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August 15, 2025
Politics

Senate Race: Cooper Leads Whatley by 8 Points.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A new poll shows former Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC) leading Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), in the 2026 North Carolina U.S. Senate race.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Poll conducted Monday and Tuesday, results released Thursday, with North Carolina voters.

💬KEY QUOTE: “North Carolina’s race for Senate has only just begun, but the Whatley campaign appears to have a lot of legwork in front of them if they want to be competitive.” – Donald Bryson, Carolina Journal publisher.

🎯IMPACT: The poll highlights Cooper’s name recognition advantage and sets the stage for an expensive, competitive race.

IN FULL

The latest poll from Carolina Journal and Harper Polling shows former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper leading Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Michael Whatley 47.3 percent to 39.1 percent in the 2026 U.S. Senate race in North Carolina. The poll surveyed 600 likely voters earlier this week, with a margin of error of +/- 3.98 percent and a 95 percent confidence level.

Cooper, who has won six statewide elections, enjoys significant name recognition, with only four percent of respondents saying they had “never heard of” him. In contrast, 51.3 percent of respondents said they had “never heard of” Whatley. Cooper’s favorability ratings were 47.3 percent favorable and 39.8 percent unfavorable, while Whatley registered 14.9 percent favorable and 11.3 percent unfavorable.

“North Carolina’s race for Senate has only just begun, but the Whatley campaign appears to have a lot of legwork in front of them if they want to be competitive,” said Donald Bryson, publisher of Carolina Journal and CEO of the John Locke Foundation. He added, “Cooper certainly has an advantage in this race, having held statewide office for 24 consecutive years.”

The race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the nation, with costs projected between $500 million and $750 million. Historically, North Carolina has leaned Republican in Senate races, with the GOP winning five consecutive contests over the past 15 years and seven of eight this century. However, Cooper’s track record of statewide victories make the race competitive.

Image via NC Dept of Public Safety.

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16 minutes ago
World

Trump Admin Warns of Pro-Maduro Militias Targeting Americans in Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, issued a warning about the remnants of Nicolás Maduro’s irregular militias, known as colectivos, targeting Americans in Venezuela following the capture of the Marxist dictator

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nicolás Maduro, Cilia Flores, Diosdado Cabello, Delcy Rodríguez, and the U.S. State Department.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The weekend of January 10, 2026, in Caracas, Venezuela, with ongoing developments in the region.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States.” – U.S. Embassy in Bogotá

🎯IMPACT: American citizens in Venezuela are urged to leave as the U.S. cannot guarantee their safety amid escalating tensions with the remnants of Maduro’s regime.

IN FULL

The United States embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, has issued a travel warning to American citizens in Venezuela, citing reports of armed militias loyal to Nicolás Maduro, known as colectivos, targeting Americans or those perceived to support the United States. The embassy urged Americans to leave Venezuela immediately, emphasizing the lack of U.S. capacity to guarantee safety in the country.

Venezuela’s Marxist dictator, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by the U.S. military during an operation launched by President Donald J. Trump on January 3, 2026. The two were swiftly brought to the United States where they now face narco-terrorism charges in New York City.

While Venezuela’s interim government, led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez—who previously served as Maduro’s vice president—has largely been cooperative with the United States, it appears unable to clear out the remaining Maduro loyalists who control an estimated 10 percent of Venezuela’s major cities. Diosdado Cabello, Maduro’s Minister of the Interior and Justice, appears to be behind the colectivo insurgency, issuing public threats through the well-armed street gangs. Cabello’s colectivos have reportedly been conducting raids, setting up checkpoints, and searching vehicles and phones for evidence of opposition to the regime or support for Maduro’s arrest.

The U.S. embassy warned that colectivos are actively targeting Americans, stating, “There are reports of groups of armed militias, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support for the United States.” The embassy reiterated that Venezuela remains a “do not travel” destination and urged Americans to prepare contingency plans if they choose to remain.

Meanwhile, the socialist regime has claimed that Venezuela is in a state of “absolute calm,” denying any threat to Americans. However, ongoing arrests of individuals celebrating Maduro’s capture and Cabello’s armed appearances in Caracas suggest otherwise. In response to the colectivo actions, the Trump administration—which contends Cabello is one of the key players in Maduro’s drug operation—has issued a $25 million reward for his capture.

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55 minutes ago
News
UK

Former Senior Cabinet Member Backs Farage for Prime Minister.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former Conservative (Tory) Party chairman and Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi announced his support for Reform Party leader Nigel Farage as a future prime minister.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nadhim Zahawi, Nigel Farage, and Tory former prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.

📍WHEN & WHERE: January 12, at a press conference in London.

💬KEY QUOTE: Zahawi said Britain “really does need Nigel Farage as Prime Minister.”

🎯IMPACT: Zahawi’s endorsement of Farage could shift party political dynamics ahead of the 2024 general election.

IN FULL

Former British Conservative (Tory) Party chairman and Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi announced on January 12 that he is endorsing Nigel Farage as Britain’s next leader, saying the country “really does need Nigel Farage as Prime Minister.” Zahawi, who was born in Baghdad in 1967 and left Iraq with his family during the 1970s, spoke about his journey from refugee to senior Cabinet minister during his announcement, saying, “I pinch myself every morning to wake up… This is the greatest country on earth.”

First elected as Member of Parliament (M) for England’s Stratford-upon-Avon constituency (electoral district) in 2010, Zahawi went on to hold a number of senior government roles. He played a central role in overseeing Britain’s controversial COVID-19 vaccine rollout and later served as Chancellor of the Exchequer—roughly equivalent to U.S. Treasury Secretary—under Boris Johnson.

Zahawi’s praise for Farage comes at a time when Reform, the party led by the veteran Brexit campaigner, has been gaining traction, consistently polling ahead of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party and the Conservatives, who governed from 2010 to mid-2024. In recent months, Farage’s party has benefited from a series of high-profile defections, including sitting MPs, former ministers, and dozens of local councillors, particularly in London and southern England.

Polling and internal party surveys have also suggested growing support among Conservative voters for closer cooperation or even a merger with Reform, underscoring the Conservatives’ displacement by Reform on the British right.

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1 hour ago
Corruption
Economy

Federal Reserve Chairman Faces Criminal Investigation.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) served subpoenas over testimony he gave about renovations to Federal Reserve buildings.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jerome Powell, President Donald J. Trump, the DOJ, and members of the Senate Banking Committee.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Powell disclosed the investigation on Sunday, January 11, 2026; the probe is being overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I don’t know anything about it, but he’s certainly not very good at the Fed, and he’s not very good at building buildings.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The federal investigation raises concerning allegations of financial mismanagement at the central bank, while critics claim the probe represents a threat to the Federal Reserve’s “independence.”

IN FULL

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell revealed on Sunday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a criminal investigation into him, serving subpoenas over testimony he gave to a Senate committee regarding renovations to the central bank’s offices. Powell described the probe as “unprecedented” and suggested it stemmed from President Donald J. Trump‘s public campaign to pressure the Federal Reserve into lowering interest rates.

“This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell said. He continued, “I have deep respect for the rule of law and for accountability in our democracy. No one, certainly not the chair of the Federal Reserve, is above the law, but this unprecedented action should be seen in the broader context of the administration’s threats and ongoing pressure.”

Trump has denied any knowledge of the investigation, stating later on Sunday, “I don’t know anything about it, but he’s certainly not very good at the Fed, and he’s not very good at building buildings.” The Fed is currently modernizing two of its buildings, with renovations expected to cost $3.1 billion, exceeding initial projections of $2.5 billion. Trump has criticized the rising costs.

The investigation, overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, has sparked bipartisan debate on Capitol Hill. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced opposition to any Fed nominations until the legal matter is resolved. Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) accused Trump of attempting to “install another sock puppet” to undermine the Fed’s “independence.”

The criminal probe comes as Powell prepares to step down in May, with Trump expected to name his successor soon. In December, the central bank enacted its third consecutive rate cut, although at the time, some economists suggested it could be the final cut for some time. However, job data released earlier this month suggests that the labor market continues to weaken, which will likely prompt the Federal Reserve to continue reducing rates.

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2 hours ago
News
UK

Britain Considering Sending Military to Greenland.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering deploying British troops to Greenland, following remarks by President Donald J. Trump about acquiring the territory.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Prime Minister Starmer, President Trump, the governments of Denmark and Greenland.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Monday, January 12, 2026; discussions center on Greenland, a largely autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Discussions about securing the High North against Russia and China are part of NATO’s ‘business as usual’.” – British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander

🎯IMPACT: Concerns have been raised about Britain’s military being overstretched in what is likely an attempt at making a show of European solidarity against the Trump administration.

IN FULL

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering the possibility of deploying British troops to Greenland. This follows recent statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump about potentially taking control of the Danish territory.

The Prime Minister’s deliberations come soon after he committed to deploying troops to Ukraine to enforce a potential ceasefire, raising alarms among retired senior military concerned about the much-diministed British military’s ability to perform the tasks being considedred for it.

British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander characterized the conversations about Greenland as centering on NATO protecting the High North from threats posed by Russia and China, describing them as “business as usual.” However, the news comes soon after Starmer joined several other leaders in signing a letter claiming they would defend Denmark’s sovereignty in Greenland against the U.S.

Retired senior military officials have voiced serious concerns about Britain’s defense preparedness, citing years of cuts that have been exacerbated by the deployment of crucial materiel and munitions to Ukraine. They have emphasized shortages including a lack of howitzers, restricted availability of Royal Navy submarines, and insufficient Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots—likely worsened by anti-white recruitment policies—among other issues.

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January 9, 2026
Lawfare
News

Obama Judge Blocks Probe into Dem NY AG Letitia James.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge appointed by Barack Obama has disqualified a prosecutor from overseeing investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James (D).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield, federal prosecutor John Sarcone, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Letitia James.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was made in January 2026 in the Northern District of New York.

🎯IMPACT: Subpoenas related to James’s high-profile lawfare suits against President Donald J. Trump’s business and the National Rifle Association (NRA) were invalidated, and Sarcone was barred from further involvement.

IN FULL

A federal court has removed a senior federal prosecutor from overseeing inquiries tied to Democrat New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that his continued role violated federal appointment laws and rendered his actions invalid. U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield, originally appointed by Barack Obama, ruled that John Sarcone could not lawfully continue serving as acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York after his 120-day interim term expired.

Federal law requires that district judges decide whether an interim prosecutor may remain in office. In this case, judges declined to extend Sarcone’s tenure. The ruling claimed that the Justice Department (DOJ), led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, improperly attempted to preserve Sarcone’s authority by redesignating him as a “special attorney” and first assistant after his term lapsed. Judge Schofield said the move amounted to an unlawful attempt to bypass statutory limits on prosecutorial appointments.

Because Sarcone lacked legal authority, the court invalidated the subpoenas he issued and barred him from further participating in the investigations. Those subpoenas sought information related to James’ office and its prior litigation.

Sarcone worked on President Donald J. Trump’s 2016 campaign legal team and later served as a regional administrator at the General Services Administration during Trump’s first term. James’s office has argued that Sarcone’s involvement reflected a politically driven effort to retaliate against her for pursuing high-profile cases against Trump and conservative-aligned organizations.

James has built a national profile through aggressive legal actions, including a civil fraud case against Trump’s business empire and litigation against the pro-Second Amendment National Rifle Association (NRA).

James recently claimed a legal victory over the Department of Homeland Security, and another over the Department of Justice when a grand jury declined to re-indict her for mortgage fraud.

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January 9, 2026
Christopher Tomlinson
Health
News

Doctors Euthanized a Healthy 26-Year-Old Because He Had Depression, Mother Claims.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The mother of a depressed 26-year-old announced he was killed as part of Canada’s assisted suicide program.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kiano Vafaeian, Margaret Marsilla, Dr. Ellen Wiebe.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Canadian doctors euthanized Vafaeian this week, with his mother Margaret Marsilla announcing his death on Facebook on January 6.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The actions of DR ELLEN WIEBE reveal a pattern of coldness and disregard for vulnerable human life that I can no longer stay silent about.” – Margaret Marsilla.

🎯IMPACT: The case reveals that killings of people with mental illnesses in Canada are occurring despite the practice being supposedly banned until 2027.

IN FULL

A notorious Canadian euthanasia doctor is said to have assisted in the suicide of Kiano Vafaeian, a depressed 26-year-old man, despite Canada not yet opening Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to those with simple mental illnesses until 2027. Kiano Vafaeian passed away this week, according to a Facebook post by his mother, Margaret Marsilla.

In the post, Marsilla notes, “Four years ago, here in Ontario, we were able to stop his euthanasia and get him some help. He was alive because people stepped in when he was vulnerable and not capable of making a final, irreversible decision. Tragically, the Canadian system later allowed something very different to happen in Vancouver—where a doctor named DR ELLEN WIEBE AKA DR DEATH #2 approved his death based on mental illness.”

“The actions of DR ELLEN WIEBE reveal a pattern of coldness and disregard for vulnerable human life that I can no longer stay silent about, just that scary smile shows her entitlement for taking peoples lives,” she continued, adding: “No compassion. No protection. No effort to save a life, only to end it.”

Dr. Wiebe has become well known in Canada for her enthusiasm for MAID, claiming to have been behind the killing of at least 400 people. She is also an abortionist.

Kiano Vafaeian also participated in a documentary about MAID in 2023, broadcast on the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster, which questioned whether MAID was too easy for Canadians to get approval for. Vafaeian told the interviewer that he had tried suicide before and claimed MAID was “more dignified.”

The case comes as the overall use of MAID in Canada continues to rise sharply and is now one of the country’s leading causes of death. Analysts cited by critics of the program estimate that, based on current trends, the cumulative number of Canadians who have died through assisted suicide since legalization could be approaching 100,000. Medics have also warned that demand for MAID assessments has surged, straining capacity and raising concerns about whether thorough evaluations can always be maintained.

Other ethical concerns have also emerged regarding MAID and the practice of organ harvesting. In one case, a 38-year-old Canadian with Lou Gehrig’s disease was euthanized, and his heart was subsequently transplanted to an American man with congestive heart failure. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)—a subagency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)— has previously warned that some patients may not have been legally deceased before organ harvesting procedures begin.

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January 9, 2026
News

REPORT: MAGA-World Figures Aid Major Corporate Mergers, Avoiding Anti-Trust Scrutiny.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The merger of Compass and Anywhere Real Estate, valued at $1.6 billion, was approved without a detailed antitrust investigation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Compass, Anywhere Real Estate, the Justice Department, and lawyer Mike Davis.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The merger completes on January 9, 2026, in the United States.

🎯IMPACT: Compass will control nearly 20 percent of the U.S. home-sales volume, raising concerns over market share in major metropolitan areas.

IN FULL

A $1.6 billion merger between Compass and Anywhere Real Estate was approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) without a full antitrust investigation, despite objections from enforcement staff, according to reports. Senior DOJ officials allegedly overruled internal calls for an in-depth review after Compass retained Trump-aligned attorney Mike Davis, who argued the company’s case directly to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s office. Those officials concluded that potential competition concerns could be addressed without launching a formal probe, allowing the deal to close far more quickly than initially expected.

The Justice Department’s antitrust division, led by Trump loyalist and populist figure Gail Slater, had pushed for a detailed examination of whether the merger would reduce competition in local real estate markets. That effort ultimately failed after intervention from higher-ranking officials. As The Wall Street Journal noted, “Davis previously assisted Hewlett Packard Enterprise to reach a $14 billion deal with the Justice Department that allowed it to acquire rival Juniper Networks but caused a fight within the department over his involvement.”

Davis is a well-known figure in Trump-world legal circles. A former Senate aide and founder of the Article III Project, he has been a vocal defender of Trump. He has also been described as a politically connected operator with close ties to Republican legal and lobbying networks.

The Compass-Anywhere merger creates one of the most powerful firms in the U.S. residential real estate market. Analysts estimate that Compass will oversee nearly 20 percent of total home sales volume nationwide, with a market share potentially exceeding 30 percent in major cities, including Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.

The deal has drawn renewed attention to the influence of lobbyists and former Trump administration officials now working in Washington’s corporate advocacy world. Several former Trump White House aides have moved into K Street lobbying roles, representing clients seeking favorable treatment from federal regulators. Other reporting has highlighted pressure campaigns by lobbyists and political allies aimed at persuading senior Justice Department officials to scale back or bypass aggressive antitrust enforcement.

A Justice Department spokesman said the approval does not prevent future action, noting that regulators may still pursue enforcement if anticompetitive effects emerge after the merger.

Image by Steve Fernie.

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January 9, 2026
Economy

Consumer Confidence Is Rising, Here’s Why:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The University of Michigan’s preliminary January sentiment index showed a slight improvement, climbing to 54 from 52.9 in December, surpassing expectations of 53.5.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: University of Michigan researchers and consumers surveyed on economic conditions and inflation expectations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The consumer sentiment index was released on January 9, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Although consumers’ worries about tariffs appear to be gradually receding, they remain guarded about the overall strength of business conditions and labor markets,’’ said Joanne Hsu, director of the survey.

🎯IMPACT: Consumer sentiment showed modest gains, but concerns about unemployment and inflation persist, with higher-educated and higher-income Americans expressing greater worry.

IN FULL

The University of Michigan’s preliminary January consumer sentiment index climbed to 54, up from 52.9 in December. This surpassed expectations of 53.5, signaling a modest rebound in consumer sentiment after record lows in 2025.

Meanwhile, the consumer expectations index reached a five-month high of 55, with improvements noted in both short- and long-term economic outlooks. The current conditions gauge also rose to a three-month high. Notably, consumers’ perception of their current financial situations improved, while expectations for the future declined.

Short-term inflation expectations remained flat, while longer-term expectations rebounded slightly. Democrats, who had previously expressed fears over tariffs, appear to be abandoning those concerns. Meanwhile, Republicans expect deflation, with a significant gap between the two groups’ outlooks on inflation.

Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, stated, “Although consumers’ worries about tariffs appear to be gradually receding, they remain guarded about the overall strength of business conditions and labor markets.’’ The survey also revealed that nearly two-thirds of consumers expect unemployment to rise in the coming year, with higher-educated and higher-income Americans showing greater concern about joblessness.

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January 9, 2026
William Upton
World

Trump Says U.S. Will Take Greenland Whether Denmark ‘Likes It or Not.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump said on Friday that the United States will acquire the island of Greenland, whether its current sovereign—the Kingdom of Denmark—”likes it or not.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Friday, January 9, 2026, at the White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I’d like to make a deal, the easy. But if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The issue of Greenland moved back to the forefront of Trump administration interests after the U.S. military successfully carried out an operation to capture the now-former dictator of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump said on Friday that the United States will acquire the island of Greenland, whether its current sovereign—the Kingdom of Denmark—”likes it or not.” The remarks came while the President spoke with press following a high-level meeting with oil and gas industry executives at the White House, with the America First leader warning Danish leaders, “I’d like to make a deal, the easy way. But if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.”


“If we don’t take Greenland, you’re going to have Russia or China as your next-door neighbor,” Trump stated, speculating the island could fall under the influence of either nation should the U.S. not step in, emphasizing, “That’s not going to happen.”

The President reiterated the threat both nations pose, arguing, “If you look just outside Greenland right now, there are Russian destroyers, Chinese destroyers, and Russian submarines all over the place. We are not going to let Russia or China occupy Greenland, and that’s what they’re going to do if we don’t.”

Notably, the issue of Greenland moved back to the forefront of Trump administration interests after the U.S. military successfully carried out an operation to capture the now-former dictator of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. The removal of Maduro from power deprives both Russia and China of a key ally in the Western Hemisphere and will likely impact the latter nation’s oil and gas supply.

Greenland, aside from its strategic location between the U.S. and the Arctic, is also an ideal location for naval—especially submarine basing—to project power into the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the island has significant deposits of critical minerals and other essential elements crucial to the U.S. defense and technology industries.

In late December, President Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R) as a special envoy to Greenland, prompting the Kingdom of Denmark to demand respect for its sovereignty. The National Pulse reported earlier this week that Trump’s renewed push for the island prompted European leaders to issue a statement reiterating their commitment to the Kingdom of Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.

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January 9, 2026
Health
TECH

Experts Warn: Don’t Use ChatGPT Health For Medical Advice.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: OpenAI has introduced a new feature called ChatGPT Health, which uses medical records to generate personalized responses, despite warnings from experts about the risks of relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for health advice.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: OpenAI, medical professionals, legal experts, and organizations like the Center for Democracy and Technology and the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The feature was recently launched by OpenAI.

💬KEY QUOTE: “New AI health tools offer the promise of empowering patients and promoting better health outcomes, but health data is some of the most sensitive information people can share, and it must be protected.” – Andrew Crawford, Center for Democracy and Technology.

🎯IMPACT: The launch of ChatGPT Health raises concerns over data privacy, potential misuse of health advice, and the lack of regulatory oversight for AI-driven health tools.

IN FULL

OpenAI has launched a new feature called ChatGPT Health, which aims to use medical records to provide more personalized responses for users. The company claims the tool is “designed in close collaboration with physicians” and built with “strong privacy, security, and data controls.” However, it also emphasizes that the feature is “not intended for diagnosis or treatment,” raising questions about its practical application.

The move has sparked criticism from experts who warn that artificial intelligence (AI) health advice can be inaccurate and potentially dangerous. A recent investigation revealed that Google’s AI Overviews frequently provided incorrect health information, which could lead to serious risks if followed. People are already using the standard ChatGPT AI assistant to draft legal and medical claims, often based on nonexistent case law or hallucinated data. Last December, The National Pulse reported that a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment alleges the OpenAI-developed chatbot encouraged a man—accused of harassing over a dozen women across five states—to persist in his stalking behavior.

Privacy concerns are at the forefront of the debate, with critics highlighting the lack of federal regulations like HIPAA governing consumer AI products. Andrew Crawford from the Center for Democracy and Technology recently noted, “Health data is some of the most sensitive information people can share, and it must be protected.” He warned that inadequate data protections could put users at risk, particularly as companies like OpenAI explore advertising as a business model.

Concerns also extend to law enforcement’s access to sensitive data. “How does OpenAI handle [law enforcement] requests?” Crawford asked, adding, “Do they just turn over the information? Is the user in any way informed?” Sara Geoghegan of the Electronic Privacy Information Center echoed these concerns, noting that AI companies can change their terms of service at any time without regulation.

Despite these warnings, OpenAI says it is pushing forward with ChatGPT Health, which the company contends will help users “take a more active role in understanding and managing their health and wellness.”

Image by Jernej Furman.

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