Salem News Channel

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy trial have resumed deliberating whether to hold the Massachusetts woman criminally responsible for killing her three children in 2023. The 12 jurors and six alternates returned to Plymouth County Superior Court on Monday morning for a third day of deliberations that began Thursday. Clancy, a former nurse, doesn’t deny strangling her children but claims postpartum psychosis led to her actions. Prosecutors argue she knew what she was doing. The jury could find her guilty of murder or manslaughter, or acquit her if they believe psychiatric problems were to blame. Her sentence could range from life in prison to confinement in a mental health facility.

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A top party power broker just called for 13 justices. The real fight is who wins Congress this fall — and whether nine is still the limit. If the Court can be expanded once, what stops it next time?

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The president says a terror sponsor’s navy, air force, and defenses are already gone, sanctions are biting, and a nuke is off the table because the alternative is catastrophe. He also shrugs off assassination threats as the odd badge of a consequential presidency — the kind that “saved the country.”

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is proposing significant changes to the state's health code, aiming to expand his administration's control over public health decisions. This move has sparked debate, particularly concerning the implications for parental rights and potential authoritarian overreach. Investigative reporter Meg Brock discusses how these changes, if enacted, would allow the Department of Health to implement drastic measures such as school-wide mandates without warrants and interfere with parental decisions regarding their children’s health. Brock highlights the historical context, noting that Pennsylvania's stringent COVID-19 measures in 2020 led to widespread discontent. The state’s attempt to rewrite the health code comes amid fears of repeating past mistakes. Shapiro's proposed changes include redefining terms like "mother" to "postpartum individual," a move criticized for its insensitivity and potential to dehumanize personal tragedies. Brock argues that these changes, driven by political motives, could erode public trust in health institutions and further polarize communities. Pennsylvanians are vocal in their opposition, seeing the proposal as an erosion of democratic principles and a slippery slope towards increased governmental control.

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Join Ned Ryun, executive producer of the new documentary "The Thread of Liberty," as he explores the rich tapestry of Western political thought that has shaped the American founding. This documentary aims to reframe the history of America, emphasizing the millennia of ideas that culminated in the creation of the Constitution. Through insightful interviews and historical context, "The Thread of Liberty" challenges the narrative of American exceptionalism and highlights the fragile nature of self-governance. Ned Ryun discusses the urgency of understanding our nation's roots and the importance of instilling patriotic values in younger generations, who he believes have been subjected to a skewed version of history in schools and universities. The documentary also touches on contemporary issues such as the impact of data centers and the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence. It calls for a national conversation to guide future decisions that will affect the lives of coming generations. Available at threadofliberty.com.

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The Trump administration plans to sanction another bank this week as it intensifies its campaign to financially isolate Iran and crack down on institutions facilitating transactions with Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is beginning its latest pressure campaign with banks and could announce additional measures on a weekly basis. Bessent did not identify the institution expected to be targeted next. The move follows Treasury action Friday targeting the United Arab Emirates branches of Egypt’s Banque Misr. The Treasury Department says the branches processed billions of dollars in transactions connected to the Iranian government. Bessent is in Asheville, North Carolina, for meetings with G20 finance ministers and central bank governors. He plans to urge other countries to cut financial ties with Iran or potentially face secondary U.S. sanctions. The administration has dubbed its broader economic campaign “Operation Economic Outcast,” aimed at restricting Iran’s access to the international financial system and reducing revenue available to the regime. The renewed economic pressure comes as hostilities between the United States and Iran flared again Sunday following a month-long lull in direct military action.

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Vice President JD Vance is set to address the Republican Jewish Coalition Monday as some conservative Jewish activists raise questions about his approach to Israel and the direction of the Republican Party on foreign policy. Vance has repeatedly expressed support for Israel as a key U.S. ally but has also criticized some Israeli officials and policies, including during the ongoing conflict involving Iran. His position has drawn increased attention as Republicans debate the extent of future U.S. involvement in the region. The vice president’s appearance comes as the GOP confronts broader internal disagreements over Israel, U.S. foreign policy and concerns about antisemitism within parts of the conservative movement. Vance has argued that supporting Israel does not mean the United States must agree with every decision made by its government. His allies say that position reflects the Trump administration’s “America First” approach to foreign policy rather than a weakening of U.S. support for Israel. The Republican Jewish Coalition remains an influential organization among Republican donors and pro-Israel conservatives, making Vance’s remarks closely watched as the party looks ahead to the midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.

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Age and generational change have emerged as major issues ahead of Tuesday’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary in Massachusetts, where 80-year-old Sen. Ed Markey is facing a challenge from 47-year-old Rep. Seth Moulton. Moulton has repeatedly argued that Markey is too old to serve another six-year term and has made the need for a new generation of Democratic leadership a centerpiece of his campaign. Markey would be 86 by the end of another term. The issue drew additional attention following a recent debate when Markey struggled to explain which artificial intelligence platforms he uses. Moulton seized on the exchange, arguing lawmakers need a better understanding of rapidly changing technology if they are going to regulate it. Young Democratic voters, however, are divided. Some Moulton supporters say issues such as artificial intelligence, housing costs and student debt require younger leadership. Markey’s younger supporters argue his age matters less than his decades-long record on climate policy, technology regulation and other progressive priorities. Despite the focus on his age, Markey enters Tuesday’s primary with a sizable polling advantage. A recent 7NEWS/University of New Hampshire poll showed Markey leading Moulton 63% to 28% among Massachusetts Democrats surveyed. Massachusetts voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide the Democratic nominee.

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Google Maps has updated its platform to display Lake Ontario as “Lake America” for users in the United States, following President Donald Trump’s executive order changing the lake’s name for federal use. Google says the change reflects its long-standing practice of using geographic names listed by official government sources. The U.S. Geographic Names Information System has formally updated the lake’s name following Trump’s order. The change depends on where a Google Maps user is located. Americans will see “Lake America,” while users in Canada will continue to see “Lake Ontario.” People outside the United States and Canada will see both names displayed. The move mirrors Google’s response in 2025 when the company began displaying “Gulf of America” for U.S. users after Trump ordered the federal government to rename the Gulf of Mexico. The latest change comes amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Canadian officials have rejected the new name, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiling a large sign along the Canadian shoreline reaffirming the name Lake Ontario. Google says the Maps update is now rolling out to users.

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s executive order directing U.S. federal agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Ford unveiled a massive billboard along the Canadian shoreline near Grimsby, Ontario, reading, “Lake Ontario. Now and Always.” The message is also displayed in French. The sign measures roughly 24 feet wide and 12 feet tall and was erected after Trump signed the executive order Thursday. Ford said the lake carried the Ontario name long before Trump took office and predicted it would continue to do so after his presidency. Trump’s order changes the name used by U.S. federal agencies but does not require Canada to recognize it. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected the change, noting that the name Ontario has Indigenous origins dating back centuries. The dispute comes amid worsening U.S.-Canada relations following the collapse of trade negotiations and an escalating exchange of tariffs between the two longtime allies. Google Maps has since adopted “Lake America” for users in the United States, while Canadian users continue to see “Lake Ontario.” Users elsewhere see both names.

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Jurors are resuming deliberations Monday in the murder trial of Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy after spending about 10 hours Friday considering the case without reaching a verdict. Clancy, 36, admits she strangled her three children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months — at the family’s Massachusetts home in January 2023. Her attorneys argue Clancy was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time and was not criminally responsible for her actions. The defense says she had lost touch with reality following months of worsening mental health problems and treatment, including a stay at a psychiatric hospital. Prosecutors argue Clancy understood what she was doing and made a conscious decision to kill her children. Medical experts called by both sides offered differing assessments of her mental state during the weeks-long trial. Clancy has pleaded not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility. Jurors can find her guilty of murder, convict her of the lesser charge of manslaughter or find her not guilty based on her mental state. Deliberations continue Monday.

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A South Carolina police officer was killed and another wounded after a shootout while responding to a domestic disturbance in Columbia over the weekend. Police were called to a home Saturday morning regarding a disturbance involving 33-year-old Adam Downey. Officers later located a vehicle belonging to Downey, and about 15 minutes later, authorities reported that officers and the suspect had been struck by gunfire. Officer Christopher DeLong Jr., 29, was fatally wounded. A second officer, who has not been publicly identified, was hospitalized in stable condition. Downey was also killed in the shootout. DeLong joined the Columbia Police Department in January 2025 and leaves behind a wife and two young children. Police Chief Skip Holbrook called on the community to support the department and DeLong’s family following the line-of-duty death. According to Townhall, Downey had an extensive criminal history spanning four states, including previous arrests on charges involving disorderly conduct, controlled substances, public intoxication and probation violations. The shooting remains under investigation.

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Some Democratic candidates in Iowa are making it clear they do not want former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigning on their behalf as they look toward the upcoming elections. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek rejected the idea when a reporter asked whether he would potentially campaign with Harris. Turek responded simply, “No.” Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand has also pushed back on the prospect of Harris playing a prominent role in his campaign and questioned whether she should seek the presidency again in 2028. Sand called for the Democratic Party to look toward a new generation of leadership, saying, “Let’s move on. We need some new leadership.” The comments come as Democrats continue debating the direction of the party and which national figures should take leading roles heading into the midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.

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Governor Kathy Hochul has recently enacted a law in New York banning cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This move prevents federal agreements with local police forces in New York, sparking backlash from a coalition of sheriffs who argue it puts public safety at risk. Former federal prosecutor Jonathan Fahey joined O'Connor and Company to discuss this issue, highlighting the release of thousands of criminals back into New York communities last year and the troubling trend of progressive prosecutors prioritizing illegal aliens over public safety. Fahey also addressed the case in Virginia, where a child sexting operation saw nine individuals arrested, including three illegal immigrants, with the majority released due to progressive prosecutorial decisions. This decision underscores a pattern of prioritizing illegal aliens at the expense of community safety.

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Hans Von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, joins the discussion to provide insights on several pressing legal matters. The conversation begins with the ongoing trial of Lindsey Clancy, a woman accused of murdering her three children. The defense strategy of postpartum psychosis is under scrutiny as the jury weighs the evidence. Von Spakovsky shares his skepticism about the defense, emphasizing the rarity of such extreme actions among new mothers. The dialogue then shifts to a vaccination case involving the Amish community in New York, where families are threatening to leave the state due to mandatory vaccination requirements. Von Spakovsky discusses the potential legal battle, highlighting the importance of religious freedom and past Supreme Court rulings that support it. Further, the discussion covers the Trump administration's policy on transgender individuals serving in the military, focusing on the criteria for physical and mental fitness. Von Spakovsky argues that the policy aims to ensure the military's effectiveness and safety, rather than discriminating against transgender people. Lastly, the conversation addresses the controversy surrounding mail-in ballots and voter security in the upcoming midterm elections. President Trump’s directive to states to provide voter rolls to the federal government is analyzed, along with the debate over implementing a tracking system for mail-in ballots to prevent fraud and ensure timely delivery. Von Spakovsky supports the measures for secure elections, criticizing the opposition from certain states and their attempts to delay necessary reforms.

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A week of news surrounding two women. Dolly Parton vs Lindsay Clancy.

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This discussion delves into the political ideologies surrounding capitalism and socialism, focusing on their implications in healthcare and the economy. The speaker critiques the Affordable Care Act, attributing its failures to government overreach and arguing for a free-market approach to healthcare. They highlight President Obama’s intentions to establish a system similar to Canada's, which they see as a step towards socialism. The conversation also touches on the vilification of capitalists by the left and the misconception that there is such a thing as a free lunch. The speaker advocates for competition as a means to improve quality and lower prices, drawing parallels to advancements in the automotive industry. They conclude by questioning why certain groups favor socialism despite its potential drawbacks.

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Larry Elder explores the growing sentiment among Democrats favoring socialism over capitalism. Elder questions whether this preference stems from a misunderstanding of socialism's true definition, which involves government ownership of the means of production, rather than welfare programs. He cites prominent figures like Thomas Sowell, who argues that President Obama's policies exemplify government control over the economy without private ownership. Elder also discusses how historical figures like Mussolini and Hitler, often embraced by the left, were actually fascists who favored state control over markets. He contrasts this with the Nordic model praised by Bernie Sanders, pointing out that countries like Denmark and Sweden have market economies with extensive welfare states, not socialist ones. Elder raises concerns about emulating systems like the UK's NHS and Canada's healthcare, which face significant public dissatisfaction and long wait times.

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WASHINGTON, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Tennessee intends to name Nashville International Airport after country music icon Dolly Parton, according to a statement on Friday, after the singer died in the country music capital at age 80 earlier this week. The decision comes after a social media campaign by fans to change the airport's name to honor Parton after her death. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spoke with Parton's team about the move this week, according to statements from the airport and Lee's office. “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in the statement. "At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.” The proposal to rename the airport and the current Metro Nashville Airport Authority's naming policy will be addressed at a meeting on September 17, according to the statement. The current policy prohibits naming any property after a person who has not been dead for at least two years, The New York Times reported. Parton was born on January 19, ?1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and grew up in a one-room cabin in nearby Locust Ridge. She ?was appearing on the Grand Ole Opry, a weekly country music concert in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 13, and after graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. With classic songs including "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," Parton became one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold. She won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A Dutch drug addiction and mental health institute warned users on Friday about potentially lethal ecstasy pills shaped to look like the head of U.S. President Donald Trump. The respected Trimbos Institute said that several of the pills have been handed in recently at a network of centers that test drugs for users before they take them. “Absolutely do not use these pills,” the institute warned. It released a photo of the pills that have a depiction of Trump's head on one side and on the other side “NL” and “Trump” stamped into the surface either side of a vertical line. One of the pills has a green face and another is yellow. The institute warned in a “ Red Alert ” published on its website and social media that they contain a high concentration of a chemical called PMMA, or para-methoxymethamfetamine, that is similar to MDMA, the active ingredient in ecstasy pills. However, PMMA is slower working than MDMA and that could lead users to take more because they think that the first pill didn't work, leading to a risk of overdosing, the institute said, adding that use of the pills “can lead to overheating with possibly deadly consequences.” Spokesperson Anniek Groothuis said that the institute has no reported cases of serious illness or fatalities among people who may have used the drug. “We do not know of any victims where PMMA was found in their blood,” she told The Associated Press. Producing, selling and using ecstasy is illegal in the Netherlands, but it's widely used, particularly at clubs and music festivals. A government report in 2024 said that some 550,000 people took the drug in a year. It's not the first time ecstasy pills in the form of Trump’s head have appeared. In 2017, German police seized thousands of orange Trump-shaped tablets.

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