Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Here’s what’s breaking this morning:
Nicole Fallert here, huge Pancake fan, bringing you the news to know on Wednesday, from getting your taxes done to taking hurricane season seriously.
The April 15 tax deadline is today.
Money on the table: The number of tax returns the Internal Revenue Services has received so far this tax season continue to lag last year’s pace, but refunds are up more than 11%, IRS data show.
If you’re not ready to file yet: Instead of filing a return by April 15, you can opt to file a short, less than one-page form for an automatic extension until Oct. 15 with no questions asked. Importantly, the IRS reminds taxpayers “an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes.”
If you want to make Tax Day sweeter: Whether you’ve already filed your taxes and are waiting on your tax refund, or need to file a tax extension, you get free or discounted treats at places like Subway, Qdoba and Krispy Kreme, among others.
NBA
The NBA postseason continues Wednesday, with two more games in the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament. The night begins with the Philadelphia 76ers hosting the Orlando Magic followed by the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the Golden State Warriors.
Health & Wellness
Bernice Rodriguez, 75, has stage 4 breast cancer. She’s beaten cancer before, but this time she knows it’s a losing battle. The cancer has spread to her lungs and bones. Teresa Rodriguez, who helped her mother through two-and-a-half months of paperwork and countless doctors’ appointments to gain approval for the medical aid for dying, doesn’t want her mother to die.
Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.