Salem News Channel

RSS Feed

Cargo Ship's Chief Engineer Charged In Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (AP) — Prosecutors have charged the chief engineer of the cargo ship Dali in connection with the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. They allege the engineer failed to notify the U.S. Coast Guard about hazardous conditions on the ship. The charge was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Maryland. The ship lost power twice and crashed into the bridge, killing six construction workers. The Singapore-based ship operator and another employee were indicted in May. A trial for the ship's operator and technical superintendent is set for October 2027. A $2.25 billion settlement was announced in April.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides On Hold After Teen Tourist's Death In NYC

Horse carriage rides in Central Park are on hold at least until Tuesday, the union representing drivers said, as safety protocols are reviewed in the wake of a death of a young tourist who jumped from a runaway horse carriage. Alexander Kemp, administrative vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, said in a statement Friday that “our hearts go out to the family” of Romanch Mahajan, 18, who died after he got off the four-wheeled carriage as its horse sprinted through the park without the driver. “Words can’t express the enormity of this tragedy,” Kemp said. “We are taking the first steps towards addressing safety issues.” Among the safety protocols to be reviewed are how to maintain control of the carriage horses at all times, he said. Mahajan is believed to be the first person to die in a horse carriage accident since they were introduced in Central Park more than 150 years ago, according to the labor union representing the industry and the Central Park Conservancy, which manages the 843-acre (341-hectare) park. Mahajan had traveled from India with his family to celebrate his recent high school graduation when the family decided to take a ride on one of the park’s often photographed, richly decorated carriages, his father told The New York Times. The carriage driver hopped off to take a photograph of the family near a fountain when the horse suddenly bolted. Romanch’s mother fell out of the carriage, and the teen jumped out in an attempt to save her, according to his father. The Central Park Conservancy was among those arguing Thursday that the carriage industry should be suspended until more protections can be put in place. Mahajan’s death was the eighth horse-related incident in the park over the past 13 months, the group said. The conservancy has argued that horses can no longer safely share park roads teeming with joggers, cyclists, pedestrians and motorized scooters, noting that other U.S. cities, including Chicago and San Antonio, have also recently done away with the nostalgic rides. But carriage industry leaders said the fatal crash underscores the need for better protections, not outright elimination of the quaint attraction that harkens back to a romanticized, bygone New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his support for ending the industry, saying he’d work with the council, the industry and animal welfare advocates to “deliver a just transition that protects workers while ending horse-drawn carriages in Central Park once and for all.” Other recent mayors have made similar pronouncements. Mayor Bill de Blasio vowed to shut down the industry “on Day One” in office, only to come up against years of council opposition. Mayor Eric Adams, Mamdani’s predecessor, came out against the industry near the end of his single term. Kemp said Friday that the union wanted to “do all that we can, collaborating with the City, to improve safety and prevent any accidents from occurring as we move forward.” The union said it supported increased oversight of drivers including regular checks in the parks and enforcement of protocols that require drivers to be in their seats when passengers get on board, throughout the ride and when they exit. Idle horses should also be tethered. Animal welfare activists have long said the carriage horses are overworked, can get easily spooked on city streets and live in inadequate stables while their drivers regularly flout city rules. All of those allegations have been denied by the horse and carriage owners, who say the animals are well cared for and the stables are fine.

Trump Spending Weekend At Camp David

WASHINGTON, June 19 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump will make a rare trip to Camp David this weekend, returning to the presidential retreat for only the second time since retaking office last year. Trump will hold policy and political meetings during his visit, a White House official said. His family will travel with him for the weekend, which includes Father's Day on Sunday. The trip comes as Trump works to secure a final agreement to end the war with Iran and faces scrutiny over a provisional peace deal that critics say grants Tehran too many concessions. U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland planned for Friday were canceled as fighting flared in Lebanon, creating new uncertainty about the timing of negotiations vital to ensure the ?reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping and restoring peace in the Middle East. On Friday, Trump continued to defend the deal with Iran, saying Tehran had come to the negotiating table from a position of weakness. "We didn't meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED!" Trump posted on Truth Social. "We'll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!" Trump last visited Camp David in June 2025, meeting with top military leaders and foreign policy advisers to discuss immigration protests in California, Iran and the war in Gaza. The secluded retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains has not been a regular destination for the Republican president. He has generally preferred spending weekends at his own properties, including Mar-a-Lago in Florida and his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. A Cabinet meeting planned for Camp David in May was moved to the White House because of forecasts for bad weather. Other presidents have used the government-owned retreat about 70 miles from Washington far more frequently, both as a weekend escape and as a setting for diplomacy and policy meetings.

Trump Unveils Brand New Air Force One From Qatar

On Friday, the U.S. Air Force unveiled a Boeing 7-47-8 that will serve as the new Air Force One, giving the public its first look at the $400 million-dollar plane gifted to the U.S. by the Qatari government.

Will Obama's Presidential Center Hide His Failures?

Obama's Presidential Center Opens In Chicago

DALLAS (AP) — As people gather to celebrate Juneteenth at events across the U.S., former President Barack Obama’s presidential center in Chicago is opening its doors to the general public for the first time. A million visitors a year are expected to come together at the sprawling campus honoring the nation’s first Black president. The center’s grand opening arrives as a symbolic convergence of legacy and liberation in this fifth year since June 19 became a federal holiday. This year's Juneteenth events, held to celebrate the end of slavery, come amid deep political divisions as the nation grapples with renewed questions about the arc of racial progress.

Trump Presents The Medal Of Honor To 3 Veterans For Heroism In Vietnam And Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump gave the Medal of Honor to three veterans on Thursday, honoring acts of heroism that saved lives and repelled enemy forces in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Trump bestowed the military's highest honor on Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr. and Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery. He also awarded it posthumously to Marine Corps Col. John W. Ripley, who died in 2008. “These are great men, great people,” Trump said at the ceremony. “We thank you and we will never, ever forget you.” Capers led a selfless rescue after a deadly ambush Capers, 88, was honored for risking his life to ensure the safety of his fellow Marines after they were ambushed in Vietnam in 1967. What was supposed to be a reconnaissance mission to find a suspected North Vietnamese base camp turned into days of bloody fighting in dense jungle, according to his citation. On the fourth day, his team was ambushed and outnumbered by Vietnamese fighters. A mine explosion left Capers with a broken leg and serious wounds to his abdomen. “After a shot of morphine, Jim asserted command of the firefight,” Trump said, drawing on accounts of the mission. “He took over like nobody’s ever seen before.” Capers called in air support to repel the ambush. When a rescue helicopter arrived, Capers loaded all the wounded men before climbing aboard. Trump shared a moving moment with Capers as the president pinned the Medal of Honor around his neck, clasping Capers by the shoulders and pulling him forward to make sure the medal was straight and level against his chest. Capers had been keeping a straight face but broke into a smile when Trump grinned. Ripley single-handedly laid explosives to destroy key bridge Ripley was honored for a heroic effort to halt the advance of North Vietnamese forces by blowing up a crucial bridge in 1972. A force of more than 30,000 North Vietnamese soldiers and 200 tanks was approaching the bridge in the village of Dong Ha when Ripley single-handedly placed 500 pounds of explosives to bring it down, according to his citation. Over the course of five hours, Ripley climbed back and forth along the bridge's steel beams, exposing himself to enemy fire as he placed the charges. “John completed not one, not two, but five such trips,” Trump said, calling him a “very strong guy.” Ripley said a prayer, then detonated the bridge, sending it into the water below and halting the North Vietnamese advance, Trump said. Ripley died in 2008. His three sons and other family members attended the ceremony. Dockery rescued wounded soldiers before coordinating rescue Dockery's platoon members were guarding a compound in Afghanistan's Kapisa Province in 2012 when they were ambushed by an estimated 150 Taliban fighters. He raced across open ground to rally his scattered team then set out to find missing soldiers, according to his citation. After carrying a wounded soldier away from gunfire, he spotted two enemy fighters heading toward another wounded soldier in an alley. Dockery killed the two fighters before performing CPR on the American soldier to get him breathing again, his citation said. Dockery called in mortar support, then shielded the wounded soldier from the blasts with his own body. After hours of fighting in the close urban setting, Dockery used smoke grenades to signal enemy positions for American gunships. He refused to leave the village until all the wounded soldiers were taken to safety. “You were the last man to depart the battlefield that day," Trump told him, “and you left it a legend and a hero."

The Warning Signs Are There For Democrats

Liberal Elites Suck Up to the Obamas

Israel And Hezbollah Agree To Halt Fighting

DUBAI/WASHINGTON, June 19 (Reuters) - Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday after an escalation in fighting there jeopardised the chances of an interim agreement on ending the war in Iran turning into a lasting Middle East peace deal. U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland planned for Friday were cancelled as fighting flared in Lebanon, creating new uncertainty about the timing of negotiations vital to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping. A senior U.S. official said that a ceasefire would come into effect around 4 p.m. Lebanon time (1300 GMT). "We understand that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah are now in a ceasefire," the official said on background, adding that negotiators for the U.S. and Qataris worked out the agreement with help from Iran. Two sources from Iran-aligned Hezbollah and a senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters. "If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war," the Israeli official said, adding that Israel would keep its forces in southern Lebanon, where it has occupied an area along Israel's northern border. The conflict in Lebanon, in which 18 people were killed in airstrikes overnight and four Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah militants, could weigh on negotiations because ending fighting there is a condition for the broader U.S.-Iran accord. TOUGH ISSUES STILL UNRESOLVED The memorandum of understanding signed this week by the Iranian and U.S. presidents left discussion of Iran's nuclear programme and other tough issues until later, giving the sides 60 days to reach a lasting agreement or extend the interim deal. Preparations for technical talks to start in the Swiss mountaintop resort of Buergenstock were far advanced when a White House spokesperson said on Thursday that U.S. Vice President JD Vance had dropped plans to attend. Earlier on Thursday, a source familiar with Tehran's thinking had said Iran's lead negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, was not planning to attend. A Swiss foreign ministry statement said the talks had been postponed and that Switzerland remained ready to facilitate the talks and the relevant preparatory work was continuing. But Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah cited Iran as saying further talks depended on a comprehensive ceasefire being in place and said Lebanon's government should reject direct negotiations with Israel as long as Israeli attacks continue. The broad interim deal requires the United States, Iran and their allies to declare an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Israel, left out of the talks, says it is not party to the deal. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart on Friday, said the U.S. would be responsible for any violation of its commitments under the deal, including ending the fighting in Lebanon, his ministry said. HEAVY AIRSTRIKES Lebanon was sucked into the regional war when Hezbollah opened fire at Israel on March 2, prompting Israel to launch an offensive against the group and invade the south of the country. Lebanon's health ministry said 18 people had been killed and 33 wounded in heavy airstrikes in 11 southern towns since midnight, and that the toll was expected to rise. The Israeli military said four soldiers had been killed in an incident in Lebanon, without giving further details. It said it had carried out strikes targeting what it described as Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure across several areas of the south, saying these were in response to repeated ceasefire violations by the Iran-backed group. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli attacks but said the escalation would not hinder efforts to reach a comprehensive ceasefire. TRUMP DEFENDS INTERIM DEAL The Iran war, which began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli air attacks on Iran, has killed at least 7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. It also pushed up energy prices, stoking inflation worldwide. Oil prices have dipped since the interim deal was signed as tankers are again moving through the Strait of Hormuz, which carried nearly a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before it was blockaded by Iran during the war. At least four tankers carrying crude, oil products and liquefied petroleum gas entered the strait on Friday, heading for Iraqi Gulf ports, according to MarineTraffic data. The body set up by Iran to manage the strait said on Friday it would waive planned fees to use the waterway during the 60-day negotiation period under the interim deal. The memorandum signed this week foresees relief for Iran from economic sanctions, the unfreezing of assets worth tens of billions of dollars and immediate U.S. waivers for its exports of oil. The deal gives negotiators 60 days to agree on the status of Iran's nuclear programme, unless an extension is agreed, and to set up a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran and other financial incentives. Trump again defended the deal after criticism in Washington, including from some of his Republican allies in Congress who question whether he conceded too much to end a war unpopular with most Americans ahead of midterm elections in November. "The War has diminished Iran!" he wrote in social media posts on Friday, adding: "We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!"

U.S. Strike On Alleged Drug Boat Kills 3 In Eastern Pacific Ocean

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three people. Thursday’s attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in early September. U.S. Southern Command did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. A video posted on X showed a boat speeding through the water before being struck and bursting into flames. Senators have demanded that the Pentagon release “unedited video” of the strikes.

M and M Extra: Personal Stories

We don't just talk about politics and policy on this show. Every now and then, we pull back the curtain and let you in. Why share all this? Because trust isn't built on headlines—it's built on connection. If you're going to listen to us every day, you deserve to know who we really are. -- M and M Extra:Two iconic talk radio hosts. One unfiltered daily conversation. No scripts. No spin. Just Mike Gallagher and Mark Davis breaking down the news the way it should be — with decades of experience and zero apologies. If you love smart unscripted talk show chemistry, you’re in the right place. A BIG THANKS to PHD Weight Loss for sponsoring M and M Extra. If you're ready to finally take control of your health, PHD has the plan that works. Real science. Real support. Real results. Visit PHDWeightloss.com or call 864-644-1900 and mention Mike and Mark! Subscribe & Watch M and M Extra Live ?? / @mandmextra ?? Weekdays at 12 PM ET Watch The Mike Gallagher Show Live ?? salemnewschannel.com/watch-live ?? Weekdays 9 AM – 12 PM ET Listen to The Mark Davis Show ?? 660amtheanswer.com/listenlive ?? Weekdays at 7AM - 10AM CT

M and M Extra: SANCTIONS OR SURRENDER

The backlash is already pouring in over Trump's Memorandum of Understanding with Iran—and the deal hasn't even been fully explained yet. Critics are accusing him of capitulating, of giving away too much, of surrendering when we should be standing firm. But here's the question: How can you judge a deal you haven't even read? The scrutiny is fierce, the questions are mounting, and the usual suspects are already sharpening their knives. Is it fair criticism or just another case of Trump Derangement Syndrome clouding judgment? ---- M and M Extra:Two iconic talk radio hosts. One unfiltered daily conversation. No scripts. No spin. Just Mike Gallagher and Mark Davis breaking down the news the way it should be — with decades of experience and zero apologies. If you love smart unscripted talk show chemistry, you’re in the right place. A BIG THANKS to PHD Weight Loss for sponsoring M and M Extra. If you're ready to finally take control of your health, PHD has the plan that works. Real science. Real support. Real results. Visit PHDWeightloss.com or call 864-644-1900 and mention Mike and Mark! Subscribe & Watch M and M Extra Live ?? / @mandmextra ?? Weekdays at 12 PM ET Watch The Mike Gallagher Show Live ?? salemnewschannel.com/watch-live ?? Weekdays 9 AM – 12 PM ET Listen to The Mark Davis Show ?? 660amtheanswer.com/listenlive ?? Weekdays at 7AM - 10AM CT

I’m No Fan Of Soccer But I Love FIFA Fans

In a recent episode of this podcast, the speaker discusses the importance of being grateful for the freedoms we often take for granted. This episode explores the importance of being grateful for the freedoms we often take for granted. This episode explores the growing divide between Americans on what it means to be patriotic. The speaker shares some stunning statistics on how people's views on the American flag, celebrating America, and being proud to be an American have changed over the years. The conversation also touches on the contrast between these views and those of international visitors, specifically FIFA fans, who are amazed by the opportunities and freedoms they experience in the United States. The speaker highlights the polarization of American society, citing a significant decrease in the number of Democrats who display the American flag on July fourth and those who are proud to be American. This is compared to the views of FIFA fans, who are in awe of the country's size, freedoms, and opportunities. The speaker also mentions the entrepreneurial spirit and the choices available in the United States, which are often taken for granted by some Americans. The episode is a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of appreciating the freedoms and opportunities we have in the United States. The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on their own views and consider the perspectives of others, including international visitors who are grateful for the freedoms they experience in America. To hear more about this fascinating topic and the speaker's insights, tune in to this episode and discover why being grateful for our freedoms is essential for a healthy and thriving society. 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

Breaking Down Trump’s Iran Deal

K.T. McFarland joins Mike to break down President Trump’s Iran deal, calling it a strong and strategic move that blocks Iran’s nuclear ambitions while helping stabilize the U.S. economy. One of our favorite guests, K.T., always brings sharp insight and leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of the world stage.

Hilarity Ensues At Obama Presidential Library Opening

Hilarity ensued at the opening of the Obama Presidential Library yesterday, with sharp mockery of its strange design, including comparisons to a “Death Star Fridge.” The event featured awkward onstage moments, a striking attendee look, and praise for resistance to immigration enforcement.

Democrats Question White House Funding Amid Ballroom Construction Project

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.

1 2 3 4 5 ... Last