Here are the main stories shaping the U.S. news agenda today.

Trump approval falls to a new low

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest of his presidency, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey comes as the administration faces mounting political and economic pressure from the war with Iran, higher energy prices and concerns about the domestic economy.

The political stakes are particularly significant with the November midterm elections approaching. Recent polling also suggests Democrats have gained an edge over Republicans on which party voters trust more to manage the economy.

Supreme Court rejects Trump’s Carroll appeal

The Supreme Court again declined to hear Trump’s appeal of a $5 million verdict in favor of writer E. Jean Carroll. A jury had found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and later defaming her. The decision leaves the judgment against the president intact.

Iran war dominates Washington

The conflict with Iran continues to drive U.S. foreign-policy and economic news. Iran has threatened to shift to a more offensive military posture and potentially disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz if diplomacy with Washington fails.

Trump has meanwhile threatened further action against Oman and said he wants greater economic pressure on Iran. The standoff is also pushing oil prices higher, raising concerns about another wave of inflation in the United States.

Pentagon scales back South Korea exercises

Trump has ordered the Pentagon to reduce the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea. The move has prompted concern among lawmakers and some security experts, who argue that reducing the drills could affect military readiness and the U.S. commitment to its South Korean ally.

Trump has linked the decision to his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying Kim has responded to his overtures.

Wall Street pulls back as oil prices rise

U.S. stocks slipped today after recently reaching record levels. The S&P 500 fell about 0.5%, while the Dow dropped 272 points and the Nasdaq declined 0.3%. Brent crude climbed above $90 a barrel as investors worried that the Iran conflict could threaten global oil supplies.

The rise in energy prices is complicating the Federal Reserve’s outlook. A Reuters poll of economists found that most now expect the Fed to leave interest rates unchanged through the end of 2026, despite continuing inflation risks.

Consumer spending shows signs of weakness

U.S. retail sales fell for the first time in nine months, adding to evidence that American consumers are becoming more cautious. The weakness comes alongside softer consumer confidence and a cooling labor market, although corporate earnings remain comparatively strong.

Hawaii recovers from Tropical Storm Lala

Tropical Storm Lala weakened after bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Hawaii without making landfall. Authorities are assessing the effects of the storm as conditions improve.

Wildfire activity also remains significant across the mainland. The National Interagency Fire Center reported 92 new fires nationwide yesterday, including four large fires, with roughly 28,700 personnel assigned to fire incidents.

White House promotes prescription-drug price cuts

The White House is highlighting what it describes as the largest prescription-drug price reduction in more than six decades. The announcement is part of the administration’s effort to emphasize healthcare affordability as a political priority.

The bigger picture

The U.S. news agenda today is dominated by the intersection of war, energy prices and domestic politics. Trump’s approval rating is at a new low as the Iran conflict raises the cost of fuel and complicates economic policy. At the same time, the Supreme Court has handed Trump another legal setback, while the administration is reshaping U.S. military commitments in Asia and preparing for a consequential midterm-election year.