How IRS Direct Free File Fights Back Against Corporate Greed

How IRS Direct Free File Fights Back Against Corporate Greed

Tax prep companies like Intuit’s TurboTax and H&R Block are taking an extra 9 hours and 0 from their average customer in low-income neighborhoods. These companies target low-income Black and Brown communities, coercing them into paying for services that are actually available for free. They use deceptive advertising, overcharging, and hiding free options to exploit economically disadvantaged communities. The companies primarily hire unqualified preparers and saturate neighborhoods with their services. The IRS Direct File pilot program offers a free alternative to costly tax preparation services in 12 states, empowering working-class people to keep money in their pockets.

The people who never give up: President launches charity march

The people who never give up: President launches charity march

Fact: Christodoula’s charity march is held annually for the 49th year and raises funds for the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society. Christodoula, after whom the march is named, was forced from her home by the Turkish invasion and walked to Sotira where she died under a tree.

On this day: Polio vaccine announced as safe and effective in 1955

On this day: Polio vaccine announced as safe and effective in 1955

On April 12, 1945, Franklin Roosevelt, the U.S. president for four terms, died in office, and Vice President Harry Truman took over.

Sakkari weathers Gauff storm to book Swiatek clash in Indian Wells final

Sakkari weathers Gauff storm to book Swiatek clash in Indian Wells final

Maria Sakkari defeated Coco Gauff 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2 in the Indian Wells semi-final, setting up a final with Iga Swiatek. The match was interrupted by rain. Sakkari broke Gauff in the ninth game of the first set and won it. The second set saw a longer rain delay, with Gauff saving three match points to win in a tiebreak. Sakkari won the third set to secure her place in the final. The match lasted two hours and 41 minutes. Iga Swiatek beat Marta Kostyuk 6-2 6-1 in the other semi-final, not dropping a set in the tournament and recording her 19th match win of the season.

UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as ‘inevitable’, report finds

UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as ‘inevitable’, report finds

Children in Britain encounter violent online content, including self-harm promotion, from a young age, viewing it as an unavoidable aspect of internet use. Research highlights the difficulties global governments and tech companies face in protecting minors online. Britain has enacted legislation requiring social media platforms to block children’s access to harmful content through age verification. Ofcom has the authority to fine non-compliant tech companies, though penalties are pending the development of implementation codes. Some messaging services, including WhatsApp, resist parts of the law that might compromise end-to-end encryption. A study involving 247 children aged 8-17 found they primarily encountered violent content through social media, video-sharing, and messaging platforms. The content ranged from violent gaming to verbal discrimination and street fight footage. Many children felt powerless against the content recommended to them and had a limited understanding of the algorithms behind these recommendations. Ofcom emphasizes the urgent need for tech firms to prepare for their child protection responsibilities under new online safety laws.

UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as , ‘inevitable’

UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as , ‘inevitable’

Children in Britain encounter violent online content, including material promoting self-harm, at primary school age, viewing it as an “inevitable part” of internet use. Research indicates this challenge for governments and tech companies like Meta, Google, Snap Inc, and ByteDance to implement safeguarding measures for minors. Britain passed legislation requiring social media platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful content by enforcing age limits and age-checking measures. Ofcom has the authority to fine tech companies for non-compliance, though penalties are pending the development of codes of practice. Messaging platforms, particularly WhatsApp, have resisted parts of the law that could compromise end-to-end encryption. A report, commissioned by Ofcom and conducted by Family Kids & Youth, found that all 247 children interviewed, aged 8-17, encountered violent content online, including violent gaming content, verbal discrimination, and footage of street fights, primarily through social media, video-sharing, and messaging sites and apps. Children reported feeling powerless over the content suggested to them and had a limited understanding of recommender systems, referring to them as “the algorithm.”

Eight arrests after fights at children, ’s shelter

Eight arrests after fights at children, ’s shelter

Eight people were arrested following two incidents of violence at a children’s shelter in Larnaca. The first altercation occurred around 6pm when a 17-year-old resident attacked another child and a police officer, resulting in both the assailant and the officer being hospitalized. Later, around 11pm, another disturbance involved teenagers assaulting police and the site manager, leading to two social workers being trapped inside the building. Police arrested six additional individuals, five aged 17 and one aged 16, in connection to the second incident.