Salem News Channel

The Trump administration is intensifying its crackdown on widespread hospice fraud in California, where scammers have allegedly enrolled healthy seniors in end-of-life care without their knowledge and billed Medicare for services they never received. More than 1,000 California hospices have been removed from Medicare since early 2025 as federal officials increase oversight of the industry. Los Angeles County has been a particular focus, with officials estimating the county alone accounts for about $3.5 billion in fraudulent hospice claims. The schemes can have serious consequences for victims. Once someone is enrolled in hospice, Medicare generally will not cover additional treatment outside that care, meaning seniors fraudulently enrolled can have legitimate medical appointments and procedures denied. California has also stepped up enforcement, revoking nearly 500 hospice licenses since imposing a moratorium on new facilities in 2021. Federal and state authorities have made multiple arrests and brought dozens of criminal cases tied to alleged hospice fraud. The Trump administration has also expanded scrutiny of federally funded health programs nationwide as part of a broader effort to combat Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

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Closing arguments are set to begin today in the murder trial of Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three young children inside their family home in 2023. Clancy has pleaded not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility. Her defense attorneys argue she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings and was unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of her actions. Prosecutors dispute that defense, arguing Clancy planned the killings and understood what she was doing. A prosecution expert testified that her actions before and after the deaths indicated she remained in control. The defense has highlighted Clancy’s repeated efforts to seek mental health treatment before the killings as evidence of her deteriorating condition. Testimony concluded after five weeks of trial. The case could be handed to the jury following closing arguments and instructions from the judge.

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In this discussion, Annie Chestnut Tutor, a tech policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation, delves into a recent settlement involving Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, and 29 state attorney generals. The settlement centers on allegations that Meta harmed children by making its platforms addictive, leading to personal injuries such as suicides and excessive screen time. Meta has agreed to significant changes, including age verification methods to ensure users are 13 or older and enhanced parental supervision tools. While some argue that parents should have more control over their children's screen time, others express concerns about privacy and the potential for increased surveillance. The settlement aims to address these issues while acknowledging the pervasive influence of social media on young users.

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In this insightful discussion, John Ashbrook, a member of the Ruthless Podcast, joins the show to dissect the upcoming midterm elections. Ashbrook, who has extensive experience working in the United States Senate, provides his expert analysis on the prospects of Republicans holding the Senate. He highlights key races in states like Maine and Michigan, discussing the Democratic candidates and the challenges they face. Ashbrook emphasizes the importance of voter turnout, especially among Trump supporters, and how recent primary results might influence the November elections. The conversation offers a detailed look at the current political landscape and the potential outcomes of the midterm elections.

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Maryland Delegate Matt Morgan discusses the recent legal challenges and political maneuvers surrounding the redistricting process in Maryland. In a special session, Democrats attempted to bypass constitutional norms by rewriting the Maryland Constitution to favor their political interests. Morgan highlights the importance of adhering to established rules and the potential consequences of disregarding them. He emphasizes the detrimental impact of socialistic policies on the state's economy, contrasting the current situation with past administrations that managed more efficiently. Morgan also addresses the Democrats' efforts to gerrymander districts to maintain control, noting the absurdity of their proposed map that disregarded natural boundaries like the Chesapeake Bay. With a case set to be heard by the Supreme Court on September 3rd, Morgan remains hopeful for a favorable outcome that upholds constitutional limitations on the general assembly.

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In a shocking turn of events, a heated debate erupted at a recent WNBA game, leaving many questioning the league's priorities. The speaker shares their thoughts on the matter, highlighting the tension between the league's focus on social justice and its core purpose: women's basketball. This episode delves into the controversy surrounding the WNBA's stance on trans participation in sports, with the speaker expressing their concerns about the league's refusal to define what a woman is. They discuss the recent incident involving Ernest Kanter, who was escorted out of the arena for wearing a T-shirt that questioned the league's stance on the issue. The speaker also touches on the comments made by WNBA coach Cheryl Reeve, who suggested that people should educate themselves on the topic. The speaker argues that the WNBA's focus on social justice has led to a shift away from the sport itself, and that the league's priorities are no longer aligned with its original purpose. They also discuss the impact of social media and the bifurcation of media on the league's popularity, as well as the role of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham in the controversy. If you're interested in hearing more about this fascinating topic and the speaker's thoughts on the matter, tune in to this episode to hear their analysis and insights. 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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In a recent survey, Donald Trump has emerged as the most favored Republican president among his party members, significantly surpassing Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln in popularity. According to the poll, 53% of Republicans regard Trump as their preferred leader, nearly quadrupling Reagan's 18% and far exceeding Lincoln's 8%. This overwhelming support reflects a strong backing for Trump's actions, particularly his military intervention against Iran. Among those who identify as staunch Republicans, Trump's approval rating stands impressively at 98%. His popularity within his own party during his second term has outpaced that of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The poll results suggest that the Iran conflict is a pivotal factor in this support, as many Republicans believe Trump's actions were necessary due to perceived Iranian threats and violations of the nuclear deal. For comprehensive coverage and analysis, tune into Salem News Channel.

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In a recent op-ed piece published in the Washington Post, former U.S. diplomat Ludovic Hood argues that the collapse of the Iranian regime is the best outcome for U.S. interests. With over 20 years of experience working in both Democratic and Republican administrations, including during the negotiation of the Iran nuclear deal, Hood's insights carry significant weight. He criticizes past U.S. diplomatic efforts, stating that no amount of diplomatic ingenuity can contain Iran. Hood supports President Trump's strategy of economic sanctions and diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the need to sever every economic lifeline that sustains the Iranian regime. He highlights Iran's history of outmaneuvering U.S. administrations, from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama, and its role in regional conflicts and terrorist activities. Hood concludes that a sustained campaign of economic and military pressure, backed by regional partners, is essential to weaken the increasingly brittle Iranian regime.

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MOSCOW/WASHINGTON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - U.S. CIA Director John Ratcliffe spoke with Russian intelligence officials during a visit to Moscow but did not meet President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said on Wednesday of a trip that U.S. President Donald Trump described as "semi-routine." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Putin had been briefed on the outcome of Tuesday's visit, which came as the war in Ukraine drags on and as efforts to reach a lasting peace between the United States and Iran have stalled. Peskov declined to say what had been discussed or to provide any further details. "All I can tell you is that there have been contacts via the security services. I can tell you that there have been no meetings with the Russian president. Naturally, President Putin is kept informed of everything without delay," said Peskov. Trump, in a radio interview on Wednesday, did not say specifically why Ratcliffe had travelled to Moscow but said it could prove useful. "Now something may come ... out of it. We're working very hard to get that war ended," Trump told the Glenn Beck Program, referring to the war in Ukraine. Asked whether the CIA chief went to Moscow to discuss potential Russian action to test the NATO military alliance or to discuss Iran sanctions, Trump added: "None of the above. He's there, you know, very sort of semi-routine." The last known visit by a U.S. CIA director to the Russian capital took place when Ratcliffe's predecessor William Burns held talks with Putin in November 2021, three months the war in Ukraine began. Asked if visits by such senior U.S. officials could help improve the dire state of U.S.-Russia relations, Peskov said that contacts between the two countries' intelligence agencies were a positive thing. "These contacts often continue even during the most difficult periods in bilateral relations. Our president, incidentally, has spoken about this. However, it is still too early to say to what extent this will, overall, help to steer our bilateral relations out of the profound crisis in which they currently find themselves," he said.

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Here's what's trending today with our partners at Townhall: More than a dozen sheriffs in New York have filed a lawsuit against the state, challenging a new law that bans agreements to coordinate "civil immigration enforcement" between local, state, and federal agencies. To read the full story head to: https://townhall.com/news/amy-curtis/2026/08/26/ny-sheriffs-file-lawsuit-over-ice-ban-n2681896

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Here's what's trending today with our partners at Townhall: The State Department is sanctioning an Italy-based technology collective it says provided digital services to extremist groups, including Antifa and organizations linked to Hamas. The designation freezes U.S.-based assets and prohibits Americans from doing business with the group. To read the full story head to: https://townhall.com/news/jeff-charles/2026/08/26/state-department-takes-massive-action-against-group-aiding-antifa-hamas-n2681944

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army announced Wednesday that it plans to add nuclear microreactors at five military bases from New York to Texas as a reliable source of energy independent of the commercial electric grid. The announcement comes as the Trump administration pushes hard to develop the next generation of nuclear power. No nuclear microreactors are supplying power to the commercial electric grid in the United States today. Five companies selected by the Army will be awarded up to $2.2 billion in total over five years. The Army expects that more than 20 nuclear microreactors will be built and operated. Army and industry officials say microreactors offer a resilient power source for critical infrastructure at military installations in case the grid fails.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The U.S. government has announced a drought disaster for more than two dozen cities and towns in Puerto Rico as water woes deepen across the U.S. Caribbean territory with no relief in sight. More than 33% of Puerto Rico is under extreme drought and another 30% under a severe drought. July was the driest month on record for San Juan in more than 120 years and the second hottest for the island’s capital. Gov. Jenniffer González welcomed the declaration on Wednesday. She said that she had requested it from the U.S. Department of Agriculture more than two weeks ago.

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The Left Can't Turn Down Their Violent Rhetoric Because They Don't Want To

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A man accused of arranging the fatal shooting of a Microsoft design manager on a Florida road was convicted Wednesday in a murder-for-hire scheme that followed years of a stormy child custody arrangement between the victim and his wealthy ex-wife. Jared Bridegan was shot in 2022 after he got out of his SUV to remove a tire from a road in Jacksonville Beach. The attack stumped police for months as they struggled to understand why someone with no apparent enemies would be killed while his daughter sat nearby in her car seat. Prosecutors believe he was killed because of ongoing strife with his former wife, Shanna Gardner, over the parenting of their twins. Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, was convicted of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder and faces an automatic sentence of life in prison. He’s married to Gardner, 39, whose trial is set to start in September. “They wanted a majority of the decision making. They wanted more custody, even 60-40," Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler said during closing arguments Tuesday in Duval County court. “It doesn’t matter if they were completely right about the situation or completely wrong. What matters is how they fixed it,” Stifler said. “They fixed it by executing a man when they had other alternatives available to them. That’s why we’re here.” Prosecutors said Fernandez Saldana hired Henry Tenon to carry out the fatal ambush. He had no personal connection to Bridegan, but was a former tenant at Fernandez Saldana’s rental property in Jacksonville. The prosecutor described him as “basically homeless, squatting on people’s couches with overdrawn bank accounts.” Jurors saw three checks totaling $10,000 written to Tenon after the homicide, marked as payments by Fernandez Saldana for handyman work and a business idea — “good luck!!” Tenon’s DNA was identified on the rim of the tire that was intentionally placed in the road, police said. He initially pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Fernandez Saldana but backed out and will stand trial in 2027. Defense attorney Jesse Dreicer told jurors that Fernandez Saldana had no motive to have Bridegan killed. Fernandez Saldana and Gardner are estranged, and Gardner moved to Washington state after the killing. She was arrested in 2023. “He certainly gained no benefit from the death of Jared Bridegan,” Dreicer said, noting there was no testimony that Fernandez Saldana told anyone that Bridegan “deserves to die.” Gardner is the daughter of the co-founder of Stampin’ Up!, an arts-and-crafts company based in Utah. Bridegan was shot twice when he stopped his Volkswagen Atlas to move the tire out of the way. He had just returned two children to Gardner's home after a meal with the twins. At the time of his death, he was married to Kirsten Bridegan and they had two children. Kirsten Bridegan told the jury that the post-divorce relationship between her husband and Gardner was “pretty terrible,” adding there was “absolutely no trust.” She said it interfered with the kids' medical appointments and even routine meetings at school. Bridegan was chief technology officer at Utah-based Clean Simple Eats before working at Microsoft for less than a year before his death, his wife said.

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Firefighters are battling the massive Ross Fire in North Texas, which has now burned about 80-thousand acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties. The blaze is just 12-percent contained after strong winds helped fuel its rapid growth. More than a thousand people have been evacuated, and several structures have been destroyed. Crews are using aircraft, bulldozers and ground teams to protect communities and strengthen containment lines.

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Various states have sued the tech giant Meta on behalf of parents who claim the company designed Facebook and Instagram to get kids addicted and collect their personal data. Meta has agreed to a settlement of over $16 billion to avoid a costly trial. Who is really to blame? Big tech or bad parenting? --- M and M Extra! If you love smart unscripted talk show chemistry, you’re in the right place. 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 zero apologies. Like and subscribe to @MandMExtra for more content. Watch full episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EGNf1WbbwMRurHjD-q-sft3OQfbxop8 Check out highlight clips from all our shows: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EGNf1WbbwPQn44WIEh9LfT3hP1lng9w

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We are absolutely devastated. Dolly Parton—the queen of country music, a true American treasure, and one of the kindest souls to ever walk this earth—has passed away at 80 years old . Today, we remember her not just for the music, but for the woman she was: her humor, her generosity, her love for every single person she met. --- M and M Extra! If you love smart unscripted talk show chemistry, you’re in the right place. 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 zero apologies. Like and subscribe to @MandMExtra for more content. Watch full episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EGNf1WbbwMRurHjD-q-sft3OQfbxop8 Check out highlight clips from all our shows: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EGNf1WbbwPQn44WIEh9LfT3hP1lng9w

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Hugh Hewitt discusses how streaming platforms are shaping political discourse, particularly on the left. He argues that these platforms often rely on emotional, sensational content rather than logic and reason. Hewitt also explores how influencers like Hasan Piker can create political challenges for Democrats who once supported them.

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to a significant $18 billion settlement with 29 states over concerns regarding social media addiction and its impact on children's mental health. This landmark agreement includes the implementation of new child safety measures on these platforms. Kentucky's Attorney General, Russell Coleman, highlights the importance of these reforms, which include restrictions such as a midnight to six AM blackout period for children and daily usage limits to combat doom scrolling and excessive phone use during school hours. Coleman emphasizes that these changes will be rolled out in the near future, aiming to make platforms safer for young users. The settlement funds will be distributed to the states for additional child protection initiatives, with Kentucky expecting to receive $358 million. Coleman also mentions ongoing efforts to address other platforms, including TikTok and Roblox, as well as emerging threats like AI chatbots. This settlement marks a major step towards addressing the broader issue of digital addiction and its effects on children.

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