Salem News Channel

Rising gas prices and their impact on American consumers are a hot topic as the conflict with Iran continues. In this segment, Patrice Onwuka discusses the current economic landscape with Larry O'Connor. She notes that while gas prices have increased, they remain lower than during the peak of the Biden administration. The conversation dives into real wages, which have been stagnant due to inflation, and the impact of higher gas prices on consumer spending. Patrice highlights that despite the increase in gas prices, overall economic indicators suggest a more positive outlook. Small businesses, buoyed by tax cuts and consumer optimism, are leading the hiring charge, particularly in sectors like leisure, hospitality, and healthcare. This segment explores whether these positive economic signs will influence voter sentiment ahead of the midterm elections.

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At least 68 people are dead following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia over the weekend. The quake struck near Flores Island early Saturday, triggering landslides, damaging homes and infrastructure and forcing thousands of residents from their homes. More than 200 people were injured. Nearly 1,600 aftershocks have followed the initial earthquake, while landslides and blocked roads have complicated efforts to reach some of the hardest-hit communities. Thousands of displaced residents are awaiting aid as crews work to deliver food, clean water and medical supplies. The disaster has also overshadowed Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations Monday.

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President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce annual joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the cost of the drills, Seoul’s refusal to assist U.S. efforts against Iran and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump announced the decision Sunday as the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were set to begin. The drills started Monday as scheduled and involve about 18,000 South Korean troops. It remains unclear which portions of the exercises will be scaled back. Trump said the exercises send an unnecessarily hostile signal to North Korea, which has long criticized the joint drills as rehearsals for an invasion. North Korea recently launched ballistic missiles ahead of the exercises and warned of a stronger response if the drills went forward. The president also said he recently asked South Korean President Lee Jae Myung whether Seoul would join U.S. efforts aimed at the “denuclearization” of Iran and that South Korea declined. South Korea responded Monday by expressing hope that Trump’s relationship with Kim could help restart dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The annual exercises are intended to strengthen the allies’ readiness against potential threats from North Korea. Trump has previously questioned the cost and scale of U.S.-South Korean military exercises while pursuing diplomacy with Kim.

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Cold Open and monologue from 08.15.26: Karoline vs Circle Back

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Assignment Desk Weekend, sketch Comedy

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A shooting involving multiple suspects and five people shot at Virginia State University prompted a campus lockdown and police investigation early Saturday as students were returning to the school. The shooting happened near the university’s Quad Annexes, and both campus and Chesterfield County police are actively investigating. County police said officers discovered five people wounded from gunshots outside campus dormitories when they arrived. County police say the five were transported to hospitals, and one initially listed as having life-threatening injuries has been upgraded to critical condition. Police say the other injuries were not life-threatening.

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Larry Elder discusses Thomas Sowell's concerns about the future of society, emphasizing the potential for doom due to institutions prioritizing individual interests over societal well-being. Sowell, now 96, points out the destructive consequences of policies like soft-on-crime laws and subsidized government-run stores. He criticizes the lack of true diversity in higher education, noting the dominance of leftist ideologies among faculty and the suppression of conservative voices. Elder highlights Sowell's insights from his book "Inside American Education," which reveal the challenges of understanding what truly happens within educational institutions, from public schools to universities.

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The conversation highlights a growing concern about the decline in reading proficiency among American students. Despite reading more words than ever, people are losing the ability to think deeply and comprehend texts due to the overwhelming presence of digital media. Reading scores in fourth and eighth grades have been declining for a decade, with only 35% of high school seniors being proficient in analyzing fictional themes and evaluating an author's argument. The shift towards digital content and shorter attention spans has contributed to this issue, with many students viewing reading as an unnecessary burden. The discussion emphasizes that the decline in reading skills is an existential threat, as a lack of comprehension makes people vulnerable to manipulation and ill-informed decision-making.

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Does it make any sense for a self-proclaimed Christian politician to denounce teaching children the Bible? James Talarico, the Democrat Senate candidate for Texas calls teaching young children about biblical truths "propaganda" and "indoctrination". That's bizarre coming from someone who- according to NPR - has made his "faith the centerpiece" of his campaign. Talarico may call it a "radical vision for democracy"—we call it a convenient way to talk out of both sides of his mouth. ----- 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. ----- Like & Subscribe to M and M Extra Live ?? youtube.com/@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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Following a series of lethal ICE encounters, federal agents have introduced a non-lethal "compliance glove" with shocking results. Let's talk about a device that's got everyone talking. ----- 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. ----- Like & Subscribe to M and M Extra Live ?? youtube.com/@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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The Trump Administration has overseen the sharpest drop in prescription drug prices since 1963, marking a significant shift in a long-debated issue. This substantial decline of 3.1% in the year ending July 2022 contrasts with the rising overall medical costs. Notably, the price of medicinal drugs, including over-the-counter medications, fell by 2.7%, the largest drop on record. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of the Trump RX initiative, which aims to reduce the exorbitant costs of prescription drugs in the United States. Despite the achievement, this positive development has received minimal public attention, overshadowed by other economic narratives. The White House has acknowledged this success, emphasizing that American patients are benefiting from more affordable medications. This development presents a compelling argument for those concerned about the day-to-day costs of living and could offer significant political advantages if properly communicated.

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Hugh Hewitt criticizes Hasan Piker for what he sees as shallow analysis and provocative rhetoric rather than serious intellectual engagement. He contrasts Piker’s approach with respected historians and thinkers who rely on scholarship, historical context, and thoughtful debate. Hewitt argues that Piker’s anti-American rhetoric is less about improving the country and more about tearing down its institutions and ideals.

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Hugh Hewitt argues that the United States should stay patient and relentless in tightening the economic screws on Iran, especially through banking and international trade restrictions. With Iran already facing serious economic hardship, sustained sanctions and stronger enforcement by U.S. allies could push the regime into even deeper financial distress. Hewitt also points to the potential for China and Russia to add pressure, reinforcing a broader strategy of economic strength and persistence to force Tehran to change its behavior.

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In a dramatic court hearing, Luigi Mangione has pled guilty to the murder of Brian Thompson. Mangione admitted to shooting Thompson in Manhattan, a confession that carries significant legal ramifications. With no deal in sight from federal prosecutors, Mangione's decision to plead guilty means he faces up to life in prison. However, his defense team secured a crucial victory by arguing that stalking, even if violent, does not categorically qualify as a crime of violence. This argument successfully removed the possibility of the death penalty in the federal case, marking a significant win for the defense despite the overall grim outcome. The next step involves seeking dismissal of the New York State prosecution based on the state’s more expansive double jeopardy clause. This case continues to unfold with high stakes for Mangione, both legally and personally.

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Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty for Murdering Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

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In a week of blown polls and a defeated socialist, the country’s top pollster Robert Cahaly breaks down how most surveys push agendas or use broken methods—while the ones that simply aim to get it right stay accurate by keeping samples large, questions short, and contact real.

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A long-term illegal immigrant who never learned English joins House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries press conference blasting ICE and deportations—to demand a path to citizenship.

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Data brokers sell your personal details for a few dollars, amassing thousands of data points on each person—and every phone use adds more when no one reads the terms. Incogni systematically deletes that information from broker sites and keeps it gone.

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Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty Friday to federal stalking charges stemming from the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, resolving the federal case against him while a separate New York state murder prosecution remains pending. Mangione entered the plea in Manhattan federal court, admitting to stalking Thompson and causing his death. Thompson was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel in December 2024. The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to two federal counts of stalking resulting in death. Each charge carries a potential sentence of life in prison. A federal judge earlier this year dismissed separate murder and weapons charges that could have exposed Mangione to the death penalty. The guilty plea ends the prospect of a federal trial but could complicate Mangione’s separate prosecution in New York state court. He has pleaded not guilty to state murder and weapons charges, with that trial currently scheduled to begin Sept. 8. His attorneys have previously raised double-jeopardy arguments against allowing both prosecutions to proceed. Mangione’s federal sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18.

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In this discussion, the focus is on the controversial topic of birthright citizenship and its implications. Advocates of birthright citizenship argue that it aligns with American values of inclusivity and opportunity, but critics highlight potential national security risks and the strain on resources. This conversation delves into the executive order signed by President Trump to curb birth tourism, emphasizing the importance of protecting American citizenship. The discussion highlights the issue's roots in the Northern Mariana Islands and the concerns over foreign nationals exploiting the system. The participants also touch on the broader national security implications, considering the potential for foreign entities to exploit birthright citizenship for strategic advantages. The conversation underscores the need for stringent enforcement to safeguard the integrity of American citizenship.

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