Salem News Channel

Democrats are raising concerns over more than $350 million that was directed to White House security projects through President Donald Trump’s domestic policy legislation, arguing the money could indirectly support construction of a new White House ballroom. The funding allocation has drawn scrutiny because Trump has repeatedly stated that taxpayer dollars would not be used for the ballroom project, which is intended to expand event and reception space at the White House. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, say the movement of federal funds raises questions about whether public money is helping cover costs associated with the broader construction effort. Some have called for greater transparency regarding how the money will be spent and whether it is connected to the ballroom project. The White House has rejected those concerns, maintaining that the ballroom is being financed through private contributions. Administration officials say President Trump and private donors are providing approximately $400 million for the project and argue that related security upgrades are necessary to protect the White House complex. The debate comes as the ballroom project faces legal and political challenges in both the courts and Congress. Democrats have accused the administration of blurring the line between public expenditures and privately funded construction, while the White House insists all spending complies with federal law. The dispute is likely to fuel further congressional oversight as lawmakers continue to examine the financing and scope of the project.

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Vice President J.D. Vance publicly criticized members of Israel’s government on Thursday, accusing some Israeli leaders of failing to appreciate American military and diplomatic support as disagreements grow over the U.S.-brokered agreement with Iran. Speaking during a White House briefing, Vance defended President Donald Trump’s approach to ending the conflict with Iran and suggested that some officials within Israel’s government are misreading their country's position on the world stage. Vance argued that Israel has become increasingly isolated internationally and emphasized that the United States remains one of its strongest allies. He said Israeli leaders should recognize the role Washington has played in supporting the country militarily and diplomatically. The comments come amid growing friction between the Trump administration and some members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition over the recently signed ceasefire and interim peace agreement with Iran. While Netanyahu has largely avoided publicly criticizing the deal, other Israeli officials have voiced concerns that the agreement may limit Israel’s ability to confront Iranian-backed groups in the region. The dispute centers in part on Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, which remain a key issue in ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to the war with Iran. Despite the sharp rhetoric, both governments have stressed the importance of maintaining the longstanding alliance between the United States and Israel. However, Vance’s remarks highlight a rare public disagreement between close allies at a critical moment in Middle East diplomacy.

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A federal appeals court has revived Ohio’s law requiring parental consent for children under the age of 16 to create and use social media accounts, handing a victory to state officials who argue the measure is necessary to protect minors online. In a 2-1 decision, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the law is constitutional and directed a lower court to lift an injunction that had blocked its enforcement. The court found that the requirement for parental approval places only a limited burden on users and is aimed at addressing concerns about children’s interactions with social media platforms. Known as the Social Media Parental Notification Act, the law requires social media and certain gaming platforms to obtain parental permission before allowing users under 16 to create accounts. Companies must also provide information about privacy policies and content moderation practices. Supporters of the law, including Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, say the measure gives parents greater oversight of their children’s online activity and helps protect young users from harmful or addictive content. The lawsuit was brought by NetChoice, a technology industry group representing companies including TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta. The organization argued the law is overly broad and violates First Amendment protections. NetChoice said it plans to continue challenging the measure in court. The ruling marks a departure from decisions in several other states where similar laws have faced legal setbacks, setting up a potentially significant battle over how far states can go in regulating children's access to social media.

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Luigi Mangione has withdrawn a planned psychiatric defense in the high-profile murder case involving the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, just months before his trial is scheduled to begin. Mangione's attorneys informed a New York judge that they are no longer pursuing a defense based on claims that he was suffering from an extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the December 2024 shooting. The reversal came just one day after defense lawyers indicated they intended to use the argument at trial. Had the defense moved forward, Mangione would have effectively acknowledged responsibility for Thompson's death while arguing mitigating circumstances. Under New York law, a successful extreme emotional disturbance defense can reduce a murder conviction to manslaughter, carrying a significantly lighter sentence. Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges. He is accused of fatally shooting Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel as the executive was heading to a corporate event. Prosecutors allege evidence recovered after Mangione's arrest, including a 3D-printed handgun and writings criticizing the health insurance industry, links him to the killing. The reason for the sudden change in legal strategy has not been publicly disclosed. Mangione's attorneys have not commented on the decision. His state murder trial is scheduled to begin in September, while a separate federal case is expected to go to trial later in the fall. The case has drawn national attention because of both the victim's prominence and the unusual circumstances surrounding the investigation and arrest.

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Vice President JD Vance has postponed a planned trip to Switzerland for nuclear negotiations with Iran as both sides delay the next phase of talks aimed at reaching a permanent agreement following the recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The White House said the decision came after Iran delayed sending its own delegation amid ongoing tensions tied to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The postponement raises new questions about the pace of negotiations, though administration officials insist diplomatic efforts remain on track. Speaking at the White House, Vance defended the administration’s initial agreement with Tehran, rejecting criticism that the United States has offered too many concessions in exchange for peace. He emphasized that Iran must first comply with key provisions of the deal before receiving long-term benefits. Under the framework agreement, Iran is expected to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and formally renounce efforts to develop nuclear weapons. The accord also paved the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that had been disrupted during the conflict. Despite the delay in talks, commercial shipping traffic has begun returning to the waterway, easing concerns about global energy supplies and helping push oil prices lower in recent days. Administration officials say negotiations will be rescheduled, but no new date has been announced. Both Washington and Tehran continue to describe the current agreement as a first step toward a broader and more permanent settlement.

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Efforts to secure a permanent peace agreement between the United States and Iran have been delayed after planned negotiations in Switzerland were postponed, raising new questions about the future of a fragile truce that has helped ease tensions in global energy markets. The delay came after Vice President JD Vance postponed his trip to Switzerland and Iranian negotiators also held back from attending, citing the need to see further implementation of the recently signed interim agreement before additional talks move forward. Despite the diplomatic setback, shipping traffic has begun returning to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors. Maritime tracking data shows major commercial vessels are once again moving through the waterway for the first time in more than 100 days following the U.S.-Iran agreement. The interim accord, signed by both countries this week, calls for a halt in military operations, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports while negotiators work toward a broader settlement. The agreement also provides a 60-day window for talks on Iran's nuclear program and other unresolved issues. Markets have responded positively to the reopening of shipping lanes, with oil prices falling from recent highs as traders anticipate increased energy supplies reaching global markets. However, uncertainty remains over whether the two sides can reach a lasting agreement, particularly as fighting continues in Lebanon and critics in Washington question whether the deal gives too many concessions to Tehran. For now, tankers are moving once again through the Strait of Hormuz, providing a measure of relief to global energy markets while diplomats work to reschedule the next round of talks.

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What Will Make People Happy About the Iran Deal?

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Why Are People Upset at Trump Over Iran?

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An Uber driver taking American fans of Argentina’s soccer team to a World Cup match was among four people injured in a series of shootings in Kansas City, Missouri, that also left one man dead, police said. A 22-year-old male suspect, described as armed and dangerous, remained at large Thursday. The five shootings occurred Tuesday between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m, in a 5-mile stretch of Kansas City, three of them on Interstates 70 and 670 as they cut through downtown. All of the shootings were at least 4 miles away from Arrowhead Stadium, where Argentina won its first match against Algeria. Two Argentina fans told Argentine outlet La Nación that someone in a car came alongside and fired two shots at the Uber they were riding in, hitting the driver in the leg. They said they first thought the sound was a car tire popping until they saw the driver had been hit. They had to go to the police station to provide statements about what happened. Officers then took them to the stadium in patrol cars, they said. The driver's injuries were not life-threatening, police Capt. Jacob Becchina said. That shooting and two others on the interstates occurred while cars were traveling east, one of them from neighboring Kansas, police said. The others occurred further east on Truman Road, a major thoroughfare through the city. Police said three adults and a minor, a teenager, were injured, and all were hospitalized, though only one adult had life-threatening injuries, Becchina said. About 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into a pole along Truman Road, east of the other shootings. The driver was taken to a hospital, and workers there discovered what appeared to be a gunshot wound while treating him. He died of his injuries. “Victims all indicated they were driving down the highway or roadway when one or more shots were fired into their vehicles,” Becchina said in an email. Becchina said detectives believe the non-fatal shootings occurred “in close succession,” from west to east, connected by the one suspect. Police later tracked the suspect to a home in the suburb of Independence, about 2 miles further east of where the fatal shooting victim was found, and a standoff ensued. But when police entered the home about 8 a.m. Wednesday, the suspect was not there. Officials across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas, also have a warrant out for the suspect over a June 11 incident involving an illegal discharge of a firearm, Nancy Chartrand, the spokesperson for its police department said.

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NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices have fallen to just below $4 a gallon on average, bringing some relief to drivers who have seen soaring costs amid Washington’s war with Iran. But filling up is still more expensive than it was before the conflict began. According to AAA, a gallon of regular gasoline is now averaging at $3.999. It’s the first time since March that prices have been that low. The drop aligns with easing crude oil costs overall, as markets feel hopeful about an initial agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end the war. Still, American drivers are collectively paying a $1 more per gallon than they were in late February.

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In a world where the lines between civility and violence are increasingly blurred, a concerning trend has emerged on the left. This episode delves into the disturbing reality of how some individuals and groups have become more comfortable with using violence to achieve their goals, rather than engaging in democratic processes. The speaker discusses a recent incident at a UFC event near the White House, where an attempted terrorist attack occurred, and how it's just one example of a larger issue. They also touch on a clip from CNN, where a data analyst highlights a stark divide between Republicans and Democrats on patriotic values, such as displaying the American flag and being proud to be American. The conversation also explores how this growing polarization has led to a concerning lack of pride in America among some Democrats. The speaker argues that this trend is not just about individual opinions, but about a broader cultural shift. They point to the funding of anti-American rallies and protests by certain individuals and groups, and how this has contributed to a culture of violence. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding what America stands for and why it's exceptional. If you're concerned about the state of our country and the values that are being eroded, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker's analysis and insights will help you understand the complexities of this issue and why it's essential to address it. Join us as we explore this critical topic and discuss the implications for our democracy. Follow Carl Jackson: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshow Website: http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.com Store: https://CarlJacksonStore.com

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Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed direct negotiations with the U.S. late Thursday in a statement read by state media, marking his first reaction to the agreement reached between Iran and the U.S. to end hostilities. Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. Navy has lifted its blockade on Iranian ports by allowing more than a dozen ships to pass through. Vance gave the update Thursday at a White House news briefing, where he also said the greatest amount of oil since the war began is now flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Will We Ever Get a Nuclear Deal with Iran?

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The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur are battering parts of the southeastern United States with heavy rain, sparking flash flood and tornado warnings along the Gulf Coast. Building damage, downed trees and power outages are reported Thursday. The Midwest, meanwhile, is recovering from a line of strong storms that tore through parts of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky on Wednesday. Tornadoes and high winds slammed some areas of the Midwest, also damaging homes and downing trees and power lines. The National Weather Service says heavy rain is falling in southern Louisiana and Mississippi on Thursday and is expected to move into Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.

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Our Navy Has Issues

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FORT STEWART, Ga. (AP) — An Army sergeant was found guilt of attempted murder Thursday in shootings last summer that wounded five people at a base in southeast Georgia. A military judge at Fort Stewart handed down his verdict in the court-martial of Sgt. Quornelius Radford, local news outlets reported. Army prosecutors accused Radford of targeting leaders of his supply unit when he opened fire with a personal handgun last August. Radford, 29, wounded four fellow soldiers and his then-fiancé, Raekwon Smith, who testified during the two-day trial that he had followed Radford onto Fort Stewart fearing the soldier was suicidal. Smith said Radford shot him in the torso before entering his unit's office building and shooting others. Radford admitted to carrying out the shootings in March when he pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault and domestic violence. But he insisted he never intended to kill anyone, and Army prosecutors pressed ahead with trying Radford on charges of attempted murder. Trial witnesses described how Radford walked to two offices and a conference room as he shot four soldiers, but he told others he encountered to leave, WSAV-TV reported. He was apprehended by military police after being restrained and disarmed by fellow soldiers. A radiologist who examined X-rays of the soldiers' injuries testified one was shot in the face and another in the chest, while bullets stuck other victims in the back and abdomen. Dr. Morgan Williamson said any of those wounds could have been fatal, WTOC-TV reported. Prosecutors argued that Radford knew from his military firearms training never to shoot at anyone unless he meant to kill them. Defense attorneys said Radford was suicidal and opened fire to provoke a showdown with police, hoping they would kill him. “Radford only wanted one person to die that day, himself,” said Lt. Col. Dylan Mack, one of Radford's Army lawyers. Radford opted for his trial to be decided by a military judge rather than a jury of soldiers. The judge scheduled a sentencing hearing for Monday. Under military law, attempted murder carries a potential penalty of life imprisonment. The largest Army post east of the Mississippi River, Fort Stewart is home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. It is located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Savannah. Radford served as a supply sergeant in the division’s 2nd Armored Brigade. Army records show he enlisted in 2018.

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A 21-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime, arson and other offenses for a cross that was set on fire in a Chicago park, police said. Merlin Lu admitted to a TV station this week that he was responsible for the cross burning in Grant Park on June 9. But he insisted that he was protesting President Donald Trump and was not using the cross as a historical symbol of hate and intimidation against Black people. Lu has been charged with four felonies and four misdemeanors, including a hate crime and burning a cross to intimidate, police said in a statement released Wednesday night. “I understand why it was interpreted that way, and I apologize for that, but no, the intent was not there,” Lu told WMAQ-TV before his arrest. It was not immediately known Thursday if Lu has an attorney who could speak on his behalf. He was scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing. “I did know about this historical relevance beforehand. But I didn’t know the severity, how racially motivated it may seem from what I did,” Lu told the TV station. “Cause my protest has nothing to do with race, nothing to do with gender.” Lu said he was protesting the “ruling class” and Christian nationalists who support Trump. Someone put a large, multicolored, glass fiber heart with the word, “resilient,” in the place where the burning cross stood in the park. Lu's LinkedIn page says he has attended college in Indiana and Chicago and was studying chemistry.

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Illegal Alien Led Failed White House UFC Terror Plot

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Speaker Mike Johnson Joins the Scott Jennings Show!

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Trump: "If Iran Doesn't Behave, We Will Bomb Them Again."

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