promoearn: Israel strikes Gaza, Hamas fires rockets in second week of war

Tuesday, May 18

A Palestinian man inspects the damage of a six-story building which was destroyed by an early morning Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. I

Israel strikes Gaza, Hamas fires rockets in second week of war

The conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on and more news to start your Tuesday.

Good morning, Daily Briefing readers. Israel unleashed more airstrikes on Gaza and Hamas fired rockets into Israel this morning. And, some good news: A new report says COVID-19 infections are down in every state.

Steve and Jane are here with Tuesday's news.

⚖ New this morning: The Supreme Court's decision to consider Mississippi's ban on abortions after 15 weeks may be the first of many such appeals on the way.

🌎 About two hours before a 4-year-old boy was found dead on a Dallas street, a man took the sleeping child from his bed, court documents say.

💰 The White House released the tax returns of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their spouses, restoring a tradition that was broken by former President Donald Trump.

⚖ Los Angeles officials said they have apprehended the person believed to have ignited the Palisades Fire, which has grown to about 1,280 acres.

🎶 Before the performances of the top nine singers kicked off Monday night, coach Nick Jonas revealed on "The Voice" he was injured in a weekend accident.

👰 Ariana Grande is a married woman! The pop star wed fiancé Dalton Gomez over the weekend in a small ceremony.

🎧 On today's 5 Things podcast, economic reporter Charisse Jones breaks down the 2021 Child Tax Credit. You can listen to the podcast every day on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your smart speaker.

Here's what's happening today:

Israel unleashes airstrikes, Hamas fires rockets

Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes on what it said were militant targets in Gaza, leveling a six-story building, and Palestinian militants fired dozens of rockets into Israel in the second week of war. The strikes toppled the Kahil building, which contains libraries and educational centers belonging to the Islamic University. Israel has vowed to press on with its operations, and the United States signaled it would not pressure the two sides for a cease-fire even as President Joe Biden "expressed his support" for one. The shift came after 29 Democratic and independent senators issued a joint statement on the issue earlier Monday.

Announcement expected in probe of North Carolina Black man shot by deputies

District Attorney Andrew Womble scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. Tuesday to discuss what the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation found in its probe of the fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr., a Black man, by sheriff's deputies outside his home on April 21. Lawyers for Brown's family said last week the video shown to his family make it clear the deputies were "unequivocally unjustified" in fatally shooting Brown , who was unarmed, as he tried to flee in his car.

What else people are reading:

🔵 Another ex-federal official is acknowledging the possible existence of UFOs, weeks before a report on the phenomena is expected to be sent to Congress.

🔴 The New York Mets' Kevin Pillar was hit in the face with a 95-mile-per-hour fastball late in Monday's game against the Atlanta Braves.

🔵 Next week, a full "supermoon" will brighten the night sky over the U.S. A total lunar eclipse is also on the way.

🔴 Kelly Kleine, Denver Broncos' new executive director of football operations, is believed to be the highest-ranking woman in scouting in the history of the NFL.

🔵 Target has dropped its mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, joining businesses including Walmart, Starbucks and Costco.

Retailer and grocery store logos

USA TODAY graphic

'Potentially life-threatening' floods, storms hammer Gulf Coast

Thunderstorms and flash flooding have slammed the Gulf Coast and they're forecast to become a larger concern in the region Tuesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency in Lake Charles, Louisiana, as some areas reported up to 12 inches of rain. A number of tornado warnings were issued in various cities and the NWS urged residents at risk to seek higher ground.

Newsmakers in their own words: Albert Pujols on joining the Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Albert Pujols

USA TODAY photo and graphic

Albert Pujols spoke to the media for the first time as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, saying he never demanded on being the Los Angeles Angels' every-day first baseman and there were "no hard feelings" between him and the team.

Pujols also picked up his first National League hit and RBI since 2011 in the Dodgers' win over Arizona.

COVID-19 infections are down in every state, report says

A report being released Tuesday will show that COVID-19 infections are down in all 50 states , President Joe Biden said. The report comes after news that the pace of new coronavirus infections fell to pre-surge levels last weekend. The U.S. reported 232,489 cases in the week ending Sunday, which is a few thousand less than what it did in the week of Sept. 12, the day before the fall surge got underway and turned into a disastrous winter. The U.S. continues to report about 600 deaths a day, roughly one-fifth the pace seen in January.

Also happening Tuesday ...

🏀 The NBA will start its play-in tournament with four Eastern Conference teams fighting for two playoff spots. Here's what you need to know about the new format.

⚾ The Los Angeles Angels are expected to get more information Tuesday about three-time MVP Mike Trout's right calf injury.

Children in Ohio can sign up for vaccination scholarships

Starting on Tuesday, 12 to 17-year-olds in Ohio who are vaccinated against COVID-19 can sign up for a drawing that would give them a full-ride public college scholarship if they win. Drawings will be held for five straight Wednesdays to select one student to receive the scholarship, which will cover tuition, room-and-board and books. The raffle is part of an effort from Gov. Mike DeWine to increase vaccinations in the state. In addition to the scholarships, the state will also give away $1 million prizes to five adults who get vaccinated.

ICYMI: Some of our top stories published Thursday

📺 'American Idol' judges weighed in on the Caleb Kennedy controversy with Luke Bryan saying it makes for a "challenging and upsetting week."

🧒 Millions of Americans with children will begin getting monthly advance payments of $250 or $300 under the 2021 Child Tax Credit.

💉 The coronavirus variant that first appeared in India has arrived in the U.S. This is what you should know.

📺 After an 18-month break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Jeopardy!" Tournament of Champions is back, the first without Alex Trebek as host.