Keeping up with America

US soldier detained in Russia after accusation of stealing: An American soldier was arrested and is being held in Russia on charges of stealing, US officials confirmed Monday.

In a high-stakes test, Boeing will launch NASA astronauts to space for the first time: After years of delays and setbacks, Boeing plans to launch two veteran astronauts to the International Space Station aboard its Starliner spacecraft Monday night.

140,000 people did their taxes with the free IRS direct file pilot. But program’s future is unclear: The IRS said Friday that more than 140,000 taxpayers filed their taxes through its new direct file pilot program and participants saved roughly $5.6 million in fees they would have otherwise spent with commercial tax preparation companies.

Nearly 10 million people in central US under threat of severe weather, agency warns: National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued a rare high risk for central Oklahoma and southern Kansas.

Hamas says it approves of Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, but Israel says plan has "significant gaps": Hamas said it approved of a cease-fire proposal presented by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel's response was that what Hamas agreed to is "far from meeting Israel's core demands."

Around the World

Macron puts trade and Ukraine as top priorities as China’s Xi opens European visit in France: French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday that focused on trade disputes — including lifting immediate tariff threats on Cognac exports — and Ukraine-related diplomatic efforts.

Flooding death toll in south Brazil rises to 75 as over 100 people remain missing: Officials in Rio Grande do Sul state say more than 80,000 have been displaced by record water levels.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

The real reason retailers are replacing staff with AI bots is not because they're cheaper, but for customer data

Do money managers still see tech as the most attractive sector?

Got an Idea for a Toy? Toymakers Want to Hear From You

Richer, Wiser, Happier

5 steps to power up your finances in 2024: Now's a good time to fine-tune your goals and plans.

Mom's The Word: Mother's Day Gift Ideas That Won't Break The Bank | Sarah Pierce, Her Money. Mom’s big day is just around the corner and for many, it can be a challenge to get her something she actually wants (hint: it’s not a vacuum, or anything related to cleaning for that matter). There is no shortage of Mother’s Day gift ideas, but for any money-savvy person, the goal is to find something that says “thank you” to the mother figure in your life, and at the same time, doesn’t bust your budget.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Knicks vs. Pacers Game 2 prediction: NBA playoffs odds, picks, bets for Wednesday | Former NFL receiver Devin Funchess now is playing pro basketball

Faye Dunaway was afraid to film 'Mommie Dearest' wire hangers scene — so 'desperate director' made this 1 change | Delaware's film commission launches program to fund local filmmaking

50 Cent sues ex for defamation following rape allegations | ITV First-Quarter Ad Revenue Rises, Studios Unit Posts 16 Percent Drop on Hollywood Strikes Impact

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Your iPhone Can Help You Find Titles on Your Bookshelf

National Exercise Day 2024: Tips to crush your physical activity goals

Stories of Finding Your True Self: May Book Recommendations

5 Longevity Tips From The Oldest Living Japanese American Person