The Biden administration aims to close the tax gap by increasing IRS enforcement efforts, particularly targeting the top 1% of income earners, large partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals. A National Bureau of Economic Research paper suggests that the top 1% underreport around 21% of their income, and increased enforcement could collect an additional $175 billion annually. The administration's budget requests additional funding for the IRS, including a $900 million increase for tax enforcement. The IRS plans to intensify examinations, leveraging bank information, foreign tax authority data, and artificial intelligence. Individuals and pass-through entities are advised to prepare for more rigorous IRS examinations.

UTPB is expanding its Midland campus with new buildings, recreational spaces, and academic programs to address workforce shortages in the Permian Basin. The expansion includes new engineering and health science programs, an outdoor amphitheater, and additional facilities for workforce training. The project aims to create a college-town atmosphere and is estimated to cost seventy million dollars.

The new ballpark complex in Monahans, Texas, is nearing completion, with expectations to be ready by late March or early April. Approved last summer by the Ward County commissioners court, the complex will feature four new fields and improved facilities, including better accessibility for disabled individuals. Eddie Nelms, Ward County commissioner precinct 4, has been a key figure in the development, emphasizing the complex's layout that allows parents to watch multiple games simultaneously and the economic benefits anticipated from hosting more baseball tournaments.

Fix West Texas is offering rattlesnake vaccines for dogs to protect them from potentially fatal bites as the weather warms and rattlesnakes become more active. The vaccine helps build antibodies to reduce the damage from a bite. Clinic manager Brooke Parker emphasizes the importance of vaccination and immediate veterinary treatment if a dog is bitten. Dog owners are advised to be cautious, especially in areas with construction that may disturb rattlesnake habitats.

Lilly, a dog who suffered severe chemical burns at Midland Animal Services, is now ready for adoption after months of intense medical treatment by Fix West Texas. Despite the challenges, Lilly has mostly healed and is looking for a new home. Fix West Texas staff, including Beth Meeks and Brooke Parker, expressed relief and happiness at Lilly's recovery and readiness for a new beginning in 2024.

Midland and Odessa celebrated the holiday season with various community events. The Midland soup kitchen ministry hosted its 37th annual Christmas meal, serving a record number of attendees and distributing toys to children. Downtown Odessa introduced the starbright casitas, featuring over seventy local vendors, and aims to make it an annual tradition. Garibaldi’s Tacos saw a significant increase in tamale sales, producing sixty dozen daily. Music City Mall is preparing for post-holiday returns with extra staff, and the starbright village remains open until January 1st.

Odessa boxer Josh Franco secured his fourth national boxing championship in Louisiana, marking a significant milestone in his career. He aims to join the USA youth high performance team next summer, which competes internationally. His trainer, Ramon Franco, praises Josh's potential and hopes to see him on the Olympic team. Josh will compete again in the national tournament in March.

Twin sisters Sarahi and Anahi Orona have fulfilled their dream of playing volleyball together at Odessa College. Inspired by their mother, a former volleyball player in Mexico, the sisters have shared a lifelong passion for the sport, winning championships at various levels. Their coach, Dayana Acevedo, praises their teamwork and dedication. Post-college, they plan to establish a volleyball team for young girls in Odessa, aiming to inspire and train future generations.

The IRS is intensifying its audit efforts on complex partnerships and high net wealth individuals, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify potential tax discrepancies. The agency plans to hire thousands of new agents, funded by $60 billion from Congress, to focus on areas like digital assets, estate planning, and investment vehicles. New audit procedures allow the IRS to collect taxes directly from partnerships unless liabilities are pushed to investor-owners. The IRS aims to improve audit efficiency by leveraging AI to analyze data from various sources, including public records and social media. Taxpayers are advised to ensure accurate tax return preparation and proper disclosure of digital assets to avoid penalties.

The IRS is intensifying its audit efforts on complex partnerships and high net wealth individuals, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify potential tax discrepancies. New procedures allow the IRS to collect additional taxes directly from partnerships unless liabilities are pushed to investor-owners. The agency is also focusing on estate planning strategies and digital assets. Thousands of new hires will be deployed to expand these audits, supported by $60 billion in supplemental funding from Congress. The IRS aims to target returns with complex planning and significant wealth indicators, using AI to streamline the audit selection process.