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?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </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?

Eligible taxpayers in Kansas file for free with IRS Direct File

LABETTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal crash during a police chase have identified the man who died as 52-year-old John H. Jones, according to a statement from the Labette County Sheriff.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, while driving northbound on Wallace Road., a Labette County Deputy observed a tan Ford F-150 run the stop sign at 20000 and Wallace Road. at a high rate of speed, acc

Upon seeing the deputy, the driver later identified as Jones attempted several evasive maneuvers to lose the deputy, including driving through a field. 

 Upon activating the emergency lights, Jones started driving northbound on Wallace Road at speeds over 100 mph. 

The driver ran four motorists off the road and at one point, Jones slammed on their brakes, causing the deputy to sideswipe the suspect’s vehicle. 

Once the deputy went around the suspect’s vehicle, the Jones sped up, attempting to ram the deputy’s vehicle.&nbsp; Jones continued northbound at high speeds on Wallace Road., ignoring the warning signs. The suspect missed the curve at 22097 Wallace Road., then collided with a tree near 22097 Wallace Road

 Emergency medical and Oswego and Neosho fire departments were dispatched to the accident scene. Jones was transported to Labette Health, where he died of his injuries.&nbsp;

Deputies learned that Jones’ was driving while suspended and had arrest warrants issued out of Montgomery County and Neosho County.&nbsp; He also had previous convictions for aggravated burglary, theft, criminal threat obstruction and seven for drug related activity, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

LABETTE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash during a police chase that occurred just before 2p.m. Thursday in Labette County.

According to the Patrol, law enforcement was northbound on Wallace Road one mile south of U.S. 400 in pursuit of a vehicle. 

The the driver of the suspect vehicle failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle traveled off the roadway to the right struck a tree.&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details early Friday.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

LABETTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal crash during a police chase have identified the man who died as 52-year-old John H. Jones, according to a statement from the Labette County Sheriff.Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, while driving northbound on Wallace Road., a Labette County Deputy observed a tan Ford F-150 run the stop sign at 20000 and Wallace Road. at a high rate of speed, accUpon seeing the deputy, the driver later identified as Jones attempted several evasive maneuvers to lose the deputy, including driving through a field. Upon activating the emergency lights, Jones started driving northbound on Wallace Road at speeds over 100 mph. The driver ran four motorists off the road and at one point, Jones slammed on their brakes, causing the deputy to sideswipe the suspect’s vehicle. Once the deputy went around the suspect’s vehicle, the Jones sped up, attempting to ram the deputy’s vehicle.&nbsp; Jones continued northbound at high speeds on Wallace Road., ignoring the warning signs. The suspect missed the curve at 22097 Wallace Road., then collided with a tree near 22097 Wallace Road Emergency medical and Oswego and Neosho fire departments were dispatched to the accident scene. Jones was transported to Labette Health, where he died of his injuries.&nbsp;Deputies learned that Jones’ was driving while suspended and had arrest warrants issued out of Montgomery County and Neosho County.&nbsp; He also had previous convictions for aggravated burglary, theft, criminal threat obstruction and seven for drug related activity, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.---------------LABETTE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash during a police chase that occurred just before 2p.m. Thursday in Labette County.According to the Patrol, law enforcement was northbound on Wallace Road one mile south of U.S. 400 in pursuit of a vehicle. The the driver of the suspect vehicle failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle traveled off the roadway to the right struck a tree.&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details early Friday.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP investigating fatal crash during police chase

WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service provided taxpayers with six tips to make filing their 2024 tax return easier.&nbsp;

Most of the information below is also available on the IRS.gov&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Flet-us-help-you/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/6tzKZs7L4FRxi3jy585b8sz97BQ1dLiF2EH3wOTfIJM=390">Let Us Help You</a>&nbsp;page. Taxpayers should follow these handy suggestions as they prepare to file:&nbsp;

1. Gather all important and necessary tax paperwork and records&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Findividuals%2Fget-ready-to-file-your-taxes/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/cXPGyXHcuTkesKxKRYC7hR89BCl_f22BcRwLwfUSwfA=390">needed for filing</a>&nbsp;a complete and accurate tax return.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc303/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/yH3oxbUZ3S9WiNsEoRLOMTuHBHGHoFE6raCkW0Akgko=390">Errors and omissions</a>&nbsp;can lead to&nbsp;missing a deduction or credit&nbsp;and slow down tax return processing and refunds.&nbsp;

Before filing, taxpayers should have their:&nbsp;

• Social Security numbers for everyone listed on the tax return.. Bank account and routing numbers. • Tax forms such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, records of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/digital-assets">digital asset</a>&nbsp;transactions and other income documents. • Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace statement. • IRS letters they may have citing an amount received for a certain tax deduction or credit.

2. Report all types of income on the tax return to avoid receiving a notice or a bill from the IRS.&nbsp;Include income from:&nbsp;

• Goods created and sold on online platforms. • Investment income. • Part-time or seasonal work. • Self-employment or other business activities. • Services provided and paid through mobile apps.&nbsp;

3. Avoid paper returns.&nbsp;Filing electronically with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds%2Fget-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/fd9lJg3e85dbtrRThqrvIXMIwwBGYNRRA3n9STOxcLU=390">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;is the fastest way to get a refund.&nbsp;Plus, tax software helps taxpayers avoid mistakes. It does the math and guides people through each section of their tax return.&nbsp;

4. Consider IRS&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffile-your-taxes-for-free/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/EA6YAE2HTBzGeY2WJJ5gPuNwUCqoOfs5LwPXnMKQgSs=390">free resources</a>&nbsp;to help eligible taxpayers file.&nbsp;

• <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;provides a free online alternative to filing a paper tax return to any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024. • <a href="https://directfile.irs.gov/">Direct File</a>&nbsp;is available in 25 participating states for eligible taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS for free. This year, Direct File supports reporting more income types and claiming more credits and deductions. The free web-based service – available in English and Spanish –&nbsp;provides access to IRS customer service representatives through a live chat feature and works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers. Direct File guides taxpayers through a series of questions to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step and automatically guides taxpayers to state tools to complete their state taxes. • People who make over $84,000 can use the IRS'&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>. 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a> (TCE) programs. • The Department of Defense provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/miltax-military-tax-services/">MilTax</a> 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.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/miltax-military-tax-services/">Eligible taxpayers</a>&nbsp;can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.&nbsp;

5. Choose tax filing options based on personal situation and comfort level with tax preparation:&nbsp;

• Personally file taxes. • Use online filing services. • Hire a tax professional and choose carefully.&nbsp;Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. However, dishonest tax return preparers who file false income tax returns do exist. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;and more on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choosing a tax pro</a>&nbsp;on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;

6. Use online resources at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov&nbsp;</a>to quickly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftax-law-questions/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/EfQNV9SCr0hCfiGlRdNt2-3xKe61f_cEcb9sDZYkqxw=390">get answers to tax questions</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/0gFKCOKbxwGbpgm8v9ISi5xcc9M0lPRplvNNe4UNlJE=390">check a refund status</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/Y8D-bHtQ9T73KtUqfvZDe-g2Wv3JPN-pTKKUj548cLc=390">pay taxes</a>.&nbsp;There’s no wait time or appointment needed.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftools/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/lyT6LFLYeR8jVGCeKtapIcQyyYko9Sg6T70FJpN-AtQ=390">Online tools</a>&nbsp;and resources are available 24 hours a day, including the IRS’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Fita/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/CLVGUPe1slUERSwaNqTigbni-rh2ZvtRA9_mxlrjYl0=390">Interactive Tax Assistant tool</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Flet-us-help-you/2/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/ctRY5zJC5I8nRoGmpk9Iekpk5X6bjH5FoqVSXeJc3Y4=390">Let Us Help You</a>&nbsp;resources, which are especially helpful.&nbsp;

• Follow the&nbsp;IRS’ official <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-social-media">social media accounts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/e-news-subscriptions">email subscription lists</a>&nbsp;to stay current on the latest tax topics and alerts. • Download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> mobile app. • Watch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/irsvideos">IRS YouTube videos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708975908202.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service provided taxpayers with six tips to make filing their 2024 tax return easier.&nbsp;Most of the information below is also available on the IRS.gov&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Flet-us-help-you/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/6tzKZs7L4FRxi3jy585b8sz97BQ1dLiF2EH3wOTfIJM=390">Let Us Help You</a>&nbsp;page. Taxpayers should follow these handy suggestions as they prepare to file:&nbsp;1. Gather all important and necessary tax paperwork and records&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Findividuals%2Fget-ready-to-file-your-taxes/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/cXPGyXHcuTkesKxKRYC7hR89BCl_f22BcRwLwfUSwfA=390">needed for filing</a>&nbsp;a complete and accurate tax return.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftaxtopics%2Ftc303/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/yH3oxbUZ3S9WiNsEoRLOMTuHBHGHoFE6raCkW0Akgko=390">Errors and omissions</a>&nbsp;can lead to&nbsp;missing a deduction or credit&nbsp;and slow down tax return processing and refunds.&nbsp;Before filing, taxpayers should have their:&nbsp;• Social Security numbers for everyone listed on the tax return.. Bank account and routing numbers. • Tax forms such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, records of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/digital-assets">digital asset</a>&nbsp;transactions and other income documents. • Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace statement. • IRS letters they may have citing an amount received for a certain tax deduction or credit.2. Report all types of income on the tax return to avoid receiving a notice or a bill from the IRS.&nbsp;Include income from:&nbsp;• Goods created and sold on online platforms. • Investment income. • Part-time or seasonal work. • Self-employment or other business activities. • Services provided and paid through mobile apps.&nbsp;3. Avoid paper returns.&nbsp;Filing electronically with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds%2Fget-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/fd9lJg3e85dbtrRThqrvIXMIwwBGYNRRA3n9STOxcLU=390">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;is the fastest way to get a refund.&nbsp;Plus, tax software helps taxpayers avoid mistakes. It does the math and guides people through each section of their tax return.&nbsp;4. Consider IRS&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffile-your-taxes-for-free/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/EA6YAE2HTBzGeY2WJJ5gPuNwUCqoOfs5LwPXnMKQgSs=390">free resources</a>&nbsp;to help eligible taxpayers file.&nbsp;• <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;provides a free online alternative to filing a paper tax return to any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024. • <a href="https://directfile.irs.gov/">Direct File</a>&nbsp;is available in 25 participating states for eligible taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS for free. This year, Direct File supports reporting more income types and claiming more credits and deductions. The free web-based service – available in English and Spanish –&nbsp;provides access to IRS customer service representatives through a live chat feature and works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers. Direct File guides taxpayers through a series of questions to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step and automatically guides taxpayers to state tools to complete their state taxes. • People who make over $84,000 can use the IRS'&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>. 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a> (TCE) programs. • The Department of Defense provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/miltax-military-tax-services/">MilTax</a> 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.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/taxes/miltax-military-tax-services/">Eligible taxpayers</a>&nbsp;can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.&nbsp;5. Choose tax filing options based on personal situation and comfort level with tax preparation:&nbsp;• Personally file taxes. • Use online filing services. • Hire a tax professional and choose carefully.&nbsp;Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. However, dishonest tax return preparers who file false income tax returns do exist. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;and more on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choosing a tax pro</a>&nbsp;on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>.&nbsp;6. Use online resources at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov&nbsp;</a>to quickly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftax-law-questions/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/EfQNV9SCr0hCfiGlRdNt2-3xKe61f_cEcb9sDZYkqxw=390">get answers to tax questions</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/0gFKCOKbxwGbpgm8v9ISi5xcc9M0lPRplvNNe4UNlJE=390">check a refund status</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/Y8D-bHtQ9T73KtUqfvZDe-g2Wv3JPN-pTKKUj548cLc=390">pay taxes</a>.&nbsp;There’s no wait time or appointment needed.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Ftools/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/lyT6LFLYeR8jVGCeKtapIcQyyYko9Sg6T70FJpN-AtQ=390">Online tools</a>&nbsp;and resources are available 24 hours a day, including the IRS’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Fita/1/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/CLVGUPe1slUERSwaNqTigbni-rh2ZvtRA9_mxlrjYl0=390">Interactive Tax Assistant tool</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fhelp%2Flet-us-help-you/2/01000194b82f65fe-e844f080-5715-479f-9ac8-d0a699a3eb4e-000000/ctRY5zJC5I8nRoGmpk9Iekpk5X6bjH5FoqVSXeJc3Y4=390">Let Us Help You</a>&nbsp;resources, which are especially helpful.&nbsp;Stay updated&nbsp;• Follow the&nbsp;IRS’ official <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-social-media">social media accounts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/e-news-subscriptions">email subscription lists</a>&nbsp;to stay current on the latest tax topics and alerts. • Download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a> mobile app. • Watch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/irsvideos">IRS YouTube videos</a>.

IRS: Top tips to make tax time easier  

GREAT BEND&nbsp; – The Heartland Center for Spirituality, known as a retreat-conference center for people of all faiths and a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is observing 40 years of serving others. 

The first of its anniversary celebrations is a gathering open to the public at its Dominican Chapel of the Plains, 3600 Broadway, Great Bend, on Sunday, February 16 at 1 p.m.

Bishop John B. Brungardt will offer prayer and a blessing for the Heartland Spirituality Center.

Accomplished mezzo-soprano Hayley Shoemaker will share a range of spiritual selections and a French operatic piece. Shoemaker is a voice professor at Fort Hays State University who offers public performances regularly and recently reprised the role of Carmen at the 2024 Eutiner Festspiele in Eutin, Germany.

“We are blessed to be experiencing a renewal at Heartland. We are excited about what is to come and new opportunities opening to the public -near and far - this year,” says Ann Axman, co-director Heartland. “We will touch on a few upcoming events including a Lenten Retreat during the kick-off occasion but the full rundown and explanation of what’s ahead in 2025 will be revealed soon, so stay tuned for that.”

Keith Funk, another co-director of Heartland says, “Our vision is to build bridges between different faiths in the community, which is the same belief of our sponsors, the Dominican Sisters of Peace, who promote interfaith collaboration and welcome associates from a variety of faith traditions. Everyone here is very excited for what is ahead in 2025.”

Tours of the Heartland Spirituality Center will be available after the February 16 event and refreshments will be offered.

The Heartland Center for Spirituality provides overnight accommodations, meeting space for individuals, church organizations and non-profits who are interested in spiritual enrichment, education programs, staff development, conferences, and retreats.

To find out more about the Center go here please go here. To view the current calendar of events for Heartland Spirituality Center please see this.

About the Dominican Sisters of Peace

Dominican Sisters of Peace, members of the Order of Preachers, are vowed Catholic women who preach the Gospel of Christ through lives of service and peace-making. The Dominican Sisters of Peace are present in 22 states and Nigeria. The Sisters serve God’s people in many ways, including education, health care, spirituality, pastoral care, prison ministry, the arts, and care of creation. There are more than 300 Sisters and more than 300 lay women and men associated with the congregation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738859480799.jpeg" alt="Heartland Center for Spirituality, Great Bend. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Heartland Center for Spirituality, Great Bend. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND&nbsp; – The Heartland Center for Spirituality, known as a retreat-conference center for people of all faiths and a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is observing 40 years of serving others. The first of its anniversary celebrations is a gathering open to the public at its Dominican Chapel of the Plains, 3600 Broadway, Great Bend, on Sunday, February 16 at 1 p.m.Bishop John B. Brungardt will offer prayer and a blessing for the Heartland Spirituality Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738859588426.jpeg" alt="Hayley Shoemaker, FHSU professor. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hayley Shoemaker, FHSU professor. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Accomplished mezzo-soprano Hayley Shoemaker will share a range of spiritual selections and a French operatic piece. Shoemaker is a voice professor at Fort Hays State University who offers public performances regularly and recently reprised the role of Carmen at the 2024 Eutiner Festspiele in Eutin, Germany.“We are blessed to be experiencing a renewal at Heartland. We are excited about what is to come and new opportunities opening to the public -near and far - this year,” says Ann Axman, co-director Heartland. “We will touch on a few upcoming events including a Lenten Retreat during the kick-off occasion but the full rundown and explanation of what’s ahead in 2025 will be revealed soon, so stay tuned for that.”Keith Funk, another co-director of Heartland says, “Our vision is to build bridges between different faiths in the community, which is the same belief of our sponsors, the Dominican Sisters of Peace, who promote interfaith collaboration and welcome associates from a variety of faith traditions. Everyone here is very excited for what is ahead in 2025.”Tours of the Heartland Spirituality Center will be available after the February 16 event and refreshments will be offered.The Heartland Center for Spirituality provides overnight accommodations, meeting space for individuals, church organizations and non-profits who are interested in spiritual enrichment, education programs, staff development, conferences, and retreats.To find out more about the Center go here please go here. To view the current calendar of events for Heartland Spirituality Center please see this.About the Dominican Sisters of Peace Dominican Sisters of Peace, members of the Order of Preachers, are vowed Catholic women who preach the Gospel of Christ through lives of service and peace-making. The Dominican Sisters of Peace are present in 22 states and Nigeria. The Sisters serve God’s people in many ways, including education, health care, spirituality, pastoral care, prison ministry, the arts, and care of creation. There are more than 300 Sisters and more than 300 lay women and men associated with the congregation.

Heartland Center for Spirituality holds 40th anniversary celebration kick-off Feb. 16

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of miles from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk’s</a>&nbsp;office in the White House complex, a federal worker based in the Pacific Northwest is wondering whether to quit.

Musk, one of President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-21153a742fbad86284369bb173ec343c">most powerful advisers</a>, has orchestrated an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyouts-to-all-federal-employees-f67f5751a0fd5ad8471806a5a1067b5e">unprecedented financial incentive</a>&nbsp;for people to leave their government jobs, promising several months of pay in return for their resignation. The worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, wants to take the money and move overseas.

But she’s worried. What if the offer is too good to be true? What if this is really a covert effort to make a list of disloyal government employees?

Her situation is a microcosm of the uncertainty sweeping through the federal government, which is the country’s single largest employer. More than 2 million workers — analysts, nurses, scientists, accountants, food inspectors and loan processors — face a deadline of 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday to decide if they should leave.

<a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the frequently asked questions on the buyout

Trump administration is urging workers to take the deal

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyout-offer-federal-workers-doge-bdb6cd89e383ff1120eeb262904b4060">deferred resignation program</a>&nbsp;is part of Trump’s plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-power-border-tiktok-history-e77458bc0312c60f3f2b0eeb131d0056">remake the federal government</a>, weakening what allies describe as the “deep state” that undermined the Republican president during his first term. Administration officials said they can save taxpayer money by presenting employees with “a valuable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to stop working while still collecting a paycheck until Sept. 30.

On Wednesday, the administration ramped up its pressure on employees to leave, sending a reminder that layoffs or furloughs could come next.

“The majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force,” said the message from the Office of Personnel Management, which has been a nexus of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-congress-4e0c025629e8a0c758d13dc916ab4f43">Musk's efforts to downsize the government</a>.

The email said anyone who remains will be expected to be “loyal” and “will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward.” Some employees could be reclassified to limit civil service protections as well.

“Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination,” the email said.

Democrats and unions warn that workers could be stiffed

Democrats said workers shouldn't accept the deferred resignation program because it wasn't authorized by Congress, raising the risk they won't get paid. Unions have sued to stop Trump's plans, and a judge will consider whether to block the buyout offer at a hearing Thursday afternoon in Boston.

“It’s a scam and not a buyout,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Kelley said he tells workers that “if it was me, I wouldn’t do it.”

An employee at the Department of Education, who also spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation, said the administration appeared desperate to get people to sign the agreement. However, she said there were too many red flags, such as a clause waiving the right to sue if the government failed to honor its side of the deal.

The deal is ‘exactly what it looks like,’ says Trump official

Trump put Musk, the world's richest man, in charge of the so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-government-trump-executive-order-1a2fb7235b9d6f178c764cf6c78d3317">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, which is a sweeping initiative to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. The original email offering the deferred resignation program was titled “Fork in the road,” echoing a similar message that Musk sent Twitter employees two years ago after he bought the social media platform.

Trump administration officials have organized question-and-answer sessions with employees as the deadline approaches.

Rachel Oglesby, the chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Education who previously worked at the America First Policy Institute, said Trump is trying to reduce the federal workforce.

“I know there’s been a lot of questions out there about whether it’s real and whether it’s a trick,” she said, according to a recording obtained by The Associated Press. “And it’s exactly what it looks like. It’s one of the many tools that he’s using to try to achieve the campaign promise to bring reform to the civil service and changes to D.C.”

The issue was also discussed during a meeting with Department of Agriculture employees, according to another recording obtained by the AP. Marlon Taubenheim, a human resources official, acknowledged that “these are very trying times” and “there’s a lot of stress.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers,” he said.

Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, another agency leader, said employees “probably didn’t have the runway of time that you might have liked to make a life-changing decision.”

For those who remain, she said, "we’ll just keep plugging along.”

Assurances from administration officials have not alleviated concerns across a range of agencies. Some federal workers said they did not trust the validity of the offers, doubting that Trump has the authority to disburse money. Others point to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/10bbe40a86774bac9ad1fbd3a936c808">record of stiffing contractors</a>&nbsp;as a New York real estate mogul.

Musk's plans spark demonstrations in Washington

Scattered protests have sprung up outside federal buildings, including on Tuesday at the Office of Personnel Management.

“I’m taking a risk and being bold and trying to get more federal workers to take a risk to speak out," said Dante O’Hara, who said he works for the government. "Because if we don’t, then we’re all going to lose our jobs and they’re going to put all these loyalists or people that will be their shock troops.”

Government jobs have often been considered secure positions, but O’Hara said there’s fear in the workforce. The sense from his colleagues is “I don’t know if I’m going to be here tomorrow because, like, we don’t know what’s going to happen.’”

Dan Smith, a Maryland resident whose father was a research scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said federal workers are “so underappreciated and so taken for granted.”

“It’s one thing to downsize the government. It’s one thing to try to obliterate it," Smith said. "And that’s what’s going on. And that is what is so frightening and disgusting and requires pushback.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738846495320.png" alt="White House file photo" />
 <figcaption>White House file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of miles from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk">Elon Musk’s</a>&nbsp;office in the White House complex, a federal worker based in the Pacific Northwest is wondering whether to quit.Musk, one of President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-donald-trump-doge-21153a742fbad86284369bb173ec343c">most powerful advisers</a>, has orchestrated an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyouts-to-all-federal-employees-f67f5751a0fd5ad8471806a5a1067b5e">unprecedented financial incentive</a>&nbsp;for people to leave their government jobs, promising several months of pay in return for their resignation. The worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, wants to take the money and move overseas.But she’s worried. What if the offer is too good to be true? What if this is really a covert effort to make a list of disloyal government employees?Her situation is a microcosm of the uncertainty sweeping through the federal government, which is the country’s single largest employer. More than 2 million workers — analysts, nurses, scientists, accountants, food inspectors and loan processors — face a deadline of 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday to decide if they should leave.<a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the frequently asked questions on the buyout<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738115904337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Trump administration is urging workers to take the deal</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyout-offer-federal-workers-doge-bdb6cd89e383ff1120eeb262904b4060">deferred resignation program</a>&nbsp;is part of Trump’s plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-orders-power-border-tiktok-history-e77458bc0312c60f3f2b0eeb131d0056">remake the federal government</a>, weakening what allies describe as the “deep state” that undermined the Republican president during his first term. Administration officials said they can save taxpayer money by presenting employees with “a valuable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to stop working while still collecting a paycheck until Sept. 30.On Wednesday, the administration ramped up its pressure on employees to leave, sending a reminder that layoffs or furloughs could come next.“The majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force,” said the message from the Office of Personnel Management, which has been a nexus of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-congress-4e0c025629e8a0c758d13dc916ab4f43">Musk's efforts to downsize the government</a>.The email said anyone who remains will be expected to be “loyal” and “will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward.” Some employees could be reclassified to limit civil service protections as well.“Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination,” the email said.<h2>Democrats and unions warn that workers could be stiffed</h2>Democrats said workers shouldn't accept the deferred resignation program because it wasn't authorized by Congress, raising the risk they won't get paid. Unions have sued to stop Trump's plans, and a judge will consider whether to block the buyout offer at a hearing Thursday afternoon in Boston.“It’s a scam and not a buyout,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.Kelley said he tells workers that “if it was me, I wouldn’t do it.”An employee at the Department of Education, who also spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation, said the administration appeared desperate to get people to sign the agreement. However, she said there were too many red flags, such as a clause waiving the right to sue if the government failed to honor its side of the deal.<h2>The deal is ‘exactly what it looks like,’ says Trump official</h2>Trump put Musk, the world's richest man, in charge of the so-called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-government-trump-executive-order-1a2fb7235b9d6f178c764cf6c78d3317">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, which is a sweeping initiative to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. The original email offering the deferred resignation program was titled “Fork in the road,” echoing a similar message that Musk sent Twitter employees two years ago after he bought the social media platform.Trump administration officials have organized question-and-answer sessions with employees as the deadline approaches.Rachel Oglesby, the chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Education who previously worked at the America First Policy Institute, said Trump is trying to reduce the federal workforce.“I know there’s been a lot of questions out there about whether it’s real and whether it’s a trick,” she said, according to a recording obtained by The Associated Press. “And it’s exactly what it looks like. It’s one of the many tools that he’s using to try to achieve the campaign promise to bring reform to the civil service and changes to D.C.”The issue was also discussed during a meeting with Department of Agriculture employees, according to another recording obtained by the AP. Marlon Taubenheim, a human resources official, acknowledged that “these are very trying times” and “there’s a lot of stress.”“Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers,” he said.Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, another agency leader, said employees “probably didn’t have the runway of time that you might have liked to make a life-changing decision.”For those who remain, she said, "we’ll just keep plugging along.”Assurances from administration officials have not alleviated concerns across a range of agencies. Some federal workers said they did not trust the validity of the offers, doubting that Trump has the authority to disburse money. Others point to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/10bbe40a86774bac9ad1fbd3a936c808">record of stiffing contractors</a>&nbsp;as a New York real estate mogul.<h2>Musk's plans spark demonstrations in Washington</h2>Scattered protests have sprung up outside federal buildings, including on Tuesday at the Office of Personnel Management.“I’m taking a risk and being bold and trying to get more federal workers to take a risk to speak out," said Dante O’Hara, who said he works for the government. "Because if we don’t, then we’re all going to lose our jobs and they’re going to put all these loyalists or people that will be their shock troops.”Government jobs have often been considered secure positions, but O’Hara said there’s fear in the workforce. The sense from his colleagues is “I don’t know if I’m going to be here tomorrow because, like, we don’t know what’s going to happen.’”Dan Smith, a Maryland resident whose father was a research scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said federal workers are “so underappreciated and so taken for granted.”“It’s one thing to downsize the government. It’s one thing to try to obliterate it," Smith said. "And that’s what’s going on. And that is what is so frightening and disgusting and requires pushback.”Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indianapolis, said she's worried that too many people will leave, jeopardizing health care services.Burke, who also serves as a union official, said doubts have also been growing over whether to take the offer.“Originally, I think people were like, ‘I’m out of here,'" she said. But then they saw a social media post from DOGE, which said employees can "take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits.”The message backfired because "that kind of thing sounded a little bit too good to be true and people were hesitant,” Burke said.Either way, she said, Trump has achieved his apparent goal of shaking up the federal workforce.“Every day, it’s something,” Burke said. “If he signed up to be a disrupter, he’s doing it.”___Associated Press writers Nancy Benac, Nathan Ellgren, Gary Fields, Joshua Goodman and Brian Witte contributed to this report.

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