The U.S. government is phasing out paper checks for most programs. The change starts Tuesday and affects recipients of benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds. Nearly 400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients still rely on paper checks. The director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says many of these people lack access to digital services. President Donald Trump's Republican administration says electronic payments and collections will speed up processing and cut costs. The Social Security Administration says it will continue issuing paper checks if a beneficiary "has no other means to receive payment."

A new poll shows most Americans see child care costs as a major issue, and majorities support the federal government offering free or low-cost day care and requiring employers to provide paid family leave. But a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows opinions differ on how to address the problem of child care and the government's role. About two-thirds back free day care and employer-paid leave, but only half prioritize federal action. Lawmakers have expanded child tax credits and benefits, but debates continue over funding and the best approach to support families.

In the coming days, the U.S. military in the eastern Mediterranean is expected to jab one end of a hulking metal dock into a beach in northern Gaza. And that may be the end of the easy part for the Biden administration's $320 million effort to open a sea route to get humanitarian aid into Gaza. Relief groups point to dangers and uncertainties ahead for aid delivery teams as fighting surges. They say Israel hasn't improved the humanitarian access and safety promised after an Israeli attack killed a team with World Central Kitchen. The Israeli prime minister's office says it had enabled the entrance of thousands of aid trucks into Gaza and would continue to do so.