Salem News Channel

In today's political climate, South Carolina's Senate runoff between Representative Ralph Norman and Senator Darleen Graham has become a pivotal event. This race, particularly significant due to its potential impact on the upcoming general election, is the focus of this discussion. Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union and CPAC, joins the conversation to analyze the candidates and their implications for the conservative movement. Schlapp highlights Norman's unwavering support for conservative values and President Trump, contrasting this with Graham's loyalty to her late brother, former Senator Lindsey Graham. The endorsement of Norman by CPAC is seen as a strategic move to ensure strong representation in the Senate, especially given the current political landscape. Schlapp emphasizes the importance of reliable, principled politicians who consistently advocate for conservative issues, suggesting that Norman embodies these qualities. The conversation also touches on the broader midterm election outlook, with concerns about the Senate's vulnerability and the potential for Democratic gains. Schlapp discusses the importance of voter awareness and strategic thinking, particularly in swing states like South Carolina, where the outcome could significantly influence the balance of power in the coming years.

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The Supreme Court recently reversed a lower court's decision to halt the president's plan for the U.S. Postal Service to manage mail-in ballots, allowing the rule to potentially go into effect. This decision has sparked significant reactions, particularly from Democrats, as it provides a pathway to regulate mail ballots with the aim of enhancing security and transparency. Don Palmer, Senior Legal Fellow for Election Integrity at The Heritage Foundation, explains the implications of this ruling and its potential impact on the upcoming election. Palmer discusses the Motor Voter Law, which mandates states to clean their voter rolls, and how the Trump administration aims to enforce this through the U.S. Postal Service. The conversation also touches on the states' reluctance to cooperate with federal efforts and the potential legal challenges that may arise as the election approaches.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says a major two-week enforcement operation across Virginia and Maryland resulted in 1,328 arrests, one of the agency’s largest operations in the region. According to the Department of Homeland Security, nearly 400 of those arrested had criminal convictions or pending charges. Officials say the cases included people accused or convicted of serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, kidnapping and other violent offenses. Gang members were also among those taken into custody. The operation, dubbed “Operation Safe Community,” was carried out across the greater Washington, D.C., area over a 14-day period. DHS says the effort is part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement campaign targeting people living in the country illegally, including those considered public-safety threats.

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The Trump administration is warning countries around the world to sever financial ties with Iran or risk facing U.S. sanctions as Washington launches a sweeping new economic pressure campaign against Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions targeting more than 60 Iran-linked individuals, companies and vessels. The measures are part of a broader campaign dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast,” which the administration says is designed to cut off revenue supporting Iran’s government and military activities. Bessent also put Iran’s international trading partners on notice, warning that countries continuing to do business with Tehran could eventually face secondary sanctions or lose access to the U.S. financial system. The administration is initially focusing on areas including shipping, aviation, technology, gold and digital assets. The effort follows President Trump’s pledge to unleash an “economic D-Day” against Iran as his administration seeks to further isolate Tehran and increase pressure on its already struggling economy. Treasury officials say additional sanctions are expected as the campaign continues.

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The FBI has established a new $25,000 minimum reward for information that helps solve dozens of unsolved homicides, kidnappings and missing-person cases in Native American communities. The initiative covers more than 50 cases across Indian Country, including some that have remained unsolved for decades. The effort, called “Voices Not Forgotten,” also includes a new interactive map designed to draw greater attention to cases on tribal lands. The FBI has jurisdiction over federal crimes on nearly 200 Native American reservations and often works alongside the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal law enforcement. Among the cases being highlighted are missing or murdered Native Americans from communities across the country, including 8-year-old Maleeka “Mollie” Boone of the Navajo Nation and Arizona teenager Emily Pike. Federal officials hope the increased rewards will generate new leads, though some victims’ families and advocates say fear of retaliation and longstanding distrust of federal authorities could still discourage witnesses from coming forward.

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An oil tanker has been disabled after being struck by an unknown projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting continued risks to commercial shipping as the U.S.-Iran conflict approaches the six-month mark. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the vessel was struck off the coast of Oman, damaging its engine room and leaving the tanker unable to operate. All crew members were reported safe, and no immediate environmental damage was reported. The attack comes amid severely reduced shipping traffic through the critical energy corridor and escalating U.S. economic pressure on Tehran. Iran has also threatened penalties against vessels it says are violating its transit rules. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials are reporting positive talks in Tehran as mediators continue efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to the nearly six-month conflict between the United States and Iran.

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President Trump's administration made headlines with its policies on the deportation of nonviolent illegal immigrants. Over his nearly 16 months in office, the administration reported zero illegal immigrants released into the country. Critics argue that such strict policies are harsh and unjust, while supporters believe it is necessary to enforce the law and secure the nation's borders. Secretary Markwayne Mullin highlighted the impact of these policies, stating that countless lives have been spared from crime and violence because of the secured border. This debate is not new; similar policies under the Obama administration in 2010 faced similar criticism and praise. The central argument is whether providing legal status or amnesty to those here illegally encourages further illegal immigration and undermines the process for those following legal pathways. Despite differing opinions, the conversation underscores the complex nature of immigration policy and its significant implications for national security and social justice.

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Amidst political tensions, a surprising meeting between Hakeem Jeffries, the incoming Speaker of the Democratic-led House, and Jared Kushner, advisor to President Trump, has sparked discussions. Despite Jeffries' public characterization of the Trump administration as authoritarian, he met privately with Kushner, suggesting a pragmatic approach over partisan rhetoric. This meeting highlights a potential shift in strategy, where Democratic leaders may be willing to work with the administration on certain issues, despite their public stance. Jeffries and other party leaders have not publicly labeled Trump as a fascist or Nazi, despite the strong rhetoric from some factions within their ranks. Instead, they appear to be leveraging strong language for political gain while remaining open to bipartisan cooperation. This meeting, along with Trump's efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, underscores the complexities and nuances of current political dynamics.

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Here's what's trending today with our partners at Townhall: Bipartisan backlash against AI data centers is growing, with critics citing concerns over water, electricity and noise. Montana Senator Tim Sheehy is warning against restrictions, saying data centers are critical to American jobs, technology and national security. Read more on Townhall: https://townhall.com/news/dmitri-bolt/2026/08/24/long-live-the-luddites-n2681779

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On Monday, President Donald Trump spoke to students, parents, and education advocates in the White House Rose Garden to celebrate the start of the new school year, highlighting executive orders from his administration aimed at keeping radical transgender ideology and critical race theory out of classrooms.

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An arbitrator has ordered The Washington Post to reinstate a Black opinion writer fired over social media posts about violent white men following last year’s killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a ruling, Sarah Miller Espinosa wrote that the newspaper did not have sufficient cause to terminate Karen Attiah. Espinosa’s ruling calls for The Post to award Attiah full back pay and lost benefits. Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10 during a public appearance at a Utah college. The Post accused Attiah of “gross misconduct.” Still, Espinosa ruled the newspaper failed to establish that and “did not have good and sufficient cause to terminate” Attiah's employment.

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Aug 24 (Reuters) - The State Department on Monday removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, according to a notification from the U.S. Treasury, in a move that was first announced earlier this year pending a review by Congress. The designation as a state sponsor of terrorism carries restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, defense exports and certain financial transactions. Monday's announcement also removed the designation of the Nusrah Front as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization.

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A Washington Post opinion columnist was fired for smearing Charlie Kirk's name just days after he was brutally and publicly assassinated. And she expected to keep her job? Now, a year later, that same journalist has been rehired after a union arbitrator ruled her tasteless comments didn't constitute "gross misconduct." --- 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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A disturbing video released by the Iranian regime details a surveillance plot targeting President Trump's youngest son, Barron. The IRGC has reportedly placed a $10 million bounty on his head. The broadcast is titled "Where and how should we kill Barron Trump?" It even alleges his movements have been "fully monitored." This comes after months of back-and-forth strikes and failed deals—most recently the expiration of the 60-day Memorandum of Understanding, which has left the war in a stalemate with no peace deal in sight. We're all wondering how President Trump will respond to such a massive threat. --- 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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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced a significant escalation in sanctions against Iran, targeting any country or entity that conducts business with the Iranian regime. This move aims to isolate Iran economically and pressure the regime into negotiations. Dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast," the sanctions will track every financial transaction globally to ensure no loopholes remain. Treasury has identified and will monitor every node, facilitator, and network Iran uses to smuggle oil and evade sanctions. The U.S. is also urging its Western allies to join this coalition to fully enforce these measures. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy to prevent Iran from rebuilding its capacity to inflict terror. Despite the unpopularity of the war, the U.S. has already achieved significant military and economic gains against Iran, including crippling their military, defense industrial complex, and nuclear program.

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The U.S. Treasury has launched “Operation Economic Outcast” to cut Iran and its global supporters off from the international economy. The campaign targets oil smuggling, illicit finance, and key sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping under a zero-leakage policy. Countries and businesses that continue dealing with Iran risk U.S. sanctions and exclusion from the dollar system, while cooperation is expected to strengthen ties with the United States.

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Hassan Piker has faced criticism for mocking Charlie Kirk’s death and the grief of those mourning him. His remarks have also renewed scrutiny of past controversial statements and associations. The controversy has led some Democrats to distance themselves from Piker and debate the impact of his rhetoric on the party’s image.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says new U.S. sanctions aim to block all potential sources of revenue for Iran and told nations to cut economic ties to Tehran or face retaliation. Bessent said it’s “no longer acceptable to operate in the gray spaces” of the conflict. He did not name what countries could face potential secondary sanctions from the United States, but China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are Iran’s largest trade partners.

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has declared an economic D-day for Iran, warning that the nation is facing the most significant financial crisis in its history. As tensions between the US and Iran, along with Israel, reach a critical point, Bessent announced plans to sever all economic ties with Iran. His goal is to cut off every economic lifeline that supports Iran, warning that any country doing business with Iran could face retaliation from the US. Iran has dismissed these threats and released a provocative video depicting an AI-generated image of Barron Trump being killed while playing Xbox. The economic strain on Iran is severe, with high inflation and widespread discontent among its people, who have felt neglected by the government for decades. As political and economic battles intensify, the situation in Iran remains highly volatile. For in-depth coverage, tune in to Salem News Channel.

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WASHINGTON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump sought to boost pressure on Canada on Monday, warning that U.S. tariffs on all cars, trucks and automotive parts from the U.S.' northern neighbor would be increased to 50% starting January 1 after trade talks collapsed over the weekend. The trade deal on the table would have cut the top-line tariff rate on Canadian cars and light-duty trucks from 25% to 15% and the tariffs on aluminum and steel from 50% to 25% but the deal collapsed on Friday over a number of points of contention including whether the U.S. tariff relief would have applied to medium or heavy-duty trucks. "Build in the U.S. and there are ZERO TARIFFS. Canada will be treated like a State no longer!" Trump wrote. "On Trade, and in other ways, also, they are among the worst Nations in the World to deal with. They feel entitled, and yet, WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!" Trump said. Canada has consistently been one of the top two U.S. trading partners and last year, U.S. goods and services trade with Canada totaled $872.3 billion, down 4.6%. Canada exported over three-quarters of its goods to the U.S. and imported almost half of its goods from the U.S. U.S. auto production is heavily integrated with Canada and Mexico and the tariffs — depending on the specifics — could have drastic impacts on American production. Flavio Volpe, the president of Canada's Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, said, "A threatened US tariff on Canadian auto parts will be paid by (the) US auto assembly. Without those specific parts, auto assembly throughout the U.S. would halt." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking more details on the threatened tariffs. Representatives for the Canadian government also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Canada will impose tariffs on some U.S. goods starting September 8 in retaliation for 50% ?levies ordered by Trump on $20 billion in Canadian products. "You're at war when you get attacked. We got attacked," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Saturday when asked whether Canada was engaged in a trade war. Many automakers have announced or are considering plans to scale back Canadian auto production and the trade standoff has led to a 22% reduction in Canadian imports of U.S. vehicles. Major automakers did not immediately comment on Trump's announcement. But auto executives, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, raised skepticism about Trump's threat, noting that the president has previously announced large tariffs that never materialized and that any tariff of that size would likely spark a massive Canadian retaliation. They also noted that January was months after November's midterm elections and that Trump's threat could be aimed at restarting talks. In January, Trump said the U.S. would decertify Bombardier Global Express business jets and threatened 50% import tariffs on all aircraft made in Canada until the country's regulator certified a number of planes produced by U.S. rival Gulfstream. Neither occurred but the following month Canada certified several Gulfstream planes.

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