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Thursday, May 1, 2025

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3 hours ago
NatSec
News

Unconfirmed Report Claims Trump is Set to Dismiss National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump is set to replace Mike Waltz as his National Security Advisor, according to journalist Mark Halperin, who cited three sources.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Mike Waltz, journalist Mark Halperin, and Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg are central figures. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is also indirectly involved.

📍 Where & When: The information was reported on May 1, 2025, and relates to events primarily occurring at the White House and involving communications about military actions in Yemen.

💬 Key Quote: “[T]here’s lots of levels of unhappiness, and it’s less about Signalgate than it is about… a general belief that it’s not being run efficiently in an organized way.” — Mark Halperin.

⚠️ Impact: Waltz’s reputation within the administration has suffered, and his handling of the ‘Signalgate’ controversy resulted in significant negative media coverage.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is reportedly planning to appoint a new National Security Advisor to replace Mike Waltz. Journalist Mark Halperin made the claim, relying on information from three informed sources. The White House National Security Council has not responded to inquiries regarding the matter.

Waltz, currently serving as the National Security Advisor, did not signal any impending changes to his position during an appearance on Fox and Friends on Thursday morning. His tenure has been marked by challenges, particularly surrounding a controversy known as ‘Signalgate.’

The incident involved Waltz inadvertently including Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, in a classified Signal chat discussing military operations against the Houthis in Yemen with high-ranking officials. Goldberg subsequently released the full content of these messages, leading to multiple weeks of critical media coverage and casting a shadow over Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s leadership.

Despite the pressures, President Trump initially opted not to dismiss Waltz, partly to avoid providing a perceived victory to Goldberg. However, Waltz’s attempt to justify the error during a Fox News interview is said to have further impaired his standing within the White House.

Halperin notes that “[T]here’s lots of levels of unhappiness” with Waltz, and that his supposedly impending dismissal is “less about Signalgate than it is about… a general belief that it’s not being run efficiently in an organized way.”

He adds that the dismissal could happen as soon as today or this weekend, but will likely be “soon”—although he concedes that President Trump could ultimately decide not to dismiss Waltz at all.

WATCH:

Image by Gage Skidmore.

By Popular Demand.
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5 minutes ago
Immigration
Lawfare

Biden Judge Blocks State Law Criminalizing Illegal Immigration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A Joe Biden-appointed federal judge in Idaho has temporarily blocked a state immigration law that let local police arrest migrants suspected of unlawful entry if involved in other crimes.

👥 Who’s Involved: Federal Judge Amanda Brailsford, former President Joe Biden, Gov. Brad Little, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho.

📍 Where & When: Idaho, with the law signed in March, and the preliminary injunction issued recently.

💬 Key Quote: “We are pleased the court recognized that enforcement of this law is harmful and unconstitutional,” gloated Emily Croston, ACLU of Idaho Staff Attorney.

⚠️ Impact: The enforcement of the law is halted, pending a review, as state attorneys consider their next steps.

IN FULL:

A federal judge has put a temporary hold on a controversial Idaho immigration bill, pausing local law enforcement’s ability to arrest migrants suspected of illegal entry if involved in other offenses. Federal Judge Amanda Brailsford, appointed by former President Joe Biden, issued a preliminary injunction on parts of House Bill 83, known as the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act. The law, passed by Idaho’s legislature in March and immediately signed by Gov. Brad Little, criminalizes entry and reentry to the state.

The move follows a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho. The organization contends that the bill unlawfully attempts to override federal immigration enforcement, effectively turning local police into immigration agents. Judge Brailsford claimed the ACLU showcased a likelihood of success on several claims, including potential violations of the U.S. Constitution’s due process clause and federal immigration preemption.

The court’s decision halts the state’s ability to enforce misdemeanor penalties on individuals entering Idaho unlawfully, which could escalate to felony charges if associated with further criminal activities. Such offenses could lead to federal deportation processes. The ACLU of Idaho has praised the injunction, claiming, “the court recognized that enforcement of this law is harmful and unconstitutional.”

The blockage of the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act mirrors challenges faced by a similar Texas law, actively opposed by the federal government under Biden, highlighting ongoing guerrilla lawfare against border control policies by partisan organizations. Idaho’s Attorney General is currently evaluating the ruling to consider the state’s next steps.

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By Popular Demand.
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45 minutes ago
NatSec
World

China Mobilizes Pro-Beijing NGOs at UN to Silence Dissent.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Organizations posing as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), allegedly backed by the Chinese government, are increasingly involved at the United Nations (UN) to counter criticism of China’s human rights record.

👥 Who’s Involved: Chinese-backed NGOs, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the Chinese government, the UN Human Rights Council, and human rights activists.

📍 Where & When: United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; information revealed in a report published on April 28.

💬 Key Quote: “In 2024, 33 Chinese NGOs showed up about 300 times on the lists of speakers at Human Rights Council sessions. There were only three of them in 2018. None criticized China,” the ICIJ report notes.

⚠️ Impact: This development may undermine the monitoring and documentation of global human rights violations by the UN, as Beijing’s influence alters the discourse and potentially silences dissent.

IN FULL:

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has reported that the Chinese government uses NGOs to squash criticism of its human rights abuses at the United Nations (UN). Released on April 28, this finding is part of a broader investigation into the communist state’s attempts at transnational repression under the leadership of Xi Jinping.

“Since Xi’s reelection as Communist Party general secretary in 2017 and president the following year, China has sought greater influence within the UN human rights system and become more aggressive in silencing dissent,” the ICIJ report states, adding that since 2018 the number of Chinese groups holding consultative status at the UN has nearly doubled. The report goes on to contend that of the 106 Chinese NGOs holding consultative status, 59 demonstrate concerning signs that they are “closely connected” with the regime in Beijing.

According to the ICIJ, ten of the Chinese NGOs receive over 50 percent of their funding from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Additionally, at least 46 NGOs are led by individuals who also hold official positions within the Chinese government. Even more troubling, the report states that 53 of the China-backed organizations openly pledge loyalty to the CCP on their websites. At the same time, another ten acknowledged that they defer key decision-making to Chinese government officials.

The CCP appears to primarily use the NGOs to push back against allegations that their regime has engaged in numerous human rights abuses, especially regarding religious and ethnic minorities like the Uyghurs. “In 2024, 33 Chinese NGOs showed up about 300 times on the lists of speakers at Human Rights Council sessions. There were only three of them in 2018. None criticized China,” the report notes.

Some human rights activists also contend that the NGOs are tasked with monitoring and intimidating individuals at the UN who are critical of Beijing’s actions.

Image by Remko Tanis.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
William Upton
Immigration
Lawfare

Biden Judge Blocking Illegal Immigrant Deportations Faces Conflict of Interest Allegations.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The husband of far-left U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Thurston—who issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday barring U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operating within her court jurisdiction from stopping and detaining suspected illegal immigrants without a warrant—has a history of promoting mass immigration and appears to draw significant business from real estate investors that cater to the illegal immigrant and migrant communities. The revelation raises significant concerns as to whether Judge Thurston is ignoring a conflict of interest by presiding over a case dealing with the Trump administration’s efforts to deport the millions of illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer L. Thurston; her husband, Marc A Thurston, a real estate broker and investment advisor in California’s Central Valley; President Donald J. Trump, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, and federal immigration officials with the CBP.

📍 Where & When: Judge Thurston issued the preliminary injunction on Tuesday, April 27, while investigative journalist Laura Loomer revealed her husband’s business and advocacy ties to illegal immigrants on Thursday, May 1.

💬 Key Quote: “You just can’t walk up to people with brown skin and say, ‘Give me your papers, ‘” Judge Thurston declared during a hearing prior to her ruling.

⚠️ Impact: The injunction temporarily prevents federal immigration officials from stopping and detaining suspected illegal immigrants in the U.S. District Court’s Eastern District of California. However, if a conflict of interest due to her husband’s business interests can be demonstrated, it could force the far-left judge off the case and render the injunction invalid.

IN FULL:

A far-left U.S. District Court judge, who is temporarily barring the Trump administration from stopping and detaining suspected illegal immigrants in the Eastern District of California, is facing allegations that she ignored a potential conflict of interest that could bias how she presides over the matter. Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, appointed to the bench by former President Joe Biden in 2021, likely enjoys financial benefits drawn from the revenue produced by her husband Marc A. Thurston’s real estate brokerage, which appears to cater to landlords and property investors renting to illegal immigrants and migrant workers in California’s Central Valley.

Investigative journalist Laura Loomer revealed Marc Thurston’s business entanglements with illegal immigrants and migrant workers early on Thursday, highlighting that the real estate broker has made numerous public posts critical of the Trump administration’s crackdown on migrants unlawfully residing in the U.S. Additionally, Loomer notes that Judge Thurston’s husband has made multiple social media posts arguing the deporation operations in California will cause significant disruptions in the Central Valley’s real estate market.

“Changes in immigration policies could disrupt the rental market in the Central Valley, California. With 50% of agricultural workers renting and up to 30% of construction labor undocumented, up to 9,500 people could be displaced from their homes,” Mr. Thurston wrote in a post on LinkedIn three months ago. He added, “Landlords, stay proactive—vacancies may spike, and it’s crucial to keep your tenants happy and ready to adapt. Prepare for potential shifts and secure your investments! Let’s plan ahead.”

Notably, Title 28 of the U.S. Code, which lays out the guidelines for the Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, stipulates in clear terms that spousal business interests can present a disqualifying conflict of interest for federal judges. 28 U.S. Code § 455 (b)(4) states that a federal judge “shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which… He knows that he, individually or as a fiduciary, or his spouse or minor child residing in his household, has a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding.”

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
News

FBI Agents Reassigned for Kneeling at BLM Protest: Report.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have reportedly been reassigned for participating in a public protest by kneeling to Black Lives Matter (BLM).

👥 Who’s Involved: FBI agents involved in a 2020 protest, the FBI, CNN, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: The protest occurred in Washington, D.C., in June 2020.

💬 Key Quote: A former FBI official complained, “This notion that the bureau would go after these people, it’s just disgusting.”

⚠️ Impact: The reassignments are seen as a demotion and may discourage further partisan activities by public officials. The DOJ is reviewing the conduct of many agents regarding politicized cases and incidents.

IN FULL:

Several Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have reportedly been reassigned for taking part in a June 2020 protest by kneeling to Black Lives Matter (BLM) following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The reassignments are perceived as demotions, and they occurred without any formal explanation, according to CNN, citing anonymous sources.

The FBI has chosen not to comment on the personnel changes, and responses from the affected agents have not been provided. The agents took a knee during a protest in Washington, D.C.

The catalyst for the protest was the death of George Floyd. The convicted armed robber, who was on fentanyl at the time and had heart disease, died after a police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck during an arrest. Chauvin was later found guilty of Floyd’s murder in 2021, despite some dispute as to whether or not he caused his death.

A former FBI official criticized the bureau’s approach, accusing it of bypassing the usual disciplinary processes in handling the agents. The official complained that the agents’ treatment was “disgusting.”

The reassignments align with President Donald J. Trump’s objective to remove or at least disempower politically motivated personnel at the FBI. Notably, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting a review of the actions of over 1,500 FBI personnel connected to politically charged cases impacting President Trump.

The review by the DOJ could have significant implications for the bureau, especially concerning the treatment of internal dissent and political activities among its agents.

Image by Leonhard Lenz.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News

Musk Admits DOGE ‘Not as Effective as I’d Like.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Elon Musk described his first 100 days leading the Department of Government Efficiency as “intense,” noting progress but expressing frustration over challenges due to entrenched interests.

👥 Who’s Involved: Elon Musk, Steve Davis, Antonio Gracias, Anthony Armstrong, President Donald Trump.

📍 Where & When: White House, Washington, D.C., Roosevelt Room, April 30, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Musk stated, “I think we’ve been effective, not as effective as I’d like.”

⚠️ Impact: Musk’s administration claims $160 billion saved in taxpayer money. He acknowledged difficulties in reaching the $1 trillion savings goal, citing government inertia as a major obstacle.

IN FULL:

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) frontman Elon Musk, reflecting on his first 100 days in the role, has described them as “very, very intense.” During a meeting in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Musk and top DOGE officials Steve Davis, Antonio Gracias, and Anthony Armstrong reviewed their initial progress in Washington. Musk said that despite saving taxpayers a claimed $160 billion—far below his earlier ambitions—entrenched interests hindered the department’s effectiveness.

“I think we’ve been effective, not as effective as I’d like, I think we could be more effective, but we made progress,” Musk said. The South Africa-born tech mogul initially claimed a potential $2 trillion saving, later revising expectations to $1 trillion.

Acknowledging his difficulty in reaching even the revised goal, Musk criticized the federal budgeting system, likening reform efforts to altering the path of a fleet of supertankers. He claims savings currently average $1.6 billion per day, blaming Congress and the Cabinet for the lack of further progress, saying it comes down to “how much pain is the Cabinet and Congress willing to take.”

Musk shared insights into his Washington routine, revealing occasional stays in the White House’s Lincoln Bedroom and working seven days a week at times. However, he plans to reduce his on-site presence amid damage to his Tesla business. “DOGE is a way of life… like Buddhism… you wouldn’t ask the question, ‘Who would lead Buddhism?'” he said, downplaying the significance of his potential departure.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
News
Politics

Hakeem Jeffries Declines to Back Democrats Visiting El Salvador to Support Deported Illegals.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Reports suggest that Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries showed little support for Democrats who have traveled to El Salvador advocating for deported illegal immigrants.

👥 Who’s Involved: House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representatives Robert Garcia, Yassamin Ansari, Maxwell Frost, Maxine Dexter, President Donald J. Trump, and deported illegals such as accused MS-13 gangster and wife-beater Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

📍 Where & When: The reported events and discussions have taken place in the United States, with trips organized to El Salvador’s CECOT prison.

💬 Key Quote: Jeffries stated, “Our reaction [to the trips] is that Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in modern American history,” deflecting from addressing the actions of his fellow Democrats directly.

⚠️ Impact: The disagreement exemplifies the ongoing internal conflicts within the Democratic Party.

IN FULL:

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is reportedly advising restraint to Democrats traveling to El Salvador to advocate for deported illegal aliens. Reports suggest Jeffries seemed to sidestep support for Democrats who have embarked on missions to the country.

When probed about fellow party members’ travels and their objectives, Jeffries veered the discussion towards President Donald J. Trump‘s approval ratings. Jeffries has reportedly cautioned against escalating actions with respect to the deportations to El Salvador. This comes after visits to the country involving figures like Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Robert Garcia, among others.

There appears to be some division within the Democratic Party over this approach. While leaders like Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer maintain a more reserved stance, others within the party are pushing for proactive measures on behalf of deported migrants.

A spokesman for Jeffries refuted claims that his office actively discourages the trips. They asserted that the minority leader will persist in advocating for those like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported illegal linked to MS-13 who was once arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and accused of violent abuse by his wife. The Democrats insist he is a “Maryland man” deported unlawfully.

The situation highlights the ongoing strife within the Democratic Party. Others, such as Democratic National Committee vice chair and anti-gun rights activist David Hogg, are pushing to purge candidates who are not deemed woke or progressive enough.

Hogg’s statements have drawn ire from Democrat stalwarts like James Carville, who referred to Hogg as a “contemptible little twerp.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News
World

France Accuses Russia of Ongoing Cyberattacks.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: France’s foreign ministry accused Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency of carrying out cyber attacks on several entities.

👥 Who’s Involved: The accusations were directed at GRU unit APT28, reportedly operating out of Rostov-on-Don, Russia.

📍 Where & When: The alleged attacks targeted France, originating from Russia, with instances highlighted since 2015.

💬 Key Quote: “These destabilizing activities are unacceptable and unworthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” France’s foreign ministry complained.

⚠️ Impact: Cyber attacks on government ministries, defense firms, and other sectors increased by 15 percent from 2023 to 2024, tallying approximately 4,000 incidents attributed to Russian actors.

IN FULL:

France has formally accused Russia’s GRU military intelligence unit of executing a series of cyber attacks targeting French entities. This announcement, made on April 29 by France’s foreign ministry, highlights alleged assaults against government ministries, defense companies, and think tanks.

“These destabilizing activities are unacceptable and unworthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” France’s foreign ministry complained.

The unit implicated, APT28, is noted for having operations based out of Rostov-on-Don, Russia. This claim marks the first time France publicly ascribed responsibility for certain cyber attacks to Russia.

Records indicate that APT28’s operations in France began as early as 2015. A significant incident cited was the cyber disruption of the TV5 Monde channel. Islamic State operatives initially claimed the attack.

The Russian cyber unit was also linked to incidents during the 2017 French presidential election. These were allegedly aimed at undermining President Emmanuel Macron through the dissemination of leaked and manipulated documents.

The French National Cybersecurity Agency, ANSSI, documented APT28’s alleged efforts to extract strategic intelligence spanning sectors across Europe and North America. Statistics claim that approximately 4,000 cyber attacks were linked to Russian actors in 2024, a 15 percent rise from the previous year.

The accusations from France follow similar allegations of Russia planting incendiary devices on aircraft flying over Europe last year. Germany and Britain reported finding such devices in warehouses belonging to a global courier company.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
UK

England Elects in Local Ballots That Could Make or Break Farage’s Path to 10 Downing Street.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and key figure in the Brexit initiative, blames the Conservative Party for not executing Brexit effectively, as Reform UK aims to convert its polling popularity into actual council seats in today’s elections.

👥 Who’s Involved: Nigel Farage, Reform UK; the Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch; Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer.

📍 Where & When: United Kingdom, with local elections scheduled for May 1.

⚠️ Impact: The Reform UK party aims to replace the Conservatives as the primary opposition to Labour, influencing local governance. A significant loss could bring about leadership challenges within the Conservative Party and the political landscape across England.

IN FULL:

England goes to the polls today, May 1, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK positioned ahead, potentially positioning itself to secure seats in various councils.

There are 1,641 council seats across 23 local authorities, including 14 county councils, eight unitary authorities, and one metropolitan borough (Doncaster) in play, as well as six mayoral elections, featuring contests in Greater Lincolnshire, Hull and East Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, the West of England, Doncaster, and North Tyneside.

Notably, ‘Bad Boy of Brexit’ and long-time Farage ally Arron Banks is up for election as Mayor in the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). Early indications showed Banks as an outsider candidate, though more recently, he has been polling in a position to emerge stunningly victorious, perhaps even to his chagrin.

Voters in the parliamentary constituency of Runcorn & Helsby will also go to the polls today, following a special election triggered by the resignation of Labour Member of Parliament Mike Amesbury, who was convicted earlier this year after assaulting a constituent.

Reform UK seeks to expand its appeal to traditional Labour supporters by advocating for policies such as the renationalization of industries perceived to be failing, including Thames Water. The strategic goal is to erode Labour support while positioning the Reform UK party as a replacement to the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, without forming a center-right coalition.

The Conservative Party is now under existential pressure. It faces competition from Reform UK in the North and Midlands and the Liberal Democrats in the Southern regions. Kemi Badenoch’s leadership may face challenges should the party see substantial losses in the council seats it currently defends.

The introduction of five-party dynamics, with the rise of the Greens, could result in closely contested council seats, prompting significant implications for future elections. Reform UK’s performance in the upcoming elections will not only signal shifts in political power but also test whether Farage’s party can deliver on its promises or merely expand on electoral rhetoric.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
UK

On The Eve of Major UK Elections, ‘None of the Above’ Polls In First Place.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A poll indicated that “none of the above” is the most popular leader choice among voters, highlighting voter disillusionment before local elections.

👥 Who’s Involved: Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage; Labour and Conservative parties; More In Common; Fire Brigades Union.

📍 Where & When: England, ahead of local elections on May 1.

⚠️ Impact: Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is expected to gain significant traction, possibly securing a parliamentary by-election (special election) win and mayoral positions, challenging the legacy political parties.

IN FULL:

According to a recent poll, voter sentiment ahead of local elections in England showcases significant disillusionment with major political parties. The survey revealed that 41 percent of respondents chose “none of the above” when asked who would be most effective at governing, dwarfing named candidates. Reform UK, spearheaded by Nigel Farage, appears poised for a breakthrough, potentially challenging both the governing Labour Party and the recently ousted Conservatives by capturing key seats across England, including a crucial by-election (special election).

Reform UK’s anticipated gains are stirring concern among some left-wing groups. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has initiated a campaign in traditionally Labour-voting areas like Runcorn and Helsby, attempting to curb a potential surge by Farage’s party.

Farage emerged as the second choice in polling figures with 23 percent, following the “none of the above” category. Labour’s Keir Starmer received 19 percent, trailed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch with a paltry eight percent. Overall polling in election hotspots placed Labour behind with 18 percent, as Reform UK led with 26 percent, while the Conservatives held 25 percent.

With over 1,600 council seats and pivotal mayoral races at stake, the local elections may act as a litmus test for national sentiments. The National Pulse will cover the results as they emerge.

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
It is worth remembering that Britain uses voter ID now, which hurts the Labour Party
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It is worth remembering that Britain uses voter ID now, which hurts the Labour Party show more
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By Popular Demand.
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18 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
War
World

Zelensky Threatens Russian WW2 Victory Parade Which China’s Xi Will Attend.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made veiled threats to attack Russia’s Victory Day parade, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany, despite the fact foreign leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend.

👥 Who’s Involved: Volodymyr Zelensky, pro-Ukraine social media figures, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping.

📍 Where & When: Zelensky posted a video on social media on April 30.

💬 Key Quote: “Right now, they are worried about whether they can hold their military parade—and rightly so,” said President Zelensky.

⚠️ Impact: An attack on a parade attended by Putin, civilians, including elderly veterans, and Xi Jinping could provoke a massive response from Russia and draw China into the conflict, undermining President Trump’s attempts to secure a peace deal.

IN FULL:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a thinly veiled threat against Russia’s upcoming Victory Day parade, set for May 9. Zelensky stated that Russia was worried about attacks on the event, and was right to be. Set to be attended by thousands of Russian civilians, including elderly Second World War veterans, and world leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping, the May 9 Victory Parade celebrates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany and its allies in the Second World War.

In a video published on April 30, Zelensky stated, “Right now, they are worried about whether they can hold their military parade—and rightly so. But what they should be worried about is that this war is still ongoing.” Some have pointed out that a large contingent of military personnel and equipment will take part in the parade, with pro-Ukrainian social media accounts calling for outright missile or drone strikes on a “legitimate military target.”

Caolan Robertson, a pro-Ukrainian media figure who has worked for the far-left Byline Times, stated, “Putin is terrified of Ukraine hitting his victory parade in Moscow. As he should be. Hundreds of tanks and missiles on display? That’s a great legitimate military target. I hope it gets wiped out.”

Robertson has travelled extensively to Ukraine and was in Syria shortly after the fall of Bashar Assad, posing with jihadists wearing Islamic State flags, something he seemed oblivious to at the time.

It is unclear how Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has called for a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, would react to an attack on the parade. Notably, China may regard such an attack as an act of war if it endangers Xi’s life.

President Donald J. Trump, who has accused Zelensky of trying to sabotage the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, could also react highly negatively to such actions.

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Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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By Popular Demand.
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