5 things you need to know Wednesday
1. It's tax day
If you filed, you're off the hook. If you haven't, here's how to ask for an extension. With extensions, there is good news and there is bad news. The good news: Every American taxpayer is eligible for an automatic extension if they ask. The bad news: That extension is only for the paperwork itself, and not any tax payments due to the Internal Revenue Service. Need more encouragement? Think of the Obamas. They paid $93,362 in federal taxes this year, their return shows. And then there are professional athletes, who have to pay taxes in multiple states. "I had a guy who played for four teams in 2014," accountant K. Sean Packard says. "That return was nuts."
2. Chicago city council set to approve reparations to police torture victims
Chicago's city council is expected to approve a deal Wednesday to provide a sweeping package of reparations to victims of a notorious Chicago police commander who for decades ran a torture ring against suspects. Police officers under Chicago police commander Jon Burge used electrical shocks, burnings and mock executions to elicit confessions from suspects, mostly African-American, from the early 1970s through the early 1990s. As part of the reparations, the council will formally apologize, create a permanent memorial recognizing the victims and teach public school students about the Burge case in their 8th- and 10th-grade history classes.
3. Boston remembers second anniversary of marathon bombing
Boston will mark the second anniversary of the 2013 marathon bombings Wednesday with a subdued remembrance that includes a moment of silence, the pealing of church bells and a call for kindness. Mayor Marty Walsh and other officials will raise commemorative banners on Boylston Street early Wednesday. A moment of silence follows at 2:49 p.m., marking the time the first of two bombs exploded near the finish line April 15, 2013. Church bells will then ring throughout the city. Walsh has also declared April 15 "One Boston Day," a new tradition meant to honor the city's resilience and spread goodwill. Jurors in the trial of marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, meanwhile, have been warned to avoid anniversary events and this year's race. The Boston Marathon — one of the world's premiere running events — takes place April 20; the penalty phase in Tsarnaev's trial begins the next day.
4. Indiana votes on drug testing for its welfare program
A final vote in Indiana on Wednesday could add drug testing to the state's welfare program – a move sparked by the rapid spread of HIV in southern Indiana. The proposed amendment, if passed, would require recipients with a drug charge to take a test. If they fail a drug test, they would have an opportunity to receive counseling. But if they continue to fail drug screenings after counseling, they would be ineligible for welfare benefits for at least three months. Recipients would be responsible for the cost of counseling and positive drug tests.
5. Google expects to be hit with antitrust action by EU
After a five-year investigation, the European Union is issuing a formal complaint against Google on antitrust grounds. The EU is alleging the Internet search giant used its market dominance in search to siphon off traffic from its competitors and direct it toward its own services. The charges could result in massive fines for Google and force significant changes to its business in Europe.
And, the essentials:
Weather: Spring rains will again drench the southeastern U.S. on Wednesday, while cold and snow persists in the Western mountains.
Stocks: Investors eye slowing China GDP.
TV Tonight: Can't decide what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at The Goldbergs and Lawrence of Arabia.
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Contributing: Associated Press