U.S. Launches 'Project Freedom'; Spirit Airlines Shuts Down Operations | NTD Good Morning (May 4)

U.S. Central Command says U.S. forces will begin assisting merchant vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz under a mission called ‘Project Freedom.’ CENTCOM says around 15,000 U.S. personnel, guided-missile destroyers, unmanned systems, and more than 100 aircraft will support the operation. Over the weekend, President Trump said the U.S. is ‘doing very well’ with Iran, adding the country is ‘decimated’ and wants to make a deal.The nation’s largest ultra-low-cost airline, Spirit Airlines, has shut down operations on Saturday, leaving passengers scrambling and thousands of workers impacted. Spirit Airlines says it has ceased operations ‘effective immediately,’ canceling all flights and telling customers not to go to the airport. Major carriers like Untied, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest, are now stepping in, offering capped fares and discounts for stranded Spirit passengers. Passengers are now being advised to seek refunds through credit card companies or bankruptcy claims, a process that could take time and may only result in partial repayment.Alabama and Tennessee are moving to redraw their congressional lines, potentially yielding three more GOP seats in Congress. Alabama currently has two majority-black districts. A lower court previously forced the state to add a second district with a substantial number of black voters. Both seats, held by Democrats, could be carved up after the high court's ruling. Meanwhile, Tennessee's primaries are underway this week. At the same time, a special session is set to start on Tuesday. Governor Bill Lee says legislators must ensure districts “accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters.” President Trump previously urged the governor to "push hard" to carve up the sole democrat held district in Memphis.