AP - President Barack Obama declared on tax-filing day that he aims to take the dread out of deadline day. Obama said at a White House event Wednesday that he's working toward "a simpler tax code that rewards work and the pursuit of the American dream."

AP - A pirate gang that staged an abortive attack on a second U.S. ship loaded with food aid said Wednesday they were singling out American vessels and would kill their crews. French forces detained 11 other hijackers in a high-seas raid.

AP - Protesters began gathering at state Capitols and in neighborhoods and town squares across the country Wednesday to kick off a series of tax-day protests designed to echo the rebellion of the Boston Tea Party. Demonstrators said they're steamed about government spending since President Barack Obama took office.