GET THE APP
Tuesday, February 17, 2026

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

November 13, 2025
Politics

D.C.’s Democrat City Council Moves to Block Trump’s No Tax on Tips, Overtime Policy.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Washington D.C. Council passed an emergency tax bill to decouple parts of its tax code from federal tax changes, blocking tax breaks for tips and overtime pay.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The D.C. Council and workers affected by the changes.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The emergency measure applies for 90 days in Washington, D.C., with a planned temporary extension of 225 days.

💬KEY QUOTE: “At our most recent Legislative Meeting, the Council voted on an emergency basis to decouple elements of the District’s tax code from the federal,” said the D.C. Council in an official statement.

🎯IMPACT: Thousands of hospitality workers in D.C. will see tips and overtime pay remain fully taxable under local law.

IN FULL

Washington, D.C.’s Democrat-dominated City Council has adopted emergency tax legislation aimed at blocking federal tax code changes made under President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The move will prevent tax breaks for tip wages and overtime pay from taking effect in the city.

It is estimated that thousands of restaurant and hospitality industry workers in the nation’s capital will be impacted by the D.C. Council’s new tax law. Provisions in the OBBB allow workers to deduct up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime pay for single filers, with higher amounts for joint filers. However, these deductions will not be reflected in local tax returns due to the Council’s decision.

Additionally, the D.C. Council ended the $6,000 local senior bonus deduction and other business-related tax breaks in an effort to improve the city’s finances. Concerningly, estimates suggest the District of Columbia could face a revenue shortfall well over $1 billion over the next three years. The budget gap is primarily being driven by the Trump administration’s reductions in the federal workforce and increasing costs for the city’s social programs.

“At our most recent Legislative Meeting, the Council voted on an emergency basis to decouple elements of the District’s tax code from the federal, following Congress’ passage of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). In doing so, and in light of revised revenue estimates by the District’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Council also voted to dedicate a portion of the newfound revenue to two purposes: an accelerated full local match for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the establishment of a local child tax credit of $1,000 per child for eligible families,” the D.C. Council said in a statement.

The emergency amendment applies for 90 days, with a planned temporary extension of 225 days. A permanent measure will require further Council votes.

Image by APK.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad
More From The Pulse

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

23 minutes ago
War
World

Trump’s Iran Diplomacy Makes Headway, Price of Oil Drops.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The second round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, with reports of an understanding on main principles between the two nations, causing the price of a barrel of oil to fall.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Talks concluded in Geneva on Tuesday, coinciding with naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have reached an understanding on main principles with the U.S.” — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

🎯IMPACT: Oil prices initially rose due to military activity in the Strait of Hormuz, but later fell following news of progress in talks.

IN FULL

The price of oil began falling on Tuesday after Iranian leaders indicated they had reached a preliminary understanding with the United States in ongoing negotiations over its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. Oil initially spiked on Monday as Iran conducted military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. continued its naval buildup in the region.

Whenever the Strait of Hormuz experiences partial closure or other disruptions to its shipping lanes, the impact on global prices can be significant. The key waterway, which sits between Iran and the Arab Peninsula, serves as a major conduit for oil and gas from the entire Middle East, with around 20 to 25 percent of the world’s oil flowing through the strait, amounting to an estimated 20 million barrels a day.

Held in Geneva, Switzerland, the second round of indirect negotiations saw both delegations depart following the talks, though Iranian negotiators reportedly expressed a willingness to remain in Switzerland for extended periods if necessary to finalize a deal and avoid potential military conflict with America. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “We have reached an understanding on the main principles with the U.S.,” following the conclusion of the talks.

Notably, Iranian state media is characterizing the result of the talks as having established a basic agreement on the country’s nuclear program. However, it appears the issues of its ballistic missile program and financing of terrorist proxy groups remain unresolved. The United States delegation included White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with President Donald J. Trump indicating he would “indirectly” participate in the discussions.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi in Geneva on Monday as part of broader diplomatic efforts.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

55 minutes ago
Election Integrity

Democrats Cheer as Bid to Keep 73k Voters Without ID on Rolls Succeeds.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: North Carolina’s elections board reached a settlement to allow 73,000 voters extra time to update their voter registrations.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The North Carolina State Board of Elections, the Republican National Committee, the North Carolina GOP, and the Democratic National Committee.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The settlement was reached on Monday in North Carolina following a legal battle stemming from 2024.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This latest victory is a win for Americans and yet another blow to the Republicans’ scheme to disenfranchise voters ahead of the midterm elections,” gloated Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin.

🎯IMPACT: The agreement keeps 73,000 voters on the rolls, with their information to be updated when they vote, amid ongoing debates over voter ID laws.

IN FULL

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved a settlement that permits approximately 73,000 voters who failed to submit sufficient identifying information additional time to correct incomplete registration records before any removal from the voter rolls. The agreement resolves a 2024 lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the North Carolina Republican Party, which claimed that roughly 250,000 registrations lacked required identification information, such as the last four digits of a Social Security number or driver’s license number.

The Republican plaintiffs had sought immediate removal of these voters and invalidation of any votes they cast in the 2024 elections. The settlement instead keeps these voters on the rolls, with their information to be updated when they vote, consistent with North Carolina’s requirement to present identification at the polls. Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin claimed the outcome was a victory for American voters and a setback for Republican efforts to “disenfranchise voters ahead of the midterm elections.”

The board reported that about 100,000 voters lacked proper identification last summer, a figure that had dropped to 73,000 by December. The decision comes amid America First conservatives’ efforts to advance the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which has passed the House and awaits a Senate vote. The legislation would require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, mandate state verification of voter rolls, and authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address noncitizen registrations.

Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have pledged to block the bill, which Schumer called “Jim Crow 2.0,” despite the fact that Pew Research shows 71 percent of Democrats and 83 percent of Americans overall—including a substantial majority of black Americans—favor voter ID.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
1A
Bonkers Britain

Trump Looks Set to Grant Refuge to Man Prosecuted for Blasphemy Against Islam in UK.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A refugee in Britain, Hamit Coskun, is facing a de facto blasphemy case after burning a Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London. The Trump administration is considering granting him refugee status in the U.S. if he loses his case.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hamit Coskun, the Trump administration, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and Moussa Kadri, a passerby involved in the incident.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred outside the Turkish embassy in London. The CPS is challenging the overturned conviction in court on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “For me, as the victim of Islamic terrorism, I cannot remain silent. I may be forced to flee the UK and move to the USA, where President Trump has stood for free speech and against Islamic extremism.” – Hamit Coskun

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights the differences in free speech laws between the United States and the United Kingdom and may escalate tensions between the two nations.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is reportedly considering offering refugee status to Hamit Coskun, a Turkish refugee in Britain who burned a Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London, if he loses an ongoing legal battle. Coskun was initially convicted after setting fire to the Islamic holy book while shouting, “Islam is religion of terrorism” and “f*ck Islam.”

He was first charged with harassing the “religious institution of Islam,” with prosecutors amending to allegations after backlash to disorderly behavior in public but preserving the essential form of the case. Coskun’s conviction was overturned following support from advocacy groups including the National Secular Society and the Free Speech Union, which argued the prosecution amounted to enforcing a blasphemy law. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is now challenging that decision, reopening the case.

During the incident, a bystander, Moussa Kadri, attacked Coskun with a knife and later kicked him after he fell. Kadri only received a suspended sentence.

Coskun has expressed fears for his safety and concerns about freedom of speech in the United Kingdom. “For me, as the victim of Islamic terrorism, I cannot remain silent. I may be forced to flee the UK and move to the USA, where President Trump has stood for free speech and against Islamic extremism,” he said. He added, “If I have to do so, then, to me, the UK will have effectively fallen to Islamism and the speech codes that it wishes to impose on the non-Muslim world.”

According to reports, officials under President Donald J. Trump have cited Coskun’s case as part of broader concerns about free speech protections in Britain.

Notably, the Trump administration recently granted refugee status to dozens of white South Africans, citing anti-white racism and attacks. In a separate case, German right-wing activist Naomi Seibt sought asylum in the United States, receiving support from Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who said she would advocate on Seibt’s behalf.

Image by Frankie Fouganthin.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

14 hours ago
Immigration

This State Is Launching a Sanctuary City Crackdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Montana’s governor and attorney general have announced an investigation into potential local violations of the state’s ban on sanctuary city policies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Greg Gianforte (R-MT) and Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R-MT), along with the city of Helena.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation, launched in mid-February 2026, focuses on Helena, Montana, following a city council vote regarding federal immigration enforcement.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In Montana, we don’t tolerate defiance, and we support our law enforcement officers.” – Gov. Gianforte

🎯IMPACT: The investigation sends a message to local governments across Montana about compliance with state law and potential penalties for violations.

IN FULL

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R) and Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R) have launched an investigation into the city of Helena, the state’s capital, for potential violations of the statewide sanctuary city ban. The law allows for civil legal action and fines against jurisdictions that fail to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

“In Montana, we don’t tolerate defiance, and we support our law enforcement officers,” Gov. Gianforte said of the allegations against Helena’s city officials, noting that the investigation is a warning to all local governments in the state about the consequences of non-compliance with state law. Meanwhile, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen accused Helena’s city government of “thumbing its nose to the Montana Legislature.”

The investigation stems from a recent vote by Helena City Commissioners that prevents local coordination with federal immigration operations, and specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Gov. Gianforte expressed “serious concerns” about the resolution’s legality, noting that under the state law, no local or state agency in Montana can refuse to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In a letter to Knudsen, Gianforte referenced President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to enforce federal immigration law and criticized the lack of enforcement under the former Biden government, which he said allowed millions of illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. He also pointed to recent decisions by Democrat state lawmakers in other parts of the country that have put federal immigration agents at risk.

A spokeswoman for Helena stated that the city had not received formal communication on the matter and believes its resolution complies with local, state, and federal laws. Meanwhile, Knudsen’s office is also monitoring Missoula, where local officials deny the city is a sanctuary jurisdiction. However, they acknowledge that police officers do not inquire about immigration status during public interactions.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

15 hours ago
Immigration
News

Police Chief Investigates His Own Officers for Allegedly Helping ICE Uphold Immigration Law.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison announced that officers accused of working with federal immigration agents will face accountability measures, as part of the city’s effort to maintain its “welcoming” status.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, and unnamed Detroit police officers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Incidents occurred on December 16 and February 9; comments were made during a recent hearing in Detroit.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Of our officers, 98-99 percent do it the right way each and every day. But I do have one or two percent that decide to violate our rules, our policies, and our procedures, and to those officers, I will hold them accountable.” – Todd Bettison

🎯IMPACT: The Detroit Police Department is considering disciplinary action for the officers involved, with a decision expected before February 19.

IN FULL

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison has warned that officers who violate department policy by coordinating with federal immigration authorities will face discipline, reaffirming Detroit’s commitment to maintaining its sanctuary city status. Speaking before the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners last Thursday, Bettison described two incidents that are now under internal review.

The first occurred on December 16, when a Detroit sergeant contacted U.S. Border Patrol after an officer requested translation assistance during a traffic stop involving a non-English-speaking individual. According to Bettison, Border Patrol agents determined the person was not a U.S. citizen and took them into custody.

The second case took place on February 9, when an officer allegedly reached out to Border Patrol while investigating an individual wanted on a felony warrant. Bettison said body-worn camera footage confirmed that federal agents responded and detained the suspect.

Emphasizing departmental standards, Bettison told commissioners, “Of our officers, 98-99 percent do it the right way each and every day. But I do have one or two percent that decide to violate our rules, our policies and our procedures, and to those officers, I will hold them accountable.” The board is expected to determine whether the officers involved will be suspended ahead of a February 19 hearing.

The incidents come amid broader national tensions over cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. In Chicago, police leadership faced criticism after reports that officers were told not to respond to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a confrontation, drawing backlash from law enforcement advocates.

In Minneapolis, the police chief publicly encouraged residents to report masked individuals believed to be ICE agents conducting operations, pledging local intervention if necessary.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

15 hours ago
News
Politics

Dem Officials Sued for Defunding Police Department.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democrat city officials in Dallas, Texas, are being sued for failing to comply with Proposition U, a voter-approved public safety measure requiring increased police funding.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The lawsuit names the City of Dallas, its city manager, and its chief financial officer as defendants. Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading the legal effort.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in Dallas County following claims of noncompliance with the 2024 voter-approved initiative.

💬KEY QUOTE: “When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply.” – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit seeks to enforce compliance with Proposition U, including proper funding calculations and police compensation measures.

IN FULL

Democrat officials in Dallas, Texas, are facing a lawsuit alleging they failed to comply with Proposition U, a public safety measure approved by voters in November 2024 that requires increased funding for police and other safety-related priorities. The lawsuit, filed in Dallas County, names the city, its city manager, and its chief financial officer as defendants. Plaintiffs claim the city did not properly calculate excess revenue when determining police funding levels, as required under the city charter.

According to the complaint, Dallas reported $61 million in excess revenue for the most recent fiscal year, though the suit alleges the correct figure should have been closer to $220 million.

In addition to the revenue dispute, the lawsuit alleges the city failed to hire an independent third-party firm to conduct an annual police compensation survey, another requirement under Proposition U. Public information requests reportedly found no evidence that such a survey was conducted. Plaintiffs argue that the omission violates the city charter.

“When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply,” Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said. He emphasized the importance of fully supporting law enforcement amid increasing challenges and attacks on police from radical left-wing factions.

Proposition U was adopted following broader national debates over policing that began in 2020 and 2021, when some cities moved to reduce or reallocate police funding. Supporters of the Dallas measure say those policies led to public safety concerns in certain jurisdictions. In Baltimore, for example, critics of defunding efforts pointed to violent crime incidents, including a 2023 mass shooting that left two people dead and dozens injured, as evidence that reducing police resources can have serious consequences.

The Dallas lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the city to include all unrestricted revenue in its funding calculations and to allocate additional resources for police pensions, officer pay, and hiring. The legal action follows a separate lawsuit filed by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which accused Dallas officials of failing to repeal or amend dozens of ordinances it contends conflict with state law.

Image by Brendenmrogrs.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

16 hours ago
News
War

Taliban Promises ‘Full Support’ to Iran in War With U.S.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Taliban declared it is willing to offer “full support” to Iran in the event of an American attack, according to remarks by its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban regime, Iranian officials, and the Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments were made on Sunday during an interview with Radio Iran and shared on social media.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The people of Afghanistan will offer various forms of solidarity and support to their Iranian brothers.” – Zabihullah Mujahid.

🎯IMPACT: The Taliban’s remarks signal a potential alignment with Iran amidst ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and nuclear negotiations.

IN FULL

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has said it would back Iran in the event of a war with the U.S., underscoring deepening ties between Kabul and Tehran amid renewed tensions with Washington. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Sunday that the group is prepared to offer “full support” to Iran if the United States launches an attack. Speaking in an interview with Radio Iran, Mujahid added, “The people of Afghanistan will offer various forms of solidarity and support to their Iranian brothers.” He later shared the remarks on social media.

The statement comes as officials linked to President Donald J. Trump engage in preliminary talks with Tehran over sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. Discussions reportedly began in February through Omani intermediaries. Iran has been under intensified economic pressure since the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found it in violation of international nuclear obligations, triggering the reimposition of “snapback” sanctions.

Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob said separately that Afghanistan “poses no threat to any party” but would cooperate with Iran if necessary to counter American action.

Iran and the Taliban have had a fraught history, including disputes over water rights along the Helmand River and tensions related to Afghan refugees in Iran. In 1998, the two sides nearly went to war after Iranian diplomats were killed in Mazar-i-Sharif. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, however, relations have shifted toward pragmatic engagement, with diplomatic contacts and expanding cross-border trade.

The Taliban’s military capabilities have grown significantly since the U.S. withdrawal, with reports indicating that American weapons left behind in 2021 by the former Biden regime now form a core part of the group’s arsenal. Additional reporting has alleged that at least $239 million in U.S. aid reached Taliban-controlled Afghanistan due to vetting failures.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen in recent weeks. Americans have been warned to leave Iran as the risk of conflict increases, while analysts say Iran’s leadership fears U.S. strikes could embolden domestic protest movements. Trump has emphasized urgency in reaching an agreement, stating, “We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic—very traumatic.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

16 hours ago
Culture
Immigration
Religion

Trump Admin Launches Investigation Into Islamic EPIC City.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The state of Texas and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are investigating the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) over alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act and other state laws.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R), HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the Texas Workforce Commission, and EPIC’s affiliates, including Community Capital Partners (CCP).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Investigations began in 2023 and continue into 2024, focusing on EPIC City (now renamed “The Meadow”) near Josephine, Texas, in Collin and Hunt counties. The HUD investigation was announced on February 13, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Meadow was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America.’ … Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable.” – Governor Abbott

🎯IMPACT: Multiple state and federal investigations into EPIC and its affiliates, including allegations of discriminatory practices, securities fraud, and permit violations, have led to lawsuits, settlements, and regulatory actions.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is joining a State of Texas investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), probing whether the Islamic group’s land development project has violated federal and state laws, including the Fair Housing Act. HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the investigation, led by the agency’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, into EPIC last Friday, following a request from Texas state officials.

“It is deeply concerning the East Plano Islamic Center may have violated the Fair Housing Act and participated in religious discrimination,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner after announcing the probe, adding, “As HUD Secretary, I will not stand for illegal religious or national origin discrimination in housing and will ensure that this matter receives a thorough investigation so that this community is open to all Texans.”

At the center of the investigation is EPIC City, an Islamic real estate development project near Josephine, Texas, now rebranded as “The Meadow” after the launch of a state probe and lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Planned by Community Capital Partners (CCP), an EPIC affiliate, the project includes 1,000 homes, a K-12 Islamic school, athletic fields, and retail spaces. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) previously found evidence suggesting the development was marketed as an exclusively “Muslim community” and that discriminatory financial terms were imposed on buyers.

In response to TWC findings, EPIC agreed to complete a fair housing training program. However, further investigations by HUD and state agencies have raised additional concerns. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has directed over a dozen state agencies to examine EPIC’s activities, including alleged securities fraud, failure to obtain environmental permits, and operating without proper licenses for funeral services. Some investigations have led to lawsuits, cease-and-desist orders, and settlements.

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “The Meadow was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America.’ … Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable.” While EPIC has denied wrongdoing, its attorney, Dan Cogdell, criticized the investigations, calling them politically motivated. Despite some probes being dropped, such as one by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), others remain ongoing.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

17 hours ago
Health
Politics

Trump Orders FEMA to Tackle ‘Pootomac’ Sewage Spill Crisis.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A wastewater spill into the Potomac River began on January 19 due to a sewer line breach in Maryland, releasing millions of gallons of raw sewage.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump and local and state officials in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The spill began on January 19 in Maryland, affecting the Potomac River, with President Trump announcing FEMA’s intervention on February 16, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Federal authorities, including FEMA, are being directed to assist in the recovery efforts amidst a government funding dispute.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump is ordering the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to step in to coordinate the ongoing disaster response to the unprecedented sewage spill impacting the Potomac River. The National Pulse reported earlier on Monday that nearly a month after a sewer pipe collapse, an estimated 250 million gallons of raw sewage have been released into the river, which flows through the heart of the nation’s capital, leading to significant environmental and recreational concerns.

“There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland. A sewer line breach in Maryland has caused millions of gallons of raw sewage to be dumped directly into the Potomac River, a result of incompetent Local and State Management of Essential Waste Management Systems,” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social late Monday afternoon.

Trump continued, “Therefore, I am directing Federal Authorities to immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination to protect the Potomac, the Water Supply in the Capital Region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation’s Capital City. While State and Local Authorities have failed to request needed Emergency Help, I cannot allow incompetent Local ‘Leadership’ to turn the River in the Heart of Washington into a Disaster Zone.”

“The Federal Government has no choice, but to step in. FEMA, which is currently being defunded by the Democrats, will play a key role in coordinating the response,” he added.

Notably, while FEMA’s disaster relief funding remains available to assist state and local governments, the agency is not currently allowed to pay its employees’ salaries due to the ongoing partial government shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated last Friday by Senate Democrats. The Trump White House is working to negotiate a deal with Democrat lawmakers, who are demanding radical reductions in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding and operations, to end the impasse.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

18 hours ago
Education
Politics

Study Finds 88% of College Students Fake Being Leftists to Fit In, Score Better Grades.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A study revealed that a significant majority of college students misrepresent their views to align with progressive ideologies socially or academically.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Researchers Kevin Waldman and Forest Romm from psychFORM conducted the study, interviewing 1,452 undergraduate students.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The research took place between 2023 and 2025 at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan.

🎯IMPACT: The findings highlight concerns about free expression and intellectual growth being stifled on college campuses.

IN FULL

According to new data, most American college students publicly present themselves as holding more progressive political opinions than they actually believe in order to be more advantaged socially or academically. The research, conducted by Kevin Waldman and Forest Romm with psychFORM, included confidential interviews with 1,452 undergraduate students at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan between 2023 and 2025.

The study found that 88 percent of college students surveyed responded yes when asked, “Have you ever pretended to hold more progressive views than you believed to be accepted socially or academically?” Additionally, 82 percent of students stated that they submitted assignments that misrepresented their true beliefs to align with what they perceived as expected ideologies.

Meanwhile, 80 percent of students reported receiving negative feedback on work that challenged these expected views. A substantial 72 percent of participants stated that reasoned disagreement with progressive views is not treated with respect.

Notably, topics like gender identity, political beliefs, and family values were among the most self-censored, with 78 percent, 72 percent, and 68 percent of students, respectively, admitting to avoiding open discussion. Furthermore, when asked about their stance on whether “gender identity should override biological sex in athletics, healthcare, or legal documents,” 77 percent disagreed, but 91 percent of those who disagreed said they would not express this opinion publicly.

The findings also highlighted reputational concerns, with 81 percent of students agreeing that “silence is safest when unsure how views will be received,” and 74 percent acknowledging that expressing moderate views could harm their reputation. Even among close friends, 73 percent said they avoid sharing their values, and nearly half reported concealing beliefs in intimate relationships.

Image by Tony Webster.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad