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Sunday, December 21, 2025

Category: News
August 27, 2025
Crime

DC Grand Jurors Refuse to Indict Ex-DOJ Staffer for Assaulting Border Agent.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal prosecutors failed to secure a felony assault indictment against a former Department of Justice (DOJ) employee who pelted a federal agent with a sandwich.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Suspect Sean C. Dunn—a former DOJ paralegal—and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on the streets of Washington, D.C. near 14th and U Streets, with Dunn initially charged on August 13, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I don’t want you in my city!” – Sean C. Dunn

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights challenges faced by federal prosecutors in securing indictments against criminals who commit politically sympathetic criminal acts in heavily Democratic cities.

IN FULL

Federal prosecutors failed to secure a felony assault indictment against Sean C. Dunn, who allegedly screamed at a federal agent and pelted him with a sandwich in Washington, D.C., before attempting to flee earlier this month. The incident took place in the early morning hours near 14th and U Streets NW, an area of D.C. known for its bar scene as well as crime.

This is the second instance in recent days where a D.C. federal grand jury rejected felony assault against a federal agent charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the capital city. The indictment rejections are raising concerns that empaneled grand juries in D.C. may be more motivated by politics than the letter of the law, resulting in a quasi-jury nullification issue in response to President Donald J. Trump‘s federalization of the capital’s police department.

Dunn, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) paralegal, was initially charged with throwing a submarine sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in an incident that was caught on camera. The complaint also noted that Dunn confronted the officer, calling him a “fascist” and expressing his disapproval of the federal agents’ presence in the District of Columbia.

Typically, prosecutors have a high rate of securing indictments from grand juries, as they must only demonstrate the viability and the presence of evidence or a case to move forward. However, the recent rejections in D.C. could force U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to either reconsider the severity of charges brought in incidents like Dunn’s or attempt to seek an alternative venue for prosecution.

The National Pulse reported in January 2024 that polling data suggested it would have been nearly impossible for President Trump—who then faced charges stemming from a Democrat lawfare effort—to receive a fair trial in D.C. This data implied it would be more difficult to secure charges against anti-Trump agitators.

As it stands, Dunn is set to be back in court in September for a hearing on the viability of the charges—although an indictment could still be secured before then.

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August 27, 2025
News

Church Shooting Suspect Is Anti-Trump Transgender: Report.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A gunman who killed two children and injured at least 17 others at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been identified as Robin Westman, formerly Robert.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Shooter Robin Westman, children attending morning mass, and other victims.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The shooter was not previously known to law enforcement.” – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara

🎯IMPACT: There is an ongoing investigation into disturbing videos apparently uploaded to YouTube by the shooter.

IN FULL

The gunman responsible for the shooting at a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which claimed the lives of two young children and left at least 17 others wounded, has been named as anti-Trump transgender Robin Westman, previously Robert.

Authorities are examining a series of troubling YouTube videos that are believed to be connected to Westman and posted just prior to the incident. These clips feature a diary written in Cyrillic script, decorated with Pride stickers, and what appears to be a diagram of the church, which Westman stabs with a knife. Other videos show firearms that seem to match those allegedly employed by the shooter, adorned with nods to other mass shooters and phrases like ‘Kill Donald Trump.’

The firearms are also decorated with Satanic pentagrams and a variety of anti-Semitic, anti-Hispanic, and anti-Muslim slogans, possibly in an effort to confuse people as to his true motives and ideology.

Westman killed himself at the scene of the shooting with a self-inflicted gunshot.

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August 27, 2025
Media

YouTube TV Secures Long-Term Carriage Deal With OAN.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Herring Networks announced that One America News (OAN) and A Wealth of Entertainment (AWE) will join YouTube TV’s channel lineup in Q4 2025.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Herring Networks, One America News (OAN), A Wealth of Entertainment (AWE), Google, and YouTube TV.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The channels will launch on YouTube TV in the fourth quarter of 2025, expanding availability across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re excited to bring OAN and AWE to YouTube TV’s ever-growing community of subscribers,” said Richard Levine, President of Distribution for OAN and AWE.

🎯IMPACT: The move will expand viewer choice, offering 16 hours of live news coverage on OAN and premium entertainment content on AWE.

IN FULL

One America News (OAN) will be joining YouTube TV‘s channel lineup in the fourth quarter of 2025. Herring Networks, Inc., OAN’s parent company, says its other channel—A Wealth of Entertainment (AWE)—will also be available.

Richard Levine, President of Distribution for OAN and AWE, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We’re excited to bring OAN and AWE to YouTube TV’s ever-growing community of subscribers. This partnership makes it easier than ever for viewers nationwide to connect with our networks — from in-depth news reporting to inspiring entertainment.”

Justin Connolly, Vice President and Global Head of Media at YouTube, also commented on the development: “Our goal has always been to provide our subscribers with a wide range of content, which is why we’re excited to bring One America News to YouTube TV. This partnership gives One America News access to our growing audience, while also giving our subscribers even more choice when it comes to news and entertainment.”

The news comes as YouTube TV—which boasts 9.4 million subscribers as of April 2025—finalizes several contracts with television networks. Notably, the Google (Alphabet)-owned streaming service’s current contract renewal impasse with Fox has drawn significant media attention, especially with the college and professional football season kicking off over the next several weeks.

“Google removing Fox channels from YouTube TV would be a terrible outcome,” Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening.

OAN has been expanding its operations in 2025, including the completion of a new broadcast studio in California and the launch of The Matt Gaetz Show, hosted by former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL). The National Pulse reported in May on Kari Lake, a senior adviser at the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), announcing that OAN will now supply newsfeed services to USAGM’s network of outlets.

Image by Ed6767.

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August 27, 2025
Economy
News

Trump SBA Orders Lenders to Stop Debanking.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a letter to its network of lenders requiring an end to politicized debankings.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, over 5,000 lenders, and the Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., under Executive Order 14331, with compliance deadlines set for December 5, 2025, and January 5, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Access to banking should not be a partisan issue—but far too many confirmed debanking cases have targeted right-leaning businesses, non-profits, and people—including Christian, pro-life, and Second Amendment organizations.” – Kelly Loeffler.

🎯IMPACT: Lenders must identify and reinstate wrongfully denied clients, submit compliance reports, or face penalties.

IN FULL

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has ordered over 5,000 lenders to stop denying banking services based on customers’ political, religious, or ideological beliefs. This action follows Executive Order 14331, “Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans,” signed by President Donald J. Trump, which aims to eliminate politically motivated debanking.

In a letter to lenders, the SBA warned that noncompliance could result in a loss of good standing with the agency and possible penalties. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler stated, “Access to banking should not be a partisan issue – but far too many confirmed debanking cases have targeted right-leaning businesses, non-profits, and people – including Christian, pro-life, and Second Amendment organizations.”

Lenders are now required to review past account closures, identify clients denied service for ideological reasons, reinstate those clients where appropriate, notify them, and submit compliance reports by January 5, 2026.

Debanking practices drew national attention during the Barack Obama and Joe Biden governments. Programs like Operation Chokepoint targeted politically disfavored but lawful industries, including firearm manufacturers. Critics argue that these efforts used regulatory pressure to discourage banks from serving certain clients based on supposed reputational risk.

In March 2025, the Trump Organization filed a lawsuit against Capital One, alleging the bank closed over 300 business accounts in 2021 due to “unsubstantiated, ‘woke’ beliefs.” The suit contends the closures were politically motivated and caused significant financial harm. Separately, senior banking executives have reported pressure from regulators under Democratic presidents to sever ties with conservative clients. One executive described the pressure as clear and forceful: “When your regulator gives you a suggestion, it’s not a suggestion, it’s an order.”

Executive Order 14331 instructs federal financial regulators to remove “reputation risk” considerations from their policies. The order also mandates investigations into discriminatory banking practices, with regulators empowered to enforce penalties against institutions that engage in politically biased debanking.

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August 27, 2025
News

BREAKING: Active Shooter Strikes Minneapolis Church.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An active shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has seen between ten and 20 people shot and several fatalities, according to unconfirmed preliminary reports.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Police, emergency services, unidentified victims, and an unidentified gunman.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Church, Minneapolis.

🎯IMPACT: Police have yet to officially confirm details of the casualties, the status of the gunman, or his suspected motivations. The church and surrounding areas are under lockdown as officers secure the scene.

IN FULL

UPDATE: 10:50 AM — President Donald J. Trump has responded to the shooting, writing on his Truth Social platform, “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”

Sources now indicate the gunman is dead following a self-inflicted gunshot.

UPDATE: 10:45 AM — Law enforcement has confirmed the suspect in the shooting has been “contained;” whether or not he has been killed is currently unclear. Reports indicate there is no continuing threat to the public.

Original report continues below.

Police and emergency services are currently responding to an active shooting at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where multiple casualties have been reported. While initial reports suggest ten to 20 people have been shot, including fatalities, official confirmation is pending.

The incident began around 8:30 AM on Wednesday when officers were alerted to an active shooter at the Catholic church, which also houses a K-8 Catholic school. The gunman is reportedly armed with a rifle, but it remains unclear whether the shooting specifically targeted the church’s daily mass or the school.

A large contingent of emergency services has been dispatched to the scene as officers work to secure the area. The status of the suspect remains uncertain at this time.

Local officials and eyewitnesses have provided limited details as the situation is still developing. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area as investigations continue.

This story is developing…

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August 27, 2025
Crime
Data

These Are the Shocking Results of Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown Compared to Last Year:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Violent crime in Washington, D.C., has decreased by nearly half since President Donald J. Trump deployed federal troops and law enforcement agents in the city.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal law enforcement agents, the National Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., from August 7 through August 25, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals—over 1,000.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: More than 1,094 arrests have been made, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members, and significant reductions in violent crime and burglaries have been reported.

IN FULL

Over the three weeks since President Donald J. Trump federalized Washington, D.C. law enforcement and deployed federal agents and troops to restore order, violent crime has reportedly dropped by nearly 50 percent, based on a CBS News analysis of crime data.

The analysis examined incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from August 7 to August 25, revealing a notable decline in violent crime compared to the same period in 2024 and the five-year average. Burglaries have decreased by 48 percent, and car thefts have dropped by 36 percent.

Contrary to some corporate media reports, federal forces have focused on high-crime areas, such as U Street, NW, where gun crimes were well above the citywide average, with the National Guard providing a deterrent present at locations such as subway stations. The White House has reported over 1,094 arrests since the operation started, including eight gang members affiliated with MS-13 or Tren de Aragua, and the seizure of 115 firearms.

On August 25 alone, 87 arrests were made, including 39 illegal immigrants. Notably, D.C.’s sanctuary policies protecting illegals have been suspended since federalization.

President Trump commented on the effort, saying, “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals – over 1,000.” He also called D.C.’s crime data “phony,” likely referring to reports from police unions that senior officers are deliberately misclassifying crimes. At least one police commander is currently facing charges for allegedly doctoring statistics.

Federal forces are also aiding “beautification” projects in D.C., with at least 49 homeless encampments being cleared.

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August 26, 2025
Immigration
News

These States Risk Losing Federal Funding, Because They Won’t Make Foreign Truckers Learn English.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a 30-day ultimatum for California, New Mexico, and Washington to enforce federal English proficiency rules for truck drivers or face losing federal funding.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the Department of Transportation, and officials from California, New Mexico, and Washington.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made August 26, following an investigation into a deadly August 12 crash on the Florida Turnpike involving an illegal alien trucker.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs—semis—can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well trained.” – Sean Duffy

🎯IMPACT: States could lose millions in federal funding, with California at risk of losing $30 million, Washington $10 million, and New Mexico $7 million if they fail to comply.

IN FULL

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has given California, New Mexico, and Washington a 30‑day ultimatum on August 26 to enforce federal English‑proficiency requirements for commercial truckers, or face the loss of federal funding. This directive follows a federal investigation launched after a deadly crash earlier this month on the Florida Turnpike, in which Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, allegedly made an illegal U‑turn and killed three people.

“This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs, semis, can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well trained,” Duffy stated.

The Department of Transportation’s probe into the Florida crash revealed several lapses. Singh received his commercial driver’s license from both California and Washington despite his illegal status. New Mexico authorities failed to administer the required English‑language test after Singh was pulled over for speeding in July. He reportedly answered only two of 12 questions correctly in an English Language Proficiency test, and misidentified three of four road traffic signs.

From June 25 to August 21, California alone allowed at least 23 drivers with documented violations in English proficiency to continue driving. Similar enforcement failures were identified in Washington and New Mexico.

Should they fail to come into compliance, California faces up to $30 million, Washington about $10 million, and New Mexico $7 million in potential federal funding losses under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.

In response to the tragedy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, framing the action as both a safety and economic measure, announced an immediate pause in issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers, including H‑2B, E‑2, and EB‑3 categories, citing concerns over road safety. Rubio emphasized the decision was aimed at preventing unqualified or unsafe drivers from entering U.S. roads and protecting American truckers.

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August 26, 2025
News

Cracker Barrel Reverts to Classic Logo Following Customer Outcry.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Cracker Barrel reversed its rebranding decision and restored its old logo following public backlash.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Cracker Barrel, President Donald Trump, and conservative activist Robby Starbuck.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made Tuesday, following earlier statements and public feedback.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.” – Cracker Barrel

🎯IMPACT: The decision aligns with customer feedback and addresses concerns over the company’s direction.

IN FULL

Cracker Barrel announced it would revert to its old logo after facing significant backlash over its rebranding. The decision came after public criticism and a statement from President Donald Trump urging the company to listen to its customers.

Fox News’ Bret Baier reported the news on X, quoting the company’s statement: “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family.”

President Trump weighed in on the situation earlier, posting on Truth Social: “Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before.” He added that the company could turn the situation into a “great opportunity” if handled correctly.

The company had initially apologized on Monday, stating that “Uncle Herschel” would remain on road signs and branding, but stopped short of restoring the old logo at that time. By Tuesday, Cracker Barrel reversed course entirely, citing the importance of listening to its customers.

The controversy also brought attention to Cracker Barrel’s involvement in DEI initiatives, “all ages” pride events, and a “diversity” supplier program, which had drawn criticism from conservative voices, including activist Robby Starbuck.

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August 26, 2025
Immigration
News

ICE Is Cracking Down on App Delivery Drivers.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal agents and federalized Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers conducted a crackdown on delivery drivers in Washington, D.C., seizing mopeds and arresting individuals.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Metropolitan Police Department, delivery drivers, and pro-illegal immigrant groups.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 2025, Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s very clear ICE is targeting delivery drivers because they’re outdoors, which makes it easier to do warrantless arrests. It’s a population that ICE is aware is very immigrant-heavy.” – Michael Lukens, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights

🎯IMPACT: The crackdown highlights issues with bosses exploiting illegal immigrants for cheap labor.

IN FULL

Federal agents and officers from the federalized Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recently conducted a joint operation in Washington, D.C., targeting delivery drivers across the city. Witnesses say officers in tactical gear seized scooters and mopeds, loading them into trucks already filled with impounded vehicles.

The MPD says the operation is part of an effort to address unsafe driving. According to officials, more than 1,200 scooters have been impounded and 139 arrests have been made since the initiative began. However, the department did not address the visible involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“It’s very clear ICE is targeting delivery drivers because they’re outdoors, which makes it easier to do warrantless arrests. It’s a population that ICE is aware is very immigrant-heavy. And frankly, it’s easy for ICE to go after them,” said Michael Lukens, executive director of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. He added that many of those arrested are recent Venezuelan immigrants and could be subject to fast-tracked deportation.

The crackdown has led to a noticeable drop in the number of delivery drivers on city streets. Videos circulating on social media show agents detaining drivers, tackling one outside a coffee shop.

A growing number of food delivery workers in the D.C. area are illegal immigrants, especially from Venezuela, who often lack work permits, insurance, and vehicle registration. Many of these workers use unregistered mopeds and scooters while waiting for legal asylum or work authorization. Locals have expressed concern about reckless scooter driving.

So far, major food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash have not commented on the arrests or the broader issue of illegal alien workers on their platforms.

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August 26, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Religion
War

Gaza Christians Say Israel Has Told Them to Flee Their Churches, But They Intend to Stay.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem say Israel is demanding they leave their churches in Gaza and evacuate, but they intend to remain where they are.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem, the Israeli armed forces, and Gazans.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem released a joint statement on August 26.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge,” the joint statement reads.

🎯IMPACT: Intensification of the war in Gaza could lead to the destruction of one of the oldest Christian communities in the Holy Land.

IN FULL

The Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem have issued a joint appeal warning of a humanitarian catastrophe as Israel prepares to take control of Gaza City. In their statement, the Patriarchs condemned “the gates of hell” scenario unfolding in Gaza, where “massive military mobilization” and evacuation orders are forcing hundreds of thousands, including the Christian minority, to flee south.

Clergy and nuns at the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Catholic Holy Family complex declared they would not flee. They say they are sheltering malnourished children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, describing leaving as “nothing less than a death sentence.” They argue that “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge.”

Their plea echoes the words of Pope Leo XIV, who recently affirmed: “All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected… especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.”

In an address on August 13, the America-born pontiff expressed deep concern about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, warning, “The humanitarian crisis must be resolved… they must be freed. But we must also think of the many who are dying of hunger.

On July 17, 2025, an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, Holy Family parish, killed three civilians and wounded ten, including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. The building had become a refuge for both Muslims and Christians, including children with disabilities. Israel labeled the attack accidental, caused by stray tank fire, but the Patriarchate challenged this, saying it amounted to a grave violation of sanctity.

In response, Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III made a rare personal visit to Gaza on July 18. They brought hundreds of tons of emergency aid, coordinated evacuations for the injured, and offered solidarity to survivors.

President Donald J. Trump is reported to have been furious about the strike on the church, communicating his anger over the incident to the Israeli government directly.

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