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January 23, 2025
William Upton
Lawfare

WATCH: This Is What Is Delaying January 6 Defendant Releases, According to GOP Congressman.

Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ) says a group of federal judges who presided over the prosecutions of January 6 Capitol riot defendants are causing the delay in their release. Earlier this week, President Donald J. Trump, just after taking the Oath of Office, granted a sweeping pardon to almost every individual charged—nearly 1,600 in total—by the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) for participating in the 2021 riots.

“I just got off the phone with a pretty high-ranking official within the administration who has intimate knowledge of the situation and is also fighting to get these individuals released, who told me that the holdup—and many of you already know this—is a couple of the judges,” Rep. Crane says in a video he posted to X (formerly Twitter). The Arizona Republican continues: “Two that were mentioned are Judge Nichols and Judge Kelly. Keep in mind that these are some of the same individuals that put these individuals behind bars.”

“And one of the things I found most interesting about what this source told me was that these are the same guys that repeatedly will not hold gangbangers that are caught with guns that they’re not supposed to have on pre-trial detentions. So many of the most dangerous criminals here in Washington, D.C. are being given a pass while these judges will not comply, and they’ve been slow-rolling the release of these January 6 prisoners.”

‘PAPERWORK ISSUES.’

Rep. Crane claims the Bureau of Prisons is “ready to go” on releasing the remaining individuals pardoned by President Trump but is still awaiting the signed paperwork from the federal judges overseeing the January 6 cases. While a number of the pardoned January 6 defendants have been released, many still remain in prison.

Since the clemency announcement, social media has been rife with speculation that Washington, D.C.’s Democratic mayor, Muriel Bowser, or the Metropolitan Police Department are behind the delays. However, Rep. Crane’s claim adds credence to speculation that paperwork issues and certification of the pardons are the main reason why some January 6 defendants remain in prison.

WATCH:

Image by Tyler Merbler.

By Popular Demand.
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46 minutes ago
War
World

Pakistan Claims Indian Attack Imminent, Warns of Nuclear Response.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir have put both countries on high alert, with the possibility of military action being considered.

👥 Who’s Involved: The main parties involved are the governments and military forces of India and Pakistan, with mentions of Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and alleged militants.

📍 Where & When: The developments are unfolding primarily in the disputed region of Kashmir and along Pakistan’s Afghan border as of April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now,” said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, of a potential Indian attack.

⚠️ Impact: Potential military actions could escalate into greater conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with risks of regional instability.

IN FULL:

Pakistan’s Defense Minister issued a warning of a possible military attack by India on April 28 as tensions mount following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir that resulted in 26 deaths. Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Pakistan‘s armed forces are prepared and have increased vigilance due to the perceived imminent threat.

“We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. So, in that situation, some strategic decisions have to be taken, so those decisions have been taken,” he said.

Over recent days, troops from India and Pakistan have been exchanging gunfire in Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries and historically fraught with conflict between them. This ongoing skirmish has exacerbated already frayed relations, leading to fears of further escalation.

In response to the recent militant activity in Kashmir, Pakistan has elevated its military readiness. Asif emphasized that Pakistan is prepared to resort to nuclear weapons if “a direct threat to our existence” is presented.

The Kashmir attack led to a backlash in India, which attributes continued militancy to Pakistan’s alleged support and funding of extremists in the contested region. These accusations are rejected by Pakistan, which has instead called for a neutral investigation into the recent attack to establish accountability.

Meanwhile, Pakistan reports heavy clashes on its border with Afghanistan, claiming to have eliminated 54 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban as they attempted to enter Pakistani territory.

Image by SyedNaqvi90.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Economy

IBM Commits $150 Billion to U.S. Tech Expansion.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: IBM announced plans for new investments in the United States, following similar announcements from other tech companies amid pressure from the Trump administration to boost U.S. manufacturing.

👥 Who’s Involved: IBM, Nvidia, Foxconn, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Apple, OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and the Trump administration.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made in the United States on Monday, April 28, with investments planned over the next five years.

💬 Key Quote: Arvind Krishna, IBM’s chief executive, stated, “With this investment and manufacturing commitment, we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world’s most advanced computing and AI capabilities.”

⚠️ Impact: The announcements suggest significant potential investment in U.S. manufacturing with a focus on strengthening domestic supply chains and technology production.

IN FULL:

IBM has announced a substantial investment initiative in the United States, joining a wave of tech corporations revealing similar plans amidst pressure from the Trump administration to relocate or expand manufacturing operations within the country. The New York-headquartered software giant aims to invest $150 billion domestically in the coming five years, including $30 billion explicitly allocated for its mainframe and quantum computers. This announcement aligns with efforts by various firms to bolster the national economy and build stronger domestic supply chains insulated from retaliatory actions by China‘s communist regime, at President Donald J. Trump’s urging.

The unveiling of IBM’s investment plan follows a pledge made by chipmaker Nvidia, which declared a $500 billion investment and committed to producing its artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers in the United States. “With this investment and manufacturing commitment, we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world’s most advanced computing and AI capabilities,” the company’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, said in a statement.

Following President Donald J. Trump‘s inauguration in January, a number of both foreign and domestic technology companies have announced significant investments and expansions in the United States. Key announcements include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) $100 billion U.S.-based expansion plan for semiconductor production, alongside Apple’s intention to invest $500 billion and create 20,000 jobs in the U.S., with a new factory in Texas focused on AI advancements.

Earlier this year, a joint initiative involving OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, set to create a $100 billion computing infrastructure to support AI, was announced. The current administration’s trade policies have imposed tariffs on numerous Chinese goods, but notably spared electronics such as smartphones and computers, at least temporarily.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
William Upton
Politics

Dem Governor Urges Mass, Extreme Protests Against Trump and GOP.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Far-left Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) is calling for mass demonstrations and mobilization with the intention to “punish” Republicans. The extreme language is being seen by some as a return to the violent political rhetoric that resulted in two assassination attempts on President Donald J. Trump last year.

👥 Who’s Involved: Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

📍 Where & When: Sunday, April 27, in New Hampshire.

💬 Key Quote: “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace,” said Gov. Pritzker.

⚠️ Impact: Last year, extreme rhetoric deployed by former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Democratic Party alienated voters and resulted in two attempts on Donald Trump’s life. Pritzker, himself potentially weighing a 2028 presidential run, is seen by some as having returned to that violent and dangerous rhetoric.

IN FULL:

Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) appears to be laying the groundwork for a potential 2028 presidential run, looking to monopolize the progressive left-wing lane in the Democratic primary contest. On Sunday, during an event in New Hampshire, Pritzker—a billionaire member of the Pritzker family, which owns the Hyatt hotel chain—pushed for his fellow Democrats to ramp up aggressive demonstrations and protests against President Donald J. Trump.

“Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now,” the billionaire Democrat said, adding: “These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.”

Pritzker continued: “They have to understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have.”

During the 2024 presidential campaign, the Democratic Party, including then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, received intense criticism from voters and the Republican Party for their over-the-top and extreme political rhetoric. The Democrats attempted to portray President Trump and his supports as fascists, Nazis, and racists. They routinely warned that Trump would declare himself a dictator and that the MAGA movement wished to end democracy.

The violent political rhetoric espoused by Democrats culminated in two assassination attempts against President Trump, with a supporter of the America First leader being killed at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Illinois governor emphasized on Sunday that he wished to see Republicans “punished” while couching the rhetoric by adding “at the ballot box.”

Pritzker has staked out a position on his party’s left flank, calling Democratic lawmakers and activists who blamed the Biden government’s pro-transgender and open-borders policies for Trump’s reelection as “do-nothing Democrats.”

Image by World Economic Forum / Benedikt von Loebell.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Aircraft Carrier Loses Fighter Jet at Sea, May Have Been Under Houthi Fire.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, possibly while evading Houthi fire during a sharp turn.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, and Houthi forces in Yemen.

📍 Where & When: Red Sea, during operations aboard the USS Harry S. Truman on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The U.S. Navy stated, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.”

⚠️ Impact: The incident, potentially linked to Houthi aggression, underscores the risks faced by U.S. naval forces in the region, reinforcing the need for a robust military response to protect American assets.

IN FULL:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost a valuable F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, an incident that may have been triggered by evasive action against Houthi fire. The U.S. Navy reported, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.” While the Navy has launched an investigation into the mishap, unconfirmed reports suggest the carrier executed a sharp turn to evade Houthi attacks, highlighting the escalating threats faced by American forces in the region.

The F/A-18E belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, part of Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked on the USS Harry S. Truman. Quick action by the tow crew ensured all personnel moved clear before the aircraft fell into the sea. All personnel were accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury. Despite the loss, the Navy emphasized that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1’s nine squadrons, three guided-missile destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 28, and the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), remains fully mission capable.

The potential Houthi involvement in this incident aligns with their recent aggression against U.S. assets in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman in March 2025, using ballistic missiles and drones, though no damage was reported. The Iran-backed group has also targeted the USS Carl Vinson, with strikes reported earlier in April 2025.

The Houthis have seriously disrupted shipping routes since 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians, and their actions have prompted U.S. retaliatory strikes, including operations involving Super Hornets.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
News
Politics

Dem Rep. Gerry Connolly to Retire Following Cancer Return.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced that his cancer has returned, leading him to decide against seeking reelection. In addition, Connolly announced on Monday that he would be stepping down as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, who was the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

📍 Where & When: Connolly’s announcement came via social media on Monday, April 28.

💬 Key Quote: Connolly stated, “After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”

⚠️ Impact: Connolly will step away from his position as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and will not run for office again, ending his 15-year congressional tenure.

IN FULL:

Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced he will be stepping down as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and will not seek re-election. The Virginia Democrat who has served for 15 years in Congress revealed in a social media post on Monday that his esophageal cancer has returned.

“After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned,” Connolly wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The Democratic Congressman continued: “I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”

“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” Connolly said, adding: “With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years.”

Connolly had initially revealed his battle with esophageal cancer in November 2024, undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The Virginia Democrat’s national political journey began with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, serving the 11th district of Virginia for nine terms. Before his federal career, Connolly spent 14 years on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors.

Rep. Connolly is a noted foe of President Donald J. Trump and one of the more vocally partisan Democrats in the House of Representatives. During former President Joe Biden’s lawfare campaign against Trump, the Virginia Congressman pushed a proposal to rename a federal prison after Trump—a subtle reference to Democratic Party efforts to see the America First leader imprisoned.

In December 2024, Connolly defeated the far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for the ranking member seat on the House Oversight Committee. Now that he is stepping aside, the self-described New York “democratic socialist” may once again pursue the coveted committee seat.

Image by April Brady/Project on Middle East Democracy.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
War

Putin Declares Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine next month for “humanitarian reasons.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Vladimir Putin, Donald J. Trump, and Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: Ukraine, a pause in hostilities starting May 8 for 72 hours.

💬 Key Quote: “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently,” President Trump remarked.

⚠️ Impact: Continued uncertainty over the potential effectiveness of the ceasefire and its influence on U.S.-backed truce efforts.

IN FULL:

On April 28, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day pause in hostilities in Ukraine next month. This decision marks the second instance in two weeks that Russia has promised a temporary cessation of its military operations. The ceasefire is set to begin on May 8 and last for 72 hours, coinciding with the May 9 celebrations in Russia commemorating the Soviet victory over Germany in World War II.

The announcement follows increased international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has been vocal in his demands for Russia to pause its military activities in Ukraine. In a recent social media post, President Trump emphatically appealed to President Putin to “STOP!” the bombardment.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump has expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions towards peace, questioning if the Russian leader is earnestly pursuing a resolution or merely stalling. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend, Trump openly questioned whether Putin genuinely wants to end the hostilities. Writing on Truth, the President speculated, “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?'”

Ukraine has not yet publicly responded to the news of the planned ceasefire. Previously, Russia declined to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, despite Ukraine’s acceptance of such terms. An earlier one-day truce declared by Putin to observe Easter failed to hold, though it reportedly led to a temporary reduction in violence.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Trump Forces Media to Cover Deportation of Dangerous Illegals.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Images depicting the most serious criminal illegal immigrants arrested since the beginning of President Donald J. Trump’s second term are being displayed on the White House lawn.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Trump Administration organized the display, focusing on individuals arrested for serious criminal activities.

📍 Where & When: The event took place this morning, Monday, April 28, on the lawn of the White House.

💬 Key Quote: “Between President Trump’s inauguration and April 1 of this month, only nine illegal aliens were released into the United States. A staggering 99.99 percent decrease from the more than 184,000 illegal aliens who were released into the country under Biden during the same period last year,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced.

⚠️ Impact: This event is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to showcase its commitment to tightening immigration controls and removing dangerous individuals from the U.S.

IN FULL:

The Trump White House has lined the driveway on the north lawn where the corporate media hold live reports with images of the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants who have been apprehended during President Donald J. Trump‘s first 100 days in office. Prominently displayed, the photos posted on yard signs with the name and criminal charges for each illegal immigrant will be difficult for reporters to frame out of their live shots from the White House lawn.

Numbering 100 in total, the yard signs include an illegal Jamaican national arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Baltimore, who was convicted of first-degree murder. Another yard sign features an illegal immigrant from Burkina Faso who was arrested last week by ICE in Buffalo with a previous conviction for rape. A number of the criminals have prior convictions for violent sex crimes against minors, aggravated assault and battery, and crimes relating to their gang membership.


Early Monday morning, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, addressed the media regarding the display on the White House lawn and the administration’s success in removing dangerous illegal immigrants and securing the border since January.

“Between President Trump’s inauguration and April 1 of this month, only nine illegal aliens were released into the United States. A staggering 99.99 percent decrease from the more than 184,000 illegal aliens who were released into the country under Biden during the same period last year,” Leavitt announced. She added: “Total attempted illegal crossings at the southwest border hit a record low in February, only to fall to another new record low again last month in March.”

Meanwhile, Homan took the corporate media to task over falsely alleging that the Trump administration deported a two-year-old American citizen. “What we did is remove children with their mothers who requested it—that’s a parental decision. Parenting 101,” Homan said, arguing: “I’ll tell you what, if we didn’t do it, the story today would be, ‘Trump administration’s separating families again!'”

“We’re keeping families together. When a parent says, I want my two-year-old to go with me, we made that happen. They weren’t deported; the parents made the decision,” Homan added.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
News
War

Trump Hints Zelensky Willing to Cede Crimea for Peace Deal.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump says there has been a shift in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approach to peace negotiations, noting he is “calmer” and now agrees that concessions to Russia on Crimea may be part of the peace process.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: President Trump and President Zelensky met in Vatican City and Rome over the weekend, with Trump commenting after returning to the U.S. on Sunday evening.

💬 Key Quote: Trump remarked, “I see him as calmer, I think he understands the picture, and I think he wants to make a deal.”

⚠️ Impact: The discussion suggests a potential shift in Ukraine’s stance on Crimea, indicating possible concessions in the ongoing conflict with Russia to secure peace.

IN FULL:

Following a recent meeting in Rome, President Donald J. Trump has commented on changes in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance in peace negotiations. The discussions, which took place around Trump’s visit to honor the deceased Pope Francis, suggest Zelensky’s attitude toward a possible peace agreement with Russia may be evolving.

“We had a good meeting, it was a nice meeting,” Trump said of the encounter, praising the Ukrainian—with whom he has occasionally had fractious relations—as a leader who “wants to do something good for his country; he thinks he’s doing a good job and he’s working hard.”

“I see him as calmer, I think he understands the picture, and I think he wants to make a deal,” the America First leader said.

President Trump also expressed sympathy for the Ukrainian leader’s situation, which he described as “very tough,” adding, “He’s fighting a much bigger force, much bigger.”

Zelensky had previously maintained a firm stance on regaining Crimea, a majority-Russian territory which was annexed to Russia proper under the Barack Obama presidency well over a decade ago, when Zelensky was still working as a comic actor. President Trump and the First Son, Donald Trump Jr., previously said that this stance indicated Zelensky was not serious about making peace, with Crimea’s status being a bare minimum concession.

Zelensky’s position is slightly complicated by articles of the Ukrainian constitution stating that the country’s borders are “indivisible and inviolable” and cannot be altered except by a national referendum—with an “eternal clause” in the constitution stating that it cannot be amended to remove these articles.

President Trump also issued a veiled warning to the Russian government, noting that he was “very disappointed” by a series of intense missile strikes in recent weeks, as a ceasefire is supposed to be getting negotiated.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Second Illegal in Noem Purse Theft Identified, Freed Into U.S. Despite Expedited Removal Order.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Two illegal immigrants from Chile have been arrested in connection with the theft of a purse belonging to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Easter Sunday.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, and Mario Bustamante-Leiva.

📍 Where & When: The theft occurred on Easter Sunday, with the suspects being arrested on Sunday, April 27, in Washington, D.C., and Miami, Florida.

💬 Key Quote: Montecino-Sanzana, who was detained and arrested in Miami on Sunday, had previously received an order for “expedited removal,” but was instead released into the United States in January of 2021.

⚠️ Impact: Montecino-Sanzana and Bustamante-Leiva are believed to be members of an organized East Coast criminal organization comprised of illegal immigrants who have executed a number of notable robberies and thefts.

IN FULL:

A second illegal alien arrested for the theft of a purse belonging to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has been identified as Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, a Chilean national. Montecino-Sanzana, who was detained and arrested in Miami on Sunday, had previously received an order for “expedited removal,” but was instead released into the United States in January of 2021.

Mario Bustamante-Leiva and Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana—both Chilean illegals—have been arrested in connection with the purse theft, which contained $3,000 in cash. Both men are suspected of being members of a large, organized criminal organization on the U.S. East Coast that has executed many thefts and robberies. Bustamante-Leiva was arrested earlier on Sunday by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Over a decade ago, in the United Kingdom, Bustamante-Leiva was charged with 22 separate acts of theft over a half-year period, totaling around $28,000. The extent of Montecino-Sanzana’s criminal record is not yet known.

Secretary Noem was dining at The Capital Burger—a restaurant in Washington, D.C.—on Easter Sunday when a masked man snatched her purse, which contained the former South Dakota governor’s driver’s license, $3,000 in cash, passport, DHS identification badge, and her house keys.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Politics

Stefanik Surges Ahead in New York GOP Governor Primary.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A poll indicates Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) holds a significant lead in the Republican primary for New York governor and is narrowing the gap against incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY).

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Elise Stefanik, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R).

📍 Where & When: New York, based on a survey conducted from April 22-24, 2025, by GrayHouse.

💬 Key Quote: “I’ll make my decision solely based on whether or not I believe there’s a pathway to win,” said Rep. Lawler.

⚠️ Impact: Stefanik’s strong favorability among Republicans and Independents could challenge Hochul’s position in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

IN FULL:

Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) could emerge as a formidable contender in the race for New York governor, according to a GrayHouse poll conducted in late April 2025. The poll surveyed 826 registered voters and found Stefanik with a commanding lead in the Republican primary, at 44 percent support, leaving Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) trailing far behind. Lawler received seven percent and Blakeman garnered five percent, with 44 percent of respondents undecided.

Stefanik, who has a net favorability of +47 among Republicans, also enjoys positive sentiments from Independents. This stands in contrast to Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is facing a net job approval rating of -18, with 55 percent of voters expressing disapproval. Hochul’s favorability has slightly improved recently, marking a shift from a previous Siena College poll.

The poll suggests that if the gubernatorial election were held today, Hochul would attract 46 percent of the vote against Stefanik’s 40 percent, while 14 percent remain undecided. Against Lawler, Hochul would lead with 45 percent to his 38 percent, and against Blakeman, she would maintain a lead of 44 percent to 36 percent.

Lawler plans to decide by June whether he will enter the race, focusing on his perceived ability to pose a viable challenge to Hochul. “I’ll make my decision solely based on whether or not I believe there’s a pathway to win,” Lawler commented during a recent media interview. He added: “Ultimately, we will make a decision on who can make the best case to New Yorkers and defeat Kathy Hochul. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about.”

Support for change appears significant, with 61 percent of New Yorkers indicating it is time for a new leader. Meanwhile, only 18 percent expressed a willingness to re-elect Hochul, and just nine percent were firm in their choice to do so.

The National Pulse previously reported that Stefanik’s nomination for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations was withdrawn after it became apparent that her congressional seat is critical to maintaining the Republican majority in the House.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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