“His net approval fell 10 points to -18, the lowest ever measured over the president’s two terms.”

“Net approval by Democrats and independents also hit record lows, but the decline from Republicans stood out. It dropped 17 points to the lowest level since 2017, paced by a 9-point increase in disapproval and an 8-point drop in approval to 82%.”

“About half of Iran’s stockpile of ballistic missiles and its associated launch systems were still intact as of the start of the ceasefire in early April.”

“Roughly 60% of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is still in existence.”

“That much was clear Wednesday when administration officials facing lawmakers declined to put a timetable on when the war in Iran would end and the ensuing rise in energy prices would ease, instead offering vague assurances of their track record in lowering prices.”

“But the window for such an action to come in time to impact this year’s midterms has all but closed. Even if a decision in Louisiana v. Callais came on the next decision day, two Southern states have already held primaries, and the candidate filing deadline in every state but Florida has passed.”

“Could those state legislatures call special sessions, redraw maps, reopen filing periods, push back primaries and ultimately give the GOP a slight edge in the redistricting wars? In some cases, yes. But the havoc that would create for voters, election workers, campaigns and lawmakers would be difficult to justify.”

“For voters still deciding whom to support in the nonpartisan June primary, the debate shed light on the candidates’ positions on taxes and homelessness, but did not provide a breakout moment for any of them.”

CNN: Candidates face off in first debate.

“The missiles and bombs that the U.S. and Israel rained down on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory salvos might have stopped with President Trump’s indefinite extension of a cease-fire. But the battle for control of the strait, one of the most important conduits of global commerce, is raging, leaving commodity traders on edge and helping push international oil prices above $100 a barrel on Wednesday.”

New York Times: Iran has stranglehold over strait even after ceasefire.

“What began as an effort to create more GOP-controlled seats — and avoid a Democratic takeover that would weaken President Trump — now could be a wash, or even add to Democrats’ edge.”

Wall Street Journal: “Republicans are increasingly worried that a battle President Trump started last summer to redraw congressional district lines has backfired and may hand more seats to Democrats.”

New York Times: With GOP in dismay, redistricting fight turns to Florida and the courtroom.

For members: Redistricting Fight Leaves Republicans Exposed

“The House Majority PAC outlined its plans Thursday to spend substantially in media markets from Miami to Phoenix to Philadelphia, where the most competitive races will determine whether President Trump keeps his Republican majority. Democrats are attempting to seize upon Trump’s slumping job approval ratings and public dissatisfaction over inflation and the economy.”

“The ad spending plan offers a road map to Democrats’ strategy for retaking the House and their top targets six months before the midterms—along with spending plans in areas that typically lean Republican.”

Politico: “If you’re a Cabinet official thinking of pursuing a new professional opportunity, Senate Republicans have a request: Now’s the time to call it quits.”

“This is CLF’s largest-ever initial reservation. It will span 38 media markets across broadcast, cable, streaming and digital.”

“The planned reservations sketch out a roadmap of how top House Republicans see the House battleground with 194 days to go until Election Day. Which incumbents need the most protection? Which Democratic targets are the easiest to knock out?”

“The biggest spends: $13.9 million in South Texas; $20.4 million in Michigan; $18.6 million in New York City; and $12.6 million in Central California.”

“With just six months until the midterms, Republicans see Florida as their last major chance to make gains in the redistricting war President Donald Trump launched last summer. They hope to pick up as many as three seats in the Sunshine State, which would give Republicans back their slight advantage from redistricting, though much smaller than they’d once hoped.”

“With Tuesday’s referendum passing in Virginia, Democrats are estimated to have drawn 10 seats in their favor nationwide compared to the Republicans’ nine.”

“A scion of one of the state’s most storied political dynasties, Kean’s team says the two-term congressmember is facing unspecified health issues. The New Jersey Republican hasn’t voted since March 5 and has missed almost 50 roll call votes.”

A Pentagon spokesman did not provide an explanation for Phelan’s sudden departure, which comes as the U.S. Navy enforces a high-stakes blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.