Salem News Channel

The Left Can't Turn Down Their Violent Rhetoric Because They Don't Want To

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A man accused of arranging the fatal shooting of a Microsoft design manager on a Florida road was convicted Wednesday in a murder-for-hire scheme that followed years of a stormy child custody arrangement between the victim and his wealthy ex-wife. Jared Bridegan was shot in 2022 after he got out of his SUV to remove a tire from a road in Jacksonville Beach. The attack stumped police for months as they struggled to understand why someone with no apparent enemies would be killed while his daughter sat nearby in her car seat. Prosecutors believe he was killed because of ongoing strife with his former wife, Shanna Gardner, over the parenting of their twins. Mario Fernandez Saldana, 38, was convicted of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder and faces an automatic sentence of life in prison. He’s married to Gardner, 39, whose trial is set to start in September. “They wanted a majority of the decision making. They wanted more custody, even 60-40," Assistant State Attorney Christina Stifler said during closing arguments Tuesday in Duval County court. “It doesn’t matter if they were completely right about the situation or completely wrong. What matters is how they fixed it,” Stifler said. “They fixed it by executing a man when they had other alternatives available to them. That’s why we’re here.” Prosecutors said Fernandez Saldana hired Henry Tenon to carry out the fatal ambush. He had no personal connection to Bridegan, but was a former tenant at Fernandez Saldana’s rental property in Jacksonville. The prosecutor described him as “basically homeless, squatting on people’s couches with overdrawn bank accounts.” Jurors saw three checks totaling $10,000 written to Tenon after the homicide, marked as payments by Fernandez Saldana for handyman work and a business idea — “good luck!!” Tenon’s DNA was identified on the rim of the tire that was intentionally placed in the road, police said. He initially pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Fernandez Saldana but backed out and will stand trial in 2027. Defense attorney Jesse Dreicer told jurors that Fernandez Saldana had no motive to have Bridegan killed. Fernandez Saldana and Gardner are estranged, and Gardner moved to Washington state after the killing. She was arrested in 2023. “He certainly gained no benefit from the death of Jared Bridegan,” Dreicer said, noting there was no testimony that Fernandez Saldana told anyone that Bridegan “deserves to die.” Gardner is the daughter of the co-founder of Stampin’ Up!, an arts-and-crafts company based in Utah. Bridegan was shot twice when he stopped his Volkswagen Atlas to move the tire out of the way. He had just returned two children to Gardner's home after a meal with the twins. At the time of his death, he was married to Kirsten Bridegan and they had two children. Kirsten Bridegan told the jury that the post-divorce relationship between her husband and Gardner was “pretty terrible,” adding there was “absolutely no trust.” She said it interfered with the kids' medical appointments and even routine meetings at school. Bridegan was chief technology officer at Utah-based Clean Simple Eats before working at Microsoft for less than a year before his death, his wife said.

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Firefighters are battling the massive Ross Fire in North Texas, which has now burned about 80-thousand acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties. The blaze is just 12-percent contained after strong winds helped fuel its rapid growth. More than a thousand people have been evacuated, and several structures have been destroyed. Crews are using aircraft, bulldozers and ground teams to protect communities and strengthen containment lines.

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Various states have sued the tech giant Meta on behalf of parents who claim the company designed Facebook and Instagram to get kids addicted and collect their personal data. Meta has agreed to a settlement of over $16 billion to avoid a costly trial. Who is really to blame? Big tech or bad parenting? --- 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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We are absolutely devastated. Dolly Parton—the queen of country music, a true American treasure, and one of the kindest souls to ever walk this earth—has passed away at 80 years old . Today, we remember her not just for the music, but for the woman she was: her humor, her generosity, her love for every single person she met. --- 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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Hugh Hewitt discusses how streaming platforms are shaping political discourse, particularly on the left. He argues that these platforms often rely on emotional, sensational content rather than logic and reason. Hewitt also explores how influencers like Hasan Piker can create political challenges for Democrats who once supported them.

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to a significant $18 billion settlement with 29 states over concerns regarding social media addiction and its impact on children's mental health. This landmark agreement includes the implementation of new child safety measures on these platforms. Kentucky's Attorney General, Russell Coleman, highlights the importance of these reforms, which include restrictions such as a midnight to six AM blackout period for children and daily usage limits to combat doom scrolling and excessive phone use during school hours. Coleman emphasizes that these changes will be rolled out in the near future, aiming to make platforms safer for young users. The settlement funds will be distributed to the states for additional child protection initiatives, with Kentucky expecting to receive $358 million. Coleman also mentions ongoing efforts to address other platforms, including TikTok and Roblox, as well as emerging threats like AI chatbots. This settlement marks a major step towards addressing the broader issue of digital addiction and its effects on children.

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Hugh Hewitt and Mary Kessel discuss Operation Economic Outcast and how stronger economic sanctions could pressure hostile regimes, particularly Iran. Kessel emphasizes targeting countries and financial institutions that enable these regimes, including China, Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia, and Pakistan. They also discuss how authoritarian governments control information during crises and why comprehensive sanctions, including secondary sanctions, are necessary to maximize economic pressure.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — United States Capitol Police on Tuesday arrested a California man with what they said was a guillotine in the bed of a pickup truck parked near the U.S. Capitol complex. Police detained 35-year-old Philan-Tam-Duy Le of Julian, California, shortly after 3 p.m., when the truck he was driving containing the device was illegally parked east of the Capitol grounds, Capitol police said. Officers said they were investigating why the suspect, who drove from California, had made the trip and why he was transporting it. A guillotine is an instrument for administering capital punishment by beheading and consists of a heavy blade mounted on a tall wooden frame. It was invented in late-18th Century France and became a symbol of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has submitted to Congress for review an agreement with Saudi Arabia aimed at bolstering the kingdom's civilian nuclear program, but continues to insist that it won't move forward if Saudi Arabia doesn't normalize relations with Israel, according to a Trump administration official. The classified document was submitted to Capitol Hill on Monday as required by the Atomic Energy Act, according to the administration official, a congressional aide, and two others familiar with the matter. All four spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly on the classified matter. The agreement was signedlast month in Washington by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart. But the next day, Trump announced he was requiring the Saudis to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords as part of the pact — raising doubts that the agreement would come to fruition. Neither the administration official nor the others familiar with the matter would comment on whether Trump's call for the Saudis to join the accords is detailed in the classified document submitted for the congressional review. Under law, Congress has 90 days while in session to review the agreement. Unless Congress passes a joint resolution rejecting the agreement during the review period, the agreement can take effect without a vote by either chamber. It is unusual for the entire contents of such agreements to be classified at such a high level. Previous civil nuclear pacts with other countries — known as 123 agreements — have been made public, although some of them have contained classified annexes that were not released. The Saudi embassy in Washington did not have any immediate comment on the matter. But Trump's continued insistence on the Saudis joining the accords could complicate the path to final approval. The accords approved in 2020 expanded the number of Arab and Muslim-majority nations with diplomatic ties with Israel. The Saudis were taken by surprise by Trump’s announcement that the completion of the civil nuclear deal would hinge on Riyadh’s agreement to join the accords. Trump faced fierce criticism from some lawmakers, including some who are concerned it could potentially help the Saudis fulfill their long-standing desire to enrich their own uranium and, in the process, spur new rounds of nuclear proliferation and competition. The Saudis, meanwhile, have made clear that normalizing relations with Israel would first require the establishment of a clear path for Palestinian statehood. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood as being untenable for his country’s security. The deal, if approved, is expected to last 30 years and is also expected to involve U.S. firms in developing the program following a joint U.S.-Saudi study. The formal submission of the agreement to Congress for review was reported earlier Tuesday by The Wall Street Journal.

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All testimony has concluded in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy. Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Thursday. She is accused of strangling her three young children in a case that has drawn attention to postpartum mental health. Clancy has pleaded not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility. Her lawyers argue she was experiencing postpartum psychosis when she killed Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy at the family’s Massachusetts home in January 2023. Prosecutors say Clancy planned the killings and understood her actions were wrong. Jurors must decide whether she was criminally responsible and, if so, exactly what crimes she committed.

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Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has made a shocking proposal during a press conference, vowing to blow up the White House ballroom once Democrats gain control of the government. Krasner, who was appointed with support from George Soros, stated his intention to detonate explosives at an official ceremony and sell the resulting debris as paperweights. This inflammatory rhetoric has sparked outrage, with many questioning the violent nature of such political discourse. In response, Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized Krasner's focus on national issues rather than addressing local crime and emphasized their commitment to support President Trump in the legal battle to continue the construction of the White House ballroom.

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A private marriage that never needed the spotlight. A fortune cut in half because she loved people more than the pile. And a kind of ease—on a set, in a song, with a stranger—that made the country feel gentler than it does now. What’s left is not just the legend. It’s the grace.

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A massive settlement is being sold as justice for children and a reset for social media. The real fight is over who actually owns the problem: the company that built an addictive product, the states cashing the check, or the parents still holding the device.

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Larry Gatlin joins us to pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of Dolly Parton, a beloved icon in country music. Gatlin shares his personal journey and the deep connection he had with Parton, highlighting her talent, generosity, and the profound impact she had on the music industry and her fans. From her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to becoming a global superstar, Parton's career is marked by her incredible songwriting, singing, and her commitment to giving back through initiatives like the Imagination Library. Gatlin reflects on the lessons he learned from her about staying true to one's roots and the importance of kindness and openness in the entertainment industry. This heartfelt conversation underscores Parton's enduring influence and the respect she commanded from peers and fans alike.

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Lee Greenwood joins us to reflect on the life and legacy of the iconic country music star, Dolly Parton. Greenwood shares his personal experiences and admiration for Parton, highlighting her immense talent, generosity, and the profound impact she has had on people around the world. The conversation delves into Parton's remarkable ability to blend seamlessly with any genre or artist, her patriotism, and her deep-rooted faith. Greenwood also touches on Parton's significant contributions to literacy and education through her initiatives and the creation of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Her charitable work, especially in her home state of Tennessee, is celebrated, showing how Parton's influence extends beyond her music to creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. The discussion underscores Parton's genuine nature, her ability to connect with people on a personal level, and her enduring legacy as a beloved and respected figure in country music and beyond.

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Reflecting on the life and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton, this segment dives into her profound impact on American culture and beyond. Born into humble beginnings in Tennessee, Parton's unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to cross cultural boundaries made her a beloved figure worldwide. Known for her wit and wisdom, her famous line "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap" perfectly captures her charm. Parton's career spanned singing, songwriting, acting, and philanthropy, including her significant support for the military. This tribute not only celebrates her musical achievements but also her role as a unifying figure who brought people together, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

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Country music icon Dolly Parton, who rose from humble beginnings in the Tennessee mountains to become a global pop sensation, left an indelible mark on both the music industry and the hearts of millions. Her unwavering pride in her roots and her commitment to philanthropy, including her renowned Imagination Library, showcased her as a beacon of generosity and authenticity. Parton's ability to bridge cultural divides and her collaborative spirit with artists across genres highlighted her versatility and deep-seated talent. Despite her immense success and fame, she remained grounded, focusing on her faith and the importance of kindness and community. Her life and legacy serve as an inspiring testament to the power of staying true to oneself while making a positive impact on the world.

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Minnesota officials are asking a federal judge in South Texas to order the extradition of ICE agent Christian Castro, who faces criminal charges stemming from a shooting at a Minneapolis home. Prosecutors accuse Castro of firing his gun through the door of the home, striking a man in the leg, and then lying about what happened in an attempt to justify the shooting. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison are seeking federal court intervention to force Texas to return Castro to Minnesota to face the charges. The case has become more urgent because Texas law generally limits how long a person can be held while awaiting extradition. Castro will reach the 90-day detention limit Thursday and could be released if the extradition dispute is not resolved. Attorneys representing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott argue that the extradition request has not formally been denied and say it is too early for a federal court to intervene.

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The trade fight between the United States and Canada is escalating once again, with both countries imposing steep new tariffs after negotiations between the longtime allies collapsed. Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, matching the value of new American tariffs on Canadian products. The Canadian measures, which take effect Sept. 8, cover more than 700 products and carry rates ranging from 15% to 50%. President Donald Trump has also threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian-made cars, trucks and auto parts beginning Jan. 1 if the two countries fail to resolve their differences. Despite the increasingly tough rhetoric, analysts say there is still time for Washington and Ottawa to return to the negotiating table. The two countries have deeply integrated economies, with hundreds of billions of dollars in goods crossing the border each year.

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