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Top stories
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds more than 80% of Americans say rising gas prices are stressing household budgets, and a large share pins the blame on the president. The survey shows President Trump at his lowest approval rating since the start of his second term, with notable drops among several key groups. Most respondents said the economy is not working for them, and growing opposition to the war in Iran — which has contributed to higher pump prices — appears to be weighing on public opinion.
Those developments have translated into a midterm advantage for Democrats. When asked which party’s congressional candidate they would support if the election were held today, Democrats held a 10-point lead. NPR’s Domenico Montanaro reports that Democratic enthusiasm is strong, particularly among white voters with college degrees, but the party still faces challenges energizing traditional bases like younger voters and many Black and Latino voters. Democrats are currently favored to reclaim the House, but Montanaro warns there’s still significant ground to cover to turn that advantage into a guaranteed victory.
Trump’s slipping approval could be a drag for Republican candidates, especially as groups that once viewed him favorably — people earning under $50,000, white voters without college degrees and rural residents — have shifted toward disapproval. Young people and Latino voters have also moved away. Another difficulty for Republicans: motivating Trump’s core supporters to vote in midterms when he himself is not on the ballot.
Travel trends and costs
Rising jet-fuel costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East are changing travel plans. Travel advisers say many Americans are opting for cheaper domestic trips instead of flying to Europe. Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled since the Iran war began, pushing airfares up and prompting some airlines to reduce flights.
’Project Freedom’ paused
The administration announced that its operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz and deter Iranian attacks has been paused for the moment. The president said the pause reflects “great progress” toward a final deal with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the shift as a move to defensive operations: the U.S. will not launch strikes unless attacked, he said.
NPR’s Franco Ordoñez notes that while the White House emphasized progress, Rubio’s comments suggest talks are in an early stage and both sides are still determining what they are willing to negotiate. Rubio warned the U.S. and its partners must prevent Iran from normalizing control over the Strait of Hormuz but did not outline what steps would follow if Iran pushes that line.
Politics in Indiana
President Trump backed challengers to seven Indiana state senators who opposed his redistricting plan last year. Five incumbents lost, one incumbent won and one race remains undecided. NPR’s Stephen Fowler says the results underscore how firmly the president’s core supporters tend to stick with him. The contests also showed unusually competitive primaries: many incumbents received under 70% of the vote, and several races were close even when challengers had little fundraising. Fowler adds that Democratic turnout has been high in states that have already held primaries, while Republican participation hasn’t matched that intensity — a trend that, if it continues, could reshape November’s political map.
Watch this
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, played a prominent role in securing a new WNBA collective bargaining agreement that significantly raises player pay. The deal increases the league’s revenue share for players so much that the lowest-paid players in 2026 will earn more than the highest-paid player did in 2025. Collier, who criticized league management publicly last year, discussed the new contract, the season ahead and her plans in an NPR video interview with Steve Inskeep on Morning Edition. The interview is available to watch or listen to on NPR’s platforms.
Life advice: Mother’s Day ideas
Mother’s Day is this Sunday. If you’re stumped for a gift, Life Kit asked listeners for their best suggestions:
– Share a favorite comforting recipe that your mom can use again and again.
– Plan a weekend getaway that includes activities she enjoys.
– If you live far away, surprise her with a visit.
– Have young kids serve breakfast in bed or older children make a homemade meal — the effort often means more than the price tag.
For more inspiration, Life Kit offers tips from a Hallmark card writer on crafting a personal note, plus a guide to arranging supermarket flowers. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for more ideas on relationships, money and everyday life.
3 things to know before you go
1) The 2026 Tony Award nominations were announced. Two musicals, The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon!, are tied with 12 nominations each. See the full list of nominees at the Tony Awards site.
2) In Portland, Ore., a group called Food Court 5000 has turned mall walking into a retro, all-ages performance, complete with spandex, sweatbands and ’80s music.
3) The World Health Organization said hantavirus may have spread between passengers on a cruise ship off Cape Verde — an unusual event, since the virus most often transmits through contact with rodent droppings or urine.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.