WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Archives has asked former U.S. presidents and vice presidents to recheck their personal records for any classified documents following the news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-classified-documents-president-33df0355c72e9ae8fa4cb6ead13f6521">President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;had such documents in their possession.

The Archives sent a letter Thursday to representatives of former presidents and vice presidents extending back to Ronald Reagan to ensure compliance with the Presidential Records Act, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press. The act states that any records created or received by the president are the property of the U.S. government and will be managed by the Archives at the end of an administration.

The Archives sent the letter to representatives of former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, and former Vice Presidents Pence, Biden, Dick Cheney, Al Gore and Dan Quayle.

Responsibility to comply with the Presidential Records Act "does not diminish after the end of an administration,” the Archives wrote in the letter. “Therefore, we request that you conduct an assessment of any materials held outside of (the Archives) that relate to the administration for which you serve as a designated representative under the PRA, to determine whether bodies of materials previously assumed to be personal in nature might inadvertently contain Presidential or Vice Presidential records subject to the PRA, whether classified or unclassified.”

Spokespeople for former Presidents Trump, Obama, Clinton and former Vice Presidents Pence, Dick Cheney, Al Gore and Dan Quayle did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Freddy Ford, chief of staff to former President George W. Bush, suggested in his response to the Archives that Bush's office did not believe a search was necessary, saying, “Thank you for your note. We understand its purpose and remain confident that no such materials are in our possession.”

Biden’s lawyers came across classified documents from his time as vice president in a locked cabinet as they were packing up an office he no longer uses in November. Since then,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-delaware-0827b59ee141b33af95023377713e075">subsequent searches by the FBI</a>&nbsp;and Biden’s lawyers have turned up more documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-classified-documents-791bba57abaf50377f0938f0d293f36e">Former Vice President Pence, too, this week,</a>&nbsp;discovered documents and turned them in after saying previously he did not believe he had any.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment but the searches by Biden’s attorneys and the FBI appear to fulfill the Archives’ request.

Handling of classified documents has been a problem off and on for decades, from presidents to Cabinet members and staff across multiple administrations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-district-of-columbia-classified-documents-ronald-reagan-50e221ea424392b3582cd0d305cab0ee">stretching as far back as Jimmy Carter.</a>&nbsp;But the issue has taken on greater significance since former President Donald Trump willfully retained classified material at his Florida estate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-department-of-justice-michael-pence-7e616d65db8a76a078d1ec9268c13a77">prompting the unprecedented FBI seizure of thousands of pages of records last year.</a>

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate Trump’s handling of the documents, and also Biden’s.

It turns out that officials from all levels of government discover they are in possession of classified material and turn it over to authorities at least several times a year, according to another person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of classified documents.

Current and former officials involved in the handling of classified information say that while there are clear policies for how such information should be reviewed and stored, those policies are sometimes pushed aside at the highest levels. Teams of national security officials, secretaries and military aides who share responsibility for keeping top-level executives informed — and the executives themselves — may bend the rules for convenience, expediency or sometimes simple carelessness.

While much of the attention has been on classified information, the Presidential Records Act actually requires that, from the Reagan administration onward, all records must be transferred to the Archives regardless of classification.

It’s against federal law to have classified documents at an unauthorized location, but it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-classified-information-8dd6297eaebc358ffc15c153dc1b000e">only a crime if it was done intentionally.</a>

Speaking Thursday at an unrelated news conference, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that though he could not discuss any specific ongoing investigation, “We have had for quite a number of years any number of mishandling investigations. That is unfortunately a regular part of our counterintelligence division’s and counterintelligence program’s work.”

He said there was a need for people to be conscious of laws and rules governing the handling of classified information. “Those rules,” he said, “are there for a reason.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674832670808.png" alt="George W. Bush during a campaign speech in 2000 -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>George W. Bush during a campaign speech in 2000 -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Archives has asked former U.S. presidents and vice presidents to recheck their personal records for any classified documents following the news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-classified-documents-president-33df0355c72e9ae8fa4cb6ead13f6521">President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence</a>&nbsp;had such documents in their possession.The Archives sent a letter Thursday to representatives of former presidents and vice presidents extending back to Ronald Reagan to ensure compliance with the Presidential Records Act, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press. The act states that any records created or received by the president are the property of the U.S. government and will be managed by the Archives at the end of an administration.The Archives sent the letter to representatives of former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, and former Vice Presidents Pence, Biden, Dick Cheney, Al Gore and Dan Quayle.Responsibility to comply with the Presidential Records Act "does not diminish after the end of an administration,” the Archives wrote in the letter. “Therefore, we request that you conduct an assessment of any materials held outside of (the Archives) that relate to the administration for which you serve as a designated representative under the PRA, to determine whether bodies of materials previously assumed to be personal in nature might inadvertently contain Presidential or Vice Presidential records subject to the PRA, whether classified or unclassified.”Spokespeople for former Presidents Trump, Obama, Clinton and former Vice Presidents Pence, Dick Cheney, Al Gore and Dan Quayle did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Freddy Ford, chief of staff to former President George W. Bush, suggested in his response to the Archives that Bush's office did not believe a search was necessary, saying, “Thank you for your note. We understand its purpose and remain confident that no such materials are in our possession.”Biden’s lawyers came across classified documents from his time as vice president in a locked cabinet as they were packing up an office he no longer uses in November. Since then,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-delaware-0827b59ee141b33af95023377713e075">subsequent searches by the FBI</a>&nbsp;and Biden’s lawyers have turned up more documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-classified-documents-791bba57abaf50377f0938f0d293f36e">Former Vice President Pence, too, this week,</a>&nbsp;discovered documents and turned them in after saying previously he did not believe he had any.The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment but the searches by Biden’s attorneys and the FBI appear to fulfill the Archives’ request.The Archives had no comment.Handling of classified documents has been a problem off and on for decades, from presidents to Cabinet members and staff across multiple administrations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-district-of-columbia-classified-documents-ronald-reagan-50e221ea424392b3582cd0d305cab0ee">stretching as far back as Jimmy Carter.</a>&nbsp;But the issue has taken on greater significance since former President Donald Trump willfully retained classified material at his Florida estate,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-us-department-of-justice-michael-pence-7e616d65db8a76a078d1ec9268c13a77">prompting the unprecedented FBI seizure of thousands of pages of records last year.</a>Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate Trump’s handling of the documents, and also Biden’s.It turns out that officials from all levels of government discover they are in possession of classified material and turn it over to authorities at least several times a year, according to another person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of classified documents.Current and former officials involved in the handling of classified information say that while there are clear policies for how such information should be reviewed and stored, those policies are sometimes pushed aside at the highest levels. Teams of national security officials, secretaries and military aides who share responsibility for keeping top-level executives informed — and the executives themselves — may bend the rules for convenience, expediency or sometimes simple carelessness.While much of the attention has been on classified information, the Presidential Records Act actually requires that, from the Reagan administration onward, all records must be transferred to the Archives regardless of classification.It’s against federal law to have classified documents at an unauthorized location, but it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-donald-trump-mar-a-lago-classified-information-8dd6297eaebc358ffc15c153dc1b000e">only a crime if it was done intentionally.</a>Speaking Thursday at an unrelated news conference, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that though he could not discuss any specific ongoing investigation, “We have had for quite a number of years any number of mishandling investigations. That is unfortunately a regular part of our counterintelligence division’s and counterintelligence program’s work.”He said there was a need for people to be conscious of laws and rules governing the handling of classified information. “Those rules,” he said, “are there for a reason.”___

Past US presidents, VPs asked to recheck for classified docs

San Francisco (AP) —Video released publicly Friday shows the husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi fighting for control of a hammer with his assailant during a brutal attack in the couple's San Francisco home last year.

The body-camera footage shows suspect David DePape wrest the tool from 82-year-old Paul Pelosi and lunge toward him the hammer over his head. The blow to Pelosi occurs out of view and the officers — one of them cursing — rush into the house and jump on DePape.

Pelosi, apparently unconscious, can be seen lying face down on the floor in his pajama top and underwear. Officials later said he woke up in a pool of his own blood.

The release comes after a coalition of news agencies, including The Associated Press,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/news-media-nancy-pelosi-san-francisco-1ea0bd79973f319ba2b28ed5bb74ab8e">sought access to the evidence that prosecutors played in open court</a>&nbsp;last month. The San Francisco District Attorney's Office had refused to make the exhibits available to journalists.

A state court judge Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/assault-nancy-pelosi-paul-san-francisco-5a028836901e172998f67efa8c12b7eb">ruled there was no reason to keep the video secret</a>.

The evidence includes portions of Paul Pelosi’s 911 call on Oct. 28, as well as video images from Capitol police surveillance cameras, a body camera worn by one of the two police officers who arrived at the house and video from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-government-and-politics-paul-985a574966438975ec9ccdc39061d83c">suspect DePape’s interview with police</a>.

The Capitol Police video shows DePape walk up to a glass-panel door, leave and then return wearing a large backpack and carrying two other bags. He set all the items down and pulled out a hammer, pausing to put on gloves, and used it to smash the door glass so he could step through an opening.

DePape has pleaded not guilty in ongoing state and federal cases. He is being held in jail without bail.

Members of Congress have faced a sharp rise in threats in the two years since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Paul Pelosi was asleep at the couple’s home when DePape allegedly broke in. Nancy Pelosi was in Washington at the time and under the protection of her security detail, which does not extend to family members.

Her husband of nearly 60 years later underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands. He has since appeared in public wearing a hat and a glove that covered his wounds.

Nancy Pelosi on Thursday told reporters her husband’s well-being was paramount and she did not know if she would view the video once it was released.

“I don’t even know if I will see that,” she said. “I mean, it would be a very hard thing to see an assault on my husband’s life, but I don’t know.”

Police have said DePape told them there was “evil in Washington” and he wanted to harm Nancy Pelosi because she was second in line to the presidency at the time.

DePape told police he was on a “suicide mission,” court documents say, and authorities have said he was drawn to conspiracy theories.

Misinformation about the attack has been rampant.

The San Francisco police officer's body-camera video begins with officers approaching the brick home and rapping on the door. It takes about 20 seconds for the door to open and during that time, the officers discuss whether they have the right house.

When the door opens, Paul Pelosi says, “Hi, guys, how are you?”

Both men are facing the officers at the door and a flashlight shows DePape holding the handle of a hammer with his right hand and clutching Pelosi’s right hand, which is gripping around the hammer head, with his left hand.

“What’s going on, man?” the officer asks.

“Everything’s good,” DePape replies.

DePape says no and begins to pull it from Pelosi’s grip. Pelosi says, “Hey, hey.”

DePape wins control of the hammer and attacks Pelosi. The attack happens off-camera but Pelosi can be seen lying on the ground. The officers call for backup as they struggle to get DePape’s hand.

There’s a snoring sound in the background and the officer calls for a medic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674845796426.png" alt="The body-camera footage shows suspect David DePape wrest the tool from 82-year-old Paul Pelosi and lunge toward him the hammer over his head -image SFPD" />
 <figcaption>The body-camera footage shows suspect David DePape wrest the tool from 82-year-old Paul Pelosi and lunge toward him the hammer over his head -image SFPD</figcaption>
 </figure>San Francisco (AP) —Video released publicly Friday shows the husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi fighting for control of a hammer with his assailant during a brutal attack in the couple's San Francisco home last year.The body-camera footage shows suspect David DePape wrest the tool from 82-year-old Paul Pelosi and lunge toward him the hammer over his head. The blow to Pelosi occurs out of view and the officers — one of them cursing — rush into the house and jump on DePape.Pelosi, apparently unconscious, can be seen lying face down on the floor in his pajama top and underwear. Officials later said he woke up in a pool of his own blood.The release comes after a coalition of news agencies, including The Associated Press,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/news-media-nancy-pelosi-san-francisco-1ea0bd79973f319ba2b28ed5bb74ab8e">sought access to the evidence that prosecutors played in open court</a>&nbsp;last month. The San Francisco District Attorney's Office had refused to make the exhibits available to journalists.A state court judge Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/assault-nancy-pelosi-paul-san-francisco-5a028836901e172998f67efa8c12b7eb">ruled there was no reason to keep the video secret</a>.The evidence includes portions of Paul Pelosi’s 911 call on Oct. 28, as well as video images from Capitol police surveillance cameras, a body camera worn by one of the two police officers who arrived at the house and video from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-san-francisco-nancy-pelosi-government-and-politics-paul-985a574966438975ec9ccdc39061d83c">suspect DePape’s interview with police</a>.The Capitol Police video shows DePape walk up to a glass-panel door, leave and then return wearing a large backpack and carrying two other bags. He set all the items down and pulled out a hammer, pausing to put on gloves, and used it to smash the door glass so he could step through an opening.DePape has pleaded not guilty in ongoing state and federal cases. He is being held in jail without bail.Members of Congress have faced a sharp rise in threats in the two years since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.Paul Pelosi was asleep at the couple’s home when DePape allegedly broke in. Nancy Pelosi was in Washington at the time and under the protection of her security detail, which does not extend to family members.Her husband of nearly 60 years later underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands. He has since appeared in public wearing a hat and a glove that covered his wounds.Nancy Pelosi on Thursday told reporters her husband’s well-being was paramount and she did not know if she would view the video once it was released.“I don’t even know if I will see that,” she said. “I mean, it would be a very hard thing to see an assault on my husband’s life, but I don’t know.”Police have said DePape told them there was “evil in Washington” and he wanted to harm Nancy Pelosi because she was second in line to the presidency at the time.DePape told police he was on a “suicide mission,” court documents say, and authorities have said he was drawn to conspiracy theories.Misinformation about the attack has been rampant.The San Francisco police officer's body-camera video begins with officers approaching the brick home and rapping on the door. It takes about 20 seconds for the door to open and during that time, the officers discuss whether they have the right house.When the door opens, Paul Pelosi says, “Hi, guys, how are you?”Both men are facing the officers at the door and a flashlight shows DePape holding the handle of a hammer with his right hand and clutching Pelosi’s right hand, which is gripping around the hammer head, with his left hand.“What’s going on, man?” the officer asks.“Everything’s good,” DePape replies.“Drop the hammer,” the officer says.DePape says no and begins to pull it from Pelosi’s grip. Pelosi says, “Hey, hey.”DePape wins control of the hammer and attacks Pelosi. The attack happens off-camera but Pelosi can be seen lying on the ground. The officers call for backup as they struggle to get DePape’s hand.There’s a snoring sound in the background and the officer calls for a medic.___

Video shows struggle for hammer during attack on Pelosi's husband

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service and partners nationwide today kicked off their <a href="https://www.eitc.irs.gov/partner-toolkit/eitc-awareness-day/eitc-awareness-day-2">Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day</a> outreach campaign to help millions of Americans who earned $59,187 or less last year take advantage of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)</a>.

"This is an extremely important tax credit that helps millions of 
hard-working people every year," said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug 
O'Donnell. "But each year, many people miss out on the credit because 
they don't know about it or don't realize they're eligible. In 
particular, people who have experienced a major life change in the past 
year – in their job, marital status, a new child or other factors – may 
qualify for the first time. The IRS urges people to carefully to review 
this important credit; we don't want people to miss out."

In 2022, 31 million eligible workers and families across the country 
received about $64 billion in Earned Income Tax Credits, with an average
 amount of more than $2,000.

The IRS administers the EITC, which Congress originally approved in 
1975. It was developed in part to offset the burden of Social Security 
taxes and provide an incentive to work.

The IRS and partners urge people to check to see if they qualify for 
this important credit. They also encourage people who don't normally 
file a tax return to review whether they qualify for EITC and other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions-for-individuals">valuable credits</a>.

The EITC is a tax credit for certain people who work and have low to 
moderate income. A tax credit usually reduces tax owed and may also 
result in a refund. Even though millions of people get the EITC, the IRS
 estimates that about 20% of EITC eligible taxpayers do not claim it.

Workers at risk for overlooking the EITC include those:

The IRS also reminds taxpayers that the quickest way to get a tax refund is by filing an accurate tax return <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> for their refund. Tax software, tax professionals and other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">free options</a> can help people see if they qualify for the EITC.

To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax 
return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a
 tax return. There's no need to guess about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">EITC eligibility</a>; find out with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">EITC Assistant</a>.

Workers with qualifying children may be eligible for EITC if their 
adjusted gross income (AGI) was less than $53,057 in 2022 ($59,187 for 
married filing jointly). These individuals can receive a maximum of 
$6,935 in EITC, up from $6,728 in 2021.

The maximum EITC for taxpayers with no dependents is $560, available 
to filers with an AGI below $16,480 in 2022 ($22,610 for married filing 
jointly), and it can be claimed by eligible workers between the ages of 
25 and 64. Married but separated spouses who do not file a joint return 
may qualify to claim EITC if they meet certain requirements.

EITC is for workers whose income does not exceed the following limits in 2022:

To get the EITC, workers must file a tax return and claim the credit.
 Eligible taxpayers should claim the credit even if their earnings were 
below the income requirement to file a tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Free tax preparation help is available</a> online and through volunteer organizations.

Those eligible for the EITC have these options:

The IRS reminds taxpayers to be sure they have valid Social 
Security numbers for themselves, their spouse if filing a joint return 
and for each qualifying child claimed for the EITC. The SSNs must be 
issued before the April due date of the return. There are special rules 
for those in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/military-and-clergy-rules-for-the-earned-income-tax-credit#Military">military</a> or those out of the country.

Most EITC refunds deposited by late February

While the IRS began accepting 2022 returns on January 23, 2023, the 
IRS cannot issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or 
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/when-to-expect-your-refund-if-you-claimed-the-earned-income-tax-credit-or-additional-child-tax-credit">2015 PATH Act</a> law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>
 should show an updated status by February 18 for most early EITC/ACTC 
filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available 
in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by February 28 if taxpayers 
chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax 
return.

Taxpayers are responsible for the accuracy of their tax return even 
if someone else prepares it for them. Since the rules for claiming the 
EITC can be complex, the IRS urges taxpayers to understand all of them.

Be sure to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax preparer</a>
 wisely. Beware of scams that claim to increase the EITC refund. Scams 
that create fictitious qualifying children or inflate income levels to 
get the maximum EITC could leave taxpayers with a penalty.

Visit IRS online to learn about other tax credits

IRS.gov is a valuable first stop to help taxpayers get it right this 
filing season. They can check to see if they also qualify for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service and partners nationwide today kicked off their <a href="https://www.eitc.irs.gov/partner-toolkit/eitc-awareness-day/eitc-awareness-day-2">Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day</a> outreach campaign to help millions of Americans who earned $59,187 or less last year take advantage of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)</a>."This is an extremely important tax credit that helps millions of 
hard-working people every year," said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug 
O'Donnell. "But each year, many people miss out on the credit because 
they don't know about it or don't realize they're eligible. In 
particular, people who have experienced a major life change in the past 
year – in their job, marital status, a new child or other factors – may 
qualify for the first time. The IRS urges people to carefully to review 
this important credit; we don't want people to miss out."In 2022, 31 million eligible workers and families across the country 
received about $64 billion in Earned Income Tax Credits, with an average
 amount of more than $2,000.The IRS administers the EITC, which Congress originally approved in 
1975. It was developed in part to offset the burden of Social Security 
taxes and provide an incentive to work.The IRS and partners urge people to check to see if they qualify for 
this important credit. They also encourage people who don't normally 
file a tax return to review whether they qualify for EITC and other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions-for-individuals">valuable credits</a>.The EITC is a tax credit for certain people who work and have low to 
moderate income. A tax credit usually reduces tax owed and may also 
result in a refund. Even though millions of people get the EITC, the IRS
 estimates that about 20% of EITC eligible taxpayers do not claim it.Workers at risk for overlooking the EITC include those:<ul>
 <li>Living in non-traditional homes, such as a grandparent raising a grandchild</li><li>Whose earnings declined or whose marital or parental status changed</li><li>Without children</li><li>With limited English skills</li><li>Who are veterans</li><li>Living in rural areas</li><li>Who are Native Americans</li><li>With earnings below the filing requirement</li>
 </ul>The IRS also reminds taxpayers that the quickest way to get a tax refund is by filing an accurate tax return <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronically</a> and choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a> for their refund. Tax software, tax professionals and other <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">free options</a> can help people see if they qualify for the EITC.<h2>Who can get the EITC?</h2>To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax 
return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a
 tax return. There's no need to guess about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc">EITC eligibility</a>; find out with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant">EITC Assistant</a>.Workers with qualifying children may be eligible for EITC if their 
adjusted gross income (AGI) was less than $53,057 in 2022 ($59,187 for 
married filing jointly). These individuals can receive a maximum of 
$6,935 in EITC, up from $6,728 in 2021.The maximum EITC for taxpayers with no dependents is $560, available 
to filers with an AGI below $16,480 in 2022 ($22,610 for married filing 
jointly), and it can be claimed by eligible workers between the ages of 
25 and 64. Married but separated spouses who do not file a joint return 
may qualify to claim EITC if they meet certain requirements.EITC is for workers whose income does not exceed the following limits in 2022:<ul>
 <li>$53,057 ($59,187 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children who have valid Social Security numbers (SSNs).</li><li>$49,399 ($55,529 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children who have valid SSNs.</li><li>$43,492 ($49,622 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child who have valid SSNs.</li><li>$16,480 ($22,610 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children who have valid SSNs.</li><li>Investment income must be $10,300 or less.</li>
 </ul><h2>How to claim the EITC</h2>To get the EITC, workers must file a tax return and claim the credit.
 Eligible taxpayers should claim the credit even if their earnings were 
below the income requirement to file a tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Free tax preparation help is available</a> online and through volunteer organizations.Those eligible for the EITC have these options:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File on IRS.gov</a>.
 Free brand-name tax software is available that leads taxpayers through a
 question-and-answer format to help prepare the tax return and claim 
credits and deductions if they're eligible. Free File also provides 
online versions of IRS paper forms, an option called <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, best suited for taxpayers comfortable preparing their own returns.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-free-tax-return-preparation-programs">Free tax preparation sites</a>.
 EITC-eligible workers can seek free tax preparation at thousands of 
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the 
Elderly (TCE) sites. To locate the nearest site, use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/find-a-location-for-free-tax-prep">Find a Location for Free Tax Help</a> on IRS.gov, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go smartphone application</a>, or call toll-free <a href="tel:800-906-9887">800-906-9887</a>. Taxpayers should bring all required documents and information.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications">Find a trusted tax professional</a>.
 The IRS reminds taxpayers that a trusted tax professional can prepare 
their tax return and provide helpful information and advice. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Tips for choosing a return preparer</a>,
 including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys and 
many others who don't have a professional credential, and details about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/irs-tax-pro-association-partners">national tax professional groups</a> are available on IRS.gov. EITC recipients should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts">watch out for unscrupulous return preparers</a>.</li>
 </ul>The IRS reminds taxpayers to be sure they have valid Social 
Security numbers for themselves, their spouse if filing a joint return 
and for each qualifying child claimed for the EITC. The SSNs must be 
issued before the April due date of the return. There are special rules 
for those in the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/military-and-clergy-rules-for-the-earned-income-tax-credit#Military">military</a> or those out of the country.<h2>Most EITC refunds deposited by late February</h2>While the IRS began accepting 2022 returns on January 23, 2023, the 
IRS cannot issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or 
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to 
the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/when-to-expect-your-refund-if-you-claimed-the-earned-income-tax-credit-or-additional-child-tax-credit">2015 PATH Act</a> law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>
 should show an updated status by February 18 for most early EITC/ACTC 
filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available 
in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by February 28 if taxpayers 
chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax 
return.<h2>Get it right</h2>Taxpayers are responsible for the accuracy of their tax return even 
if someone else prepares it for them. Since the rules for claiming the 
EITC can be complex, the IRS urges taxpayers to understand all of them.<h2>Look out for scams</h2>Be sure to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">choose a tax preparer</a>
 wisely. Beware of scams that claim to increase the EITC refund. Scams 
that create fictitious qualifying children or inflate income levels to 
get the maximum EITC could leave taxpayers with a penalty.<h2>Visit IRS online to learn about other tax credits</h2>IRS.gov is a valuable first stop to help taxpayers get it right this 
filing season. They can check to see if they also qualify for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-for-other-dependents">Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents</a>.<h2>Related items</h2><ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.eitc.irs.gov/">EITC Central</a>, helpful resources for IRS partners and others</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-596">Publication 596, Earned Income Credit (EIC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals">Tax Professionals</a>, another place for valuable EITC resources and assistance</li>
 </ul>

IRS, partners promote benefits of Earned Income Tax Credit

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. special operations forces have killed a senior Islamic State group official and 10 other terrorist operatives in remote northern Somalia, the Biden administration announced Thursday.

The operation carried out on Wednesday targeted Bilal al-Sudani, a key financial facilitator for the global terrorist organization, in a mountainous cave complex.

“This action leaves the United States and its partners safer and more secure, and it reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism at home and abroad,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3279923/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-somalia-operation/">said in a statement.</a>

President Joe Biden was briefed last week about the proposed mission, which came together after months of planning. He gave final approval to carry out the operation this week following the recommendation of Austin and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark Milley, according to two senior Biden administration officials who briefed reporters on the operation on the condition of anonymity.

Al-Sudani, who has been on the radar for U.S. intelligence officials for years, played a key role in helping to fund IS operations in Africa as well as the ISIS-K terrorist branch operating in Afghanistan, Austin said.

The U.S. Treasury Department alleged last year that al-Sudani had worked closely with another IS operative, Abdella Hussein Abadigga, who had recruited young men in South Africa and sent them to a weapons training camp.

Abadigga, who controlled two mosques in South Africa, used his position to extort money from members of the mosques. Al-Sudani considered Abadigga a trusted supporter who could help the IS supporters in South Africa become better organized and recruit new members, according to Treasury..

Al-Sudani had originally been designated the Treasury Department in 2012 for his role with al-Shabab, another terrorist organization operating in Somalia. He helped foreign fighters travel to an al-Shabab training camp and facilitated financing for violent extremists in Somalia, according to a senior administration official.

No civilians were injured or killed in the operation, Pentagon officials said. One American involved in the operation was bitten by a military dog, but was not seriously injured, according to an administration official.

U.S. officials provided scant details about how the operation was carried out or the circumstances surrounding al-Sudani's killing. One official said that U.S. forces had intended to capture al-Sudani but that did not prove to be “feasible” as the operation was carried out.

The operation comes days after Africa Command said it had conducted a collective self-defense strike northeast of Mogadishu, the capital, near Galcad. In that incident, Somalia National Army forces were engaged in heavy fighting following an extended and intense attack by more than 100 al-Shabab fighters.

The U.S. estimated approximately 30 al-Shabab fighters were killed in that operation.

The offensive by Somalian forces against al-Shabab has been described as the most significant in more than a decade.

Al-Shabab holds a much larger footprint in Somalia than does IS.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. special operations forces have killed a senior Islamic State group official and 10 other terrorist operatives in remote northern Somalia, the Biden administration announced Thursday.The operation carried out on Wednesday targeted Bilal al-Sudani, a key financial facilitator for the global terrorist organization, in a mountainous cave complex.“This action leaves the United States and its partners safer and more secure, and it reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism at home and abroad,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3279923/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-somalia-operation/">said in a statement.</a>President Joe Biden was briefed last week about the proposed mission, which came together after months of planning. He gave final approval to carry out the operation this week following the recommendation of Austin and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark Milley, according to two senior Biden administration officials who briefed reporters on the operation on the condition of anonymity.Al-Sudani, who has been on the radar for U.S. intelligence officials for years, played a key role in helping to fund IS operations in Africa as well as the ISIS-K terrorist branch operating in Afghanistan, Austin said.The U.S. Treasury Department alleged last year that al-Sudani had worked closely with another IS operative, Abdella Hussein Abadigga, who had recruited young men in South Africa and sent them to a weapons training camp.Abadigga, who controlled two mosques in South Africa, used his position to extort money from members of the mosques. Al-Sudani considered Abadigga a trusted supporter who could help the IS supporters in South Africa become better organized and recruit new members, according to Treasury..Al-Sudani had originally been designated the Treasury Department in 2012 for his role with al-Shabab, another terrorist organization operating in Somalia. He helped foreign fighters travel to an al-Shabab training camp and facilitated financing for violent extremists in Somalia, according to a senior administration official.No civilians were injured or killed in the operation, Pentagon officials said. One American involved in the operation was bitten by a military dog, but was not seriously injured, according to an administration official.U.S. officials provided scant details about how the operation was carried out or the circumstances surrounding al-Sudani's killing. One official said that U.S. forces had intended to capture al-Sudani but that did not prove to be “feasible” as the operation was carried out.The operation comes days after Africa Command said it had conducted a collective self-defense strike northeast of Mogadishu, the capital, near Galcad. In that incident, Somalia National Army forces were engaged in heavy fighting following an extended and intense attack by more than 100 al-Shabab fighters.The U.S. estimated approximately 30 al-Shabab fighters were killed in that operation.The offensive by Somalian forces against al-Shabab has been described as the most significant in more than a decade.Al-Shabab holds a much larger footprint in Somalia than does IS.

US military kills senior Islamic State official in Somalia

LEXINGTON, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Cozad woman following a pursuit on Interstate 80 Wednesday night in central Nebraska.

At approximately, 10:30 p.m., a trooper attempted a traffic stop on a Hyundai Elantra, which was believed to be driven by a subject with multiple felony warrants. The trooper attempted the traffic stop near Overton at mile marker 247 on Interstate 80. The driver of the Hyundai refused to yield and accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

The trooper initiated a pursuit. As the vehicle reached mile marker 238, additional troopers successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The vehicle exited I-80 at the Lexington interchange and then attempted to reenter I-80 westbound. A trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention on the entrance ramp to bring the vehicle to a stop.

The driver refused to exit the vehicle for several minutes. Troopers deployed pepperball into the vehicle at which time the driver exited. The driver, Mikayla Schooley, 25, of Cozad, was then taken into custody. She was lodged in Dawson County Jail for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, possession of cocaine, and outstanding warrants.

By NSPLEXINGTON, NEB.&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Cozad woman following a pursuit on Interstate 80 Wednesday night in central Nebraska.At approximately, 10:30 p.m., a trooper attempted a traffic stop on a Hyundai Elantra, which was believed to be driven by a subject with multiple felony warrants. The trooper attempted the traffic stop near Overton at mile marker 247 on Interstate 80. The driver of the Hyundai refused to yield and accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.The trooper initiated a pursuit. As the vehicle reached mile marker 238, additional troopers successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle. The vehicle exited I-80 at the Lexington interchange and then attempted to reenter I-80 westbound. A trooper performed a tactical vehicle intervention on the entrance ramp to bring the vehicle to a stop.The driver refused to exit the vehicle for several minutes. Troopers deployed pepperball into the vehicle at which time the driver exited. The driver, Mikayla Schooley, 25, of Cozad, was then taken into custody. She was lodged in Dawson County Jail for flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, possession of cocaine, and outstanding warrants.

Troopers arrest Cozad woman following I-80 pursuit

BOSTON (AP) — When U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss decided to deliver a speech on a bill that would create a U.S.-Israel artificial intelligence center, he opted to let the AI do the talking.

The brief two-paragragh speech read by the Massachusetts Democrat on the floor of the U.S. House on Wednesday was generated by the online&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-chat-gpt-ac4967a4fb41fda31c4d27f015e32660">AI chatbot ChatGPT</a>. His staff said they believe it’s the first time an AI-written speech was read in Congress.

Auchincloss said he prompted the system in part to “write 100 words to deliver on the floor of the House of Representatives” about the legislation. Auchincloss said he had to refine the prompt several times to produce the text he ultimately read.

The bill, which Auchincloss is refiling, would establish a joint U.S.-Israel AI Center in the United States to serve as a hub for AI research and development in the public, private and education sectors.

Auchincloss said part of the decision to read a ChatGPT-generated text was to help spur debate on AI and the challenges and opportunities created by it. He said he doesn’t want to see a repeat of the advent of social media, which started small and ballooned faster than Congress could react.

“I’m the youngest parent in the Democratic caucus, AI is going to be part of my life and it could be a general purpose technology for my children,” said Auchincloss, 34.

The release of ChatGPT and other AI programs available on the internet is already posing a challenge for teachers who must now grapple with the possibility of students handing in AI-generated essays.

Researchers also worry AI chatbots could help turbocharge efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-business-artificial-intelligence-afb4618ff593db9e3e51ecbd91dc3eef">spread misinformation and propaganda.</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-microsoft-corp-business-artificial-intelligence-03f157ddc482ef76f4999b929eaac7bf">OpenAI</a>, the nonprofit that created ChatGPT, has acknowledged on its website that ChatGPT “can occasionally produce incorrect answers” and that its responses will sometimes be misleading as a result of how it learns. It recommends users check whether responses are accurate or not,

The text generated from Auchincloss’s prompt includes sentences like: “We must collaborate with international partners like the Israeli government to ensure that the United States maintains a leadership role in AI research and development and responsibly explores the many possibilities evolving technologies provide.”

“There were probably about a dozen of my colleagues on the floor. I bet none of them knew it was written by a computer,” he said.

Lawmakers and others shouldn’t be reflexively hostile to the new technology, but also shouldn’t wait too long before drafting policies or new laws to help regulate it, Auchincloss said.

In particular, he argued that the country needs a “public counterweight” to the big tech firms that would help guarantee that smaller developers and universities have access to the same cloud computing, cutting edge algorithms and raw data as larger companies.

BOSTON (AP) — When U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss decided to deliver a speech on a bill that would create a U.S.-Israel artificial intelligence center, he opted to let the AI do the talking.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepAuchincloss?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepAuchincloss</a> delivers AI-generated speech on the House floor: &quot;We must collaborate with international partners like the Israeli government to ensure that the United States maintains a leadership role in AI research and development...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xMbPIXyBJO">pic.twitter.com/xMbPIXyBJO</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1618675199678812170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The brief two-paragragh speech read by the Massachusetts Democrat on the floor of the U.S. House on Wednesday was generated by the online&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-chat-gpt-ac4967a4fb41fda31c4d27f015e32660">AI chatbot ChatGPT</a>. His staff said they believe it’s the first time an AI-written speech was read in Congress.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AI has the potential to radically reshape how we use technology. But for now… my speechwriter has nothing to worry about. <a href="https://t.co/AADA3mwPrC">pic.twitter.com/AADA3mwPrC</a>&mdash; Rep. Jake Auchincloss (@RepAuchincloss) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAuchincloss/status/1618299859785908227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Auchincloss said he prompted the system in part to “write 100 words to deliver on the floor of the House of Representatives” about the legislation. Auchincloss said he had to refine the prompt several times to produce the text he ultimately read.The bill, which Auchincloss is refiling, would establish a joint U.S.-Israel AI Center in the United States to serve as a hub for AI research and development in the public, private and education sectors.Auchincloss said part of the decision to read a ChatGPT-generated text was to help spur debate on AI and the challenges and opportunities created by it. He said he doesn’t want to see a repeat of the advent of social media, which started small and ballooned faster than Congress could react.“I’m the youngest parent in the Democratic caucus, AI is going to be part of my life and it could be a general purpose technology for my children,” said Auchincloss, 34.The release of ChatGPT and other AI programs available on the internet is already posing a challenge for teachers who must now grapple with the possibility of students handing in AI-generated essays.Researchers also worry AI chatbots could help turbocharge efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-business-artificial-intelligence-afb4618ff593db9e3e51ecbd91dc3eef">spread misinformation and propaganda.</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-microsoft-corp-business-artificial-intelligence-03f157ddc482ef76f4999b929eaac7bf">OpenAI</a>, the nonprofit that created ChatGPT, has acknowledged on its website that ChatGPT “can occasionally produce incorrect answers” and that its responses will sometimes be misleading as a result of how it learns. It recommends users check whether responses are accurate or not,The text generated from Auchincloss’s prompt includes sentences like: “We must collaborate with international partners like the Israeli government to ensure that the United States maintains a leadership role in AI research and development and responsibly explores the many possibilities evolving technologies provide.”“There were probably about a dozen of my colleagues on the floor. I bet none of them knew it was written by a computer,” he said.Lawmakers and others shouldn’t be reflexively hostile to the new technology, but also shouldn’t wait too long before drafting policies or new laws to help regulate it, Auchincloss said.In particular, he argued that the country needs a “public counterweight” to the big tech firms that would help guarantee that smaller developers and universities have access to the same cloud computing, cutting edge algorithms and raw data as larger companies.

🎥First: Speech on House floor totally written by artificial intelligence

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — With egg prices more than doubling in the past year, calls are coming for an investigation into possible price gouging.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-asks-ftc-to-crack-down-on-possible-egg-price-gouging">sent a letter Tuesday</a>&nbsp;asking for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether egg prices have been improperly manipulated by producers. A farmer-led advocacy group called Farm Action&nbsp;<a href="https://farmaction.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Farm-Action-Letter-to-FTC-Chair-Lina-Khan.pdf">made a similar request</a>&nbsp;last week arguing that there “appears to be a collusive scheme among industry leaders to turn inflationary conditions and an avian flu outbreak into an opportunity to extract egregious profits.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">spike in egg prices</a>&nbsp;has been attributed to the millions of chickens that were slaughtered to limit the spread of bird flu and farmers having to compensate for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/december-2022-inflation-report-72bb938a443ab0500bd72d23f62214ad">inflation</a>&nbsp;driving up their costs.

But even though roughly 43 million of the 58 million birds slaughtered over the past year to help control bird flu have been egg-laying chickens, the size of the total flock has only been down 5% to 6% at any one time from its normal size of about 320 million hens.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">national average retail price</a>&nbsp;of a dozen eggs hit $4.25 in December, up from $1.79 a year earlier, according to the latest government data.

“At a time when food prices are high and many Americans are struggling to afford their groceries, we must examine the industry’s role in perpetuating high prices and hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, said in his letter to the FTC.

But trade groups say egg prices are largely determined by commodity markets, and experts say the bird flu outbreak — combined with the skyrocketing cost of fuel, feed, labor and packaging and continued strong demand for eggs — is the real culprit for the price increases.

“Current egg prices reflect many factors, most of which are outside the control of an egg farmer," said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board trade group.

Purdue University agricultural economist Jayson Lusk said “in my view, the basic economics of the situation well explain the price rise.” He said small reductions in egg supply can result in large price increases because consumer demand for eggs doesn’t waiver much.

The FTC didn’t immediately respond Tuesday to questions about the egg price-gouging concerns, but the agency doesn’t generally comment on outside requests for investigations.

The largest U.S. producer of eggs, Cal-Maine Foods, was singled out by both Reed and the Farm Action group because it reported last month that its quarterly sales had jumped 110% to $801.7 million on the record egg prices, helping it generate a $198.6 million profit. up from just $1.1 million a year earlier.

The Ridgeland, Mississippi-based company said it “wants to assure its customers we are doing everything we can to maximize production and keep store shelves stocked" and the “domestic egg market has always been intensely competitive and highly volatile even under normal market circumstances.”

The prices Cal-Maine charges its customers are determined by negotiations with the grocery store chains, club stores and distributors it sells to. Cal-Maine said its prices averaged $2.71 a dozen in the most recent quarter. That's almost double the $1.37 it was getting a year earlier, but still much lower than the prices consumers are paying.

By Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — With egg prices more than doubling in the past year, calls are coming for an investigation into possible price gouging.U.S. Sen. Jack Reed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-asks-ftc-to-crack-down-on-possible-egg-price-gouging">sent a letter Tuesday</a>&nbsp;asking for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether egg prices have been improperly manipulated by producers. A farmer-led advocacy group called Farm Action&nbsp;<a href="https://farmaction.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Farm-Action-Letter-to-FTC-Chair-Lina-Khan.pdf">made a similar request</a>&nbsp;last week arguing that there “appears to be a collusive scheme among industry leaders to turn inflationary conditions and an avian flu outbreak into an opportunity to extract egregious profits.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-business-213d845ae92814bf3189eec9c1ccf902">spike in egg prices</a>&nbsp;has been attributed to the millions of chickens that were slaughtered to limit the spread of bird flu and farmers having to compensate for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/december-2022-inflation-report-72bb938a443ab0500bd72d23f62214ad">inflation</a>&nbsp;driving up their costs.But even though roughly 43 million of the 58 million birds slaughtered over the past year to help control bird flu have been egg-laying chickens, the size of the total flock has only been down 5% to 6% at any one time from its normal size of about 320 million hens.The&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/resource-library/average-food-prices/">national average retail price</a>&nbsp;of a dozen eggs hit $4.25 in December, up from $1.79 a year earlier, according to the latest government data.“At a time when food prices are high and many Americans are struggling to afford their groceries, we must examine the industry’s role in perpetuating high prices and hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, said in his letter to the FTC.But trade groups say egg prices are largely determined by commodity markets, and experts say the bird flu outbreak — combined with the skyrocketing cost of fuel, feed, labor and packaging and continued strong demand for eggs — is the real culprit for the price increases.“Current egg prices reflect many factors, most of which are outside the control of an egg farmer," said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board trade group.Purdue University agricultural economist Jayson Lusk said “in my view, the basic economics of the situation well explain the price rise.” He said small reductions in egg supply can result in large price increases because consumer demand for eggs doesn’t waiver much.The FTC didn’t immediately respond Tuesday to questions about the egg price-gouging concerns, but the agency doesn’t generally comment on outside requests for investigations.The largest U.S. producer of eggs, Cal-Maine Foods, was singled out by both Reed and the Farm Action group because it reported last month that its quarterly sales had jumped 110% to $801.7 million on the record egg prices, helping it generate a $198.6 million profit. up from just $1.1 million a year earlier.The Ridgeland, Mississippi-based company said it “wants to assure its customers we are doing everything we can to maximize production and keep store shelves stocked" and the “domestic egg market has always been intensely competitive and highly volatile even under normal market circumstances.”The prices Cal-Maine charges its customers are determined by negotiations with the grocery store chains, club stores and distributors it sells to. Cal-Maine said its prices averaged $2.71 a dozen in the most recent quarter. That's almost double the $1.37 it was getting a year earlier, but still much lower than the prices consumers are paying.

Soaring egg prices prompt demands for price-gouging probe

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An asteroid the size of a delivery truck will whip past Earth on Thursday night, one of the closest such encounters ever recorded.

NASA insists it will be a near miss with no chance of the asteroid hitting Earth.

NASA said Wednesday that this newly discovered asteroid will zoom 2,200 miles above the southern tip of South America. That's 10 times closer than the bevy of communication satellites circling overhead.

The closest approach will occur at 6:27 p.m. CST&nbsp;

Even if the space rock came a lot closer, scientists said most of it would burn up in the atmosphere, with some of the bigger pieces possibly falling as meteorites.

NASA's impact hazard assessment system, called Scout, quickly ruled out a strike, said its developer, Davide Farnocchia, an engineer at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

"But despite the very few observations, it was nonetheless able to predict that the asteroid would make an extraordinarily close approach with Earth,” Farnocchia said in a statement. “In fact, this is one of the closest approaches by a known near-Earth object ever recorded.”

Discovered Saturday, the asteroid known as 2023 BU is believed to be between 11 feet (3.5 meters) and 28 feet (8.5 meters) feet across. It was first spotted by the same amateur astronomer in Crimea, Gennady Borisov, who discovered an interstellar comet in 2019. Within a few days, dozens of observations were made by astronomers around the world, allowing them to refine the asteroid's orbit.

The asteroid's path drastically will be altered by Earth's gravity once it zips by. Instead of circling the sun every 359 days, it will move into an oval orbit lasting 425 days, according to NASA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674749374434.png" alt="This orbital diagram from CNEOS’s close approach viewer shows 2023 BU’s trajectory – in red – during its close approach with Earth on Jan. 26, 2023. The asteroid will pass about 10 times closer to Earth than the orbit of geosynchronous satellites, shown in green line. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech" />
 <figcaption>This orbital diagram from CNEOS’s close approach viewer shows 2023 BU’s trajectory – in red – during its close approach with Earth on Jan. 26, 2023. The asteroid will pass about 10 times closer to Earth than the orbit of geosynchronous satellites, shown in green line. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An asteroid the size of a delivery truck will whip past Earth on Thursday night, one of the closest such encounters ever recorded.NASA insists it will be a near miss with no chance of the asteroid hitting Earth.NASA said Wednesday that this newly discovered asteroid will zoom 2,200 miles above the southern tip of South America. That's 10 times closer than the bevy of communication satellites circling overhead.The closest approach will occur at 6:27 p.m. CST&nbsp;Even if the space rock came a lot closer, scientists said most of it would burn up in the atmosphere, with some of the bigger pieces possibly falling as meteorites.NASA's impact hazard assessment system, called Scout, quickly ruled out a strike, said its developer, Davide Farnocchia, an engineer at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California."But despite the very few observations, it was nonetheless able to predict that the asteroid would make an extraordinarily close approach with Earth,” Farnocchia said in a statement. “In fact, this is one of the closest approaches by a known near-Earth object ever recorded.”Discovered Saturday, the asteroid known as 2023 BU is believed to be between 11 feet (3.5 meters) and 28 feet (8.5 meters) feet across. It was first spotted by the same amateur astronomer in Crimea, Gennady Borisov, who discovered an interstellar comet in 2019. Within a few days, dozens of observations were made by astronomers around the world, allowing them to refine the asteroid's orbit.The asteroid's path drastically will be altered by Earth's gravity once it zips by. Instead of circling the sun every 359 days, it will move into an oval orbit lasting 425 days, according to NASA.___

Asteroid set to whip past Earth; closest encounter ever

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of abortion rights filed separate lawsuits Wednesday challenging two states' abortion pill restrictions, the opening salvo in what’s expected to a be a protracted legal battle over access to the medications.

The lawsuits argue that limits on the drugs in North Carolina and West Virginia run afoul of the federal authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-covid-science-health-2d52ebf9efc6ef06f03e788fecd13013">the abortion pill</a>&nbsp;as a safe and effective method for ending pregnancy.

The cases were brought by a North Carolina physician who prescribes the pill, mifepristone, and GenBioPro, which makes a generic version of the drug and sued in West Virginia.

While the lawsuits target specific state laws, they represent key legal tests that could determine access to abortion for millions of women.

The litigation turns on a longstanding legal principle that federal law, including FDA decisions, pre-empt state laws. Indeed, few states have ever tried to fully ban an FDA-approved drug because of past rulings in the agency’s favor.

But with the fall of Roe v. Wade there’s little precedent for the current legal patchwork of laws governing abortion.

After the Supreme Court overturned the decision in June, previously adopted restrictions on abortion kicked in and two states adopted new ones. Currently, bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy are being followed in 13 states and enforcement is being held up in several other states because of legal challenges.

On top of that, 19 states — including North Carolina and West Virginia — impose limits on how physicians can prescribe and dispense abortion medications.

“West Virginia cannot override the FDA’s safety and efficacy determinations, nor can it disrupt the national market for this medication,” David Frederick, an attorney representing GenBioPro, said in a statement.

Legal experts foresee years of court battles over access to the pills.

North Carolina bans nearly all abortions after 20 weeks, with narrow exceptions for urgent medical emergencies. Any physician prescribing medication abortion is required to be in the same room as the patient when administering the drug. The state also requires counseling before receiving the drug.

The lawsuit, filed by Dr. Amy Bryant, argues that such requirements contradict FDA-approved labeling for the drug and interfere with her ability to treat patients.

“We know from years of research and use that medication abortion is safe and effective — there’s no medical reason for politicians to interfere or restrict access to it,” Bryant said in a statement provided by the Expanding Medication Abortion Access project, an abortion rights group working on legal challenges to state laws.

The office of Attorney General Josh Stein, who is a defendant in the complaint because he’s the state chief law enforcement officer, was reviewing the complaint on Wednesday, Stein spokesperson Nazneen Ahmed wrote in an email. Stein, a Democrat who announced last week a bid for governor in 2024, is a strong abortion-rights supporter.

The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000 to end pregnancy, when used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol. The combination is approved for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy.

For more than 20 years, FDA limited dispensing of the drug to a subset of specialty offices and clinics, due to safety concerns. In rare cases the drug combination can cause excess bleeding, requiring emergency care. But since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency has repeatedly eased restrictions and expanded access, increasing demand even as state laws make the pills harder to get more many women.

In late 2021, the agency eliminated the in-person requirement for the pill, saying a new scientific review showed no increase in safety complications if the drug is taken at home. That change also permitted the pill to be prescribed via telehealth consultations and shipped by mail-order pharmacies.

Earlier this year the FDA further loosened restrictions by allowing brick-and-mortar pharmacies to dispense the drug, provided they undergo certification.

That change was made at the request of the two drug manufactures: GenBioPro and Danco Laboratories, which makes brand-name Mifeprex.

In its West Virginia lawsuit, GenBioPro argues that state laws interfere with drug regulations crafted by the FDA, which has sole authority over the approval and labeling of all U.S. drugs.

West Virginia’s law outlaws most abortions, with some exceptions for rape and incest victims and in cases of life-threatening medical emergencies and nonviable pregnancies.

“The ban and restrictions make it impossible for GenBioPro to market and distribute mifepristone in West Virginia in accordance with FDA’s requirements,” the company states in its suit filed in the state’s southern federal district.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said he would defend the state's new abortion law. “While it may not sit well with manufacturers of abortion drugs, the U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that regulating abortion is a state issue,” he said in a statement.

Abortion opponents have filed their own lawsuits seeking to block use of the pill, including a Texas suit arguing that the FDA overstepped its authority in approving the pill and easing limitations on its use. A decision in that case is expected next month.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-science-health-medication-56972af9e9b0fc2fc97e06041f6e96ce">More than half</a>&nbsp;of U.S. abortions are now done with pills rather than surgery, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

Mifepristone dilates the cervix and blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol, a drug also used to treat stomach ulcers, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to cramp and contract, causing bleeding and expelling pregnancy tissue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581004285984.jpeg" alt="Photo Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of abortion rights filed separate lawsuits Wednesday challenging two states' abortion pill restrictions, the opening salvo in what’s expected to a be a protracted legal battle over access to the medications.The lawsuits argue that limits on the drugs in North Carolina and West Virginia run afoul of the federal authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-covid-science-health-2d52ebf9efc6ef06f03e788fecd13013">the abortion pill</a>&nbsp;as a safe and effective method for ending pregnancy.The cases were brought by a North Carolina physician who prescribes the pill, mifepristone, and GenBioPro, which makes a generic version of the drug and sued in West Virginia.While the lawsuits target specific state laws, they represent key legal tests that could determine access to abortion for millions of women.The litigation turns on a longstanding legal principle that federal law, including FDA decisions, pre-empt state laws. Indeed, few states have ever tried to fully ban an FDA-approved drug because of past rulings in the agency’s favor.But with the fall of Roe v. Wade there’s little precedent for the current legal patchwork of laws governing abortion.After the Supreme Court overturned the decision in June, previously adopted restrictions on abortion kicked in and two states adopted new ones. Currently, bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy are being followed in 13 states and enforcement is being held up in several other states because of legal challenges.On top of that, 19 states — including North Carolina and West Virginia — impose limits on how physicians can prescribe and dispense abortion medications.“West Virginia cannot override the FDA’s safety and efficacy determinations, nor can it disrupt the national market for this medication,” David Frederick, an attorney representing GenBioPro, said in a statement.Legal experts foresee years of court battles over access to the pills.North Carolina bans nearly all abortions after 20 weeks, with narrow exceptions for urgent medical emergencies. Any physician prescribing medication abortion is required to be in the same room as the patient when administering the drug. The state also requires counseling before receiving the drug.The lawsuit, filed by Dr. Amy Bryant, argues that such requirements contradict FDA-approved labeling for the drug and interfere with her ability to treat patients.“We know from years of research and use that medication abortion is safe and effective — there’s no medical reason for politicians to interfere or restrict access to it,” Bryant said in a statement provided by the Expanding Medication Abortion Access project, an abortion rights group working on legal challenges to state laws.The office of Attorney General Josh Stein, who is a defendant in the complaint because he’s the state chief law enforcement officer, was reviewing the complaint on Wednesday, Stein spokesperson Nazneen Ahmed wrote in an email. Stein, a Democrat who announced last week a bid for governor in 2024, is a strong abortion-rights supporter.The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000 to end pregnancy, when used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol. The combination is approved for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy.For more than 20 years, FDA limited dispensing of the drug to a subset of specialty offices and clinics, due to safety concerns. In rare cases the drug combination can cause excess bleeding, requiring emergency care. But since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency has repeatedly eased restrictions and expanded access, increasing demand even as state laws make the pills harder to get more many women.In late 2021, the agency eliminated the in-person requirement for the pill, saying a new scientific review showed no increase in safety complications if the drug is taken at home. That change also permitted the pill to be prescribed via telehealth consultations and shipped by mail-order pharmacies.Earlier this year the FDA further loosened restrictions by allowing brick-and-mortar pharmacies to dispense the drug, provided they undergo certification.That change was made at the request of the two drug manufactures: GenBioPro and Danco Laboratories, which makes brand-name Mifeprex.In its West Virginia lawsuit, GenBioPro argues that state laws interfere with drug regulations crafted by the FDA, which has sole authority over the approval and labeling of all U.S. drugs.West Virginia’s law outlaws most abortions, with some exceptions for rape and incest victims and in cases of life-threatening medical emergencies and nonviable pregnancies.“The ban and restrictions make it impossible for GenBioPro to market and distribute mifepristone in West Virginia in accordance with FDA’s requirements,” the company states in its suit filed in the state’s southern federal district.West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said he would defend the state's new abortion law. “While it may not sit well with manufacturers of abortion drugs, the U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that regulating abortion is a state issue,” he said in a statement.Abortion opponents have filed their own lawsuits seeking to block use of the pill, including a Texas suit arguing that the FDA overstepped its authority in approving the pill and easing limitations on its use. A decision in that case is expected next month.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-science-health-medication-56972af9e9b0fc2fc97e06041f6e96ce">More than half</a>&nbsp;of U.S. abortions are now done with pills rather than surgery, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.Mifepristone dilates the cervix and blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol, a drug also used to treat stomach ulcers, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to cramp and contract, causing bleeding and expelling pregnancy tissue.

New lawsuits target state restrictions on abortion pills

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged employers to be
 aware of the January deadline to file Forms W-2 and other wage 
statements. Filing these documents timely prevents late-filing penalties
 for employers, helps employees file their income tax returns and 
prevents tax fraud.

Employers must file copies of their 2022 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-2">Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statements</a>, and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-3">Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements</a>,
 with the Social Security Administration by January 31, 2023. This 
deadline applies for all Forms W-2 and W-3, whether filing by paper 
forms or electronically.

Employers must also provide copies B, C and 2 of Form W-2 to their 
employees by January 31, 2023. For more information on filing Form W-2, 
see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw2w3">General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3</a>.

Use same employer identification number on all forms

Employers need to make sure the employer identification number (EIN) 
on their wage and tax statements (Forms W-2, W-3, etc.) and their 
payroll tax returns (Forms 941, 943, 944, etc.) match the EIN the IRS 
assigned to their business.

Do not use a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer 
Identification number (ITIN) on forms that ask for an EIN. Do not 
truncate the employer's EIN or the employee's SSN on any of the forms.

If an employer used an EIN (including a prior owner's EIN) on their 
payroll tax returns that's different from the EIN reported on their W-3,
 they should review General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, Specific
 Instructions for Form W-3, Box h—Other EIN used this year.

Filing wage and tax statements and payroll tax returns with 
inconsistent EINs or using another business's EIN may result in 
penalties and delays in processing an employer's returns. Even if an 
employer uses a third-party payer (such as a Certified Professional 
Employer Organization, Professional Employer Organization, or other 
third party) or a different entity within their business to file these 
documents, the name and EIN on all statements and forms filed must be 
consistent and exactly match the EIN the IRS assigned to their business.

For more information on third-party arrangements, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-15">Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide</a>.

Employers may request a 30-day extension to file Forms W-2 with SSA by submitting a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8809">Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns</a>,
 by January 31. However, they must meet one of the criteria on Line 7 of
 Form 8809 to be granted an extension. For detailed information, see 
Form 8809 and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw2w3">General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3</a>.

Filing Form 8809 does not extend the due date for furnishing wage 
statements to employees. Filing a separate extension of time to furnish 
Forms W-2 to employees must occur by January 31. Detailed information 
and instructions on how to file an extension of time to furnish Forms 
W-2 to employees is in the General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3.

The IRS and SSA encourage all employers to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/electronic-filing-options-for-business-and-self-employed-taxpayers">e-file</a>.
 It is the quickest, most accurate and convenient way to file these 
forms. E-filing is mandatory if an employer is filing 250 or more 
information returns.

For more information about e-filing Forms W-2 visit the SSA's <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm">Business Services Online</a>, and <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/employer/">Employer W-2 Filing Instructions &amp; Information</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today urged employers to be
 aware of the January deadline to file Forms W-2 and other wage 
statements. Filing these documents timely prevents late-filing penalties
 for employers, helps employees file their income tax returns and 
prevents tax fraud.Employers must file copies of their 2022 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-2">Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statements</a>, and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-3">Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements</a>,
 with the Social Security Administration by January 31, 2023. This 
deadline applies for all Forms W-2 and W-3, whether filing by paper 
forms or electronically.Employers must also provide copies B, C and 2 of Form W-2 to their 
employees by January 31, 2023. For more information on filing Form W-2, 
see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw2w3">General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3</a>.<h2>Use same employer identification number on all forms</h2>Employers need to make sure the employer identification number (EIN) 
on their wage and tax statements (Forms W-2, W-3, etc.) and their 
payroll tax returns (Forms 941, 943, 944, etc.) match the EIN the IRS 
assigned to their business.Do not use a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer 
Identification number (ITIN) on forms that ask for an EIN. Do not 
truncate the employer's EIN or the employee's SSN on any of the forms.If an employer used an EIN (including a prior owner's EIN) on their 
payroll tax returns that's different from the EIN reported on their W-3,
 they should review General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, Specific
 Instructions for Form W-3, Box h—Other EIN used this year.Filing wage and tax statements and payroll tax returns with 
inconsistent EINs or using another business's EIN may result in 
penalties and delays in processing an employer's returns. Even if an 
employer uses a third-party payer (such as a Certified Professional 
Employer Organization, Professional Employer Organization, or other 
third party) or a different entity within their business to file these 
documents, the name and EIN on all statements and forms filed must be 
consistent and exactly match the EIN the IRS assigned to their business.For more information on third-party arrangements, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-15">Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide</a>.<h2>Extensions</h2>Employers may request a 30-day extension to file Forms W-2 with SSA by submitting a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8809">Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns</a>,
 by January 31. However, they must meet one of the criteria on Line 7 of
 Form 8809 to be granted an extension. For detailed information, see 
Form 8809 and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw2w3">General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3</a>.Filing Form 8809 does not extend the due date for furnishing wage 
statements to employees. Filing a separate extension of time to furnish 
Forms W-2 to employees must occur by January 31. Detailed information 
and instructions on how to file an extension of time to furnish Forms 
W-2 to employees is in the General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3.<h2>Electronic filing</h2>The IRS and SSA encourage all employers to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/electronic-filing-options-for-business-and-self-employed-taxpayers">e-file</a>.
 It is the quickest, most accurate and convenient way to file these 
forms. E-filing is mandatory if an employer is filing 250 or more 
information returns.For more information about e-filing Forms W-2 visit the SSA's <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm">Business Services Online</a>, and <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/employer/">Employer W-2 Filing Instructions &amp; Information</a>.

Tax season 2023: Employer wage statement deadline nears

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/25/mutual-of-omaha-kicks-off-construction-of-skyline-changer/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — With Wednesday’s ceremonial 
groundbreaking, Mutual of Omaha kicked off construction of its $600 
million new headquarters poised to outstretch all buildings in Nebraska 
and five other surrounding states.

At 677 feet tall, the glassy tower 
slated to open in 2026 is to include 800,000 square feet of office, 
meeting and amenity space.

Public use limited to city-funded garage 

It is to feature a “sky lobby,” a 
food court, a fitness center, landscaped terraces and a million square 
feet for a 2,200-stall city-funded parking garage.&nbsp;

However, aside from garage parking on
 evenings and weekends, the project approved for more than $60 million 
in public tax-increment financing won’t offer retail, gathering or other
 spaces for public use.

There will be times that people from 
outside the insurance and financial services company will be invited to 
events or meetings, said Mutual CEO James Blackledge. But the 
skyline-changing structure, at the entrance to the recently revamped 
Gene Leahy Mall, is to be devoted to its 4,000 or so local employees.

“Our investment is actually in our workforce,” Blackledge said. “That’s the central focus of our investment.”

During the event that drew top city 
and business leaders to a downtown tent, Blackledge and Mayor Jean 
Stothert also touted growth they expect the Mutual project to spur 
around the city block it will occupy.

That block, bounded by 14th, 15th, 
Douglas and Farnam Streets, is the former site of the city’s main W. 
Dale Clark Library, which was recently demolished.

“The momentum that we have to forever
 change our urban core is undeniable,” said Stothert. She compared the 
Mutual plan, which is tied to the planned $300 million-plus modern 
streetcar system, to a revitalization effort launched a half-century ago
 with creation of the original downtown mall and lagoon.

According to Stothert, more than $4 
billion in development over the past five years has been completed, is 
in progress or is planned stretching from downtown to midtown in the 
state’s largest city. That includes new facilities at the job-magnet 
University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Blackledge said Mutual, founded in 
1909, remains committed to the midtown campus it has called home since 
about 1940. The area at 33rd and Farnam Streets is along the streetcar 
route, which Mutual has said was integral to its decision to relocate to
 downtown.

Jason Lanoha, whose development 
company is involved in reshaping both the downtown and midtown Mutual 
sites, earlier told the City Council that roughly $400 million was to be
 invested in the revamp of Mutual’s midtown campus.

Said Blackledge: “So from the Med 
Center to the riverfront, linked by the modern streetcar, really the 
potential for development is virtually unlimited.”

The related plans have not come without controversy — and hefty public incentives.

In addition to the Mutual 
headquarters’ tax-increment financing package — which is among the 
highest amounts ever approved by the city — the streetcar project is to 
be financed with bonds that are to be paid off with TIF revenue.

Generally in a TIF-approved city 
project, increased property taxes generated on new development go to pay
 off eligible redevelopment costs for a period of 15 or 20 years, 
instead of being distributed to traditional recipients such as school 
districts.

After the loan is paid off, the higher property tax revenue starts flowing to regular sources.&nbsp;

Increased use of TIF in Nebraska, a 
longstanding economic growth tool authorized by state law, has raised 
eyebrows of some, including at least a few in the current Legislature.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of 
Elkhorn, for instance, has introduced three bills this session related 
to the streetcar, saying she believes a state-level airing of the plan 
is needed.&nbsp;

Blackledge on Wednesday reflected on the last two years since Mutual’s downtown plan hatched.

While Mutual had long been 
contemplating a new corporate base, Blackledge noted a January 2021 
meeting he had with Investors Realty broker Ryan Zabrowski and Jason 
Lanoha of Lanoha Real Estate Company.

“The pitch involved a streetcar, a 
move downtown and the redevelopment of our midtown campus —&nbsp;simple stuff
 like that,” Blackledge said, with a chuckle.

The idea bloomed into a project announced a year later, in January 2022, which linked the streetcar and the Mutual headquarters.

Among other elements of the city-Mutual agreement, the city is to pay
 about $100 million for the garage attached to the downtown tower. 
Mutual is to rent spaces from the city for its employees during the day,
 while the city is to lease spots to the public during other times.

The city also is to buy three parking garages on Mutual’s midtown campus, with those stalls to be leased to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674742287066.png" alt="Courtesy of Mutual of Omaha" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Mutual of Omaha</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/25/mutual-of-omaha-kicks-off-construction-of-skyline-changer/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — With Wednesday’s ceremonial 
groundbreaking, Mutual of Omaha kicked off construction of its $600 
million new headquarters poised to outstretch all buildings in Nebraska 
and five other surrounding states.At 677 feet tall, the glassy tower 
slated to open in 2026 is to include 800,000 square feet of office, 
meeting and amenity space.<h2>Public use limited to city-funded garage </h2>It is to feature a “sky lobby,” a 
food court, a fitness center, landscaped terraces and a million square 
feet for a 2,200-stall city-funded parking garage.&nbsp;However, aside from garage parking on
 evenings and weekends, the project approved for more than $60 million 
in public tax-increment financing won’t offer retail, gathering or other
 spaces for public use.There will be times that people from 
outside the insurance and financial services company will be invited to 
events or meetings, said Mutual CEO James Blackledge. But the 
skyline-changing structure, at the entrance to the recently revamped 
Gene Leahy Mall, is to be devoted to its 4,000 or so local employees.“Our investment is actually in our workforce,” Blackledge said. “That’s the central focus of our investment.”During the event that drew top city 
and business leaders to a downtown tent, Blackledge and Mayor Jean 
Stothert also touted growth they expect the Mutual project to spur 
around the city block it will occupy.That block, bounded by 14th, 15th, 
Douglas and Farnam Streets, is the former site of the city’s main W. 
Dale Clark Library, which was recently demolished.<h2>Momentum ‘undeniable’ </h2>“The momentum that we have to forever
 change our urban core is undeniable,” said Stothert. She compared the 
Mutual plan, which is tied to the planned $300 million-plus modern 
streetcar system, to a revitalization effort launched a half-century ago
 with creation of the original downtown mall and lagoon.According to Stothert, more than $4 
billion in development over the past five years has been completed, is 
in progress or is planned stretching from downtown to midtown in the 
state’s largest city. That includes new facilities at the job-magnet 
University of Nebraska Medical Center.Blackledge said Mutual, founded in 
1909, remains committed to the midtown campus it has called home since 
about 1940. The area at 33rd and Farnam Streets is along the streetcar 
route, which Mutual has said was integral to its decision to relocate to
 downtown.Jason Lanoha, whose development 
company is involved in reshaping both the downtown and midtown Mutual 
sites, earlier told the City Council that roughly $400 million was to be
 invested in the revamp of Mutual’s midtown campus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674742368481.jpeg" alt="Rendering with view of new Mutual of Omaha headquarters looking west from the Gene Leahy Mall (Courtesy of Mutual of Omaha)" />
 <figcaption>Rendering with view of new Mutual of Omaha headquarters looking west from the Gene Leahy Mall (Courtesy of Mutual of Omaha)</figcaption>
 </figure>Said Blackledge: “So from the Med 
Center to the riverfront, linked by the modern streetcar, really the 
potential for development is virtually unlimited.”<h2>Public incentives </h2>The related plans have not come without controversy — and hefty public incentives.In addition to the Mutual 
headquarters’ tax-increment financing package — which is among the 
highest amounts ever approved by the city — the streetcar project is to 
be financed with bonds that are to be paid off with TIF revenue.Generally in a TIF-approved city 
project, increased property taxes generated on new development go to pay
 off eligible redevelopment costs for a period of 15 or 20 years, 
instead of being distributed to traditional recipients such as school 
districts.After the loan is paid off, the higher property tax revenue starts flowing to regular sources.&nbsp;Increased use of TIF in Nebraska, a 
longstanding economic growth tool authorized by state law, has raised 
eyebrows of some, including at least a few in the current Legislature.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of 
Elkhorn, for instance, has introduced three bills this session related 
to the streetcar, saying she believes a state-level airing of the plan 
is needed.&nbsp;<h2>Seed planted two years ago</h2>Blackledge on Wednesday reflected on the last two years since Mutual’s downtown plan hatched.While Mutual had long been 
contemplating a new corporate base, Blackledge noted a January 2021 
meeting he had with Investors Realty broker Ryan Zabrowski and Jason 
Lanoha of Lanoha Real Estate Company.“The pitch involved a streetcar, a 
move downtown and the redevelopment of our midtown campus —&nbsp;simple stuff
 like that,” Blackledge said, with a chuckle.The idea bloomed into a project announced a year later, in January 2022, which linked the streetcar and the Mutual headquarters.Among other elements of the city-Mutual agreement, the city is to pay
 about $100 million for the garage attached to the downtown tower. 
Mutual is to rent spaces from the city for its employees during the day,
 while the city is to lease spots to the public during other times.The city also is to buy three parking garages on Mutual’s midtown campus, with those stalls to be leased to the public.<h2>Flexible work model embraced </h2>Blackledge said the downtown tower is designed and sized to support a
 flexible work model that acknowledges many employees want to work at 
least some of the time from home.The new high-rise’s 800,000 square 
feet of office space compares to about 1.7 million square feet at 
Mutual’s current headquarters, which is more spread out.Mutual officials said the new tower will be the tallest in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, South Dakota and Wyoming.A First National spokeswoman said 
Wednesday that the bank’s downtown office tower, which is currently the 
city’s tallest, is 633 feet high, putting the new Mutual at 44 feet 
higher.Known as Project Beacon, Blackledge 
said the office structure will be a “beacon inviting employees to a new 
and modern workplace.”“It will also be a beacon for vitality, development and investment in our downtown,” he said.