Thursday, April 16, 2026

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Trump’s FCC Closes Loophole Allowing Criminal Access to High-End Burner Phones.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Monday a significant change to a 2007 phone unlocking rule, which it says has inadvertently aided criminal enterprises that wish to use higher-end devices as difficult-to-trace burner phones.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The FCC, Verizon, TracFone, and criminal organizations, including drug cartels.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The rule change was announced on Monday, January 12, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Sophisticated criminal networks have exploited the FCC’s handset unlocking policies to carry out criminal acts—including transnational handset trafficking schemes and facilitating broader criminal enterprises like drug running and human smuggling.” — FCC Chairman Brendan Carr

🎯IMPACT: The FCC contends the rule change reduces access to difficult-to-trace “burner” style high-end phones for criminal operations.

IN FULL

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Monday a significant change to a 2007 phone unlocking rule, which it says has inadvertently aided criminal enterprises that wish to use higher-end devices as difficult-to-trace burner phones. According to the FCC, the nearly two-decade-old phone unlocking policy stipulates that Verizon phones—specifically—must become unlockable from the carrier no more than 60 days after activation. For other cellular carriers, their devices had to be configured so that consumers could unlock them after one year.

Federal officials contend that the significantly shorter unlocking timeline for Verizon—along with its acquisition of prepaid and no-contract mobile virtual network operator TracFone Wireless—created a perverse incentive for criminal elements to target Verizon stores to steal higher-end phones. “Sophisticated criminal networks have exploited the FCC’s handset unlocking policies to carry out criminal acts—including transnational handset trafficking schemes and facilitating broader criminal enterprises like drug running and human smuggling,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said regarding the updated FCC rule. He continued, “By waiving a regulation that incentivized bad actors to target one particular carrier’s handsets for theft, we now have a uniform industry standard that can help stem the flow of handsets into the black market.”

Under the new waiver order, Verizon will be brought into alignment with the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA) Consumer Code for Wireless Service, established in 2013. The FCC contends this will better help reduce drug cartels and other criminal operations’ access to unlocked and difficult-to-trace “burner” style phones.

“Due to its unique unlocking responsibility, Verizon’s unlocked handsets have too often been effectively stolen and resold on the black market, commanding premium prices on the dark web, particularly in countries like Russia, China, and Cuba,” the FCC contends, adding, “The record demonstrates that the 60-day device locking period is insufficient for the company to effectively detect fraud before unlocking takes place… Time and again, federal and state law enforcement has investigated and prosecuted transnational handset trafficking schemes, finding they facilitate broader criminal enterprises like drug and human smuggling.”

The move by the FCC comes as the Trump administration continues to ramp up operations against Central and South American drug cartels and criminal illegal immigrant gangs operating within the United States. Notably, Verizon supports the FCC action, with Kathy Grillo, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, stating, “The FCC’s action will end bad actors’ ability to exploit the FCC’s unlocking rules to profit from easier access to expensive, heavily-subsidized devices in the U.S. that they traffic and sell to other parts of the world.”

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Fauci HATES What This COVID Inquiry Just Uncovered – Thursday 16 April, 2026.

The National Pulse

Nightly.

Thursday, April 16, 2026  •  Nº 6

Where MAGA goes to know.

Presented by  —  Advertise here: media@thenationalpulse.com

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— From the Editor —

Welcome to the real news. Today we learned that very lefty NPR is receiving $113 million in mega donations — while sites like The National Pulse continue to rely on our loyal readers for support, operating on a budget of roughly 1/150th of that.

What a terrible state right-leaning media finds itself in. No wonder stories like our lead tonight scarcely get covered elsewhere. It is an absolute travesty — one you must read, share, and take seriously — given what we now know about the COVID vaccine regime. If this publication matters to you, please join The National Pulse and help us stay in the fight. Or, if you prefer, you can donate here.

Raheem J. Kassam

Editor-in-Chief

Tonight’s Briefing

1

Health · UK

Britain’s COVID Inquiry: Vaccine Mandates Were Political, Not Medical

Britain’s official COVID inquiry has confirmed what many suspected — mandatory vaccination policies were driven by politics, not clinical evidence.

■ Pulse Points  /  THE SCIENCE™ WAS POLITICS ALL ALONG

What Happened —  Britain’s official COVID-19 inquiry has reported that the country’s mandatory vaccination policies were “political and not led by clinical advice,” exacerbating distrust of a health care system that nearly collapsed during the pandemic.
The Detail —  The inquiry report warns that rebuilding trust will be critical before any future pandemic, and criticized the system for inadequately compensating people harmed by vaccines — recommending higher payouts and broader eligibility. The British government mandated vaccines for healthcare workers and required vaccination passports to enter certain venues and travel overseas. The findings come as part of a wider investigation into Britain’s pandemic response, which has already warned that the socialized National Health Service (NHS) came close to being overwhelmed.
Key Quote —  “While the majority of people took up the offer of vaccination, there was lower uptake within communities in areas of higher deprivation and in some ethnic minority communities. For many, their concerns centered on the safety of vaccines and possible side effects.” – Inquiry Chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett
Impact —  Confirmation that the British government prioritized political considerations over science has further eroded public trust in government and the national health care system. Baroness Hallett criticized the decision to restrict compensation to victims deemed at least 60 percent disabled, leaving those with significant but lesser injuries with nothing.

● ● ●

2

Iran War · Energy

Europe Is Perilously Low on Jet Fuel

The IEA is warning that Europe faces mass flight cancellations within weeks as the Iran war chokes off global jet fuel supplies.

■ Pulse Points  /  RUNNING ON EMPTY

What Happened —  IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol has warned that Europe may face jet fuel shortages within weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, with global repercussions including widespread flight cancellations.
The Detail —  The crisis is being described as one of the most severe global energy disruptions in history, with ripple effects across economies worldwide. Rising fuel costs are driving inflation in gasoline, natural gas, electricity, and fertilizer prices. European airports and airlines are already expressing concern about shortages ahead of the summer travel season. In response to Iran’s closing of the Strait and a breakdown in peace negotiations, President Trump announced that America would blockade ships leaving Iranian ports.
Key Quote —  “I can tell you soon we will hear the news that some of the flights from city A to city B might be canceled as a result of lack of jet fuel.” – Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director
Impact —  The knock-on economic impact on countries in Europe that rely heavily on tourism could devastate some areas, with fuel shortages at some airports potentially occurring within weeks if the blockade continues.

● ● ●

3

Elections · Money

Adelson Hands $40 Million to GOP Midterm Efforts

FEC filings reveal Miriam Adelson as the top Republican super PAC donor heading into the midterms — as polling shows a growing divide between the GOP base and the party’s pro-war donors.

■ Pulse Points  /  FOREIGN AFFAIRS

What Happened —  FEC filings reveal that Miriam Adelson, the Tel Aviv-born widow of Israeli-American billionaire Sheldon Adelson, is the largest donor to Republican super PACs ahead of the 2026 midterms — donating $30 million to the Senate Leadership Fund and $10 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund. Meanwhile, Budapest-born billionaire George Soros is the largest donor to Democrat super PACs.
The Detail —  Adelson is a strong supporter of Israel and its military actions in the Middle East. The two GOP super PACs raised over $110 million combined. On the other side, Soros poured $50 million into his Democracy PAC, which later allocated $9 million to the Senate Majority PAC.
Impact —  Adelson’s donations may influence Republican candidates’ stance on the Iran war at a time when the conflict is dividing the party’s base. Polling by the Democracy Institute shows 52 percent of GOP voters oppose the war, and 51 percent believe Israel has too much influence over U.S. foreign policy.
Flashback —  “I’m gonna get her in trouble with this, but I actually asked her once, ‘So Miriam, I know you love Israel. What do you love more, the United States or Israel?’ She refused to answer. That means, that might mean Israel.” – President Donald J. Trump, speaking in Israel in 2025.

● ● ●

4

Lawfare

Pro-Life Activist Wins $1 Million Settlement Over Biden DOJ Raid

Mark Houck, raided by 25 FBI agents in front of his children, has secured a seven-figure payout from the Biden-era Department of Justice.

■ Pulse Points  /  SWAT THAT SETTLEMENT

What Happened —  Pro-life activist Mark Houck has reached a settlement exceeding $1 million with the Department of Justice after suing over his 2022 FBI arrest. Houck had been accused of violating the FACE Act following a 2021 altercation outside a Planned Parenthood clinic, but was acquitted by a jury in 2023.
The Detail —  In 2022, a SWAT team of approximately 25 agents arrested Houck at his home in front of his children. His lawsuit accused the DOJ of conducting a “faulty investigation” and using “excessive force.” A recent DOJ report revealed evidence of selective prosecution against pro-life activists, including coordination with pro-abortion groups and withholding of evidence.
Key Quote —  “This Department will not tolerate a two-tiered system of justice… The weaponization that happened under the Biden Administration will not happen again.” – DOJ Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche
Flashback —  Emails from the DOJ’s internal investigation reveal Biden officials referring to Christian pro-lifers as “culty” and working to exclude them from jury pools. Pro-life defendants faced more than double the average prison terms sought for pro-abortion defendants in FACE Act cases.

● ● ●

5

Crime · J6

J6 Pipe Bomber Hit with Additional Charges

Brian Cole Jr. now faces weapons of mass destruction and terrorism charges for planting functional pipe bombs outside DNC and RNC headquarters the night before January 6.

■ Pulse Points  /  BOOM GOES THE INDICTMENT

What Happened —  Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Virginia, has been indicted on new felony charges for allegedly planting pipe bombs near the DNC and RNC headquarters the night before January 6, 2021. The updated indictment includes charges of attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and committing an act of terrorism while armed.
The Detail —  Cole had previously been arrested in December on charges of transporting and placing the devices, which the FBI confirmed were functional, though they did not detonate. Court filings reveal Cole admitted to constructing and planting the bombs, citing frustration over the 2020 election and dissatisfaction with both parties. He reportedly told investigators “something just snapped.”
Impact —  Cole remains in pre-trial detention after a judge ruled he poses a significant danger to the community, rejecting defense proposals for monitored release.
Flashback —  The pipe bomb investigation remained unsolved for years, with Trump making it a priority after returning to office. FBI Director Kash Patel stressed that Cole was snared after a thorough reexamination of existing evidence, branding the former Biden regime “negligent” and “incompetent” for failing to identify a suspect.

● ● ●

6

Crime

Democrat With Sex Assault Allegations Found Dead in Murder-Suicide

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax fatally shot his estranged wife before turning the gun on himself — their teenage children were home at the time.

■ Pulse Points  /  DEMOCRATIC VALUES

What Happened —  Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax (D) fatally shot his estranged wife, Cerina, and then turned the gun on himself in their Annandale, Virginia home early Thursday morning. Their teenage children, aged 14 and 16, were present in the house but unharmed.
The Detail —  The couple, though separated, had been living under the same roof using separate bedrooms. Cerina had filed for divorce last year, with a hearing scheduled for next week. Police believe recent court paperwork served to Fairfax may have triggered the attack. Officers had been called to the home in January over an alleged domestic dispute, determined at the time to be unfounded.
Impact —  The murder-suicide leaves the couple’s two teenagers orphaned and raises serious questions about whether authorities failed to act on previous warning signs of domestic violence.
Flashback —  Fairfax’s political career was overshadowed by allegations of sexual assault in 2019 and again during his 2021 gubernatorial campaign. His wife, Cerina, supported him publicly during that period, though their relationship later deteriorated.

● ● ●

7

Politics · NYC

Mamdani’s Wife Apologizes for Posts Praising Terrorists and Using Slurs

Rama Duwaji has apologized for celebrating a PFLP terrorist and using racial slurs — but the scrutiny of New York City’s mayor only deepens.

■ Pulse Points  /  SORRY, NOT SORRY

What Happened —  Rama Duwaji, wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D), issued a public apology for old social media posts where she praised Palestinian terrorists and used offensive language, including racial slurs.
The Detail —  Posts exposed in March included one celebrating Shadia Abu Ghazaleh, an aircraft hijacker and member of the U.S.-designated terrorist group Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Other posts included a racial slur for black people. Her X and Tumblr accounts were deleted following the exposé. Duwaji has also faced scrutiny for providing art for an essay by an author who praised October 7 and referred to “Jewish supremacist vampires,” and her Instagram has been observed liking posts celebrating the October 7 attacks.
Key Quote —  “When a tabloid recently published old tweets I wrote as a teenager, I felt a lot of shame being confronted with language I used that is so harmful to others; being 15 doesn’t excuse it.” – Rama Duwaji
Impact —  Duwaji’s apology has reignited scrutiny of her and Mayor Mamdani regarding their views on Israel and the Middle East, raising concerns for Jewish residents of New York City and the influence the couple may have on city policy.

● ● ●

8

Europe · Immigration

New Hungarian PM: Stronger Borders, No EU Migration Pact

Hungary’s incoming prime minister, Péter Magyar, is defying EU expectations by pledging to reinforce border fences and reject the bloc’s Migration Pact entirely.

■ Pulse Points  /  SURPRISE! HE’S BASICALLY ORBÁN

What Happened —  Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced that his government will not participate in the EU Migration Pact, and pledged to reinforce Hungary’s border “even more.” Magyar also appears set to cut legal immigration by eliminating non-EU guest worker programs.
The Detail —  Magyar’s stance comes after his election defeat of outgoing PM Viktor Orbán. EU officials openly celebrated the result — but while Magyar has signaled greater cooperation with Brussels on some issues (such as not blocking a €90 billion loan to Ukraine), he will remain firmly opposed to EU migration policies.
Key Quote —  “Hungary will not accept any pact. In fact, I’m going to reinforce the border fence even more.” – Péter Magyar
Impact —  Magyar’s rejection of the Migration Pact signals Hungary will remain a key opponent of EU open border policies despite the establishment’s celebration. Notably, Magyar was until 2024 a member of Orbán’s own party — suggesting his government may not be the sharp break from Orbánism that globalists have been hoping for.

On Raheem's Radar

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On This Day in History

1. In 1789, George Washington departed Mount Vernon for New York City to be inaugurated as the first President of the United States.
2. In 1862, President Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, abolishing slavery in Washington, D.C. — nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation.
3. In 1912, aviator Harriet Quimby became the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel, crossing from Dover to Hardelot, France, in just over an hour.
4. In 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann accidentally discovered the psychedelic effects of LSD after absorbing a small quantity through his fingertips in his laboratory in Basel.
5. In 1947, the Texas City Disaster struck when a French cargo ship loaded with ammonium nitrate exploded in port, triggering a chain of blasts that killed nearly 600 people and injured thousands — the deadliest industrial accident in U.S. history.
6. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his celebrated “Letter from Birmingham Jail” while imprisoned for civil rights protests, making the moral case for nonviolent direct action against unjust laws.
7. In 1972, Apollo 16 launched from Cape Canaveral, carrying astronauts John Young, Charles Duke, and Ken Mattingly toward the lunar highlands of Descartes.
8. In 2007, a gunman killed 32 people at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia — at the time the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
9. In 2013, authorities identified brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev as the suspects behind the Boston Marathon bombing, three days after the attack killed three and wounded hundreds.

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By Popular Demand.
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PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump insisted that gas prices are “not very high” during a press briefing on Thursday, despite fuel costs surging since the onset of the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key supply route for energy and fertilizer. Overall, gas prices are up 49 percent since the start of 2026, largely due to the Iran conflict.
📺 DETAIL: Gas prices, which were $2.75 per gallon at the beginning of 2026, have risen to an average of $4.093 per gallon, with diesel prices climbing to $5.65 per gallon. A recent two-week ceasefire in the Iran war has led to a minor decrease of seven cents per gallon. Notably, a recent Quinnipiac poll reveals that 65 percent of voters attribute the rise in gas prices to President Trump.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “[Gas prices are] not very high, if you look at what they were supposed to be in order to get rid of a nuclear weapon… The stock market’s up, everything’s doing really well, and the big thing we had to do is make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon.” – President Donald J. Trump
🎯 IMPACT: The spike in gas prices has put financial pressure on many Americans, with many voters expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s economic performance. Last month, polling found 66 percent of independents—arguably the most critical voting bloc in the U.S.—believe the Trump administration is “focused too little” on domestic matters relative to foreign policy, which could harm the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections.

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President Trump has insisted that gas prices are "not very high," despite an apparent surge in fuel costs since the onset of the Iran war.

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Lefty NPR Gets $113 Million in Mega-Donations. Meanwhile, On The Right…

National Public Radio (NPR) has received two massive donations from an Obama Foundation board member and an anonymous donor totaling over $100 million dollars, following cuts to the broadcaster’s federal funding by Congress. Meanwhile, real news sites like The National Pulse require your support.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: NPR has received two mega-donations totaling $113 million after the broadcaster lost all of its federal funding. While the federal funding cut amounted to only around two percent of NPR’s annual budget, it still proved to be a significant blow to local stations.
👤 WHO WAS INVOLVED: Obama Foundation board member Connie Ballmer, the wife of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, contributed $80 million, while an anonymous donor provided $33 million. Ballmer is also a former NPR Foundation board member.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “I support NPR because an informed public is the bedrock of our society, and democracy requires strong, independent journalism,” said Ballmer.
📺 DETAIL:  The funding comes at a critical time after Congress eliminated about $1.1 billion in federal support for public media, putting financial strain on NPR and local stations. The money is intended to strengthen collaboration across stations, improve how NPR delivers content, and adapt to how audiences consume news across platforms. Despite the scale of the gifts, NPR executives emphasized they cannot fully replace the loss of federal funding, which has already led to layoffs and financial pressure across the system. Local public radio stations have been hit particularly hard, with many losing around 10 percent of their budgets. NPR says the donations are meant as long-term “catalytic investments” to help ensure the network’s viability and evolution over the next several decades.
🎯 IMPACT: These donations aim to fill the financial gap left by Congress’s decision to eliminate $1.1 billion in federal funding for partisan public media, which caused budget cuts and layoffs across the system.

Image by Alyson Hurt.

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National Public Radio (NPR) has received two massive donations from an Obama Foundation board member and an anonymous donor totaling over $100 million dollars, following cuts to the broadcaster's federal funding by Congress. Meanwhile, real news sites like The National Pulse require your support.

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By Popular Demand.
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Trump Administration Unveils Tariff Refund Portal.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will open an online portal allowing businesses to request refunds for tariffs deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will launch a Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal on April 20, enabling businesses to request refunds for tariffs ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. The Court determined in February that tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by the Trump administration were unlawful, potentially entitling businesses to refunds totaling up to $175 billion.
📺 DETAIL: The CAPE portal will allow businesses and customs brokers to submit claims for refunds, but the process is not automatic. Refunds are limited to “unliquidated tariffs” or those finalized within the last 80 days. Businesses must navigate a complex process, including submitting accurate documentation, to receive refunds.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “CAPE will simplify International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duty refund requests made pursuant to court order and in accordance with appropriate statutory authority by providing an electronic pathway to submit valid IEEPA duty refund claims.” – CBP statement
🎯 IMPACT: While up to $127 billion in refunds may be processed initially, businesses face significant administrative hurdles, including potential delays caused by errors in claims. Some companies may opt to sell their claims to financial firms to avoid the lengthy refund process. The effort highlights ongoing challenges in addressing the consequences of the Supreme Court’s ruling on IEEPA tariffs.
📺 FLASHBACK: The Supreme Court’s February ruling struck down tariffs imposed under IEEPA, which the Trump administration used to levy duties on imports deemed to be taking advantage of the U.S. The decision triggered thousands of lawsuits seeking refunds from the Court of International Trade. The Trump administration has been rapidly rebuilding its tariff regime using alternative legislation, such as the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will open an online portal allowing businesses to request refunds for tariffs deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court.

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By Popular Demand.
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DNI Gabbard Issues Criminal Referrals for Inspector General and ‘Whistleblower’ Involved in Trump Impeachment.

Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has issued criminal referrals against key figures in President Trump’s first impeachment, reigniting scrutiny of the events surrounding the 2019 inquiry.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has issued criminal referrals to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for two people involved in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald J. Trump in 2019. These referrals target a so-called whistleblower and former Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson, although their specific alleged crimes remain undisclosed so far.
📺 DETAIL: The Justice Department will ultimately decide whether to open a criminal investigation, as referrals themselves do not guarantee prosecution. Gabbard has recently criticized how the original whistleblower complaint was handled, particularly by the intelligence community’s inspector general. The whistleblower’s complaint centered on a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which led to impeachment proceedings pushed by the Democrats. Gabbard has released documents she says show misconduct or procedural failures in how that complaint was processed. Supporters of the move argue it secures accountability for wrongdoing in the impeachment process.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Deep state actors concocted a false narrative that Congress used to usurp the will of the American people and impeach duly-elected President [Donald Trump] in 2019.” – Tulsi Gabbard
🎯 IMPACT: The referrals will likely reignite debates over the dubious legitimacy of the 2019 impeachment and the role of intelligence officials in how the impeachment process was orchestrated. Though Trump was acquitted in a Senate trial, the potential prosecutions could deter future spurious impeachments. The Justice Department has not yet announced whether it will act on the referrals.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has issued criminal referrals against key figures in President Trump's first impeachment, reigniting scrutiny of the events surrounding the 2019 inquiry.

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By Popular Demand.
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Pope’s MAGA Brother Targeted by Bomb Threat.

A bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo XIV’s brother in Illinois was found to be a hoax after a police investigation.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A bomb threat was reported at the home of Pope Leo XIV’s brother, Louis Prevost, in New Lenox, Illinois. A supporter of President Donald J. Trump, the Pope’s brother had been praised by the President earlier this week, amid a dispute between the administration and the pontiff over crime and U.S. military action in Latin America and the Middle East. 
📰 DETAIL: The New Lenox Police Department conducted a thorough search using bomb-sniffing K-9s and found no evidence of an explosive device, concluding that the bomb threat was a hoax. Residents were evacuated as a precaution but have since returned home. The incident is under investigation to determine the source of the false report.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report,” the New Lenox Police Department said in a statement, adding, “Making false reports of this nature is a serious offense and may result in criminal charges.”
🎯 IMPACT: The false bomb threat disrupted the local community, prompting evacuations and a police investigation, highlighting the serious nature of such false reports. Notably, it comes amid an escalating dispute between the Trump administration, which Prevost supports, and the Pope, who has been making thinly-veiled public criticisms of U.S. foreign policy. 
👀 FLASHBACK: Earlier this week, President Trump praised Prevost on his Truth Social platform, writing, “I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t.

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A bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo XIV's brother in Illinois was found to be a hoax after a police investigation.

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By Popular Demand.
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Mamdani’s Wife Apologizes for Social Media Posts Praising Terrorists and Using Slurs.

Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D), has apologized for controversial social media posts praising Palestinian terrorists and using racial slurs.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Rama Duwaji, wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D), issued a public apology for old social media posts where she praised Palestinian terrorists and used offensive language, including racial slurs.
📺 DETAIL: Posts from Duwaji’s past were exposed in March, including one celebrating Shadia Abu Ghazaleh, an aircraft hijacker and member of the U.S.-designated terrorist group Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Other posts included a racial slur for black people. Her X (formerly Twitter) and Tumblr accounts were deleted following the exposé. Duwaji, an artist, has also faced scrutiny for providing art for an essay by an author who praised October 7 and referred to “Jewish supremacist vampires.” Duwaji’s Instagram account has also been observed liking posts celebrating the October 7 attacks.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “When a tabloid recently published old tweets I wrote as a teenager, I felt a lot of shame being confronted with language I used that is so harmful to others; being 15 doesn’t excuse it.” – Rama Duwaji
🎯 IMPACT: Duwaji’s apology has reignited scrutiny of her and her Uganda-born Twelver Muslim husband, Zohran Mamdani, particularly regarding their views on Israel and the Middle East. The posts raise concerns for Jews in New York City and the influence Mamdani and his wife may have on various policies, considering his office.

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Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D), has apologized for controversial social media posts praising Palestinian terrorists and using racial slurs.

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By Popular Demand.
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Covid Vaccines Were ‘Political,’ Not Led by Clinical Advice, Govt Inquiry Finds.

The official COVID-19 inquiry in the United Kingdom—roughly equivalent to a U.S. congressional investigation or special commission—has revealed that mandatory vaccination policies were driven by political factors rather than medical evidence.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Britain’s official COVID-19 inquiry has reported that the country’s mandatory vaccination policies were “political and not led by clinical advice,” exacerbating distrust of a health care system that nearly collapsed during the pandemic.
📺 DETAIL:  The inquiry report warns that rebuilding trust will be critical before any future pandemic. The inquiry also criticized the system for inadequately compensating people harmed by vaccines, recommending higher payouts and reforms. The findings come as part of a wider investigation into Britain’s pandemic response, which has already warned that the socialized National Health Service (NHS) came close to being overwhelmed. Experts involved in the inquiry stress that lessons from the pandemic must lead to stronger preparation and clearer communication strategies. The British government mandated vaccines for healthcare workers and required vaccination passports to enter certain venues and travel overseas.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “While the majority of people took up the offer of vaccination, when it was made, there was lower uptake within communities in areas of higher deprivation and in some ethnic minority communities. For many, their concerns centered on the safety of vaccines and possible side effects.” – Inquiry Chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett.
🎯 IMPACT: Confirmation that the British government prioritizes political considerations over science when imposing measures such as mandatory vaccinations has further eroded public trust in government and the national health care system. On compensation for the vaccine-injured, Baroness Hallett criticized the government’s decision to restrict the relatively low compensation payouts to victims deemed at least 60 percent disabled and recommended changes, as the status quo leaves “those people with a significant injury that affects how they live, but does not meet the 60 percent threshold, with nothing.

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The official COVID-19 inquiry in the United Kingdom—roughly equivalent to a U.S. congressional investigation or special commission—has revealed that mandatory vaccination policies were driven by political factors rather than medical evidence.

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By Popular Demand.
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Israeli-American Adelson Hands $40 Million to GOP Midterm Efforts.

Israeli-American Miriam Adelson has emerged as the top donor for GOP super PACs as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings reveal that Miriam Adelson, the Tel Aviv-born widow of Israeli-American billionaire Sheldon Adelson, is the largest donor to Republican Party super PACs in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections, donating $30 million to the Senate Leadership Fund and $10 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund. Meanwhile, Budapest-born billionaire George Soros is the largest donor to Democrat super PACs.
📰 DETAIL: Adelson is a strong supporter of Israel and its military actions in the Middle East. The Senate Leadership Fund bankrolls Republican Senate candidates, while the Congressional Leadership Fund backs Republican House candidates. All told, the two super PACs raised over $110 million. On the other side of the aisle, Soros poured $50 million into his Democracy PAC, which later allocated $9 million to the Senate Majority PAC, which backs Democrat Senate candidates.
🎯 IMPACT: Adelson’s substantial donations may influence the stance of Republican lawmakers and candidates on the Iran war, at a time when the conflict and the U.S.-Israeli alliance more generally are dividing the party’s base. Polling by the Democracy Institute shows 52 percent of GOP voters oppose the war, and 51 percent of GOP voters believe Israel has too much influence over U.S. foreign policy. These sentiments are even stronger among voters generally, suggesting a strong pro-war, pro-Israel stance during the midterms could harm the party’s electoral prospects.
💬 FLASHBACK: “I’m gonna get her in trouble with this, but I actually asked her once, ‘So Miriam, I know you love Israel. What do you love more, the United States or Israel?’ She refused to answer. That means, that might mean Israel.” – President Donald J. Trump, speaking in Israel in 2025.

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Israeli-American Miriam Adelson has emerged as the top donor for GOP super PACs as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

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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.

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Knife-Wielding Boat Migrant Attempts to Break Into Israeli Embassy in London.

A migrant from Kuwait who crossed into Britain illegally on a small boat is on trial for allegedly attempting a terror attack at the Israeli Embassy in London, trying to jump its fence armed with two knives.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Abdullah Albadri, a 34-year-old Kuwaiti migrant, allegedly attempted to break into the Israeli Embassy in London while carrying two knives in April 2025. Prosecutors say Albadri intended to carry out a terror attack in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict, citing a suspected martyrdom note and his own statements to police.
📺 DETAIL: Albadri was stopped by armed police just before gaining entry, with officers later finding a handwritten martyrdom note” among his belongings. The court heard he wanted to “send a message,” referencing Gaza. Prosecutors argue the note, weapons, and phone evidence show he intended to carry out a suicide attack. Albadri denies preparing a terrorist act and claims the knives were for personal use because he was homeless.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “I will not go back on my decision to go in the cause of Allah… to stand up to the enemies in order to support the religion of Allah Almighty.” – Handwritten note allegedly sent by Albadri to his mother.
💬 SECONDARY QUOTE: The existence and contents of his suspected martyrdom note, along with his possession of two knives, and material downloaded from his mobile phone, demonstrate his intention to use violence against people inside the Israeli embassy and sacrifice his own life in the process, to die, in his words, ‘for the glory of God’.” – Prosecutor Catherine Pattison.
🎯 IMPACT: The court was told Albadri first arrived in the United Kingdom by small boat in 2021, left, and returned on another small boat in 2025. He had an asylum claim rejected shortly before the embassy incident. Boat migrants in Britain, who are often put up in hotels to live, have been behind a number of crimes in recent years, with one report claiming that hundreds have been charged with serious crimes like assault and rape.

Image by James Mitchell.

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A migrant from Kuwait who crossed into Britain illegally on a small boat is on trial for allegedly attempting a terror attack at the Israeli Embassy in London, trying to jump its fence armed with two knives.

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.