‘Project Freedom’; Indiana primaries; Trump in polls : NPR

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Today’s best stories

More than 80% of Americans say difficulties at the pump are putting a strain on their household budget. and an overwhelming majority places the blame on the president, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. The poll finds that President Trump is facing his lowest popularity ever and experiencing significant demographic declines since he was sworn in for his second term. Most Americans said the economy wasn’t working for them. The war in Iran – which directly led to rising gas prices – is increasingly unpopular. These challenges gave Democrats a clear advantage in the midterm elections. When asked which party they would vote for if congressional elections were held today, Democrats led by 10 points.

A gas pump sits at a station in Manhattan on April 21 in New York. Most Americans say high gas prices are a strain on their household budgets, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Spencer Platt/Getty Images

• 🎧 Although Democrats have some enthusiasm, particularly among white voters with college degrees, they have difficulty with other groups in the Democratic pillar, like young voters and black and Latino voters, says NPR’s Domenico Montanaro. Currently, Democrats are the favorites to take back the House, but they have a lot of work to do to secure a victory. Trump’s low approval “can be a real burden for Republican candidates,” Montanaro says, especially when some key groups appear to be turning away. People who earn less than $50,000 a year, white men and women without college degrees, and rural voters approved of Trump soon after his inauguration. Latinos and younger voters have also moved sharply away from the president. Additionally, Republicans face the challenge of motivating Trump’s base to participate while he’s not on the ballot, Montanaro says.
• ➡️ The economy has also changed Americans’ travel plans and outlook this year. Travel advisors note that Americans are booking cheaper domestic trips rather than outbound trips to Europe. Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled since the start of the war in Iran, increasing airfares and prompting some airlines to cut flights.

Trump administration affirms efforts to remove ships from Strait of Hormuz and protecting them from Iranian attacks is over for now. Last night, the president said the operation he calls “Project Freedom” had been suspended because of “great progress” toward a final deal with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said that the United States is now focused only on defensive operations, meaning that unless it gets shot, it will not attack Iran.

• 🎧 Even though the president praised the progress of the negotiationsRubio’s message yesterday afternoon suggested that the United States and Iran were early in the process, NPR’s Franco Ordoñez said. First. Rubio said the two sides were still trying to determine the specific issues they were willing to negotiate on. He also said the United States and the international community must not allow Iran to normalize the idea that it can control the Strait of Hormuz, but he did not specify what actions would take place otherwise.

Trump was largely successful in punishing Indiana lawmakers who opposed his redistricting plan last year. The president supported challengers facing seven incumbent state senators. Five of the seven incumbents lost their races, some by landslide. One senator won his race and the other is in a race still too close to call.

• 🎧 Trump’s success in Indiana is another example of how nothing will change his base’s opinion about him, says NPR’s Stephen Fowler. Aside from Indiana State Senate races, it is generally difficult to unseat an incumbent president. This remained true for members of the U.S. House of Representatives during the vote. But almost every incumbent facing a primary challenger in Indiana received less than 70% of the vote, according to Fowler. An incumbent president who raised 100 times more than his opponent barely won his race. Another faced a tight race against an opponent who has never filed a fundraising report. The results suggest voters are showing a desire for change, Fowler says. He adds that Democratic turnout has increased so far in states that have held primaries, while Republican turnout hasn’t been as impressive. If the trend continues through the November midterms, the country could have a different political face next year.

Look at this

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier is known not only for her skills on the court, but also for her negotiation skills. The professional basketball player got a new contract that increased the players’ share of WNBA revenue. The contracts have multiplied salaries so much that the lowest-paid players in 2026 will be paid more than the highest-paid players in 2025. Collier, vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, publicly criticized league management last year. She said her statement was necessary before contract negotiations. In an NPR video interview with Morning editionFrom Steve Inskeep, Collier discussed the new WNBA contract, the upcoming season and her future in basketball. Listen to the interview or watch it on YouTube.

Life advice

A scene from The Lost Boys

Matthew Murphy/Polk & Co.

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Matthew Murphy/Polk & Co.

Mother’s Day is Sunday and finding the perfect gift for the moms and mother figures in your life can be a challenge. If you draw a blank, don’t worry. Life kitListeners shared the best gift they ever received for the holidays. Check out some of their favorite ideas:

• 🎁 Share your favorite comforting recipe. It’s something that can be used over and over again.
• 🎁 Plan a weekend getaway, especially one that allows moms to enjoy an activity or hobby that their kids love too.
• 🎁 If you’ve left the nest, try surprising your mom with a visit. It might bring unexpected joy to her day.
• 🎁 Help younger children serve breakfast in bed or have older children take it upon themselves to prepare something they know their mother would love. The effort of a home-cooked meal can go a long way in showing some appreciation to the mom in your life.

Want more ideas? Get tips from a Hallmark card writer on how to write a personal letter to your mother. Then try this guide and arrange supermarket flowers like a pro to accompany your card. Subscribe to Life kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.

3 things to know before you leave

1. The nominations for the 2026 Tony Awards were announced yesterday. Two musicals, The Lost Boys And Schmigadoon!are tied for 12 each. Check out all the nominees here.
2. In Portland, Oregon, an all-ages group called Food Court 5000 is turning mall walking into performance art. Dressed in retro spandex and sweatbands, they turned their weekly walk into a fun parade to the sounds of ’80s music.
3. The hantavirus may have spread from one passenger to another on a cruise ship anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organization. This is a rare occurrence because the virus is usually spread through exposure to rodent urine, feces, or saliva.

This newsletter was published by Suzanne Nuyen.