Salem News Channel

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial in Plymouth, Massachusetts, are deliberating whether the former labor and delivery nurse is criminally responsible for killing her three children in 2023. While both sides agree she killed her children, Clancy’s defense team argued she suffered from postpartum psychosis, with defense attorney Kevin Reddington stating that “lousy medical care” exacerbated her condition. Prosecutors at the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office argued she intentionally planned the killings and that the nation’s healthcare system is “not on trial here.” Deliberations began early Thursday afternoon.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Peter Cullen, a prolific voice actor who enlivened scores of TV series, specials and movies, including Optimus Prime in the syndicated 1984 series “Transformers” and Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh cartoon franchise, has died. He was 85. His agent, Kevin Motley, said Cullen died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. “His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle,'" said a family statement. Cullen's career spanned from being an announcer at the groundbreaking late-1960s comedy and variety series “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” to “The Smurfs” and multiple G.I. Joe iterations, but he struck a nerve as Optimus Prime. While the original cartoon ran just a few years, it left an indelible mark on pop culture, with a toy line, spinoff cartoon series and comics produced over the next two decades. That culminated in the launch of a multibillion-dollar, live-action film franchise in 2007 by Michael Bay. Before his audition, Cullen only knew that he would be reading for the part of a truck, though giving voice to a vehicle didn’t seem that crazy. “You’re always auditioning for something in animation that’s a little off of the norm,” Cullen told the AP in 2019. When Cullen read about the heroic Autobot leader that turned into a red cabover semitrailer, he thought about his older brother, who had served as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War. “He was my hero, and he certainly was the mainstay behind the character,” Cullen said. “I just did an impression of Larry, and he’s still alive in my mind today because every time I do Prime, there’s my brother Larry.” Cullen’s authoritative baritone as Optimus Prime also appeared in 2009's “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” through “Dark of the Moon,” “Age of Extinction,” “The Last Knight,” “Bumblebee” and "Rise of the Beasts” in 2023. His thoughtful, almost operatic lines would be quoted for decades by kids and adults alike: “I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here. We are waiting,” he said in the first movie. In another, he intoned: “Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.” Other highlights from Cullen's prolific career include voicing Eeyore across various “Winnie-the-Pooh” projects, including Disney’s “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” TV series that aired from 1988-91, as well as voicing the villainous KARR opposite KITT in the 1980s NBC series “Knight Rider,” and lending his pipes to King Kong in the Jeff Bridges-led “King Kong” remake in 1976. Cullen would attend conventions around the country to meet with fans from multiple generations, often getting teary. He said parents sometimes got more excited than their children meeting him. “I expect that I will run into a father with his son, and the father will more than likely get choked up,” Cullen said before MegaCon Orlando in 2019. “And then I get choked up, and then the kid is saying ‘What are these two grown men getting choked up about?’” Cullen is survived by his four children, Angus, Claire, Pilar and Clay.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department has charged more than 80 people in the takedown of a violent Puerto Rican gang, Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Thursday during a visit to the island as part of the Trump administration's efforts to highlight its push to tackle violent crime. Federal prosecutors say the gang known as “Los Baja Deo” for years trafficked fentanyl, cocaine and other illegal drugs from the west coast city of Mayagüez, generating nearly $50 million in proceeds. The group is also responsible for shootings, killings, kidnappings and assaults and the distribution of at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics, Blanche said. "Our Homeland Security Task Forces around the country are unified and they’re unified to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs and transnational criminal organizations around the United States,” the newly confirmed attorney general told reporters from the U.S. attorney's office in San Juan. Blanche's presence in the U.S. Caribbean territory for the announcement underscores the Trump administration's efforts to put a spotlight on its work tackling cartels and gangs that fuel drug trafficking and violence in communities across the U.S. The Trump administration has dramatically reshaped the Justice Department to make tackling illegal immigration and violent crime a top priority. “These 81 violent gang members will now face justice and so will any other that try to take their place,” said Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, the acting U.S. attorney for Puerto Rico. “Today, the families of Mayagüez can peacefully enjoy what their communities have to offer without fear of harm.”

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Plenty of Americans now treat data centers as an unwelcome blight. One small town just opened a $15 million aquatic center with slides and a lazy river—and a huge indoor sports complex is next. The money came from the same facilities many people want to stop. The contrast between the national mood and what actually showed up on the ground is hard to miss.

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One legendary entertainer spent decades doing the unthinkable: she wouldn’t pick a side, wouldn’t dunk on a president, and wouldn’t turn every interview into a lecture. The result has left historians, activists, and fellow stars genuinely confused.

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This video features an insightful conversation with KT McFarland, former deputy national security adviser to President Trump. The discussion delves into President Trump's strategic approach to foreign policy, particularly focusing on Iran, China, and the Middle East. McFarland discusses how Trump's understanding of the power of the American economy and energy dominance has reshaped U.S. foreign policy, leading to significant shifts in international relations. She highlights Trump's efforts to isolate Iran economically and diplomatically and his broader strategy to reduce American dependence on Middle Eastern oil by fostering peace agreements and strengthening alliances in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, McFarland touches on the evolving nature of warfare with the increasing role of drones and artificial intelligence. The conversation provides a comprehensive look at Trump's revolutionary approach to global diplomacy and defense strategy.

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In this interview, Representative Mike Collins of Georgia discusses his campaign against John Ossoff, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming midterm elections. Despite being outspent during the primary, Collins notes that the polls have tightened as his message reaches more people. He highlights the stark differences between himself and Ossoff, positioning the race as a battle of ideologies. Collins stresses the significance of grassroots efforts, including door-to-door campaigns and phone banking, to mobilize voters. With key endorsements and support from groups like Turning Point USA, he aims to harness momentum from events like Donald Trump's midterm convention. Collins invites supporters to join his campaign at MikeCollinsGA.com, stressing the critical role of voter engagement in securing victory.

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Four people are dead after a small plane crashed into shallow water near the remote coastal town of Seldovia, Alaska. The Piper PA-24 departed Anchorage Wednesday and was heading to the Seldovia airport, about 136 miles southwest of Anchorage, when it crashed into the Seldovia Slough near shore. Officials say the aircraft was submerged in about 15 feet of water. Alaska State Troopers had to wait for the tide to recede before reaching the wreckage and recovering the bodies of all four adults on board. The victims’ names have not yet been released pending notification of their families. It remains unclear what caused the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

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The U.S. Army is moving forward with plans to deploy nuclear microreactors at five military installations as part of the Trump administration’s push to expand next-generation nuclear energy. Five companies have been selected to develop, build and operate the reactors at bases in New York, North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas and Georgia. The companies could receive up to $2.2 billion over five years if they meet required development milestones. The Army ultimately expects more than 20 microreactors to be built and operated. Officials say the technology could provide military installations with a reliable source of power independent of the commercial electric grid, helping keep critical operations running during outages or emergencies. The effort is part of the Army’s Janus Program, launched to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear energy. The Trump administration has made expanding U.S. nuclear power a priority as electricity demand grows and the military seeks more resilient energy sources. The Army is aiming to have an advanced reactor operating at a U.S. military installation by September 2028.

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A man serving a federal prison sentence has advanced to the general election for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat. Democrat Eric Hafner secured a spot on the November ballot despite being incarcerated in a federal prison in New York. Hafner pleaded guilty in 2022 to charges involving threats against police officers, judges and others and is not scheduled to be released until 2036. Under Alaska’s election system, the top four primary candidates can advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. Hafner finished behind Democrat Matt Schultz, but Schultz withdrew and is ineligible to advance, opening a spot for Hafner. Hafner’s candidacy is expected to face another legal challenge. The U.S. Constitution requires House members to be residents of the state they represent at the time of their election. Hafner listed a South Dakota mailing address and a New York phone number in his candidate filing and has no apparent ties to Alaska. Republican incumbent Rep. Nick Begich and independent Bill Hill are among the leading candidates in the race.

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An investigation is underway after police in Pennsylvania shot and killed a 22-year-old college student while responding to a report of a possible home break-in. Upper Pottsgrove Township police responded to a 911 call shortly after midnight Sunday and encountered Glenwood Pysher IV behind the home. Authorities say officers ultimately shot and killed Pysher but have not released details about what led to the shooting. Pysher’s father says his son had been out celebrating a friend’s birthday when he took a wrong turn and mistakenly believed he had arrived at a friend’s house. He says Pysher was unarmed and had realized his mistake before police arrived. According to his father, Pysher was sitting on the porch and communicating with friends who were coming to pick him up just minutes before he was shot. Pysher was preparing to begin his senior year at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey, where he planned to play baseball. The Montgomery County Detective Bureau is investigating the shooting.

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The Trump administration is intensifying its crackdown on widespread hospice fraud in California, where scammers have allegedly enrolled healthy seniors in end-of-life care without their knowledge and billed Medicare for services they never received. More than 1,000 California hospices have been removed from Medicare since early 2025 as federal officials increase oversight of the industry. Los Angeles County has been a particular focus, with officials estimating the county alone accounts for about $3.5 billion in fraudulent hospice claims. The schemes can have serious consequences for victims. Once someone is enrolled in hospice, Medicare generally will not cover additional treatment outside that care, meaning seniors fraudulently enrolled can have legitimate medical appointments and procedures denied. California has also stepped up enforcement, revoking nearly 500 hospice licenses since imposing a moratorium on new facilities in 2021. Federal and state authorities have made multiple arrests and brought dozens of criminal cases tied to alleged hospice fraud. The Trump administration has also expanded scrutiny of federally funded health programs nationwide as part of a broader effort to combat Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

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Closing arguments are set to begin today in the murder trial of Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three young children inside their family home in 2023. Clancy has pleaded not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility. Her defense attorneys argue she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings and was unable to appreciate the wrongfulness of her actions. Prosecutors dispute that defense, arguing Clancy planned the killings and understood what she was doing. A prosecution expert testified that her actions before and after the deaths indicated she remained in control. The defense has highlighted Clancy’s repeated efforts to seek mental health treatment before the killings as evidence of her deteriorating condition. Testimony concluded after five weeks of trial. The case could be handed to the jury following closing arguments and instructions from the judge.

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In this discussion, Annie Chestnut Tutor, a tech policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation, delves into a recent settlement involving Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, and 29 state attorney generals. The settlement centers on allegations that Meta harmed children by making its platforms addictive, leading to personal injuries such as suicides and excessive screen time. Meta has agreed to significant changes, including age verification methods to ensure users are 13 or older and enhanced parental supervision tools. While some argue that parents should have more control over their children's screen time, others express concerns about privacy and the potential for increased surveillance. The settlement aims to address these issues while acknowledging the pervasive influence of social media on young users.

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In this insightful discussion, John Ashbrook, a member of the Ruthless Podcast, joins the show to dissect the upcoming midterm elections. Ashbrook, who has extensive experience working in the United States Senate, provides his expert analysis on the prospects of Republicans holding the Senate. He highlights key races in states like Maine and Michigan, discussing the Democratic candidates and the challenges they face. Ashbrook emphasizes the importance of voter turnout, especially among Trump supporters, and how recent primary results might influence the November elections. The conversation offers a detailed look at the current political landscape and the potential outcomes of the midterm elections.

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Maryland Delegate Matt Morgan discusses the recent legal challenges and political maneuvers surrounding the redistricting process in Maryland. In a special session, Democrats attempted to bypass constitutional norms by rewriting the Maryland Constitution to favor their political interests. Morgan highlights the importance of adhering to established rules and the potential consequences of disregarding them. He emphasizes the detrimental impact of socialistic policies on the state's economy, contrasting the current situation with past administrations that managed more efficiently. Morgan also addresses the Democrats' efforts to gerrymander districts to maintain control, noting the absurdity of their proposed map that disregarded natural boundaries like the Chesapeake Bay. With a case set to be heard by the Supreme Court on September 3rd, Morgan remains hopeful for a favorable outcome that upholds constitutional limitations on the general assembly.

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In a shocking turn of events, a heated debate erupted at a recent WNBA game, leaving many questioning the league's priorities. The speaker shares their thoughts on the matter, highlighting the tension between the league's focus on social justice and its core purpose: women's basketball. This episode delves into the controversy surrounding the WNBA's stance on trans participation in sports, with the speaker expressing their concerns about the league's refusal to define what a woman is. They discuss the recent incident involving Ernest Kanter, who was escorted out of the arena for wearing a T-shirt that questioned the league's stance on the issue. The speaker also touches on the comments made by WNBA coach Cheryl Reeve, who suggested that people should educate themselves on the topic. The speaker argues that the WNBA's focus on social justice has led to a shift away from the sport itself, and that the league's priorities are no longer aligned with its original purpose. They also discuss the impact of social media and the bifurcation of media on the league's popularity, as well as the role of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham in the controversy. If you're interested in hearing more about this fascinating topic and the speaker's thoughts on the matter, tune in to this episode to hear their analysis and insights. 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 a recent survey, Donald Trump has emerged as the most favored Republican president among his party members, significantly surpassing Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln in popularity. According to the poll, 53% of Republicans regard Trump as their preferred leader, nearly quadrupling Reagan's 18% and far exceeding Lincoln's 8%. This overwhelming support reflects a strong backing for Trump's actions, particularly his military intervention against Iran. Among those who identify as staunch Republicans, Trump's approval rating stands impressively at 98%. His popularity within his own party during his second term has outpaced that of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The poll results suggest that the Iran conflict is a pivotal factor in this support, as many Republicans believe Trump's actions were necessary due to perceived Iranian threats and violations of the nuclear deal. For comprehensive coverage and analysis, tune into Salem News Channel.

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In a recent op-ed piece published in the Washington Post, former U.S. diplomat Ludovic Hood argues that the collapse of the Iranian regime is the best outcome for U.S. interests. With over 20 years of experience working in both Democratic and Republican administrations, including during the negotiation of the Iran nuclear deal, Hood's insights carry significant weight. He criticizes past U.S. diplomatic efforts, stating that no amount of diplomatic ingenuity can contain Iran. Hood supports President Trump's strategy of economic sanctions and diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the need to sever every economic lifeline that sustains the Iranian regime. He highlights Iran's history of outmaneuvering U.S. administrations, from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama, and its role in regional conflicts and terrorist activities. Hood concludes that a sustained campaign of economic and military pressure, backed by regional partners, is essential to weaken the increasingly brittle Iranian regime.

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MOSCOW/WASHINGTON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - U.S. CIA Director John Ratcliffe spoke with Russian intelligence officials during a visit to Moscow but did not meet President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said on Wednesday of a trip that U.S. President Donald Trump described as "semi-routine." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Putin had been briefed on the outcome of Tuesday's visit, which came as the war in Ukraine drags on and as efforts to reach a lasting peace between the United States and Iran have stalled. Peskov declined to say what had been discussed or to provide any further details. "All I can tell you is that there have been contacts via the security services. I can tell you that there have been no meetings with the Russian president. Naturally, President Putin is kept informed of everything without delay," said Peskov. Trump, in a radio interview on Wednesday, did not say specifically why Ratcliffe had travelled to Moscow but said it could prove useful. "Now something may come ... out of it. We're working very hard to get that war ended," Trump told the Glenn Beck Program, referring to the war in Ukraine. Asked whether the CIA chief went to Moscow to discuss potential Russian action to test the NATO military alliance or to discuss Iran sanctions, Trump added: "None of the above. He's there, you know, very sort of semi-routine." The last known visit by a U.S. CIA director to the Russian capital took place when Ratcliffe's predecessor William Burns held talks with Putin in November 2021, three months the war in Ukraine began. Asked if visits by such senior U.S. officials could help improve the dire state of U.S.-Russia relations, Peskov said that contacts between the two countries' intelligence agencies were a positive thing. "These contacts often continue even during the most difficult periods in bilateral relations. Our president, incidentally, has spoken about this. However, it is still too early to say to what extent this will, overall, help to steer our bilateral relations out of the profound crisis in which they currently find themselves," he said.

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