This year’s average tax refund amount is higher so far than last year, IRS says

The Internal Revenue Service is reporting the average tax refund – at least so far in the 2022 filing season – is up over last year. Data shows the IRS has processed 61.9 million returns and issued 45.3 million refunds worth some $151.93 billion. The average refund so far this year was $3,351, up 13%, or $385, over last year’s average of $2,967. The average amount will likely change in the coming weeks, the IRS noted, as the April 18 tax deadline approaches. Most tax returns – some 61.6 million - were filed electronically. Of all the refunds, 43.95 million were issued via direct deposit. The agency said most refunds are issued within 21 days though the IRS has warned there could be substantial delays this year due to backlogged returns and personnel shortages.

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Isolation, pressure and substance use: Children and teens facing ‘mental health tsunami,’ experts say

The isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of mounting societal pressures and substance use issues, has created a surge in mental health challenges like stress, anxiety and depression for today’s kids and teens, experts say. “This is a mental health tsunami,” Dr. Lisa Lowery, section chief of adolescent and young adult medicine at Spectrum Health, told the audience. “I’ve been doing this over 17 years now, and the number of mental health crises, increase in eating disorders, increase in suicidal ideation, I’ve never seen anything like it before. And it is so complicated and complex, whether it’s, ‘I don’t want to go back to school,’ ‘I’m trying to balance COVID,’ ‘I’m trying to balance all the societal pressures.’”

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►WATCH: Teens discuss mental health during State of the Child Panel Conversation
►Veteran teacher trying to inspire young educators as Michigan loses teachers

Michigan edges South Dakota in Sweet 16 thriller

Michigan and South Dakota’s head coaches expected a physical, defensive battle heading the Sweet 16 matchup. That’s exactly what they got. Both teams traded punches all game, but it was the third-seeded Wolverines who delivered the knockout blow in the final minute for a 52-49 victory at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kanas. Michigan advances to its first Elite Eight and will face No. 1 seed Louisville – a 76-64 winner over No. 4 seed Tennessee. READ MORE

►First look at Louisville, Michigan’s Elite Eight opponent
►Michigan’s DeVante’ Jones declares for NBA draft

►Tigers make 6 more cuts, including veteran lefty, rookie infielder

One Michigan spot topped 300 inches of snow, see winter’s snow totals so far

The northwest part of the Upper Peninsula has just inched over 25 feet of snow this winter. The Keweenaw County Road Commission records daily snowfall, and they announced on their Facebook page this winter’s snowfall is now at 300.5 inches of snow. Across southern Lower Michigan, including the Lake Michigan snowbelt areas, snowfall is mostly below average. Just a swath from Lansing to Flint has recorded above normal snowfall. We typically see another 5 to 10 inches of snow across northern Michigan in April. Southern Lower can still have a couple inches of snow, unless we get a big April snowstorm, it has happened in the past. READ MORE

►Like discussing weather? Join our Michigan Weather group on Facebook

Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Big Shawn’s Cheesesteaks serves up ‘authentic Philadelphia flavors’

Shawn Whiting is like a coach picking that starting lineup when pulling together her menu of authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks made fresh daily, giving a few the names of a sports team, player or term. Whiting, founder and CEO of Big Shawn’s Cheesesteaks, located at 4319 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Suite H in Grand Rapids, promotes the eatery that opened in 2020 as the “Home of the ‘Original Philly.’” With each of the cheesesteaks, customers can have an option between fresh chicken or steak.

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►Flushing Candy Co. provides allergy friendly treats, rolled ice cream

►Find mini-macarons, chocolate eclairs at The Great Commoner

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