Civilians evacuated from Mariupol steel plant; Pelosi meets Polish president

To ensure delivery to your inbox add email@mail.nbcnews.com to your contacts Today's Top Stories from NBC News Monday, May 2, 2022 Good morning, NBC News readers.     After weeks of failed attempts, civilians are being evacuated from the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol while Nancy Pelosi meets Poland's president after a surprise visit to Kyiv over the weekend. Also in the news, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis eyes a big win that could act as a springboard to the White House. Plus, 'earthships' are being rediscovered by a new generation. Here's what we're watching this Monday morning. Civilians evacuated from Mariupol steel plant as Pelosi meets Poland's president Civilians are finally being evacuated from the bombed-out steel plant where hundreds have been sheltering in the last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol, the key city that is otherwise under Russian control after months of siege. The rescue operation in the southeastern port comes after weeks of failed efforts, with Russian forces bombarding the city as they battle to make progress in their new offensive in the region. The United States and its allies have stepped up their military support for Kyiv, with the surprise weekend trip to the Ukrainian capital by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic lawmakers the latest signal of growing Western backing. Pelosi met with Poland's president on Monday, while First Lady Jill Biden is set to travel to NATO members Romania and Slovakia this week to meet with families who have fled the war.   Follow our live blog and NBC News Now for all the latest developments. Read more of our in-depth coverage: Pelosi led a congressional delegation to meet with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and vowed U.S. support for Ukraine 'until the fight is done'. A dance instructor risked his life to become an escape driver helping others flee the besieged city of Mariupol Lviv, a major city near Ukraine's western border with Poland, is building a new future as thousands fleeing war find permanent refuge there.  Emboldened by Putin's struggles in Ukraine, the West dives into a deeper clash with Russia. Monday's Top Stories They're banned from Olympic sports. Why are they coaching children? At least 20 people appear to be working with kids after they were accused of abuse and barred from participating in Olympic-affiliated events, NBC News found. READ MORE DeSantis eyes big Florida win in November as a White House springboard Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won't say whether he'll run for president, but he's starting to acknowledge that his road to the White House might hinge on a big re-election win this year. READ MORE Is a recession on the way? What data says about the economy Experts are working to digest a host of mixed signals about the state of the economy, which emerged from a pandemic recession stronger than anyone could have believed. READ MORE Naomi Judd struggled with severe depression. It led her to advocate for others with mental health issues. Judd, who died Saturday, said she spent a lifetime battling severe, treatment-resistant depression. After The Judds' "Last Encore" tour ended in 2012, things got worse. On Sunday, The Judds were inducted into the Country Hall of Fame.  READ MORE Also in the News Days before testimony against Johnny Depp, Amber Heard fires PR team Far from home, Covid-positive and fired, Hong Kong domestic workers face uncertainty Remains in Texas ID'd as those of missing girlfriend of ex-NFL player Kevin Ware U.S. marshals offering $10,000 for missing Alabama inmate and officer  Sea urchins are mysteriously dying off across the Caribbean, scientists say Alabama woman killed by pack of dogs; owner charged with manslaughter Editor's Pick Father of Navy sailor who died by suicide says son expressed frustrations about work conditions Fresh out of high school, Xavier Hunter Sandor radiated with pride as he enlisted in the Navy in August. But Sandor became the third sailor on the USS George Washington to die by suicide in the span of a week last month after enduring nearly uninhabitable conditions, working 12-hour shifts and sleeping in his car, his father said. READ MORE Select Check out the best whitening toothpastes that are ADA-accepted.   One Fun Thing  'Earthship' homes made from old cans, bottles and tires are being rediscovered Old tires, crumpled cans and empty wine bottles piling up at construction sites across the desert are becoming the building blocks for new, hypersustainable homes.   Tires and cans are stacked into towers and embedded in cement to create a structure's foundation, while multicolored bottles create the appearance of stained glass on the walls.   Structures built out of recycled materials have been around since the 1970s but are getting a second look as people seek ways to live off the grid amid climate disasters.   Read the full story here.   Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: annie.hill@nbcuni.com. If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Annie Hill FOLLOW US Want to receive NBC Breaking News and Special Alerts in your inbox? SIGN UP HERE Check out all of NBC Newsletters here. Get the NBC News Mobile App 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 View in browser | Unsubscribe | Manage Subscription | Contact | Privacy