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August 14, 2023
News

Trump’s New York Judge – A Biden Donor – Refuses to Recuse Himself.

The judge presiding over the criminal case against former President Donald J. Trump in Manhattan, Judge Juan M. Merchan, is refusing to recuse himself from the proceedings despite his political donations and family connections. The judge rejected all the arguments put forth by Trump’s legal team in a decision dated August 11th and released on Monday.

Merchan, who presided over the trial involving The Trump Organization last year as well as the case against Trump advisor Stephen K. Bannon, donated to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign while his daughter currently works for a marketing firm which helps Democratic Party candidates and openly campaigned for Kamala Harris in 2020.

The trial in Manhattan is scheduled for March 2024, though Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg has indicated a willingness to change the date if requested by other prosecutors involved in cases against Trump.

By Popular Demand.
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April 17, 2026
The National Pulse
News

War is Over (Probably?) – April 17th, 2026.

Tonight: Trump declares Strait of Hormuz reopen and Israel “PROHIBITED” from bombing Lebanon. Plus: young men driving a religious revival, Newsom’s PAC spent $1.5m buying his own book, Congress’s $18m sexual harassment slush fund, the FISA fight, D.C. crime plunging, Air Canada grounded, and more.

The National Pulse
Nightly.
Friday, April 17, 2026  •  Nº 7
Where MAGA goes to know.
Presented by  —  Advertise here: media@thenationalpulse.com
Photo of the Day
Photo of the Day
President Donald J. Trump participates in an interview with Fox’s Maria Bartiromo, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House.
PHOTO: JOYCE N. BOGHOSIAN
— From the Editor —
Markets are rebounding. Bitcoin’s back up. Oil prices are falling. Gas prices will soon follow. Still, the uncertainty around Trump’s imminent deal with Iran is causing distress in DC and beyond. We’ll follow the details along closely, and bring you the news, in brief, as ever.
Welcome to The National Pulse Nightly, which goes out every day to subscribed members, and every Friday to my wider audience (in the hopes that you’ll all sign up). Enjoy the real news.
Raheem J. Kassam
Editor-in-Chief
Tonight’s Briefing
Foreign Policy
1. Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz Reopen, Israel ‘PROHIBITED’ From Bombing Lebanon.
The president claims a “great victory” as Iran commits to reopening the strait — and tells Israel its Lebanon campaign is over.
■ Pulse Points  /  Make Lebanon Great Again?
What Happened —  President Trump declared a “great victory” in the Middle East, with Iran committing to “fully” reopen the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Trump also declared Israel is “PROHIBITED” from carrying out further attacks in Lebanon by the U.S.
The Detail —  The Strait of Hormuz is a key supply route for energy and fertilizer, and its closure by Iran caused fuel shortages and price rises worldwide. Trump insists the reopening is not tied to the Lebanon ceasefire, but announced on Truth Social that Israel “will not be bombing Lebanon any longer.” Israel had pushed for weeks of additional strikes against Hezbollah targets.
Key Quote —  “This deal is not tied, in any way, to Lebanon, but we will, MAKE LEBANON GREAT AGAIN!” – President Donald J. Trump
Impact —  The reopening could stabilize global oil markets and ease a jet fuel crisis threatening hundreds of thousands of flight cancellations. Oil and gas prices have already dropped, but the situation remains fragile, with claims the Lebanon ceasefire is already being violated. Trump responded negatively to a belated UK-France proposal for a multinational passage mission, writing that he “TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY.”
● ● ●
Religion · Data
2. Young Men Are Driving a Surprise Revival in Religious Faith.
Gallup finds young men now surpass young women in viewing religion as “very important” for the first time in 25 years.
■ Pulse Points  /  Bastion of Faith
What Happened —  A Gallup poll from 2024-2025 shows that 42 percent of young men now consider religion “very important,” a significant leap from 28 percent in 2022-2023, surpassing young women, who remain steady at 30 percent.
The Detail —  This marks a reversal of a long-standing trend. The change is largely concentrated among young Republicans, while religious participation among young Democrats has stayed the same or declined. Experts suggest social isolation, political identity, and the search for community may be driving the shift. The gender gap reversal is mainly limited to people under 30.
Key Quote —  “With the recent surge in their attachment to religion, young men have returned to the high point of their expressed religiosity of the past 25 years. By contrast, women of all age groups and older men are at or near their historical lows.” – Gallup
Impact —  Positive trends have been seen in the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, Britain, and France, which recorded a record number of adult baptisms in 2026.
● ● ●
Democrats
3. Newsom PAC Spent Over $1.5m Boosting Sales of His Memoir With Donor Cash.
Two-thirds of the governor’s book sales were bulk purchases by his own political action committee.
■ Pulse Points  /  Young Man in a Hurry (to Buy His Own Book)
What Happened —  Gavin Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy Committee spent $1,561,875 purchasing copies of his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, and distributing them to donors who contributed any amount to his PAC.
The Detail —  The book distribution accounted for approximately two-thirds of the memoir’s total print sales, with about 67,000 copies sent to donors. The book appeared on the New York Times best-seller list but was marked with a dagger indicating a mix of organic and bulk sales. The $1.5 million was easily the single largest expense for Newsom’s federal PAC in Q1 2026.
Flashback —  The memoir glosses over Newsom’s controversial relationship with a 19-year-old college student when he was the 39-year-old Mayor of San Francisco. However, it does acknowledge that he destroyed the marriage of his deputy chief of staff by having an affair with the man’s wife.
● ● ●
Corruption
4. You Owe $18 Million to Cover for Congressional Sexual Harassment.
Congress quietly settled nearly 300 workplace disputes with taxpayer funds — and the names remain hidden.
■ Pulse Points  /  The Slush Fund
What Happened —  Between 1997 and 2019, Congress used over $18 million in taxpayer funds to settle nearly 300 workplace disputes, including claims of sexual harassment, through the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR).
The Detail —  Reforms in 2018 mandated that lawmakers repay settlement costs, but critics argue the system still lacks transparency, as the names of lawmakers involved are often hidden. House Oversight has moved to subpoena records of past settlements.
Key Quote —  “A friendly reminder that House Oversight subpoenaed the records of the congressional sexual harassment slush fund and we will be releasing them. Maybe we’ll see more resignations, you never know.” – Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL)
Impact —  The 2019 report is back in the spotlight following allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who has suspended a bid for Governor and resigned from Congress amid a slew of accusations of sexual harassment and rape.
● ● ●
Surveillance
5. Senate Passes Brief Extension of FISA Surveillance Powers After Fight Among House GOP.
Twenty Republican holdouts forced a 10-day stopgap after derailing Speaker Johnson’s 18-month extension.
■ Pulse Points  /  Ten Days to Figure It Out
What Happened —  The House passed a 10-day extension of Section 702 of FISA early Friday after overnight votes in which 20 Republican lawmakers demanding reforms derailed a longer extension. The Senate passed the stopgap unanimously the same morning.
The Detail —  Section 702 allows U.S. intelligence agencies to monitor non-citizen communications abroad without a standard warrant. House Republicans want reforms including warrant requirements to prevent abuses against U.S. citizens. Speaker Johnson pushed for an 18-month extension, but conservative opposition forced the shorter stopgap.
Flashback —  Trump backed the long-term extension despite FISA having been weaponized against him during the Russia collusion investigation. He wrote on Truth Social: “I am willing to risk the giving up of my Rights and Privileges as a Citizen for our Great Military and Country!”
● ● ●
Crime
6. D.C. Sees Plunge in Murders, Carjackings, Under Tough-on-Crime Regime.
Murder rates on track for a historic low — down from 274 under Biden to a projected 42 this year.
■ Pulse Points  /  The Pirro Effect
What Happened —  Washington, D.C., is on track to record approximately 42 murders this year, the lowest since at least 1930 — a dramatic decrease from 274 murders two years ago under Biden. Carjackings have dropped 44 percent.
The Detail —  The decline is attributed to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who has prosecuted offenders much more aggressively than Biden-era predecessors, seeking capital punishment in the most severe cases. Federal law enforcement and the National Guard have been deployed to compensate for local police staffing cuts by the Democrat-dominated city council. A policy of not charging juveniles as adults has been reversed, pushing the arrest-to-offense ratio for carjackings from 25 percent to 58 percent.
Impact —  The Trump administration’s changes have created a significantly more hostile environment for criminals. However, a surge in killings in recent days, attributed to “interpersonal violence between groups,” suggests there is still work to do.
● ● ●
Economy · Energy
7. Air Canada is Suspending Flights to New York.
Jet fuel costs have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict, making the JFK route uneconomic.
■ Pulse Points  /  Grounded
What Happened —  Air Canada will suspend flights from Toronto and Montreal to JFK Airport between June 1 and October 25, citing unsustainable jet fuel costs driven by the Iran conflict. The airline will continue serving LaGuardia and Newark.
The Detail —  Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled during the Iran conflict, reaching $4.32 per gallon, up from $2.50 before the war. Airlines including Lufthansa and Delta have already announced cost-cutting measures. Although oil prices have shown some recent decline after the Strait of Hormuz was declared reopened, uncertainty remains.
Key Quote —  “As jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict and some lower profitability routes and flights are no longer economic, we are making schedule adjustments accordingly.” – Air Canada spokesman
● ● ●
Immigration · Europe
8. Afghan Migrant Charged With Raping Rescue Animals.
A 19-year-old Afghan caught on camera abusing sheep and goats at a French educational farm near Marseille.
■ Pulse Points  /  Caught on Camera
What Happened —  A 19-year-old Afghan migrant was arrested in France for allegedly raping sheep and goats at an educational farm near Marseille. The animals were found tied up and injured, prompting farm owners to install cameras that captured the acts.
The Detail —  Police arrested the suspect on April 10 after catching him in the act. DNA evidence linked him to multiple abused animals. He arrived in France in November 2025 and was awaiting residency. He has been ordered held in pre-trial detention ahead of a trial scheduled for June 22.
Flashback —  The incident comes weeks after a case in Italy involving migrants who allegedly sexually abused a kitten in Rome, sparking major protests.
Featured
Video.
Jazz Night at Butterworth's
Watch
Raheem Kassam hosts jazz night at his Washington, D.C. bar and restaurant, Butterworth’s. Sammy Miller and the Congregation played in front of an audience including top D.C. movers and shakers, Congressional staff, White House and agency officials, and locals.
On This Day
In History.
1790
Benjamin Franklin dies in Philadelphia at the age of 84.
1861
Virginia secedes from the Union, becoming the eighth state to join the Confederacy.
1961
The Bay of Pigs invasion begins as CIA-trained Cuban exiles land at the Bahía de Cochinos. The operation is a disaster.
1969
Sirhan Sirhan is convicted of assassinating Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
1970
The Apollo 13 crew splashes down safely in the Pacific after their harrowing ordeal. “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
The National Pulse
Where MAGA Goes to Know.

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Tonight: Trump declares Strait of Hormuz reopen and Israel "PROHIBITED" from bombing Lebanon. Plus: young men driving a religious revival, Newsom's PAC spent $1.5m buying his own book, Congress's $18m sexual harassment slush fund, the FISA fight, D.C. crime plunging, Air Canada grounded, and more.

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.

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April 17, 2026
NatSec
News
Science

Trump Directs FBI to Investigate Disappearance of Key NASA and Nuclear Scientists.

The White House has tasked the FBI with investigating a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances involving scientists tied to sensitive national security programs, including nuclear projects.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate potential connections between recent disappearances and deaths of U.S. scientists involved in space and defense projects. The White House announced the effort amid growing concerns about the mysterious circumstances surrounding at least 10 cases.
📺 DETAIL: Among the most notable cases is retired Air Force General William “Neil” McCasland, who went missing in New Mexico after leaving home without his phone or watch. Several other Americans tied to high-level research in aerospace, national security, and advanced technology have also died or disappeared in recent years in questionable circumstances. The White House said the FBI will lead a coordinated inquiry to determine whether there is any link between the cases, with Trump promising that “no stone will be unturned” and the public will receive answers.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “I hope it is random, but we are going to know in the next week and a half… Hopefully, coincidence… but some of them were very important people, and we are going to look at it.” – President Donald J. Trump
🎯 IMPACT: The investigation could uncover potential threats to national security and provide clarity on whether foreign actors are targeting American scientists. The clustering of cases involving individuals with access to classified or sensitive information has raised alarm among lawmakers and fueled speculation about links to UFO research and national security secrets.

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The White House has tasked the FBI with investigating a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances involving scientists tied to sensitive national security programs, including nuclear projects.

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.
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April 17, 2026
News

Another Kanye Concert Has Been Cancelled.

Poland’s Silesian Stadium canceled Kanye West’s scheduled performance over his past antisemitic remarks and promotion of Nazi iconography.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Kanye “Ye” West’s June 19 concert at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów, Poland, has been canceled for “formal and legal reasons,” linked to his history of antisemitic and pro-Nazi statements.
📺 DETAIL: West, who has faced backlash for selling swastika-themed merchandise and releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” previously apologized for his actions, attributing them to struggles with bipolar disorder. However, Polish officials, including Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska, have condemned the booking as “unacceptable,” citing Poland’s history under Nazi occupation and its laws criminalizing the promotion of Nazi symbols. The cancellation follows West being banned from entering the United Kingdom for a festival performance.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “This is a deliberate crossing of boundaries and the normalization of hatred. Culture cannot be a space for those who exploit it to spread hatred.” – Marta Cienkowska, Poland’s Culture and Heritage Minister
🎯 IMPACT: The cancellation underscores Poland’s sensitivity to Nazi-related controversies, given its brutal invasion and occupation by Germany in 1939, and adds to the growing list of international repercussions that West has faced over his past remarks and actions. Notably, Poland also outlaws political parties based upon “the modes of activity of… communism” in its constitution, and banned the Polish Communist Party in 2025.
📺 FLASHBACK: Prior to West’s ban from entering the United Kingdom, Festival Republic managing director Melvin Benn defended booking him, arguing, “Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world.”

Image by Jason Persse.

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Poland's Silesian Stadium canceled Kanye West's scheduled performance over his past antisemitic remarks and promotion of Nazi iconography.

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.

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April 17, 2026
News
War

Air Canada is Suspending Flights to New York.

Air Canada is halting flights to JFK Airport this summer due to skyrocketing jet fuel costs caused by the Iran war, highlighting the global impact of the energy crisis on air travel.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Air Canada announced it will suspend flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York’s JFK Airport between June 1 and October 25, citing unsustainable jet fuel costs driven by the ongoing Iran conflict. The airline will continue to serve New York’s LaGuardia and Newark airports, offering alternative travel arrangements to affected customers.
📍 WHEN & WHERE: The suspension begins June 1 and lasts through October 25, affecting flights to JFK Airport from Toronto and Montreal.
📺 DETAIL: Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled during the ongoing Iran conflict, making some routes economically unviable, especially less profitable ones, while fuel and labor costs continue to strain airline finances. In response, other airlines are raising fees or cutting services to manage rising expenses. Although oil prices have shown some recent decline after the Strait of Hormuz was declared reopened, uncertainty remains in global energy markets. Experts warn of a broader energy crisis, with Europe facing critically low jet fuel reserves, contributing to wider aviation disruptions, including grounded planes and the risk of further service cuts worldwide.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “As jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict and some lower profitability routes and flights are no longer economic, we are making schedule adjustments accordingly.” – Air Canada spokesman.
🎯 IMPACT: The decision underscores the growing strain on airlines globally, with jet fuel prices reaching $4.32 per gallon, up from $2.50 before the Iran war. Airlines like Lufthansa and Delta have already announced cost-cutting measures, with some carriers raising fees or scaling back operations.

Image by Aknell4.

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Air Canada is halting flights to JFK Airport this summer due to skyrocketing jet fuel costs caused by the Iran war, highlighting the global impact of the energy crisis on air travel.

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.
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April 17, 2026
Corruption
News

You Owe $18 Million to Cover for Congressional Sexual Harrassment.

Congress used taxpayer funds to settle nearly 300 workplace disputes, sparking calls for greater transparency and accountability.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A report revealed that between 1997 and 2019, Congress used over $18 million in taxpayer funds to settle nearly 300 workplace disputes, including claims of sexual harassment. The settlements were handled through the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR), with payments coming from the U.S. Treasury.
📺 DETAIL: The taxpayer-funded system was established under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. Reforms in 2018 mandated that lawmakers repay settlement costs, but despite these changes, critics argue the system still lacks transparency, as the names of the lawmakers involved are often hidden. Calls for greater disclosure have grown, including a recent motion by the House Oversight Committee to subpoena records of past settlements.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “A friendly reminder that House Oversight subpoenaed the records of the congressional sexual harassment slush fund and we will be releasing them. Maybe we’ll see more resignations, you never know.” – Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL)
🎯 IMPACT: The 2019 report, which covers disputes over issues such as pay and discrimination as well as harassment, is back in the spotlight following allegations of serious misconduct against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA). Swalwell has had to suspend a bid for Governor of California and resign from Congress amid a slew of accusations of sexual harassment and rape, which are being investigated by the authorities in at least two states.
📺 FLASHBACK: House Oversight Committee passed a motion from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) to subpoena the OCWR in March. It ordered “the release of all awards and settlements paid pursuant to Section 415 of the Congressional Accountability Act prior to December 12, 2018 for misconduct by Members of Congress.”

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Congress used taxpayer funds to settle nearly 300 workplace disputes, sparking calls for greater transparency and accountability. show more
By Popular Demand.
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April 17, 2026
Crime

D.C. Sees Plunge in Murders, Carjackings, Under Tough-on-Crime Regime.

Washington, D.C., is experiencing a significant decrease in violent crime, with murder rates projected to hit a historic low.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Washington, D.C., is on track to record approximately 42 murders this year, marking the lowest number since at least 1930. This is a dramatic decrease from two years ago, under former President Joe Biden, when the U.S. capital saw 274 murders. Carjackings have also seen a significant reduction, dropping by 44 percent.
📰 DETAIL: The decline in crime rates is attributed to several key changes, including the appointment of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who has prosecuted offenders much more aggressively than Biden-era predecessors, seeking capital punishment in the most severe cases. Additionally, federal law enforcement and the National Guard have been deployed to compensate for a significant reduction in local police staffing, a result of budget cuts by the Democrat-dominated city council. Notably, a policy of not charging juveniles as adults has also been reversed, leading to a higher arrest-to-offense ratio for carjackings, which increased from 25 percent to 58 percent last year.
🎯 IMPACT: Washington, D.C., is becoming safer thanks to the decline in violent crimes. The changes in prosecution and law enforcement presence, driven by the Trump administration, have created a significantly more hostile environment for criminals than in previous years, potentially deterring future offenses. However, while the number of homicides is trending down significantly, there has been a surge in killings in recent days, attributed to “interpersonal violence between groups of individuals” by law enforcement, suggesting there is still work to do to make the U.S. capital safer.
Austin Justice

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Washington, D.C., is experiencing a significant decrease in violent crime, with murder rates projected to hit a historic low.

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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.
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April 17, 2026
News
War

Trump Declares Stait of Hormuz Reopen, Israel ‘PROHIBITED’ From Bombing Lebanon by U.S.

President Donald J. Trump has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is being reopened, and that Israel is “PROHIBITED” from bombing Lebanon, where a ceasefire has been declared, by the U.S.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has declared a “great victory” in the Middle East, with Iran committing to “fully” reopen the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, where the Israeli military has been attacking Iran’s Hezbollah allies. Trump has also declared that Israel is “PROHIBITED” from carrying out further attacks in Lebanon by the U.S.
📺 DETAIL: The Strait of Hormuz is a key supply route for energy and fertilizer supplies, and its closure by Iran has caused fuel shortages and price rises. While Trump insists its reopening is not tied to the Lebanon ceasefire, he announced on his Truth Social platform that “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!! Thank you!” Notably, Israel had been much less keen to agree to the Iran ceasefire with Iran than the U.S., pushing for weeks of additional strikes to secure its national objectives.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “This deal is not tied, in any way, to Lebanon, but we will, MAKE LEBANON GREAT AGAIN!” – President Donald J. Trump
🎯 IMPACT: The reopening of the strait could stabilize global oil markets and ease economic pressures worldwide, such as a jet fuel crisis poised to cause the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of flights worldwide. Oil and gas prices have already dropped, but the situation remains fragile, with claims that the Lebanon ceasefire is already being violated and international leaders in the United Kingdom and France planning a multinational mission to ensure passage through the strait. President Trump has responded negatively to this belated initiative, writing on social media that he “TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. [NATO was] useless when needed, a Paper Tiger.”

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President Donald J. Trump has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is being reopened, and that Israel is "PROHIBITED" from bombing Lebanon, where a ceasefire has been declared, by the U.S.

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By Popular Demand.
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April 17, 2026
Immigration
News

ICE Director Todd Lyons Will Resign in May.

Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is stepping down at the end of May, amid concerns that the Trump administration is backing off its original mass deportation goals.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons will resign effective May 31, as announced by new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Lyons has been a central figure in President Donald J. Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, which appear to be undergoing major changes following the deadly shootings of two anti-ICE agitators in Minnesota by federal law enforcement.
📺 DETAIL: Lyons, appointed acting director in March 2025, led ICE through high-profile immigration enforcement actions in locations including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis, in the face of fierce opposition from Democrat officials and pro-illegal immigration street activists. After two of these activists were killed in Minnesota during confrontations with federal officers, the Minneapolis operation was wound down, with the Trump administration signaling a move away from true mass deportations and towards a narrower objective of deporting only known violent criminals at scale.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “His courageous work at ICE has saved countless thousands of American lives and helped deliver safety and tranquility to millions of Americans.” – Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy
🎯 IMPACT: Lyons’s successor will inherit an agency with significant resources but ongoing political challenges. Supporters of Trump have formed a Mass Deportation Coalition, urging the President to refocus on his campaign pledge to deport all illegal immigrants from the country, but whether ICE’s new leadership will heed these calls or shrink their focus to the relatively small number of known alien criminals is unclear. Officially, Lyons says he is leaving because his “sons are both reaching a pivotal point in their lives, and my wife and I wish to spend as much time as possible with them.”

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Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is stepping down at the end of May, amid concerns that the Trump administration is backing off its original mass deportation goals.

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By Popular Demand.
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April 17, 2026
Economy
News

Hundreds of Thousands of Flight Cancellations Loom Amid Jet Fuel Crisis.

The Iran war is causing a jet fuel crisis, with the potential to ground hundreds of thousands of flights worldwide; Europe may run out of jet fuel within weeks.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Airlines worldwide are cutting flights as a worsening jet fuel crisis tied to the war involving Iran disrupts global energy supplies and drives up costs. The conflict has restricted key oil routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for fuel transport.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “You could be looking at tens of thousands, potentially hundreds of thousands, of flights being canceled globally.” – Willie Walsh, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director-General
📰 DETAIL:  Jet fuel prices have surged dramatically, nearly doubling in some cases, placing intense financial strain on carriers. Industry experts warn the aviation sector is facing an “existential crisis” as both fuel availability and affordability deteriorate. Airlines across Europe and Asia have already reduced schedules, grounded aircraft, and cut routes. Major carriers such as KLM, Lufthansa, and Scandinavian Airlines are among those scaling back operations. Europe depends heavily on imported jet fuel and could face critically low supplies within weeks if disruptions continue.
🎯 IMPACT: Thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of flights could be canceled if jet fuel supplies dry up, causing travel chaos and likely economic disaster for countries that rely heavily on overseas tourism in places like Europe and Asia. Airlines are already raising ticket prices and adding fuel surcharges to offset rising costs. In the United States, some carriers are trimming less profitable routes or relying on internal reserves to cope. Overall, the trend is expected to result in fewer flights, higher fares, and significant global travel disruptions if fuel supplies do not stabilize.

Image by Panhard.

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The Iran war is causing a jet fuel crisis, with the potential to ground hundreds of thousands of flights worldwide; Europe may run out of jet fuel within weeks.

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By Popular Demand.
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April 17, 2026
News
Religion

DATA: Young Men Are Driving a Surprise Revival in Religious Faith.

A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant rise in religiosity among young men, surpassing young women in viewing religion as “very important” in their lives for the first time in 25 years.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A Gallup poll from 2024-2025 shows that 42 percent of young men now consider religion “very important,” a significant increase from 28 percent in 2022-2023, surpassing young women, who remain steady at 30 percent.
📰 DETAIL: This marks a reversal of a long-standing trend, as young men have now surpassed young women in religiosity for the first time in roughly 25 years. Young women’s religious commitment has remained relatively flat at around 30 percent. The change is largely concentrated among young Republicans, while religious participation among young Democrats, especially women, has stayed the same or declined. Experts suggest factors such as social isolation, political identity, and the search for community may be influencing young men’s growing interest in religion. The gender gap reversal is mainly limited to people under 30, as older women still tend to be more religious than men.
💬KEY QUOTE: “With the recent surge in their attachment to religion, young men have returned to the high point of their expressed religiosity of the past 25 years, roughly tying the 43 percent found in 2000-2001. By contrast, women of all age groups and older men are at or near their historical lows.” – Gallup
🎯 IMPACT: The increase in religiosity among young men, particularly among young Republicans, suggests political dynamics may be influencing religious engagement. The trend contrasts with historically low levels of religiosity in the U.S. overall, highlighting young conservative men as an emerging bastion of faith. Overall, the findings indicate a significant but still uncertain shift in the religious landscape among young Americans. Positive trends have been seen in the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, Britain, and France, which recorded a record number of adult baptisms in 2026.
Gallup

Image by Brooke Ann.

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A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant rise in religiosity among young men, surpassing young women in viewing religion as "very important" in their lives for the first time in 25 years.

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