Pennsylvania is among a growing number of states offering residents access to the Internal Revenue Service's free tax filing system, Direct File.

The online tool was created to save people both time and money by allowing them to file directly with the IRS while removing the need for costly tax-preparation services.

Lucas DeBartolo of East Stroudsburg said using Direct File was easy and recommended it for people looking to take advantage of available tax credits.

"And it could be hundreds to thousands of dollars back in their pockets," he said, "and this software is really good at seeing what tax credits people qualify for."

It's estimated about 20% of eligible taxpayers don't claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. DeBartolo said using Direct File was quicker than other online tools he's used and appreciated his quick refund.

Americans on average spend at least 13 hours filing their taxes each year. Direct File cuts down on that time by autofilling information the government already has, allowing users to simply verify its accuracy.

Adam Ruben, vice president for campaigns and political strategy at the Economic Security Project, said the program is user-friendly with no hidden fees and is available in English or Spanish.

"If you get stuck, there's free live chat support in both languages," he said, "and importantly, unlike most other tax software, it will also help you file your state tax return for free."

Ruben said Direct File is not yet available for freelancers, gig workers, people with complicated investments or those who work across multiple states. He said people can check their eligibility and get more information at the IRS website.


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Tariffs are disrupting supply chains from China, making it harder for reusable alternatives to compete with single-use plastics.

Jeffrey Delkin, president of Bambu, an Oregon-based company which has been making plastic-free home goods for 20 years, said the Trump administration's 145% tariffs forced the company to lay off their staff in China and make their U.S. staff part-time. Though Chinese tariffs will now drop to 30% for 90 days, Delkin noted it is still a huge jump from the usual 3.5%.

He fears the tariff roller coaster threatens the company's future as well as the market for plastic alternatives.

"Unfortunately, this is a time where we need more small, right-minded, responsibly operated businesses," Delkin contended. "The current conditions are not helping."

Data show even before the trade war, plastic products faced much lower tariffs than their alternatives. This keeps plastic prices low and makes it harder for alternatives to compete. Delkin added since the oil industry receives large government subsidies, plastic producers are better able to absorb extra costs.

Research shows plastics contain harmful chemicals which leech into food, water and the environment. Emissions created during plastic production also contribute to climate change.

Delkin pointed out the public is still learning about the effects of microplastics on overall health, adding more than 90% of plastic produced ends up in landfills.

"It's that kind of stark reality that encouraged us to do what we do and to really promote renewable materials," Delkin explained.

The plastic market continues to grow despite its harmful effects. In 2020, about 370 million tons of plastic were traded, valued at $1.2 trillion.


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A new tool aims to equip Oregonians with the knowledge they need to take control of their personal data and protect their privacy online.

Oregon Consumer Justice created the guide after the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act took effect last summer, empowering residents to control how businesses collect and use their personal data. The guide explained how to request records of collected and sold personal information.

Malena Lechon-Galdos, program coordinator for the Portland-based nonprofit suma, which helped work on the guide, said most people do not understand how much of their data, from internet search histories to social security numbers, is being collected, bought and sold.

"The internet is a tool that everyone at this point needs to utilize, even if it's getting basic resources," Lechon-Galdos pointed out. "How can we do it in a way that is safe?"

The guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to opt out of targeted advertising and stop the sale of personal data.

Cookies, explained Lechon-Galdos, help websites track the personal information people enter, as well as users' locations. All the information is bought and sold by data brokers to create personalized advertisements. Information can also be purchased by federal agencies and used in investigations, Lechon-Galdos added, which has raised concerns about warrantless surveillance.

"What we want the community to know is there are risks here," Lechon-Galdos stressed. "Here is how to mitigate some of these risks so you can feel more knowledgeable, more in control."

The new tool addresses barriers to digital rights awareness, Lechon-Galdos noted, including complex jargon and limited tech access. Oregon Consumer Justice said it hopes the information will help build a network of informed data privacy advocates.


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West Virginia coal miners filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to temporarily halt the Trump administration's layoffs impacting the Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health houses the program, which offers the screenings free of charge.

Travis Parsons, director of occupational safety and health for the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America and a native West Virginian, said a majority, some 80% to 90% of workers at the program, have now lost their jobs.

"We always lean on NIOSH for research," Parsons noted. "Any time we had a new OSHA rule, we leaned on them for their expertise and to create a safer workplace."

The class action lawsuit against the federal government was filed on behalf of miners by Appalachian Mountain Advocates, Mountain State Justice and Petsonk Labor and Employment Law. Modern changes in mining technology have allowed miners to dig deeper into rock, increasing their exposure to silica dust, which has driven up rates of black lung disease, according to the American Journal of Managed Care.

Parsons added the program NIOSH has unique tasks and expertise which cannot be easily transferred to other agencies.

"They're the only agency in the country that certified respirators and tested respirators," Parsons pointed out.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates around 20% of coal miners in Central Appalachia have been diagnosed with black lung disease.


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