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September 3, 2025
NatSec
War

South America’s Cocaine Capital Fumes Over Trump’s Nacro Strike.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized a U.S. military strike on a drug trafficking vessel, calling it “murder.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the Trump administration, the U.S. military, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua organization.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The strike occurred on Tuesday in the southern Caribbean; Petro’s comments followed on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Those who transport drugs are not the big narcos, but very poor young people from the Caribbean and the Pacific.” – Gustavo Petro

🎯IMPACT: The strike killed 11 cartel operatives, sparking criticism from Petro and highlighting ongoing tensions over U.S. anti-drug policies.

IN FULL

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned a U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan Tren de Aragua drug trafficking vessel, labeling the operation “murder.” The strike, which took place on Tuesday in the southern Caribbean, resulted in the deaths of 11 traffickers designated as “narcoterrorists” by President Donald J. Trump.

Petro complained, “Those who transport drugs are not the big narcos, but very poor young people from the Caribbean and the Pacific.” He further complained that, for decades, drug transporters had been captured without being killed.

Colombia, the world’s largest exporter of cocaine, has faced decades of violence at the hands of cartels and communist militias involved in the drug trade. Petro, a former member of the violent Marxist 19th of April Movement (M-19) urban guerrilla faction, has sought to negotiate with armed groups since taking office in 2023. However, criminal organizations—especially Colombia’s infamous drug cartels—have only grown stronger during his tenure.

According to United Nations (UN) data, Colombia exported a record 2,664 metric tons of cocaine in 2023. Relatedly, the United States saw nearly 30,000 cocaine-related overdose deaths in the same year, driven predominantly by the drug increasingly being cut with fentanyl. President Donald J. Trump designated several Latin American cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and authorized military action against them in February.

Petro has previously courted controversy by claiming that cocaine is banned globally because it is primarily produced in Latin America, insisting it is “not worse than whiskey.”

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16 minutes ago
News

‘Iryna’s Law’ Passed to End Cashless Bail, Restart Executions After Ukrainian Refugee’s Brutal Murder.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The North Carolina legislature approved a criminal justice reform bill, “Iryna’s Law,” aimed at limiting bail and restarting executions in the state.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The bill was passed by the Republican-led legislature, but awaits action from Democrat Governor Josh Stein. It was named after Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed by Decarlos Brown Jr. while riding a train in Charlotte.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The legislation was approved on September 24, 2025, following the August 22 attack in Charlotte, North Carolina.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This heinous act was preventable,” said Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican from the Charlotte area, during House debate.

🎯IMPACT: The bill could restart executions in the state and end cashless bail for certain crimes.

IN FULL

North Carolina’s legislature has approved a criminal justice reform bill called “Iryna’s Law,” named in memory of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee killed on August 22 while riding a Charlotte light rail train. The bill, which tightens bail rules and could restart executions in the Tar Heel State, awaits Democrat Governor Josh Stein’s decision to sign or veto it.

Decarlos Brown Jr., the suspect in Zarutska’s death, had over a dozen prior arrests but was released without bond on a misdemeanor charge earlier this year. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to his mother, Brown now faces first-degree murder and federal charges, both potentially carrying the death penalty. Surveillance video captured the black male attacking Zarutska with a knife shortly after she boarded the train and subsequently boasting, “I got that white girl.”

Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham, during the debate, criticized lax bail practices, saying, “This heinous act was preventable.” House Speaker Destin Hall echoed Cotham, saying, “When we have magistrates who are asleep at the wheel, like this one that obviously was, then we gotta make a change.” The bill aims to eliminate cashless bail for many offenses and limit judicial discretion in pretrial releases.

The legislation also seeks to resume executions in North Carolina, paused since 2006. Senate leader Phil Berger introduced an amendment to explore alternative execution methods, like firing squads or electrocution, if lethal injection is unavailable. Berger stated, “For nearly two decades, judicial and administrative roadblocks have stopped true justice for victims, and it’s time for that to end.”

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49 minutes ago
News
UK

Suspect Arrested After Multinational Airports Cyberattack.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A man in his forties was arrested in southern England for an alleged cyberattack that disrupted several European airports, including London Heathrow.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The suspect, Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Collins Aerospace, and European airports, including Berlin, Brussels, and London Heathrow.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Starting late on the evening of September 19 through the weekend, with the arrest occurring in West Sussex, England, on September 23.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing.” – Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s national cybercrime unit.

🎯IMPACT: Disruptions to electronic systems caused delays, cancellations, and manual check-ins at affected airports, with some operations still not fully restored.

IN FULL

A man in his forties has been arrested in West Sussex, England, in connection with a cyberattack that disrupted operations at several major European airports, including London Heathrow. The incident, which began late Friday, caused widespread delays and forced airport staff in multiple cities to switch to manual check-in systems and issue handwritten boarding passes. Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspect has been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.

Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s national cybercrime unit, said, “Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing. Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK.”

Airports in the German capital of Berlin, the Belgian capital of Brussels, and London were among those impacted, with Berlin Airport reporting ongoing delays. “Check-in and boarding are still largely manual,” the airport said, warning that it may take several days before operations fully return to normal.

The disruption has been traced to systems managed by Collins Aerospace, a U.S.-based aviation technology provider. The company confirmed a “cyber-related disruption” affecting select European airports and said it is working with additional specialists to restore full functionality. However, no estimated timeline for complete service restoration has been provided.

Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure have become increasingly common, with many governments blaming foreign state actors. Earlier this year, France accused Russian military intelligence of orchestrating a series of cyber operations against French institutions, including government bodies and private firms. In a separate case, Chinese hackers reportedly exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft software to breach systems at a U.S. nuclear agency.

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2 hours ago
Immigration
News

Three Shot at ICE Facility in ‘Sniper’ Attack.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: At least three people were injured in a shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: ICE officers, detainees, and the gunman, who reportedly shot himself.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday, at an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The shooter is ‘down’ due to a self-inflicted wound,” authorities confirmed.

🎯IMPACT: The incident has disrupted operations at the ICE facility and left multiple people injured.

IN FULL

At least three people have been injured during a shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday. The shooting reportedly took place as ICE officers were in the process of transferring detainees into the facility. Authorities have stated that the shooter sustained a self-inflicted wound and is “down.”

The identity and condition of the shooting victims had not been definitively confirmed as of the time of publication, although at least one report suggests they were migrants, and one has died. “While we don’t know motive yet, we know that our ICE law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them. It must stop,” commented Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

In July, radical leftist Benjamin Song allegedly executed a sniper attack on ICE officers in Alvarado, Texas, which resulted in a responding local police officer being shot in the neck. The Trump administration has blamed inflammatory Democrat rhetoric for encouraging such attacks, with Minnesota governor and failed 2024 vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, for instance, smearing ICE as “Donald Trump’s modern-day Gestapo” in May.

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3 hours ago
Crime
Religion

Judge Lets Muslim Who Slashed Man for ‘Blasphemy’ Walk Free.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A man who attacked a protester for burning the Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London received a suspended sentence instead of prison.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Moussa Kadri, the defendant; Hamit Coskun, the protester and victim; Judge Adam Hiddleston; prosecutors; defense lawyer Greg Unwin; the Turkish consulate in London.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Attack in Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, West London; sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Use of blades is a curse on our community.” – Judge Adam Hiddleston

🎯IMPACT: Kadri’s suspended sentence further increases the sense of a two-tier justice in the United Kingdom, contrasting sharply with the draconian prison terms handed down to social media users and non-violent protesters who have expressed negative sentiments about immigration and Islam in recent months.

IN FULL

A Muslim man who attacked a protester for burning the Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London, England, has been spared prison, prompting renewed debate over the consistency of policing and sentencing in Britain. Moussa Kadri, who slashed protester Hamit Coskun with a knife after he burned the Islamic holy book, received a 20-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months at Southwark Crown Court. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation.

The court heard that Coskun, during a protest in Knightsbridge, West London, shouted, “F**k Islam,” “Islam is religion of terrorism,” and “Koran is burning,” while holding a flaming Koran. Kadri angrily confronted him, calling him a “f**king idiot” and threatening, “I’m going to kill you” before slashing him with a knife. As Coskun stumbled to the ground, Kadri spat on and kicked him. He later told police: “Burning the Koran? It’s my religion, you don’t burn the Koran. I protect my religion.”

Judge Adam Hiddleston called Kadri’s actions “disgraceful” and added, “Use of blades is a curse on our community,” but stressed the emotional nature of his reaction by way of justification for it. Kadri’s defense lawyer, Greg Unwin, had said the act was a spontaneous reaction to what Kadri saw as a deeply offensive attack on his faith.

Notably, the victim was also prosecuted and convicted of “religiously aggravated disorderly conduct,” with prosecutors initially citing harassment of the “religious institution of Islam”—effectively a blasphemy charge.

The sentence comes at a time when other cases involving hostility toward Islam have resulted in much harsher outcomes. In a recent case, Nathan Poole was jailed for 30 months after shouting “Who the f**k is Allah?” during an anti-immigration protest outside a mosque in Stoke-on-Trent. Judge Richard McConaghy said the chants were clearly motivated by hostility towards Islam, and that the mosque setting amplified the offense.

These contrasting outcomes have fueled accusations of two-tier policing and sentencing in the United Kingdom. Critics point to a 2024 incident where police were filmed asking a group of armed Muslim men to leave their weapons at a mosque to avoid arrest, while anti-immigration protesters were being aggressively confronted and arrested by riot squads.

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4 hours ago
Health
UK

Socialized Medicine: Convictions Pile Up at UK Hospital Amid Abuse and Neglect Probe.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Blackpool Victoria Hospital staff members have been jailed following a police investigation into allegations of neglect and abuse.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Dr. Amal Bose, Catherine Hudson, Charlotte Wilmot, Marek Grabianowski, Xowi Mwimbi, Hernando Puno, Dr. Aloaye Foy-Yamah, the Natioanl Health Service (NHS), and Lancashire Police.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Allegations first surfaced in 2018 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, with subsequent trials and investigations continuing through 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Transparency and openness are incredibly important when healthcare professionals are dealing with patients.” – Christian Beadell

🎯IMPACT: The investigation has led to multiple convictions, ongoing scrutiny, and leadership changes at the hospital.

IN FULL

England’s Blackpool Victoria Hospital is at the center of a major scandal following the conviction of multiple staff members for serious misconduct and criminal behavior. The police investigation, known as Operation Bermuda, was launched by Lancashire Police after disturbing reports emerged from the National Health Service (NHS) hospital’s stroke unit. Allegations include patient neglect, abuse, and a toxic workplace culture that allowed inappropriate behavior to go unchecked.

Among those jailed is Dr. Amal Bose, a former consultant convicted of molesting female colleagues. His actions, revealed during trials at Preston Crown Court, are said to reflect a broader culture of misconduct within the hospital. Staff members were also accused of sedating difficult patients, not for medical reasons, but to make their shifts easier.

The case has expanded to include investigations into corporate manslaughter and violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Several leadership figures within the hospital trust have since been replaced, and the trust is now cooperating fully with ongoing inquiries.

The investigation has also uncovered a number of patient deaths under suspicious circumstances. One particularly tragic case involves Valerie Kneale, a grandmother whose death was linked to a violent sexual assault. Despite extensive police efforts, justice has not yet been served in her case, which remains classified as an unlawful killing.

Christian Beadell of Fletchers Solicitors, who represents several affected families, has called for greater scrutiny of healthcare practices, stating the need for “transparency and accountability in healthcare.” He emphasized the hope that this case will lead to meaningful changes not only at Blackpool Victoria but across other NHS Trusts.

The scandal comes amid broader concerns about the state of the National Health Service. Recent reports have exposed multiple failures across NHS institutions. In one instance, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted to mistakenly amputating the wrong limbs of six patients over a three-year period.

In another controversial decision, NHS England removed proposed age restrictions on gender identity services, allowing children as young as toddlers to be referred for psychological evaluation.

Image by Maggie Jones.

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16 hours ago
Crime
Politics

Democrat Lawmaker Sentenced for Burglary.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former Minnesota Democrat state senator Nicole Mitchell was sentenced to six months in jail for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s home.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nicole Mitchell, her stepmother Carol Mitchell, Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald, and Judge Michael Fritz.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The sentencing occurred on September 23, 2025, in Becker County, Minnesota; the break-in happened in April 2024 in Detroit Lakes.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I don’t think there is anything I can say or do that will ever be big enough to repair the harm that I’ve done.” – Nicole Mitchell.

🎯IMPACT: Mitchell’s conviction leaves her suburban district without representation until a special election in November, potentially affecting the narrow Democrat majority in the state Senate.

IN FULL

Nicole Mitchell, a former Minnesota Democrat state senator and ally of Governor Tim Walz (D), was sentenced to six months in jail for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. The incident occurred in April 2024, and Mitchell was convicted of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. She will serve her sentence on work release in Ramsey County, where she lives, beginning October 8.

Mitchell, 51, admitted to the court, “I don’t think there is anything I can say or do that will ever be big enough to repair the harm that I’ve done.” The judge allowed her to serve the 180-day sentence on work release and stayed a 21-month prison term contingent on her compliance with probation. Under Minnesota law, she could be released in four months.

Prosecutor Brian McDonald criticized the decision to let Mitchell serve her sentence outside Becker County, calling it “preferential treatment.” He also noted her refusal to resign from the Senate until a week after her conviction. Mitchell represented a suburban district in the closely divided Senate, often casting decisive votes.

Body camera footage played during the trial showed Mitchell in the basement of her stepmother’s home dressed in black with a flashlight covered by a sock. She reportedly told police, “Clearly, I’m not good at this,” and admitted, “I know I did something bad.”

Carol Mitchell, the victim, stated in court, “Fear has moved in with me to stay. How could I ever trust Nicole again?” Gov. Walz has scheduled a special election for November 4 to fill Mitchell’s seat, as well as the seat of a Republican senator who passed away.

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16 hours ago
News

Democrat State’s Foster Care System Placed Children with Sex Offenders, Murderer.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A new audit revealed Maryland’s foster care system failed to perform background checks, resulting in children being placed in homes with sex offenders and a convicted murderer being hired for child care in hotels.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Maryland’s Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration, Governor Wes Moore (D), Delegate Kathy Szeliga (R), and auditors from the Maryland General Assembly’s Department of Legislative Services.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Issues spanned several years, with the 2025 audit highlighting incidents through 2023 and 2024 in Maryland.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The audit of Maryland’s Social Services is absolutely abhorrent and reads like criminal negligence,” said Delegate Kathy Szeliga.

🎯IMPACT: The audit uncovered systemic failures, including unvetted foster homes, misuse of funds, and noncompliance with federal standards, risking children’s safety and costing Maryland millions in penalties.

IN FULL

An audit of Maryland‘s foster care programs has found the system failed to perform adequate background checks, resulting in at least 10 children being placed to live in homes with registered sex offenders. The review also found that foster children were placed with a convicted murderer who was paid to provide “one-on-one” care for the children in hotels.

The audit, conducted by the Democrat-run Maryland General Assembly’s Department of Legislative Services, found systemic problems in the foster care system, with an estimated 38 percent of children placed in foster homes failing to attend school despite state records showing otherwise.

In one instance, uncovered by investigators, state officials claimed to have reviewed a group foster home in 2023, but did not take note of an employee convicted of sexual assault on a minor in 2014. Three months later, the individual allegedly transported foster children for inappropriate activity and was subsequently charged with crimes involving children under his care. The Maryland Department of Human Services’ Social Services Administration (SSA) failed to document any corrective action following the incident.

Maryland Delegate Kathy Szeliga (R) condemned the findings, stating, “The audit of Maryland’s Social Services is absolutely abhorrent and reads like criminal negligence. The 72-page report reveals shocking recklessness in the care of foster children.” She called for immediate accountability, saying, “Governor Wes Moore must immediately fire someone. The buck stops with [Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael Lopez] or the Executive Director of the Social Services Administration, Dr. Alger Studstill, Jr.”

Auditors revealed that county agencies often failed to perform background checks, and the SSA rubber-stamped their paperwork without verification. One contractor providing one-on-one services employed a convicted murderer, and hundreds of children were placed in unlicensed hotel settings at exorbitant daily costs. Additionally, the SSA failed to recover $34.5 million in overpayments to foster care providers and did not ensure that children received required medical and dental exams.

The audit also highlighted the agency’s failure to comply with federal standards, resulting in a $700,000 fine in 2024. Many of these issues had been identified previously, but promised reforms were not implemented. In response, the SSA acknowledged regulatory shortcomings and claimed to have taken action in cases involving children living with sex offenders.

Image via Maryland GovPics.

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17 hours ago
Education
UK

Oxford, Cambridge Fall from Top Three in UK University Rankings.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Oxford and Cambridge universities have dropped out of the top three rankings in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide for the first time in 32 years.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The London School of Economics (LSE), Durham University, the University of St Andrews, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge, among others.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The rankings were announced in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, with full results published on September 21.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In a very competitive top 10 Durham has climbed two places in a year, which is a significant achievement,” said Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

🎯IMPACT: LSE retained first place, Durham University was named University of the Year, and regional universities were highlighted for their performance, with Oxford and Cambridge falling to joint fourth.

IN FULL

For the first time in 32 years, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have been pushed out of the top three rankings in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) retained the top spot for the second consecutive year, while the University of St Andrews ranked second, and Durham University climbed to third. Notably, this comes as the once-prestigious “Oxbridge” has been infected with woke ideology, with Oxford accepting incoming Oxford Union president George Abaraonye, who celebrated the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, despite poor grades, likely to meet racial diversity quotas.

Durham University was named University of the Year 2026 after improving its position from fifth place last year. Helen Davies, editor of the guide, noted that Durham’s rise was driven by “improvements in teaching quality and student experience,” which contributed to its significant achievement in surpassing Oxford and Cambridge.

The guide, which has been published annually since 1993, evaluates universities based on various factors, including teaching quality, student satisfaction, research output, sustainability, and graduate prospects. This year, the rankings highlighted regional universities, with LSE recognized as the top institution in London and Durham leading in the North and North East.

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, celebrated the accolade, stating, “Durham is an outstanding place to study. We ensure that every student can grow and thrive here. Our loyal, engaged alumni are a testament to the impressive career prospects that await our graduates.”

Meanwhile, LSE also received awards for Academic Performance and Russell Group University of the Year, further solidifying its position as a leading institution.

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17 hours ago
Politics

House Oversight Investigates Abuse of Retiree Pensions for ‘Progressive Playbook’ Strategy.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The House Oversight Committee is investigating whether insurance companies and financial institutions have discriminated against entities with right-wing views and improperly used retirees’ pension accounts to promote progressive policies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), whistleblowers, large asset management firms like BlackRock, and the former Biden government.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Ongoing investigations, with letters sent to organizations such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

💬KEY QUOTE: “At a minimum, Americans deserve to fully know if their hard-earned savings are being used in a progressive playbook.” – James Comer

🎯IMPACT: The investigation could lead to new legislation protecting Americans’ investments and greater transparency in corporate practices.

IN FULL

The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Representative James Comer (R-KY), is broadening its investigation into potential discrimination by insurance companies and financial institutions against individuals and entities with right-leaning political views. The probe also examines whether retirees’ pension accounts are being used to fund progressive policies without their consent.

In a letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Comer stated, “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating improper restrictions on access to capital and capital markets of individuals and entities based on political viewpoints or involvement in certain industries (such as cryptocurrency, energy, and firearms).” He noted that whistleblowers have reported having their insurance policies canceled for holding widely-held political positions or operating businesses disfavored by progressive activists.

Comer also addressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, acting as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), about the use of proxy proposals and activism targeting corporate boards by activists pursuing political agendas. He questioned whether these practices violate fiduciary duties and called for transparency regarding how investment managers and pension fund managers handle Americans’ savings.

The investigation has also drawn attention to large asset management firms like BlackRock, which Comer accused of prioritizing green energy initiatives and other progressive policies over profitability. BlackRock responded in a public statement, saying, “We are bound to adhere to [our clients’] investment guidelines and objectives. We do not dictate particular investment strategies.”

Additionally, the committee is investigating whether companies are rebranding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives to circumvent President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order banning such practices. Comer emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “At a minimum, Americans deserve to fully know if their hard-earned savings are being used in a progressive playbook.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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18 hours ago
William Upton
Politics

Trump: ‘Ridiculous’ Dems Must ‘Become Realistic’ to Avert Government Shutdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump canceled a planned meeting with Democrat congressional leaders over their demands in government funding negotiations, as an October 1 deadline approaches.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Congress.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday morning via Truth Social; the meeting was set for the Oval Office this week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive.” – Donald Trump.

🎯IMPACT: Heightened risk of a government shutdown, as both funding proposals failed in the Senate last week, potentially leading to a funding lapse at the end of the month.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has thrown cold water on speculation that he would meet with Congressional Democratic leaders this week to negotiate a government funding compromise and avert a government shutdown beginning October 1. Early Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) appeared to confirm they would meet with President Trump in the Oval Office later this week. However, the America First leader has dismissed the possibility of a meeting, writing in a post on Truth Social that Democrats must “become realistic” about their legislative demands.

“After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive,” President Trump wrote. “They are threatening to shut down the Government of the United States unless they can have over $1 Trillion Dollars in new spending to continue free healthcare for Illegal Aliens (A monumental cost!), force Taxpayers to fund Transgender surgery for minors, have dead people on the Medicaid roles, allow Illegal Alien Criminals to steal Billions of Dollars in American Taxpayer Benefits, try to force our Country to again open our Borders to Criminals and to the World, allow men to play in women’s sports, and essentially create Transgender operations for everybody.”

“They are trying to eliminate the popular $50 Billion Dollar Rural and Vulnerable Hospital Fund, which was passed with only Republican Votes, and proudly signed into Law by ME,” Trump declared, adding: “The Democrats in Congress seem to have totally lost their way. They obviously have no idea what it means to put America First or to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! All Congressional Democrats want to do is enact Radical Left Policies that nobody voted for.”

Late last week, House Republicans passed a mostly clean continuing resolution, which would keep the government funded until November 21. The only notable provision added was funding for increased security for lawmakers in response to the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk. The House funding bill fell short of overcoming a Senate filibuster late Friday.

Senate Democrats countered with their own proposal that would fund the government until October 31. However, it contained additional new spending provisions and measures that would repeal portions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed earlier this year.

Image by Adrian Hon.

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