Friday, July 4, 2025

UK Bans Top Palestine Group Under Terror Laws.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Britain’s Home Secretary, roughly equivalent to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, announced plans to proscribe the group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Palestine Action, and its members.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement followed an incident on June 20 at the Royal Air Force’s Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The disgraceful attack on Brize Norton in the early hours of the morning on Friday 20 June is the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action.” – Yvette Cooper

🎯IMPACT: Membership and support for Palestine Action will be made illegal under the Terrorism Act 2000.

IN FULL

Britain’s Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced plans to proscribe the far-left extremist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. This decision follows an incident on June 20, where members of the group broke into the Royal Air Force (RAF) base RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire to sabotage two RAF Voyager aircraft.

In a written statement, Cooper said, “The disgraceful attack on Brize Norton in the early hours of the morning on Friday 20 June is the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action.” She added, “The UK’s defence enterprise is vital to the nation’s national security and this Government will not tolerate those that put that security at risk.”

The Home Secretary plans to lay an order before Parliament next week that will make membership and support for the group illegal under the Terrorism Act of 2000. Cooper emphasized that this decision is specific to Palestine Action and does not affect lawful protest groups or other organizations campaigning on Palestinian-related issues.

Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for the incident, stating that they used red paint to symbolize Palestinian blood and caused additional damage with crowbars. The group alleges that the planes are used to “collect intelligence, refuel fighter jets, and transport weapons to commit genocide in Gaza.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the incident, stating, “The act of vandalism committed at RAF Brize Norton is disgraceful. Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain and put their lives on the line for us every day. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”

Palestine Action has previously engaged in other acts of sabotage, targeting a defence firm facility in August of last year and smashing it up with sledgehammers. The group also violently attacked security staff on site, as well as two police officers, with their sledgehammers.

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The Senate Parliamentarian Is Gutting Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Senate Parliamentarian blocked several Republican provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” including the removal of SNAP eligibility for immigrants, a mandate that states with high SNAP payment error rates cover a larger portion of the costs, and granting President Donald J. Trump greater authority over the hiring and firing of federal workers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Senate Republicans, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, and Senate Democrats, including Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was announced late Sunday in Washington, D.C.

🎯IMPACT: Key provisions of the GOP bill, including changes to federal hiring and firing, face significant procedural hurdles in the Senate.

IN FULL

The Senate Parliamentarian has ruled against Republican efforts to include provisions on federal hiring and firing in their budget reconciliation bill, championed by President Donald J. Trump and popularly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The decision, announced late Sunday, is the latest in a series of rulings dismantling key provisions of the GOP’s sweeping domestic policy plan.

The blocked provisions included a proposal to require new federal workers to pay higher retirement contributions unless they agreed to be “at-will” employees, effectively waiving traditional civil service protections. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that most workers would likely forgo protections rather than pay the increased contributions.

Other provisions being blocked by the Parliamentarian include the ending of SNAP benefits for immigrants, a requirement that states with high SNAP payment error rates cover a greater share of the program’s cost, a requirement for unions to pay for the use of government resources, and expanded authority for the President to implement federal reorganization plans without congressional approval. The Parliamentarian also blocked a proposal to give Congress greater oversight of agency regulations.

Democrats, predictably, are praising these moves by the Parliamentarian—though Senate Republicans have remained silent on whether they will seek to rework the provisions, drop them altogether, or move to overrule the Parliamentarian. Without changes, provisions deemed ineligible under the Byrd Rule would require a 60-vote threshold to pass, making bipartisan support necessary.

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Trump Strikes Major FTC Deal. Here’s What It Means…

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved a $13.5 billion merger between Omnicom and IPG, two major advertising firms, with conditions to prevent viewpoint discrimination and political bias.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Federal Trade Commission, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Omnicom, IPG, and the now-disbanded Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The decision was announced on Monday, during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, where industry leaders were gathered.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This consent agreement will help mitigate the dangers inherent in a consolidated national advertising market.” – FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson

🎯IMPACT: The merger, along with the imposed conditions, aims to curb political bias and collusion in the advertising industry, potentially setting a precedent for other firms.

IN FULL

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a $13.5 billion merger between Omnicom and IPG, two of the world’s largest advertising firms. The decision comes with strict conditions aimed at curbing political bias and preventing future coordination against publishers based on political viewpoints.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced that the firms have agreed to cease all coordination that steers ad dollars away from publishers based on political views. They will also cooperate with the FTC’s investigation into past collusion and submit to compliance reviews. “This consent agreement will help mitigate the dangers inherent in a consolidated national advertising market,” Ferguson said.

“Today, Omnicom and IPG have committed themselves to help stop that sort of coordination in their industry,” Ferguson continues, stating: “This consent agreement will help mitigate the dangers inherent in a consolidated national advertising market.”

The FTC had considered blocking the merger due to evidence of past coordination against conservative news outlets. Ferguson highlighted the role of the now-disbanded Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), which was accused of directing ad dollars away from right-of-center publishers. “GARM was neither the beginning nor the end of harmful and potentially unlawful collusion in this industry,” Ferguson stated, adding: “Numerous other industry groups and private organizations have publicly sought to use the chokepoint of the advertising industry to effect political or ideological goals.”

GARM faced scrutiny after a congressional investigation revealed it had blacklisted conservative outlets, labeling them as “High Risk” or “Conspiracy Theories.” Internal emails showed disdain for freedom of speech advocates and the Constitution.

Under the FTC’s consent decree, Omnicom and IPG will submit annual compliance reports for five years and cooperate fully with investigations into past collusion. The agreement is seen as a significant shift in the advertising industry, which has long relied on coordinated exclusion lists to target disfavored publishers. Whether other major firms like Publicis and WPP will follow suit remains to be seen. The public has 30 days to submit comments on the merger decision to the FTC.

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BREAKING: Iran Fires Missiles at U.S. Base in Qatar.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Iran targeted the U.S. military base in Qatar with six missiles of unknown type. However, Qatar air defenses appear to have successfully intercepted all six before they were able to reach the U.S. base.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iran, Qatar, and the U.S. military.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The missiles were launched on Monday, June 23, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: The attack, according to the Iranian military, is in retaliation for U.S. strikes over the weekend on Iranian nuclear facilities.

IN FULL
Iran appears to have launched a limited retaliatory strike against the U.S. military base in Qatar. Six missiles were launched targeting the U.S. base; however, Qatari air defenses appear to have successfully intercepted all six.

“Qatar strongly condemns the attack on Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The attack on Al Udeid Air Base is a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, airspace, and international law,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the attack. “Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and extent of the blatant attack and in accordance with international law,” he added.

According to Qatari officials, there were no injuries on the U.S. base. Additionally, both Qatar and the United States were given advance notice by Iran of the attack, suggesting the move was mostly symbolic—and may even pave the way for deescalation, with President Donald J. Trump urging the Iranians to come to the negotiating table following the U.S. strikes.

The National Pulse reported earlier on Monday that the United States Embassy in Qatar had issued a shelter-in-place warning for U.S. citizens in the country, citing an increased threat to Americans worldwide.

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Giuliani Wants Treason Trials for Democrats Abusing Power.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Rudy Giuliani slammed Democrats calling for President Trump’s impeachment after his bombing of Iranian nuclear sites.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Sean Casten, and Rep. Thomas Massie.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Trump announced the strikes on Saturday; Giuliani reacted Sunday on Newsmax.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They want an impeachment? They should be tried for treason.” – Rudy Giuliani

🎯IMPACT: The strikes have intensified partisan tensions, drawn legal scrutiny, and sparked fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

IN FULL

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani unloaded on Democrats after President Donald Trump bombed three Iranian nuclear sites this weekend. Democrats swiftly accused the president of violating the Constitution, and some, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Sean Casten, called for impeachment proceedings.

The sudden military action announced by Trump on Saturday bypassed Congress, as is the President’s prerogative, prompting backlash from long-standing opponents. House Democrats said the strikes could drag the U.S. into another costly and long-term Middle East war, especially given Iran’s vow to retaliate.

Giuliani, speaking on Newsmax, claimed that Democrats opposing the strikes were guilty of treason.

“American military personnel are right now in harm’s way… and they are condemning the president,” he said, arguing their dissent undermined national security.

“I find what the Democrats are doing—they want an impeachment? They should be tried for treason,” he said.

Ocasio-Cortez wrote that Trump’s action was a “grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers,” warning of long-term consequences. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie also criticized the administration, stating there was no imminent threat justifying bypassing Congress.

“They’ve wanted to annihilate us for 40 years,” Giuliani added, insisting Trump’s actions were justified.

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Trump Border Mass Deportations

DATA: U.S. Illegal Population Down By Whopping ONE MILLION Already.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Government data shows a steep decline in the illegal immigrant population, down by roughly one million since January 2025.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), President Donald Trump, and the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey team.

📍WHEN & WHERE: January–May 2025, United States (nationwide BLS/Census survey data).

💬KEY QUOTE: “We believe there is good evidence the illegal immigrant population has fallen considerably since January.” – Camarota & Zeigler, CIS.

🎯IMPACT: A shrinking illegal population could tighten the labor market, potentially raising wages and drawing more U.S.-born workers back into the workforce.

IN FULL

New analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Population Survey reveals one of the sharpest four-month declines in the foreign-born population in decades. Between January and May 2025, the foreign-born population—particularly non-citizens from Latin America—dropped sharply. The data points to a potential exodus of illegal immigrants amid Donald Trump’s return to power and increased immigration enforcement.

Researchers from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) estimate that the illegal immigrant population fell by about one million during this time frame, from 15.8 million in January to 14.8 million in May. The drop was entirely among non-citizens; the number of naturalized citizens rose slightly. Notably, a statistically significant decline occurred among Latin American non-citizens who arrived post-1980—a demographic that heavily overlaps with illegal immigrants.

This shift reverses a years-long trend of rising immigration under Joe Biden’s policies, including the CHNV program and border surges. Analysts credit the drop to the effect of Trump’s re-election, rhetoric, and swift action on enforcement. Nonetheless, they caution that some of the decline may be attributable to immigrants refusing to respond to government surveys or declining to identify as foreign-born.

The Center used CPS data and estimates of legal immigrant totals to isolate the likely illegal population. Though administrative data for May 2025 aren’t complete, their model shows a drop of roughly one million illegal immigrants. Before this, the illegal population had grown steadily since 2021, tracking the surge in border encounters, 84 percent of which were from Latin America.

The consequences could be profound: fewer illegal immigrants may boost wages for low-skilled American and legal workers, reduce labor competition, and motivate more U.S.-born men back into the workforce. While the report emphasizes the data’s limitations and preliminary nature, the decline in this population segment starkly contrasts with the Biden years, a tangible indicator of the Trump administration’s renewed approach.

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Iran Has Vowed Retaliation. Here’s What We Know About Their Options.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The United States is preparing for potential retaliation from Iran after President Donald J. Trump launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The United States, Iran, Israel, and key figures such as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

📍WHEN & WHERE: U.S. strikes occurred over the weekend, targeting nuclear facilities in Iran, including Isfahan and Fordow. Retaliatory strikes by Iran could occur this week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” warned President Trump regarding the potential for Iranian retaliation.

🎯IMPACT: Iran faces pressure to retaliate, threatening regional stability, with potential economic and geopolitical consequences, including disruption of oil tankers moving through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

IN FULL

The United States has carried out targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, utilizing B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles. While the exact damage to Iran’s nuclear program remains unclear, concerns over Tehran’s potential retaliation are mounting.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the American strikes as “lawless and criminal behaviour” and warned of “everlasting consequences.” He stated that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”

Among the initial moves Iran could make would be to disrupt oil tanker traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz. This could impact oil and natural gas markets globally, with exports largely being blocked out of Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The National Pulse previously reported that, in the past, Iran has demonstrated its capacity to threaten shipping in the strait, using tactics such as deploying mines and targeting oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War. Notably, if Iran were to deploy a significant number of mines in the strait’s waters, it could effectively close the passage to ships for the foreseeable future.

Another path the Iranian regime could take would be to redouble efforts on pursuing a nuclear weapon. In the coming days, Iran is expected to attempt to salvage whatever materials and equipment it can from their devastated nuclear facilities. If enough material remains—and if the Iranians have maintained other previously unknown facilities—besides up to 880 pounds of enriched uranium previously moved from the sites—the regime could restart its program.

The more radical elements in the regime, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), will likely demand a more immediate and tangible response to the U.S. strikes. This could include using existing fissile materials to build a so-called “dirty bomb” radiation weapon.

The most anticipated response is Iranian missile and drone strikes against U.S. military bases, diplomatic facilities, and allied assets in the Middle East. Iran has engaged in similar actions in the past—including after President Donald J. Trump ordered the elimination of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3, 2020. Using short and medium-range ballistic missiles and suicide drones, Iran could again target U.S. military bases and assets in Iraq, Bahrain, and Qatar—which are notably less protected than Israel, with its multi-layered anti-missile defense shield.

President Donald J. Trump has issued a stark warning to Tehran, stating, “The full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before” if American assets are attacked.

Image by Fars Media Corporation.

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Regime Change, Missing Uranium, New Israeli Strikes: Here’s the Latest on Iran.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Israeli Air Force is continuing to strike Iran following the U.S. raid on the Islamic Republic’s hardened nuclear sites over the weekend, hitting key military and governmental targets in Tehran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters and Evin Prison. Meanwhile, Iran’s enriched uranium remains unaccounted for, and President Donald J. Trump is flirting with “regime change.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), President Trump, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Strikes occurred over the weekend and into Monday morning, targeting Tehran and other Iranian locations, including the Fordow nuclear facility.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” – President Trump.

🎯IMPACT: Hundreds of IRGC members were reportedly killed. However, if Iran remains in possession of a substantial stockpile of nuclear material, it still presents a potent threat.

IN FULL

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed a series of airstrikes targeting military and governmental assets in Tehran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters and Evin Prison, which houses political prisoners. The strikes come despite President Donald J. Trump having authorized the devastation of Iran’s hardened nuclear sites over the weekend—and amid news that Iran moved up to 880 pounds of enriched uranium from those sites before the strikes.

According to the IDF, more than 50 fighter jets participated in the operation, targeting missile production sites, storage facilities, and internal security forces. In a translated post on X, the IDF stated, “The Basij headquarters, a key power base of the Revolutionary Guards responsible for enforcing Islamic codes, was attacked, along with other significant regime targets.” The strike on Evin Prison appears to have been targeted to facilitate a jailbreak, although it is unclear if there are any escapees as of the time of publication.

The strikes follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s authorization of attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordow and Natanz enrichment plants. Trump stated that the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, it appears that up to 880 pounds of enriched uranium was moved from Fordow prior to the U.S. strikes, with Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), saying the Iranians have “made no secret that they have protected this material,” and it is now unaccounted for.

President Trump now appears to be considering regime change in Iran, despite initially suggesting that the destruction of Iran’s nuclear sites by the U.S. was an opportunity to bring the conflict to an end. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he stated, “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

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Americans in This Middle Eastern Country Are Being Warned to Shelter in Place.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The United States Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place warning for U.S. citizens in the country, citing an increased threat to Americans worldwide.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Embassy in Qatar, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the State Department.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The warning was issued on Monday morning in Qatar, following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.” – U.S. Embassy in Qatar

🎯IMPACT: Heightened security measures and increased caution for U.S. citizens globally due to potential threats and disruptions.

IN FULL

The United States Embassy in Qatar on Monday morning told U.S. citizens in the country to immediately “shelter in place until further notice,” as the State Department warns of an increased threat to Americans worldwide.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued its own heightened threat alert for all Americans on Sunday, after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

The embassy in Qatar said the latest warning was “out of an abundance of caution” and did not appear to be in response to a specific threat.

The warning comes after the embassy said to exercise increased caution on Sunday. “The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the embassy alert said Sunday. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”

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IN FULL: Trump Addresses the Nation on Iran Strikes.

President Donald J. Trump addressed the nation overnight on the U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Here are his remarks in full:

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much.

A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive, precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime. Fordo, Natanz and Esfahan. Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise.

Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.

Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not. Future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.

For 40 years, Iran has been saying. Death to America, death to Israel. They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs, with roadside bombs. That was their specialty. We lost over 1,000 people and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East, and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate in particular. So many were killed by their general, Qassim Soleimani. I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen. It will not continue.

I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight, and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades.

Hopefully, we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that’s so. I also want to congratulate the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan ‘Razin’ Caine, spectacular general, and all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack.

With all of that being said, this cannot continue. There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There’s no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close. There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago.

Tomorrow, General Caine, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will have a press conference at 8 a.m. at the Pentagon. And I want to just thank everybody. And, in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel and God bless America. Thank you very much. Thank you.

WATCH:

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President Donald J. Trump addressed the nation overnight on the U.S. strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. Here are his remarks in full: show more