a> or email Ashley Svaty asvaty@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

Estate planning on your own terms offered by Cottonwood Extension

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Wednesday with the leader of the United Arab Emirates, wrapping up an overseas trip that saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-riyadh-talks-trump-putin-rubio-0c3beebfef5839e9d509ff58239a6bc5">the highest-level outreach between the United States and Russia</a>&nbsp;since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-politics-united-arab-emirates-government-persian-gulf-tensions-israel-06dceb8c4e3355eb3bbf24d845f67eda">Rubio visited Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House</a>, which houses a Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque.

Rubio’s talk with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also the ruler of Abu Dhabi, comes as the U.S. also tries to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-18-2025-873e5177fea96dbf569ca96980eed29c">a shaky ceasefire in the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel and the militant Hamas group.</a>

The UAE,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-israel-ap-top-news-iran-united-arab-emirates-abcb0ed9a84e2d3da7d87c28641ccc21">which diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020</a>&nbsp;during President Donald Trump’s first term, also has been key in mediating prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine.

Rubio offered his thanks in the meeting to the UAE “for the strength and enduring nature of the relationship, one marked by strong economic ties, defense cooperation and mutual interests in regional stability,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

The meeting included discussions on artificial intelligence, the Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon and the Red Sea, which had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-galaxy-leader-crew-3638ab8e31c9c97b2ef5f9079dfbb6c0">the site of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;until the Gaza ceasefire, Bruce added.

There was no immediate comments from the UAE on what Rubio, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s foreign minister, discussed in their roughly 30-minute meeting. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uae-russia-ukraine-war-a09b2fc2d81276551f40d89383a348c2">met with Sheikh Mohammed on Monday</a>.

The state-run WAM news agency reported Sheikh Mohammed had told Rubio “that the UAE strongly opposes any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from Gaza.”

Trump has said he wants to empty Gaza permanently of its more than 2 million Palestinians, saying they would not be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gaza-jordan-egypt-fox-palestinians-be4c67e124f7b8c7d5ad95231fc625a8">allowed to return</a>&nbsp;and suggesting at one point he might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abdullah-jordan-gaza-hamas-israel-1f3ef249419ce61fc5c0f41412c24cb0">force Egypt and Jordan</a>&nbsp;to take them in by threatening to cut off U.S. aid.

Sheikh Mohammed also reportedly stressed that reconstruction in Gaza be backed by a “comprehensive and lasting peace” based on a two-state solution, which would see the Palestinians have their own future state out of Gaza and the West Bank.

Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been discussed as possible sites for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, which marks its third anniversary on Monday. Saudi Arabia also has been mentioned as the possible venue for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, providing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-us-russia-talks-analysis-mohammed-bin-salman-9a42a3f1e09599f423a693262caa179c">a potential diplomatic boon to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, the kingdom’s de facto ruler.

The leaders met Rubio at an Abu Dhabi convention center that’s hosting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-arab-emirates-government-abu-dhabi-business-912108195180fb5edf9dfb88fd6167b9">biennial International Defense Exhibition and Conference</a>&nbsp;this week, where both Ukraine and Russia have displayed weapons — even as Moscow faces Western sanctions over the war.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-department-of-the-treasury-business-united-arab-emirates-dubai-middle-east-192fbc4638f38d9334ad2508cae1eef4">Russian money continues to flood into Dubai’s booming real estate market</a>. Daily flights between the Emirates and Moscow provide a lifeline for both those fleeing conscription and the Russian elite. Ukrainians as well have fled to the Emirates, an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739995482632.png" alt="Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the tour of the controversial Abrahamic Family House -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the tour of the controversial Abrahamic Family House -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Wednesday with the leader of the United Arab Emirates, wrapping up an overseas trip that saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-riyadh-talks-trump-putin-rubio-0c3beebfef5839e9d509ff58239a6bc5">the highest-level outreach between the United States and Russia</a>&nbsp;since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-politics-united-arab-emirates-government-persian-gulf-tensions-israel-06dceb8c4e3355eb3bbf24d845f67eda">Rubio visited Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House</a>, which houses a Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue and an Islamic mosque.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island - Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue <a href="https://t.co/csNz9epgMM">pic.twitter.com/csNz9epgMM</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1892228245891756101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island - Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque <a href="https://t.co/VLD6MuYxkL">pic.twitter.com/VLD6MuYxkL</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1892228682363687155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island - St. Francis Church <a href="https://t.co/69t2TaBecf">pic.twitter.com/69t2TaBecf</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1892228920117752293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Rubio’s talk with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also the ruler of Abu Dhabi, comes as the U.S. also tries to continue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-18-2025-873e5177fea96dbf569ca96980eed29c">a shaky ceasefire in the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel and the militant Hamas group.</a>The UAE,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-israel-ap-top-news-iran-united-arab-emirates-abcb0ed9a84e2d3da7d87c28641ccc21">which diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020</a>&nbsp;during President Donald Trump’s first term, also has been key in mediating prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine.Rubio offered his thanks in the meeting to the UAE “for the strength and enduring nature of the relationship, one marked by strong economic ties, defense cooperation and mutual interests in regional stability,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.The meeting included discussions on artificial intelligence, the Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon and the Red Sea, which had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-galaxy-leader-crew-3638ab8e31c9c97b2ef5f9079dfbb6c0">the site of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;until the Gaza ceasefire, Bruce added.There was no immediate comments from the UAE on what Rubio, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s foreign minister, discussed in their roughly 30-minute meeting. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uae-russia-ukraine-war-a09b2fc2d81276551f40d89383a348c2">met with Sheikh Mohammed on Monday</a>.The state-run WAM news agency reported Sheikh Mohammed had told Rubio “that the UAE strongly opposes any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from Gaza.”Trump has said he wants to empty Gaza permanently of its more than 2 million Palestinians, saying they would not be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gaza-jordan-egypt-fox-palestinians-be4c67e124f7b8c7d5ad95231fc625a8">allowed to return</a>&nbsp;and suggesting at one point he might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abdullah-jordan-gaza-hamas-israel-1f3ef249419ce61fc5c0f41412c24cb0">force Egypt and Jordan</a>&nbsp;to take them in by threatening to cut off U.S. aid.Sheikh Mohammed also reportedly stressed that reconstruction in Gaza be backed by a “comprehensive and lasting peace” based on a two-state solution, which would see the Palestinians have their own future state out of Gaza and the West Bank.Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been discussed as possible sites for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, which marks its third anniversary on Monday. Saudi Arabia also has been mentioned as the possible venue for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, providing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-us-russia-talks-analysis-mohammed-bin-salman-9a42a3f1e09599f423a693262caa179c">a potential diplomatic boon to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, the kingdom’s de facto ruler.The leaders met Rubio at an Abu Dhabi convention center that’s hosting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-arab-emirates-government-abu-dhabi-business-912108195180fb5edf9dfb88fd6167b9">biennial International Defense Exhibition and Conference</a>&nbsp;this week, where both Ukraine and Russia have displayed weapons — even as Moscow faces Western sanctions over the war.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-department-of-the-treasury-business-united-arab-emirates-dubai-middle-east-192fbc4638f38d9334ad2508cae1eef4">Russian money continues to flood into Dubai’s booming real estate market</a>. Daily flights between the Emirates and Moscow provide a lifeline for both those fleeing conscription and the Russian elite. Ukrainians as well have fled to the Emirates, an autocratically ruled federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula.

US top diplomat visits Abrahamic Family House on visit to UAE

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/internal-revenue-service">IRS</a>&nbsp;will lay off roughly 7,000 workers in Washington and around the country beginning Thursday, a person familiar with the plans told The Associated Press.

The layoffs affect probationary employees with roughly one year or less of service at the agency and largely include workers in compliance departments, according to the person, who was not authorized to disclose the plans and spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday. Compliance work includes ensuring that taxpayers are abiding by the tax code, filing their returns and paying their taxes, among other duties.

The layoffs are part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump administration’s intensified efforts</a>&nbsp;to shrink the size of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-workforce-employees-trump-cuts-buyouts-86d7a1bc5b3968aa92e0657a7e15bee1">federal workforce</a>&nbsp;through the Department of Government Efficiency by ordering agencies to lay off nearly all probationary employees who have not yet gained civil service protection. They come despite IRS employees involved in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-direct-file-refund-31fcb0c4466e8ef286952d3e22b9c277">2025 tax season</a>&nbsp;being told earlier this month that they would not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until mid-May, after the taxpayer filing deadline.

It’s unclear how the layoffs may affect tax collection services this year. As the nation’s revenue collector, the IRS was tasked during the Biden administration with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-treasury-tax-wealth-ira-2932f286c89b19b9ccecaaca2f4f2c2b">targeting high-wealth tax evaders</a>&nbsp;for an additional stream of income to the U.S., which is $36 trillion in debt. By the end of 2024, the IRS collected over $1.3 billion in back taxes from rich tax dodgers.

The IRS has roughly 90,000 employees total across the United States, according to the latest IRS data. Racial minorities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/statistics/irs-budget-and-workforce" target="_blank">make up 56% of the IRS workforce</a>, and women represent 65%.

In addition to the planned layoffs, the Trump administration intends to lend IRS workers to the Department of Homeland Security to assist with immigration enforcement. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/armed-irs-agents-immigration-enforcement-0065756e7e44b0de2027d5a6f60e60a5">letter sent earlier this month</a>, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to borrow IRS workers to help with ongoing immigration crackdown efforts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/internal-revenue-service">IRS</a>&nbsp;will lay off roughly 7,000 workers in Washington and around the country beginning Thursday, a person familiar with the plans told The Associated Press.The layoffs affect probationary employees with roughly one year or less of service at the agency and largely include workers in compliance departments, according to the person, who was not authorized to disclose the plans and spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday. Compliance work includes ensuring that taxpayers are abiding by the tax code, filing their returns and paying their taxes, among other duties.The layoffs are part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump administration’s intensified efforts</a>&nbsp;to shrink the size of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-workforce-employees-trump-cuts-buyouts-86d7a1bc5b3968aa92e0657a7e15bee1">federal workforce</a>&nbsp;through the Department of Government Efficiency by ordering agencies to lay off nearly all probationary employees who have not yet gained civil service protection. They come despite IRS employees involved in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-season-direct-file-refund-31fcb0c4466e8ef286952d3e22b9c277">2025 tax season</a>&nbsp;being told earlier this month that they would not be allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until mid-May, after the taxpayer filing deadline.It’s unclear how the layoffs may affect tax collection services this year. As the nation’s revenue collector, the IRS was tasked during the Biden administration with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-treasury-tax-wealth-ira-2932f286c89b19b9ccecaaca2f4f2c2b">targeting high-wealth tax evaders</a>&nbsp;for an additional stream of income to the U.S., which is $36 trillion in debt. By the end of 2024, the IRS collected over $1.3 billion in back taxes from rich tax dodgers.The IRS has roughly 90,000 employees total across the United States, according to the latest IRS data. Racial minorities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/statistics/irs-budget-and-workforce" target="_blank">make up 56% of the IRS workforce</a>, and women represent 65%.In addition to the planned layoffs, the Trump administration intends to lend IRS workers to the Department of Homeland Security to assist with immigration enforcement. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/armed-irs-agents-immigration-enforcement-0065756e7e44b0de2027d5a6f60e60a5">letter sent earlier this month</a>, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to borrow IRS workers to help with ongoing immigration crackdown efforts.

IRS plans to lay off 7,000 probationary workers beginning Thursday

FHSU University Communications

The Strategic Affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest officially launched in July of 2024, and the close collaboration that has been the hallmark of this initiative has yielded successes in five key areas:

&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways. &nbsp; &nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Creating powerful professional relationships. &nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students. &nbsp; &nbsp; 4. Sharing resources. &nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engaging with regional business and industry

What follows is a summary of these early successes.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways between the technical colleges to &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Several Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) are mapping academic program pathways from the technical colleges to FHSU. The pathways will allow students to smoothly and efficiently progress in their educational journey, expand their education and training experiences, and, for many, earn an advanced degree. 

Students in two nine-month certificate programs at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Welding and Construction Technology, can study for two additional semesters at FHSU and reverse transfer credits to earn from North Central, respectively, the AAS in Building/Construction Site Management and Welding Engineering Technology.

Students with an AAS in Respiratory Therapy from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest or an AAS in Medical Assistance can get two years of credit at FHSU toward a BS in Health Studies.

A program pathway will be finalized within weeks for students with an AAS in Precision Agriculture at Northwest and an AAS in Agricultural Equipment Technology at North Central to get a BS in Agricultural Business from FHSU.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Creating powerful professional relationships among faculty and &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;staff at all three institutions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

There are 14 Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) comprised of faculty and staff from the three partner institutions. Shortly after their first meeting, the members of each AIT took a tour of all three affiliate campuses and exchanged detailed information about one another’s programs and resources. They meet biweekly, and the chairs and vice-chairs of each AIT meet semi-annually at day-long “Affiliation Summits” held in rotation at Beloit, Goodland, and Hays.

A consequence of this frequent contact is the growth of new professional relationships across institutions – relationships that many faculty and staff, especially those in small programs or isolated roles, describe as highly gratifying. 

These relationships, in turn, have given rise to collaborations that serve students. Students at the technical colleges have been invited to career fairs in applied technology, informatics, agriculture, nursing, and allied health at FHSU.

The student success teams at each of the affiliates are coordinating their orientation programs and collaboratively reviewing their new student seminars. The Institutional Research staff at the three partners are creating new protocols to track students as they move among the affiliated institutions.

Close collaborations between the higher education professionals at the three institutions are driving innovation. To cite just one example, the Agriculture AIT is planning a new series of summer courses based on the expertise of each affiliate. This year, the course will take place in Goodland and focus on precision agriculture, but the AIT aspires to take courses on different topics on the Beloit and Hays campuses in subsequent years.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students taking&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; courses at or transferring among multiple affiliate institutions

Improving the experience of students, as well as supporting regional communities and businesses, is the “north star” of the affiliation, and many early affiliation initiatives serve that end. 

Starting in January 2025, the technical colleges will be transitioning to the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) so that students who study at more than one affiliate institution will not have to master a new LMS. Students who have completed a course at one of the affiliates will no longer have to pay an application fee to study at any of the others.

To further encourage cost savings and to facilitate exchange among the affiliates, one of the AITs recently completed a guide called “Fast Track to FHSU” to show high school students in the tech colleges’ service areas how they can complete most of their Fort Hays State University general education requirements through concurrent enrollment courses at the technical colleges.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 4.&nbsp; Shared resources

The affiliation partners are committed to sharing knowledge, technology, resources, and spaces. The Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) will be provided to the technical colleges through FHSU at no additional cost. FHSU is also investigating the possibility of offering the technical colleges access to online library databases.

The Student Success teams at the three partners coordinate their student activities and work on a “menu” of additional resources, such as access to remote mental health, for the technical colleges. Fort Hays Tech | North Central is running its carpentry program in FHSU space this year while a new building is under construction.

&nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engagement with regional business and industry

Each academic Affiliation Implementation team (AIT) has representation from local businesses to provide an outside perspective on the team’s goals. The contributions of those outside representatives have been extremely valuable in guiding the teams’ work in the near and longer term.

A representative of the Kansas Hospital System serving on the AIT working on opportunities in nursing/allied health surveyed regional health care center professional needs that will inform the development of new programs by the affiliates. A roundtable of businesspeople catalyzed the AIT working on opportunities in business to develop additional training for students and employers offering internships.

The representatives on the AIT working on opportunities in agriculture have kept the team apprised of grants of potential interest to all three institutions.

A recent project of the affiliation, part of a FORGE grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is creating a new website that will serve as a virtual “front door” to the affiliate partners for regional businesses and industry. In addition to illuminating the resources present at each institution – and whom to contact to access them – the site will also provide links to other organizations that can assist with economic and workforce development issues.

For more information on this historic affiliation, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fQUH1buDyV4loUqNVHEPb30u1RDsTqsIo-2BNGJUV-2FqWY28wMjTOu7h6hv-2BaFq02-2FyQ-3D-3DUoe9_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOgYh-2FVlnDVj-2FeMzvbyBEXW5GzMqr8jtMvqWiPPfTVE50myWEDP2XmgXB-2FLBJA378SNWnw9R8PEvJxw1IC8-2BtERVsSrtsSxBbHFor-2Bq92H0JFd0WUYxEc4OTON5D7U3H9IxL6g-2B8U5lbHd3C7aM5l8o39GsLmOXRUZWJ4NUrZRKBjrwEM63GeYiiXxoqdjfvB-2FBwOe0EwBNJBlU3-2B0bUi2wPe7U5H7FISGXYKWAonn7P2E2jc-2FmvbSOUEyxqZsioLr">https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739890898306.jpeg" alt="Strategic affiliations between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Strategic affiliations between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Communications The Strategic Affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest officially launched in July of 2024, and the close collaboration that has been the hallmark of this initiative has yielded successes in five key areas:&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways. &nbsp; &nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Creating powerful professional relationships. &nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students. &nbsp; &nbsp; 4. Sharing resources. &nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engaging with regional business and industryWhat follows is a summary of these early successes.&nbsp; &nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Charting new academic pathways between the technical colleges to &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fort Hays State University&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Several Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) are mapping academic program pathways from the technical colleges to FHSU. The pathways will allow students to smoothly and efficiently progress in their educational journey, expand their education and training experiences, and, for many, earn an advanced degree. Students in two nine-month certificate programs at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Welding and Construction Technology, can study for two additional semesters at FHSU and reverse transfer credits to earn from North Central, respectively, the AAS in Building/Construction Site Management and Welding Engineering Technology.Students with an AAS in Respiratory Therapy from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest or an AAS in Medical Assistance can get two years of credit at FHSU toward a BS in Health Studies.A program pathway will be finalized within weeks for students with an AAS in Precision Agriculture at Northwest and an AAS in Agricultural Equipment Technology at North Central to get a BS in Agricultural Business from FHSU.&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Creating powerful professional relationships among faculty and &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;staff at all three institutions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;There are 14 Affiliation Implementation Teams (AITs) comprised of faculty and staff from the three partner institutions. Shortly after their first meeting, the members of each AIT took a tour of all three affiliate campuses and exchanged detailed information about one another’s programs and resources. They meet biweekly, and the chairs and vice-chairs of each AIT meet semi-annually at day-long “Affiliation Summits” held in rotation at Beloit, Goodland, and Hays.A consequence of this frequent contact is the growth of new professional relationships across institutions – relationships that many faculty and staff, especially those in small programs or isolated roles, describe as highly gratifying. These relationships, in turn, have given rise to collaborations that serve students. Students at the technical colleges have been invited to career fairs in applied technology, informatics, agriculture, nursing, and allied health at FHSU.The student success teams at each of the affiliates are coordinating their orientation programs and collaboratively reviewing their new student seminars. The Institutional Research staff at the three partners are creating new protocols to track students as they move among the affiliated institutions.Close collaborations between the higher education professionals at the three institutions are driving innovation. To cite just one example, the Agriculture AIT is planning a new series of summer courses based on the expertise of each affiliate. This year, the course will take place in Goodland and focus on precision agriculture, but the AIT aspires to take courses on different topics on the Beloit and Hays campuses in subsequent years.&nbsp; &nbsp; 3.&nbsp; Reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles for students taking&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; courses at or transferring among multiple affiliate institutionsImproving the experience of students, as well as supporting regional communities and businesses, is the “north star” of the affiliation, and many early affiliation initiatives serve that end. Starting in January 2025, the technical colleges will be transitioning to the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) so that students who study at more than one affiliate institution will not have to master a new LMS. Students who have completed a course at one of the affiliates will no longer have to pay an application fee to study at any of the others.To further encourage cost savings and to facilitate exchange among the affiliates, one of the AITs recently completed a guide called “Fast Track to FHSU” to show high school students in the tech colleges’ service areas how they can complete most of their Fort Hays State University general education requirements through concurrent enrollment courses at the technical colleges.&nbsp; &nbsp; 4.&nbsp; Shared resourcesThe affiliation partners are committed to sharing knowledge, technology, resources, and spaces. The Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) will be provided to the technical colleges through FHSU at no additional cost. FHSU is also investigating the possibility of offering the technical colleges access to online library databases.The Student Success teams at the three partners coordinate their student activities and work on a “menu” of additional resources, such as access to remote mental health, for the technical colleges. Fort Hays Tech | North Central is running its carpentry program in FHSU space this year while a new building is under construction.&nbsp; &nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Engagement with regional business and industryEach academic Affiliation Implementation team (AIT) has representation from local businesses to provide an outside perspective on the team’s goals. The contributions of those outside representatives have been extremely valuable in guiding the teams’ work in the near and longer term.A representative of the Kansas Hospital System serving on the AIT working on opportunities in nursing/allied health surveyed regional health care center professional needs that will inform the development of new programs by the affiliates. A roundtable of businesspeople catalyzed the AIT working on opportunities in business to develop additional training for students and employers offering internships.The representatives on the AIT working on opportunities in agriculture have kept the team apprised of grants of potential interest to all three institutions.A recent project of the affiliation, part of a FORGE grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is creating a new website that will serve as a virtual “front door” to the affiliate partners for regional businesses and industry. In addition to illuminating the resources present at each institution – and whom to contact to access them – the site will also provide links to other organizations that can assist with economic and workforce development issues.For more information on this historic affiliation, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fQUH1buDyV4loUqNVHEPb30u1RDsTqsIo-2BNGJUV-2FqWY28wMjTOu7h6hv-2BaFq02-2FyQ-3D-3DUoe9_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOgYh-2FVlnDVj-2FeMzvbyBEXW5GzMqr8jtMvqWiPPfTVE50myWEDP2XmgXB-2FLBJA378SNWnw9R8PEvJxw1IC8-2BtERVsSrtsSxBbHFor-2Bq92H0JFd0WUYxEc4OTON5D7U3H9IxL6g-2B8U5lbHd3C7aM5l8o39GsLmOXRUZWJ4NUrZRKBjrwEM63GeYiiXxoqdjfvB-2FBwOe0EwBNJBlU3-2B0bUi2wPe7U5H7FISGXYKWAonn7P2E2jc-2FmvbSOUEyxqZsioLr">https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/</a>.

FHSU/Fort Hays Tech strategic affiliation initiative update

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds taxpayers in Kansas that they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free directly with the agency using IRS Direct File.

The web-based service, available in English and Spanish, offers guided help for preparing and filing a federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Direct File does not replace existing filing options like tax professionals, IRS Free File, free return preparation sites, commercial software or authorized e-file providers.

IRS customer service representatives staffing the Direct File support function can provide technical support and provide basic clarification of tax law related to the scope of Direct File. Questions related to issues other than Direct File will be routed to other IRS customer support, as appropriate.

Although the deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025, Direct File will be open until Oct. 15, 2025, for people who may need additional time to file.

Enhancements for the 2025 filing season

For the 2025 filing season, Direct File includes new features that make filing taxes quicker and easier.

· Import W-2 wages and other tax information directly from the IRS with step-by-step guidance

· Chat bot helps guide taxpayers through the eligibility checker

· Live chat feature is available in English and Spanish

· Opt-in option allows authenticated and verified taxpayers to access additional customer support or

· Request a callback from an IRS Direct File customer support representative.

Income. IRS Direct File is available for taxpayers who lived and worked in Kansas for all of 2024, file simple federal tax returns and report the following types of income: · W-2 wage income · SSA-1099 Social Security income · 1099-G unemployment compensation · 1099-INT interest income · 1099-R retirement income

Direct File is not available to taxpayers with other types of income, such as gig economy, rental or business income, or for taxpayers that itemize deductions. Taxpayers can check their eligibility and see if Direct File is a good fit. For those not eligible, they have alternative filing options.

Credits. IRS Direct File will automatically identify and apply the following tax credits for eligible taxpayers: · Earned Income Tax Credit · Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents · Child and Dependent Care Credit · Premium Tax Credit · Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled · Retirement Savings Contributions Credit

In addition to covering taxpayers claiming the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses, Direct File supports taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Account contributions.

Direct File won’t prepare Kansas state tax returns. Once taxpayers have completed their federal tax return, Direct File automatically guides them to Kansas services to complete their state taxes. Visit the state websites to find information about income tax filing in each state.

Free filing options for all taxpayers

· IRS Free File provides a free online alternative to file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software to any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024. · People who make over $84,000 can use the IRS' Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes.

· People who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who are 60 years of age and older, can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. · The Department of Defense provides MilTax as a free tax resource for the military community. MilTax is a suite of tax services available for members of the military, as well as qualifying veterans and family members. There are no income limits. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.

Taxpayers may also use online resources at IRS.gov to quickly get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed. Online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day, including the IRS’ Interactive Tax Assistant tool and Let us help you resources. Taxpayers considering using Direct File are encouraged to subscribe to the Direct File newsletter.

More information · Publication 5916, File for Free with IRS Direct File · Publication 5917, IRS Direct File – What You Need to Know · Publication 5949, Helpful Tips to Prepare You for IRS Direct File · Publication 5952, Are You Ready to File with IRS Direct File?

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 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds taxpayers in Kansas that they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free directly with the agency using IRS Direct File.The web-based service, available in English and Spanish, offers guided help for preparing and filing a federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer.Direct File does not replace existing filing options like tax professionals, IRS Free File, free return preparation sites, commercial software or authorized e-file providers.IRS customer service representatives staffing the Direct File support function can provide technical support and provide basic clarification of tax law related to the scope of Direct File. Questions related to issues other than Direct File will be routed to other IRS customer support, as appropriate.Although the deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025, Direct File will be open until Oct. 15, 2025, for people who may need additional time to file.Enhancements for the 2025 filing seasonFor the 2025 filing season, Direct File includes new features that make filing taxes quicker and easier.· Import W-2 wages and other tax information directly from the IRS with step-by-step guidance· Chat bot helps guide taxpayers through the eligibility checker· Live chat feature is available in English and Spanish· Opt-in option allows authenticated and verified taxpayers to access additional customer support or· Request a callback from an IRS Direct File customer support representative.EligibilityIncome. IRS Direct File is available for taxpayers who lived and worked in Kansas for all of 2024, file simple federal tax returns and report the following types of income: · W-2 wage income · SSA-1099 Social Security income · 1099-G unemployment compensation · 1099-INT interest income · 1099-R retirement incomeDirect File is not available to taxpayers with other types of income, such as gig economy, rental or business income, or for taxpayers that itemize deductions. Taxpayers can check their eligibility and see if Direct File is a good fit. For those not eligible, they have alternative filing options.Credits. IRS Direct File will automatically identify and apply the following tax credits for eligible taxpayers: · Earned Income Tax Credit · Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents · Child and Dependent Care Credit · Premium Tax Credit · Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled · Retirement Savings Contributions CreditIn addition to covering taxpayers claiming the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses, Direct File supports taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Account contributions.Direct File won’t prepare Kansas state tax returns. Once taxpayers have completed their federal tax return, Direct File automatically guides them to Kansas services to complete their state taxes. Visit the state websites to find information about income tax filing in each state.Free filing options for all taxpayers· IRS Free File provides a free online alternative to file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software to any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024. · People who make over $84,000 can use the IRS' Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes.· People who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who are 60 years of age and older, can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. · The Department of Defense provides MilTax as a free tax resource for the military community. MilTax is a suite of tax services available for members of the military, as well as qualifying veterans and family members. There are no income limits. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.Additional resourcesTaxpayers may also use online resources at IRS.gov to quickly get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed. Online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day, including the IRS’ Interactive Tax Assistant tool and Let us help you resources. Taxpayers considering using Direct File are encouraged to subscribe to the Direct File newsletter.More information · Publication 5916, File for Free with IRS Direct File · Publication 5917, IRS Direct File – What You Need to Know · Publication 5949, Helpful Tips to Prepare You for IRS Direct File · Publication 5952, Are You Ready to File with IRS Direct File?

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