Been scrolling through some discussions about the incoming administration’s plan to axe the IRS Direct File program, and honestly, it’s got me pretty wound up. Here we have a rare example of government actually making life easier for ordinary people, and what happens? It gets killed off faster than you can say “corporate lobbying.”

For those who missed it, Direct File was this brilliant little program that let people with simple tax situations file their returns directly through the IRS website - completely free. No third-party software, no hidden fees, no upselling to premium versions. Just a straightforward government service that worked exactly as advertised. Revolutionary stuff, apparently.

The recent news about libraries hiring social workers has sparked an interesting discussion about the evolving role of these beloved institutions in our communities. Walking into my local library in Carlton yesterday, I noticed how much these spaces have transformed from the hushed, book-lined halls of my youth into vibrant community hubs.

Libraries have always been more than just repositories of books. They’re one of the last truly democratic spaces in our society - places where anyone can spend time without the pressure to spend money. In a world where even sitting in a café requires purchasing a $5 latte, libraries stand as beacons of accessibility.