Salem News Channel

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is calling on NATO allies to take greater responsibility for their own security, announcing a six-month Pentagon review of U.S. military forces stationed across Europe. Speaking to defense officials in Brussels on Thursday, Hegseth said the review will examine America's military footprint on the continent and assess whether NATO members are doing enough to lead their own defense efforts. Hegseth also criticized some European allies for refusing to grant U.S. forces access to military bases during recent operations targeting Iran. He described those decisions as "shameful" and argued they highlighted the need for a stronger and more self-reliant alliance. The defense secretary called for what he described as a “NATO 3.0,” envisioning an alliance that remains united but places greater responsibility on European nations to provide for their own security. The announcement comes as the United States plans to significantly increase defense spending over the next several years, with administration officials emphasizing a focus on protecting American interests while maintaining support for NATO and its collective defense mission. The Pentagon review is expected to conclude later this year and could influence future decisions regarding U.S. troop levels and military resources in Europe.

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Oklahoma megachurch pastor and Pastors for Trump founder Jackson Lahmeyer has suspended his campaign for Congress just one day after advancing to a Republican runoff election. Lahmeyer announced the decision Wednesday, saying he reached it after "prayerful consideration" with his wife and campaign team. In a statement, he said he did not want to become a distraction to his family, church, or the voters of Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District. The move follows reports that Lahmeyer exchanged romantic text messages with a woman who was not his wife. According to multiple media reports, the messages were sent to a fundraiser who worked on his congressional campaign. Lahmeyer reportedly acknowledged crossing a boundary through text messaging and said the matter had been addressed privately. His withdrawal came shortly after President Donald Trump endorsed Lahmeyer’s runoff opponent, Oklahoma State Representative Mark Tedford. Trump had previously backed Lahmeyer and praised his role in founding Pastors for Trump, a coalition of faith leaders that supported Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. With Lahmeyer out of the race, Tedford is now expected to move forward as the Republican nominee in the contest for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District seat.

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Georgia Republicans delivered a mixed outcome for President Donald Trump in Tuesday’s runoff elections, backing his preferred candidate in the U.S. Senate race while rejecting his choice for governor. In the Senate contest, Congressman Mike Collins secured the Republican nomination, defeating former football coach Derek Dooley. Collins will now face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. Ossoff is the only Democratic U.S. senator seeking reelection this cycle in a state won by Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The governor’s race produced a different result. Republican voters chose healthcare entrepreneur Rick Jackson over Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who had Trump's endorsement. Jackson, a billionaire businessman making his first run for statewide office, spent heavily from his personal fortune during the campaign. Jackson will face Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in what is expected to be one of the state's most closely watched races this fall. The results underscore Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party while also showing that endorsements do not always guarantee victory, particularly in competitive statewide contests.

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Parents of children with disabilities are expressing concern after the Trump administration announced major changes to how the federal government handles education-related civil rights complaints and special education programs. Under the plan, the U.S. Department of Justice will assume responsibility for enforcing civil rights protections in schools, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education programs previously managed by the Department of Education. Advocates say the changes come at a time when many families are already facing long delays in resolving complaints involving discrimination, bullying, and access to educational services. Some disability rights groups argue that special education should remain under an education-focused agency rather than a health department. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has historically served as a last resort for families seeking federal intervention. However, critics note that a growing backlog of cases has already slowed the complaint process. Supporters of the administration's plan say the reorganization could improve efficiency and better align federal resources. But many parents and advocacy organizations worry the transition could create additional confusion and delays for students who rely on federal protections and services.

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Several Good Samaritans are being praised for risking their own safety to help passengers escape a fiery plane crash on a Texas highway. Among those who rushed to the scene was 23-year-old tow truck driver Ivan Franco, who said he feared the aircraft could explode at any moment. Despite the danger, Franco and other bystanders worked alongside police officers to rescue survivors trapped inside the wreckage. Witnesses used tools, including a sledgehammer and a shovel, in attempts to reach the occupants. Authorities say officers and civilians eventually lifted the aircraft’s door, allowing three passengers and two pilots to escape. The crash occurred after the business jet experienced mechanical problems and attempted an emergency landing. One person was killed in the accident: Joshua Baer, a prominent Texas entrepreneur and technology investor known for supporting startup companies through his Austin-based venture capital firm. Investigators continue to examine what caused the aircraft to go down. Meanwhile, those involved in the rescue are being recognized for their quick actions, which officials say likely saved lives.

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June 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war with Iran, a U.S. official told Reuters. The memo had been signed digitally on Sunday by Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and witnessed by Trump, the official said.

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Harvest with Greg Laurie, June 21, 2026

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People Are Angry at Trump Over the Iran Deal

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The 14-Point U.S.-Iran Peace Deal

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Republicans Must Be United on the Defense Budget 

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Do We Have the Defense Budget to Continue a War?

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Democrat Barbara Lee, the incumbent Mayor of Oakland, California has an absolutely absurd proposal for minimum wage. During a mayoral debate she shared a number so outrageous it will leave you speechless. One thing is for sure, her plan wouldn't help workers—it would destroy businesses. --- 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. 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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An NBC poll says only 29% of Democrats are proud to be American—compared to 90% of Republicans. Not shocking when so many on them are rooting for Iran to sabotage President Trump's peace deal. Even some never-Trump Republicans and MAGA turncoats are guilty. When will they trust Trump? Vice President J.D. Vance weighs in on the MAGA movement and the left's shameful lack of patriotism. ---- 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. A BIG THANKS to PHD Weight Loss for sponsoring M and M Extra. If you're ready to finally take control of your health, PHD has the plan that works. Real science. Real support. Real results. Visit PHDWeightloss.com or call 864-644-1900 and mention Mike and Mark! 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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VP Vance Winning Over Liberals?

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WASHINGTON, June 17 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, but policymakers expect a hike in borrowing costs later this year amid growing concerns about inflation lodged above the U.S. central bank's 2% target. New quarterly projections showed nine Fed officials now anticipate a hike in rates by the end of 2026, and an updated policy statement removed language that had been used to flag the likelihood of further reductions in borrowing costs this year. Indeed, the statement, in an early sign of new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh's influence, removed any guidance about future rate moves altogether, with a revised format that simply stated the rate decision and reaffirmed the central bank's intent to keep "ample reserves in the banking system." The shortened document, a return to a format similar to that used by former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, was approved by a unanimous 12-0 vote by the central bank's Federal Open Market Committee. The statement showed other signs of Warsh's early influence on the debate as he takes over after being appointed earlier this year by President Donald Trump with an expectation that he would deliver the rate cuts the president has demanded. The description of the economy touched on issues Warsh has emphasized, mentioning that "productivity growth and capital investment are strong." While acknowledging that inflation was "elevated relative to the Committee's 2% goal," that development was assigned in part to "supply shocks that have driven price increases in certain sectors, including energy." New projections show inflation slowing sharply next year, allowing rates to return to where they are now by the end of 2027 and easing modestly further in 2028. "The Committee will deliver price stability," the statement said. Treasury yields rose after the release of the policy statement and projections. U.S. stocks fell modestly while the dollar gained ground against a basket of currencies. Short-term interest-rate futures are now pricing a bigger chance of a rate hike by September than a hold. MISSING DOT Only 18 of 19 policymakers submitted rate projections for the so-called "dot-plot" chart released by the Fed, and while the missing "dot" is not identifiable, it was presumably withheld by Warsh, who is only about three weeks into the job and has been critical of the quarterly Summary of Economic Projections. The statement marks a turning point not just in leadership at the central bank but in a monetary policy outlook that since the fall of 2024 had been geared to lower borrowing costs from the elevated rates used to help tame inflation that hit 40-year highs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Projections among officials showed the policy interest rate, which has been set in the 3.50%-3.75% range since last December, would rise by a quarter of a percentage point by the end of this year. The outlook for inflation for the end of 2026 was marked up to 3.6% from 2.7%, before it is seen falling to 2.3% next year, all without a rate increase - consistent with the statement language attributing high prices to supply disruptions that would typically be expected to pass. Economic growth was marked down slightly, with the unemployment rate expected to end the year at 4.4%, the same as in the Fed's March projections.

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After days of secrecy, senior U.S. officials on Wednesday briefed journalists on the memorandum of understanding with Iran ahead of a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday. The U.S. draft of the agreement includes a new ‘minimum’ standard for diluting Iran’s highly enriched uranium and toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is wrapping up his time with world leaders in Évian-les-Bains, France, for the Group of Seven summit. Trump has blurred the timeline for the Iran deal’s signing, even as he tries to sell the tentative agreement as a pact that will ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. Trump’s last stop in France is a glitzy dinner at the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Military officials on Wednesday identified all eight men killed in this week's fiery crash of a B-52 during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. The victims include four active duty airmen, one reservist and three civilians, according to a statement from the base. They were identified as: Col. Gregory Watson, 53; Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40; Maj. Alexander Davis, 34; Maj. Robert Dee, 40; Maj. Brad Hovey, 35; Jeromy Smith, 32; and Christopher Rischar, 41. “They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates," Col. Thomas Tauer, commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said in the statement. The airfield where the crash occurred on Monday was still closed but other base operations have resumed. No cause has been determined. Officials said it could take six months to complete the investigation. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress was taking part in a test mission as part of a program to keep one of the oldest aircraft in the U.S. fleet flying for decades to come. The bomber had arrived at Edwards in December after having a modernized radar installed at Boeing’s facility in San Antonio. The aircraft took off shortly before noon on a clear day, heading southwest into the prevailing winds. It flew straight and crashed on the same 15,000-foot (4,572-meter) runway. The compact wreckage indicates the plane dropped sharply. Lauren Smith told Eyewitness News KBAK-CBS and FOX58 that her husband, Jeromy Smith, was a flight test engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense and died doing what he loved. “It is such a horrible hurt, and I’m still processing everything that happened,” she said Tuesday. The B-52, a long-range bomber that entered service in 1955, is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons. It has been used in conflicts involving the U.S. military from Vietnam to Iran. . Edwards is home to the 412th Test Wing, which conducts regular developmental testing of all Air Force aircraft, weapons systems, software and components before purchase by the service as well as throughout their life span. Test missions take place at Edwards daily.

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RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) — A Long Island architect who lived a secret life as the Gilgo Beach serial killer has been sentenced to to life in prison without parole. Rex Heuermann had previously admitted in court to killing eight women, many of them sex workers. Police discovered the remains of several of the women along a coastal parkway not far from Long Island’s Gilgo Beach. Family members of victims delivered emotional statements during the court hearing. Jasmine Robinson, a cousin of victim Jessica Taylor, said, “You fill me with so much repugnance, I can’t stand it.”

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MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Arthur is the first of the Atlantic season and threatens the southern United States with dangerous flash flooding. The National Hurricane Center announced the storm Wednesday and said Arthur would skirt over the Gulf Coast with heavy rain through Friday. The storm loomed over a World Cup match in Houston between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also formed amid days of heavy rain that has been drenching southern Texas. Authorities near Houston said a teenager appears to have drowned in a retention pond Tuesday following a period of heavy rain.

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EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — Leaders at the Group of Seven summit have backed U.S. President Donald Trump's tentative agreement with Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire. They called it a “historic opportunity” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The deal, expected to be signed Friday in Switzerland, would allow Iran to sell oil without restrictions if a final agreement is reached. Trump has not released the agreement's text but described it as “very strong.” G7 leaders also pledged support for Ukraine against Russia and vowed to tackle global drug gangs and migrant smugglers.

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