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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.

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

POLITICS

Trump’s approval on economy falls, latest AP-NORC polling shows

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.

Why this matters:

• 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.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• Iran war could make everyday products more expensive
  
  
• Trump raises prospect of federal support or merger as Spirit Airlines struggles with costs and debt
  
  
• Trump media company replaces CEO after stock plunge that wiped out billions of dollars
  
  
• Justice Department withdraws subpoenas in John Brennan investigation, AP sources say
  
  
• ICE detains the spouse of sergeant in Texas as military family leniency wanes 
  
  
• Republicans launch a new effort to fund the Department of Homeland Security
  
  
• Appeals court keeps ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ open, rejecting need for federal environmental review 
  
  
• Supreme Court seems wary of limiting federal regulators’ power in a data privacy case 
  
  
• Federal judge strikes down some Trump administration actions that have slowed clean energy projects

POLITICS

Virginia voters approve redistricting plan in setback to Trump

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.

Why this matters:

• 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.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• How these results affect the bigger battle for control of Congress
  
  
• Virginia congressional redistricting question special election results 

WORLD NEWS

Attacks in Strait of Hormuz complicate diplomatic efforts to end Iran war

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.

Why this matters:

• 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.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤

• US forces board a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, the Pentagon says 
  
  
• Iranians have long sought work and relative stability in Turkey. The war could force some to return

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