The Supreme Court has agreed to take up President Trump’s appeal of his removal from the Colorado and Maine ballots, granting his petition for a writ of certiorari on Friday. Oral arguments are set for Thursday, February 8.
🚨BREAKING: The Supreme Court will take up the case of President Trump being removed from the ballot in Colorado and Maine.
Oral arguments on February 8. pic.twitter.com/0Bvtz8NDPj
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 5, 2024
This story is developing.
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.
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— 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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Featured Video. |
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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 BahĂa 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. |
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.
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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.
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âť“ 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. đź“ş 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. đź’¬ 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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show lessThe 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.
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Poland’s Silesian Stadium canceled Kanye West’s scheduled performance over his past antisemitic remarks and promotion of Nazi iconography.
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âť“ WHAT HAPPENED: Kanye “Ye” West’s June 19 concert at the Silesian Stadium in ChorzĂłw, Poland, has been canceled for “formal and legal reasons,” linked to his history of antisemitic and pro-Nazi statements. đź“ş 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. đź’¬ 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. đź“ş 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.” |
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show lessPoland's Silesian Stadium canceled Kanye West's scheduled performance over his past antisemitic remarks and promotion of Nazi iconography.
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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.
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âť“ 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. đź“Ť WHEN & WHERE: The suspension begins June 1 and lasts through October 25, affecting flights to JFK Airport from Toronto and Montreal. đź“ş 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. đź’¬ 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. |
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show lessAir 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.
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Congress used taxpayer funds to settle nearly 300 workplace disputes, sparking calls for greater transparency and accountability.
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âť“ 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. đź“ş 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. đź’¬ 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. đź“ş 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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Washington, D.C., is experiencing a significant decrease in violent crime, with murder rates projected to hit a historic low.
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âť“ 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. đź“° 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. |
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show lessWashington, D.C., is experiencing a significant decrease in violent crime, with murder rates projected to hit a historic low.
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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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âť“ 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. đź“ş 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. đź’¬ 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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show lessPresident 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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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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âť“ 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. đź“ş 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. đź’¬ 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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show lessTodd 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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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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âť“ 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. đź’¬ 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 đź“° 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. |
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show lessThe 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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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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âť“ 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. đź“° 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. đź’¬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. |
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show lessA 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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