Three fires converged in 2020, destroying over 1,500 structures in the Santiam Canyon, which included massive destruction to the city of Detroit, shown here. (Oregon State University) After more than five years of waiting in some cases, wildfire survivors across the West will be relieved of paying federal income taxes on their recovery settlements and lawyers fees. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 passed the Senate on Wednesday night, about six months after it was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives nearly unanimously. It had been stalled for months, tucked into opposing tax packages from Senate Republicans and Democrats. The bill, which is likely to be signed by President Joe Biden, would exempt people who have survived a wildfire between 2016 and 2026 from paying federal income taxes on disaster recovery settlements and fees paid to lawyers that were received or paid between 2020 and 2026. Victims elsewhere are also likely to benefit. The bill applies to the survivors of the East Palestine train derailment that occurred in Ohio in 2023, though they’ve largely been exempted from federal income tax on payments from Norfolk Southern due to intervention from the Internal Revenue Service. The disaster act would also provide relief for natural disaster survivors since 2020 in the form of a casualty loss deduction. That means that those who only received partial payments from insurers on home damage and other residential property damage could deduct those uncovered losses on their federal income taxes without itemization. Passage of the bill, introduced last year by a Florida Republican Rep. W. Gregory Steube, follows a public plea last month by a political action committee. American Disaster Survivors sponsored billboards asking for help in Idaho and Oregon to grab the attention of the two leaders of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee where the bill sat. Oregon’s senior U.S. senator, Democrat Ron Wyden, chairs the committee, and Idaho’s U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo is its ranking Republican member. The disaster PAC was founded by survivors of fires that burned towns in California during 2017 and 2018 and which are still only partially rebuilt. The bill would sunset in 2026, according to Wyden spokesperson Hank Stern, because federal tax codes are coming up for negotiation in 2025 and there is not a lot of political will to do long-term tax policy in the lame duck session before a new Congress and administration comes to power in January. Wyden said in a speech following the bill’s passage that it was necessary and long overdue. “Their homes and their businesses are burned, their possessions and livelihoods gone, and finally, the federal government is showing some common sense,” he said. He and California House and Senate Democrats and Republicans who championed the bill said despite working in a bipartisan way to get it passed in the Republican-controlled House, Senate Republicans stalled progress. “We’re going to be able to say to Westerners who’ve been hit by these big fires that they’re going to be able to go to bed tonight in the Western United States with a little relief that the federal government has finally come to its senses and made sure that they’re not going to have this additional tax burden,” Wyden said in his speech. Spokespersons for the American Disaster Relief PAC said it would impact survivors of wildfire in many states. “This has given a much needed glimmer of hope to millions of Americans across California, Oregon, Hawaii, Washington and Idaho who have been devastated by tragedy.” The federal bill is similar to a state bill that unanimously passed the Oregon Legislature in the spring of 2024 that ended state income taxation on settlements and lawyer fees for wildfire victims. That bill, Senate Bill 1520 , was championed by survivors of the 2020 Labor Day Fires, including Sam Drevo, who survived the Santiam Canyon fire that burned down much of the city of Gates in the heart of the Santiam State Forest. “On behalf of fire survivors everywhere, I am deeply grateful that this passed. I’m not super thrilled about the sunset, but it’s a huge step forward for fire survivors,” Drevo said. He and his mom are still sorting out how much she was taxed on the settlement she received to help her rebuild her home in Gates that was completely wiped out by the fires. “I know it’s going to be helpful, and to other people it’s going to be helpful. In general, it’s a huge thing to have this type of tax relief, especially in a situation where you lose everything,” he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOXph365 win 。

Saturday, December 28, 2024 In the ever-changing automotive landscape, a new electric vehicle brand has emerged that promises to reshape family transportation. Firefly, a sub-brand of the innovative Chinese startup Nio, recently made waves in Guangzhou with the introduction of a highly anticipated electric hatchback. This vehicle aims to provide families with a budget-friendly, practical, and eco-conscious alternative to more expensive electric models like the Mini Cooper Electric and Volkswagen ID.3. With a starting price of approximately £16,000, this vehicle offers a promising option for families seeking affordability without compromising on quality, style, or technology. Firefly’s focus on accessible, sustainable, and safe electric cars is expected to have a significant impact on both the automotive industry and global travel habits. Design and Features: Tailored for Modern Families The debut model from Firefly is a spacious five-door hatchback designed specifically with families in mind. The sleek, minimalist design of the car, crafted by the veteran designer Kris Tomasson, features a flat bonnet and distinctive circular headlamp clusters, giving it a modern and approachable appearance. Firefly’s emphasis on design aesthetics makes it an attractive choice for families who value both style and practicality. The vehicle also provides ample cargo space and comfortable seating, making it ideal for daily commutes, road trips, or long family vacations. This hatchback’s impressive blend of functionality and visual appeal positions it as a strong contender in the electric vehicle market. Its practicality is reflected not only in its spacious interior but also in the affordability that sets it apart from higher-priced competitors. Innovative Technology: Battery Swapping to Reduce Charging Time One of the standout features of Firefly’s electric hatchback is its incorporation of Nio’s advanced battery swapping technology. This innovation allows drivers to swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated stations in just a few minutes, eliminating the long charging times that typically cause range anxiety among electric vehicle users. This technology is expected to provide significant convenience for families who rely on their vehicles for long trips, ensuring they can keep moving without the delays associated with traditional electric vehicle charging stations. The integration of battery swapping technology represents a step forward in solving some of the most significant concerns facing electric vehicle owners today. As more electric cars enter the market, the widespread adoption of such innovations could dramatically improve the user experience and make electric vehicles more appealing to a broader range of consumers. Safety Features: Designed for Family Peace of Mind Safety is another top priority for Firefly, with the new hatchback incorporating a range of cutting-edge safety features to protect all occupants. The model includes an array of sensors designed to enhance driver awareness, assist with collision avoidance, and provide a smooth, secure driving experience. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with an impressive nine airbags, ensuring maximum protection in the event of a collision. These safety features are particularly important for families, who prioritize secure transportation for both adults and children. As families become increasingly focused on vehicle safety, Firefly’s commitment to high-quality protection features will likely position the brand as a top choice for those seeking both affordability and peace of mind on the road. Sustainability: Meeting the Demand for Eco-Friendly Family Cars The global shift toward sustainability has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years, and Firefly’s electric hatchback is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly family vehicles. With a focus on reducing emissions without sacrificing comfort or safety, this new model aligns with broader trends toward greener transportation solutions. As environmental consciousness increases among consumers, Firefly’s budget-friendly electric vehicle offers a viable and attractive option for families who wish to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a high standard of living. This vehicle’s focus on sustainability is likely to resonate strongly with families who are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly choices in all aspects of their lives, from food to transportation. Global Market Impact and Availability Firefly’s budget-friendly electric hatchback has the potential to revolutionize the global automotive market by offering an affordable and sustainable family vehicle option. At a price point of approximately £16,000, it presents a significant cost-saving alternative to current electric vehicles, such as the Mini Cooper Electric and the Volkswagen ID.3, which are priced higher. The vehicle’s affordability, combined with advanced technology and safety features, could drive a surge in the demand for electric family cars worldwide. Although the exact launch date in the UK is still unclear, Nio’s expanding presence in Europe signals that Firefly’s entry into international markets is imminent. As European consumers increasingly seek cost-effective and environmentally conscious options, Firefly’s electric hatchback is poised to become a popular choice for families looking for affordable transportation solutions. Firefly’s Role in Shaping the Future of Family Travel The launch of Firefly’s electric hatchback marks a new era in family travel, where affordability, sustainability, and safety go hand in hand. By offering a practical, eco-friendly alternative to more expensive electric vehicles, Firefly is setting the stage for a shift in consumer expectations and a larger transformation in the global automotive market. As families become more environmentally conscious and financially savvy, Firefly’s innovation is likely to spark widespread adoption of budget-friendly electric vehicles and redefine what families expect from their cars. Firefly’s affordable electric hatchback is more than just a new family car; it represents a major step toward a more sustainable and accessible future in transportation, making it a game-changer in the automotive industry.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — Freshman Justus McNair made a 3-pointer from midcourt just before the final buzzer to cap Valparaiso's game-closing 29-4 run and the Beacons knocked off Western Michigan 76-73 on Friday. Valpo trailed 69-47 with 6:51 remaining. Tied at 73-all, Western Michigan's Donovan Williams came up short on a 3-pointer from the corner and McNair grabbed the rebound with about four seconds left before racing the other way for a one-footed runner at the horn. Cooper Schwieger scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half for the Beacons (6-5). Jefferson Monegro scored 13 points while going 4 of 15 from the floor, including 0 for 3 from 3-point range, and 5 for 9 from the line. McNair had 13 points and went 5 of 7 from the field (2 for 4 from 3-point range). Chansey Willis Jr. finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Broncos (3-8). Owen Lobsinger added 14 points for Western Michigan. Brandon Muntu finished with 12 points. Monegro scored eight points in the first half and Valparaiso went into halftime trailing 42-26. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Climate on the syllabus, Indian students scoring global credits