Salem News Channel

WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge has denied a request from the Kennedy Center to pause a ruling ordering President Donald Trump's name removed from building. That denial came Friday. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled last month that Trump’s name was illegally added to the iconic Washington performing arts facility. Cooper ruled only Congress could institute a change to the Kennedy Center’s name and ordered references to Trump to be removed by Friday. Now he's refused the Kennedy's Center board's request to stay the ruling.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has refused to stop the White House from staging a UFC show this weekend in an elaborate ring already built on the South Lawn to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary — on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled Friday that organizers can use the White House lawn as the venue for Sunday’s planned UFC mixed martial arts event. The nonprofit Public Integrity Project sued to challenge Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event. The White House calls the lawsuit baseless, saying it's no different from many other events hosted at public forums in the capital.

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U.S. Central Command posted on X Friday afternoon: "U.S. forces continue to strictly enforce the blockade against Iran. CENTCOM has redirected 139 compliant commercial ships and disabled 9 non-compliant vessels since April 13."

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PROVO, Utah (AP) — Attorneys for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk asked a judge Friday to block prosecutors from seeking the death penalty as punishment for comments they made in the media about a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body. The comments were made in response to speculation that the bullet fragment could exonerate defendant Tyler Robinson. Conjecture over the evidence in Kirk’s killing has fueled unsubstantiated conspiracy theories that there might have been a second shooter or that his death was staged. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. The 23-year-old from southwestern Utah is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 killing of Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot in the neck while addressing a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University. Robinson has not yet entered a plea. Robinson’s attorneys accused prosecutors of going on a “media tour” to discuss expert reports about the bullet fragment, violating the judge's restrictions against speaking about the case outside court. Prosecutors countered that they had a right to speak to the press to correct misinformation about a preliminary finding by ballistics experts. Those experts' initial tests did not match the bullet fragment with a gun that investigators believe was used to kill Kirk. In court filings, defense attorneys made public a federal agency's failure to conclusively link the bullet fragment with the rifle. They said it appeared to be “exculpatory evidence” — information that tends to absolve a defendant of guilt — without noting that the finding was preliminary and that further testing was planned. That spurred stories by some publications raising questions about the prosecution's case: A March 30 headline in the U.K.-based Daily Mail reported that the bullet that killed Kirk “did NOT match” the rifle investigators say was used to kill Kirk. Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle. “The rules expressly allow lawyers to set the record straight,” Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard wrote in a court filing. Ballard argued Friday that he didn't speak to the media about case specifics and only spoke generally about how ballistics testing can be inconclusive. He said his goal “was to respond to the substantial undue prejudicial effect of the media stories.” Defense attorney Richard Novak disagreed, saying Ballard did not speak to the media using general terms and tried to “influence public perception” of the case. “What was going on here was an attempt to influence the jury pool,” Novak argued. State District Judge Tony Graf said he will issue his decision about the contempt allegation on June 22. Earlier Friday, Graf declined a defense request to halt the proceedings while they appeal a June 1 order in which the judge declined to bar cameras from the courtroom. The ruling comes ahead of a key hearing scheduled to begin July 6, when prosecutors must show they have enough evidence to warrant a trial. That would mark the most significant presentation of evidence to date in the case, which has so far focused on matters of media access. Before Friday's hearing, the defense team pointed to another criminal case in which prosecutors were accused of contempt and suggested that one potential remedy would be to bar the state from seeking the death penalty. While the judge in that earlier case disagreed that an order barring the death penalty was merited, Robinson’s attorneys noted that “the court did not conclude that such a remedy was beyond its authority where the facts support it.”

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A Deal with Iran Is Still Vague

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Coffee Time with John and Mama was a YouTube show where a mother-son duo shared meals and laughs with their community. John Davis tragically passed away during what would be his very last live stream with his mother. A heartbreaking story that reminds us all to take stock of what really matters in life. --- 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. 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

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It's a shame when politicians can't lose grace. Senator John Cornyn lost the runoff election to Ken Paxton in Texas, and instead of uniting the party, he's being divisive. Now he's threatening Trump with a miserable last few years of his presidency. Cornyn is just a bitter, sore loser. Do you think voters were right to choose Attorney General Ken Paxton over John Cornyn? -- 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. 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

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In this episode, the speaker dives into the Save America Act and its potential to save California and the nation from the grip of election fraud. The state of California has become a hotbed of voter manipulation, with lax laws allowing for ballot harvesting, no voter ID, and millions of ballots being sent to unverified voters. The speaker argues that the federal government has a constitutional right to intervene in state elections, citing Article One, Section Four, Clause One of the Constitution. The speaker highlights the egregious examples of election irregularities in California, including the recent mayoral election in Los Angeles, where a candidate was accused of ballot harvesting and voter registration at homeless shelters. The speaker also touches on the George Floyd Effect and its impact on Western civilization, as well as the importance of preserving Western values and traditions. The speaker also discusses the recent news of the White House Fraud Task Force cutting off funding to Los Angeles' homeless program due to mismanagement and potential fraud. This development raises questions about the accountability of California's politicians and the need for reform. In this episode, the speaker makes a compelling case for the Save America Act and its potential to restore integrity to the electoral process. If you're concerned about the state of our democracy and the manipulation of elections, tune in to hear the speaker's arguments 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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MIDLAND, Texas (AP) — Police say the suspect in a West Texas shooting that killed one person and injured at least nine others is dead. The shooter had been locked in a standoff Friday morning with police in Midland, Texas, hours after the shooting began. Midland police said the active shooter situation ended hours after the gunfire erupted in one part of the city before ending up near a veterinary hospital. Police did not immediately say how the suspect died. Midland Mayor Lori Blong said authorities used robot and drone footage to confirm that the shooter was dead. Midland Memorial Hospital said four people underwent surgery and that others were treated.

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Is a Deal Finally Coming?

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Could Peace Be Here, At Last?

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Mike was deeply moved by the story of John Davis, the host of “Coffee Time with John and Momma,” who passed away at 55 while filming with his mother.

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SNC White House Correspondent Willie Nelson, on his first assignment, reported live from the West Wing during active preparations for the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event, with the octagon taking shape on the South Lawn.

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As the Trump administration moves quickly toward securing what it hopes will be a final deal with Iran, details of the alleged agreement were leaked by the Iranian regime to state media, and the terms immediately sparked concern. 

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The FBI has seized 13 websites that federal officials say were part of an alleged Chinese intelligence operation targeting current and former U.S. government employees with access to sensitive information. According to the Justice Department, the websites posed as legitimate consulting firms and advertised job opportunities for individuals holding security clearances. Investigators say the companies were fake and the job postings were designed to identify and recruit people who might have access to classified or non-public government information. Officials allege the operation was tied to Chinese intelligence services and relied on fraudulent identities, AI-generated photographs, and professional-looking websites to appear legitimate. The sites reportedly promoted consulting and analyst positions aimed at former military personnel, government workers, and policy experts. Authorities say some applicants were offered payment in exchange for reports related to their professional expertise or access to sensitive information. Investigators also claim the operators used cryptocurrency and online payment platforms to conceal their identities. The website seizures are part of a broader effort by Western intelligence agencies to warn about foreign recruitment schemes targeting individuals with government or defense backgrounds. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance recently issued a public advisory warning that Chinese operatives have used fake job offers to gather sensitive information from current and former government employees. The FBI says information from individuals who reported suspicious recruitment attempts helped investigators identify the websites. China has denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington called the claims fabricated and accused U.S. officials of spreading misinformation. Federal authorities are encouraging anyone who encounters suspicious job offers seeking sensitive government information to contact law enforcement.

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At least 55 people have died after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines, making it one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in decades. Officials say 31 people remain missing as search-and-rescue crews continue combing through damaged buildings and debris in the hardest-hit areas near the quake's epicenter off the coast of Mindanao. The earthquake injured more than 1,100 people and displaced over 45,000 residents. Thousands fled damaged homes and sought refuge in emergency shelters, with many still afraid to return because of continuing aftershocks. Authorities report that more than 12,600 homes were damaged across cities and farming communities throughout the region. Roads, public buildings, and other infrastructure also suffered significant damage. Despite the devastation, Philippine officials say years of disaster preparedness training and evacuation drills likely prevented an even greater loss of life. Residents in many communities quickly followed emergency procedures when the earthquake struck, allowing thousands to reach safer areas before buildings collapsed. Emergency crews continue to inspect damaged structures and search for any remaining survivors as recovery efforts move forward. The earthquake is among the strongest to hit the Philippines in the past half-century and has renewed attention on the country's vulnerability to major seismic events along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

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The man accused of killing conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk is scheduled to appear in court Friday as attorneys continue to battle over pretrial issues in the high-profile case. Tyler Robinson, 23, faces an aggravated murder charge in connection with Kirk's September 2025 death at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have indicated they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. Friday's hearing centers on a request from Robinson's attorneys to hold prosecutors in contempt of court. The defense argues prosecutors violated court-imposed restrictions by discussing evidence in the case with the media, specifically comments regarding bullet fragments recovered during the investigation. Defense attorneys claim prosecutors improperly responded to reports about preliminary ballistics findings that generated public speculation about Robinson's possible exoneration. They argue those comments could influence public perception of the case. Prosecutors deny wrongdoing and contend they were entitled to correct misinformation that had been circulating publicly. They argue court rules allow attorneys to respond when inaccurate information about a case is being reported. A judge is expected to hear arguments from both sides before deciding whether prosecutors violated any court orders. The case has drawn significant national attention, and a major evidentiary hearing is scheduled for next month. During that proceeding, prosecutors will be required to present enough evidence to convince a judge that the case should move forward to trial. Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case.

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A federal appeals court has handed the Trump administration a significant legal victory by allowing a 10% global tariff to remain in effect while a broader court challenge moves forward. The ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit permits the government to continue collecting the tariff, which President Donald Trump imposed earlier this year under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The administration argues the tariff is necessary to address trade imbalances and protect American economic interests. The measure applies to imports from countries around the world and is currently scheduled to remain in place through July 24. The appeals court's decision temporarily reverses a setback for the administration after a lower court ruled last month that Trump exceeded the authority granted to the president under federal law. In that ruling, the Court of International Trade found the tariffs were unauthorized and should be blocked. However, the appeals court said the administration is likely to succeed on the merits of its argument, allowing the tariffs to remain in effect while the case proceeds. The legal dispute centers on whether the president can use Section 122 to impose worldwide tariffs in response to trade deficits. The provision has rarely been used and had never previously served as the basis for broad import taxes. The case is expected to continue through the federal court system and could ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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President Donald Trump says the United States and Iran could be on the verge of reaching a peace agreement that would help end months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said a “great settlement” with Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend, adding that negotiations have made significant progress in recent days. The president said the agreement would ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon while helping restore stability in the region. According to reports, the proposed framework would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, and extending efforts to reduce hostilities while broader negotiations continue. Trump said he canceled previously planned military action because negotiators had reached agreement on key elements of the proposed settlement. He also said he has been in contact with leaders throughout the Middle East as diplomatic efforts continue. Iranian officials have indicated talks are continuing but have not publicly confirmed that a final agreement has been approved. Markets reacted positively to the prospect of a deal, with oil prices falling on expectations that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could ease pressure on global energy supplies.

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Meteorologists say an El Niño weather pattern has officially formed in the Pacific Ocean, setting the stage for potentially significant weather impacts around the world over the next year. Forecasters warn the developing El Niño could rival the powerful 1997-1998 event, one of the strongest on record. That El Niño was linked to widespread flooding, droughts, wildfires, crop losses, and billions of dollars in economic damage across multiple continents. El Niño occurs when ocean waters in parts of the central and eastern Pacific become unusually warm. The phenomenon can alter weather patterns around the globe, affecting rainfall, temperatures, storm activity, and agricultural production. Scientists say the newly formed El Niño is expected to strengthen in the coming months and will likely have its greatest influence during the Northern Hemisphere winter. Climate experts also warn the warming pattern could contribute to additional global temperature records. Some forecasts suggest 2027 could become the hottest year ever recorded, fueled by the combination of El Niño conditions and long-term climate warming trends. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that El Niño could add further stress to communities already facing extreme weather, describing it as fuel on the fire of a warming world. Meteorologists will continue closely monitoring ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions as the event develops throughout the year.

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