Blue Origin's historic spaceflight draws criticism, White House freezes $2.2B in Harvard funding, Bueckers joins the Dallas Wings
Good morning, all. It's tax day today. Don't worry if you haven't prepared: We've got you covered below. But first, the news.
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NEED TO KNOW
Blue Origin via AP
Historic spaceflight draws criticism
Blue Origin, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's space tourism company, completed its 11th human spaceflight yesterday with a historic all-female crew. Though it was successful, the trip sparked controversy.
Spaceflight: Within 11 minutes, the rocket traveled past the Kármán line — the threshold of space 62 miles above sea level — where CBS host Gayle King, singer Katy Perry, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe and others experienced weightlessness, and then returned to Earth. [CBS News]
Crew reactions: King, who admitted she was 'so afraid' before liftoff, said looking at Earth from space was a 'reminder about how we need to do better, be better.' She and Perry both kissed the ground after landing. [USA Today/Entertainment Weekly]
Criticism: The crew drew criticism from other celebrities after a joint interview in which they said they'd be getting 'glammed up' for the flight, with some questioning the need for the mission. See some of the jokes and memes. [Yahoo News/TheWrap]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT🏛️ Bukele-Trump meeting
During a meeting with President Trump, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said he didn't plan to return a wrongfully deported Maryland man back to the U.S. The Supreme Court last week ordered Trump to facilitate his return. [USA Today]
➡️ New abortion study
A new study found that despite abortion bans in over a dozen states, total abortions between 2023 and 2024 continued to rise — albeit slightly — while the number of people crossing state lines to obtain them dropped. [AP]
🎓 Harvard funding
The Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard University after the school rejected a series of terms, including ending its DEI programs. Harvard said the demands went 'beyond the power of the federal government.' [ABC News]
🏀 Bueckers gets her Wings
UConn national champion Paige Bueckers was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in the WNBA draft last night. 'To be here right now, I'm just extremely blessed,' she said. Check out the evening's other major moments. [Yahoo Sports]
🧙♂️ Accio, 'Harry Potter' cast
After over a year of speculation, HBO revealed a few of the famous faces who will join the main cast of the upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation. See who will play Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Hagrid and more. [Entertainment Weekly]
WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY
📺 New Netflix drop: The Glass Dome, a Scandinavian crime drama about a criminologist who travels back to the town where she was held captive as a child, is now streaming. [Mashable]
⚾ On the field, the Nationals will try to break their three-game road losing streak against the Pirates at 6:40 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [AP]
🏒 On the ice, the Maple Leafs bring their effective but 'boring hockey' to Buffalo in a matchup against the Sabres at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. [Hockey News]
🏀 On the court, the Hawks play the Magic and the Grizzlies face the Warriors in the NBA play-in tournament, starting at at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. [Yahoo Sports]
☀️ And don't forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Tim Boyle/Newsmakers via Getty Images
In 1955, American entrepreneur Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois. Just three years later, McDonald's locations had already reportedly sold 100 million burgers. [Insider]
3 QUESTIONS...
about filing your taxes
It's officially tax day. Whether you still need to file or are wondering how to put your refund to use, Yahoo personal finance editor Molly Moorhead has tips.
Jessica: What happens if someone misses today's filing deadline?
Molly: There's a financial penalty for not filing your return on time, and it's worse than the one for not paying on time. So even if you have a bill you can't afford, try to file your return today. If you can't, I'd suggest requesting an extension.
Jessica: Are there any people for whom today's deadline doesn't apply?
Molly: If you're in a federally declared disaster area, the IRS may have automatically given you an extension. Residents affected by wildfires in California last year, for example, have until Oct. 15. Here's the list of extensions.
Jessica: For people who've already received their refund, what's a good way to spend it?
Molly: Paying off high-interest debt, like a credit card, or beefing up your emergency fund are both really smart ways to use your refund. But if you're pretty squared away financially, enjoy your windfall! A weekend getaway or other experience gift is my favorite way to reward myself.
Tax day deals: Here's where to get food deals at Krispy Kreme, Shake Shack, Burger King and more.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Ashley Gardner
Ashley Gardner and her husband, Matthew, have taken a photo of themselves eating cake on their anniversary every year since their wedding day. Now, 11 years and four children later, the pictures tell a whole new story. 'It's been a fun way to document our lives,' Ashley said. [People]
Have a great day! See you tomorrow.
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Need a quick and healthy weeknight meal? Try these tips for finding something nutritious in the freezer aisle. [Yahoo Life]
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