Good Morning! 🌞 Did you know that, The "Monday blues" actually have a name—it's called "Sunday Night Syndrome," which affects many people as they prepare for the workweek!

Economy

Generational Tax Views

A recent survey of 4,000 Americans planning to file taxes this year reveals that while taxes are unavoidable, many people lack a clear understanding of key tax terms and details. The survey, which categorized respondents by generation and gender, highlighted some notable misconceptions. For instance, many Gen Z members believe students don’t need to file taxes, some think any expense can be written off as a business expense, and others believe cash earners don’t need to pay taxes. Among Baby Boomers, many wrongly assume that if someone earns under the IRS income threshold, they don't need to file. A significant portion of millennials and Gen X also mistakenly think immigrants don’t pay taxes.

The reality is that business expenses can only be written off if they are necessary and directly related to the business. Students and people earning below the IRS threshold typically aren’t required to file unless federal taxes were withheld or they qualify for refundable credits. Immigrants must also pay taxes on U.S. income. Despite these misconceptions, many Gen Z and millennials have filed taxes independently, while many others rely on other methods. Over half of millennials use online tax services, a portion hire a professional, and a third of Gen Z have their parents handle their taxes. Similarly, many Gen X and Baby Boomers use online software or services.

A tax knowledge quiz revealed that less than half of respondents could accurately define “earned income tax credit,” with Gen Z answering incorrectly more often compared to Baby Boomers. Other terms, such as “cost basis” and “standard deduction,” were more familiar. More people understood terms like “dependents,” “filing status,” “tax deductions,” and “child tax credit.” Baby Boomers were twice as likely as Gen Z to know what “estimated tax payments” are. Despite varying levels of understanding, most Americans want their refunds as quickly as possible, with many filing by the end of February, and only a few waiting until April. Interestingly, a substantial number believe they will receive a larger refund this year compared to 2024.

World News

Treasures in Walls

A recent discovery in Vilnius uncovered royal artifacts from the former Poland-Lithuania Commonwealth, including crowns, jewels, and a scepter, hidden behind loose stones beneath a cathedral. These items, concealed before World War II for safekeeping, were described as "priceless historical treasures" that reflect the deep ties between the two nations.

The search for these lost treasures began a decade ago. While the Archdiocese of Lithuania knew the items were somewhere beneath Vilnius Cathedral, their exact location remained a mystery. In October, specialists from the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museum used endoscopic cameras to locate the artifacts hidden behind medieval stonework under a staircase. The discovery was officially announced on January 6th.

Among the items found was the funerary crown of Alexander Jagellion, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, which was intended for his burial but never worn. Other items included a scepter, orb, rings, chains, and medallions belonging to Elisabeth of Austria and Barbara Radziwiłł, wives of King/Grand Duke Sigismund II Augustus. Elisabeth, from the Hapsburg family, and the Jagellion dynasty were two of northern Europe’s most influential royal families. The artifacts were collected after a 1931 flood exposed the monarchs’ coffins beneath the cathedral. To protect them, they were quickly wrapped in newspaper and hidden behind a wall, making them some of the most valuable relics from Lithuania’s 400-year political and matrimonial union with Poland.

Good News

Free Construction

Three months after Hurricane Helene left a trail of devastation across North Carolina, the news cycle has moved on, but one man’s relentless efforts continue to make a difference in the small community of Bat Cave. Jake Jarvis, the owner of Precision Grading, has selflessly provided construction and demolition services at no cost since the storm, earning the heartfelt gratitude of residents still struggling to rebuild their lives. From demolishing homes to clearing river crossings and constructing bridges, Jarvis has completed tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of work entirely pro bono.

For many families in Bat Cave, recovery remains a distant goal, stalled by the physical and emotional weight of wreckage. Jarvis, who often works late into the night, understands the toll. “It’s hard mentally because you see devastation every day,” he shared, admitting he’s faced his own struggles amid the destruction. Yet, he presses on, helping those in urgent need. Whether leveling a path for an elderly couple who had to walk half a mile to town or salvaging cherished items for a grandmother before demolishing her home, Jarvis’s compassion and determination shine through. With a list of nearly 30 projects awaiting his help, he has shouldered the burden of recovery for a community in crisis, often funding materials out of his own savings.

Bat Cave Fire Chief Steve Freeman described Jarvis as “a godsend,” praising his critical role in clearing roads and building vital infrastructure. His work has not only restored access to isolated areas but also brought hope to a town in despair. Residents and supporters can contribute to his ongoing efforts by sending donations to 99 Polaris Drive, Saluda, NC, 28773. Jarvis’s story is a testament to the power of one individual’s unwavering commitment to making a difference, even when the world’s attention has moved on.

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Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

I open what’s closed, but never seen,
I travel in pairs, yet can’t intervene.
Small in size, with a purpose vast,
I’m never alone, but built to last.
What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

I’m soft and thin, yet hold great worth,
I’m there for tears, or moments of mirth.
I fold with ease, I’m light as air,
You’ll find me in pockets, ready to care.
What am I? — tissue paper,

The first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured