Tax Day is here, Israel-Hamas conflict, Palisades Fire: 5 things to know Monday

Editors
·4 min read
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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.

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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, and said that Israel wanted to "levy a heavy price" on the group. 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. The militant group also pressed on, launching rockets from civilian areas in Gaza toward civilian areas in Israel. The conflict is the worst Israeli-Palestinian violence since a 50-day war in Gaza in 2014.

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 Sunday morning that warming weather and afternoon winds may push the blaze – which started late Friday — northwest, threatening homes, as it rips through dense mountain vegetation that “is very dry and has not burned in 50 plus years.’’ 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, according to a statement from fire department to the Associated Press.

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. Other retailers, including Apple, Target, CVS and Walgreens, say they are still evaluating the CDC guidance.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tax Day, Israel-Hamas conflict, Palisades Fire: 5 things to know Monday