Salem News Channel

New York City police are searching for a gunman after a man was fatally shot on a subway platform in Manhattan on Saturday. The shooting occurred at the Seventh Avenue subway station in Midtown Manhattan, prompting a response from NYPD officers and emergency medical crews. The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Darrel Rodriguez of the Bronx. According to reports, the shooting followed an apparent dispute at the station. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and what led to the gunfire remain under investigation. Video from the scene shows police officers and an ambulance responding to the station following the shooting. Authorities have not announced an arrest, and the suspected gunman remains at large. Investigators are working to determine the events leading up to the shooting and identify the person responsible. Police have not released additional details about the suspect or a possible motive. The shooting comes amid ongoing concerns about public safety throughout New York City's subway system, which serves millions of riders each day. The NYPD investigation remains active. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the department's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is proposing a three-way summit with President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss a potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The proposed meeting would bring together the leaders of Russia, the United States and China as diplomatic efforts continue to find a resolution to the fighting. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would apparently be excluded from the discussions, raising questions about Ukraine's role in negotiations concerning its own future. President Trump has reportedly not agreed to participate in the summit, and no meeting has been formally announced. The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly emphasized his desire to reach a peace agreement, arguing that diplomatic negotiations are necessary to bring an end to the fighting. China has maintained diplomatic relations with Moscow throughout the conflict and has previously expressed support for a negotiated settlement. A meeting involving Trump, Putin and Xi would place three major world powers at the center of discussions over Ukraine, although it remains unclear what specific proposals would be considered. The apparent exclusion of Zelensky could become a significant point of contention, as Ukrainian officials have consistently maintained that decisions about the country's territory and sovereignty must involve Ukraine. It is also unclear whether Washington or Beijing has formally responded to Putin's suggestion. For now, the proposed summit remains an idea rather than a confirmed diplomatic meeting, with no announced date, location or agreement among the three leaders to participate.

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President Donald Trump is defending his decision to waive a series of congressionally approved sanctions on Russia, arguing that maintaining diplomatic relations with Moscow is necessary to advance negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. In a social media post Sunday, Trump said he does not want to drive Russia away from the negotiating table as his administration works toward a potential peace agreement. The president claimed significant progress is being made in discussions involving Russia and Ukraine, although he did not provide specific details about the negotiations or any potential agreement. Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of resisting efforts to end the conflict. According to Trump, Zelensky does not want to reach a peace agreement and "probably never did." The president's remarks reflect his growing frustration with Ukraine's leadership as his administration continues efforts to negotiate an end to the fighting. Trump said his decision to waive the sanctions was in the national interests of the United States, suggesting that additional economic pressure on Moscow could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. The sanctions were previously approved by Congress as part of measures intended to pressure Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

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President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, offering his support just over a week before Israeli voters head to the polls. In a social media post Sunday, Trump praised Netanyahu's leadership, calling him "strong, brave, and brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition." The president also highlighted Netanyahu's leadership in confronting Iran, signaling his continued support for the Israeli prime minister despite disagreements between the two leaders over the past year. The endorsement comes as Netanyahu campaigns to remain in power amid ongoing regional tensions and political challenges at home. Trump and Netanyahu have maintained a close political relationship, particularly on issues involving Iran and Israel's national security. However, that relationship has faced challenges in recent months. Tensions have emerged over Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, including actions that have complicated diplomatic efforts led by the Trump administration. Some Israeli military strikes have reportedly frustrated Trump, who has sought to advance negotiations and reduce hostilities across the region. Despite those disagreements, Trump's endorsement indicates that he continues to support Netanyahu's leadership as Israel prepares for its upcoming election. Netanyahu has emphasized national security and Israel's response to regional threats throughout his political career, while facing criticism from political opponents over his handling of military operations and diplomatic relations. The Israeli election will determine the makeup of the country's parliament, the Knesset, and which political parties are positioned to form the next government. Unlike the United States, Israeli voters elect members of parliament rather than directly voting for prime minister. The leader who can assemble a governing coalition typically becomes prime minister. Trump's endorsement comes at a critical point in the campaign, with Israeli voters preparing to decide the country's political direction amid continuing security concerns and regional uncertainty.

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Newly unsealed federal records are raising questions about whether O.J. Simpson received help disposing of evidence following the 1994 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. According to an investigation published Sunday by The New York Times, Joseph “Joey” Ippolito, a convicted drug trafficker with ties to organized crime, may have possessed information about the missing murder weapon and potentially helped Simpson dispose of evidence. Ippolito, who died in 2006, was reportedly connected to Simpson through his longtime friend Al Cowlings. The Times interviewed Ippolito's brother, Sam, who initially claimed Joseph returned to their Los Angeles apartment on the night of the murders with what appeared to be blood on his hands. Sam told the newspaper that his brother had gone out earlier that evening to help a friend. When Joseph returned, he allegedly placed his clothing into a bag containing a heavy object and instructed Sam to dispose of it. Sam claimed he threw the bag into a dumpster near a construction site along Doheny Drive. However, the contents of the bag were never confirmed, and investigators have never recovered the murder weapon. The investigation also examined previously sealed federal records indicating that Joseph Ippolito became a government informant after his arrest in 1995. According to the records, Ippolito provided federal authorities with information about Simpson's alleged disposal of the murder weapon. That information was shared with Los Angeles prosecutors as Simpson's criminal trial was nearing its conclusion, but Ippolito was never called to testify. A federal prosecution memorandum from 1996 described Ippolito as a valuable source of information. However, a former federal prosecutor who worked with him told the Times he did not believe Ippolito participated in the killings. The allegations have also faced questions about their credibility. Sam Ippolito reportedly sought payment from the Times and later attempted to retract his account after the newspaper declined, saying he could no longer distinguish his memories from confusion. Friends and relatives of Joseph Ippolito have also disputed suggestions that he was involved in the murders. Simpson was acquitted of criminal charges in the deaths of Brown Simpson and Goldman in October 1995. A civil jury later found him liable for their deaths in 1997.

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President Donald Trump is heading to Kansas on Monday as Republicans ramp up their campaign efforts ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The president is scheduled to speak at Heartland Credit Union Arena near Wichita, where he will rally alongside Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, who is seeking reelection. The campaign stop comes as Republicans work to maintain control of Congress, with just over two weeks remaining before Election Day. Trump has taken an active role in the midterm campaign, traveling to several states to support Republican candidates and encourage voter turnout. Marshall, who was first elected to the Senate in 2020, is seeking a second six-year term representing Kansas. His reelection campaign is among the races Republicans are focusing on as they seek to retain their Senate majority. The Kansas rally is expected to highlight the Trump administration's policy priorities and the importance of Republican control of Congress during the remainder of the president's term. The president has repeatedly warned supporters that a Democratic takeover of Congress could complicate his administration's legislative agenda. Republicans are seeking to defend their majorities in both the House and Senate, while Democrats are campaigning to regain control of at least one chamber. Trump's appearance in Kansas follows a series of campaign events across the country as both parties make their final appeals to voters. The president is expected to encourage supporters to head to the polls and back Republican candidates in the November elections.

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A Kansas woman who drove a pickup truck onto a youth soccer field, killing a six-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, has been released from police custody as investigators continue working to determine what caused the crash. The incident happened Saturday afternoon at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas, where families had gathered for youth soccer games. Wichita police identified the victims as six-year-old Cole Adrian and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer, both of McPherson, Kansas. The two were not related and were pronounced dead at the scene. According to investigators, a 34-year-old woman was driving a Chevrolet pickup truck that had been parked near the soccer fields before it drove onto one of the fields, striking several children and adults. Ten people were injured in the crash and transported to local hospitals. Five of those injured were children between the ages of five and nine. Police described their injuries as noncritical. An additional 61-year-old woman was hospitalized after experiencing medical complications unrelated to traumatic injuries, bringing the total number of people transported to hospitals to 11. Authorities said two of the driver's children were inside the pickup at the time of the crash. Another of her children was participating in a soccer game on a different field at the complex. The driver was initially taken into custody but was released following interviews with more than 30 witnesses and consultation with the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office. Police said the woman's release comes as investigators await toxicology testing and a mechanical examination of the vehicle. No charges have been filed, and her identity has not been publicly released. Investigators have not determined what caused the truck to enter the soccer field or whether the driver's actions were intentional. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed condolences to the victims' families and others affected by the crash. "What should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy," Sullivan said. Police also thanked community members who rushed to help the victims before emergency crews arrived. The investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Wichita Police Department.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sending federal assistance to Pennsylvania as the state responds to what officials describe as the largest measles outbreak in the country. According to the CDC, a specialist from its Epidemic Intelligence Service, commonly known as a "disease detective," will assist state health officials with the ongoing outbreak. Pennsylvania health officials have reported more than 1,200 confirmed measles cases and six measles-associated deaths in their latest update. The federal deployment comes as public health officials work to track infections, identify possible exposures and limit further transmission. The CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service is a specialized program that trains public health professionals to investigate disease outbreaks and other health emergencies. Its officers work with state and local agencies to identify sources of infection and recommend measures to control outbreaks. Measles is a highly contagious airborne viral illness that can spread 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. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash. In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face an increased risk of severe complications. Health officials say vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which are approximately 97% effective at preventing infection. The federal assistance is expected to support Pennsylvania's ongoing investigation and response as officials work to contain the outbreak. State and federal health authorities continue to encourage residents to review their vaccination status and contact a healthcare provider if they believe they have been exposed to measles.

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President Donald Trump is urging Republican voters to turn out for November's midterm elections, warning that the country cannot afford to lose Republican control of Congress. Speaking at a campaign rally in Kentucky over the weekend, Trump emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections and encouraged supporters to back Republican candidates. The president argued that a Democratic victory in Congress would threaten his administration's agenda and make it more difficult to advance Republican priorities. Trump's remarks come as both parties intensify their campaigning ahead of the November 3 elections, when control of the House and Senate will be at stake. Republicans are working to maintain their congressional majorities, while Democrats are seeking to gain enough seats to take control of one or both chambers. Trump has taken an active role in the midterm campaign, traveling to multiple states to support Republican candidates and encourage voter participation. During the Kentucky rally, the president framed the election as a critical moment for the country, telling supporters that Republicans must remain in power to continue pursuing his administration's policies. With Election Day approaching, both parties are focusing on voter turnout as they make their final appeals to Americans.

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Special Guests: Jacqueline Toboroff, Todd Chatman, Mike Gonzales, Amb Carla Sands, Alex Kendrick. Sketch Comedy: Puppet Regime, The Babylon Bee. And #NewMusicSpotlight: Taylor Swift.

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A tragic shooting occurred at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, resulting in the deaths of three children aged 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher. Two others were critically injured. The suspect, a 16-year-old male who previously attended the school but was not currently enrolled, approached the school grounds, climbed over a fence, and entered a classroom where he fired approximately 15 rounds. A teacher bravely confronted the suspect and likely prevented further harm by tackling him and attempting to disarm him. The suspect was shot and killed by a bystander, Caleb Giamanco, a 36-year-old resident with two daughters at the school. The quick response by law enforcement, arriving within three minutes of the first 911 call, helped to mitigate the situation. The governor of Oregon commended Giamonko for his heroic actions. It is noteworthy that the school district does not allow teachers to carry weapons, classifying it as a gun-free zone.

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(Dalton, GA) -- President Trump is once again asking voters to "pretend" he's on the midterm ballot. While campaigning in Dalton, Georgia Friday, Trump warned against low GOP voter-turnout, and urged the crowd to go to the polls to make sure Democrats don't take control of Congress. He's campaigning for Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins in his challenge to incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff, whom Trump warned would open up the borders again. He's also stumping for Republican candidate for governor Rick Jackson, in his race against Democrat and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

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Larry Elder addresses the contentious issue of racism in American politics, focusing on former President Trump. They defend Trump against accusations of racism by examining his actions and policies, suggesting that his deeds speak louder than his words. The conversation highlights several historical examples of political figures who made disparaging remarks but enacted significant civil rights legislation. The speaker argues that it's more critical to assess the actions and achievements of political leaders rather than their potentially offensive statements. They point to Trump's efforts in education reform, border security, funding for historically black colleges, and the First Step Act as evidence of his commitment to supporting minority communities. The discussion raises questions about how we judge the morality and intentions of public figures based on both their words and actions.

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In this discussion, Alex Marlow raises critical questions about the credibility of Ilhan Omar, a prominent Democratic Congresswoman, in light of ongoing investigations into her past. Marlow highlights skepticism from even Jake Tapper of CNN, suggesting that Omar's claims to innocence are increasingly being questioned. The conversation delves into allegations that Omar may have misrepresented her age to expedite her path to citizenship, a potential violation of immigration laws. This segment invites viewers to consider the broader implications of these allegations on public trust and political integrity, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.

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President Donald Trump on Friday denied reports that he is considering replacing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, calling the reports false and reaffirming his support for his top aide. “The Susie Wiles story was a fake story,” Trump told CNN’s Kristen Holmes, referring to a Politico report that said he had discussed potential replacements with allies. “She’s been incredible,” Trump said of Wiles, describing her as smart and tough. He also referenced her recent battle with breast cancer, noting that she had undergone surgery. “Susie is here and she’s gonna be here for a long time,” Trump added. In a statement to Politico, Trump called Wiles his “loyal and longest serving Chief of Staff” and said she has his “COMPLETE confidence.” Trump also told reporters Friday that the decision rests solely with him. Wiles disclosed her early-stage breast cancer diagnosis in March. Trump encouraged her to begin treatment immediately and take time away from the White House as needed. However, Wiles continued serving as chief of staff while undergoing treatment. Last month, Wiles announced she was cancer-free and thanked Trump for his support, saying she would continue working to advance his agenda. Wiles played a key role in Trump's successful 2024 presidential campaign before becoming White House chief of staff. She is the first woman to hold the position.

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READING, Mass. — A 22-year-old Massachusetts man pleaded not guilty Thursday to murder and other charges in connection with the fatal shooting of his mother inside their Reading home. Ryan Hanafin was arraigned in Woburn District Court after being extradited from Vermont, where he was arrested on October 8. Prosecutors allege Hanafin shot his mother, 49-year-old Andria Hanafin, following an argument over the number of cats she was rescuing and keeping in the family home. Hanafin is charged with first-degree murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, 15 counts of improper storage of a large-capacity firearm near a minor, and one count of receiving an untraceable firearm. He was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court November 10. According to prosecutors, Andria Hanafin died from a gunshot wound to the head. Her husband, Matthew Hanafin, called 911 at 12:38 a.m. on October 8 after returning home and finding her dead. The couple’s 13-year-old son was home that evening. Prosecutors said the teenager last saw his mother around 5 p.m. before leaving to spend time with friends. He returned around 9 p.m. and went directly to his room without seeing her. Investigators said Matthew Hanafin had spoken with his wife by phone around 6:50 p.m. During the conversation, they discussed a dispute involving their son Ryan and the cats Andria had been rescuing. She reportedly told her husband she wanted Ryan to move out. Police said Ryan Hanafin had left the home before officers arrived and fled in a black 2010 Dodge Charger. He was arrested in Vermont later that day. During the investigation, authorities found 19 firearms in the bedroom where Hanafin had been living, prosecutors said. Ten firearms were registered in his name. He had a Massachusetts license to carry firearms, which was suspended following the incident. Prosecutors also cited a Snapchat message Hanafin allegedly sent about the night of his mother’s death: “Told him I blew madre to pieces and he believed me.” The charges against Hanafin remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky cheerleader, was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of her infant son, according to local media reports. Snelling, who was a senior at the university at the time, was arrested in August 2025 after her roommates reported hearing loud noises coming from her closet. When officers arrived, they found the infant wrapped in a trash bag inside the closet, according to a statement from the city of Lexington. The Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined the baby was born alive and died from asphyxiation, the statement said. Snelling was indicted in March on manslaughter and three additional charges. She pleaded guilty in August to first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant. During her court appearance, Judge Diane Minnifield asked Snelling how she ended the infant’s life. Snelling responded, “I deprived him of oxygen.” “I was under a lot of emotional stress and my baby came unexpectedly,” Snelling said through tears. “And instead of helping him, I ended his life and afterward I cleaned up and didn’t tell anyone.” According to court documents, Snelling told investigators she was awake for about 30 minutes after giving birth before passing out on top of the baby. When she woke up, she saw the infant “turning blue and purple.”

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President Donald Trump has fired Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary after just five days on the job, according to advisers to the president. Trump told reporters Friday that he had encouraged Zacharia to reconsider the position, suggesting her brief tenure was coming to an end. “Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,” Trump said he told her, adding that he did not believe she needed the job. Trump praised Zacharia as a loyal supporter and said she had been treated unfairly by the media. However, he acknowledged that the role might not be the right fit. Zacharia faced intense scrutiny following her first White House press briefing Tuesday, when she appeared nervous and answered just three questions. Questions also emerged about her professional background after she struggled to explain her legal credentials. Although Trump initially viewed her debut more favorably than some of his advisers, subsequent media interviews and discussions with allies reportedly contributed to the decision to remove her from the role. Zacharia gained Trump's attention as a conservative television commentator before being selected as press secretary. A White House official said she was transitioning out of the position, while an adviser said she would leave the White House in the coming days. Despite her departure, sources close to the president said Trump continues to respect Zacharia personally. She and her family were also scheduled to have dinner Friday with Vice President JD Vance and his family. Her five-day tenure makes her one of the shortest-serving senior communications officials in the Trump administration, ending even sooner than Anthony Scaramucci's 11-day stint as White House communications director in 2017.

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Protesters are expected to march in all 50 states Saturday for the national No Kings Day. Organizers say three-thousand events will take place across the country, calling on Americans to get out and vote in November. The protests will also push back against what's been called efforts to sabotage the elections by the Trump administration, such as redistricting and attempts to restrict mail-in ballots. Organizations promoting Saturday's No Kings rallies can be found at the nokings.org website.

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(Washington, DC) -- New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has been let go from her position. That's according to multiple reports. Before departing for a rally in Georgia today, President Trump told reporters maybe the job isn't for her. He went on to say he suggested to her "If I were you, I would reconsider" the job, adding that she's been "brutalized" by the press. It all comes after Zacharia created a press firestorm over whether or not she is an attorney, after she admitted she failed the bar exam.

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