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- Jahmir Jackson Sparks Pottstown to Victory in PAC Basketball Quarterfinals
Jahmir Jackson Sparks Pottstown to Victory in PAC Basketball Quarterfinals
Issue #193
In this Pottstown Local Scoop Issue…
🏀 Jahmir Jackson Sparks Pottstown to Victory in PAC Basketball Quarterfinals
🔥 Pottstown Community Rallies as Fire Damages Local Home, Displaces Residents
💰 ARPA Grants Offer a Lifeline to Reading's Small Businesses Post-Pandemic
🎥 Disney Announces "Moana 2" Release Date, Promises Unprecedented Journey
💰 IRS to Boost Tax Collections by Hundreds of Billions Under New Funding
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Jahmir Jackson Sparks Pottstown to Victory in PAC Basketball Quarterfinals
Pottstown High School got the win over Norristown in the PAC quarterfinals, overcoming an early technical foul with a dynamic second-half performance. Jahmir Jackson's mid-game introduction was a game-changer, contributing significantly to a 77-57 victory. Sadeeq Jackson's 34 points underscored a collective effort marked by strategic plays and strong conditioning. The win propels Pottstown into the semifinals against Phoenixville, with high hopes of advancing further in the tournament.
Pottstown Community Rallies as
Fire Damages Local Home,
Displaces Residents
A fire inflicted damage on a residence, leading to the displacement of two occupants. The incident unfolded in the evening, around 9:30 p.m., on Cherry Lane, where the local fire department was called into action. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with flames emanating from the second and third floors of the house.
Under the direction of Chief Frank Hand, the fire crew executed a swift and aggressive response, managing to bring the fire under control promptly. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries, ensuring the safety of both the residents and the firefighters. Despite this, the inhabitants are currently unable to return to their home due to the extensive smoke and water damage sustained during the firefighting efforts. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event.
ARPA Grants Offer a Lifeline to Reading's Small Businesses Post-Pandemic
Reading's small businesses are encouraged to apply for ARPA grants as part of a new program aimed at aiding those affected by the pandemic. With $10.5 million available, eligible businesses—those earning less than $1 million annually and with fewer than 25 employees—can receive grants for various operational needs. Priority will be given to businesses in low-income areas or high-crime municipalities, including Reading.
Disney Announces "Moana 2" Release Date, Promises Unprecedented Journey
Disney fans rejoice as the beloved characters Moana and Maui are set to embark on a new cinematic journey with the announcement of "Moana 2," slated for a theatrical release this Thanksgiving. Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger revealed the eagerly anticipated sequel will grace theaters in November, shifting gears from its original conception as a television series to a full-fledged movie event.
In "Moana 2," audiences will follow Moana on an unprecedented and perilous voyage across the vast seas of Oceania, prompted by a mysterious call from her ancestors. Described as an adventure unparalleled to her previous quests, the sequel promises to captivate fans with its rich storytelling and vibrant depiction of Polynesian culture.
Directed by Dave Derrick Jr., the film boasts an impressive musical lineup, including contributions from Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Mark Mancina, and Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, ensuring the soundtrack remains as memorable and heart-stirring as the original. While specific details about the voice cast remain under wraps, the anticipation for the film's release on November 27 is palpable.
The original "Moana" film, celebrated for its groundbreaking animation and compelling narrative, grossed over $680 million worldwide and accumulated over 1 billion hours of streaming on Disney+. Additionally, Dwayne Johnson is reportedly working on a live-action adaptation of "Moana," further expanding the franchise's horizon and its enduring appeal to audiences around the globe.
IRS to Boost Tax Collections by Hundreds of Billions Under New Funding
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to significantly boost its collection of overdue and unpaid taxes, potentially gathering hundreds of billions of dollars more than previously expected, thanks to increased funding from the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Democrats. This act, which became law in August 2022, is projected to increase tax revenues by up to $561 billion from 2024 to 2034 through enhanced enforcement measures. This marks a substantial rise from the Congressional Budget Office's 2022 forecast, which anticipated an increase of $180.4 billion from 2022 to 2031. The updated projections suggest that with continued and diversified funding under the Inflation Reduction Act, revenue could soar to as much as $851 billion over a decade.
The Biden administration is highlighting this report to endorse the President's economic policies as he seeks reelection, amidst ongoing debates over IRS funding. National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard emphasized the role of this funding in reducing the deficit by ensuring that wealthy individuals and corporations pay their due taxes. This stance contrasts with Republican efforts to slash IRS funding, which critics argue prioritizes tax evasion by the affluent over deficit reduction.
Despite a significant $80 billion boost from the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS faced a $1.4 billion cut in the recent debt ceiling and budget package, with an additional $20 billion redirected from its budget over two years. In response, the IRS has been demonstrating how it utilizes its remaining funds, including introducing customer service improvements and recovering $500 million in back taxes from wealthy tax evaders.
Critics, such as Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, have voiced concerns over the reliance on "pie-in-the-sky numbers" and the potential for increased audits on lower-income taxpayers, despite Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's directive to avoid raising audit rates for individuals earning less than $400,000 annually. The IRS's efforts to improve tax compliance come against a backdrop of declining audit rates for millionaires and large corporations over the past decade, with the tax gap now exceeding $600 billion annually.
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