Skip to main content

Tax Day is upon us. Are you ready?

Editors  |  Paste BN

Happy Monday, Daily Briefing readers! Today is Tax Day – are you prepared?

It’s Jane, with Monday’s news. Let’s get to it.

👑  Andrea Meza of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe in a pageant broadcast live from Hollywood in Florida.

🖥  Microsoft investigated Bill Gates before he stepped down from the firm's board in 2020, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

😷 Ricky Schroder, former "Silver Spoons" and "NYPD Blue" star, is seen confronting a Costco employee about mask mandates in a video. 

🎧 On today's 5 Things podcast, listen as the United Nations works to de-escalate violence in Israel and Gaza. You can listen to the podcast every day on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your smart speaker.

Here's what's happening today:

It's time to file your taxes

Monday is Tax Day, so if you haven’t already filed, it’s time to get moving. But don’t panic: If you're pressed for time, here’s how to file for an extension. One thing to keep in mind though: Even if you get an extension, your payment is still due at the tax filing deadline. So if you don't pay your estimated tax due by May 17, the IRS will charge you interest on the unpaid balance.

Israeli warplanes strike Gaza City as conflict enters second week

Israeli warplanes unleashed a series of heavy airstrikes at several locations of Gaza City on Monday, as fighting with the Islamic militant group Hamas continued into a second week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the attacks on Hamas, which rules Gaza, would continue. His comments came after Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 people Sunday, according to Palestinian medics. It was the deadliest single attack in the latest round of fighting between Israel and Hamas. 

Huge brush fire burning in Los Angeles forces evacuations

Firefighters on Monday continue to work towards containing a fire that forced the mandatory evacuation of about 1,000 people in the Pacific Palisades area in Southern California. The L.A. Fire Department said blaze – which started late Friday – may head northwest, threatening homes. Officials said the cause of the fire was “suspicious’’ and under investigation. Arson investigators identified one individual who was detained and released. Investigators then detained and questioned a second suspect.

Other things to read this morning: 

📚 On the 67th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, Americans have much to learn, writes Ross Wiener for Paste BN Opinion.

🔵 The coronavirus variant that first appeared in India is in the U.S. Here's what you need to know. For the latest coronavirus updates, tap here.

🎤 Grab your (golden) popcorn! The MTV Movie & TV Awards returned Sunday – and it was a jam-packed night.

🏀 In most cases throughout his NBA career, LeBron James did not want to see Stephen Curry to succeed. Now he explains why he views Curry as NBA MVP. 

Matt Gaetz associate expected to plead guilty to sex trafficking, other charges

A key witness in the scandal surrounding Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is scheduled to appear in court Monday following a plea deal with federal prosecutors. Joel Greenberg will plead guilty to six of the 33 federal charges against him, including sex trafficking a minor, and has agreed to provide "substantial assistance" in other federal investigations. The plea deal adds pressure on Gaetz, who is facing a Justice Department investigation over whether he had sex with a 17-year-old girl and paid for sex with adult women. Gaetz has denied the accusations.

Starbucks lets you drop the mask (if you're vaccinated)

Starbucks joins a host of other national restaurant chains that are easing mask requirements in the wake of new guidance last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The coffee giant said masks will be "optional for vaccinated customers beginning Monday, May 17, unless local regulations require them by law." Trader Joe's, Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco and Publix are some of the chains now allowing mask-free shopping for fully vaccinated customers except where required by state or local mandate.

ICYMI yesterday: 

📸 Miss Mexico lifts Miss Universe crown 📸

Andrea Meza beat out Miss Brazil at the end of Sunday's Miss Universe contest, screaming when the announcer shouted “Viva Mexico!” Want to see all 74 contestants? Tap here for our gallery. 

Facebook Twitter Email