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| Good morning. It’s Thursday, April 2, and airlines are charging more and more for checked bags. Bookmark these packing hacks to save money next time you fly. Now let’s catch up.  | President Donald Trump defended his increasingly unpopular war last night. | - In his address: Trump said military activity in Iran was “nearing completion.” But he added that, in the next few weeks, U.S. strikes will bring Iran “back to the stone ages.”
- Behind the scenes: The military has briefed Trump on a complex plan to seize uranium from Iran. The proposal, which came at Trump’s request, would carry significant risks.
- As the war continues: A fuel crisis is sparking panic and violence across Asia.
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 | The Supreme Court appeared skeptical of Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. | - In more than two hours of arguments: Justices seemed poised to uphold the principle that almost everyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen. A decision is expected by June or July.
- Trump watched from the public gallery: He played the unusual role of silent observer. His mere presence signaled how important he deems his birthright citizenship order.
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 |  | A panel reviewing Trump’s ballroom changed an FAQ at the White House’s request. | | | Construction work on the ballroom project was quiet yesterday following a judge’s order. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) | - Today: An independent planning commission will vote on the ballroom. Records show that the panel softened a document about the project after a White House staffer intervened.
- The ballroom’s future is uncertain: A judge said this week that Trump needs approval from Congress. But he isn’t inclined to seek it and many lawmakers aren’t keen to give it.
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 | Republicans have a new plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. | | |
 | Heavy users of social media believe less in democracy, a new poll found. | - Key findings: People who spend at least five hours a day on social media are more likely to feel heard, but are also more open to political violence and less supportive of democracy.
- However: Experts aren’t sure whether social media is the cause or effect of those views.
- Too much time online can affect your mind: Find ways to fight “brain rot” here.
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 | Flowers and leaves are emerging early in large parts of the country. | | | Leaves have emerged two to four weeks earlier than normal in many central and western states. (The Washington Post) | - Why? Temperatures were a whopping 7 degrees above average across the U.S. in March, and plants are taking notice. Look up your city here to see whether spring has arrived.
- Do you have a favorite tree? Most people do, research shows, and some experts say there can be a lot of benefits to befriending trees in your yard or along your commute.
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 | Four astronauts set out on a historic journey to the moon. | | | The mission is a crucial first chapter for an ambitious program to eventually return people to the lunar surface. (Joe Skipper/Reuters) | - Liftoff: NASA’s Artemis II yesterday embarked on a 10-day mission to loop around the moon and travel farther into space than humans have ever gone before.
- Today: The crew, now in low Earth orbit, will decide whether it is safe to continue toward the moon. The mission is risky and technically challenging.
Before you go … is Gen Z Catholic-maxxing? Our reporter investigates. Plus: Seven things to know about the end of life, according to death doulas. One more good read: Judges are increasingly using AI.
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Hannah Jewell and 
