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Wednesday, November 26, 2025

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1 hour ago
Breaking

BREAKING: 2 National Guardsmen Dead After Shooting Near White House, Trump Blasts ‘Animal’ Suspect.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Two National Guardsmen were shot outside the White House in Washington, D.C. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has confirmed both have died.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: National Guard members and law enforcement officials, as well as an alleged suspect believed to be in police custody as of 2:58 PM EST.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Outside the White House, November 26, in the 2PM EST hour.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price!” – President Donald J. Trump.

🎯IMPACT: Increased security measures and restricted access around the White House, as well as major government departments and Capitol Hill.

IN FULL

After The National Pulse confirmed through multiple high-level U.S. government sources that “at least” two National Guard members had been shot close to the White House in Washington, D.C., West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed that both belonged to the Mountain State’s guard, and that both have since passed away.

As of 2:58 PM, one alleged suspect is believed to be in police custody, with sources suggesting there may be a second suspect.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and President Trump have been briefed on the situation, with the latter in Palm Beach, Florida, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

At 3:23PM, President Trump posted on Truth Social: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey wrote: “It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues. Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.”

Kellie Meyer of NewsNation reported significant police and Secret Service activity in the vicinity immediately after the incident, noting that sidewalks were entirely blocked off to both foot traffic and vehicles. The press was relocated to the briefing room inside the White House as authorities continued to gather more information on the situation, and the White House complex was placed on lockdown.

A massive police presence is currently downtown in Washington, D.C., as well as on Capitol Hill this afternoon, following the incident.

This is a developing story, and further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Trump Border Czar Accuses Democrats of Enabling Mexican Cartel Crimes.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Border Czar Tom Homan accused Democrats of enabling Mexican cartels, arguing their open borders policies and attempts to hamper the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions make them complicit in the violence caused.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Tom Homan and Congressional Democrats.

📍WHEN & WHERE: This week, during a television interview.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If you support illegal immigration, then you support the criminal cartels in Mexico, because no one crosses the border illegally without paying a plaza fee to the criminal cartels.” – Tom Homan

🎯IMPACT: Homan highlighted the humanitarian and security crises caused by illegal immigration, accusing Democrats of complicity in these issues.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump‘s White House Border Czar, Tom Homan, accused Congressional Democrats of complicity in the ongoing criminal and violent acts of Mexico’s drug cartels during a television interview Tuesday evening. According to Homan, the Democratic Party’s open policies under the former Biden government and their ongoing efforts to hamper U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, especially through ICE tracking apps and legislative maneuvers, serve cartel interests.

“Bottom line is, if you support illegal immigration, then you support the criminal cartels in Mexico, because no one crosses the border illegally without paying a plaza fee to the criminal cartels,” Homan said. “And I’m going to remind everybody, and I’m going to keep reminding these Democrats, where were you the last four years, when we had over 10 million people come to our border, we had a quarter million Americans that died from fentanyl coming across the open border.”

“We had a record number of people in terrorist sponsor countries coming across the border. Sex trafficking, women, children are at historic high,” the Border Czar added.

Homan also noted that the former Biden government’s lack of border enforcement allowed the number of women and children being trafficked into the United States to reach historic highs. “You let half a million children be smuggled into the United States, you lost track of 300,000, you weren’t even looking for them,” he said concerning the Democrat and Biden government policies, alleging it is the “biggest national security failure” and “biggest humanitarian failure in the history of this nation.”

Responding to Congressional Democrat claims that illegal immigration is a minor crime, Homan remarked: “Illegal migration is not a victimless crime, and if they don’t know that, they’re just simply ignorant.”

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
News

Detentions of This Category of Migrant Have Surged by 2,000% Under Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The number of immigration detainees without criminal records held in federal detention centers has surged by over 2,000 percent since January, according to official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: ICE, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and detainees categorized as “immigration violators.”

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data reflects ICE detention as of November 16, 2025, across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The administration is targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens—including murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists.” – Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokeswoman.

🎯IMPACT: The data shows that the administration is determined to deport all illegals, not just after they have been convicted of crimes, but before they can perpetrate them.

IN FULL

The number of immigration detainees without criminal records has increased dramatically since the start of the second Trump administration, with federal data showing a rise of more than 2,000 percent between late January and mid-November. According to figures released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of a congressional transparency requirement, the agency reported detaining 65,135 people on November 16, the highest total it has ever publicly disclosed. Of those, 30,986 detainees, about 48 percent, were categorized as immigration violators with no U.S. criminal charges or convictions. Another 26 percent had criminal convictions, and 26 percent faced pending charges.

Notably, even in the absence of a conviction, crossing the U.S. border without permission is a crime, and while visa overstaying is only a civil violation, it is usually accompanied by criminal behavior, particularly if the overstayer is working illegally.

ICE data indicates that the number of non-convict detainees jumped from 945 on January 26 to 21,194 by November 16, marking a 2,143 percent surge. Detainees with criminal convictions have also increased by 73 percent during the period, and detainees with pending charges rose by 226 percent.

Officials overseeing immigration enforcement under President Donald J. Trump, including Border Czar Tom Homan and Acting ICE Director Matthew T. Albence, have repeatedly emphasized that anyone found living in the U.S. without legal status can be arrested, even if they were not the intended target of an operation.

“It’s not OK to violate the laws of this country,” Homan said earlier this year, stressing: “We have millions of people standing in line, taking the test, doing their background investigation, paying the fees that want to come in the right way. So if you’re in the country illegally, you got a problem.”

These arrests represent a shift from policies under the former Biden regime, which limited arrests of illegals and facilitated an unprecedented surge in border crossings.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said the administration’s main focus remains “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens—including murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists.” She also emphasized that some detainees listed as non-criminals may have criminal histories from other countries or pose national security concerns.

ICE has also pointed to recent arrests of immigrants with violent and sexual offense histories as evidence that its enforcement efforts protect public safety. The agency has publicized operations capturing individuals convicted of crimes such as child sexual assault, homicide, and burglary, including cases involving repeatedly arrested offenders. Notably, also targeting illegals who have not yet been convicted of crimes proactively prevents them from victimizing anyone.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
News

Foreign Tourists Will Now Pay More than Americans to Visit National Parks.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The National Park Service announced new pricing for its annual pass, increasing costs for foreign visitors while keeping prices the same for Americans.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Department of the Interior, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and the wider Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The pricing changes take effect January 1, 2026, and apply to all U.S. national parks.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first.” – Doug Burgum

🎯IMPACT: Revenue from new fees will fund maintenance, visitor facility upgrades, and improved services at national parks.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced changes to the pricing of the America the Beautiful annual pass, which allows access to national parks across the country. Starting January 1, 2026, foreign visitors will pay $250 for the digital annual pass, while the price for U.S. citizens remains at $80. This change is tied to a July Executive Order by President Donald J. Trump aimed at increasing revenue and improving the recreational experience at national parks.

In a statement, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said, “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”

Foreign visitors without an annual pass will also face an additional $100 fee per person to access the 11 most-visited parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. At parks charging vehicle admission fees, the new pass will now cover up to two motorcycles, an increase from one, while the policy for other vehicles remains unchanged at one per pass. Revenue generated from these changes will be reinvested into essential maintenance, visitor facility upgrades, and improved services nationwide.

The announcement also introduced other digital passes, including benefits for military families, seniors, and children. Veterans and Gold Star families are eligible for free lifetime passes, while active military members and their families can purchase annual passes for $20. Seniors aged 62 and older can choose between a $20 annual pass or an $80 lifetime pass. Additionally, all American fourth graders will have free access to national parks through August 2026.

The passes will be available for purchase on Recreation.gov starting in the new year, with digital access provided through the website, mobile app, or mobile wallet. Physical passes will still be available for purchase and delivery. In 2026, there will also be eight days when entry to all national parks is free for Americans, starting with Presidents’ Day on February 16. Other dates include Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day, among others.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
News

Trump Considering Direct Talks With Maduro—Or Military Action.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the Dominican Republic to discuss combating drug trafficking, while President Donald J. Trump signaled openness to direct talks with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, Dominican officials, and U.S. military personnel.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Hegseth’s visit occurred on Wednesday in the Dominican Republic, amid U.S. military operations in the Caribbean.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The U.S. government could cause an incalculable number of deaths and create a scenario of violence and instability in the hemisphere that would be unimaginable.” – Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez

🎯IMPACT: The U.S. is balancing diplomacy and military pressure to address drug trafficking and regional stability, with potential talks between Trump and Maduro marking a pivotal moment.

IN FULL

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the Dominican Republic on Wednesday to hold discussions with local officials on combating drug trafficking. This comes as tensions between the Trump administration and Venezuela remain elevated.

Despite the massive U.S naval buildup in the Caribbean, President Donald J. Trump has indicated his willingness to speak directly with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Maduro has also expressed openness to dialogue, presenting a possible diplomatic solution—though military strikes against the regime still appear likely.

The U.S. has intensified its efforts to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela, with military operations targeting vessels used to smuggle narcotics. These actions have reportedly resulted in at least 83 deaths. Additionally, the U.S. State Department designated the Cartel de los Soles, a network of Venezuelan officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This designation grants the U.S. expanded legal authority to target people linked to the network, including Maduro, who is accused of heading the cartel.

Maduro, facing mounting U.S. pressure, has signaled a willingness to negotiate, and potentially offer crude oil shipments as a form of leverage. Most of Venezuela’s oil currently flows to China, but it could play a key role in any future discussions with Washington. Reports suggest that a direct call between Trump and Maduro is “in the planning stages,” though no date has been set. The call would follow weeks of U.S. maritime operations, including Operation Southern Spear, aimed at intercepting drug shipments.

Hegseth’s visit to Santo Domingo included meetings with Dominican President Luis Abinader and Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre. This trip highlights the regional dimension of the U.S. strategy, which also saw Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine recently visit Trinidad and Tobago to discuss transnational criminal threats. Cuba, however, has criticized the U.S. approach, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez warning that “the U.S. government could cause an incalculable number of deaths and create a scenario of violence and instability in the hemisphere that would be unimaginable.”

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4 hours ago
William Upton
Breaking
Lawfare

BREAKING: Prosecutor Drops Fani Willis RICO Case Against Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A state prosecutor has moved to drop the racketeering case against President Donald J. Trump and his allies related to alleged efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump, Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, Jeffrey Clark, John Eastman, Fani Willis, and Peter Skandalakis, among others.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Georgia, with the case dismissed on Wednesday following a filing by Peter Skandalakis.

💬KEY QUOTE: Skandalakis stated that the alleged conduct was “federal, not state, charges” in his filing to drop the case.

🎯IMPACT: This decision likely marks the end of a historic series of criminal cases against Donald Trump in Georgia.

IN FULL

A Georgia prosecutor has moved to dismiss the racketeering case against President Donald J. Trump and his allies, which accused them of attempting to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. The case, originally brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, alleged a “criminal enterprise” involving a “fake elector” scheme, intimidation of election workers, and efforts to “find” votes needed for Trump to win the state.

Trump and over a dozen co-defendants, including Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, Jeffrey Clark, and John Eastman, were charged under Georgia’s RICO Act. The charges stemmed from alleged efforts to subvert the election results, with some defendants, such as attorneys Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis, and Sidney Powell, pleading guilty to certain charges in 2023 as part of plea deals.

However, Willis’s case faced significant complications, including allegations of conflicts of interest involving Willis and Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor with whom she was once romantically involved. Following court battles over these allegations, a state appellate court removed Willis from the case. This decision, coupled with Wade’s resignation, led to Peter Skandalakis, director of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia, assigning himself the case.

In his filing on Wednesday, Skandalakis argued that the alleged conduct fell under federal rather than state jurisdiction, prompting his decision to drop the charges. This development effectively ends the prosecution against Trump and his co-defendants in Georgia.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News

Mamdani Taps the Far Left’s Favorite Terror Lawyer to Transition Team.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ramzi Kassem, a City University of New York (CUNY) law professor and former Biden White House Senior Policy Advisor, has been named to the Transition Committee on Legal Affairs by New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Kassem has ties to radical activist groups and has made controversial remarks about 9/11.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ramzi Kassem, Zohran Mamdani, activist group Within Our Lifetime (WOL), and figures tied to CAIR and police abolition movements.

📍WHEN & WHERE: New York City; recent announcements surrounding Mamdani’s transition team and related events.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The legacy of 9/11 ought to be recounted primarily through the stories of Muslims.” – Ramzi Kassem

🎯IMPACT: The inclusion of individuals with ties to radical groups raises concerns about the direction of Mamdani’s administration and its policies.

IN FULL

New York City’s socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D) has announced his Transition Committee on Legal Affairs, which includes Ramzi Kassem, a City University of New York (CUNY) law professor and former Biden White House Senior Policy Advisor. Kassem is known for his founding of CLEAR (Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility)—a CUNY legal project that focuses on providing legal representation to Muslims accused by the federal government of ties to terrorism. Notably, CLEAR provided legal representation to radical pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil.

Concerningly, Kassem has participated in events with the pro-Hamas group Within Our Lifetime (WOL), where he provided guidance on avoiding legal risks during protests. At one such event, he emphasized the vulnerabilities faced by non-citizen demonstrators and outlined strategies for avoiding identification and arrest. WOL has distributed a toolkit for organizing protests, which includes propaganda templates and slogans such as “Globalize the Intifada,” criticized by many as incitements to violence and genocide.

In past remarks, Kassem controversially stated that the September 11 attacks reflected “the resentment these terrorists felt” and argued that “the legacy of 9/11 ought to be recounted primarily through the stories of Muslims.” He has also been honored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a group linked to allegations of ties to terror-related investigations, and was a recipient of the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans in Legal Studies. Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) designated the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations.

Mamdani’s transition team also includes other controversial figures, such as Alex S. Vitale, a police-abolition theorist, and Tamika Mallory, a former Women’s March leader accused of anti-Semitism and financial mismanagement.

Image by Eden, Janine, and Jim.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News

Blizzards, Wind, Rain, and Winter Storms Set to Cause Travel Chaos for Thanksgiving.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Severe winter weather and strong winds are sweeping across the U.S., affecting Thanksgiving travel plans for millions.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Millions of travelers, American Airlines, and other airlines preparing for record travel numbers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday through Saturday, across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, Appalachians, and other areas of the U.S.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Weather’s coming. Execute the plan. Get customers back on track.” – Mark Ewing, American Airlines Customer Service Director

🎯IMPACT: Travel disruptions, flight delays, and hazardous road conditions are affecting millions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

IN FULL

Freezing temperatures and winter weather, along with strong winds, are expected to impact large parts of the U.S. as an estimated one-in-five Americans travel for Thanksgiving. The Upper Midwest could see up to two feet of snow, while 52 million people are under wind alerts stretching from the Plains to the Great Lakes and into the Appalachians. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph in affected areas, including major cities like Chicago and Detroit.

Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of northern Wisconsin and Michigan‘s Upper Peninsula. In areas east of Lakes Erie and Ontario, lake-effect snow warnings are in place, with snowfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour and wind gusts above 30 mph making travel nearly impossible. Up to 3 feet of snow is possible in northern Wisconsin and Michigan, while areas downwind of lakes Erie and Ontario could see up to 20 inches of snow.

The Pacific Northwest is also experiencing wet and snowy weather, while showers and storms are affecting cities along the Interstate 95 corridor. In New York City, wind gusts of up to 35 mph could cause balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to fly lower than usual. Early travel disruptions include semi-trucks rolling off roads in Minnesota and icy conditions causing vehicles to slide in North Dakota.

Flight delays are also climbing, with over 630 flights within the U.S. delayed as of early Wednesday, according to FlightAware. Tuesday saw significant disruptions, including an air traffic control tower evacuation in Atlanta due to tornado concerns. American Airlines, which has been preparing for months, expects Wednesday to be its busiest travel day, with 81,000 flights scheduled over the Thanksgiving weekend. “Weather’s coming. Execute the plan. Get customers back on track,” said Mark Ewing, the airline’s customer service director.

Image by Sayamindu Dasgupta.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Economy

Jobless Claims Hit Seven-Month Low.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the first time dropped to 216,000 last week, marking the lowest level since April.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: American workers and the U.S. Department of Labor, which tracks jobless claims data.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The report was released last week and reflects national data following the recent resolution of the Senate Democrats-caused government shutdown.

🎯IMPACT: While initial claims have dropped, continuing jobless claims remain above 1.9 million, near their highest level since November 2021, raising questions about the broader labor market.

IN FULL

The latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor reveals that initial jobless claims fell to 216,000 last week, the lowest level since April. This comes after the resolution of the recent Senate Democrats-caused government shutdown, which had temporarily disrupted economic reporting.

Notably, jobless claims among workers in the “Deep Tristate” region—Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia—have significantly decreased since the shutdown ended. However, the broader labor market remains soft as continuing claims—those filed by individuals who have already received unemployment benefits—remain above 1.9 million.

This level of continuing claims is near its highest point since November 2021, suggesting that while fewer Americans are filing for benefits for the first time, many remain dependent on unemployment assistance. The data raises questions about the overall strength of the labor market and its recovery trajectory.

The National Pulse reported on Tuesday that core producer prices had edged up slightly. However, broader inflationary pressure remains under control. The jump appears mostly the result of increasing energy costs.

American retailers, surprisingly, also reported a slight increase in sales, suggesting consumer strength continues to be strong even if consumer confidence is softening.

Image by Adam Fagen.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
News
Politics

Federal Court to Review California’s New Congressional Maps by This Date.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal court in California has set December 15 as the date to hear arguments about the state’s new congressional maps, which have been redrawn to favor the Democrats.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: California Republicans, voters, members of the Trump administration, Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.

📍WHEN & WHERE: December 15, 2023, at a Los Angeles court, overseen by a three-judge panel.

💬KEY QUOTE: Democrats have called the allegations “meritless.”

🎯IMPACT: The case could determine the legality of congressional maps, potentially impacting the makeup of the House of Representatives after the 2026 midterms.

IN FULL

A federal court in California has set oral arguments for December 15 on the state’s newly approved congressional maps, which were passed via Proposition 50 earlier this month and are widely seen as boosting Democrats’ chances of winning the House in the 2026 midterms.

The California Republican Party, joined by voters and Trump administration officials, has filed suit against Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, claiming the maps unconstitutionally prioritize Democrat-leaning Latino voters at the expense of other racial groups. Democrats have called the lawsuit “meritless.”

The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California had originally scheduled a hearing for next week, but agreed to Attorney General Rob Bonta’s request to push it to December 15. Bonta, defending Newsom and Weber, had first asked to delay until January 2026, per court filings.

A three-judge panel in Los Angeles will hear the case, and the ruling could shape how far California can go in drawing maps that appear to favor particular demographic groups in future elections.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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20 hours ago
Crime
News

CBP Seizes Massive Meth Shipment at Border.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uncovered over $10.3 million worth of suspected methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of lettuce at the Pharr International Bridge in South Texas.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: CBP officers, the truck driver, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which is conducting a criminal inquiry.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The discovery was made on November 21 at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in South Texas.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Within a shipment of salad greens, our frontline officers discovered contraband that does not belong on any holiday table,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.

🎯IMPACT: The bust, one of the largest methamphetamine seizures at the South Texas port this year, highlights the critical role of inspection technology and CBP efforts in combating drug smuggling.

IN FULL

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized more than $10.3 million worth of suspected methamphetamine at the Pharr International Bridge in South Texas on November 21. The drugs, weighing approximately 1,153 pounds, were hidden inside a commercial shipment of lettuce arriving from Mexico. CBP officers first detected anomalies using non-intrusive inspection technology. A physical search then uncovered 500 packages of the suspected narcotic concealed in boxes designed to blend with ordinary produce crates.

“Within a shipment of salad greens, our frontline officers discovered contraband that does not belong on any holiday table,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “As this seizure aptly illustrates, our officers’ use of tools and technology were instrumental in this massive takedown of hard narcotics.”

CBP seized the narcotics and the tractor-trailer. Homeland Security Investigations has opened a criminal investigation, but no information about the driver or possible arrests has been released.

The bust, occurring just days before Thanksgiving, ranks among the largest methamphetamine seizures this year at the South Texas port.

Methamphetamine is a powerful synthetic stimulant that produces intense euphoria but carries severe health risks, including rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, paranoia, organ damage, psychosis, and fatal overdose. Large-scale production is dominated by Mexican cartels, which smuggle multi-ton shipments into the United States.

Recent related enforcement actions highlight the ongoing challenge. In February 2025, Mexican authorities, acting under increased U.S. pressure on drug trafficking, seized roughly 440 pounds of finished methamphetamine and more than 3,170 gallons of chemical precursors worth an estimated $40 million in Sinaloa state. In October 2025, federal agents in Georgia confiscated over 325 pounds of meth from a storage unit, resulting in charges against a suspected distributor.

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By Popular Demand.
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