Special Series Up First Newsletter All Up First Stories Up First Podcast Morning Edition LISTEN & FOLLOW NPR App Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music RSS link Sign up for the [TITLE] Newsletter Get perks with [Podcast Title]+ Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed.
By
Brittney Melton
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
More than 80% of Americans say pain at the pump is straining their household budgets and a striking majority blames the president, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. The poll found that President Trump faces his lowest popularity ever and is experiencing major declines with key demographics since being sworn in for his second term. Most Americans said the economy isn't working for them. The war in Iran — which has directly led to higher gas prices — is increasingly unpopular. Those challenges have given Democrats a distinct advantage in the midterm elections. When asked which party's candidate they'd vote for if congressional elections took place today, Democrats led by 10 points.
A gas pump stands at a station in Manhattan on April 21 in New York City. Most Americans say that high gas prices are straining their household budget, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. Spencer Platt/Getty Images hide caption
The Trump administration says its effort to get ships out of the Strait of Hormuz and protect them from Iranian attacks is over for now. Last night, the president said the operation he calls "Project Freedom" was paused due to "great progress" toward a final agreement with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said that the U.S. is now only focused on defensive operations, meaning that unless the U.S. is shot at, it will not attack Iran.
Trump largely succeeded in punishing the Indiana lawmakers who opposed his redistricting plan last year. The president backed challengers going against seven incumbent state senators. Five of the seven incumbents lost their races, some by a landslide. One senator won their race, and the other is in a race still too close to call.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier is known not only for her skills on the court but also for her negotiating abilities. The pro basketball player secured a new contract that increased players' share of WNBA revenues. The contracts multiplied salaries so much so that the lowest-paid players in 2026 will be paid more than the highest-paid one in 2025. Collier, vice president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association, publicly critiqued league management last year. She said her statement was necessary before contract negotiations. In an NPR video interview with Morning Edition's 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.
A scene from The Lost Boys Matthew Murphy/Polk & Co. hide caption
Mother's Day is Sunday, and finding the perfect gift for the moms and mother figures in your life can be challenging. If you're drawing a blank, don't fret. Life Kit's listeners shared the best gift they've ever received for the holiday. Check out some of their favorite ideas:
Want more ideas? Get tips from a Hallmark card writer on how to write a personal letter to your mom. Then, try this guide and arrange supermarket flowers like a pro to go with your card. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
Maxim Basinski/Getty The 2026 Tony Award nominations were announced yesterday. Two musicals, The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon!, are tied for 12 each. Check out all the nominees here.In Portland, Ore., an all-ages group called the Food Court 5000 is turning mall walking into performance art. Dressed in retro spandex and sweatbands, they have altered their weekly stroll into a fun parade with '80s music blasting.Hantavirus may have spread from passenger to passenger on a cruise ship anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organization. It's a rare occurance, as, the virus typically spreads through exposure to rodent urine, feces or saliva. This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Sponsor Message
Become an NPR sponsor