Pentagon says ceasefire with Iran “is not over” despite Iranian attacks

U.S. military leaders say the ceasefire with Iran remains in effect.Following new Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and against the United Arab Emirates, Defense Secretary Hegseth said “the ceasefire is not over” — despite Iran’s actions. Meanwhile, U-S forces have pressed ahead with efforts to reopen the vital waterway for global energy.

Trump renews criticism of Pope Leo ahead of Rubio’s visit to Vatican City

President Trump is renewing his criticism of Pope Leo the 14th ahead of Secretary of State Rubio’s visit to Vatican City. Rubio, who is Catholic, will travel to Rome and Vatican City this week in a bid to ease rising tensions between the Trump administration and the pope. Before the secretary of state’s departure, the president said Pope Leo is “endangering Catholics and a lot of people” and he claimed the pope believes it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Leo has not said Iran should obtain nuclear weapons. But he has criticized the war against Iran generally and called for more peace talks.

Sen. Grassley says Iran war is putting squeeze on American farmers

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley says American farmers are feeling the brunt of the war against Iran.
Grassley says the Middle East conflict is spiking the cost of fuel and fertilizer in his home state of Iowa and across the country. The senator tells the Salem Radio Network those higher costs are putting a squeeze on American farmers. Grassley is pushing Congress to approve year-round sales of E15, a higher ethanol fuel blend, to help lower prices at the gas pump.

Powell to remain on the Fed board and keep a “low profile”

The Federal Reserve’s Jerome Powell announced this week he plans to remain on the board after his chairmanship ends in mid-May. Powell said he will stay on as a Fed governor “for a period of time, to be determined.” And he said he plans to keep a “low profile.” Powell said he decided to remain on the board because of the “unprecedented” legal attacks by the Trump administration, which he believes have put the independence of the nation’s central bank at risk.

Comey to fight DOJ indictment that he threatened Trump’s life

Former FBI Director James Comey says he’ll fight a Justice Department indictment that he threatened President Trump’s life. Comey appeared in federal court in Virginia this past week, turning himself in on two charges, including threatening the life of the president and transmitting threats across state lines. The DOJ charges stem from a photo of seashells he posted online last year. The former FBI director did not speak during his brief court appearance, but has said he is innocent. His attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, said he would argue that the case is a vindictive prosecution, meaning it was brought to punish Comey for exercising his legal rights.

Trump plans to hike tariffs on EU cars, trucks to 25%

President Trump plans to increase tariffs on European Union cars and trucks to 25 percent next week. The U-S and EU agreed to a trade deal last July, setting a 15 percent tariff on most goods. But the president wrote in a social media post the EU “is not complying” with that agreement. He said he will hike the tariffs on European-made cars and trucks to 25 percent. The president reminded EU countries that there will be “no tariff” if they produce their vehicles in the United States.

Trump claims Iran war is over and congressional approval not needed

President Trump claims the Iran war has already ended and that congressional approval is unnecessary.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must seek formal approval from Congress for military action that extends beyond 60 days. That deadline for the Iran war arrived this week. But the Trump administration says the current ceasefire effectively paused the war and there’s no need to seek congressional approval. As the ceasefire continues, the U.S. Navy is maintaining a blockade to prevent Iran’s oil tankers from getting out to sea.

WHCA dinner threat prompted questions about presidential succession

Trump signs DHS funding bill, ending longest shutdown in history

President Trump has signed a bill funding much of the Department of Homeland Security. The president’s signature put an end to the longest agency shutdown in history. It lasted more than 70 days as Democrats refused to fund Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement operations without changes. To break the impasse, Republican leaders in both the House and Senate decided to tackle the immigration enforcement funding on their own through what is called budget reconciliation.

Congress votes to end DHS shutdown after 75 days

The record-breaking shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is over. House lawmakers voted to fund much of the DHS and bring an end to the longest agency shutdown in history. Ahead of the vote, the Trump administration had warned that temporary funds to pay Transportation Security Administration and other personnel would “soon run out” if Congress failed to act. The measure does not fund immigration enforcement operations. That funding will be handled in a different legislative vehicle.

White House exploring ways to ease war’s impact on oil, gas prices

The Trump administration is exploring ways to ease the impact of the Iran war on oil and gas prices. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the administration is talking to oil companies and considering measures to increase production in the United States “really soon.” His comments come amid a sharp rise in gasoline prices. The Commerce Department says gas prices jumped nearly 21 percent in March from the previous month. And Triple-A reports the average price of gas nationwide rose to $4.30 a gallon on Thursday.

Senator Grassley meets with Secret Service after WHCA security incident

A veteran U.S. senator met this week with the head of the Secret Service to discuss the security incident at the White House Correspondents’ dinner. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa was briefed on the security threat by Secret Service Director Sean Curran. During an interview in his Senate office, Grassley told the Salem Radio Network that the agency is closely reviewing its security posture. The 92-year-old Grassley was the highest-ranking official in the presidential line of succession not in attendance at last weekend’s dinner.

House approves 3-year extension of surveillance bill before deadline

House lawmakers have approved a three-year extension of a key U-S surveillance program. After weeks of infighting in Congress, a large group of Democrats joined most Republicans to pass the bill. The measure adds new oversight, but stops short of requiring a warrant to access Americans’ communications. Leaders argue the program is vital to national security, while opponents say it still allows warrantless surveillance. Even with the bill’s passage, next steps in the Senate remain uncertain.

Hegseth faces Iran war criticism during congressional testimony

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced some sharp criticism about the Iran war during an appearance before Congress. Testifying before lawmakers for the first time since the war started, Hegseth defended the military operations during tense exchanges with Democrats. Hegseth accused congressional Democrats of being the Pentagon’s “biggest adversary.” The Pentagon says the Iran war has cost 25-billion dollars so far.

Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana’s majority Black congressional district

The Supreme Court has struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district. In a key voting rights decision, the court’s action could open the door for Republican-led states to eliminate Black and Latino electoral districts that tend to favor Democrats. Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the six conservatives, said Louisiana’s map is “an unconstitutional gerrymander.” But Justice Elena Kagan, who wrote in a dissent for the three liberal justices, warned that “the consequences are likely to be far-reaching and grave.”

Royal Couple to pay respects at 9/11 Memorial in NYC

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with first responders and victims’ families at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City During his address to Congress, King Charles reflected on the attacks which took place 25 years ago this September. He said, “we stood with you then and we stand with you now in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten.” The king noted that NATO came to America’s aid in the aftermath of 9/11.

Appeals Court: DHS cannot jail immigrants without bond

A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot jail immigrants without the chance to seek bond. Since last year, the Department of Homeland Security has been denying bond hearings to immigrants arrested across the country, including those with no criminal history. In a unanimous ruling, a panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City cited “serious constitutional questions” related to the policy, saying it would otherwise be the broadest mass-detention-without-bond mandate in American history. Since two other appellate courts have already upheld the policy, the case could be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

King Charles hails US-UK alliance, says America’s words and actions matter

Britain’s King Charles the Third highlighted the bonds between his country and the U-S during an address to Congress. King Charles hailed the historic partnership between the UK and the US, saying the partnership is more important than ever. He spoke of the importance of alliances, especially NATO, and urged for the defense of Ukraine. The king mentioned his reliance on Christian faith and he offered this reminder: “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since Independence. The actions of this great national matter even more.”

Former FBI Director Comey indicted by DOJ over social media photo

The Justice Department has indicted former FBI Director James Comey over the posting of a social media photo. Last year, Comey posted a beach photo of seashells in the shape of the numbers “86 47.” 86 is slang for “get rid of” and administration officials asserted that Comey was advocating the assassination of Donald Trump, the 47th president. At the time, Comey said it was simply a political message and he deleted the post. The indictment is the second criminal case the Justice Department has brought against the former FBI director.

Trump warmly welcomes King Charles in White House ceremony

President Trump welcomed Great Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House in a formal arrival ceremony. Pomp and pageantry were on full display as the royal couple arrived on the South Lawn. President Trump offered a warm welcome on a chilly, overcast morning — calling it a “beautiful British day.” And he spoke highly of the special relationship between the UK and the US. The ceremony featured a military procession, a review of troops, and a flyover of four F-35 fighter jets before the president and king held private talks in the Oval Office.

Red Carpet arrival for Britain’s King and Queen at White House

The White House is rolling out the red carpet for Britain’s king and queen. King Charles the Third and Queen Camilla are being treated to a formal, elaborate South Lawn arrival ceremony with thousands of people in attendance to welcome them. The traditional military arrival will feature a 21-gun cannon salute and inspection of troops. President Trump and the king will then meet in the Oval Office. The royal visit comes amid strained relations between the president and Britain’s prime minister over trade, NATO, and the Iran war.

Britain’s King and Queen have tea with Trumps to kick off U.S. visit

President and Mrs. Trump welcomed Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla to tea as the royal couple opened a four-day visit to the United States.  The two couples chatted over tea in the Green Room before going outside to see a new beehive in the shape of the White House that the first lady had installed last week. Charles and Camilla both support beekeeping to benefit the environment and for sustainability. It was an informal start to the royal couple’s four-day visit that includes a formal, elaborate arrival ceremony on the South Lawn Tuesday morning.

Trumps call for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel

President Trump and the first lady are both calling for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The first family is upset with Kimmel after a joke last week described the first lady as having “the glow of an expectant widow.” Kimmel’s comedy routine was delivered two nights before an armed man tried to enter a hotel ballroom dinner attended by the president, first lady, and vice president. Melania Trump wrote online that “people like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.” And the president posted a message saying Kimmel “should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC.”

Man accused of attempted assassination of Trump at press dinner

The man accused of storming the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump. During a court appearance in Washington, DC, Cole Tomas Allen was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump at a downtown hotel during Saturday night’s dinner. He also was charged with transport of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce and with discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The 31-year-old Allen, who appeared in court wearing a blue jail uniform, did not enter a plea.