Salem News Channel

Financial struggle has always been part of American life, but that reality can become powerful political fuel. The conversation looks at how frustration over prices and the cost of living can be turned into a broader narrative—and why simply having the facts on your side may not be enough to win the larger argument.

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Warren Buffett is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, ending more than five decades in the role as the investment conglomerate completes a long-planned leadership transition. Berkshire announced Friday that the 96-year-old Buffett will immediately become chairman emeritus. His son, Howard Buffett, will take over as chairman, while Warren Buffett will remain a member of the company’s board of directors. Buffett had served as Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman since 1970 and has been closely associated with the company for more than 60 years. Under his leadership, Berkshire grew from a struggling New England textile company into a conglomerate valued at more than $1 trillion, with businesses spanning insurance, railroads, energy, manufacturing and retail. The change follows Buffett’s earlier departure from the CEO position. Greg Abel took over as Berkshire’s chief executive at the beginning of this year and will continue running the company’s day-to-day operations. Buffett said in a letter to shareholders that he remains confident in both Abel and his son. He said Abel will run the company while Howard will be responsible for helping protect Berkshire’s culture and values. Howard Buffett has served on Berkshire Hathaway’s board since 1993. His elevation to chairman is part of a succession plan that has been discussed for years as the company prepared for an eventual transition away from its longtime leader. Warren Buffett, widely known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” became one of the world’s most influential investors through his long-term, value-oriented approach to investing. Berkshire’s investment decisions and annual shareholder meetings have been closely followed by investors around the world. During Buffett’s tenure as CEO, Berkshire recorded a compounded annual growth rate of 19.9%, compared with 10.4% for the S&P 500 over the same period. Buffett has also become one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists. Since 2006, he has donated roughly $66 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The leadership change leaves Abel in control of Berkshire’s business operations and Howard Buffett overseeing the board, while Warren Buffett remains involved as chairman emeritus and a director.

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Hundreds of thousands of Iranians filled the streets of Tehran Friday in the largest government-organized show of defiance since the United States and Israel began attacks on Iran in February. The demonstration, organized as part of the “Janfaday-e Iran,” or “Sacrifice for Iran,” campaign, brought large crowds into central Tehran, with participants waving Iranian flags and pledging their willingness to defend the country as the conflict continues. Iranian officials say more than 600,000 people have registered for limited military training through the campaign. Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh, a Revolutionary Guard commander in Tehran, said officials expect that number to eventually exceed one million. Some participants appeared in military-style clothing and carried rifles during the march. Iranian authorities also displayed military hardware, including drones and anti-aircraft systems, as part of the event. The rally comes more than six months into the conflict and as Iran faces increasing economic pressure from U.S. sanctions and restrictions on its energy exports. Iranian state media had encouraged people to participate in the campaign, presenting the demonstration as evidence of national unity and readiness to defend the country. The size of a government-organized rally, however, does not necessarily indicate broader public opinion across Iran. The demonstration also comes as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said Friday that its forces struck the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend, claiming the vessel attempted to pass through the strategic waterway without authorization. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, and disruptions there have added pressure to international oil and fuel markets during the conflict. Friday's rally was the largest government-organized mobilization in Iran since the fighting began in February, as Tehran seeks to project military readiness and domestic support while facing continued U.S. and Israeli pressure.

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President Donald Trump is withdrawing his nomination of former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving the agency without a Senate-confirmed director as it carries out the administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. The White House announced the withdrawal Thursday but did not provide a reason for the decision. Schroyer, who currently serves as a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, was nominated by Trump in June. Schroyer had not yet received a confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who chairs the committee, said he had declined to schedule the hearing until the Department of Homeland Security provided information he requested concerning internal investigations into civilian deaths during ICE enforcement operations. Paul told The Associated Press that his decision was not based on concerns about Schroyer himself. He said he had intended to eventually hold a confirmation hearing and learned about the withdrawal when the White House made it public. Schroyer had little direct experience with immigration enforcement before his nomination. He previously served as an Oklahoma state trooper and is close to Mullin. When Trump nominated Schroyer in June, the president described him as a “proven leader” with decades of law enforcement experience and urged the Senate to confirm him. The withdrawal comes as ICE faces continued scrutiny over its enforcement operations and the rapid expansion of its workforce. ICE arrests reached nearly 51,000 in August, the highest monthly total during Trump’s second administration. ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since 2017. David Venturella is currently serving as acting director after Todd Lyons resigned earlier this year. The Trump administration has not announced when it will nominate another candidate to permanently lead the agency.

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Amy McInerny, the Director of Respect Life at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, discusses the significance of two ballot initiatives in Virginia. These initiatives, if passed, would remove common-sense health and safety regulations from the Virginia Constitution regarding abortion. McInerny emphasizes the potential dangers of unregulated abortion, including the possibility of unsafe medical practices and the removal of parental consent requirements for minors. She highlights the importance of voting against these amendments to protect women's health and safety, as well as the moral responsibility of Catholics to uphold the common good through their votes. McInerny also commends Bishop Urbidge for his bold stance on these issues and encourages all Catholics to engage in the electoral process to advocate for life and justice.

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Bruce Blakeman, the Republican nominee for Governor in New York, discusses his vision for the state during an interview. Blakeman highlights his plans to make New York more affordable by cutting taxes and utility rates, creating better jobs, and fostering safer communities. He criticizes current Governor Kathy Hochul's policies, citing high taxes, elevated electric bills, and pro-criminal stances, and argues that her unfavorable ratings make a Republican win possible. Blakeman also emphasizes his background in law enforcement and homeland security, positioning himself as a capable candidate to address both economic and security challenges. The conversation touches on the importance of re-engaging disaffected New Yorkers and attracting businesses back to the state.

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Katie Gorka, Chairwoman of the Republican Party in Fairfax County, joins Larry to discuss the upcoming election, emphasizing the significance of early voting which begins today. They delve into the Virginia Senate race, highlighting concerns over Democratic candidates who fail to disavow the more extreme positions within their party. The conversation also addresses a proposed constitutional amendment concerning abortion rights, which Gorka criticizes for its radical stance. Gorka underscores the importance of voter education and outreach, particularly in diverse communities, to ensure broad participation in this crucial election. The discussion also touches on issues of election integrity, with Gorka discussing the lack of prosecution for non-citizens who have voted in Virginia and advising voters on how to report irregularities. The conversation concludes with Gorka stressing the importance of this election and urging Republicans to participate early to effect change.

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Grady Williamson, a finalist in the Million Dollar Pitch Competition, discusses his company Red River, based in Wyoming. The competition, featuring celebrity judges including Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, and Joe Gebbia, aims to spotlight innovative American manufacturing ideas. Williamson explains Red River's focus on producing pressure vessels for critical infrastructure sectors such as water treatment, energy, and aerospace. The event, hosted in Washington DC, is part of an initiative to celebrate and fund American job creators. Williamson shares his excitement about the competition and the opportunity to present their success story, emphasizing the alignment with the current administration's goals to bring back American manufacturing. The live event will be streamed and produced as a reality show, providing significant exposure for participating companies.

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In a world where objective truth is hard to come by, one podcast is shining a light on the issues that matter. This episode of The Carl Jackson Show delves into the pressing topics of the day, from the AI hysteria that's got everyone talking to the RNC midterms convention and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. The conversation is a lively one, with Carl Jackson and his guest, Jim Faff, discussing the latest developments in the world of AI and its potential dangers. They also touch on the RNC midterms convention, where President Trump's message is being amplified, and the challenges that Republicans face in the lead-up to the elections. From the Iran conflict to the economy, no stone is left unturned in this in-depth discussion. One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of messaging in politics. Carl and Jim agree that Republicans need to shift their focus away from the negative and towards the positive, highlighting the wins that they've achieved and the benefits that they can bring to the American people. They also discuss the role of AI in shaping public opinion and the need for clear and honest communication about its potential risks and benefits. If you're looking for a dose of reality in a world of confusion, this episode of The Carl Jackson Show is a must-listen. Join Carl and Jim as they break down the issues and offer their insights on what's really going on. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation and tune in to hear more about the topics that matter most. 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 this discussion, Larry Elder delves into the concept of aggressive diplomacy as a solution to international conflicts, focusing on the Iran nuclear deal. Elder highlights Hakeem Jeffries' viewpoint, who credits President Obama's approach of aggressive diplomacy for having already laid out a path to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions. Elder contrasts this with skepticism from David Boies, who distrusts the Iranian regime and believes preventing them from obtaining nuclear weapons is paramount. The conversation also touches on the New York Times' review of an Israeli documentary, which led to criticism and the removal of a sensitive line regarding Israel's perception of itself as victims of October 7. Elder questions the rationale behind not leveraging Obama's negotiation tactics and explores the implications of Iran's progress towards nuclear capability.

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David Boies, a prominent Democrat lawyer, penned an article in the Wall Street Journal arguing that partisanship should not overshadow the necessity of confronting Iran's nuclear ambitions. He contends that Trump's actions, though controversial, aim to thwart a significant threat posed by Iran's potential to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles and support terror groups like the Houthis and Hamas. Boies urges fellow Democrats to evaluate the situation based on its merits rather than political biases. The New Yorker interviewed Boies, highlighting his stance that supporting Trump's strategy against Iran is crucial, despite disagreements on other issues. Boies emphasizes the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, believing it poses an existential threat to the U.S. and its allies. He criticizes the Iranian regime's trustworthiness and argues that the Trump administration's efforts, though questioned, should be supported to complete the mission of neutralizing Iran's nuclear threat.

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Federal investigators are looking into a news helicopter crash that killed three people in Los Angeles. KNBC reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw and 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, who was on the ground, were killed. The NTSB says cockpit video could be key to determining what caused the crash. The chopper was covering a bus crash that took the lives of two people.

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A federal judge is giving Attorney General Todd Blanche until September 24th to comply with court orders over the release of information in the Epstein files. The judge says Blanche and the Justice Department failed to follow orders involving redactions in records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Blanche could face contempt charges if the DOJ does not comply.

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OpenAI says it has identified six new reports of artificial intelligence models showing "unexpected or concerning" behavior. The incidents included models adding unrelated instructions, searching for exposed code to fabricate information and uploading files to cite themselves. OpenAI says the cases are individual instances rather than overall trends.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal immigration officer charged with shooting a Venezuelan man last winter and lying about the circumstances to investigators has appeared before a Minnesota judge. State authorities arrested Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Christian Castro on Wednesday in Minneapolis on a warrant charging him with aggravated assault and falsely reporting a crime. A judge on Thursday set bail for Castro at $400,000 with no conditions and $200,000 with conditions. Prosecutors say Castro shot and injured Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in January during a federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota, and later falsely told investigators he had been attacked with a broom and a shovel. Castro also is due to appear Friday in federal court to face charges there.

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(Plymouth, MA) -- Patrick Clancy is speaking out publicly for the first time since taking the stand in his ex-wife's murder trial. In a promo for an interview with "60 Minutes," Clancy said he talks to his three children that Lindsay Clancy was charged with murder for killing in 2023. When asked what he says to them, Clancy said "help me" and added he does it all the time. In his testimony, Patrick Clancy talked about Lindsay's declining mental health in the months leading up to the killings. The case ended in a mistrial earlier this month, and the full "60 Minutes" episode will air Sunday.

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GASTONIA, North Carolina, Sept 16 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump campaigned in North Carolina on Wednesday for a Republican Senate candidate who is trailing his Democratic opponent in opinion polls before the midterm elections, accusing Democrats of being soft on crime and embracing communism. Those themes are likely to be central to Trump's promised series of appearances across the country to bolster his party ahead of the November 3 vote. All 435 congressional seats and 34 of the Senate's 100 seats will be up for grabs, and Democrats are favored to regain control of the House while forecasts expect a close race for the Senate majority. North Carolina was his first major campaign stop since the Republican Party's midterm convention last week, when he repeatedly sought to portray Democrats as extreme and out of touch on cultural matters while promoting his hard-line stance on immigration, a signature issue that twice helped vault him to the White House. Trump sought to help Michael Whatley, who previously chaired the Republican National Committee, close a polling gap against former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper. Trump predicted electoral victory while falsely accusing Democrats of embracing communist ideology, a charge Democrats reject as a deliberate misrepresentation of their policies. "You're going to crush the communists, and that's what they are, they're communists ... We will not be a socialist nation. I was right. They're going for 'communist' nation," he said. A screen showed photos of what he said were some of the 3,500 North Carolina inmates who were freed during Cooper's time as governor in a 2021 COVID-era settlement that reduced the state's prison population. "Roy Cooper wants migrant criminals like these set loose on North Carolina streets with sanctuary city policies. Michael Whatley wants them executed, arrested, or deported," Trump said during his one-hour appearance. A Cooper campaign spokesperson rejected Trump's characterization, saying Cooper, a former governor and attorney general for North Carolina, spent his career "putting rapists and violent criminals behind bars and signing tough on crime laws." "These attacks are false," the spokesperson said. Trump remains a powerful force with the Republican base, but Whatley will also need to win over North Carolina's large bloc of swing and unaffiliated voters as Republicans confront rising concerns over affordability that have strained Trump's support among more moderate voters. Trump repeated what he told Republicans at the convention in Dallas last week – to "pretend that I'm on the ballot" – even though he is not seeking election. DEMOCRATS AHEAD IN POLLS A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in the past week found Trump's approval rating at 35%, up from a record-low 33% in the previous poll. Democrats led Republicans 44% to 37% on the generic congressional ballot, the widest Democratic advantage in the Reuters/Ipsos series since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Unaffiliated voters account for roughly 40% of North Carolina's registered electorate, making them the state's largest registration bloc. Cooper led Whatley 49% to 38% among likely voters in a recent Elon University poll, while 54% of North Carolina voters in the survey disapproved of Trump's job performance and 31% approved. "It's mathematically impossible to win the state without winning unaffiliated voters," said veteran Republican strategist Paul Shumaker, a former adviser to departing Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who opted against seeking re-election. "We Republicans have to understand that we have to address the affordability issue, and we have to be able to put unaffiliated voters' minds at ease as it relates to the economy and affordability between now and November for the Senate race to remain in play." Fuel prices have added to the affordability challenge. The national average for regular gasoline was $4.33 a gallon on Tuesday, while diesel reached a record $6.27, according to AAA. Trump attempted to blame Democrats for America's affordability troubles. "I got hit with this affordability word for a year and a half. And they're the ones that caused the affordability problem," Trump said, raising the issue of egg prices that became a concern during the 2021-2025 term of former President Joe Biden. "We took care of the egg crisis. We took care of everything," Trump said. Egg prices have fallen under Trump, while inflation for food overall has been higher so far during his second term than in his first. "If they (Democrats) get in, this country will go into a massive depression," said Trump, who also promised once again to offer Americans a $5,000 rebate if the Republicans maintain control of Congress, although the proposal has failed to animate congressional Republicans who would need to approve the spending.

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(Washington, DC) -- The Kennedy Center is being ordered to give at least 30 days notice before any major renovations or demolition. This comes after President Trump threatened the national cultural center could be torn down if his name isn't allowed to be displayed on it. The president was also pictured looking at placard that appeared to include the words "Kennedy Center Demolished" while on Air Force One on Wednesday. Fencing and guards have been seen surrounding the center after its board voted to temporarily close it for renovations.

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WASHINGTON/LONDON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - US Coast Guard and FBI personnel boarded two commercial vessels bound for the United States in the Gulf of Mexico last month after indications that hackers had broken into their computer networks, the agencies said on Thursday. The unusual operation, carried out on August 21 and August 24 aboard two foreign-flagged ships, comes as US authorities grapple with a series of cyber incidents that media reports have linked to Iran since the outbreak of conflict between Washington and Tehran. The FBI said a joint Coast Guard-FBI team boarded the vessels after receiving "indications that the networks of both vessels were compromised." The Coast Guard, which referred only to the August 21 boarding, said that "foreign cyber actors" were involved but did not identify them. Neither agency provided further details about the incidents or explained the discrepancies between their accounts. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Corey Ranslem, CEO of maritime security group Dryad Global, said that his firm had confirmed that one of the ships was the Liberian-flagged VL Prosperity. The vessel is currently anchored in waters around Galveston in Texas, according to LSEG and MarineTraffic ship tracking data. Liberia’s flag registry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran's Mehr news agency reported on August 20 that VL Prosperity had suffered what it called "a major cyberattack" while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar and that its communications had been knocked out for 30 hours. Citing an unnamed crew member, Mehr reported that hackers had also infiltrated the engine-room systems, reduced the engine’s cooling flow, increased the engine speed, and disabled the ship’s fuel and engine-oil tank. The Iranian news agency did not say who was thought to be behind the alleged attack. Although dramatic in its effects, a ship-centered cyberattack is not that difficult to pull off, Ranslem said. "We are expecting these types of attacks to continue and will expand in the very near future," he said.

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WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday that progress is being made toward establishing a US Army base in Poland, crediting "the bold leadership" of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. "If this happens, the location will be announced very soon. This will be a historic step for our Great U.S./Polish Alliance," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Poland has been pushing ?for a bigger allied presence on ?NATO's eastern flank after Russia's invasion ?of neighboring Ukraine in 2022. In June, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the US Department of Defense was open to ?Poland's offer to host a permanent ?US military presence in Poland, but that no decision had been taken. The minister met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in June in Brussels, where the Pentagon chief announced a new review of America's troop deployments in Europe. Poland ?has so ?far hosted US troops on a rotational basis.

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