Salem News Channel

Three customers and two employees were treated for chemical burns after cleaning chemicals were mistaken for sugar at a Chili's restaurant in North Carolina. Health officials say the incident happened Wednesday at the restaurant's Forest City location. According to investigators, a granulated degreasing chemical was left in an unlabeled container in the bar area after an outside contractor power-washed the restaurant. Two days later, an employee mistook the chemical for sugar and used it to make margaritas. Three customers who ordered the drinks immediately experienced discomfort and suffered chemical burns in and around their mouths. Two employees also experienced similar symptoms after tasting the substance. The restaurant's food service permit was immediately suspended while health officials investigated. They say the restaurant has since thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the affected areas -- and the permit has been reinstated after inspectors determined it met all food safety requirements. Health officials say the incident is a reminder of the importance of properly labeling and storing chemicals to prevent accidental exposure.

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(McMinnville, OR) -- Three people were killed in a crash involving two helicopters near the McMinnville Airport Thursday afternoon. The crash involved a Robinson R22 with 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, of Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom on board. The pilot of the Airbus helicopter was 38-year-old Tyler Sturdevant of Newberg. The crash happened in a field. The FAA and NTSB will investigate the cause of the crash.

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(Nashville, TN) -- Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike is speaking publicly for the first time since her failed execution. In a statement released through her lawyers today, Pike says she remains in a prison hospital ward with pain throughout her body and in her mind. The 50-year-old convicted killer survived two lethal injections last month. That sparked a full investigation into what went wrong and opening a debate over the death penalty in Tennessee's governor race.

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(Vatican City) -- Pope Leo is now the first pontiff to ever vote in a U.S. election. The American-born pontiff cast an absentee ballot in Illinois' midterm election as part of his "belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes." The ballot will travel from Vatican City to Joliet, Illinois, where Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, holds registration. Public records show Pope Leo also voted absentee "during his years of residence in Peru."

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Alex Marlow discusses the manipulation of news content and its impact on public perception, particularly in the context of a recent town hall with the vice president. A young woman questioned the vice president about the high cost of living and housing, specifically asking how the right can expect young people to start families when the average home price in America exceeds $415,000. The vice president's initial response was a light-hearted joke, which quickly went viral on social media, overshadowing the substantive issues discussed later in his answer. Marlow emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of housing affordability issues, including immigration, illegal immigration, and the role of Wall Street and foreign investors. He argues that the media's focus on trivial aspects of political discourse contributes to a broader problem of misinformation and skewed public opinion.

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Mike and Mark are making their final calls with just days to go, and the map is tighter than the establishment wants you to believe. With Trump blitzing red states and polls showing multiple Senate races deadlocked within the margin of error, they're breaking down where the real battles are—and why the "experts" might be getting it wrong again. --- M and M Extra! If you love smart unscripted talk show chemistry, you’re in the right place. 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 zero apologies. Like and subscribe to youtube.com/@MandMExtra for more content. Watch full episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EGNf1WbbwMRurHjD-q-sft3OQfbxop8 Check out highlight clips from all our shows: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EGNf1WbbwPQn44WIEh9LfT3hP1lng9w

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The Trump administration has reversed course on a federal ban on kratom, which some claim is a highly addictive substance.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired another top general over concerns about leaks to the press.

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A campaign built on openness now faces questions about whether operatives quietly recruited a second candidate with the same name as the Republican incumbent—raising the question of whether legal but deceptive tactics should reshape how voters view that message of truth.

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South Carolina Senate candidate Darline Graham, carrying on her late brother Lindsey’s seat, is not backing down—she bluntly called opponent Annie Andrews “plain-old batsh*t crazy” at a Trump rally while delivering a clear message as a proud Christian conservative ready to fight every day for the state.

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In this segment, the discussion centers on the potential consequences of socialism and communism taking root in the United States. The speakers express deep concern over the rise of radical ideologies, referencing events in Europe as cautionary tales. They argue that many who advocate for these systems lack understanding of the oppressive realities they entail. The conversation touches on issues like open borders, fraud scandals, and the romanticization of anti-American values among some factions. The speakers urge vigilance, emphasizing the importance of preserving the freedoms and values that the U.S. has long stood for. This cautionary analysis aims to provoke thought and discussion among viewers about the direction of current political trends.

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As the midterm elections approach on November 3rd, this discussion emphasizes the critical importance of voting and highlights the potential consequences of the current political climate. The speakers argue that the Democratic Party has embraced radicalism and hard-left ideologies, positioning their candidates to push America towards an extremist direction. They warn that if Democrats gain control, issues like the southern border security, economic policies, and lawfare could deteriorate significantly. The conversation also touches on how the shift in Democratic policies could impact various aspects of American life, urging voters to consider the long-term implications of their choices. With insights from prominent figures, this clip serves as a call to action for all Americans to participate in the electoral process and safeguard their vision of the country.

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In this insightful discussion, KT McFarland, a prominent political commentator, delves into critical national security issues and their implications ahead of the midterm elections. McFarland explores the Pentagon's "Fortress America" plan, a preemptive strategy inspired by a significant military base incident believed to be a cyber-attack. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in such preparations, addressing both domestic and international perspectives. The conversation further examines the impact of the midterm elections on U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning adversaries like Iran. McFarland asserts that despite the political shifts in Congress, the core economic and foreign policies initiated by the current administration are unlikely to change significantly post-election. The discussion also touches upon potential kinetic actions against Iran, highlighting the strategic considerations and regional alliances involved. This thoughtful analysis offers a comprehensive view of the interplay between domestic politics and national security.

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Kyle Diamantas discusses the significant updates to infant formula standards with Larry, addressing the unchanged nutritional standards for over 30 years and the recent comprehensive review launched by the administration. They delve into the importance of aligning formula with breast milk composition, the steps taken to prevent future shortages, and the "Closer to Zero" initiative aimed at reducing chemical contaminants in infant products. Diamantas emphasizes the importance of transparency and the new database launched by the FDA for parents to access test results on contaminants in infant formula. The conversation highlights the administration's commitment to improving infant nutrition and ensuring the safety of formula products.

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Sheriff Charles Jenkins, the longest-serving elected official in Frederick County, Maryland, discusses his reelection campaign amid increasing political challenges. Jenkins highlights his record of maintaining public safety and law enforcement effectiveness in Frederick County, which has the lowest crime rate in the region. He emphasizes the importance of his federal program that allows cooperation with ICE, which he believes has contributed to the county's safety. Jenkins expresses concern over the changing political landscape in Frederick County, which is becoming more blue, and warns of potential crime increases if he is not reelected. The interview delves into the impact of demographics and voter migration from less safe jurisdictions, and Jenkins appeals to voters to recognize his contributions to making Frederick County a safe haven.

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The Justice Department is expanding its investigation into allegations of election interference in Alaska's closely watched U.S. Senate race, just days before the November 3 midterm elections. The investigation centers on allegations that a candidate with a name similar to Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan was recruited to enter the race in an effort to confuse voters and potentially influence the election's outcome. The controversy involves Daniel J. Sullivan, whose name closely resembles that of the incumbent senator. The allegations have raised questions about whether his candidacy was intended to draw votes away from the Republican incumbent. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy, calling for Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola to withdraw from the race and face prosecution. Peltola has denied involvement in the alleged scheme. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has also ordered an investigation into the allegations, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the Senate contest. The Justice Department's expanded investigation comes as election officials prepare for Tuesday's vote and both parties make their final efforts to mobilize supporters. The allegations remain under investigation, and no findings establishing Peltola's involvement in an election interference scheme have been announced. The outcome of Alaska's Senate race could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.

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The father of a 15-year-old boy shot and killed while walking to school in the Bronx believes bullying may have played a role in his son's death, as police search for several teenagers in connection with the shooting. Javits Frimpong was shot in the abdomen shortly before 9:30 a.m. Thursday near East 171st Street and Third Avenue in the Claremont section of the Bronx. Police officers transported the teenager to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His father, Thomas Frimpong, said his son had recently complained about being bullied by other students at school. According to the father, school officials informed him earlier this week that two students had been suspended following complaints involving his son. Thomas Frimpong believes the shooting may have been retaliation for those complaints, although investigators have not confirmed any connection between the alleged bullying and the killing. The grieving father described Javits as a quiet, intelligent teenager who regularly attended school and generally kept to himself. The family had moved from Ghana to New York approximately a year ago in search of better opportunities. Investigators are searching for several teenage suspects who reportedly fled the scene after the shooting. Police have been reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses as they work to determine what led to the deadly encounter. No arrests have been announced. The killing has shaken residents of the Bronx neighborhood, with community members expressing concerns about youth violence and calling for greater efforts to protect children. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. Tips can be submitted anonymously. The investigation remains ongoing.

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The Justice Department says agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI will not serve as poll monitors during Tuesday's midterm elections, following a lawsuit challenging the presence of federal law enforcement personnel at voting locations. The clarification comes after the NAACP filed a lawsuit seeking to block federal law enforcement officers from serving as election monitors. According to the Justice Department, only officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be present at polling locations. The announcement comes amid questions about the federal government's role in election oversight and whether the presence of law enforcement personnel could discourage voters from participating. The NAACP's legal challenge raises concerns about the potential impact of federal agents at polling sites, particularly as voters prepare to cast ballots in closely contested races across the country. Federal election monitoring has traditionally involved Justice Department personnel observing compliance with voting rights laws. However, the involvement of federal law enforcement agencies has drawn additional scrutiny ahead of this year's elections. The Justice Department's clarification comes just days before November 3, when voters will determine control of Congress and decide numerous state and local contests.

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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed thousands of trick-or-treaters to the White House on Thursday for the annual Halloween celebration. Families gathered on the South Lawn, where festive decorations, trick-or-treat booths and plenty of candy helped transform the White House grounds into a Halloween destination. The event brought together children and parents for an evening of costumes, treats and seasonal festivities just two days before Halloween. Among the invited guests were military and law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and members of the Trump administration. The celebration provided an opportunity for families to experience the White House in a festive setting while taking part in a longstanding presidential tradition. The annual White House Halloween event has been observed by administrations of both political parties, bringing children and families to the executive mansion for trick-or-treating and other holiday activities. Thursday's festivities marked another installment of the tradition as the president and first lady welcomed guests to celebrate the Halloween season.

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing updates to nutritional requirements for infant formula, including changes to how certain nutrients are measured and a review of additional ingredients used by manufacturers. The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to evaluate nutritional standards for infant formula and ensure the products meet the dietary needs of babies during their earliest stages of development. Under the proposal, the FDA would update the units of measurement used for two nutrients currently regulated in infant formula. The agency is also seeking public input on ingredients that are not currently required under federal standards but are sometimes added voluntarily by formula manufacturers. The review could help determine whether existing nutritional requirements should be revised to reflect developments in infant nutrition research and manufacturing practices. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of ensuring parents can trust the products they feed their children. "Parents deserve confidence in every bottle they feed their baby," Kennedy said. Infant formula is subject to federal nutritional and safety requirements because it serves as a primary source of nutrition for many babies during their first year of life. The FDA's request for public input will allow researchers, health professionals, manufacturers and other interested parties to provide feedback on potential changes to the standards. The agency has not announced final changes to the nutritional requirements. Any revisions would follow the applicable federal review and rulemaking process.

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