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.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Department of Justice has reached an agreement in principle to settle a lawsuit filed by Ashli Babbitt’s family over her shooting during the January 6 Capitol riot.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ashli Babbitt’s family, U.S. Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd, and federal Judge Ana Reyes.

📍 Where & When: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Friday hearing; lawsuit filed in January 2024.

💬 Key Quote: Robert Sticht, lawyer for Babbitt’s family, noted a formal settlement agreement is anticipated within the next three weeks.

⚠️ Impact: The tentative settlement concludes the legal pursuit of $30 million over Babbitt’s death, while President Donald Trump publicly supports the family’s stance and calls for “justice.”

IN FULL:

The Department of Justice has reached an initial settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, days after a federal judge recounted the proceedings. The family filed a $30 million lawsuit against the government over Babbitt’s shooting death during the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Details of the settlement remain undisclosed following the hearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, adjudicated by Judge Ana Reyes. Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd shot Babbitt at point-blank range as rioters breached a window leading to the House Speaker’s Lobby. The National Pulse was one of the first to declare the killing an extrajudicial, unnecessary assassination on federal property. Babbitt posed no physical threat to Byrd, who has a record of unprofessional and politically motivated behavior.

At the time, even so-called ‘conservative’ figures like CPAC’s Matt Schlapp, mistaking Babbit for “a 16-year-old,” said she may have “deserved” to be shot:

Matt Schlapp: "I understand there's a 16-year-old young woman who was shot. Now maybe she was doing terrible things and deserved to be shot … we're the party that talks about law and order and respecting cops." pic.twitter.com/UxMY8WUeDM

— Kat Abughazaleh (@KatAbughazaleh) January 6, 2021

Babbitt’s family initiated legal action in January 2024, asserting her shooting was unjust. As an emergency hearing revealed the settlement was considered, the family’s prior legal representative sought a preliminary injunction to secure his payment.

Counsel for Babbitt’s family, Robert Sticht, conveyed expectations for the formal settlement signing within a few weeks.

Former President Donald Trump, who has shown continued support for those involved in the Capitol events, expressed his commitment to investigating the legal proceedings further. Meanwhile, the court agreement represents a conclusion to the family’s claims.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, made substantial gains in local UK elections, claiming to have replaced the Conservatives as the main opposition to Labour.

👥 Who’s Involved: Nigel Farage, Sir Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, local UK politicians, and voters.

💬 Key Quote: “The party that I lead is expanding. As we march on, the Conservatives are in retreat. In my opinion, they will never recover,” said Nigel Farage.

⚠️ Impact: The rise of Reform UK promises a shift in political dynamics, pressuring the Conservative and Labour parties to adapt strategies.

IN FULL:

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has gained control of 10 councils and over 600 seats across England. Farage asserted that the two-party political framework is collapsing locally and nationally. He visited Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to celebrate his party’s victories. The Reform leader stressed that the Conservative Party is retreating and is unlikely to recover. These election outcomes have put Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, and Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Party leader, under scrutiny to reverse their parties’ setbacks.

“We’ve dug very deep into the Labour vote and, in other parts of England, we’ve dug deep into the Conservative vote. After tonight, there’s no question, in most of the country, we are now the main opposition party to this government,” Farage declared.

Writing for the Telegraph, Farage added:

“The party that I lead is expanding. As we march on, the Conservatives are in retreat. In my opinion, they will never recover.

“There is now a widespread acceptance that Reform UK has supplanted the Conservatives as the real opposition to Labour in England, Scotland and Wales. We no longer have to rely only on opinion polls to indicate this; Thursday’s results prove it.

“Many people will wonder how the strange death of the Conservative Party came about. In fact, there is no mystery.

“The 80-seat majority that was achieved under Boris Johnson’s leadership in 2019 should have led to a golden period for the party, including the delivery of a proper Brexit. For their own selfish reasons, they squandered their position, in the process betraying the electorate in the most unforgivable way. To compound matters, mass immigration – the issue about which most voters feel strongly – was allowed to rocket.”

In response, Sir Keir Starmer is anticipated to propose stricter immigration measures soon. This, however, comes amidst regional frustrations over the government’s policies, as expressed by South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard and others seeking immediate action.

Prime Ministerial hopeful Farage now intends to stop the housing of asylum seekers in the counties under his party’s control. Furthermore, the prospects of deporting all illegal immigrants within five years are being explored, contingent on withdrawing from European agreements.