What to know about Iran's attack on Israel, Trump's hush money trial begins and everything to watch for in the WNBA draft

Good morning, all. Two storm systems could bring hail, high winds and tornadoes to 40 million people in the central and eastern U.S. Use caution when traveling. Now, on to the news.

NEED TO KNOW

Iran’s attack on Israel, explained

The U.S. is working to prevent a wider war in the Middle East after Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria.

What happened: The U.S. and other allies assisted Israel by intercepting dozens of airstrikes in Iran’s first direct attack on Israel, which said 99% of the weapons were taken out without causing significant damage. [AP]

Rising tensions: Many officials in the Middle East are pushing for de-escalation, but experts say the confrontation puts the region on alert for a larger conflict. [New York Times]

U.S. response: U.S. response: President Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch a counterattack on Iran and said the U.S. wouldn’t support one. Israel hasn’t announced a decision yet. [Yahoo News]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

⚖️ Trump’s hush money trial

Donald Trump’s hush money trial is scheduled to start today in New York, where he’s fighting 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He’ll be the first former U.S. president to face criminal prosecution. [USA Today]

🚗 L.A. freeway closure

Los Angeles’s 101 freeway is scheduled to close overnight on weekdays for the next several weeks to build what L.A. county has called the world’s largest wildlife crossing. [CNN]

💤 U.S. sleep patterns

In a new Gallup poll, only 42% of Americans said they get the sleep they need, compared to 57% who said they want more. It’s a complete reversal of what Gallup found in 2013. [AP]

⛳ Masters finish

Scottie Scheffler won the Masters for the second time in three years. Tiger Woods finished last among those who made the weekend cut and posted the highest 72-hole score of his career. [Yahoo Sports]

🎵 No Doubt reunion

No Doubt reunited for the first time in nine years at Coachella. Special guest Olivia Rodrigo came out to sing “Bathwater,” a song that was released three years before she was born. [Variety]

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

💰 It’s tax day. Here’s everything to know about filing your taxes, paying your bill and getting your refund. [Yahoo Finance]

⚾ In baseball, the Marlins play the Giants at 6:40 p.m. ET on Fubo after a tough series against the Braves. [Miami Herald]

🏀 The highly anticipated WNBA draft starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. (More on that below.) [Yahoo Sports]

📺 The NCIS franchise will air its 1,000th episode at 9 p.m. ET on CBS. Fans can expect plenty of Easter eggs. [TVLine]

☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1955, Ray Kroc opened the first franchised McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Ill. Prior to that, before turning into a burger joint, the original McDonald's location was a barbecue restaurant. [Business Insider]

3 QUESTIONS

...about the WNBA draft

Caitlin Clark, who drew record-breaking audiences to the NCAA women’s tournament, turns pro in tonight’s WNBA draft. I asked WNBA reporter Cassandra Negley about what to expect.

Lily: It appears Caitlin Clark is going to be the No. 1 draft pick. Which team has its eyes on her?

Cassandra: The Indiana Fever are a few years into a rebuild plan and Clark completes it. I think they’ll be playoff contenders.

Lily: Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese are also up in tonight’s draft. Where could they end up?

Cassandra: Cardoso is a potential lottery pick, but Reese could fall down the board. Because of limited spots in the W, it’s about the fit rather than where a player is drafted.

Lily: Are there side characters that’ll make for entertaining TV tonight?

Cassandra: We all saw Caitlin Clark’s dad with the snack stash. But the real show is watching three-time national champion coach Dawn Staley and whichever South Carolina players show up.

What else could happen on draft night? Read more about the five biggest storylines.

FEEL-GOOD MOMENT

French climber Anouk Garnier broke the world rope-climbing record after scaling nearly 361 feet up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in 18 minutes. “My dream has come true. It’s magical,” she said. [CBS News]

Have a great day. See you tomorrow!

💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Verizon Wireless customers, today is the last day to apply for settlement money from the company’s class-action lawsuit. [USA Today]

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