IRS in the headlines over a proposed $1.7–$1.8B fund tied to Trump allies and legal battles surrounding his tax records.
The IRS is accelerating its shift to digital payments, with refunds now primarily sent via direct deposit. This change may cause delays of six weeks or more for some taxpayers, especially those who did not provide bank details, raising concerns about hardship for vulnerable groups amid increased fraud risks.
Over 53 million taxpayers have claimed new deductions introduced by President Trump’s tax law, resulting in an average refund increase of 11.1%. Many workers report receiving thousands of dollars more, but confusion and delays have caused some to miss filing deadlines and increased scam risks. The IRS is also facing staffing challenges.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has been sold to a nonprofit, ensuring its future amid industry decline. The sale follows the revival of the Pittsburgh City Paper, which returned under new ownership. These moves reflect ongoing efforts to sustain local journalism facing financial challenges.
HM Revenue & Customs has been issuing P800 tax calculation letters to taxpayers owed refunds. However, around 730,000 refunds remain unclaimed, totaling an estimated £624 million. Taxpayers are encouraged to check their eligibility and submit claims within four years of the tax year. Online claims are processed within five days.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted 43 individuals tied to the Mexican Mafia in a sweeping operation across Orange County, with cases spanning murder, kidnapping, extortion and drug trafficking. Authorities have seized firearms, cash and narcotics as part of the ongoing effort to disrupt the gang’s reach from prisons to the streets.