Author: Fox News

A study of 2022 IRS tax audit data found that a taxpayer in the lowest income bracket is five times more likely to face an audit that would a member of the highest income bracket. 

“The IRS correspondence audit process is structured to expend the least amount of resources to conduct the largest number of examinations – resulting in the lowest level of customer service to taxpayers having the greatest need for assistance,” National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins said of the report during an annual report to Congress. 

The Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University examines internal IRS management reports each month, and the group noticed different trends by reviewing 2022 data. Most notably, the group looked at audits, particularly considering the agency relying more heavily on automatically produced letters sent to taxpayers. 

The data showed that the IRS conducted 85% of its audits through these letters, which request additional information and documentation related to specific items of interest. Overall audits dropped from 659,003 in FY 2021 to 626,204 in FY 2022 out of 164 million income tax returns filed last year. 

RELEASED TRUMP TAX RETURNS SHOW PAYMENTS RANGED FROM ALMOST $1 MILLION TO NOTHING

The rate of income tax audits for those in the lowest income bracket hit 12.7 per 1,000, compared to 2.3 per 1,000 among theose in the highest – a nearly five-fold increase. The odds of a millionaire facing an audit were around 1.1%.

The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington D.C. 
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

This roughly matched similar numbers – 13 per 1,000, and 2.6 per 1,000, respectively – during FY 2021, but that rate nearly doubled from FY 2020, when the lowest income bracket saw 7.9 audits per 1,000. 

IRS DELAYS IMPLEMENTING $600 REPORTING THRESHOLD CHANGE ON PAYMENT SERVICES

The TRAC report claimed that the lack of attention toward millionaires resulted from “severe budget cutbacks over the years” that forced the IRS to shift its focus to “easy marks in an era when IRS increasingly relies upon correspondence audits yet doesn’t have the resources to assist taxpayers or answer their questions.” 

COVID-19 USA Economic Stimulus Checks.
(iStock)

A White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital that “President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which is only beginning to build enforcement for wealthy Americans, will finally force wealthy tax cheats to pay their fair share while making it easier for working Americans to get their tax refunds.”

REP. BRADY WARNS SUPREME COURT COULD BE SUBJECT TO TRUMP TAX RETURN PRECEDENT

The spokesperson also blamed Republicans for attacking IRS funding “for years” and claimed that millionaire tax cheats account for $163 billion in tax evasion per year. 

Hollywood stars, including Shakira, Teresa and Joe Giudice and Mike ‘The Situation,’ have been accused of tax evasion.
(Getty Images)

The U.S Treasury and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., did not respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment as of the time of publication. 

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The Inflation Reduction Act provides the IRS with $80 billion in future funding to ramp up its audits and potentially target the wealthiest taxpayers.

MSNBC analyst and former U.S. Congressman from Florida David Jolly lamented the fact that a new select committee in the GOP-majority House might cut big government down to size. 

In response to a tweet from Congressman Dan Bishop, R-N.C. which expressed his hope that a new “Church-style committee” will curb “the weaponization of the federal government,” Jolly complained that the committee will “attack and shred” the government.

Just hours before House Republicans finally voted to elect Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as Speaker of the House, Bishop tweeted that he was pleased with new rules negotiated between members and the incoming Speaker that will allow a new House committee to directly challenge federal government overreach.

REPUBLICANS TORCHED FOR MCCARTHY-HOUSE SPEAKER VOTE FIASCO: ‘WORST GAME OF CHICKEN EVER’

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 20:  David Jolly speaks onstage at Politicon 2018 at Los Angeles Convention Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Michael S. Schwartz/Getty Images)
(Michael S. Schwartz/Getty)

The Republican lawmaker wrote, “With the rules agreement we negotiated, we will have a powerful Church-style committee to go after the weaponization of the federal government – the FBI, DOJ, DHS, and all the rest.”

He also expressed his feeling that the negotiations were a “victory for the constitutional rights of all Americans,” and added, “I’m ready to get to work.”

Bishop’s reference to a “Church-style committee” harkens back to a Watergate era U.S. Senate committee chaired by Sen. Frank Church, D-Idaho. According to Senate.gov, in 1973 that committee’s investigations revealed that the “executive branch had directed national intelligence agencies to carry out constitutionally questionable domestic security operations.”

Jolly, who left Congress and became an independent in 2018, has turned increasingly liberal since becoming an analyst on MSNBC. He balked at Bishop’s notion. 

KEVIN MCCARTHY DELIVERS FIRST REMARKS AFTER WINNING HOUSE SPEAKER: ‘OUR NATION IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR’

In effect, he denied that the current government has engaged in such questionable antics and should be reined in.

Rep. Dan Bishop joins the hosts of “Morning Joe” on Thursday. 
(Screenshot/MSNBC/MorningJoe)

He forcefully rebutted Bishop’s tweet, saying, “With all the focus on the House rules being given away to the Freedom Caucus et al, this development below may be the most consequential – a new House Committee to attack and shred the federal government.”

Jolly added that the new committee will end up “undermining confidence for millions of Americans in our self governance.”

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One user responded to Jolly’s tweet, proposing the idea that Democrat lawmakers may have some use for such a committee. They wrote, “Could be a farce for sure but the GOP better be careful because my guess is that DEMS will indeed participate in this select committee (unless McCarthy kicks them off).  And, there are some questions I want [FBI director] Wray to answer.”

Though the lawmaker completely trashed that idea, responding, “I think it’s going to serve as their insurrection platform.”

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., celebrates after taking the oath of office in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 7, 2022.
(Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

A suspect has been apprehended for the desecration of a monastery altar in Subiaco, Arkansas.

On Thursday, Jan. 5, a vandal entered the Subiaco Abbey with a sledgehammer and bashed open the top of the altar. 

Using a sledgehammer, a conventional hammer, and an axe, the vandal dug into the slab of stone and stole two reliquaries containing three relics.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PORTLAND CHALLENGING MAINE LAW THAT ELIMINATED STATUE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

A vandal entered the Subiaco Abbey church in Arkansas on Jan. 5 and broke into the altar with a sledgehammer, stealing three holy relics.
(Subiaco Abbey)

The man reportedly began tampering with the tabernacle, removing the cross sitting atop it, before being discovered and fleeing.

“By piecing together the testimony from multiple witness who had seen a strange man on campus earlier, we were fairly confident that we had seen him previously in our Church,” Subiaco Abbey said in an official press released. “Out of an abundance of caution, our Academy students were locked down while the investigation proceeded.”

However, the investigation did not need to look far.

POPE BENEDICT XVI LAID TO REST UNDER ST. PETER’S BASILICA IN PRIVATE CEREMONY

A vandal entered the Subiaco Abbey church in Arkansas on Jan. 5 and broke into the altar with a sledgehammer, stealing three holy relics.
(Subiaco Abbey)

The abbey recounted, “Ironically, after the deputies had left, the gentleman in question decided to return to the Church. The Logan County deputies were called and they quickly returned. One of our monks spoke to the gentleman, and it became clear he was the one who had done the damage. He was arrested, his vehicle towed, and further investigations are ongoing.”

Jerrid Farnam, 31, was arrested Thursday in connection with the vandalism and theft.

One of the stolen reliquaries was reportedly recovered from Farnam’s vehicle, containing all three stolen relics. 

POPE BENEDICT’S VISION OF CATHOLICISM, VATICAN II, AND THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH ENDURE THROUGH HIS TEACHINGS

A vandal entered the Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas on Jan. 5 and broke into the altar with a sledgehammer, stealing three holy relics.
(Subiaco Abbey)

Authorities also found a sledgehammer and other tools believed to have been used in the crime.

A relic is a mortal remain of a saint — typically a fragment of their body. Relics are often placed inside Catholic altars upon consecration. The Catholic Church teaches that this is a continuation of an early Christian practice of celebrating mass over the tombs of other martyred Christians. 

The relics stolen from Subiaco Abbey reportedly belonged to St. Tiberius, St. Marcellu, and St. Justina.

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A vandal entered the Subiaco Abbey on Jan. 5 and broke into the altar with a sledgehammer, stealing three holy relics.
(Subiaco Abbey)

“Due to the desecration of the altar, Abbot Elijah and the monastic community will undertake the ‘Public Prayer after the Desecration of a Church.’ In accordance with the prescriptions, the altar of the church has been stripped bare and all customary signs of joy and gladness have been put away,” Subiaco Abbey announced.

Scientists have long pondered the durability of ancient Roman concrete structures, which have not only stood the test of time but have held up under extreme conditions, assuming it came down to a unique mix of ingredients.

Volcanic ash from the area of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples was believed to be a key element that led to the unique durability of ancient structures and kept them standing as modern concrete crumbled to the ground.

But a report released Friday discovered that it is not necessarily the ingredients that attributed to the strength of the Roman’s concrete but the mixing process. 

Panoramic shot of the interior of The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre) in Rome, Italy. The Colosseum was constructed in the 1st century AD. Multiple files stitched.
(iStock)

ANCIENT BONES, TEETH FOUND IN SHIPWRECK BURIAL GROUND HELP EXPLAIN GENETIC ANCESTRY OF SCANDINAVIANS

Scientists in a MIT, Harvard University study found that Romans actually relied on a process called “hot mixing” to whip up their hyper durable concrete. 

“The benefits of hot mixing are twofold,” MIT professor of civil and environmental engineering Admir Masic told MIT News. “First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form. 

“Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction,” he added. 

Masic was first alerted to the concept after noticing millimeter-small bright white minerals in the ancient concrete.

A view of the Colosseum after the first stage of the restoration work was completed in Rome, Friday, July 1, 2016.
(The Associated Press)

GREEN COMET WILL PASS BY EARTH FOR FIRST TIME SINCE NEANDERTHALS ROAMED EARTH

The outlet said these deposits, described as “lime clasts” and not found in concrete today, were once chopped up to poor mixing practices.

But the MIT professor took issue with this line of thought.

“The idea that the presence of these lime clasts was simply attributed to low quality control always bothered me,” Masic told the publication. “If the Romans put so much effort into making an outstanding construction material, following all of the detailed recipes that had been optimized over the course of many centuries, why would they put so little effort into ensuring the production of a well-mixed final product?”

Masic and his team discovered that the white specs were actually calcium carbonate that had been formed after the mixture, which include quicklime, reached an “extreme temperature.”

His team then ran a series of tests using modern and ancient techniques with and without quicklime. 

The team are now working to commercialize the ancient practices for modern use.

Roman Forum – the Temple of Saturn in the foreground, Rome, Italy.
(iStock)

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Masic described the findings as “exciting” and hopes to lighter-weight and longer-lasting concrete mixture will help reduce the environmental impact of cement production, the publication said.

Cement production reportedly accounts some roughly 8 percent of greenhouse gases.  

An abandoned dog is recovering after it was found shot multiple times with a cracked skull on the outskirts of Las Vegas, a nonprofit animal shelter said. 

“Max was shot multiple times and found lying on the side of the road on the far east side of Las Vegas,” The Animal Foundation posted on Facebook this week.

The foundation posted photos of Max, who they believe to be 2 years old, calling the pooch a “sweet and loving boy” that was in “miserable” distress after he was found on Dec. 28.

Numerous bullet fragments were pulled from Max’s head, back and shoulder, and he also suffered a fractured skull, the group said.

LOUISIANA DOG HAILED A HERO FOR PROTECTING YOUNG GIRLS LOST IN WOODS FOR HOURS

A 2-year-old dog named Max is recovering from gunshot wounds after being found on the side of a road.
(The Animal Foundation)

“Someone shot Max,” The Animal Foundation posted. “We’re not sure how long he has been on his own, but our veterinary team believes the gunshot wounds are older due to the level of infection present.”

The group’s veterinarians were able to remove the bullet fragments, clean the wounds and administer antibiotics and pain medication.

TENNESSEE POLICE DISCOVER 76 DOGS LIVING IN ABANDONED HOME: REPORT

Max, a 2-year-old dog found abandoned with gunshot wounds, is expected to recover.
(The Animal Foundation)

The foundation says Max has been trusting with every team member who comes near him despite the trauma he endured, and a Facebook post days later said the 2-year-old canine is recovering nicely.

The foundation said it posted the photos to show the lifesaving care that 100% of donations to the group go to helping animals like Max.

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A 2-year-old dog named Max is recovering from gunshot wounds after being found on the side of a road.
(The Animal Foundation)

“Your donations help us save the most vulnerable animals in our care,” the group said. “Today, Max has a fighting chance because of you.”

Clark County Animal Protection Services told Fox News Digital that the Las Vegas Metro Police Department is handling the case. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

A teen pilot flying his family to breakfast made an emergency landing on a busy California roadway as his grandmother burst into tears in the seat behind him.

Brock Peters, 18, was flying several family members from California’s Apple Valley Airport to the city of Riverside for breakfast Jan. 2 when his single-engine Piper PA-28 lost power, forcing him to frantically search for a place to land, KTTV-TV reported.

“We’re coming down through the pass, and I heard a pop in the engine and I lose all power,” Peters, who had only recently earned his pilot license, told the outlet.  

Peters decided to set the plane down on the shoulder of Cajon Boulevard, also known as Historic Route 66, in the El Cajon Pass near Ontario in San Bernardino County shortly before 10 a.m.

CALIFORNIA MAN INTENTIONALLY DROVE TESLA OFF CLIFF WITH ANOTHER ADULT, 2 KIDS IN CAR: AUTHORITIES

Brock Peters, 18, made an emergency landing with his family inside
(KTTV-TV)

“At that point, I didn’t have any space or time to get to any other airports, and this was my only option, my only shot to get down,” Peters said. “Got under the power lines and pulled it off to the side.”

Peters said he relied on the training he’s received since the age of 16 and had to tune out his nervous family, including his sobbing grandmother.

OVER 70K CALIFORNIA HOMES, BUSINESSES STILL WITHOUT POWER AFTER ‘BOMB CYLONE’

Teen pilot Brock Peters landed his plane in California’s El Cajon Pass.
(KTTV-TV)

“I had my grandmother,” Peters said. “She was crying in the back. I had to tune her out and tune everybody on.”

Peters was able to land the plane without anyone on the ground or in the plane being injured.

CALIFORNIA ARSONISTS SET THEMSELVES ON FIRE WHILE ATTACKING BUSINESS, VIDEO SHOWS

No one was injured after Brock Peters, 18, landed his disabled plane on the shoulder of a California road.
(KTTV-TV)

“When I felt the wheels touch down, that’s when I was like, ‘OK, we’re good,'” Peters said.

The plane Peters was flying was a rental, and he says the equipment all checked out as working properly before takeoff.

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The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

Peters said he looks forward to flying again, adding that flying is his “passion” and that he wants to be an airline pilot.
 

Stop the pearl-clutching, my fellow Republicans. This drama over the House speakership is the best thing that could have happened. 

Well, maybe not the best thing: that would have been a 30–vote Republican majority in the House.  That would have stopped the Democrat’s big spending, radical leftist agenda dead in its tracks. That would have let the Speaker of the House to tell Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pound sand. But the supermajority didn’t happen.  

So, House Republicans need to change tactics. Senate Majority Leader Schumer is no longer Speaker McCarthy’s biggest obstacle. It’s now his Republican counterpart on the other side of the Capitol –Senate Minority Leader and profligate spender, Mitch McConnell. 

FREEDOM CAUCUS CHAIR PERRY DEFENDS CHANGING MCCARTHY VOTE, SAYS SPEAKERSHIP ‘ACCOUNTABILITY’ KEY

In the past, McConnell’s idea of leadership has been to give the Democrats most of what they want, especially when it comes to budget-busting, pork barrel legislation. For the last two years, he’s joined with Senate Democrats and former Speaker Pelosi to pass the Biden agenda. 

He will no doubt try and pressure the new Republican Speaker to do the same, in the interests of “bipartisanship” and “compromise.”  

That’s what has those 20 or so House Republicans and the Freedom Caucus worried. They don’t think compromise means giving Democrats what they want, especially when it comes to out-of-control spending.  Now that Republicans finally have the majority, they want a strong Speaker who will stand up and fight against the Swamp.

At first glance, McCarthy’s tortuous path to Speakership looks to diminish his ability to be that strong leader. But if he’s smart, he can turn that razor-thin majority to his advantage in negotiations with the Senate, and even with the White House. He can employ what I call the “crazy boss” strategy.

GOP ‘DYSFUNCTION’ AROUND MCCARTHY’S SPEAKER BID COULD BOOST DESANTIS’ APPEAL TO VOTERS, INSIDERS SUGGEST

To get elected Speaker, McCarthy was forced to accept to a slew of changes in how the House governs itself. Most involve reducing the dictatorial powers of the Speaker and giving it back to individual congressmen. 

Under the new rules, a handful of House Republicans can hold the Speaker accountable, especially if he tries to push through budget-busting bills riddled with pork barrel spending, or leave on the southern border unprotected, or embrace Green New Deal fanaticism, or hire 87,000 IRS agents. 

The criticism of McCarthy has always been that he lacks the backbone to stand up to the big spenders in the GOP, that he will cave to pressure from the Swamp Creatures. 

Now he doesn’t need a backbone. Thanks to the Freedom Caucus, his back is up against the wall.  He can’t go along to get along with McConnell and Democrats and survive as Speaker.  And everybody knows it. It’s potentially the most powerful tool in McCarthy’s toolbox.   

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Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger used the “crazy boss” strategy with his North Vietnamese counterpart in negotiating the end of the Vietnam War.  We used it in the Trump administration as a tool to pressure recalcitrant allies.

A negotiator can point to his “crazy boss” as the reason why he can’t agree to the other’s side’s demands. “My boss will never agree to this; if I even suggest it, he’s likely to do something really crazy.”  

The crazier the boss seems, the more credible the threat.  The drama over the speakership has left no doubt in anyone’s mind that a handful of congressmen would plunge House into another battle over leadership, rather than meekly accept Democrats’ demands.

The House holdouts have just become Speaker McCarthy’s “crazy boss.”

Most pundits will claim his protracted fight to be Speaker has damaged McCarthy, and he won’t have the muscle needed to bring his fellow Republicans in line. But they’re missing the point. 

The American people don’t want business as usual.  They want leaders who will stand up to the Swamp and do what is in the best interests of the people, not the career politicians. 

The tortuous way McCarthy was elected has given him an unexpected opportunity to be that leader.  

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All he has to do is point to his “crazy bosses,” those 20 or so House Republicans, and then refuse to budge.  

Whether McCarthy seizes that opportunity is up to him.  If he doesn’t, he will be one of the most short-lived Speakers in history.

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