In Segment 4, Bill Bernardoni welcomes Johnathon Eltrevoog, morning show co-host and assistant program director at WBGL in Champaign, Illinois — and a musician himself — to talk about one of the strangest music stories of the year: an AI “Christian artist” topping the iTunes chart despite not actually existing. Bill asks how it landed with someone who works in radio and performs music for a living. Johnathon’s first reaction was indifference. The technology was impressive, the song sounded fine, but it felt synthetic instead of authentic. Having worked around music long enough, he could hear the AI “voice” — catchy, clever, and artificial — even before he knew what he was listening to. Johnathon notes that some musicians are experimenting with AI as a tool — feeding their own songs into it to hear what comes back — and sometimes even he couldn’t tell the difference. But as a creative form, he and his colleagues are unanimous: it doesn’t connect. An industry publication surveyed Christian radio programmers, and almost all rejected the idea of AI-generated music having a place on Christian stations. They also point out that the “#1 chart” was iTunes, not Billboard or radio play. Very few people buy downloads anymore, which means a small number of purchases can briefly spike a song into a chart category, creating a headline that doesn’t reflect audience impact. What concerns Johnathon more is the future. Deepfake technology opens the door to synthetic versions of real artists, which is why Congress is considering the No Fakes Act to protect voices, likenesses, and copyrighted work. AI has fun applications — like Frank Sinatra covering modern songs — but without guardrails, the line between real and imitation could disappear.

Do you care if the music you listen to is made by a real human — or is a catchy song simply a catchy song? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

In Segment 3, Bill Bernardoni speaks with Adam Michel, Director of Tax Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, about the current economic landscape and whether the country is anywhere close to a recession. Adam describes the economy as a “deer in headlights,” caught between opposing forces: strong tax cuts and deregulation pushing in one direction, and tariffs, debt, and uncertainty pulling in the other. Bill notes how the hesitation is showing up in his own business, with clients waiting to sign contracts until they know what’s coming next. Adam explains that the mixed signals show up everywhere — jobs slowing but not collapsing, GDP holding, inflation falling but not finished — creating a holding pattern where businesses and households are simply waiting to see which direction the economy tips. The two then turn to tax policy. Adam argues that the recent tax cuts will make the United States more competitive, especially if tariff pressures ease, but warns that proposals like eliminating the federal income tax through tariff revenue are impossible and would be far more costly. They also discuss upcoming filing season, new provisions on tips and overtime, and why well-intended changes from the administration will add complexity to an already complicated tax code.

Do you think uncertainty is hurting the economy more than any single policy — and have you noticed it in your own business or spending? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

In Segment 2, Bill Bernardoni continues his conversation with Professor Andrew Rudalevige — a leading scholar on presidential authority — exploring how the modern presidency has steadily accumulated power across multiple administrations. After noting that the issue is not new and not limited to any single president, Bill transitions from his earlier monologue into a larger historical arc that stretches from Coolidge and Lincoln to Bush 41, Cheney, Obama, and beyond. Rudalevige explains that as the federal government has grown larger and more involved in every aspect of American life, the executive branch has naturally gained leverage. Presidents have pushed that advantage through executive orders, regulatory authority, and unilateral action, while Congress has often stepped back, delegating too much through vague legislation and failing to push back when presidents test boundaries. Post-Watergate reforms were designed to rebalance power, but decades of presidential resistance, congressional gridlock, and partisan polarization have weakened those guardrails. Bill asks whether anything built into the Constitution allows Congress to reclaim the power it has willingly given away. Rudalevige answers that the mechanism exists — Congress simply needs to use its Article I authority, from oversight, to the purse, to veto overrides, and even impeachment. The challenge, he notes, is not legal capacity but political courage. The segment closes with Rudalevige mentioning his book By Executive Order and a forthcoming volume on the Trump presidency before Bill resets the hour: “The week’s biggest stories. Straightened out.”

Do you believe Congress has either the ability or the will to reclaim power from the presidency? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

In the opening segment of America’s NewsHour, Bill Bernardoni raises a crucial question: what happens when a president’s pardon power stops being a tool of mercy and becomes a tool of politics? Bill begins with a monologue on how the Founders envisioned pardons as rare and solemn — a constitutional pressure valve to correct injustice or calm national turmoil. But in recent years, pardons have shifted toward strategic use: rewarding allies, signaling loyalty, and reshaping outcomes the justice system has already decided. To explore the consequences, Bill is joined by Professor Andrew Rudalevige, Thomas Brackett Reed Professor of Government at Bowdoin College and one of the nation’s leading scholars on presidential power. Together they discuss the history of clemency, how modern presidents have expanded this authority, and the impact on courts, juries, and public trust when convictions begin to feel temporary. A smart, even-keeled conversation about constitutional design, political incentives, and why Congress may need to take some power back.

Should Congress step in to limit or redefine the presidential pardon power — or would that undermine the purpose of mercy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Ottawa, Illinois Mayor Robert Hasty joins host Bill Bernardoni to discuss the ongoing transformation of his community’s hospital under OSF HealthCare’s regional “hub-and-spoke” model. The plan would replace the current full-service hospital with a smaller facility, relocate ICU and OB services to a new hub in nearby Peru, and reduce inpatient beds — changes the state review board approved 6–3 this week after two years of intense local debate. Hasty shares the community’s safety and access concerns, the financial burden ambulance transfers could place on lower-income residents, and why he believes Ottawa’s experience reflects the broader challenges and trade-offs facing rural hospitals across the country as systems consolidate to stay financially viable.

Do you think the “hub-and-spoke” model is the future of rural healthcare, or should communities fight to keep full-service hospitals local? Let us know your thoughts.

GOP political strategist Mark Campbell of Intellz joins host Bill Bernardoni for a no-spin breakdown of the growing rift between congressional Republicans and the Trump administration — why members feel disrespected, why more are quietly eyeing the exit (following MTG’s lead), and how a perceived “meanness” is poisoning the relationship. They dive into the chaotic Texas redistricting fight now in Justice Alito’s hands, why ranked-choice voting is a terrible idea that’s already backfired in California, and the grim 2026 midterm picture: rising costs, recession signals, questionable jobs data, and a GOP that could get wiped out if candidates can’t raise money fast enough to define themselves.

Is 2026 going to be a total bloodbath for the GOP? Yes/No and why.

John Hart, CEO of Open the Books and former chief of staff to Sen. Tom Coburn, wraps up his conversation with host Bill Bernardoni by unveiling their latest findings: more administrative overhead in America’s 12,500+ K-12 districts correlates with worse student outcomes, and the federal Department of Education is a big part of the problem. After the interview, Bill delivers a sharp monologue on the wave of veteran Republican lawmakers quietly retiring, the erosion of institutional knowledge on Capitol Hill, and why the fight for government transparency has never been more critical as the adults in the room head for the exits.


Do you agree with Bill that good lawmakers walking away is making government waste and secrecy worse than ever? Yes/No and why — drop your take below!

Host Bill Bernardoni talks with John Hart, CEO of Open the Books and former chief of staff to Dr. Tom Coburn, about the DOGE initiative, why its core idea is pure Constitutional gold, and why it still ended up as “Michael Jordan playing baseball.” They unpack the push for real-time government spending transparency, the massive database Open the Books has built, and the legacy of “every dime online in real time.” A candid, no-spin look at where your tax dollars really go.

What’s the most outrageous government waste you’ve ever seen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Bill continues his conversation with government affairs expert Brian Bernardoni for a deeper look at how taxes, regulations, and soaring commodity prices are squeezing out the family-run restaurants that define communities across Chicago — and across America. Brian lays out practical, targeted solutions: short-term property tax relief, flexible sales-tax approaches, and more nimble decision-making at the local level. He also explains why local officials do understand the crisis, but lack the executive flexibility to solve it — meaning the public must step up with ideas before beloved neighborhood institutions disappear for good. Bill and Brian close with memories of disappearing ice-cream stands and the ripple effects when small food businesses vanish.

Should local governments offer short-term tax relief to protect mom-and-pop restaurants — or is that an unfair advantage in the marketplace? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Learn more about Brian by visiting teamstrategia.com/.

Bill Bernardoni sits down with policy expert and longtime government affairs leader Brian Bernardoni for a candid conversation about the quiet crisis facing Chicago’s mom-and-pop restaurants — and the neighborhoods they hold together. From hot dog stands and taco joints to bakeries and corner food shops, Brian explains how rising beef prices, taxes, property assessments, mandates, and over-regulation are squeezing out the family-owned businesses that define Chicago’s culture and working-class identity. He shares personal stories, economic warnings, and a stark reality: once these small businesses close, their flavors, traditions, and community anchors disappear forever. A passionate, insightful look at food, economics, and the fragility of the small-business ecosystem nationwide.

Do you think cities are over-regulating small restaurants and mom-and-pop shops — or are these policies necessary for safety and revenue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Learn more about Brian by visiting teamstrategia.com/.

Bill Bernardoni continues his conversation with Dr. Marion Nestle, one of America’s most respected nutrition experts and author of What to Eat Now. Dr. Nestle shares her candid reaction to the expected changes in the new Dietary Guidelines under President Kennedy’s administration—particularly the push to stop “demonizing” saturated fat and the political rhetoric surrounding it. She explains why protein isn’t the problem people think it is, why ultra-processed foods are at the core of the obesity crisis, and why simply eating a balanced variety of unprocessed foods in reasonable amounts remains the most reliable path toward long-term health. Bill also opens up about his own weight-loss journey, prompting a broader discussion about calories, portion sizes, and why America’s food system is designed to push overeating at every turn. A smart, honest, and personal conversation that brings clarity to a confusing food landscape.

Should the Dietary Guidelines shift away from warnings about saturated fat — or would that confuse the public even more at a time when nutrition advice already feels overwhelming? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Learn more about Dr. Nestle and purchase her book by visiting foodpolitics.com/.

Bill Bernardoni opens today’s episode with Dr. Marion Nestle — one of the most trusted experts in American nutrition and author of the new book What to Eat Now. Dr. Nestle explains why she rewrote her classic guide from the ground up, how the food landscape has radically changed in the past 20 years, and why supermarkets, product lines, diet culture, and plant-based trends all look entirely different today. She also breaks down the explosion of bottled waters, cannabis edibles, online grocery shopping, and the rise of the “all meat” diet, offering clear science-backed insight ahead of the upcoming U.S. Dietary Guidelines. A sharp, thoughtful conversation that cuts through the confusion surrounding food, fads, and what healthy eating actually looks like in 2025.

Do you trust modern food advice — or has the explosion of diets, trends, and conflicting guidance made eating healthy harder than ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Learn more about Dr. Nestle and purchase her book by visiting foodpolitics.com/.

Bill Bernardoni closes this week’s America’s News Hour with a powerful and deeply human conversation with Daphna Edwards-Ziman — filmmaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of Children Uniting Nations. Daphna shares the moment that changed her life and moved her from writing checks to fighting on the front lines for foster children, battered women, and victims of trafficking. She explains the devastating connection between the foster system and sex trafficking, the inspiration behind her spoken-word project “Humanity,” and the unlikely but transformative collaboration with producer Mally Mall. A moving, emotional, and vital discussion about vulnerability, compassion, and the power of art to drive change.

Can art and storytelling meaningfully help combat human trafficking and inspire real-world change? Why or why not? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog.

Bill Bernardoni sits down with Michael Topchik, Executive Director of the Chartis Center for Rural Health, for an urgent and eye-opening conversation about the state of rural hospitals across America. Michael explains how shutdown uncertainty, expiring ACA subsidies, and looming Medicaid cuts could push already-fragile facilities toward closure — and what that means for the communities that rely on them. From defining what “rural hospital” actually means, to the economic devastation that follows closures, to the growing workforce crisis hitting rural America hardest, this segment breaks down why access, affordability, and staffing are reaching a breaking point. A critical look at a healthcare system on the brink in communities too often overlooked.

Should Congress step in with stronger support for rural hospitals — or should struggling facilities be left to fail as the system reshapes itself? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Learn more about Michael and The Chartis Center by visiting chartis.com/.

Bill Bernardoni sits down with Cynthia Cox, Vice President at KFF and one of the nation’s leading experts on the Affordable Care Act, for a clear and accessible breakdown of why health insurance costs are exploding heading into 2025. Cynthia explains how we got here — from preexisting condition protections to pandemic-era subsidies — and why the expiration of enhanced tax credits could leave millions facing massive premium hikes. She also unpacks what this means for people on employer plans, why health care costs are rising across every part of the system, and the political tug-of-war in Congress over extending support for Obamacare enrollees. An essential, grounded look at a complicated issue affecting families nationwide.

Should Congress extend the enhanced ACA subsidies — or is it time for a larger overhaul of how America handles health care costs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Learn more about Cynthia and KFF by visiting kff.org/.

Bill Bernardoni opens this week’s America’s NewsHour with a blistering monologue on Washington’s growing addiction to shortcuts, gimmicks, and political cover-ups. From the sudden hype around 50-year mortgages — a proposal that barely lowers payments while doubling interest — to a quiet Capitol Hill provision that could funnel six-figure payouts to eight senators, Bill exposes how both parties keep dodging real solutions. He breaks down why America’s housing crisis is rooted in supply, not loan gimmicks; why banks love the idea of generational debt; and why lawmakers slipped self-enrichment language into a must-pass funding bill. A sharp, clear, and timely look at the games being played with your money — and what Congress doesn’t want you to notice.

Do you think 50-year mortgages help struggling homebuyers — or are they just another trap that hides the real housing crisis? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog.

Bill Bernardoni is joined by top cybersecurity expert John Bambenek to break down one of the biggest data breaches in recent memory — one that hit Bill and his wife personally. John explains what stolen data actually means, why debit and credit fraud work differently today, and why consumers have fewer options to protect themselves than most people think. The two dig into why companies face so little accountability, how class action lawsuits fail to fix the problem, and why both regulation and enforcement lag far behind modern cybercrime. A sharp, clear, and accessible conversation about the state of cybersecurity in America — and what you can still do to protect yourself.

Should companies face tougher penalties when they fail to protect consumer data, or is the current system the best we can realistically expect? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Learn more about John by visiting bambenekconsulting.com/.

Bill Bernardoni continues with Andrew McKay of NewsRadio 92.3 in Pensacola, FL back to America’s News Hour for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on redistricting, representation, and the growing political fallout in states like Louisiana, Kansas, and Illinois. Bill and Andrew break down why both parties have abused the map-drawing process, why gerrymandering is poisoning trust in democracy, and whether Republicans are facing the blowback of a strategy that now appears to be backfiring nationwide. The two then shift gears to baseball, debating how intentional walks weaken the sport and exploring Andrew’s provocative rule change that would force pitchers to confront superstar hitters like Shohei Ohtani. A sharp, thoughtful, and entertaining segment that spans politics, process, and America’s pastime.

Should states be forced to redraw congressional maps without partisan influence, or is gerrymandering simply part of the political game now? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Check out Andrew by visiting newsradio923.com/.

Bill Bernardoni welcomes Andrew McKay of NewsRadio 92.3 in Pennsacola, FL back to America’s News Hour for a sharp, fast-moving conversation on the political shockwaves coming out of New York City. They break down Mamdani’s landslide victory, whether New Yorkers will feel immediate regret, and what the results mean for progressives and Democratic Socialists nationwide. The conversation then turns global as Bill and Andrew discuss America’s sudden foreign policy pivot toward potential military action in Venezuela, raising new questions about executive power, transparency, and consistency. A lively and insightful exchange blending politics, policy, and even a bit of baseball along the way.

Do you think Mamdani’s win will spark quick voter regret or signal a deeper progressive shift across the country? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Bill on X at @BillBernardoni, explore his work at Bernardoni.media, and read his latest writings at Bernardoni.blog. Check out Andrew by visiting newsradio923.com/.

On this episode of America’s News Hour, Bill Bernardoni is joined by nationally syndicated radio host Erick Erickson for a fast-moving, no-nonsense conversation about Tuesday’s Democratic sweep and what it means for President Trump, the GOP, and the 2026 landscape. Erickson explains why cost of living—not immigration or cultural rhetoric—is driving voter behavior across New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, and why rising prices tied to tariffs are becoming a hidden political liability. The two also examine the New York mayoral race, whether voters will face remorse, and how the Supreme Court’s major tariff case could reshape presidential power. Erickson closes with his take on the legacy of Vice President Dick Cheney and how the post-Iraq era continues to shape the Republican Party.

Do you agree with Eric Erickson that rising prices—not culture war politics—decided Tuesday’s elections? Why or why not? Let us know what you think in the comments.