Salem News Channel

Darren Bailey's Family Killed In Helicopter Crash

Four family members of a Republican running for governor in Illinois were killed in a Montana helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday. Killed in the crash Wednesday were the son and daughter-in-law of former state lawmaker Darren Bailey, who lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in Illinois and is seeking his party’s nomination again in next year’s race. He previously served in both the Illinois House and Senate. Bailey's son, Zachary, his wife, Kelsey, and their two young children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7, died in the crash, his campaign said in a statement. The couple's third child was not on the helicopter. “Darren and Cindy are heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. They are finding comfort in their faith, their family, and the prayers of so many who love and care for them,” the statement said. The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that it was investigating a helicopter crash in eastern Montana near the town of Ekalaka. The sheriff's office in Carter County said the helicopter went down southwest of the town early Wednesday evening. Bailey, from the southern Illinois town of Xenia, announced this year that he is seeking the GOP’s nominee for governor in 2026. He lost to heavily-favored Gov. JB Pritzker in 2022. Pritzker said on Thursday that he and his wife expressed their condolences to the Bailey family. “I cannot imagine losing a child, losing two grandchildren, and what they must be going through,” the governor said. Bailey, a farmer and staunch conservative, dramatically increased his statewide profile in 2020 as a frequent critic of Pritzker’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic — including refusing to wear a mask during legislative sessions. During his run governor, Bailey railed about crime in Chicago and proposed eliminating the state’s gun licensing system, saying it doesn’t stop people from using guns illegally. He once supported a resolution seeking to make Chicago a separate state. Bailey unsuccessfully challenged five-term incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost in last year’s primary race for a district that covers much of the bottom one-third of Illinois. Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said in a statement that the party is grieving the tragic loss. “Please join us in keeping the Bailey family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” the statement said.

CUOMO Needs To DROP OUT

Mike and Mark react to the New York City mayoral debate. It is clear Andrew Cuomo needs to drop out in order to help Curtis Sliwa beat Mamdani.

MSNBC Reaches NEW Levels Of CRINGE

Mike reacts to actor Jeff Daniels serenading Nicole Wallace on MSNBC with his own original song "Crazy World".

Jack Ciattarelli Pulls Within 5 Points For NJ Governorship

Jack Ciattarelli Pulls Within 5 Points For NJ Governorship WIth Kate Gibbs, Executive Director of the New Jersey GOP.

NYC's Mayoral Race, Middle East Peace, Drug Boats Bombed, & Japan's New PM

NYC's Mayoral Race, Middle East Peace, Drug Boats Bombed, & Japan's New PM With John Hayward, National Security Deputy Editor at Breitbart.

The Democrats Do Not Care About The East Wing Of The White House

The Democrats Do Not Care About The East Wing Of The White Hou

Graham Platner Takes His Shirt Off To Prove He's Not A Nazi

Rubio Heading to Israel After Vance Visit

As Vice President J.D. Vance wraps up his visit to Israel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he’s heading there next to help ensure the fragile Gaza ceasefire holds. Earlier this week, Vance announced the opening of a U.S.–Israeli coordination center in southern Israel, where about 200 American troops are now working alongside the Israeli military. Rubio added that the U.S. is working to form an international stabilization force and train a Palestinian police unit to maintain security on the ground.

Mamdani, Cuomo and Sliwa Clash in Final NYC Mayoral Debate

Tensions ran high during New York City’s final mayoral debate, with frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa exchanging sharp attacks just days before early voting begins. Mamdani faced questions about his limited experience, while Cuomo was pressed on the sexual harassment allegations that ended his governorship. Sliwa sought to prove he’s a serious contender in the heated showdown

U.S. strikes two more alleged drug boats in Pacific

The U.S. military has carried out two more strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats in the eastern Pacific, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Wednesday. Officials say three people were killed in Wednesday’s strike, following another strike Tuesday night that left two dead. These latest attacks mark a shift from earlier missions in the Caribbean and bring the total death toll to at least 37 since the operation began last month.