Today's edition of quick hits:
* Of course it did: "The White House on Monday blamed Hamas for the deaths of dozens of Palestinians in clashes between protesters and the Israeli military."
* Is the reward comparable to the risks? "The U.S. has added dozens of Marines to the security details at embassies in Jordan, Israel and Turkey because of concerns about unrest linked to the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, according to five U.S. defense officials."
* SCOTUS: "The U.S. Supreme Court acted Monday to bust Nevada's monopoly on legal sports betting, allowing more states to get in on the action and reap the tax benefits."
* Their concerns are understandable: "Members from both parties are reacting skeptically to President Donald Trump's intention to help troubled Chinese telecommunications company ZTE, saying they are concerned he is reversing his pledge to get tough on Beijing."
* I think we see where this is headed: "The Senate appears to be moving full speed ahead on confirming Gina Haspel as director of the CIA. The Intelligence Committee is expected to vote to advance her nomination to the floor during a closed business meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning, and a Saturday morning announcement by Indiana Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly further reduced the suspense."
* Oklahoma: "Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday signed a controversial bill that will allow private adoption agencies to refuse some child placements based on the agencies' religious beliefs."
* Encouraging news for federal retirees: "Just a week after Office of Personnel Management Director Jeff Pon sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan requesting legislation that would cut federal employee retirement benefits, there seems to be little momentum behind the initiative."
* The TV Watcher in Chief: "In a last-ditch attempt to persuade Mr. Trump to back away from his trade approach, the National Retail Federation has enlisted Ben Stein, the comedic economist famous for his role in the 1980s film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' to offer Mr. Trump economic advice via advertisements that will air on the president's favorite TV network."
* Best wishes for a speedy recovery: "First lady Melania Trump underwent treatment for a 'benign kidney condition' Monday morning and will be hospitalized for several days, the White House said."
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.