Bill O'Reilly here. You are listening to the O'Reilly update coming up next, the news with Mike Slater. Thank you, Bill. It is Thursday, April 16th, 2026. Here's what's happening today in America, saving money on tax day. Next stop, Cuba. Mom, Donnie, lowering expectations and a Jeopardy winner climbing the record books. It's all coming up. Then Bill's going to be here with your message of the day. But first, I hope you did great tax day yesterday. Scott Besin said 53 million Americans used at least one of the president's new deductions, either no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, also a deduction for interest paid on car loans for American assembled cars and deductions for certain senior citizens. This does not include the more than 105 million filers who claimed the permanently doubled standard deduction. This is the dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which people are even taxed. Tax refunds on average, 11% higher than last year. And Americans received on average, 19% more back this year than in the previous four years. On Iran, the president said, I think it's close to over. I view it as very close to over. If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country and we're not finished. We'll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly. The president predicted that when the war is officially over, the stock market's going to boom. It's already booming. In other military news, anonymous sources have told different media outlets that a military operation in Cuba is ramping up, could be imminent. A few weeks ago, the president said it would be an honor to take Cuba in some form, quote, whether I free it, take it. I think I can do whatever I want with it. Just three days ago, the president said in the White House, we may stop by Cuba after we're finished with this. For an Iran, the president of Cuba said, we will battle. We will defend ourselves. And should we fall in battle to die for the homeland is to live. The mayor of New York City made his first announcement about city run grocery stores. By the way, you can look up the city run grocery store in Kansas City to see how well that went. The location where the mayor of New York City made this announcement said it would cost $30 million to build and won't be open until 2029. Grocery experts say a store like this should cost about $10 million. Two nearby grocery stores are for sale at $15 and $7 million. He also admitted that the guaranteed lower prices will only be for certain core items like bread, milk and eggs. And that there's no guarantee that other items will be cheaper than any other grocery store. Jamie Ding has won 23 straight times in jeopardy. His grand total winning so far $644,000. He's right now number five on the list of most consecutive wins. 23 not bad, but the people above them 32, 38, 40. And of course, Ken Jennings 74 straight wins. I'm Mike Slater from youtube.com slash at politics by Faith Bill O'Reilly has your message of the day next. I'm going to tell you about the most unforgettable gift you can get mom this mother's day. Have you heard of gold belly? It's this amazing site that celebrates the best of America by shipping our country's most iconic foods from legendary eateries straight to your door, and they'll ship anywhere across the nation free in time for Mother's Day. I'm loving my lobster rolls and Levain bakery cookies from gold belly. Shipping is quick and the quality outstanding. So if you are looking to make Mother's Day perfect, or just want to impress your friends and family with an epic meal. Next time you host them, please go to goldbelly.com get free shipping and 20% off your first order with promo code bill. That's goldbelly.com code bill free shipping 20% off your first order. Time now for the O'Reilly update message of the day on his Thursday President Trump is facing his legacy Iran. If the Mueller surrender, he achieves a major historical victory. If the USA and the world slides into recession and inflation, Mr. Trump would be hammered by his critics and history will turn on him. The odds are in the president's favor because the internal situation inside Iran is weak and the mullahs can hold out but not much longer. If President Trump achieves victory, there will be hell to pay for NATO. He will make Europe suffer economically for its cowardice. NATO is hapless. Putin will take advantage of that. Now President Trump is unique. No other modern leader would have attacked Iran too much downside. Can you imagine Kamala Harris dealing with this? Never happened. All Americans should be rooting against evil. Even if you don't like Mr. Trump, he's on the side of the angels trying to neutralize mullahs who will kill infidels in a heartbeat. Let's hope Mr. Trump just doesn't dress up like an angel. That would not be helpful. I'm Bill O'Reilly. I approve the message by writing it. You can reach me. Bill at BillOReilly.com, Bill at BillOReilly.com, name in town if you wish to opine. Now let's go to the mail. Brian on the message board, that means Brian's a concierge member or a premium member, and Brian interacts with other members on the message board. The photoshop of President Trump appearing as Jesus only makes matters worse. Why he even passed it along is beyond any comprehension. To me, he doesn't act like a serious person when he does things like this. I don't think that helped him. To our America, if I'm gonna agree. I'm giving him a little bit of pass because the man's exhausted. That pass along came at 4 a.m. if you noticed when it came out of the social media. Peter is a concierge member. Peter gets my crew to help him if there's trouble. If you are able to moderate or mediate a debate between these two hugely influential heads of state and show us the give and take, that would be remarkably healing to all. It would not be a debate. That would be never happen. Both men are way way above that. It would be a discussion. What do you think your job is? What do you think your job is? In a nice way. That is my vision. The lender, in my opinion, President Trump would be wise to take a play out of George W. Bush's book. President Bush had horrendous things said about him, but he usually ignored it, not dignifying the horrible things with a reply. And I talked to Bush the younger about that thoroughly and I said, but his philosophy was not gonna get involved with it. Now you can make the decision. Whether that is proper or not. In a moment, something you might not know. Financial stress is hitting an all-time high. Millions of Americans are stretched thin with no extra money, no room to breathe. And this isn't just lower income households. Middle-class families are also running out of options. If debt has been weighing on you, you are not alone. And waiting usually makes things worse. Interest grows. Minimum payments trap you. Nothing changes. You don't need another loan or to consider bankruptcy. You need a strategy. That's why I like done with debt. They build a smart personalized plan around you and understand what it takes to work toward the biggest reductions possible. Whether you owe $10,000 or much more, their goal is simple. Lower what you owe so you keep more of your paycheck. Start with a free consultation at donewithdebt.com. Done with debt.com. Now the O'Reilly Update brings you something you might not know. Five years ago today, Raul Castro announced his resignation as head of Cuba's Communist Party. Alongside his older brother Fidel, the two men plunged that island nation into more than a half century of poverty and oppression. Here is the story. The Castro brothers were born in eastern Cuba to a very wealthy family. The teens turned to Marxism, organizing multiple attempts to overthrow the American-backed government in Havana. They succeeded in 1959. Fidel was sworn in as prime minister. He ruled the island with absolute power. His regime hunted down political opponents, journalists, capitalists, the wealthy, Christians, and land owners. The dictator Castro eliminated all personal freedoms. In total, 100,000 people died trying to flee the Marxist state most at sea. 10,000 Cubans were executed by firing squads. 2,000 assassinated in their homes. While the rest of the Western Hemisphere prospered, Castro's communist policies led to widespread misery. In 1999, the average salary for a Cuban worker, $8 a month. Fidel Castro announced his retirement in 2008, handing control of Cuba to his younger brother. Raul led the nation for 12 years before stepping down on April 16, 2021. And here's something else you might not know. Miguel. Today, the island is ruled by Miguel D.S. Canel. Under his tenure, the situation has gotten even worse. With wages stagnant, citizens are given what locals call the book, a set of government issued ration cards. Every month, families are allowed to obtain five pounds of rice, one pound of beans, three pounds of sugar, one chicken, two jars of instant coffee, one loaf of bread, and a liter of milk. Back in a moment. Security program on spreadsheets, new regulations piling up, an audit dread. It's time for Vanta. Vanta automates security and compliance, brings evidence into one place, and cuts audit prep by 82%. Less manual work, clearer visibility, faster deals, zero chaos. Call it compliance, or call it calm clients. Get it? Join the 15,000 companies using Vanta to prove trust. Get started at Vanta.com. Thank you for listening to the O'Reilly Update. I am Bill O'Reilly. No spin, just facts, and always looking out for you.
