Bolton Makes a Plea Deal

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton is pleading guilty in a classified documents case and is about to pay a hefty fine.
Correspondent Laura Winters reports.

——————
VERBATIM:
Bolton served as National Security Advisor in President Trump’s first term in office – but became an outspoken critic of the President often appearing on MSNBC and CNN. He plans to plead guilty and pay a fine north of 2 million dollars as part of a deal with federal prosecutors for mishandling classified documents. Bolton is accused of sharing sensitive information – including notes on intelligence briefings – for possible use in a book he was writing.

[CutID: <Email Audio> BOLTON PLEA DEAL q1.mp3
Time: 27s
Title: BOLTON PLEA DEAL q1
Out-cue: ]

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.

GOP Promises Thorough Oversight Hearings On Trump Executive Moves

Retail Sales for July

Shoppers unexpectedly cut their spending in July as a boost from government tax refunds faded.

VERBATIM: Retail sales slipped 0.6% last month, the biggest drop since May 2025 from a revised gain of 0.2%, according to the Commerce Department data released Friday.

There was a notable bump in spending in both April and May as Americans dipped into their tax refunds.

Excluding sales at gas stations and at auto dealers, retail sales in July fell 0.2%. Gas prices ticked up again overnight to $4.08 per gallon on Friday, up from $3.85 a month ago, according to motor club AAA.

Bernie Bennett in Washington.

A new poll on forgiveness

A new poll on forgiveness

VERBATIM:  It comes from the American Bible Society and it reveals that 40% of Americans say they have a hard time forgiving people who do the wrong.  A lot of people have a hard time forgiving themselves as well — 26% of men and 33% of women.  Even more troubling, 20% of people who self-identify as Christians and attend church regularly believe that they have committed sins that not even God will forgive.  MH REPORTING

AM SPORTSCAST, FRI 9-18-2026

AM SPORTSCAST, FRI 9-18-2026