Americans are more confident in Zelenskyy than in Biden; airports fill up again; the history of April Fools' Day

Plus, food prices are rising at levels the U.S hasn't seen in decades [View this email online]( [NPR]( by Suzanne Nuyen First up J. Scott Applewhite /Pool/AFP via Getty Images Here's what we're following today: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's handling of Russia's invasion has garnered vast approval from Americans, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center. In fact, [more Americans approve]( of how Zelenskyy handles international affairs than they do of President Biden. ➡️ Keep up with what's happening in Ukraine by listening to NPR's daily [State of Ukraine podcast.]( It's no surprise that food prices have been rising, but the Department of Agriculture's latest Food Price Outlook report tells us just how bad inflation has gotten. The organization predicts all food prices to [increase between 4.5 and 5.5%]( — the largest 12-month jump since July 1981. Turn off your TV, close your curtains and cover your electronics. New research shows that getting [even one night's sleep while exposed]( to a moderate amount of light may have adverse effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health. There's a lot we don't know about COVID's after effects, and a new study reports that even people who had mild cases could face an increased risk of developing diabetes. The results hold true even for those with [no prior risk factors for diabetes.]( Watch your back today, readers. It's April Fools' Day! No one really knows why or when the tradition started, but historians believe this goofy holiday [dates at least to Renaissance Europe]( but is likely much older. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Today listen SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Airports that were silent and empty two years ago are now once again jam-packed as Americans are booking trips and flying at pre-pandemic levels. Demand for flights doesn't seem to be waning, even as fares rise to meet demand and compensate for higher jet fuel prices. 🎧 Listen to [what this means for consumers and airlines]( or [read the story.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Weekend pics Liam Daniel/Netflix Check out what [our critics]( are watching, reading and listening to this weekend: Film: [Everything Everywhere All At Once]( is a frenetic multiverse adventure. It's a zany and profound sci-fi romp, bursting with ideas about the pursuit of happiness, familial duty and the meaning of life. TV: Shonda Rhimes' regency drama [Bridgerton]( is back, and this time the eldest son, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, is looking for love. The latest season brings high drama, scandalous gossip and elaborate period costumes. Books: As Republican lawmakers push forward with efforts to curb the rights of queer and trans youth and limit discussion in schools, authors who've written about gender-expansive and trans identities say that type of storytelling is crucial. [Here are three of our favorites.]( Music: Harry Styles' next album Harry's House will be out on May 20. His first single off the album, "[As it Was,]( is both melancholic and sunshiney, with a vulnerability not seen in his solo work so far. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go Robert Gauthier/Getty Images - According to Academy Awards producer Will Packer, the LAPD were ready to arrest Will Smith after [he slapped Chris Rock]( on stage at the Oscars. Rock did not wish to take any action. - When a D.C. meteorologist realized during his live report that the tornado warning included his home, he stopped to [call his family, on camera]( to warn them to take cover. - More than 9,000 cases of Skippy Peanut Butter are being recalled because some of the jars might [contain a small fragment of stainless steel]( from a piece of manufacturing equipment. - Is your March Madness bracket in ruins by now? Don't feel too bad; it's [basically impossible]( to fill out a perfect one. --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a Station]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]