Salem News Channel

Gas prices jumped again overnight, with AAA putting today's new national average at $4.46 cents a gallon for regular unleaded. That's up three cents from Thursday, Sept. 17 and 40 cents from where we were a month ago. AAA also says record-high diesel prices of $6.44 cents today, up a nickel from Thursday.

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An investigation is under way in Kansas after a woman's body was found in a suitcase outside a fire station. The body of 67-year-old Lorretta Moody was discovered Wednesday evening in Wichita. Two people who brought the suitcase to the fire station are being interviewed by investigators.

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Parts of the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes will face the threat of floods through the weekend. Today, the heaviest rain is set to impact millions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. Tomorrow, storms will move south to Des Moines and Chicago.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed an executive order requiring leading artificial intelligence companies to create a “kill switch” in their programs that would allow them to be shut down if they go full Skynet. In a press release, the governor bashed President Donald Trump for not championing more regulations on the AI industry. Read more: https://townhall.com/news/jeff-charles/2026/09/18/gavin-newsom-mandates-ai-kill-switch-while-bashing-trump-n2683217

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WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - The Pentagon is reinstituting a mandatory testing program for testosterone deficiency among US service members age 30 and older, a spokesperson said on Thursday, bringing back a program that medical experts have described as unnecessary and potentially harmful. The latest clinical guidance applies only to male service members, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways for testosterone deficiency. The Pentagon said it will issue separate guidance for female service members at a later date. Medical ?professionals have warned that testosterone, if prescribed inappropriately, could increase service members' risk of infertility or lead to other health consequences. The Pentagon temporarily rescinded an earlier version of the guidance in early September "to allow for updates," and it was not immediately clear what changes had been made. The new guidance calls for testosterone testing as part of periodic health assessments and annual physical examinations, with younger service members able to be screened on request or when clinically indicated. "Effective immediately, this guidance addresses male testosterone deficiency, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has promoted the use of ?testosterone to improve military readiness, first announced the screening mandate in July. Under the prior guidance, women were also set to be screened through a questionnaire and could then move to treatment for conditions related to hormonal imbalances. The new approach comes amid changes in the US Food and Drug Administration's position on testosterone therapy in men. Last year, the agency removed the boxed warning about increased cardiovascular risk from testosterone products for ?men after reviewing post-marketing studies, though the products still carry warnings about increased blood pressure. In June, the FDA asked manufacturers to remove labeling that said the safety and efficacy of testosterone replacement had not been established for men with age-related hypogonadism, following a review of newer evidence. Testosterone products remain FDA-approved for men with low testosterone associated with an underlying medical condition. No FDA-approved testosterone product exists for women. Medical groups generally recommend testosterone for women primarily to treat persistently low sexual desire related to menopause, and say evidence is insufficient for broader uses such as improving energy, cognition or muscle mass.

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The sole holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy triple murder trial in Massachusetts says he didn't have any doubts that she purposely killed her children. In a statement first reported by NewsNation, Michael P. Desronvil said while he tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, he kept getting cut off as if he had doubts based on the evidence present. Desronvil said based on all the physical evidence, key witnesses and what the prosecution presents, he thought it was enough proof that she knew exactly what she was doing and planned.

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COMSTOCK, Texas (AP) — The Trump administration has started building the border wall in the Big Bend region of west Texas. This marks the first major construction in an area where the plans have faced heavy opposition. Customs and Border Protection has doubled the pace of construction along the U.S.-Mexico border. In the Big Bend region, landowners, environmental groups, and ranchers oppose the construction, arguing the area isn't a high-traffic zone for illegal immigration. The agency is building an average of 12 miles of barriers a week. Activists say they'll continue to fight against the wall-building plans.

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In-person voting for this year’s midterm elections is underway in Virginia, ushering in the final six weeks for Americans to decide which party they trust to lead Congress at a time of a cost-of-living crisis, a prolonged war in Iran and other pressing issues. Voters in Idaho, Minnesota and South Dakota, can cast absentee ballots in person.

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In-person voting for this year’s midterm elections is underway in Virginia, ushering in the final six weeks for Americans to decide which party they trust to lead Congress at a time of a cost-of-living crisis, a prolonged war in Iran and other pressing issues. Voters in Idaho, Minnesota and South Dakota, can cast absentee ballots in person. Meanwhile, the top official at the U.S. Postal Service has said the agency has stopped work on developing a controversial computer system that was central to President Donald Trump’s effort to limit mail voting after the Supreme Court rejected his executive order this week.

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Iran says it struck an oil tanker trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz, while hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Tehran in the largest show of support for the government since the United States and Israel launched attacks in February. Meanwhile, South Korea says it is considering expanding a naval operation in the Gulf of Aden to protect its ships and oil-shipping routes, but it will not send troops to intervene in the Iran war.

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(Council Bluffs, IA) -- Vice President JD Vance is in Iowa to campaign for Republicans in the state. Speaking from Council Bluffs, Vance said Iowa candidate for governor Zach Lahn is fighting to keep Iowa's soil and water clean. Vance said the current Democratic party isn't the one of the past and added they are working to destroy the American way of life. The Vice President said the midterms are a referndum on common sense.

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Craig W. Stanfill joins Mike to discuss his new novel, Carbon Zero: An AI Dystopia Novel, and the ideas behind a story where artificial intelligence pushes society into uncharted territory. Craig explains what inspired the book, how today’s AI developments shaped the story, and why the question of whether AI can understand right from wrong may be more important than we think. TODAY ONLY! Get Carbon Zero for just $2.99 on Kindle! Tomorrow, the price jumps to $9.99. ?? Don’t miss the savings! Go to Amazon and search Carbon Zero by Craig W. Stanfill and get your Kindle edition today!

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Financial struggle has always been part of American life, but that reality can become powerful political fuel. The conversation looks at how frustration over prices and the cost of living can be turned into a broader narrative—and why simply having the facts on your side may not be enough to win the larger argument.

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Warren Buffett is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, ending more than five decades in the role as the investment conglomerate completes a long-planned leadership transition. Berkshire announced Friday that the 96-year-old Buffett will immediately become chairman emeritus. His son, Howard Buffett, will take over as chairman, while Warren Buffett will remain a member of the company’s board of directors. Buffett had served as Berkshire Hathaway’s chairman since 1970 and has been closely associated with the company for more than 60 years. Under his leadership, Berkshire grew from a struggling New England textile company into a conglomerate valued at more than $1 trillion, with businesses spanning insurance, railroads, energy, manufacturing and retail. The change follows Buffett’s earlier departure from the CEO position. Greg Abel took over as Berkshire’s chief executive at the beginning of this year and will continue running the company’s day-to-day operations. Buffett said in a letter to shareholders that he remains confident in both Abel and his son. He said Abel will run the company while Howard will be responsible for helping protect Berkshire’s culture and values. Howard Buffett has served on Berkshire Hathaway’s board since 1993. His elevation to chairman is part of a succession plan that has been discussed for years as the company prepared for an eventual transition away from its longtime leader. Warren Buffett, widely known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” became one of the world’s most influential investors through his long-term, value-oriented approach to investing. Berkshire’s investment decisions and annual shareholder meetings have been closely followed by investors around the world. During Buffett’s tenure as CEO, Berkshire recorded a compounded annual growth rate of 19.9%, compared with 10.4% for the S&P 500 over the same period. Buffett has also become one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists. Since 2006, he has donated roughly $66 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The leadership change leaves Abel in control of Berkshire’s business operations and Howard Buffett overseeing the board, while Warren Buffett remains involved as chairman emeritus and a director.

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Hundreds of thousands of Iranians filled the streets of Tehran Friday in the largest government-organized show of defiance since the United States and Israel began attacks on Iran in February. The demonstration, organized as part of the “Janfaday-e Iran,” or “Sacrifice for Iran,” campaign, brought large crowds into central Tehran, with participants waving Iranian flags and pledging their willingness to defend the country as the conflict continues. Iranian officials say more than 600,000 people have registered for limited military training through the campaign. Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh, a Revolutionary Guard commander in Tehran, said officials expect that number to eventually exceed one million. Some participants appeared in military-style clothing and carried rifles during the march. Iranian authorities also displayed military hardware, including drones and anti-aircraft systems, as part of the event. The rally comes more than six months into the conflict and as Iran faces increasing economic pressure from U.S. sanctions and restrictions on its energy exports. Iranian state media had encouraged people to participate in the campaign, presenting the demonstration as evidence of national unity and readiness to defend the country. The size of a government-organized rally, however, does not necessarily indicate broader public opinion across Iran. The demonstration also comes as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said Friday that its forces struck the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend, claiming the vessel attempted to pass through the strategic waterway without authorization. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, and disruptions there have added pressure to international oil and fuel markets during the conflict. Friday's rally was the largest government-organized mobilization in Iran since the fighting began in February, as Tehran seeks to project military readiness and domestic support while facing continued U.S. and Israeli pressure.

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President Donald Trump is withdrawing his nomination of former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving the agency without a Senate-confirmed director as it carries out the administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. The White House announced the withdrawal Thursday but did not provide a reason for the decision. Schroyer, who currently serves as a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, was nominated by Trump in June. Schroyer had not yet received a confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who chairs the committee, said he had declined to schedule the hearing until the Department of Homeland Security provided information he requested concerning internal investigations into civilian deaths during ICE enforcement operations. Paul told The Associated Press that his decision was not based on concerns about Schroyer himself. He said he had intended to eventually hold a confirmation hearing and learned about the withdrawal when the White House made it public. Schroyer had little direct experience with immigration enforcement before his nomination. He previously served as an Oklahoma state trooper and is close to Mullin. When Trump nominated Schroyer in June, the president described him as a “proven leader” with decades of law enforcement experience and urged the Senate to confirm him. The withdrawal comes as ICE faces continued scrutiny over its enforcement operations and the rapid expansion of its workforce. ICE arrests reached nearly 51,000 in August, the highest monthly total during Trump’s second administration. ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since 2017. David Venturella is currently serving as acting director after Todd Lyons resigned earlier this year. The Trump administration has not announced when it will nominate another candidate to permanently lead the agency.

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Amy McInerny, the Director of Respect Life at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, discusses the significance of two ballot initiatives in Virginia. These initiatives, if passed, would remove common-sense health and safety regulations from the Virginia Constitution regarding abortion. McInerny emphasizes the potential dangers of unregulated abortion, including the possibility of unsafe medical practices and the removal of parental consent requirements for minors. She highlights the importance of voting against these amendments to protect women's health and safety, as well as the moral responsibility of Catholics to uphold the common good through their votes. McInerny also commends Bishop Urbidge for his bold stance on these issues and encourages all Catholics to engage in the electoral process to advocate for life and justice.

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Bruce Blakeman, the Republican nominee for Governor in New York, discusses his vision for the state during an interview. Blakeman highlights his plans to make New York more affordable by cutting taxes and utility rates, creating better jobs, and fostering safer communities. He criticizes current Governor Kathy Hochul's policies, citing high taxes, elevated electric bills, and pro-criminal stances, and argues that her unfavorable ratings make a Republican win possible. Blakeman also emphasizes his background in law enforcement and homeland security, positioning himself as a capable candidate to address both economic and security challenges. The conversation touches on the importance of re-engaging disaffected New Yorkers and attracting businesses back to the state.

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Katie Gorka, Chairwoman of the Republican Party in Fairfax County, joins Larry to discuss the upcoming election, emphasizing the significance of early voting which begins today. They delve into the Virginia Senate race, highlighting concerns over Democratic candidates who fail to disavow the more extreme positions within their party. The conversation also addresses a proposed constitutional amendment concerning abortion rights, which Gorka criticizes for its radical stance. Gorka underscores the importance of voter education and outreach, particularly in diverse communities, to ensure broad participation in this crucial election. The discussion also touches on issues of election integrity, with Gorka discussing the lack of prosecution for non-citizens who have voted in Virginia and advising voters on how to report irregularities. The conversation concludes with Gorka stressing the importance of this election and urging Republicans to participate early to effect change.

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Grady Williamson, a finalist in the Million Dollar Pitch Competition, discusses his company Red River, based in Wyoming. The competition, featuring celebrity judges including Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, and Joe Gebbia, aims to spotlight innovative American manufacturing ideas. Williamson explains Red River's focus on producing pressure vessels for critical infrastructure sectors such as water treatment, energy, and aerospace. The event, hosted in Washington DC, is part of an initiative to celebrate and fund American job creators. Williamson shares his excitement about the competition and the opportunity to present their success story, emphasizing the alignment with the current administration's goals to bring back American manufacturing. The live event will be streamed and produced as a reality show, providing significant exposure for participating companies.

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