Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured Poets Department’ is a double album, Israel’s airstrike in Iran and what to know about the NBA playoffs

Hello friends. Grab your binoculars: You may be able to spot a rare “devil’s comet” just after sunset on Sunday. Now for the news.

MUST KNOW

Taylor Swift releases a surprise double album

Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated album The Department of Tortured Poets was released today, and it had an overnight surprise: it’s a double album, with a total of 31 songs.

What is it about : Many fans thought the record would focus on her breakup with Joe Alwyn, but it also references her ex-fling Matty Healy and current boyfriend Travis Kelce. (People/Entertainment Weekly)

The first single: After months of teasing the album, Swift announced yesterday that she will release a music video for the song “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone, tonight at 8 p.m. ET. (Yahoo Entertainment)

What the reviews say: Early reviews called the record “bold” and “messy, sloppy and undeniably triumphant.” (Variety/Billboard)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

🌍 Israeli airstrike on Iran

Iranian and Israeli officials reportedly confirmed an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian military base this morning, which does not appear to have caused significant damage. Both countries appeared to downplay the strike. (Reuters)

⚖️ Trump’s secret trial

The final 12 jurors in Donald Trump’s secret trial were selected yesterday, with six more alternates expected to be chosen today. Opening arguments could begin Monday. (Yahoo News)

🏛️ Florida Book Banning Law

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law limiting the number of textbook objections people can make if no child has access to the materials. It scales back previous book-banning policies. (ABC News)

🚗 Google Maps EV functionality

Google announced a new update to Maps that includes a feature to help electric vehicle drivers find nearby charging stations with real-time information on charging availability and speed. (Washington Post)

🏬 The first Wayfair store

Online furniture retailer Wayfair announced it will open its first brick-and-mortar store near Chicago next month. In a move similar to that of its competitor Ikea, it will include a restaurant called Porch. (CBS News)

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

🎬 The Ministry of Anti-Gentleman War, starring Henry Cavill and Eiza González, is in theaters. (Variety)

🏀 In the NBA play-in tournament: the Bulls take on the Heat at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, while the Kings take on the Pelicans at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT. (NBC Sports)

⚾ In baseball, the Dodgers take on the Mets at 10:10 p.m. ET on Fubo. All eyes are on Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. (Yahoo Sports)

🍟 Wendy’s is giving away free fries through its app every Friday for the rest of 2024. (Delicious)

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

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1987, animator Matt Groening made his Simpsons debut in a Tracey Ullman Show short film entitled “Good night”. The famous family got their own show two years later in 1989, and the series is still on the air today. (Yahoo News)

3 QUESTIONS

…about the NBA playoffs

With the NBA Playoffs Starting this weekend, I asked writer Dan Devine, who has covered the NBA for nearly 15 years, to break down all the action.

Lily: As the regular season ends, what is your pick for Most Valuable Player?

Dan: Nikola Jokić to the Nuggets. From scoring to passing to rebounding to clutch play, I think few players have ever controlled the game more completely.

Lily: What makes this year’s playoffs worth my time?

Dan: I would say these are the oldest stars (LeBron James, Kevin Durant) trying to add to their legacy and the newcomers (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards) trying to build their own. It will be a competitive and balanced first round.

Lily: If I only have time to watch one game this weekend, what should I turn on?

Dan: Knicks-76ers. There’s nothing like the atmosphere of playoff basketball at Madison Square Garden. Also, the Knicks Jalen Brunson against Philly Joel Embiid has “David versus Goliath” vibes.

Who else should you be watching? Read Dan’s analysis of this season’s biggest stars.

MOMENT OF WELL-BEING

A group of 353 ballerinas at New York’s Plaza Hotel broke the Guinness World Record for the most number of ballerinas dancing. on pointe in a place. “It was really cool to see how we can all come together from all over the world and achieve a goal,” said one dancer. (PA)

Swifties: What do you know about Taylor? Test your knowledge. And have a good weekend!

💡 PS Before leaving, your daily advice: Do you want to reduce your risk of falls? One expert recommends taking the time to identify and repair “fall traps” at home. (Yahoo Life)

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