Salem News Channel

The National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the United States, is facing scrutiny over its political activities. Critics argue that Congress should reconsider the union's special federal charter. Josh Weiner, Chief Advocacy Officer at the North American Values Institute, joins Bethany to discuss the findings of a report that highlights the union's involvement in social and cultural issues beyond education. The report reveals that the union's political spending and activism extend to LGBTQIA issues, corporate activism, and support for extremist groups in the classroom. Weiner explains that teachers unions are embedding problematic ideologies into the curriculum, affecting students' education. He emphasizes the need for parents to be vigilant about the content being taught in schools and suggests that the issue of radical ideologies in education is pervasive nationwide, affecting both public and private schools.

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Karol Markowicz discusses the troubling influence of social media and fringe ideologies on women, particularly in the case of Lindsay Clancy, who murdered her children. Markowicz highlights how women, including feminists and mothers, are engaging in conspiracy theories and defending heinous acts, mirroring the behavior seen in soap operas but in real life. She emphasizes the importance of parents laying a strong ideological foundation at home to protect their children from harmful influences, even in seemingly conservative environments. Markowicz also touches on her stance against funding certain universities that promote leftist ideologies and anti-Semitism, advocating for alternatives that prioritize education and future achievement.

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President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the renewed U.S. military campaign against Iran will not continue for “too long,” following the largest exchange of fire between Washington and Tehran since July. Trump made the comments as U.S. forces carried out a new round of strikes against targets in Iran, escalating tensions after a period of relative calm in the conflict. The president did not provide a specific timeline for when the latest U.S. operations could end. The renewed fighting has also spread across the region, with Iran launching attacks against U.S. allies in the Gulf, including Kuwait and Bahrain. The escalation comes as the Trump administration continues to pressure Tehran while seeking to limit the duration of the latest round of military action.

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An American citizen has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for acting as an agent of the Chinese government inside the United States. Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release with no overseas travel. According to court documents, Pauken worked at the direction of people he knew were connected to the Chinese government from at least 2019 until February 2026. Prosecutors said Pauken used his U.S. citizenship and ability to travel freely into the country to support operations connected to China's Ministry of State Security. His work included meeting with potential intelligence assets, helping provide them with communication devices and gathering sensitive information. Officials said Pauken received at least $100,000 for his work. His Chinese handler also paid for several trips between China and the United States so he could meet with people who could potentially provide information. The Justice Department said Pauken admitted working at the direction of China's Ministry of State Security and attempting to gain access to U.S. political circles while identifying potential recruitment targets for his Chinese handlers.

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Iran has launched new attacks against U.S. allies in the Gulf, firing drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain following American airstrikes in Iran. Kuwait said it came under attack again early Thursday after an Iranian drone sparked a fire there Wednesday. Bahrain also reported intercepting several Iranian attacks. The renewed strikes come as tensions continue across the region and Iran tightens its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. The disruption in and around the strait has raised concerns about energy supplies and the broader economic impact of the conflict.

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President Donald Trump’s latest plans for the White House grounds are set to receive their first review Thursday as his broader makeover of Washington continues. The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss a proposed fence around Lafayette Park, directly across from the White House, as well as plans for an underground security screening center for White House visitors. Thursday marks the first time the commission will formally take up either proposal, although no votes are expected. The commission has previously approved other major projects backed by Trump, including his White House ballroom proposal following the demolition of the East Wing. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has also reviewed elements of Trump’s plans as the administration moves forward with changes to prominent federal properties and spaces around the nation’s capital.

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Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are asking a federal judge to dismiss U.S. drug trafficking charges against them, arguing they are protected from prosecution by sovereign immunity. In court papers filed Wednesday in Manhattan, Maduro’s attorneys argued that U.S. courts cannot criminally prosecute a foreign leader who was recognized by his own country as its sitting head of state when the charges were brought. Flores’ attorneys separately argued that she is also protected from U.S. prosecution on sovereign immunity grounds. Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged conspiracy to send cocaine into the United States. Prosecutors accuse Maduro of working with Venezuelan law enforcement to help drug traffickers move large quantities of cocaine into the country. The couple is scheduled to stand trial June 1. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein has scheduled arguments on their motions to dismiss the indictment for Nov. 17.

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A reported U.S. airstrike hit a home where a wedding was being celebrated in southern Iran, killing four people and wounding more than 60 others, according to Iranian state media. The strike happened in a coastal town along the Strait of Hormuz during the latest round of U.S. military operations in Iran. State media reported that two women and two children were among those killed. A rights group said one of the children was instead killed in a separate strike on a nearby communications tower. Experts who reviewed images of missile fragments shown by Iranian media said the debris appeared consistent with a precision American-made weapon. The reported strike comes as fighting between the United States and Iran continues, with Iran also launching attacks against U.S. allies in the Gulf region.

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Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are getting some time on land in Thailand after a lengthy deployment supporting U.S. military operations against Iran in the Middle East. Crew members streamed into the beach city of Pattaya after the aircraft carrier arrived for a port call. The stop comes after the Lincoln spent more than 260 days at sea, setting a record for the carrier. The extended deployment had raised concerns about crew mental health and reports of food shortages aboard the ship, although Navy officials downplayed those concerns. Sailors said they were excited for the opportunity to spend time in Thailand after months at sea. The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to leave Thailand this weekend and continue its journey home.

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In an interview, Brenda Diaz, a 25-year veteran teacher and at-large candidate for the Montgomery County Board of Education, discusses the challenges facing Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Diaz highlights several critical issues, including inadequate classroom temperatures, a significant maintenance backlog, and a focus on testing rather than comprehensive education. She points out that less than half of African-American students and less than 35 percent of Hispanic students in the county are reading at a third-grade proficient level, revealing a stark achievement gap. Diaz also emphasizes the impact of behavior management problems and the removal of school resource officers, which she believes has contributed to increased violence and drug abuse in schools. As a result, many parents are choosing to homeschool or enroll their children in private schools. Diaz advocates for a return to traditional educational methods, including the use of whole textbooks and physical engagement in learning, and calls for a more independent and critical approach from the Board of Education to address these systemic issues.

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Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano is under scrutiny for his handling of cases involving violent offenders and illegal immigrants. Sean Kennedy from Virginia's Virginians for Safe Communities discusses two recent cases highlighting the problematic decisions made by Descano's office. In one case, an 18-year-old who groped multiple high school girls was charged with a misdemeanor instead of sexual battery, receiving a lenient sentence and subsequently deported. In another case, a killer who admitted to his crimes was released on an insanity plea, underscoring the systemic issues within the prosecutor's office. Descano's approach, rooted in prison abolitionism, has led to numerous investigations and criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Kennedy argues that these failures in justice not only endanger the community but also highlight the limited recourse available to victims when local prosecutors refuse to act.

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The Lindsey Clancy trial has sparked widespread discussion on motherhood, postpartum health, and justice for the victims. However, Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, brings a unique perspective by focusing on the impact on fathers and men. Schilling, a father himself, emphasizes that while the suffering of women is recognized, men are also victims who deserve attention and understanding. He highlights the emotional toll on fathers, using Patrick Clancy's case as an example, and discusses how societal views on feminism and abortion rights might be contributing to a skewed perspective on such tragedies. Schilling warns that without justice for the victims, it could deter young men from pursuing fatherhood, exacerbating existing societal issues. This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of fathers and calls for a balanced view on such sensitive cases.

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Mark Ruffalo's controversial comments regarding the Paramount Warner Bros. merger have sparked significant backlash, with Paramount denouncing his remarks as invoking anti-Semitic tropes. Hollywood has seen a notable response, with George Clooney and over 170 Jewish figures in entertainment defending Ruffalo. This discussion dives into the reasons behind Ruffalo's statements and why Hollywood often struggles to recognize anti-Semitism when it comes from within its ranks. Joining us is Bonnie Glick, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who recently wrote about Ruffalo's comments for The Daily Wire. Glick discusses how Ruffalo, amidst his social justice advocacy, has found a scapegoat for his lack of success in Hollywood—the Jewish community. She highlights the problematic nature of his claims, which link the merger to Israel and "scary technologies," asserting that such rhetoric is not only unfounded but also deeply divisive. Glick contrasts Ruffalo's divisive approach with the strategies of successful entertainers like Dolly Parton and Michael Jordan, who avoided alienating their audiences by refraining from taking political stands. Glick also addresses the perplexing support for Ruffalo from some Jewish figures in Hollywood, despite the anti-Semitic undertones of his comments. She emphasizes the importance of standing against hate speech and ensuring that the principles of free speech do not shield harmful rhetoric. The conversation underscores the necessity for all Americans, regardless of their background, to reject anti-Semitism and uphold the values of equality and respect.

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**Join the Conversation About the State of Education in America** In this eye-opening episode, the speaker dives into the world of education in America, where the lines between learning and indoctrination are increasingly blurred. With the rise of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs and the push for critical race theory in schools, parents are left wondering what their children are really learning. The speaker is joined by Corey DeAngelis, a leading expert on education policy and a fierce advocate for school choice. The conversation covers the alarming trends in public education, from the indoctrination of children with far-left ideologies to the lack of accountability in schools. The speaker and Corey DeAngelis discuss the importance of parents being involved in their children's education and the need for school choice as a means of protecting kids from the negative effects of government-run schools. They also touch on the role of teachers' unions and their influence on education policy. The episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of education in America. The speaker and Corey DeAngelis explore the ways in which the education system is failing our children and the steps we can take to reclaim our schools and our values. From the impact of DEI programs to the importance of parental involvement, this conversation is a wake-up call for parents and educators alike. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as the speaker and Corey DeAngelis discuss the future of education in America. Tune in to hear their insights and join the conversation about the importance of school choice and the need for accountability in our schools. 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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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — According to officials, authorities are responding to a shooting in Minneapolis with multiple victims, including two police officers. The Minneapolis Police Department has warned the public to stay away from the area Wednesday afternoon. No additional information was immediately released about the number of people wounded and their condition. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a post on social media that state officials are on the ground helping local law enforcement respond to the shooting. Walz said in the post: "Minnesota is praying for our first responders.”

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Sept 2 (Reuters) - A U.S. Coast Guard-operated Gulfstream V jet carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin safely diverted to Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday after suffering an engine failure. The pilot declared an emergency after the right engine failed, and safely landed at Reagan, according to Mullin and air traffic control audio. "The United States Coast Guard pilots made the single engine landing feel routine," Mullin said on X. "No panic, just straight professionalism."

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Scott Jennings sits down with Rep. Bryan Steil to discuss the growing debate over socialism in America. Steil argues that socialist policies threaten individual freedom, economic opportunity, and the principles of the American system. The conversation examines why he believes socialism has no place in the United States and the importance of preserving free-market principles.

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Police in Arizona have confirmed that a shooting at a Tucson gay bar that left three people dead, including the shooter, was a hate crime. The suspect, 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay, was new to the Tucson area and did not know the victims, the Tucson Police Department said in a news release Tuesday night. While searching his home, detectives found a note that “indicated he acted alone and that this shooting was a targeted attack motivated by hate toward the LGBTQIA+ community,” the department said.

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WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump met with major travel company executives on Wednesday including representatives from American Airlines, Marriott, MGM Resorts and Carnival amid a decline in international visitors. U.S. tourism got a big boost from the FIFA World Cup this summer. Travel spending rose 6.2% year over year in June to $122.1 billion, its strongest monthly reading in a year and FIFA reported its best-ever attendance at this summer's tournament. In 2025, international arrivals to the U.S. fell 5.5%, with travel officials citing a number of factors including lengthy visa interview wait times, higher airline ticket prices, stricter immigration policies, tariffs, and U.S. travel restrictions for some countries. Overseas visitors are down another 4.7% through July 2026, the Commerce Department said. Visitors from Canada fell 20% last year amid tensions and has impacted U.S. tourism destinations like Las Vegas and in border states. The number of Las Vegas tourists fell by 7.5% in 2025. Trump is meeting with members of the U.S. Travel Association and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is also set to attend. Other companies taking part include Caesars Entertainment, Hard Rock International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Venetian and Raffles & Fairmont. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said Trump is meeting with travel companies "to celebrate the accomplishments that produced a historic summer travel season and delivered a strong boost to our local economies and small businesses." The White House noted that it has made airport screening easier, allowing passengers to keep shoes on and adding family screening lanes at some airports. It also aims to create more biometric fast lanes for returning U.S. citizens and quicker international connections to domestic flights. The industry faced a number of hurdles over the last year as partial government shutdowns snarled airport security lines and flights. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in May threatened to halt border processing at Newark and potentially other airports in so-called "sanctuary cities." Travel groups warned that it could lead to chaos, strand thousands of tourists and Americans trying to get home, and prevent crucial cargo shipments.

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WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the renewed U.S. campaign against Iran would not continue for "too long" after the biggest exchange of fire between Tehran and Washington since July. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Iran was trying to build a rocket that drops mines and the U.S. had destroyed it. He also said Iran had been working to restore its radar and missile systems, which were also targeted in the U.S. strikes. "We took out all of the new equipment that they tried to build along the Strait of Hormuz - some defensive, some offensive ... It was a very heavy attack last night, and we're prepared to do another one any time we want," he said.

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