Explore

Rapid ReadRapid Read
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo Pushes for Passage of Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo Pushes for Passage of Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act

Senator Mike Crapo, a Republican from Idaho and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, along with Ranking Member Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, are advocating for the full Senate to consider and pass the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act (TAS Act). This bipartisan bill, which includes over 60 provisions, aims to enhance operations at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), improve taxpayer responsiveness, and impose stricter penalties on non-compliant tax preparers. The Senate Finance Committee approved the TAS Act with a 26-1 vote in July 2026, but its progress in the full Senate has been slow. The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) has also urged Senate leadership to prioritize the bill, emphasizing its importance for taxpayer protections, IRS service, and standards for paid tax return preparers. The House Ways and Means Committee has adopted a different strategy, advancing tax-related bills individually rather than through a comprehensive approach like the TAS Act.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
U.S. Senate Finance Committee Announces Staff Updates, Including Former Counsel to Chairman Jason Smith

U.S. Senate Finance Committee Announces Staff Updates, Including Former Counsel to Chairman Jason Smith

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee, under Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), has announced several staff updates. Among the new appointments is Pat Lichtenstein, who joins as Tax Counsel. Lichtenstein previously served as senior oversight counsel for the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee under Chairman Jason Smith (R-Missouri). His prior experience also includes working as an assistant director at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, counsel for the U.S. House Budget Committee under then-Ranking Member Jason Smith, and counsel for the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Lichtenstein holds a J.D. and M.B.A. from American University and a B.A. from Bard College. Other new staff members include Kennedy Cummins as Professional Staff Member, joining from Chairman Crapo’s personal office where she focused on international trade, and Ashlyn Herring as Professional Staff Member, who previously worked as a senior associate for health policy and government affairs at Todd Strategy Group.
Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
Is Arizona actually happy? How it ranked in new study

Is Arizona actually happy? How it ranked in new study

A new report ranked U.S. states using metrics tied to emotional and physical well-being, work environment, financial security and community life.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act Introduced to Return 18,000 Acres of Oregon National Forest to Confederated Tribes

Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act Introduced to Return 18,000 Acres of Oregon National Forest to Confederated Tribes

A new bill, the Grand Ronde Land Transfer Act, has been introduced in Congress by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, and U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Oregon. This legislation proposes to transfer over 18,000 acres of federal public land in the Siuslaw National Forest, located on the Tillamook-Yamhill county line, to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. The land, totaling 18,626 acres, borders parts of the Grand Ronde community and would be held in trust by the tribe. The bill is also supported by U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and other U.S. House Democrats from Oregon, including Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum. While the land would be transferred to the tribe, it is intended to remain open to the public for hunting, fishing, and general recreation, though the Grand Ronde may regulate access for public safety, administration, or wildlife management.
TrendlineTrendline
Frozen Food Giant Amy's Kitchen Shuts California Factory, Eliminating 260 Jobs

Frozen Food Giant Amy's Kitchen Shuts California Factory, Eliminating 260 Jobs

Frozen Food Giant Amy's Kitchen Shuts California Factory, Eliminating 260 Jobs
Rapid ReadRapid Read
U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle Introduces Federal Bill to Combat Corporate Control in Healthcare

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle Introduces Federal Bill to Combat Corporate Control in Healthcare

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, alongside U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, all Democrats, introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act. This federal legislation aims to prevent private equity funds and for-profit corporations from owning or controlling medical practices. The bill is modeled after a successful 2025 Oregon law that addressed similar issues. During a Capitol Hill press conference, Hoyle highlighted how the Oregon law effectively countered tactics used by corporations to control medical practices through management companies. She cited a case in Eugene where emergency physicians utilized Oregon's protections to prevent a private-equity-backed staffing firm from taking over the emergency room at PeaceHealth RiverBend, the region's sole Level II trauma center. The lawmakers emphasized that the goal is to ensure medical decisions are made by doctors, not investors, to safeguard patient care.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
House Unanimously Passes Representative Claudia Tenney's 'End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act'

House Unanimously Passes Representative Claudia Tenney's 'End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act'

The House of Representatives has unanimously passed Representative Claudia Tenney’s (R-N.Y.) 'End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act' (H.R. 9496). This bipartisan measure aims to protect Americans who are held hostage or wrongly detained abroad from incurring IRS penalties due to missed tax deadlines. The bill proposes to pause certain federal tax deadlines during the period of captivity, extend these protections to the spouses of those detained, and mandate that the State and Justice departments work to identify eligible individuals for the IRS. Additionally, the legislation allows for the retroactive refunding of certain penalties and interest, with claims potentially reaching back to January 1, 2021. This initiative seeks to alleviate financial burdens on individuals and families already facing the immense stress of a loved one's detention overseas.
AP NewsAP News
AP exclusive: Change in human trafficking reporting alarms advocates for migrant children

AP exclusive: Change in human trafficking reporting alarms advocates for migrant children

The Trump administration has ordered caregivers for migrant children to stop reporting human trafficking concerns directly to the office created to help victims
Rapid ReadRapid Read
U.S. Representatives Announce $9.1 Million Federal Funding for Oregon Housing and Water Infrastructure

U.S. Representatives Announce $9.1 Million Federal Funding for Oregon Housing and Water Infrastructure

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, alongside U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas, have announced $9.1 million in federal awards and loans designated for water infrastructure and affordable housing projects across Curry, Yamhill, and Union counties in Oregon. This funding, sourced from the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, aims to address critical needs within these rural communities. Specifically, the City of Brookings will receive a $1 million grant to replace a portion of its water distribution system, including asbestos concrete and cast iron pipes, and upgrade fire hydrants and water meters. Additionally, Cascade Peaks Apartments in Newberg will receive a $5.6 million loan for the renovation and maintenance of an affordable multifamily housing complex comprising 10 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, and two three-bedroom units. A further $2.5 million loan will go to Cascade Peaks Apartments in La Grande to renovate and maintain an affordable senior housing complex...
AP NewsAP News
AP exclusive: Change in human trafficking policy could make some minors easier to deport

AP exclusive: Change in human trafficking policy could make some minors easier to deport

The Trump administration has ordered caregivers for migrant children to stop reporting human trafficking concerns directly to the office created to help victims
Springfield News-LeaderSpringfield News-Leader
This grocery store chain ranks the cheapest in Missouri

This grocery store chain ranks the cheapest in Missouri

Grocery shoppers can save as much as 50% by switching from the highest cost grocery store to the lowest. Aldi ranks as Missouri's cheapest.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
U.S. Senate Committee Advances JAWBONE Act and Other Key Legislation

U.S. Senate Committee Advances JAWBONE Act and Other Key Legislation

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has advanced nine bills and Coast Guard promotions during a recent Executive Session. Among the legislation moved forward by roll call vote was S. 4749, the JAWBONE Act, as amended by the Cruz substitute, which passed with 18 yeas and 10 nays. This bill, introduced by Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Ron Wyden, aims to protect First Amendment rights by providing a private right of action against coercive governmental threats made to broadcasters, social media, or similar tech companies. Other bills advanced by voice vote include the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, the Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act of 2026, the Bycatch Reduction Act, the ITS Codification Act, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, the Runway SAFE-T Act, and the Mystic Alerts Act. The committee also advanced Coast Guard promotions.