US adds a strong 253,000 jobs despite Fed’s rate hikes

( ) -q-23- UNDATED (Correspondent Jeremy House) “248-thousand in February.”

America’s employers added a robust 253,000 jobs in April.

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Out-cue: 248-thousand in February]

TAG: Correspondent Jeremy House reporting. The job market has remained strong despite the Federal Reserve’s aggressive campaign of interest rate hikes over the past year to fight inflation. Layoffs are still relatively low, job openings comparatively high.

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VERBATIM: Friday’s figure is evidence of a labor market that still shows surprising strength despite rising interest rates, chronically high inflation and a banking crisis that could weaken the economy. The unemployment rate ticked down to 3.4%, matching a 54-year low. Last month’s hiring gain compared with 165,000 in March and 248,000 in February.

White House: Biden won’t negotiate with GOP on debt limit

President Biden has no plans to negotiate with Republicans on the debt ceiling. Even though the president has invited the four Congressional leaders to meet with him next Tuesday, the White House is making clear that Mr. Biden is not changing his tune. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says the president will insist on raising the debt limit without conditions — and says it’s the constitutional responsibility of Congress to avoid default.

Republicans Gaetz, Mullin Push For Nationwide “Stand Your Ground” Law

Former President Trump Kicks Off Campaign Events

The former President is kicking off his 2024 campaign with two stops along the East Coast. More from Correspondent Bernie Bennett.

Former President Donald Trump kicked off his 2024 White House bid with a stop Saturday in New Hampshire before heading to South Carolina, appearances in early-voting states marking the first campaign events since announcing his latest run more than two months ago.

Those states hold two of the party’s first three nominating contests, giving them enormous power in selecting the nominee.

Mr. Trump and his allies hope the events will offer a show of force behind the former president after a sluggish start to his campaign. In recent weeks, his backers have reached out to political operatives and elected officials to secure support for Mr. Trump at a critical point when other Republicans are preparing their own expected challenges.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

The Navy has been using a drag queen for recruitment

The Navy has been using a drag queen for recruitment

VERBATIM: Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley identifies as non-binary and from time to time, likes to dress up as a woman and perform. The Navy decided he’d be just the man to help them “attract the most talented and diverse workforce”, and for a period of six months made Yeoman Kelly the Navy’s Digital Ambassador. Kelley writes on Instagram “being able to share my drag experience with my fellow sailors has been a blessing.” Michael Harrington, SRN News.

AM SPORTSCAST 5-5

AM SPORTSCAST 5-5