promoearn: Tax Day is upon us. Are you ready?

Monday, May 17, 2021

Tax Day is upon us. Are you ready?

Monday, May 17

Each year, Americans dread April 15 -- Tax Day. However, the IRS announced in March that American taxpayers would have an extra month to file their federal income taxes, pushing Tax Day to May 17 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, state filings will still proceed as planned in most places. In 2019, […]

The deadline to file taxes is here, a wildfire rages in Los Angeles and more news to start your Monday.

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.

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:

•	What's it like to travel to Costa Rica right now? In some parts, blissfully quiet
•	'SNL': Kate McKinnon's Dr. Fauci, CDC's theater troupe struggle to explain new mask rules
•	Black homeowner had a white friend stand in for third appraisal. Her home value doubled
•	'It's just terrifying': 4-year-old boy found dead on Dallas street, police say; suspect arrested

📸 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.

Andrea Meza, Miss Universe Mexico 2020 is crowned Miss Universe at the conclusion of the 69th Miss Universe Competition® on May 16, 2021 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The new winner will move to New York City where she will live during her reign and become a spokesperson for various causes alongside The Miss Universe Organization.

Benjamin Askinas