It’s Tax Day. Why some could be tempted to cheat this year.
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On Tax Day, April 15, 2026, Apple News Today examines the growing concern over potential tax evasion amid significant reductions in IRS enforcement capacity. The episode highlights how the Trump administration's sweeping workforce cuts—reducing IRS staff by over 25,000 in less than a year—have led to a sharp decline in audits, especially for lower- and middle-income earners. With fewer audits and less collection activity, experts warn that the perception of reduced risk is encouraging some taxpayers to take greater financial risks, even as the IRS continues to pursue large corporations aggressively. The piece also touches on broader implications, including a projected loss of hundreds of billions in federal revenue over the next decade due to weakened enforcement. Beyond taxes, the episode covers diplomatic developments between Israel and Lebanon, the impact of abortion clinic closures in the U.S. despite legal protections, and the role of urgent care clinics stepping in to fill reproductive health gaps through medication abortion. It also features a profile of Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve chair, whose wealth and nomination are under scrutiny amid political delays.
IRS staffing has dropped by over 25,000 since early 2025, leading to a 39% projected decline in audits for individuals under $10M income.
Fewer audits and reduced enforcement create a perception of lower risk, increasing the temptation to evade taxes or take aggressive deductions.
Despite reduced enforcement, audits of large corporations have increased, showing a shift in IRS focus.
Urgent care clinics in areas like Marquette, Michigan, are filling abortion care gaps after Planned Parenthood closures, using medication abortion with strong patient response.
Telehealth has helped maintain access to abortion services post-Roe, but in-person care remains critical for many patients.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Tax Day and the Shrinking IRS
“There's just a level of aggressiveness that's starting to ramp up, of people being willing or more willing to cut corners outright, evade taxes under the idea that maybe the IRS won't catch them.”
Diplomacy in the Middle East: Israel and Lebanon Meet
A rare direct meeting between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors at the White House is discussed, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio framing it as a potential first step toward peace, though deep divides remain over Hezbollah and ceasefire demands.
Abortion Access in a Post-Roe Era
“Urgent care is potentially a model for doing this in person is a couple of things. They are set up to essentially like take walk-in patients, right? Unlike with a primary care provider or even an OBGYN, you don't necessarily have to be an established patient.”
The Federal Reserve Nomination Standoff
Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve chair, faces political delays due to a Senate hold by Senator Tom Tillis, who is waiting for a DOJ probe into current chair Jerome Powell to conclude.
Other News: From Gorillas to Politics
The episode closes with lighter stories, including the 69th birthday of Fatou, the world’s oldest gorilla in captivity, and the resignations of California’s Eric Swalwell and Texas’s Tony Gonzalez over sexual misconduct allegations.
“I cried all the time for years. I have never doubted what happened. I stand with the other women who have come forward, and I will be making reports of law enforcement shortly with my attorneys.”
“There's just a level of aggressiveness that's starting to ramp up, of people being willing or more willing to cut corners outright, evade taxes under the idea that maybe the IRS won't catch them.”
“Urgent care is potentially a model for doing this in person is a couple of things. They are set up to essentially like take walk-in patients, right? Unlike with a primary care provider or even an OBGYN, you don't necessarily have to be an established patient.”
Host
Guests
IRS
organization
Trump
person
Fatou
other
Richard Rubin
person
Eric Swalwell
person
Planned Parenthood
organization
Marco Rubio
person
Kevin Warsh
person
Antonio Guterres
person
The Wall Street Journal
media
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