GET THE APP
Monday, August 18, 2025
wapo

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

July 27, 2023
Jack Montgomery
News

WaPo: Republicans Should Pick the Candidate Democrats Can Agree Most With.

The Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post is hyping Asa Hutchinson, an also-ran in the Republican primary race currently polling around one percent, insisting his Democrat-friendly ideas “deserve to be taken seriously”.

Hutchinson, who ran the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) under President George W. Bush, has been particularly fierce in his defense of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declaring that defunding it “is off the charts a bad idea” and that “[Donald] Trump has done great harm to our rule of law”.

“None of [Hutchinson’s policies are] radical, and Democrats could support most of what he’s advocating,” the WaPo notes, as if this is a selling point.

Hutchinson has repeatedly called on Trump, whom he blames for Jan 6, to abandon the race in response to the indictments being levelled against him by state and federal prosecutors – despite the fact he is yet to be convicted of anything – and tacitly endorsed Special Counsel Jack Smith targeting the former president.

By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad
More From The Pulse

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

36 minutes ago
Christopher Tomlinson
Economy

Trump Has Won the Average American $4k in Tax Cuts: Report.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will save Americans an average of nearly $4,000 in tax cuts.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Congress, the Tax Foundation.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Tax Foundation released statistics on the OBBBA on August 13.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The OBBBA not only prevents a major tax increase for most filers but introduces new relief aimed at working households.” – Erica York, senior economist at the Tax Foundation

🎯IMPACT: The OBBBA will save Americans thousands of dollars per year, likely boosting spending and stimulating the economy.

IN FULL

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in July, will reduce federal taxes for individual filers by an average of $3,752 in 2026, according to new estimates from the Tax Foundation. The legislation marks the most significant update to federal tax policy since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which the America First leader also pioneered.

The OBBBA permanently extends the individual tax cuts first enacted under the TCJA, previously scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Without this extension, roughly 62 percent of taxpayers would have seen their taxes increase starting in 2026. The law also introduces new tax breaks for individuals and businesses, including deductions for tips and overtime income, a larger standard deduction, and an expanded Child Tax Credit.

“The OBBBA not only prevents a major tax increase for most filers but introduces new relief aimed at working households,” said Erica York, senior economist at the Tax Foundation.

It also maintains 100 percent bonus depreciation for businesses and allows continued full expensing for domestic research and development (R&D) costs. Previously, these changes were slated to be phased out or reduced.

The Tax Foundation projects that the law will support the creation of around 938,000 full-time equivalent jobs over the long term.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

1 hour ago
William Upton
Breaking

BREAKING: Times Square Evacuated, NYPD Responds to ‘Suspicious Package.’

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) bomb squad responded to a suspicious package at the department’s 43rd and 7th Street precinct in Times Square on Monday. Several area streets were blocked off while a bomb disposal technician examined the package lying on a sidewalk.

According to the NYPD, the greater Times Square area, usually packed with thousands of tourists, has been evacuated. Officials say they were first alerted to the suspicious package after a 911 call at 10:32 AM on Monday.

This is a developing story. 

show less
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) bomb squad responded to a suspicious package at the department's 43rd and 7th Street precinct in Times Square on Monday. Several area streets were blocked off while a bomb disposal technician examined the package lying on a sidewalk. show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
Crime

The Data Shows Trump Takeover Has Crushed Crime in DC:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal and local law enforcement agents in Washington, D.C., made 68 arrests on Saturday night, with over 300 arrests since President Donald J. Trump federalized D.C. law enforcement and deployed National Guard troops on August 11. D.C. Police Union data shows significant declines in D.C. crime, particularly carjackings and robberies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, National Guard troops, and federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the D.C. Police Union, and D.C. residents.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., Saturday night, with ongoing efforts since August 11.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Just last night, our federal and D.C. law enforcement partners made 68 arrests and seized 15 illegal firearms. Homicide suspects, drug traffickers, and more are being charged.” – Pam Bondi

🎯IMPACT: The increased law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C. appears to be improving public safety and cutting crime.

IN FULL

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that federal agents, working alongside the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), arrested 68 crime suspects on Saturday night, bringing the total to over 300 since President Donald J. Trump announced his crime crackdown on August 11. Meanwhile, the D.C. Police Union has released data showing massive declines in several crime categories.

Overall, police union data shows crime is down by eight percent—but the fall in carjackings, which have become particularly prevalent in the Democrat-dominated city, is far more dramatic, with an 83 percent decline. Robberies are also down by 46 percent, with a smaller but still significant 22 percent decline in violent crime generally.

Last week, President Trump federalized the MPD and mobilized National Guard units to the District of Columbia alongside personnel from federal law enforcement agencies as part of a 30-day initiative to curb violent crime in the American capital.

The National Guard troops and MPD are working alongside federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Additionally, the MPD, under federalization, has agreed to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when detaining illegal immigrants.

“Just last night, our federal and D.C. law enforcement partners made 68 arrests and seized 15 illegal firearms. Homicide suspects, drug traffickers, and more are being charged,” Bondi wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Late Friday, a federal court temporarily blocked the federalization of the D.C. police, but relented after the Department of Justice (DOJ) revised part of its directive to allow the city’s police chief to remain in place. President Trump has expressed a desire to work with the GOP-controlled Congress to extend his control over the capital city beyond the 30-day emergency authority.

Currently, about 800 National Guard troops are stationed in D.C., with an additional 700 expected to arrive from Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia this week.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
Election Integrity
News

Trump Mounts Campaign to Ban Mail-In Ballots and Voting Machines.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced a campaign to eliminate mail-in voting and replace voting machines with more secure, traditional voting methods.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Democrats, and voters in the United States.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Monday morning on Truth Social.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Remember, the States are merely an ‘agent’ for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes. They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do. ” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The proposed changes aim to address concerns over election integrity and prevent alleged voter fraud.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump unveiled a new initiative on his Truth Social platform early Monday to eliminate mail-in ballots, denouncing their widespread use as a source of “MASSIVE VOTER FRAUD.”

The expansion of mail-in voting surged before the 2020 election, with Democrats citing the COVID-19 pandemic as their rationale for its necessity. While states like Colorado and Washington already relied on mail-in voting, others were unprepared with adequate safeguards to ensure election integrity for the surge in remote ballots.

“I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while we’re at it, Highly ‘Inaccurate,’ Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES,” Trump declared. He proposed adopting “accurate and sophisticated Watermark Paper” to streamline the voting process and ensure more precise election results.

Trump warned that Democrats, whom he accused of depending on these systems to secure victories, would fiercely resist efforts to abolish mail-in voting and problematic voting machines. “ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS,” he asserted.

The America First leader also revealed plans to issue an executive order to promote “HONESTY” in the 2026 midterm elections, insisting that states must adhere to federal mandates to protect election integrity. “Remember, the States are merely an ‘agent’ for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes. They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do,” he argued, concluding: “REMEMBER, WITHOUT FAIR AND HONEST ELECTIONS, AND STRONG AND POWERFUL BORDERS, YOU DON’T HAVE EVEN A SEMBLANCE OF A COUNTRY.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

3 hours ago
Media

MSNBC to Dump Toxic Brand for Incoherent New Name…

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: MSNBC will be rebranded as My Source News Opinion World (MS NOW), dropping the NBC from its name as part of a broader separation from NBCUniversal and its reputation as a far-left news network.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Versant CEO Mark Lazarus, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler, and NBCUniversal leadership.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The rebranding will take place in the coming months after Versant’s separation from NBCUniversal is finalized.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The peacock is synonymous with NBCUniversal, and it is a symbol they have decided to keep within the NBCU family.” – Mark Lazarus

🎯IMPACT: The major rebranding effort, including a new logo and marketing campaign, is aimed at attempting to redefine MSNBC’s identity as it transitions to MS NOW.

IN FULL

MSNBC will soon become My Source News Opinion World (MS NOW), signaling a significant rebranding effort as the network separates from NBCUniversal and becomes part of the new cable entity Versant. The name change reflects the leftist network’s attempt to distance itself from its toxic reputation as “MSDNC,” in reference to its partisan reporting effectively on behalf of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Democrats more broadly.

Earlier this year, while still under the NBCUniversal umbrella, MSNBC jettisoned long-time liberal hosts Joy Reid and Ayman Mohyeldin. The network’s viewership has cratered since the 2024 presidential election, with its liberal viewers abandoning it over its lack of reality-based reporting. Notably, Morning Joe anchor Joe Scarborough claimed ahead of the 2024 election that “This version of [former President Joe] Biden, intellectually, analytically, is the best Biden ever, not a close second, and I’ve known him for years,” only to turn against the elderly Democrat after an incoherent debate performance against Donald J. Trump.

Versant CEO Mark Lazarus announced the change on Monday, emphasizing that the rebranding aligns with the network’s mission. Lazarus stated, “The peacock is synonymous with NBCUniversal, and it is a symbol they have decided to keep within the NBCU family.”

The transition, which will occur in the coming months, includes a new logo for MS NOW. While the peacock logo will be retired, the network will retain its recognizable red and blue color scheme. This decision follows earlier reports suggesting MSNBC would keep its name post-spin-off, which have now been corrected.

Other changes within MSNBC include leadership shifts, such as the departure of former president Rashida Jones and the appointment of Rebecca Kutler. Programming adjustments and staff relocations have also been part of the network’s evolution. Kutler informed employees of plans for a “broad-based marketing campaign” to promote the rebranding.

The rebranding is not limited to MSNBC. Versant’s other networks featuring the peacock logo, such as CNBC and Golf Channel, will also unveil new logos. CNBC will retain its name, while sports programming from USA Network and Golf Channel will merge under the banner of USA Sports.

Image by Adam Fagen.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

3 hours ago
Crime
News

DC Crime Crackdown: A Guardsman Just Saved a Cop at the National Mall.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A National Guardsman intervened to stop an assault on a Park Police officer at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., amid President Donald J. Trump’s federalization of law enforcement in the American capital.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Staff Sergeant Hector Amaya of the D.C. Air National Guard and a Park Police officer.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 16, 2025, at the National Mall, Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I want people to see that we’re human beings, we’re their neighbors, we’re their friends, and we’re just here to help.” – Staff Sgt. Amaya

🎯IMPACT: The incident highlights the positive role of the National Guard in supporting public safety.

IN FULL

A District of Columbia Air National Guardsman intervened to stop an assault on a Park Police officer on August 16, amid President Donald J. Trump’s federalization of law enforcement in the American capital. The officer was directing traffic when the incident at the National Mall, one of the most visited landmarks in Washington, D.C., took place.

Staff Sergeant Hector Amaya, a security forces officer with the 113th Squadron, was patrolling the area with fellow airmen when he responded to the officer’s call for help. “The park police officer asked for our help, and I was the first one to catch up, and was able to detain him to the park police and turn him over,” Amaya stated.

Reflecting on his actions, Amaya expressed pride in serving the community where he has lived his entire life. “I have grown up and lived my entire life in the DMV. I remember coming here when I was in fifth grade for field trips, and all the way now into my 20s, I’m still coming to DC., so I care a lot about this city,” he said.

“I want people to see that we’re human beings, we’re their neighbors, we’re their friends, and we’re just here to help,” Amaya added, referring to the hostile reception some federal personnel have been receiving from far-left activists—including a now-former Department of Justice (DOJ) employee who assaulted a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent.

President Trump has surged hundreds of National Guardsmen and personnel from federal law enforcement agencies into D.C., citing figures showing the American capital has worse homicide rates than many Third World capitals as evidence of a crime emergency.

Liberal critics of the America First leader claim D.C. statistics do not support the federalization, but the Fraternal Order of Police argue the crime statistics are being falsified, with one D.C. police commander already facing charges for allegedly doctoring the data to make crime appear lower.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

4 hours ago
Wake Up Right
Crime
Immigration

Illegal Alien Truck Driver Kills Three.

An illegal alien driving a semi-truck caused a deadly crash on Florida’s Turnpike, killing three—an unnecessary tragedy due to Democrat sanctuary policies.

The details: Last week, Harjinder Singh—who crossed the southern border illegally in 2018—attempted an illegal U-turn in a tractor-trailer through a turnaround meant for emergency vehicles only.

  • Singh made the hard left turn from the right lane despite a minivan driving in the left lane. The minivan could not slow down in time and slammed into the truck.
  • Dashcam and cellphone footage showed Singh with no visible signs of remorse during and after the events unfolded.

The victims: The 30-year-old driver was transported to the hospital, where he died. His passengers—a 37-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man—were both pronounced dead at the scene. Singh and his passenger were unharmed.

Who let him drive a semi truck? California. The Democrat-run state issued a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to the illegal alien.

Back up: A law passed in 2013 allows California residents to obtain a CDL regardless of their immigration status.

Zoom out: Today, illegals can obtain a CDL from Democrat-run states like California, New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and more than a dozen others.

Real talk from G: It’s bad enough that this illegal alien was occupying a good-paying job meant for American citizens. But putting him behind the wheel of a deadly piece of machinery should be criminal negligence, and whoever gave him his license should be criminally liable.

What happens next? Singh faces three counts of vehicular homicide and is being held on an ICE detainer. Authorities confirmed he will be deported after serving any state sentence.

Be sure to subscribe to the Wake Up Right newsletter! 

show less
An illegal alien driving a semi-truck caused a deadly crash on Florida's Turnpike, killing three—an unnecessary tragedy due to Democrat sanctuary policies. show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

August 16, 2025
News

Laura Loomer, Under Oath, Says Lindsey Graham is Gay.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Laura Loomer, during a deposition in her defamation lawsuit against HBO, claimed that sources close to President Donald Trump told her that Senator Lindsey Graham is gay.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Laura Loomer, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, HBO, and comedian Bill Maher.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The deposition took place as part of Loomer’s lawsuit against HBO, with details briefly made public before being sealed again.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I was asked about Lindsey during my deposition so I had to tell the truth. I was under oath.” – Laura Loomer

🎯IMPACT: Loomer’s comments and the deposition have reignited discussions about Graham’s personal life and her controversial rhetoric targeting political figures.

IN FULL

Laura Loomer, an investigative reporter with ties to President Donald Trump, claimed during a deposition in a defamation lawsuit against HBO that Senator Lindsey Graham is gay. The lawsuit stems from comments made by comedian Bill Maher, who joked about Loomer having an affair with Trump. Loomer alleges the remarks damaged her career and political prospects.

During questioning by HBO’s legal team, Loomer was asked about her past comments on social media regarding Graham’s sexuality.

She stated, “I called him ‘gay.’ It’s well-known. Several of President Trump’s staff have told me in confidence that — that Lindsey Graham is gay.”

She added that Republican insiders allegedly observed Graham bringing male companions to dinners, while noting, “I will say that he never denied being gay after I said that.”

Graham, who has never married, has faced similar rumors in the past. His re-election campaign in South Carolina is currently being led by establishment consultant Chris LaCivita. He is being openly challenged by Project 2025 author and MAGA stalwart Paul Dans.

HBO’s attorneys also raised other controversial remarks made by Loomer, including her attack on former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, where she described him as “weak” and used the term “gay” in a non-sexual context to imply a lack of masculinity.

The deposition also touched on Loomer’s comments about Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. When asked to explain her remark about Greene allegedly having “Arby’s in her pants,” Loomer claimed it was “just an expression” and denied any sexual implication. Pressed further, Loomer stated, “I’m saying she literally put Arby’s in her pants. Yes.”

Loomer later took to social media to defend her statements, writing, “I was asked about Lindsey during my deposition so I had to tell the truth. I was under oath.” The deposition, briefly made public before being sealed, has fueled further scrutiny of Loomer’s rhetoric and ongoing legal disputes.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

August 15, 2025
Lauren Gallagher
Immigration

Trump DOJ Gives Sanctuary Jurisdictions One Week to Submit to Immigration Law.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide have a week to comply with federal immigration laws or face action from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the DOJ, sanctuary cities, counties, and states.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 2025, United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Any sanctuary Jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court.” – Pam Bondi

🎯IMPACT: Sanctuary jurisdictions are directed to stop obstructing federal law enforcement, those who refuse to comply face DOJ action.

IN FULL

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Thursday that 32 letters have been sent out to sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide, giving them a week to comply with federal immigration laws or face action from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Any sanctuary Jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court,” she warned in a statement posted to social media. “Today, the Justice Department delivered demand letters to sanctuary cities, countries, and states—a key step in our strategic effort to eradicate sanctuary policies from California to New York.”

When questioned by the media on whether temporary federalization of local police departments could be done beyond Washington, D.C., she reiterated, “I just sent sanctuary city letters to 32 mayors around the country and multiple governors, saying, ‘You better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you aren’t, we’re going to come after you.’ And they have, I think, a week to respond to me, so let’s see who responds and how they respond.”

Recalling the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley by an illegal alien, Bondi pledged that the DOJ would “continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

August 15, 2025
Crime

This Township Has a Plan to Hold Parents Responsible for Teen Crime.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Gloucester Township, New Jersey, passed a new ordinance allowing fines or jail time for parents if their children cause public disturbances.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Gloucester Township Council, Chief David Harkins, local law enforcement, and community members.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ordinance was adopted on July 28, 2025, in Gloucester Township, New Jersey.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’ve gotten overwhelming support from our community. People recognize the need for parental responsibility.” – Chief David Harkins

🎯IMPACT: The ordinance aims to encourage parental accountability and prevent youths from entering the juvenile justice system.

IN FULL

In Gloucester Township, New Jersey, a new ordinance effective from July allows fines up to $2,000 or jail time for parents whose children cause public disturbances. The Gloucester Township Council adopted the measure on July 28, prompted by disruptions at community events, notably during the township’s annual community day in June 2024.

Police Chief David Harkins explained that the ordinance followed an incident where around 500 unsupervised teens disrupted a family event, leading to police intervention requiring support from nearby towns. Ten juveniles aged 13 to 17 and two others were arrested. “I’ve never experienced anything like it in 30 years as a police officer—the disrespect, the violent behavior that ruined a family event,” Harkins said.

The police chief noted strong community backing for the ordinance, stating, “We’ve gotten overwhelming support from our community. People recognize the need for parental responsibility.”

The ordinance stipulates that for a first offense, parents may be required to supervise their child. A second offense could result in fines, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Harkins clarified the intent is prevention, not punishment: “We’re not looking to put anybody in jail. This is about warning parents and due process.”

The police department will provide information sheets and warnings to parents of minors taken into custody, alongside support like a full-time social worker and parenting classes. “We understand being a parent is a tough job,” Harkins said. “We’re committed to giving help to those that need it.”

No parents have faced charges under the ordinance yet.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad