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Saturday, August 16, 2025

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10 hours ago
Health

Costco Won’t Sell Mifepristone Abortion Pill.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Costco announced it will not sell the abortion pill Mifepristone at its pharmacy locations due to a lack of demand.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Costco and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Decision made public Thursday, August 14, 2025

💬KEY QUOTE: “We applaud Costco for doing the right thing by its shareholders and resisting activist calls to sell abortion drugs.” – Michael Ross, ADF legal counsel.

🎯IMPACT: The decision avoids controversy over selling abortion-related medications.

IN FULL

Costco has decided not to sell the abortion pill Mifepristone at its pharmacy locations, citing a lack of demand from its members and other patients. “They generally have the drug dispensed by their medical providers,” Costco stated in announcing the decision.

The move was welcomed by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a religious liberty legal organization that had urged Costco to refrain from selling the drug. Michael Ross, legal counsel for ADF, commented, “We applaud Costco for doing the right thing by its shareholders and resisting activist calls to sell abortion drugs.”

Mifepristone, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000, is part of a two-step regimen used to terminate pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Research from the Guttmacher Institute indicates that the drug is used in over half of all abortions in the United States.

Costco’s decision is a break from that of other major national retailers. The National Pulse reported in March of last year that CVS Health had announced it would provide the abortifacient at its pharmacies in Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts, with Walgreens rolling out its dispensing services in specific locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois.

Image by Robin Marty.

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By Popular Demand.
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10 hours ago
Lauren Gallagher
Immigration

Trump DOJ Gives Sanctuary Jurisdictions One Week to Submit to Immigration Law.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide have a week to comply with federal immigration laws or face action from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the DOJ, sanctuary cities, counties, and states.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 2025, United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Any sanctuary Jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court.” – Pam Bondi

🎯IMPACT: Sanctuary jurisdictions are directed to stop obstructing federal law enforcement, those who refuse to comply face DOJ action.

IN FULL

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Thursday that 32 letters have been sent out to sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide, giving them a week to comply with federal immigration laws or face action from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Any sanctuary Jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court,” she warned in a statement posted to social media. “Today, the Justice Department delivered demand letters to sanctuary cities, countries, and states—a key step in our strategic effort to eradicate sanctuary policies from California to New York.”

When questioned by the media on whether temporary federalization of local police departments could be done beyond Washington, D.C., she reiterated, “I just sent sanctuary city letters to 32 mayors around the country and multiple governors, saying, ‘You better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you aren’t, we’re going to come after you.’ And they have, I think, a week to respond to me, so let’s see who responds and how they respond.”

Recalling the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley by an illegal alien, Bondi pledged that the DOJ would “continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

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By Popular Demand.
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10 hours ago
Crime

This Township Has a Plan to Hold Parents Responsible for Teen Crime.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Gloucester Township, New Jersey, passed a new ordinance allowing fines or jail time for parents if their children cause public disturbances.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Gloucester Township Council, Chief David Harkins, local law enforcement, and community members.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ordinance was adopted on July 28, 2025, in Gloucester Township, New Jersey.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’ve gotten overwhelming support from our community. People recognize the need for parental responsibility.” – Chief David Harkins

🎯IMPACT: The ordinance aims to encourage parental accountability and prevent youths from entering the juvenile justice system.

IN FULL

In Gloucester Township, New Jersey, a new ordinance effective from July allows fines up to $2,000 or jail time for parents whose children cause public disturbances. The Gloucester Township Council adopted the measure on July 28, prompted by disruptions at community events, notably during the township’s annual community day in June 2024.

Police Chief David Harkins explained that the ordinance followed an incident where around 500 unsupervised teens disrupted a family event, leading to police intervention requiring support from nearby towns. Ten juveniles aged 13 to 17 and two others were arrested. “I’ve never experienced anything like it in 30 years as a police officer—the disrespect, the violent behavior that ruined a family event,” Harkins said.

The police chief noted strong community backing for the ordinance, stating, “We’ve gotten overwhelming support from our community. People recognize the need for parental responsibility.”

The ordinance stipulates that for a first offense, parents may be required to supervise their child. A second offense could result in fines, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Harkins clarified the intent is prevention, not punishment: “We’re not looking to put anybody in jail. This is about warning parents and due process.”

The police department will provide information sheets and warnings to parents of minors taken into custody, alongside support like a full-time social worker and parenting classes. “We understand being a parent is a tough job,” Harkins said. “We’re committed to giving help to those that need it.”

No parents have faced charges under the ordinance yet.

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By Popular Demand.
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11 hours ago
Politics

Senate Race: Cooper Leads Whatley by 8 Points.

PULSE POINTS

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

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley.

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

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

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

IN FULL

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

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

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

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

Image via NC Dept of Public Safety.

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By Popular Demand.
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11 hours ago
Politics
TECH

Google Caught Routing GOP Fundraiser Emails to Spam.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Republican consulting firm has raised concerns about Google’s Gmail disproportionately flagging Republican fundraising emails as spam while allowing Democratic emails to bypass filters.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Targeted Victory, Google, and political entities such as the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA), and Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The filtering concerns were observed in June and July 2025, with tests conducted on Gmail’s platform.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If Gmail is allowed to quietly suppress WinRed links while giving ActBlue a free pass, it will continue to tilt the playing field in ways that voters never see, but campaigns will feel every single day.” – Targeted Victory memo.

🎯IMPACT: The accusations raise further questions about tech companies’ influence over elections and voter outreach.

IN FULL

A Republican consulting firm, Targeted Victory, has accused Google of unfairly filtering Republican fundraising emails into Gmail spam folders while allowing similar Democratic emails to reach users’ inboxes. The claims, outlined in a memo, highlight ongoing concerns about potential political bias in tech platforms.

The memo revealed that emails containing links to the Republican platform WinRed were frequently flagged as spam, while identical emails with links to the Democratic platform ActBlue were delivered without issue. “The only difference between the two emails was the link,” the memo stated, adding that this pattern persisted even for high-profile accounts such as those of President Donald J. Trump and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY). Targeted Victory warned: “If Gmail is allowed to quietly suppress WinRed links while giving ActBlue a free pass, it will continue to tilt the playing field in ways that voters never see, but campaigns will feel every single day.”

Google has denied the allegations, with company spokesman José Castañeda stating, “Email filter protections are in place to keep our users safe. They look at a variety of signals—like whether a user has previously marked an email as spam—and apply equally to all senders, regardless of political ideology.”

Research has previously identified disparities in email filtering practices. A 2022 study by North Carolina State University found Gmail flagged 59 percent more Republican fundraising emails as spam compared to Democratic ones during the 2020 election cycle. The study’s authors noted that spam filtering algorithms exhibited biases based on political affiliations.

Targeted Victory reported contacting Google on June 30 to address the issue, but alleged that Google initially deflected responsibility, attributing the filtering behavior to “local settings.” By July, Google acknowledged that WinRed links were flagged as “suspicious,” according to screenshots provided by the firm. The memo warned, “This should alarm every campaign and committee that relies on email to connect with voters.”

Image by Anthony Quintano.

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By Popular Demand.
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12 hours ago
War
World

Blackwater Boss Sending Hundreds of Men to Combat Haitian Gangs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Nearly 200 private contractors from Vectus Global, a firm led by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince, will be deployed to Haiti under a one-year deal to combat gang violence.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Vectus Global, Erik Prince, Haitian government officials, Haitian National Police, and United Nations-backed Kenyan police officers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The deployment to Haiti is set to begin soon and will last for one year.

🎯IMPACT: The deployment aims to assist Haiti in reclaiming gang-controlled areas, but concerns remain over potential legal and sovereignty issues.

IN FULL

The private security firm Vectus Global, led by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince, will deploy nearly 200 contractors to Haiti under a one-year deal to combat gang violence. The move is intended to help Haiti’s government recover territory seized by heavily armed gangs in recent years.

The contractors, who will come from America, Europe, and other regions, are expected to support Haiti’s National Police and a United Nations (UN)-backed mission led by Kenyan police officers. This mission has struggled to suppress gang violence due to limited personnel and funding. According to a UN report, the mission currently has 991 personnel but requires 2,500 to meet its goals.

The U.S. government has denied any involvement in hiring Vectus Global for this mission. A Trump administration official clarified that the U.S. is neither funding the contract nor exercising oversight. Haiti’s government has not commented on the arrangement.

Haiti has been plagued by escalating gang violence, with the Viv Ansanm gang federation playing a significant role. This group, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States, has been responsible for large-scale attacks, including prison raids and the temporary closure of Haiti’s main international airport.

Over 1,500 people were killed and more than 600 injured in gang-related violence in Haiti from April to June of this year, according to the UN.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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12 hours ago
Lawfare
Media

The Courts Are Trying to Sell Off Alex Jones’s Infowars Again.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Texas judge has ordered the sale of Alex Jones’s Infowars platform to help pay over $1 billion in damages to Sandy Hook families.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Alex Jones, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, Sandy Hook families, attorneys Chris Mattei and Mark Bankston, and The Onion.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued on Wednesday in a Texas district court.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They are trying to shut us down right now!” – Alex Jones

🎯IMPACT: Infowars’ assets will be liquidated to pay damages, potentially dismantling Alex Jones’s media platform.

IN FULL

Alex Jones’s Infowars must be sold to help pay the more than $1 billion awarded to the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims, a Texas district court judge has ordered. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble stated during a Wednesday hearing that Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems, will be placed under the control of a court-appointed receiver. This receiver will oversee the sale of assets to pay Jones’s debts to the Sandy Hook families.

The decision clears the way for The Onion to potentially revive its bid for the outlet. The satirical news outfit had previously won a court-mandated auction for Infowars’ parent company, but the sale was halted in December by a federal bankruptcy judge due to concerns over the auction process. The judge later ruled that the families should pursue damages in state court rather than federal court.

Jones was found guilty of defamation in 2022 over statements related to the 2012 Sandy Hook shootings. On his show Wednesday, Jones expressed frustration over the ruling, stating he was “pissed off” but acknowledged he was “resigned” to the likelihood that Infowars would have to shut down.

He indicated that he plans to continue broadcasting under a different brand.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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13 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

This Dem Governor Just Pardoned a Killer Migrant to Save Him From Deportation.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) pardoned Somchith Vatthanavong, a Laotian immigrant convicted of manslaughter, to stop his deportation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Kathy Hochul, Somchith Vatthanavong, the Trump administration, and legal representatives.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The pardon was signed in New York last month.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Unless I believe someone poses a danger, I follow what the Bible tells us: ‘Forgive one another as God in Christ forgave you.’” — Gov. Hochul

🎯IMPACT: The pardon could vacate the killer’s deportation order, allowing him to remain in the U.S.

IN FULL

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has granted a pardon to Somchith Vatthanavong, a Laotian immigrant facing deportation due to a conviction for manslaughter. The pardon, signed on July 1, 2025, was not immediately publicized, contrary to the governor’s usual practice with pardons.

Mr. Vatthanavong, 52, was convicted of manslaughter in his late teens after fatally shooting someone in 1988, which he claimed was self-defense. He served 14 years in prison and was released in 2003. He has been living in New York since his release due to the authorities’ failing to take immediate steps to remove him.

The pardon came as a response to increased deportations of illegal immigrants under President Donald J. Trump‘s administration, which has prioritized the removal of illegal and some legal immigrants with prior criminal convictions. Community groups, Vatthanavong’s family, and legal advocates campaigned for his pardon, claiming he is rehabilitated and makes contributions to society.

After the pardon received public attention, Governor Hochul used Christianity to justify her efforts to keep a known killer in America, saying, “Unless I believe someone poses a danger, I follow what the Bible tells us: ‘Forgive one another as God in Christ forgave you.’” Her office says it plans to announce this and other pardons as part of a larger batch later this year.

The pardon could potentially vacate Vatthanavong’s deportation order. Notably, it states explicitly that the reprieve is unconditional, “including offering relief from removal.”

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By Popular Demand.
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13 hours ago
Corruption
Crime

A Top Democrat Mayor Has Been Indicted for Corruption.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democrat New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted by a federal grand jury.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleands Police Department (NOPD) officer Jeffrey Vappie, former NOPD Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, and former city inspector Randy Farrell.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The indictment occurred on Friday, August 15, 2025, in New Orleans.

🎯IMPACT: This marks the first time a sitting New Orleans mayor faces criminal prosecution.

IN FULL

A federal grand jury has indicted Democrat New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, marking a historic first for the city, as no sitting mayor has ever faced criminal prosecution before despite a number of city officials facing prosecution after leaving office. The indictment was backed by at least 12 of the 16 jurors.

Cantrell’s legal troubles have been mounting over the past two years, with allegations ranging from an inappropriate relationship with her former executive security officer to legal battles over broken funding promises and bribery. Former city inspector Randy Farrell was also indicted, accused of bribing Cantrell with Saints tickets.

The investigation gained momentum in 2023 after local reporters revealed that New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer Jeffrey Vappie, part of Cantrell’s protective detail, was often seen with her at a city-owned apartment during work hours. Vappie was later charged with wire fraud and falsifying records, pleading not guilty.

The indictment further alleges that Cantrell pressured former NOPD Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork to dismiss an investigation into Vappie, which may have cost Woodfork the permanent superintendent position.

Cantrell’s spending habits have also been scrutinized. Reports indicate that nearly $200,000 was spent from her campaign account in 2022, a significant portion of which was on image consulting.

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By Popular Demand.
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14 hours ago
Sports
UK

Opening EPL Match Paused Because Player Got Feelings Hurt by ‘Racist’ Heckler.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The opening match of the 2025/2026 Premier League season was halted due to an alleged racist remark by one spectator.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Referee Anthony Taylor, A.F.C. Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo, Liverpool F.C., and the spectator.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 15, 2025, at Liverpool F.C.’s home stadium in England.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They paused the Liverpool Bournemouth match because one of the players got their feelings hurt.” – Raheem Kassam

🎯IMPACT: The incident highlights the increasing sensitivity of soccer players and institutions.

IN FULL

The opening match of the 2025/2026 Premier League soccer season between A.F.C. Bournemouth and defending champions Liverpool F.C. on Friday was unexpectedly halted after a Bournemouth player reported an alleged racist remark by a single spectator to the referee.

Antoine Semenyo, a 25-year-old black man born in Chelsea, London, to Ghanaian immigrants who plays for Ghana in international matches, reported the alleged incident to referee Anthony Taylor. The official halted the match shortly afterwards, and held talks with Bornemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who is Spanish, and Liverpool manager Arend “Arne” Slot, who is Dutch.

Pausing the match over a single spectator, reportedly a Liverpool supporter, shouting an insult at Semenyo has been decried by soccer fans as overkill on social media. Raheem Kassam—Editor-in-Chief of The National Pulse—commented, “They paused the Liverpool Bournemouth match because one of their players got their feelings hurt.”

English soccer has long been obsessed with “anti-racism,” with Premier League teams “taking a knee” for Black Lives Matter after George Floyd’s death as a matter of course until late 2022. The English women’s national team continued to take the knee before matches until July 2025.

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By Popular Demand.
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15 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Breaking
War

BREAKING: Trump Greets Putin in Alaska.

President Donald J. Trump has greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the two leaders are expected to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine and a possible deal on nuclear arms control.

Initial reports indicated that the pair would meet one-on-one, with only interpreters present, but the White House has since advised that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will join President Trump. President Putin will also be joined by Russian officials, possibly including Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, who arrived in Alaska earlier in the day.

Trump said en route to Alaska that he is not sure a deal can be struck today, but added he is “not going to be happy if it’s not today.” He added, “Everyone said it can’t be today—but I want the killing to stop.”

“I’m not doing this for my health, OK?” Trump told reporters. “I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives.”

Trump has indicated that the meeting could be cut short if Putin tries stonewalling him, warning, “If he doesn’t want to cooperate, then I’m gone.”

This story is developing…

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President Donald J. Trump has greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the two leaders are expected to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine and a possible deal on nuclear arms control. show more
By Popular Demand.
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