Salem News Channel

June 24 (Reuters) - The operators of Camp Mystic, where 28 campers and staff members died in catastrophic flooding in Texas last year, filed for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday. The company in charge of the camp cited total debts between $10 million and $50 million, and assets that were between $1 and $10 million, in a Chapter 11 petition filed in Houston, Texas, bankruptcy court. Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, said in April that it had decided not to open this summer after previously seeking approval from state regulators to do so. Families of victims of last summer's camp flooding testified in April before the Texas Legislature and called for ?closure ?of the camp. The deaths came after heavy downpours in Texas Hill Country transformed the Guadalupe ?River ?into a killer torrent on July 4, 2025. Widespread flash flooding in the region that morning and in the following days killed nearly 140 people in the sixth-deadliest freshwater flood disaster in the United States. The camp did not have written emergency evacuation plans and poorly trained its staff, according to a report released by the Texas Legislature last week. Camp Mystic did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The results from the Tuesday Republican runoff for Governor in the State of South Carolina are in. In South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson beating Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Wilson winning by an almost a 2-to-1 margin. President Trump initially endorsed Evette in the first round when 3 other candidates including Congresswoman Nancy Mace were eliminated. President Trump then took to his Truth Social page and endorsed Evette and Wilson saying "it's a wealth of riches with either...you can't go wrong."

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BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge has permanently barred President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing most of his first executive order on elections. It includes provisions that would have required people to show documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote and prevented mail ballots from counting if they are received after Election Day. The ruling on Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper effectively makes permanent a preliminary order she issued a year ago. Casper agreed with arguments from Democratic attorneys general who filed the lawsuit that the Constitution gives states and Congress, not the president, the power to regulate elections.

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NEW YORK (AP) — A judge temporarily blocked federal prosecutors in Texas from getting access to the medical records of transgender patients treated at New York hospitals on Wednesday, saying they were part of an improper government effort to “demonize and eradicate an entire population of transgender” people. Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled a day after hearing oral arguments in Manhattan, calling the government's pursuit of the most sensitive medical records of a “uniquely vulnerable group” of patients treated over a six-year period to be “most egregious” and unconstitutional. Failla accused the Justice Department of turning to criminal probes as a way to obtain otherwise private records about those undergoing transgender care after judges across the country repeatedly rejected similar requests through civil means. The Justice Department had sought the records as part of a probe of potential “misbranding” of drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A message seeking comment from the Justice Department was not immediately returned. Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, called the ruling “a victory for the basic privacy of our clients and all families like theirs across New York City.” He added in a statement that using subpoenas to attain the identities and sensitive health information of transgender young people “should send chills down the spine of every American.” Failla ruled in a lawsuit filed this month on behalf of minors, their parents and young adults who received medically necessary gender-affirming care in New York City. According to the lawsuit, NYU Langone Hospitals was one of several institutions to receive a federal grand jury subpoena on May 7 from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas. The request for records regarding transgender patients came from a special agent of the Kansas City office of criminal investigation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Failla said there were at least 40 individuals who received treatment at NYU Langone alone during the Jan. 1, 2020 to May 5, 2026 period covered by the subpoenas. Most major medical groups say access to gender-affirming care is important for people with gender dysphoria. Transgender teens, parents and providers have described it as life-saving for children who are depressed or suicidal because their gender identities do not match the gender assigned them at birth. Gender-affirming care can include counseling, medications that block puberty, hormone therapy to produce physical changes or surgeries, although those are rare for minors. Twenty-seven states have limited or banned gender-affirming care for minors, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2025 that they could do so under the U.S. Constitution. President Donald Trump has aggressively sought to roll back transgender rights. During his second term, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has moved to use its regulatory power to block gender-affirming care for minors, and the DOJ has demanded access to providers’ private records, putting pressure on hospitals that often rely on federal funding to operate. At the outset of reading a lengthy ruling to the parties participating in an electronic proceeding, Failla noted that the “current administration” had issued orders in the first few days of its existence in which it “sought to demonize and eradicate an entire population of transgender individuals.” Before she finished nearly an hour later, Failla had granted class-action status to the plaintiffs and ruled that the Justice Department had violated the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution with its subpoenas. She also set a July 8 hearing to hear additional evidence before deciding whether to impose a preliminary injunction, the next step in the legal process after she issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday.

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The U.S. is easing its restrictions on Iran’s World Cup team. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday the squad could travel into the country two days before its next match. A department spokesperson said the team will still be required to leave after Friday’s match in Seattle. A spokesperson for the Iran Football Federation confirmed that the team will leave its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, on Wednesday for Seattle. Iran’s squad has complained about the travel restrictions levied on the team. For the first two matches, in Los Angeles, the team was not permitted to travel until the day before.

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KUWAIT CITY, June 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait resumed operations on Wednesday during a visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, months after services were suspended in March by Iranian attacks. The embassy, located in Kuwait City, will immediately resume emergency services for American citizens while other services will be phased in, a State Department spokesperson said. The State Department shut down embassy operations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in March after Iranian drones fired at the missions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Rubio attended a flag-raising ceremony at the embassy on Wednesday during his trip to Kuwait for talks with allies on ending the war in Iran. "The American flag: a symbol of liberty, unity, and freedom now flies proudly once again over Kuwait City. Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability," he said in a social media post following the ceremony.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A rural area of Northern California has experienced its strongest earthquake since 1940, but it caused only mild shaking with no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey says the epicenter of Wednesday's quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 5.6, was about 140 miles northeast of San Francisco. It was felt widely, including in the fishing city of Fort Bragg. The initial quake was centered inland about 50 miles east of Fort Bragg at 8:10 a.m. PT, and the USGS says it was about 5 miles deep. A 2.5 magnitude quake struck near the epicenter a few minutes later.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump sees America’s 250th anniversary as a chance to get the country excited again — about Donald Trump. The president is hosting a rally on Wednesday on the National Mall in Washington. There's a military flyover by stealth bombers, military bands, singer Lee Greenwood of “God Bless the U.S.A” fame and a speech by Trump. The rally is designed to kick off weeks of celebrations about the founding of America. Critics say he's turning it into a partisan event to try to boost his ratings — and those of his party — ahead of November congressional elections.

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President Trump backed not one, but both candidates in South Carolina's GOP gubernatorial runoff—Attorney General Alan Wilson and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette . And wouldn't you know it, Wilson walked away with the win . Here's the rub: Evette had Trump's endorsement first. She finished on top in the primary, ran as the Trump-backed outsider, and then—right when she needed his support the most—Trump hedged his bets . Meanwhile, Wilson's momentum surged. Was it fair for Trump to pull the rug out from under Evette right before the runoff, or was it just smart politics to guarantee himself a win?

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The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, is a case that just keeps getting more heartbreaking . A ransom note sent to media outlets days after she vanished from her Arizona home claimed she was dead—that those who took her didn't mean to kill her, but that she died shortly after the abduction . Investigators have never been able to verify that claim, and nearly five months later, there is still no body and no real answers . Savannah and her siblings have been left in the cruelest limbo—grieving without closure, hoping without proof. Our hearts go out to the Guthrie family. This is an unsolved mystery that should haunt us all.

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The Actor called out a “virus” that’s infected a small number of people who want to tear things down; they’re consumed by hatred, and that hatred ends up destroying them.

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Recent Democratic primaries in New York delivered strong wins for progressive and socialist-leaning candidates. Observers on both sides of the aisle note that this shift toward more left-wing positions on issues like policing, immigration, and foreign policy is gaining traction beyond New York.

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Commentary on Trump Halting All Business until SAVE America Act is passed

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A former top aide to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged bribery scheme involving a city contract. Sources familiar with the matter say Frank Carone, who served as Adams’ chief of staff, was taken into custody Wednesday morning along with his brother, Anthony Carone, a Queens hotel owner, and an employee of the hotel owner. Investigators are reportedly examining whether the group was involved in a bribery scheme connected to a municipal contract. Details about the specific contract and the charges have not yet been fully released. Frank Carone was a prominent figure in Adams’ political circle. He played a key role in Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign and later served as chief of staff during Adams’ first year in office. After leaving City Hall, Carone formed a political consulting firm and remained active in New York political circles. The arrests mark a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding figures connected to Adams’ administration and campaign network. Additional details are expected as court records and law enforcement statements become available.

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An 18-year-old suspect is in custody following a shooting at a Northern California library that left two people dead and prompted a multi-agency investigation. Authorities say the suspect initially entered the Chico branch of the Butte County Library unarmed before leaving and later returning with a shotgun. Police allege he then opened fire, killing one person near the entrance and another inside the building. The shooting occurred Monday evening, and officers responded within minutes of receiving emergency calls. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after police arrived. The victims have been identified as Jacob Hull and Robert Johnson. Investigators have not yet released a possible motive for the attack. The FBI is assisting local authorities as they work to determine what led to the shooting and whether the suspect had any connection to the victims or the library. Officials say the investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to be released as authorities continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.

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A federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the government from carrying out arrests at immigration courts, marking another legal setback for an enforcement practice that expanded under the Trump administration. U.S. District Judge Casey Pitts ruled that federal officials failed to adequately explain and justify the policy before implementing it, as required under federal law. The decision prevents immigration authorities from conducting arrests at courthouses while the legal challenge proceeds. Immigrant rights advocates have argued that arrests at immigration courts discourage people from attending hearings and undermine confidence in the legal process. Supporters of the policy contend it helps authorities detain individuals who are subject to removal proceedings. The ruling follows a similar court decision issued earlier this year in New York, where a judge also questioned the legality of courthouse arrest practices. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security criticized the latest order, calling it an example of judicial overreach and arguing that immigration enforcement remains a core responsibility of the federal government. The case is expected to continue through the courts and could ultimately help determine the limits of immigration enforcement activities at courthouses nationwide.

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President Donald Trump is heading to Capitol Hill for a private meeting with Republican senators as lawmakers seek to address growing divisions within the party over key legislative and foreign policy issues. The closed-door gathering comes as some GOP senators have voiced concerns about the administration's push for a proof-of-citizenship requirement for federal elections, as well as lingering questions surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran following the recent ceasefire agreement. Despite those disagreements, Republican leaders have indicated they want the meeting to focus on maintaining party unity and advancing the administration's broader agenda ahead of a busy legislative period. Several senators have publicly emphasized the importance of presenting a united front, even as debates continue over election policy, government spending, and America's role in the Middle East. The meeting also comes as lawmakers prepare for a series of high-profile votes in the coming weeks, making cooperation between the White House and congressional Republicans increasingly important. While policy differences remain, GOP leaders say they expect Wednesday's discussions to center on shared priorities and strategies for moving legislation forward before Congress breaks for its summer recess.

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The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog says international inspectors will return to Iran's nuclear facilities as part of the interim agreement reached between Tehran and Washington. Rafael Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, said inspections of Iran's nuclear sites "will happen" despite recent disagreements between U.S. and Iranian officials over access and timing. The inspections are considered a critical component of the interim peace deal that helped bring an end to active hostilities between the United States and Iran. Under the agreement, Iran is expected to reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and provide greater transparency regarding its nuclear activities. The issue of inspections has become a point of contention in recent days. President Donald Trump has insisted that Iran agreed to allow inspectors back into the country, while Iranian officials have publicly denied that any formal arrangement has been finalized. Despite those conflicting statements, Grossi expressed confidence that access will ultimately be granted and that inspectors will return to verify compliance with the agreement. The IAEA has long played a central role in monitoring Iran's nuclear program, and international observers view inspections as essential to ensuring Tehran follows through on commitments made under the interim accord. The return of inspectors is expected to be a major topic in future negotiations as both sides work toward a broader and more permanent agreement addressing Iran's nuclear activities, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns.

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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House as alliance leaders prepare for next month's NATO summit. The meeting comes at a pivotal moment for the military alliance, with Trump once again pressing European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense and contribute more toward NATO's collective security efforts. Trump has repeatedly questioned whether the United States should continue carrying a large share of the alliance's financial and military burden. His administration has also launched a review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe, raising fresh questions about America's long-term role in the region. Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister who took over as NATO secretary-general, has sought to maintain a close working relationship with Trump while encouraging member nations to increase defense spending. NATO officials point to record levels of military investment across Europe in response to growing security concerns. Alliance unity is expected to be a major focus of the White House discussions as NATO faces challenges ranging from the war in Ukraine to tensions in the Middle East and questions about future force deployments. The meeting is seen as an important opportunity to align priorities before leaders gather for the alliance's annual summit, where defense spending, military readiness, and the future of NATO's security commitments are expected to dominate the agenda.

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President Donald Trump says the United States is making progress toward what he described as a fair and lasting agreement with Iran, while insisting Tehran has agreed to allow international inspections of its nuclear facilities. Speaking at events in Pennsylvania this week, Trump said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the administration’s top priority. He argued that recent military operations and diplomatic pressure have left Iran in a weakened position and created an opportunity for a broader agreement. Trump claimed Iran has agreed to future inspections of its nuclear sites and pushed back on reports suggesting otherwise. When asked about statements from Iranian officials denying that inspectors had been invited back into the country, Trump responded that Tehran was “wrong” and said inspections would occur “at the appropriate time.” The president also defended the administration’s interim agreement with Iran, saying critics of the deal fail to recognize the leverage the United States has gained through military and economic pressure. Trump argued that Iran’s military capabilities and defense infrastructure have been severely degraded, strengthening Washington’s negotiating position. However, Iranian officials continue to dispute key elements of Trump’s claims. Tehran has denied that formal discussions on its nuclear program are underway and says it has not agreed to readmit inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA. The conflicting statements highlight ongoing uncertainty surrounding efforts to secure a permanent agreement following the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran. While both sides have expressed interest in continued diplomacy, major disagreements remain over inspections, sanctions, and the future of Iran’s nuclear program. For now, administration officials say negotiations are continuing, though no timeline has been announced for the next round of talks or for the return of international inspectors to Iran.

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