PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Biden’s staff considered having him take a cognitive test amid concerns about his mental acuity but decided against it.

👥 Who’s Involved: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Biden’s aides, journalists from the book “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America.”

📍 Where & When: United States, February 2024, and the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election.

💬 Key Quote: “Biden’s aides were confident that he would pass a cognitive test, according to the book, but they worried that the mere fact of his taking one would raise new questions about his mental abilities.”

⚠️ Impact: The decision not to conduct the test led to Biden’s eventual withdrawal from the election campaign, allowing Kamala Harris to run, who subsequently lost to Donald Trump.

IN FULL:

A book set to hit shelves sheds light on internal discussions within President Joe Biden’s team that occurred last year about the possibility of him taking a cognitive assessment. This issue gained traction amid concerns about his age and mental sharpness ahead of the 2024 election. According to the book, titled “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America,” and as reported by the New York Times, Biden’s aides were sure he would pass such a test but were apprehensive that undertaking the assessment could ignite fresh doubts about his mental capabilities.

The deliberations took place in February 2024, though ultimately, the president did not take the test. Despite the confidence expressed by aides, Biden’s suboptimal performance during a summer debate with President Donald J. Trump raised alarm among voters and Democratic insiders. This performance marked a critical juncture leading to intensified calls for Biden to reconsider his candidacy.

Subsequently, under significant pressure, Biden chose to step back from the re-election race. Kamala Harris, then Vice President, assumed the mantle as the Democratic candidate. However, she could not secure victory, conceding the election to Trump, who is now fully embarked on his second term.

The book is authored by three prominent U.S. political journalists, one affiliated with the New York Times and the others with the Washington Post. It suggests an insider perspective into the Democratic camp’s strategy and considerations during the campaign.

The Trump administration is yet to release the audio of Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hurr despite numerous requests from The National Pulse and other outlets.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Prince Harry criticized King Charles and the Royal Household in a BBC interview, leading to public backlash.

👥 Who’s Involved: Prince Harry, King Charles, the Royal Family, BBC, the UK Government, and the public.

📍 Where & When: The controversy emerged following a BBC interview aired on May 3, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I’ve been treated differently to everybody else that exists, I have been singled out.”

⚠️ Impact: The dispute risked further distancing Prince Harry from the Royal Family, with polls indicating strong public support for King Charles.

IN FULL:

Prince Harry faces substantial public and official backlash after airing grievances during a recent BBC interview. He accused the Royal Household of intervening in his efforts to restore UK police protection and complained about a lack of communication with his father, King Charles. The government and Buckingham Palace have dismissed these claims, emphasizing that security-related decisions are independent of political influence.

Whitehall insiders rebuffed Harry’s call for an investigation into the committee responsible for his security arrangements, reinforcing its independent nature. Buckingham Palace expressed concerns that the Duke’s statements might exacerbate existing familial tensions. Furthermore, royal sources deemed Harry’s comments about King Charles’s health distasteful.

A recent survey by Find Out Now revealed widespread support for King Charles amid the controversy. Sixty-four percent of respondents sided with the King, contrasted with Harry’s 36 percent support. The poll also indicated a majority interest in revoking Harry and Meghan’s royal titles, with 67 percent in favor.

When questioned about his children’s future visits to Britain, Harry asserted he felt unsafe due to the security arrangements upheld by the court, and reiterated his decision not to bring his children to the UK under current conditions. His apprehensions were underscored by a recent court ruling that denied his appeal for specific police protections during visits.

The BBC, which hosted the controversial interview, admitted oversight in not adequately challenging Harry’s claims. It acknowledged the necessity of reflecting government and palace positions in responses to such statements.

Political and public sentiment appears to lean heavily against Harry, with royal commentator A.N. Wilson suggesting the monarchy might consider stripping Harry and Meghan of their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) status and all royal titles.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Three officers at Wallens Ridge State Prison were stabbed during an altercation.

👥 Who’s Involved: Five MS-13 gang members from El Salvador were implicated, all of whom are illegal immigrants with violent criminal records.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred on Friday at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Virginia.

⚠️ Impact: The safety and security of correctional facilities are under scrutiny, with investigations underway to determine the circumstances and prevent future incidents.

IN FULL:

Three correctional officers at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Virginia were stabbed on Friday in a premeditated attack. According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, the alleged perpetrators were five individuals associated with the MS-13 gang. These individuals, originating from El Salvador, are illegal immigrants previously convicted of violent crimes.

The incident has prompted an investigation by the Virginia Department of Corrections. Details about the severity of the injuries sustained by the officers and the specific circumstances leading to the confrontation have not been disclosed at this time.

The membership of the MS-13 gang by those implicated adds a layer of complexity, given the gang’s notoriety for violent criminal activity and its origins in Central America. Investigators are currently examining how the assault unfolded and assessing measures to bolster safety for staff and inmates alike.

“Five of the individuals responsible for this senseless attack should never have been in this country in the first place,” said Virginia DOC Director Chad Dotson in a statement.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is examining two aborted landings at Reagan National Airport. The incidents involved commercial flights being redirected due to the proximity of a US Army Black Hawk helicopter headed towards the nearby Pentagon.

👥 Who’s Involved: The parties involved include the NTSB, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), US Army, Delta Flight 1671, Republic Flight 5825, Senator Maria Cantwell, and Senator Ted Cruz.

📍 Where & When: The events occurred around 2:30 PM ET on Thursday near Reagan National Airport and the Pentagon.

💬 Key Quote: “The United States Army remains committed to aviation safety and conducting flight operations within all approved guidelines and procedures,” said US Army spokesman Capt. Victoria Goldfedib.

⚠️ Impact: The proximity of military and passenger flights has raised safety concerns, spurred political reactions, and could lead to legislative changes. The recent events underline ongoing air safety challenges.

IN FULL:

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into two new near misses involving commercial flights at Reagan National Airport. On Thursday, flights were directed to abort landings due to a nearby US Army Black Hawk helicopter headed for the Pentagon. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that air traffic controllers instructed Delta Flight 1671 and Republic Flight 5825 to perform go-arounds at an altitude of 2:30 p.m. ET to avoid any conflict as the helicopter was inbound to the Pentagon Army Heliport.

This incident comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny on helicopter operations near the airport following a January midair collision. In that incident, an Army helicopter collided with American Airlines Flight 5342, resulting in 67 fatalities.

US Army spokesperson Capt. Victoria Goldfedib stated the Black Hawk was following directives from Pentagon Air Traffic Control for a ‘go-around,’ avoiding any potential overlap in airspace with the commercial aircraft. The Army has reiterated its commitment to adhering to all aviation safety guidelines.

Political figures have reacted strongly. Senator Maria Cantwell highlighted the proximity and recurrence of such incidents, urging agencies to prioritize air safety. Senator Ted Cruz expressed intentions to pursue legislative measures to control Army helicopter proximity to commercial air routes, advocating for increased FAA oversight.

A preliminary FAA report indicated that the helicopter took a longer path around the Pentagon rather than a direct route to the helipad. This raised concerns about protocol adherence. The Pentagon may consider alternative ground transport solutions to mitigate risks.