Treasury says 53 Million Americans used Trump Tax Exemptions

The Treasury Department says 53 million Americans used new Trump tax exemptions before the deadline April 15th tax deatline. (EXPIRES AT MIDNIGHT)

VERBATIM:
It’s Tax Day, the deadline for most Americans to file taxes, and the Trump administration says millions of people have already used new breaks such as no tax on tips and overtime, exemptions for interest on certain car loans, deductions for some seniors, and Trump Accounts for children’s savings.

More than 53 million filers claimed a deduction under one of those provisions from Republicans’ massive tax and spending law, with 6 million people claiming no tax on tips, 21 million claiming the overtime deduction and 30 million older Americans claiming the enhanced deduction.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Maryland: Democrats Fail Redistricting

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Maryland Democrats have failed to redraw the state’s congressional map to boost their party’s chances in the midterm elections, a setback for Gov. Wes Moore who tried to blunt President Donald Trump’s own redistricting campaign.

VERBATIM:
The clock officially ran out on the proposal late Monday night as the state legislative session ended, a casualty of internal party disagreements. In the end, the Maryland Senate left the bill in a committee, with Democrats who control the chamber concerned it could backfire under judicial review.

As the unusual mid-decade redistricting continues next week, Democrats will not be poised to pick up a seat in Maryland, where the proposed map would have made it easier for voters to oust the state’s lone Republican member of the U.S. House.

Gov. Moore calls President Trump’s effort to redraw congressional maps to favor Republicans… unfair.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

U.S. Wholesale Prices

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. wholesale prices surged last month as the Iran war drove up the cost of energy.
Bernie Bennett reports.

VERBATIM:
The Labor Department reported Tuesday that its producer price index – which measures inflation before it hits consumers – rose 0.5% from February and 4% from March 2025. The year-over-year gains was the biggest in more than three years. Energy prices surged 8.5% from February.

Excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core producer prices rose a modest 0.1% from February and 3.8% from a year earlier. The gains in wholesale prices were smaller than economists had forecast.

The surge in prices complicates the work of the inflation fighters at the Federal Reserve, who have faced intense pressure from President Donald Trump to lower their benchmark interest rate. But some Fed policymakers are inclined to raise rates instead, as higher energy costs increase the inflation threat.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Oil Prices

Oil holds at just under $100 a barrel, though US stocks hold steady on hopes for US-Iran talks to succeed. More from Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
Oil prices are hovering just under $100 per barrel after 21 hours of ceasefire talks failed to end the U.S.-Iran war. But U.S. stocks are nevertheless holding steady in an indication that Wall Street still sees a chance to avoid a worst-case scenario for the global economy.

The S&P 500 rose 0.5% in afternoon trading after erasing an earlier dip. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 32 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.7% higher. Prices pared earlier spikes as the morning progressed.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

The Bible in Texas Public Schools

Biblical stories like Jonah and the whale would be required reading for Texas public schools students under proposals that are putting the state at the center of another debate over the role of religion in classrooms.

OUTCUE: That’s Bernie Bennett reporting.

VERBATIM: Pastors, teachers, parents and students spent hours last Tuesday before the state education board arguing about the reading list for the state’s 5.4 million kindergartners to 12th-graders.

The board also is considering social studies standards that have been criticized as too state-centric. The list stems from a state law passed in 2023 that calls for the creation of a state-approved list of high-quality reading materials.

AI Chatbots

The faith-based AI market is expanding, with tools for various religions. We hear more on this from Bernie Bennett.

OUTCUE: That’s reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM: For example, there’s an AI Jesus that – for $1.99 per minute – will offer words of prayer and encouragement.

As AI tools designed with religion in mind become increasingly common, many are reckoning with how these technologies shape their relationship to faith and spiritual guidance.

Concerns include misinformation and data privacy as well as spiritual and ethical implications. Some worry about AI’s potential to exploit religious users, while others see it as a tool for spiritual exploration.

A New Lawsuit on Trump’s Tariff Policy

The centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s economic policy is under legal assault again. Reporter Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM:
The U.S. Court of International Trade heard oral arguments Friday in an attempt to overturn the temporary tariffs that President Trump turned to after the Supreme Court in February struck down his preferred choice – even bigger, even more sweeping tariffs.

Defeated at the high court, Mr. Trump reached for a stopgap solution – imposing temporary worldwide tariffs under a 1974 trade law. Now two dozen states and some businesses are challenging the president’s authority to impose the new tariffs.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

Six-Month Anniversary of the Gaza Ceasefire

Friday marks six months since the ceasefire in Gaza took effect, but progress remains limited.

VERBATIM:
The fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants has mostly stopped, yet challenges persist. Disarming Hamas, deploying an international stabilization force and beginning reconstruction are pending. The U.S.-created Board of Peace has not met since its initial meeting, and Hamas has not responded to a disarmament proposal.

Such challenges could represent what’s to come in the latest war in the Middle East, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to peacemaking appears to focus on stopping bombardment while leaving the bigger picture for others to work out.

Berne Bennett reporting.

March Consumer Price Index

After six weeks of fretting about surging oil prices, investors have finally gotten some answers about their inflationary impact.

VERBATIM:
The March CPI report showed prices up 0.9% from a month earlier and 3.3% from a year earlier – the largest annual increase since May 2024.

Markets were little moved by the numbers, which were in line with economists’ expectations. U.S. stock futures were little changed. European stocks gained after Asian indexes largely closed up. Treasury yields inched lower, alongside the U.S. dollar.

Oil prices were little changed after climbing earlier Thursday. Brent crude was flat at just under $96 a barrel.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Islamabad is on Lockdown Ahead of Peace Talks

The capital city of Islamabad is under lockdown ahead of high-stakes US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan. More on this from Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM: Pakistan has imposed sweeping security measures across Islamabad ahead of crucial talks between the United States and Iran scheduled for this weekend, with authorities placing the capital on high alert amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity.

A 3-kilometre radius surrounding the luxury Serena Hotel in Islamabad has been sealed off, with all access routes blocked as both the US and Iranian delegations are expected to stay there during the negotiations.

Officials said the arrangements go beyond standard protocols for high-profile visits, with enhanced airspace surveillance and emergency response teams placed on standby.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Bill Gates Will Testify Before House Cmte. on Epstein

Bill Gates is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee in the coming weeks, as the committee continues its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. More details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM: Gates will sit for a transcribed interview June 10. His interview comes after the committee issued a March 3 letter requesting his testimony.

A spokesperson for Gates said the Microsoft founder “welcomes” the chance to appear before the committee.

Gates has been under heavy scrutiny for his relationship with the disgraced financier. Documents released in December depicted Gates with Epstein, and Gates has previously said he had several dinners with Epstein, though he added he was under the impression Epstein would use his wealthy connections to fundraise for global health causes.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

CONGRESS-CEASEFIRE

U.S. lawmakers greet the news of a cease-fire with relief and more questions. Details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

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VERBATIM:
President Trump’s announcement Tuesday night of a cease-fire between the United States and Iran received a bipartisan welcome in Congress, but Democrats continued to raise questions about the path forward after weeks of war without congressional authorization.

House Speaker Mike Johnson reposted the president’s social media message announcing the cease-fire Tuesday night without commenting on it.

North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer called it an example of Mr. Trump’s “peace through strength” approach.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

ISRAEL-LEBANON

Israel says a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran doesn’t include their war in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
The State National News Agency of Lebanon reports that a series of Israeli strikes hit several areas in central Beirut Wednesday without warning.

It was not immediately clear what was targeted, but several of the strikes were in busy commercial locations.

Since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war on March 2, Israel has regularly struck southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs but rarely in the center of Beirut.

There was no immediate report on the number of casualties.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

IRAN-PRISONER RELEASE

An Iran-backed Iraqi militia says it will free a kidnapped American journalist. Correspondent Bernie Bennett has the details.

VERBATIM:
The powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia known as “Kah-tah-eeb Hez-boh-lah” said in a statement Tuesday that it will release American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped from a Baghdad street last week.

The group said its decision came “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing Prime Minister” Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without giving more details. It added that “this initiative will not be repeated in future.”

Kataib Hezbollah had not previously acknowledged that it was the group responsible for Kittleson’s abduction, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had pointed fingers at the group.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

UCLA Women’s Team Moves to NCAA Championship

PHOENIX (AP) – South Carolina smothers UConn to advance to NCAA Women’s title game.
Reporter Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM: Ta’Niya Latson scored 16 and Agot Makeer added 14 points and South Carolina played stifling defense to beat UConn 62-48 on Friday night, ending the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak and advancing to the women’s NCAA Tournament championship game.

The Gamecocks have now reached the NCAA championship game in four of the last five seasons, including the past three. They will be looking to win a fourth national title Sunday when they face UCLA, capping off another March Madness.

UConn entered the Final Four undefeated for the ninth time in school history and for the third straight time left without a title. The Huskies also lost in the 2017 and 2018 national semifinals.

I’m Bernie Bennett.

South Carolina Women Move to NCAA Championship

PHOENIX (AP) – South Carolina smothers UConn to advance to NCAA Women’s title game.
Reporter Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM: Ta’Niya Latson scored 16 and Agot Makeer added 14 points and South Carolina played stifling defense to beat UConn 62-48 on Friday night, ending the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak and advancing to the women’s NCAA Tournament championship game.

The Gamecocks have now reached the NCAA championship game in four of the last five seasons, including the past three. They will be looking to win a fourth national title Sunday when they face UCLA, capping off another March Madness.

UConn entered the Final Four undefeated for the ninth time in school history and for the third straight time left without a title. The Huskies also lost in the 2017 and 2018 national semifinals.

I’m Bernie Bennett.

President Trump Sends Budget to Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) -The White House is releasing details of President Donald Trump’s 2027 budget, including a $1.5 trillion defense spending request. Correspondent Bernie Bennett has more.

VERBATIM:
That’s the largest of its kind in decades. The Republican president had indicated even before the war against Iran that he wanted to increase defense spending to modernize the military. He’s also calling for a 10% cut in non-defense discretionary spending. The president’s annual budget does not carry the force of law. Instead, it reflects an administration’s priorities and provides a road map to Congress, which handles spending issues. But Congress is free to reject it and often does.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

New Report Shows Job Growth

WASHINGTON (AP) – American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February. And the unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%.

VERBATIM:
The Labor Department reported Friday that hiring marked a rebound from the loss of 133,000 jobs in February. The job gains were about three times what economists had forecast.

The unemployment rate was down from 4.4% in February. That is partly because the labor force – those working and looking for work – dropped by 396,000 in March so fewer people were competing for jobs.

Factories added 15,000 jobs last month and construction companies 26,000, probably because of warmer weather last month.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

Sec. Mullin Changes Rules at Homeland Security

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has rescinded a rule that DHS expenditures over $100,000 be personally approved by his office. Correspondent Bernie Bennett has more.

VERBATIM: The decision Wednesday ends a widely criticized policy implemented by his predecessor Kristi Noem that critics said put a particular burden on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s work aiding disaster response and recovery. It marks the first major action by the new Homeland Security leader, sworn in last week, to change a policy implemented by Noem, whom President Donald Trump fired in March. Mullin’s move is expected to ease a spending bottleneck that lawmakers and states said delayed disaster response and recovery funds.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

House Republicans Plan to Pass Homeland Security Funding Bill

The Senate sent its deal to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security back to the House Thursday morning — marking what should be the beginning of the end of a historic partial government shutdown. Reporter Bernie Bennett explains.

(POSSIBLE OUTCUE: Even once both chambers clear the Senate bill, they will face a tight timeline for the second part of the Trump-blessed plan, delivering an immigration enforcement bill to his desk by June 1.)

VERBATIM:
Speaker Mike Johnson signed off Wednesday on the two-track strategy, effectively capitulating after torching the Senate bill Friday as a “joke.” But he could still struggle to move it quickly given early opposition from some members on the right flank of his conference.

The House briefly convened Thursday morning, but there were no attempts to pass the Senate-approved deal. Johnson will have two more opportunities in brief pro forma sessions scheduled for next week, otherwise he will need to wait until all of his members are back April 14.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Senate Sends DHS Funding Bill to the House

WASHINGTON – The Senate sent its deal to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security back to the House Thursday morning – marking what should be the beginning of the end of a historic partial government shutdown. Details from reporter Bernie Bennett.

[VERBATIM:
The Senate’s action, taken in a mostly empty chamber just after 7 a.m., came less than a day after President Donald Trump effectively endorsed a two-track strategy for DHS: funding most of it through a bipartisan deal with Democrats then using the party-line budget reconciliation process for immigration enforcement activities.

Now the bill is headed back across the Capitol. The Senate approved Thune’s motion Thursday to set aside the House’s plan, an eight-week all-DHS stopgap, and instead give it a second chance to pass the Senate bill, which omits funding for ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection that Democrats oppose.

Asked Thursday how he revived the deal, Thune said, “You … have to just continue to define reality for people, what’s achievable in the Senate, what we can get done.”

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

Senate Passes DHS Funding Bill

The Senate sent its deal to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security back to the House Thursday morning — marking what should be the beginning of the end of a historic partial government shutdown. Reporter Bernie Bennett explains.

(POSSIBLE OUTCUE: Even once both chambers clear the Senate bill, they will face a tight timeline for the second part of the Trump-blessed plan, delivering an immigration enforcement bill to his desk by June 1.)

VERBATIM:
Speaker Mike Johnson signed off Wednesday on the two-track strategy, effectively capitulating after torching the Senate bill Friday as a “joke.” But he could still struggle to move it quickly given early opposition from some members on the right flank of his conference.

The House briefly convened Thursday morning, but there were no attempts to pass the Senate-approved deal. Johnson will have two more opportunities in brief pro forma sessions scheduled for next week, otherwise he will need to wait until all of his members are back April 14.

Even once both chambers clear the Senate bill, they will face a tight timeline for the second part of the Trump-blessed plan, delivering an immigration enforcement bill to his desk by June 1.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.

President Trump Attends Supreme Court Argument on Birthright Citizenship

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump declared birthright citizenship ‘stupid’ after the Supreme Court wrapped up arguments in the case. More on this from Reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM: President Trump, who wants to see the practice eliminated, repeated his opposition to it in a social media post.

He posted from the White House, “We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow “Birthright” Citizenship!”

During the arguments, the justices cast doubt on Mr. Trump’s bid to limit birthright citizenship.

While the concept is relatively are rare around the world, about three dozen countries guarantee citizenship to children born on their territory.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

NATO Has Bipartisan Support in Senate

NATO is getting defended on a bipartisan basis by Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and Democrat Sen. Chris Coons ahead of President Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday night. Bernie Bennett has details.

VERBATIM:
President Trump is expected to criticize NATO members for not joining the U.S. in its war with Iran.

McConnell and Coons said in a joint statement that “NATO is the most successful military alliance in history” and stressed how its members “fought and died,” along with U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The statement said, “Americans are safer when NATO is strong and united. The Senate will continue to support the alliance for the peace and protection it provides America, Europe, and the World.”

The National Defense Authorization Act in 2023 has provision that requires a two-thirds approval from the Senate in order to leave NATO or a separate measure by Congress, limiting the president’s ability to do so unilaterally.

Bernie Bennett, Washington.