Corey Olson

Judgment Day has come for all of those tax procrastinators. Monday is the deadline to file federal income taxes for 2024, with millions of Americans either getting a refund or owing Uncle Sam. Many of those expecting a refund have already filed, but may still be waiting on their check. As of mid-February, the IRS reported the number of refunds issued this year, and the amount of the average refund, were both down from last year. But as the full numbers come in by the end of the season, those numbers tend to balance out.

When it comes to elections, Democrats say the vote is in the mail. Whose vote, whose mail, and where that mail is are anyone's guess. As we gear up for another presidential election in 2024, well into the digital age, the left continues to push analog voting. Democrats claim mail-in balloting is safe and reliable, despite

If the latest read on the American political landscape is any indication, we are in for another nail-biter election this year. Pew Research's 2024 survey on party affiliation among registered voters finds an almost even split, with 49% of Americans identifying with or leaning Democrat, and 48% identifying with or leaning Republican. That divide has remained similarly close over the past three decades, but Republicans have closed the small gap Democrats had gained between 2017 and 2021.

With the 2024 election now just over six months away, amidst lingering questions about the security of the ballot, a surprising number of Americans are willing to cheat. A new Rasmussen Reports survey finds 28% would engage in some sort of voter fraud in order to help their preferred candidate. The number was consistent across voters of all parties, and included everything from filling out or signing mail-in ballots for family members (18%), to voting in two different states or paying someone for their vote (10%).

With the global threat environment growing more dangerous by the day, the United States is taking steps to beef up its nuclear defense capabilities. The latest White House budget includes nearly $20 billion for development of the first new U.S. nuclear warhead in 40 years. The W93 warhead will be used on ballistic missiles launched from submarines. The W93 is currently in the early stages of design, but is targeted to begin production in the mid-2030s, according to the Pentagon.

President Joe Biden recently raised eyebrows when he called for increasing U.S. tariffs on Chinese aluminum and steel, taking a page out of Donald Trump's playbook. Of course, Biden's pledge comes as he campaigns for union votes in an election year. But China is already a step ahead of him, and it goes far beyond aluminum and steel. Total Chinese export volume has reached a 10-year high, as China floods the U.S. market with cheap products that undermine American manufacturing and sales. At the same time, American companies face increased threats of hacking from the Chinese.

California and other blue states think they have come up with a solution to the problem of their residents fleeing for lower taxes and better quality of life. The Golden State is reportedly proposing an "exit tax" that would target wealthy individuals or businesses who decide to move out of state. The tax is equal to 0.4% of the net worth of an individual or business over $30 million in a tax year, and it can follow the taxpayer to another state for up to 10 years.

KTRH-AM covering local news from Houston and across Texas.

KTRH-AM covering local news from Houston and across Texas.

KTRH-AM covering local news from Houston and across Texas.