Salem News Channel

Aug 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday unsealed new and updated charges against 17 individuals working with an Iranian company that it alleges carried out hacks and data theft against U.S. universities, companies and government agencies. The DOJ said in a statement that the individuals were working with the Mabna Institute, which carried out hacking campaigns on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian government and university clients. The campaigns targeted hundreds of U.S. and international universities, dozens of U.S. companies, and at least five U.S. state and federal government agencies, it said. A previous indictment announced in March 2018 had charged nine of the 17 with a hacking campaign that targeted the U.S. Labor Department, the United Nations and computer networks in Hawaii and Indiana. The Iranian government’s representatives at the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Contact information for the Mabna Institute was not immediately available. The charges announced on Tuesday reveal “the broader network allegedly behind a sweeping, state-sponsored campaign to steal research and intellectual property from American universities, businesses, and government institutions,” U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jamie McDonald said in the statement. The U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program on Tuesday announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the location of several of the people included in Tuesday’s charges. According to Tuesday’s statement by the DOJ, the Mabna Institute since at least 2013 and through 2017 targeted more than 100,000 accounts of professors around the world, including the successful penetration of roughly 8,000 professor email accounts across 144 U.S.-based universities and 178 universities in other countries.

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Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff is accusing President Trump of being lazy in wartime—and dragging a trusted White House aide into his smear campaign. During a rally, Ossoff claimed Trump would rather "travel with Natalie" and build a ballroom than do his job as commander-in-chief . Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old cancer survivor and longtime Trump loyalist, is one of the president's most trusted assistants. t's messy, it's petty, and we're not ashamed to tell you exactly what we think about the Georgia Senator's antics. -- 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. ---- Like & Subscribe to M and M Extra Live ?? youtube.com/@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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President Trump is scaling back joint military drills with South Korea – and he's making no secret about why. --- 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. ---- Like & Subscribe to M and M Extra Live ?? youtube.com/@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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This video delves into the recent controversial remarks made by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff. Ossoff, who has been gaining attention within the Democratic Party and is speculated to be a potential presidential candidate, made a derogatory comment about Natalie Harp, a young Republican woman who serves as a personal aide to President Donald Trump. The discussion critiques Ossoff’s behavior, pointing out his apparent Trump derangement syndrome and ego-mania. Harp is portrayed as a dedicated professional who has earned her position through intelligence and a desire to serve her country. The video highlights the divisiveness and nastiness in political discourse, especially when it targets individuals unfairly based on superficial judgments. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining respect and integrity in public discussions, regardless of political differences.

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The Democratic Party is facing growing criticism over controversial actions, weak leadership, and candidates who appear increasingly out of step with mainstream voters. Critics argue that figures such as John Ossoff and other Democratic leaders reflect a broader shift toward more extreme politics and questionable electoral strategies. The episode examines whether the party’s lack of a clear direction and reliance on political maneuvering is costing it the trust of voters.

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Hugh Hewitt examines the troubling revelations surrounding Fang Fang and Eric Swalwell, including allegations of illegal campaign fundraising and concerns over Chinese influence targeting American officials. He argues that Swalwell’s position on the House Intelligence Committee made the situation especially serious and questions Nancy Pelosi’s judgment in allowing him to remain there. The episode also turns to Michigan’s gubernatorial race, criticizing Democratic campaign tactics while highlighting Mike Rogers’ patriotic, pro-America message.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — OpenAI is launching a version of ChatGPT designed for teenagers — the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence — who are already using it for schoolwork, questions about daily life and even companionship. The San Francisco-based company says ChatGPT for Teens, which launches Tuesday, is tailored for kids aged 13 to 17 with stronger protections including content restrictions around things like suicide, self-harm and romantic or sexual chats. It also provides homework and study support designed to help students learn rather than spit out answers and school essays. The idea is to guide teens toward healthy AI use in an age-appropriate environment, the company said.

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WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has put forward an insurance plan that could protect local police officers who make immigration arrests from potential financial consequences if they are accused of misconduct while on duty. • ICE, which has been the face of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, proposed to help pay for liability insurance for local officers trained and deputized to enforce federal immigration laws, a proposal document said. It was first reported by the Associated Press. • According to the plan laid out in the document, officers could obtain professional liability insurance covering up to $500,000, which can cover legal fees, settlements and judgments, depending on the policy's terms. • Officers would be reimbursed up to $250 annually for the cost of the insurance, according to the plan. • The exact timeline for when this program will be launched was not clear. • Cato Institute Director of Immigration Studies David Bier, who has been critical of ICE's actions, voiced concern about the plan. • "The concern here is that ICE is going above and beyond to guarantee law enforcement does not have even the slightest risk of liability for violating Americans' rights while helping ICE arrest people," Bier said in a statement on X. • The document said ICE was considering hiring a contractor to help in outreach, training and communications support for its specific partnerships with local departments under immigration law. • The contractor would hire an insurance vendor and process reimbursements. • ICE asked for industry feedback by later this week. • Trump says his immigration crackdown and deportation drive is aimed at improving domestic security. • Rights groups say the ?crackdown has violated free speech and due process rights and has created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities, ?who have raised concerns about racial profiling.

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James Talarico Thinks Black People Are Too Stupid To Get An I.D.

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TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Explosions rocked an Ohio industrial recycling business early Tuesday, killing two workers and sparking a large fire, officials said. Flames and dark smoke poured from Brent Industries in Toledo as fire engines surrounded the building, TV news video showed. Crews later discovered the bodies of two employees, a man and a woman, inside the smoldering building, said Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong. Two or three other employees had minor injuries, she said. Two explosions occurred shortly before 5 a.m., during a shift change, Armstrong said. Crews had to deal with hazardous materials, runoff and the threat of more explosions while first searching for victims and accounting for the other employees, she said. Environmental officials said monitors showed that there was no hazardous threat in the air. Demetrius Langston said he felt the explosion half a mile (0.8 kilometers) away. He ran outside with his phone and captured video of a huge plume of smoke rising into the dark sky. “The shock waves came down the block,” he said. “Then we all heard it again. Boom! You could feel it.” Armstrong said the fire was still burning Tuesday afternoon. She also said there were no preliminary indications of what caused the explosions. Aerial images showed that nearly all of the building’s roof was gone and that the blast blew out its walls. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it was investigating. The agency has six months to conduct its investigation and it won't release any more information until that's completed, officials said. Authorities encouraged people near the site who could see or smell smoke to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area. Phone and email messages were left for Brent Industries. The company, based in Brent, Alabama, offers textile reconditioning and industrial recycling services aimed at reducing waste and saving money, according to its website. It was founded in Alabama in 1977 and has operations in Brent and Toledo. The company’s Alabama location also had an explosion and fire in 2015 that killed one person. After that deadly explosion, OSHA determined that flammable vapor from mineral spirits, a petroleum solvent used for cleaning and other purposes, ignited in an industrial washing machine. The company was cited for a half-dozen violations and fined $27,000, according to OSHA records. Fire officials say tanks containing mineral spirits were at the Toledo plant. The company says on its website that it uses mineral spirits in the cleaning process for work gloves, wiping clothes and other textiles that contain hazardous substances. In 2004, OSHA cited Brent Industries for two serious violations at its Toledo plant, including failing to protect workers from death or serious harm when they were exposed to a 207-degree Fahrenheit (97 Celsius) steam release from a washing machine, OSHA records show.

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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Penn State fraternity pledges were made to cut and package cocaine for a drug ring that was run out of two off-campus frat houses, authorities said. The illicit initiation was revealed Monday as Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday charged 14 people — including 13 current or former Penn State students — in connection with the alleged drug ring. The man accused of leading the operation, 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello, surrendered on Tuesday after failing to appear for a scheduled arraignment on Monday on charges including possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy. He was ordered jailed without bail. A message seeking comment was left for Abbatiello’s lawyer. According to court documents, the drug ring operated in 2023 and 2024, fueled by bulk quantities of cocaine that two of the charged men obtained from contacts in Philadelphia and New York. They cut and bagged the drugs mainly at the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternity houses, using frat brothers and pledges as labor, then distributed it through Penn State students, court documents said. One of the men said a co-defendant was the “largest distributor of cocaine” at Penn State and would “boast about how much money he was making from selling cocaine.” At least four of the defendants are current students, Sunday’s office said. “This is very serious criminal conduct. There was nothing junior or childlike about this type of conduct,” Sunday said at a news conference on Monday. “This was an upper-level trafficking organization for this region in Pennsylvania.” Four people are charged with conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, felony corrupt organizations and other offenses. Another defendant is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility. Eight defendants are charged with misdemeanor drug possession. Paul Robinson, the father of a student who was accused with Abbatiello of being one of the ring's two main suppliers, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension and obstructing the investigation. Authorities say he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash. Court documents did not list a lawyer who could speak on Robinson’s behalf. Penn State said it placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension, noting Sigma Chi is not recognized by the university and is not subject to its oversight. Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk said anyone involved in the drug ring who had ties to Delta Upsilon was expelled or suspended from the fraternity if they did not resign. Sigma Chi’s executive director, Michael Church, said the three Sigma Chi members who were charged have been suspended pending the outcome of the judicial process. He said the fraternity has suspended all operations at its Penn State chapter on an interim basis “while we determine whether these allegations reflect individual conduct or organized chapter activity.” “This conduct is an egregious violation of our values and has no place in our fraternity, community, or society," Church said, adding that any members involved “will be held fully accountable to the extent available to our fraternity.”

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HONOLULU (AP) — Thousands remain without power after Tropical Storm Lala hit Hawaii, uprooting trees and causing flash floods from Honolulu to the Big Island. On Monday, officials announced one fatality linked to the storm. The storm weakened from a hurricane on Sunday but left a muddy mess as it passed the main islands. Cleanup efforts are underway, with schools and offices closed. Hawaiian Electric reported more than 100,000 customers without power. The Big Island's power system suffered extensive damage. Federal officials have pledged recovery help, and cleanup efforts are in full swing.

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WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that talks between the U.S. and Iran were neither taking place nor scheduled but the Strait of Hormuz was open, while Iran said the shipping route would remain closed until the U.S. fulfilled the terms of an interim deal. "There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said in comments published by state media on Tuesday that the Strait would remain shut until the U.S. met the conditions of an interim deal signed with Iran in June. These conditions include the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, lifting oil sanctions, releasing Tehran's frozen assets, and ending threats and military operations on all fronts, Qalibaf told parliament. On Monday, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, was optimistic about talks that he said were still underway. "I can't go into the details of it, but I will say that the conversations between the U.S. government and different areas of the Iranian government at all areas is probably more robust than it's maybe ever been," Kushner told Fox News. Outward progress towards peace talks and a resumption of oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has ground to a halt, threatening to extend the conflict that the U.S. and Israel launched with attacks on Iran on February 28. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Iran will shift to a "fully offensive" military posture because efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the war with the U.S. have stalled. Asked by reporters on Monday if the U.S. was seeking to extend June's interim agreement, Trump said no.

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Races to Watch in Today’s Primaries: Voters in several states are heading to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that could offer an early look at the political battles shaping the 2026 midterms. The biggest contests are in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming, with congressional control and several high-profile political careers on the line. FLORIDA GOVERNOR One of the biggest races to watch is the Republican primary for Florida governor. Congressman Byron Donalds, backed by President Donald Trump, is the frontrunner in the race to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. Donalds is seeking to become Florida’s first Black governor. On the Democratic side, former Republican Congressman David Jolly is leading the field. Jolly switched parties in 2018 and is now trying to give Democrats a path to win the governor’s mansion after decades of Republican control. FLORIDA SENATE The Republican primary for U.S. Senate is another race to watch. Senator Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the seat after Marco Rubio became secretary of state, is favored to win the GOP nomination. On the Democratic side, former Army officer Alex Vindman is the frontrunner. Vindman became nationally known after testifying during President Trump’s first impeachment. The eventual Republican and Democratic nominees will face off in November for a seat Democrats would need to flip to make major gains in the Senate. ALASKA SENATE Alaska's Senate primary may be the most unusual race on today's ballot. Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is running for another term — but so is another candidate named Dan Sullivan. The incumbent is facing former Democratic Congresswoman Mary Peltola, who is trying to return to Congress and potentially become the first Alaska Native senator. Alaska uses a nonpartisan top-four primary, meaning the four candidates who receive the most votes advance to November. The race could be especially important for Democrats, who are looking for opportunities to flip Republican-held Senate seats. FLORIDA HOUSE RACES Florida's congressional primaries are also drawing national attention because of a newly redrawn congressional map. The Republican-controlled legislature approved a map designed to strengthen the GOP's position in the state, potentially giving Republicans several additional House seats. One closely watched Democratic contest pits Congressman Jared Moskowitz against progressive challenger Oliver Larkin. Another high-profile race features longtime Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz running in a dramatically redrawn district against several challengers. The results could determine which party has the advantage in Florida's congressional delegation heading into November. WYOMING Wyoming also has several important Republican primaries. With Senator Cynthia Lummis retiring, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman is the frontrunner for the Republican Senate nomination. The state's open governor's race is also drawing attention, as Governor Mark Gordon is term-limited. Because Wyoming is overwhelmingly Republican, winning today's GOP primaries could effectively amount to winning the November election. CALIFORNIA SPECIAL ELECTION And in California, voters are choosing a replacement for former Congressman Eric Swalwell's seat. The race in the East Bay features Democratic State Senator Aisha Wahab and other candidates competing for the remaining term. The contest has attracted national attention and significant outside spending, making it another race to watch as the 2026 midterms take shape.

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A transgender woman who admitted traveling to Washington with a knife and Molotov cocktails in a plot targeting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison. Riley Jane English, also identified in court records as Ryan Michael English, was sentenced Tuesday to 73 months behind bars. Prosecutors had requested a sentence of at least 10 years. English pleaded guilty in March to federal weapons and explosives charges after traveling from Massachusetts to the Washington area on January 27, 2025. According to prosecutors, English was inspired by the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and initially considered targeting a government official or burning down a Washington think tank. English ultimately focused on Bessent, who was being confirmed as Treasury secretary that day. The Justice Department said English had been planning the attack for some time before traveling to Washington.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and Canada are negotiating in an effort to reach a truce on tariffs before a 12:01 a.m. Wednesday deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. If no deal is reached, Trump has threatened to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products, ranging from hockey sticks to tongue depressors. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters Monday that negotiations were ongoing. Carney's office said Carney and Trump spoke by phone Monday, underscoring the last-minute push to reach a deal before Wednesday’s deadline.

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A bogus political poll was exposed as a social experiment, while lawmakers pursue measures intended to ensure state law remains the sole legal authority.

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A generational divide over work ethic, self-reliance, and expectations—and whether resilience has given way to entitlement.

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In an in-depth interview, Hung Cao, the acting Secretary of the Navy, discusses the complexities of the USS Abraham Lincoln's record-long deployment near Iran. He addresses the challenges faced by the crew, emphasizing the importance of maintaining morale and operational readiness. Despite the demanding conditions, Hung Cao highlights the crew's commitment and the strategic significance of the deployment in ensuring regional peace. He also touches on the political dynamics surrounding military funding and resource allocation, and reflects on his personal journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a key figure in U.S. naval leadership. The conversation provides a nuanced look at the balance between military duty and political pressures, as well as the broader geopolitical strategies in the region.

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The Justice Department’s internal watchdog is launching a review of a controversial DEA investigative tactic that allegedly allowed fentanyl shipments to reach communities while federal agents worked to build larger cases against drug traffickers. The review will examine Justice Department policies and wiretap investigations in which Drug Enforcement Administration agents may have learned about fentanyl deliveries in advance but chose not to intervene to avoid jeopardizing broader investigations. The scrutiny follows an Associated Press investigation that found DEA agents repeatedly monitored but did not seize major fentanyl shipments in New Mexico between 2023 and 2025. An internal DEA report reviewed by AP detailed one case in which agents watched a delivery of 74,000 fentanyl pills at an Albuquerque mobile home park without intercepting the drugs. The investigative strategy, sometimes referred to as allowing drugs to “walk,” has drawn criticism from current and former agents who argue it put the public at risk. DEA whistleblower David Howell has alleged federal authorities knowingly allowed dangerous drugs into New Mexico communities while pursuing higher-level traffickers. Justice Department Inspector General Don Berthiaume says the review will examine the department’s actions over the past two years and could determine whether similar tactics were used in other cities. The review comes as New Mexico authorities conduct a separate criminal investigation into whether DEA agents violated state law by allowing fentanyl shipments to reach the streets. DEA Administrator Terry Cole previously requested an outside review following the allegations, saying the inquiry should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in DEA personnel but could identify areas where the agency’s practices need improvement.

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