Salem News Channel

Vice President Vance has announced a significant crackdown on food stamp fraud, with his task force uncovering approximately forty-two million dollars in alleged fraudulent activity. Over forty defendants have been charged across the nation in various schemes. One notable case involves an Atlanta rapper known as Shawty Dread, whose real name is Mercedes Reshard New. Federal prosecutors accuse him of stealing over four million dollars through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Investigators found that Shawty Dread fraudulently registered his business as an authorized food stamp retailer, enabling him to process millions in fraudulent transactions. He now faces multiple federal charges including mail fraud and identity theft. The crackdown also targets illegal immigrants accused of stealing the identities of American citizens to fraudulently obtain benefits. These cases highlight the Trump administration's commitment to preventing fraud in government benefit programs, ensuring that resources intended to help struggling American families are not exploited.

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(Washington, DC) - The Supreme Court has blocked the Trump Administration's efforts to ban prisons from providing hormone treatments to transgender inmates. The majority - including conservative justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito - did not explain their reasoning. It's a rare loss for the administration in its fight against what it has called "gender ideology." Last year, the justices allowed the administration to enforce its ban on openly transgender troops serving in the military.

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(Conway, AR) -- A former Faulkner County surgeon is heading to prison for 20 years for raping a 70-year-old patient during a medical exam. A jury convicted 65-year-old Langley Peeples this week for the attack at Baptist Health in Conway last November. A nurse watching the exam remotely witnessed the assault and reported it. The former surgeon surrendered his medical license after his arrest, and still faces separate rape charges involving another patient. He is set to serve at least 17 and a half years before becoming eligible for parole.

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(Toledo, OH) -- Evacuations remain in place in Toledo after an explosion at a chemical terminal. It happened last night at Sterling Pipe and Tube on Progress Avenue. One person was hurt, and everyone within a one-mile radius was forced to evacuate. Those living within three miles of the blast were ordered to shelter-in-place. At a news conference earlier today, officials said the chemical that leaked is an industrial product used in coatings.

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(Tehran) -- Iran says it's negotiating with the U.S. Iran's foreign minister says Tehran and Washington have been holding "indirect negations" through mediators as part of the seven-day ceasefire proposal presented by Iran in September. The foreign minister says his country is asking for the U.S. to lift the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and release frozen Iranian assets. On Tuesday, President Trump would only say "we're doing very well" with Iran, adding that the only decision left about ending the war was winning it "the nice way or the not nice way."

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Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan is facing scrutiny after a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that she exaggerated her academic achievements. Flanagan claimed to be a member of the prestigious academic honor society, five-baited capo, but records show she was never a member. Her campaign stated she was nominated but couldn't afford the $99 lifetime membership fee, although financial assistance is often provided. Additionally, Flanagan's official biography listed her as having degrees in both American Indian Studies and Child Psychology, but university records indicate she only majored in Child Psychology with a minor in American Indian Studies. Flanagan, who is running against Republican Michelle Tafoya for the open Senate seat in Minnesota, has long emphasized her Native American heritage in her political career. With the election less than two weeks away, these discrepancies are adding pressure to her campaign.

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Outgoing RINO Sen. Thom Tillis is gleefully counting down the days to what he calls a “whoop-ass” loss for Republicans—openly rooting against his own party and the voters who put him there. The clip shows exactly why so many conservatives see him as out of touch and on the wrong side.

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A refreshing message of state pride and renewed purpose challenges Minnesotans to reconsider what has changed—and what’s worth reclaiming.

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American citizen Stephen Hubbard has been released from Russian prison after facing Ukranian mercenary charges, according to Fox News.

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An American man who spent four years in Russian detention has been released following a visit by a U.S. special envoy, marking the end of a lengthy detention that the State Department had classified as wrongful. Stephen Hubbard, a retired schoolteacher from Michigan, had been living in Ukraine since 2014 before being detained by Russian authorities. Russian officials accused Hubbard of fighting alongside Ukrainian forces during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. His family has denied those allegations, maintaining that he was not involved in military operations. Hubbard's detention drew attention from U.S. officials, who raised concerns about his treatment and the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment. The State Department formally designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained, a classification that allows the U.S. government to pursue additional diplomatic efforts to secure an American citizen's release. His release followed a visit to Russia by a U.S. special envoy, although the full details of the discussions and any agreements reached have not been disclosed. It remains unclear whether Hubbard's release was part of a broader diplomatic arrangement or involved any concessions from either government. The development comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine and the detention of American citizens in Russia. Hubbard's release ends four years in Russian custody. Additional details about his condition and plans to return to the United States have not yet been announced.

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President Donald Trump is highlighting his administration's efforts to combat fraud and improper federal payments, saying officials have identified hundreds of thousands of questionable government benefit records and fraudulent loans while cutting billions of dollars in federal spending. During remarks on the administration's efforts to eliminate waste and fraud, Trump pointed to actions involving Social Security records, federal assistance programs and government-backed loans. The president said his administration has worked to identify and remove records associated with deceased individuals from federal benefit systems, arguing that outdated or inaccurate information creates opportunities for improper payments. Trump also discussed efforts to identify people he said were improperly receiving government benefits, including individuals who were not eligible for certain federal assistance programs. Among the programs highlighted was the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to eligible low-income households. The administration has also focused on alleged fraud involving Small Business Administration loans, including loans issued to individuals or businesses that may not have met eligibility requirements. Trump said federal officials have identified significant numbers of questionable loans as part of a broader review of government spending. The president also referenced concerns involving hospice facilities and potential misuse of federal healthcare payments, another area his administration says warrants increased scrutiny. According to Trump, the administration's efforts have contributed to billions of dollars in federal spending reductions. However, the figures cited by the president have not been independently verified in the information provided, and the identification of questionable records does not necessarily establish that fraudulent payments occurred. Improper payments can result from administrative errors, outdated records, eligibility issues or intentional fraud. Federal agencies must review individual cases to determine whether wrongdoing occurred. The administration says its broader goal is to strengthen oversight of federal programs, recover improperly distributed funds and prevent future misuse of taxpayer dollars. Trump has made reducing government waste and fraud a central part of his administration's domestic policy agenda, emphasizing accountability in federal spending and benefit programs.

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In this insightful interview, Newt Gingrich discusses his latest book, "America's Golden Age," which envisions a future of limitless possibilities under Trumpism. Gingrich elaborates on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and technology, emphasizing their potential to enhance our quality of life, healthcare, and education systems. He also explores the implications of these advancements on future warfare, including the rise of unmanned vehicles and the need for a robust cyber defense strategy. The conversation touches on political dynamics, highlighting a shift toward conservative policies and the challenges faced by the Democratic party in upcoming elections. Gingrich remains optimistic about America's future, advocating for a forward-thinking approach to policy and technology.

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In this discussion, Representative Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, addresses critical issues surrounding sanctuary policies in Virginia, emphasizing the impact of ignoring detainer requests for illegal migrants who have committed other crimes. Jordan discusses the potential consequences of Democratic policies, including the defunding of ICE and the creation of sanctuary jurisdictions, which he believes facilitate criminal activity by illegal migrants. The conversation also touches on the upcoming election, the state of the Senate race in Ohio, and Jordan's potential future roles within Congress. He expresses optimism about the election results, citing voter dissatisfaction with current policies and a desire for common-sense governance.

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President Donald Trump is weighing in on the violent unrest sweeping across France, vowing that similar scenes of rioting and destruction will not be allowed to happen in the United States. Speaking during a campaign rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Tuesday night, Trump pointed to the violence overseas while discussing public safety, immigration and his administration's approach to maintaining order. The president's remarks came after protesters interrupted his speech. Trump compared the disruptions at his rally to the unrest in France, where thousands of people have been arrested following days of demonstrations and violent clashes. The unrest in France began with student-led protests over conditions in schools and expanded into nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living and concerns about underfunded public services. While hundreds of thousands of people participated in peaceful demonstrations, some protests escalated into rioting, looting and confrontations with law enforcement. French authorities say more than 2,500 people have been taken into custody amid the unrest. Dozens have been jailed, and prosecutors have opened criminal investigations related to the violence. At least 3,000 businesses have reportedly sustained damage, with stores looted, vehicles set on fire and public buildings vandalized in several major cities. French officials have imposed localized nighttime curfews in Paris and other cities, including Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon, in an effort to prevent further violence. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the restrictions helped restore some calm following the weekend's disturbances. Authorities are prepared to impose additional curfews where necessary. French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence and called for accountability for those responsible for damaging businesses and public property. The French government is also working to assist affected businesses as officials assess the economic impact of the destruction. Trump has criticized France's immigration policies and argued that stronger border enforcement is necessary to prevent similar unrest in the United States. His comments come as immigration and public safety remain central issues in the Republican campaign ahead of the November midterm elections. Meanwhile, additional demonstrations are planned in France this weekend, raising concerns about renewed confrontations between protesters and police. French authorities continue monitoring the situation as they work to restore order and prevent further damage.

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The Department of Homeland Security is defending federal immigration officers following a controversial arrest in Long Beach, California, that left a U.S. citizen injured and prompted calls for an investigation. The incident occurred Saturday in North Long Beach during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation. The man involved has been identified as Ricardo Gonzalez, a former city employee who lives in the area. According to DHS, federal agents were conducting a targeted immigration enforcement operation when a group of protesters allegedly attempted to interfere with officers and damage government vehicles. The agency said Gonzalez was arrested after allegedly smashing the side mirror of a government vehicle. DHS also denied allegations that federal agents struck Gonzalez while he was riding a bicycle, maintaining that officers followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary. However, witness video circulating on social media shows Gonzalez restrained on the ground by federal agents while repeatedly crying out that his arm was broken. The footage has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his detention and the level of force used by officers. Long Beach police said they responded after ICE requested emergency assistance regarding vehicle vandalism and an individual needing medical attention. When local officers arrived, they encountered a large disturbance involving federal agents and found Gonzalez handcuffed and bleeding. Police transported him to a nearby fire station, where his handcuffs were removed before he was taken to a hospital for treatment. Gonzalez's daughter said her father suffered serious injuries and has been receiving medical care. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson has filed a formal complaint with DHS, calling for an independent investigation into the incident and requesting that the agents involved be removed from field enforcement duties while the matter is reviewed. Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents the area, also criticized the officers' actions and called for an investigation. Meanwhile, DHS maintains that Gonzalez damaged federal property and could face criminal charges related to the incident. The agency has not announced whether formal charges have been filed. The circumstances leading up to Gonzalez's detention remain disputed, with federal officials and witnesses providing differing accounts of what occurred. The incident has renewed debate over federal immigration enforcement operations and the use of force by ICE officers.

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Measles cases in the United States have surpassed 4,400 this year, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an additional death amid the growing outbreak. The CDC has added a third measles-related death to its national tracker but has not disclosed where or when the latest death occurred. The updated figures come as health officials across the country continue monitoring outbreaks of the highly contagious disease. Pennsylvania has reported five confirmed measles-associated deaths, with another death under investigation, according to state health officials. The difference between state and federal death totals may reflect reporting delays or differences in how cases are classified and confirmed. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over what Shapiro describes as vaccine misinformation during the outbreak. Shapiro's criticism comes amid a broader debate over federal public health messaging and efforts to increase vaccination rates. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that spreads across the body. Severe complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. Health officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the most effective way to prevent infection and limit the spread of the virus. As cases continue to rise, federal and state health agencies are monitoring new infections, hospitalizations and deaths while working to contain outbreaks in affected communities.

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President Donald Trump announced a $1.5 billion federal investment in semiconductor manufacturing during a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Tuesday night, highlighting his administration's efforts to expand domestic production of critical technology. Speaking to supporters ahead of the November midterm elections, Trump said the Department of War would invest in producing advanced semiconductor chips in the state. "The Department of War will be investing $1.5 billion dollars to produce cutting-edge semiconductor chips right here in North Carolina," Trump said. The president described the funding as a major investment in American manufacturing and emphasized the importance of producing advanced technology domestically. Semiconductors are essential components in everything from smartphones and automobiles to military equipment and advanced defense systems. Expanding domestic production has become a priority for Washington amid concerns about dependence on overseas manufacturers. Trump also announced plans for a new manufacturing facility in North Carolina involving Sibelco, a company that produces industrial minerals and materials used in semiconductor manufacturing. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined the president onstage to discuss the project, explaining that the facility would focus on quartz, a key material used in semiconductor production. Lutnick said the administration was working to bring more semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The president did not provide a timeline for the $1.5 billion defense investment or identify the companies that would receive the funding. The announcement came during a campaign rally supporting Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump also expressed support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley, who is running against former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. Throughout the rally, Trump highlighted his administration's economic policies and efforts to attract manufacturing investments to the United States. The proposed semiconductor investment adds to the administration's broader push to strengthen domestic manufacturing, particularly in industries considered important to national security and economic competitiveness. Additional details about the investment, including its implementation and potential job creation, have not yet been announced.

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In this engaging interview, Congresswoman Kat Cammack discusses the recent launch of the White House's new women's health initiative. This marks a significant development as it establishes a dedicated division at the National Institute of Health focused on women's health. Congresswoman Cammack highlights the long-overdue recognition of the unique medical needs of women, who have historically been underrepresented in research. She emphasizes the importance of addressing specific issues like Alzheimer's, infertility, heart disease, endometriosis, and menopause, which have been neglected in the past. The conversation also touches on the Republican Women's Caucus's efforts to broaden the focus on women's health beyond abortion. Cammack stresses the need for bipartisan support to advance these critical issues and improve health outcomes for women.

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