Why Your Tax Refund Could Be Delayed This Year

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The State of the Union  President Barack Obama’s annual address has him looking out over a new Congress that’s heavily Republican. The clock is ticking on his term and Americans want results, but Obama will face political battles with much of his new agenda. Obama’s economic victories to tout were expressed to us by formerly-unemployed parents who now have jobs, health insurance and call the future “bright.”     Learn More

The Mood of America  As President Obama sets his agenda for the next year, Americans voiced their priorities in an NBC News poll, and jobs and the fight against ISIS topped the list. NBC’s Political Director Chuck Todd breaks it down, including reaction to new landmark policies.     Learn More

ISIS’ Persistent Threat  As ISIS again threatens to kill hostages, this time two Japanese captives, it seems little in the U.S.-led war against the militant group is working according to plan. A senior U.S. military official tells NBC News that 1,000 ISIS fighters are killed each month, but are then replaced with 1,500 new recruits. NBC’s Richard Engel reports on how ISIS may be gaining ground in the battle.     Learn More

Steep Climb Before Crash  Chilling new details about the last moments of AirAsia 8501 describe a sudden acceleration that sent the plane and all on board into a steep climb that “can only be done by a fighter jet,” according to Indonesia’s transport minister. It dropped off radar moments later, and new theories are emerging about what caused that climb and pushed the plane beyond its limits.     Learn More

Delayed Tax Refunds?  The new tax season could be a bigger headache than usual. With new rules to navigate and an expected customer service shortfall from a budget crunch at the I.R.S., the government agency warned that millions of calls will go unanswered and tax firms may capitalize on the confusion. Get tips for avoiding tax fraud and finding the answers you may need.     Learn More

Bridge Collapse 911 Call  A newly-released 911 call from last night’s deadly bridge collapse in Ohio gives insight into the chaotic scene, as a construction worker urges the operator to “send the cops now!” The site was set for destruction, but crashed first and crushed cars. One witness said it “felt like an earthquake.”     Learn More

Urban Coyotes  Chicago’s newest residents include roughly 2,000 coyotes who have been spotted crossing intersections, foraging for food and using Soldier Field as a home base. The wild animal more often associated with the American West is moving into virtually every metropolitan area across the country, and researchers have found a way to track and study their street smarts.     Learn More