NPR is reporting that President Donald J Trump is scheduled to have lunch today with Senate Republicans amid growing tensions within his party. It said four Senate Republicans joined Democrats last night to advance a non-binding war powers resolution calling for the president to withdraw troops from the conflict with Iran. NPR noted that Trump has recently undermined Senate Republicans' legislative plans and expressed frustration online. The conflict largely stems from the president's push for a strict voter ID law, the SAVE America Act, which lacks sufficient votes in the Senate. NPR's Sam Gringlas tells Up First that Trump's continued focus on "stolen elections" and targeting of incumbents he perceives as disloyal, such as Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, concerns some Republicans that he is undermining their agenda.
Congress last night passed the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, the largest housing bill in decades. NPR said the measure passed the House 358 to 32 and the Senate with similar overwhelming bipartisan support, now heading to President Trump's desk for his signature. The bill aims to address the U.S.'s housing shortage, which Realtor.com estimated was over 4 million units last year. NPR's Stephan Bisaha highlighted that a key part of the bill bans corporate investors from purchasing large numbers of single-family homes, limiting them to 350 units. It said Trump and lawmakers like Sen. Elizabeth Warren have criticized private equity firms for driving up housing prices with cash offers. The legislation also seeks to streamline federal housing regulations and encourages local governments to reform their own housing rules, though Bisaha noted it will take time for Americans to feel the effects due to ongoing challenges like mortgage rates and land costs.
In New York, last night's primary election marked a significant success for Mayor Zohran Mamdani's political movement, NPR is reporting. It said all three congressional candidates endorsed by Mamdani won their races, representing a major victory for the left and a blow to establishment Democrats. Mamdani backed candidates who openly criticized Israel and advocated for ambitious economic policies. Reporter Steve Kastenbaum said Mamdani and his supporters believe these victories will energize young voters and increase turnout, with their anti-corporation, anti-billionaire, and affordability message resonating broadly. However, centrist Democrats are concerned that a shift further left could hinder efforts to flip seats in swing districts and win over moderate Republicans.
Separately, NPR's "Living Better" series is exploring the gut microbiome, noting that while public awareness of its role in well-being has grown, much advice and many products lack evidence. It said gut researchers emphasize there isn't a single metric for gut health, as its makeup varies significantly among healthy individuals due to factors like geography, lifestyle, diet, and genetics. While industrialized societies' factors like widespread antibiotic use and diets low in fiber have impacted gut health, reverting to an "earlier model" isn't necessarily better. Experts recommend increasing fiber intake through nuts, fruits, and vegetables as the most effective way to enhance the gut microbiome.
For skin care, NPR's "Life Kit" consulted experts who identified essential products for healthy, attractive skin. They stressed the importance of topical support for the skin's protective barrier. Recommended products include a gentle, mild, fragrance-free cleanser with hydrating ingredients; a moisturizer tailored to specific skin needs (dry, oily, combination, or sensitive); and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, to be reapplied every two hours when outdoors.