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In the news today: Trump’s approval rating on the economy has dropped, AP-NORC polling shows; Virginia votes to redraw congressional districts in a win for Democrats; vessels attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Also, for Earth Day, a look at the possible benefits of hiking on barefoot trails.
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President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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Trump’s approval on economy falls, latest AP-NORC polling shows
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy dropped to 30% in April from 38% in March as the Iran war drove prices higher, the latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling shows. Only about a quarter of U.S. adults approve of his handling of the cost of living. Read more.
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- Trump on Tuesday dismissed the war as a “little journey” and portrayed the roughly 35% jump in oil prices as a positive compared to what he thought would happen. Only about half of Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living. Trump’s falling approval ratings could create problems for his party as it tries to defend House and Senate majorities in the midterm elections.
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Virginia voters approve redistricting plan in setback to Trump
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A constitutional amendment passed in a close vote on Tuesday will allow the use of new districts drawn by Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly. It could boost the Democrats’ chances of winning four additional U.S. House seats in November’s midterm elections. Read more.
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The referendum was a defeat for President Trump, who kicked off a national redistricting battle last year by urging Texas Republican officials to redraw districts, which led to a burst of redistricting nationwide by both parties. The goal was to help Republicans win more seats in November and hold on to a narrow House majority amid political headwinds. But the Virginia redistricting referendum could help nullify Republican gains elsewhere, including the newly redrawn districts in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio.
The Virginia vote may not be the final word. The state Supreme Court is considering whether the plan is illegal in a case that could make the referendum results meaningless.
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Attacks in Strait of Hormuz complicate diplomatic efforts to end Iran war
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Iran opened fire on multiple ships in the strait Wednesday. Iranian state television reported that some ships were in the Revolutionary Guard’s custody and being taken to Iran. Read more.
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The seizures represent an escalation by Iran’s leaders, who appear poised to drive a harder bargain with American negotiators after two other rounds of talks with the Trump administration ended in open warfare. Before the attacks, President Donald Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran, giving Tehran time to come up with a “unified proposal” ahead of possible negotiations. But the new attacks complicate efforts to resume talks between Tehran and Washington.
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This photo provided by Katherine Hunt shows her children walking barefoot in 2024 in Gutach, Germany. (Katherine Hunt via AP)
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Exploring barefoot trails for Earth Day
Millions of people around the world will pause Wednesday to mark Earth Day and reconnect with the planet. Barefoot hiking fans say one way to get closer to nature is by literally feeling the ground beneath our feet. Barefoot walking trails invite people to slow down and experience nature through sounds and sensations. The feeling of cool mud squish between toes and stepping on pine needles can transform a routine walk into an immersive experience. And walking shoeless on varied surfaces also may contribute to emotional well-being and overall foot health, according to podiatrists and barefoot enthusiasts.
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