GET THE APP
Friday, March 20, 2026

Category: News
September 29, 2025
War

Trump Made Netanyahu Apologize to Qatar for Doha Bombing in Call from White House.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly apologized to Qatar for bombing Doha during the Israel-Hamas conflict before he and President Donald J. Trump announced a proposed peace plan for Gaza.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and President Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The apology reportedly occurred Monday at the White House during discussions on the Israel-Hamas war.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.” – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

🎯IMPACT: The incident strained Israel-Qatar relations and angered the Trump administration, as the U.S. operates a large military base in Qatar and considers it a regional partner.

IN FULL

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar on Monday from the White House to apologize for bombing Doha earlier in September.

President Donald J. Trump, hosting Netanyahu at the White House, expressed frustration over the bombing at the time. Following the September 9 bombing of Qatar‘s capital, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement from Trump: “This morning, the Trump administration was notified by the United States military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar. Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”

Leavitt added that while eliminating Hamas is a worthy goal, the location of the attack in Qatar complicated matters. Trump directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to notify Qatar of the impending strike and assured Qatari leaders that such an attack would not happen again. Trump described Qatar as a strong ally and emphasized the importance of their partnership in the peace process.

A week after the attack, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)—with U.S. backing—unanimously condemned the Israeli strike. While President Trump, speaking with Netanyahu in the aftermath of the attack, urged the Israeli leader to focus on advancing peace efforts, some reports indicated the America First leader privately expressed anger over the incident. “He’s f**kng me,” Trump reportedly said to senior advisors, expressing he believed Netanyahu was undermining ceasefire negotiations.

The Israeli leader’s call to Qatar from the White House may have helped pave the way for the 20-point peace plan for Gaza which he and Trump subsequently announced. This features the removal of Hamas from Gaza’s governance, the creation of an apolitical Palestinian committee to oversee reconstruction, and the creation of a “Board of Peace” chaired by President Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to supervise. It would also see the U.S. and Arab partners organize an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to deploy to Gaza and ensure its long-term security, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrawing as it establishes control.

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

show less
show more
September 29, 2025
War

Netanyahu Agrees to Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan, Featuring Tony Blair and International Forces.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump unveiled a 20-point plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, proposing a transitional governance system and conditions for peace.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Hamas.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced at the White House on September 29, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If accepted by Hamas, this proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages, immediately, but in no case more than 72 hours.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The plan aims to end the war, exclude Hamas from Gaza’s future government, deploy and International Stabilization Force, and establish a “Board of Peace” including President Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to supervise the Strip’s reconstruction.

IN FULL

The White House released President Donald J. Trump‘s 20-point plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip on Monday, just before Trump spoke alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan outlines steps for peace between Israel and Hamas, including the jihadist group’s exclusion from the Strip’s future governance.

Trump emphasized the importance of releasing all hostages, stating, “If accepted by Hamas, this proposal calls for the release of all remaining hostages, immediately, but in no case more than 72 hours.” He added, “I hope that we’re going to have a deal for peace, and if Hamas rejects the deal, which is always possible, they’re the only one left.”

The 20-point proposal includes a transitional governance system for Gaza, managed by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee. This body would oversee public services and redevelopment efforts until the Palestinian Authority is prepared to assume control. This would be overseen by a “Board of Peace” chaired by President Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the controversial former Middle East Peace Envoy and Iraq War architect.

Additionally, the plan calls for the demilitarization of Gaza, with Hamas members given amnesty if they commit to peaceful coexistence and decommission their weapons. Trump’s plan further outlines economic redevelopment for Gaza, including the establishment of a special economic zone and international investment to rebuild infrastructure and create jobs. Aid would be sent immediately upon acceptance of the agreement, ensuring necessary supplies and resources reach the region.

The plan also proposes that the U.S. “will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)” to train Palestinian police and secure Gaza’s borders in coordination with Israel and Egypt. Israel would progressively withdraw its forces as stability is achieved.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already agreed to the peace plan, saying it achieves the Jewish State’s war aims. President Trump reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel if the deal is rejected by Hamas.

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

show less
show more
September 29, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Border Patrol, ICE Arrest Rioters, Seize Guns Amid Chicago Immigration Crackdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Border Patrol agents and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are conducting an immigration crackdown operation in downtown Chicago, and taking on violent and in some cases armed far-left rioters.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Border Patrol agents, ICE officers, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D), Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), illegal immigrants, and far-left agitators.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The operation, named “Midway Blitz,” began on September 8 and included activity in downtown Chicago, including the River North neighborhood on Sunday morning.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I would say the majority are actually glad we’re here. They are congratulating us, saying, ‘It’s about time you’re here.’ Especially those inner-city residents here in Chicago are very glad we’re here.” – Gregory Bovino, Border Patrol Commander-at-Large

🎯IMPACT: The enforcement action has attracted significant demonstrations by violent, far-left protesters and rioters—especially around the ICE detention facility in Broadview, a western suburb of Chicago.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump’s “Midway Blitz” immigration enforcement action is pressing on in Chicago, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents making numerous arrests since the operation began on September 8. The enforcement action has drawn significant counter-protests by violent, far-left demonstrators—especially around the ICE detention facility in Broadview, a western suburb of Chicago.

“[Eleven] violent rioters were arrested last night in Chicago outside the ICE detention facility: These are two guns that were taken off rioters in Chicago right against the fence at our ICE detention facility,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wrote in post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. “An investigation is underway into what appears to be some sort of explosive device found last night near the ICE Chicago detention facility.”

Last Friday in Broadview, far-left activists —wearing gas masks and bandanas to obscure their faces—swarmed a DHS vehicle and attempted to block ICE agents from exiting the detention facility. In the latter case, a federal law enforcement agent fired tear gas to disperse them.

Despite the violent demonstrations, Illinois Democrats are, by and large, defending the anti-ICE political violence. Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) has led the Democrat attacks, writing in a post on X,  “The Trump Administration’s DHS officers appear to be carrying large weapons around downtown Chicago in camouflage and masks. This is not making anybody safer—it’s a show of intimidation, instilling fear in our communities and hurting our businesses. We cannot normalize militarizing American cities and suburbs. Make sure you know your rights and stay alert.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) has also stoked anti-ICE sentiment, stating that residents “are being intimidated and threatened by masked federal agents flaunting automatic weapons for no apparent reason.”

However, Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino has pushed back against Johnson’s claims, stating, “I would say the majority are actually glad we’re here. They are congratulating us, saying, ‘It’s about time you’re here.’ Especially those inner-city residents here in Chicago are very glad we’re here, because oftentimes they’re up against that vast illegal migration that took place over the past four years. They’re the ones dealing with the violence perpetrated by illegal aliens.”

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

show less
show more
September 29, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Religion
World

European Anti-Terror Police Just Raided a Charity Helping Middle Eastern Christians.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Anti-terror police in France raided a charity that aids persecuted Christians in the Middle East over allegations the group gave money to elements of the former Bashar al-Assad government in Syria.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: SOS Chrétiens d’Orient and its president, Charles de Meyer, French anti-terror police, and leftist media outlet Mediapart.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The raids took place over the weekend in France.

💬KEY QUOTE: “How could a Christian NGO defending Christians and working for peace be complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity! These qualifications demonstrate the folly of such suspicions. Totally delusional!” – SOS Chretien d’Orient.

🎯IMPACT: The raid is just the latest in an alarming trend of anti-Christian attitudes and attacks in France.

IN FULL

French authorities have launched an investigation into SOS Chrétiens d’Orient, a France-based Christian aid association, over allegations that it may have channeled donor funds to militias that supported former President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Between Tuesday and Thursday, investigators carried out “several search operations within associations, including the French association SOS Chrétiens d’Orient, companies or at the homes of individuals, as well as several hearings as witnesses or defendants,” the national anti‑terror prosecutor’s office (PNAT) confirmed over the weekend.

The inquiry focuses on whether some of the charity’s funds were diverted to the National Defence Forces (NDF), a militia aligned with Assad. French media outlets report that the investigation is being handled by the Central Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity, Genocide and War Crimes (OCLCH).

“How could a Christian NGO defending Christians and working for peace be complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity! These qualifications demonstrate the folly of such suspicions. Totally delusional!” the charity said in a statement, blaming leftist media group Mediapart for harassing them and their members for a vicious hit piece.

Charles de Meyer, president of the association, acknowledged that his computer was among the items seized by the police and confirmed he was questioned as a suspect.

The case takes place against a backdrop of growing anti‑Christian incidents in France. Churches in the country have been targeted many times in recent years—according to the Observatory of Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe, nine churches across the continent were struck by arson attacks in a three‑week span from late August to mid‑September of last year, including one targeting the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint‑Omer, France.

During the opening of the Paris Olympics last summer, organizers apologized after a performance was interpreted as mocking the Last Supper. The director of the ceremony defended the scene as inspired by pagan themes, claiming it was not intended to target Christianity.

Image by Bito Bito.

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

show less
show more
September 29, 2025
Crime
Religion

Trump White House: Michigan Church Shooter Motivated by Hatred for Mormons.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A gunman killed four people and injured eight at a Mormon church in Michigan before being killed in an exchange of gunfire with police.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine from Burton, Michigan.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The attack occurred on Sunday at a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.

💬KEY QUOTE: “From what I understand based on my conversation with the FBI director, all they know right now is that this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

🎯IMPACT: The attack has raised questions about the motive and planning, with federal authorities investigating the targeting of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

IN FULL

The deadly attack on a Mormon church in Michigan on Sunday that saw four killed and eight injured was motivated by the perpetrator’s hatred of Mormonism, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine from Burton, Michigan, has been identified by authorities as the gunman, with Sanford being neutralized by police at the scene.

“From what I understand based on my conversation with the FBI director, all they know right now is that this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith,” Leavitt said during a televised interview on Monday morning. “They are trying to understand more about this, how premeditated it was, how much planning went into it, whether he left a note, all of those questions are yet to be answered, but certainly will be answered by the FBI.”


Leavitt did not reveal whether the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had indicated whether Sanford had a personal connection to the church or specific members. According to police, Sanford drove his truck into the church in Grand Blanc Township before opening fire on hundreds attending the Mormon service. He is also believed to have set the building on fire using an accelerant. A bomb squad was dispatched after improvised explosive devices were discovered at the crime scene.

The Michigan shooting is the second violent attack targeting Christians in the U.S. in just over a month. On August 27, anti-Trump transgender Robin Westman, previously Robert, opened fire 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. Westman killed himself at the scene.

Mormonism has long been the subject of religious persecution and targeted violence. Between May 1857 and July 1858, Mormon settlers and U.S. federal government troops faced off in the then-Utah territory in what is known as the Utah War. The conflict, sparked by Mormon fears that federal troops had been sent to forcibly remove them, stemmed in part from Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs’s (D) issuance of Missouri Executive Order 44, known as the Mormon Extermination Order, in 1838.

The order directed General John Bullock Clark and Missouri’s state militia to forcibly expel Mormons from the state. Notably, Boggs’s order remained on the books until it was formally rescinded in 1976.

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

show less
show more
September 29, 2025
Immigration
News

Mamdani Pledges Extra $100M for Migrant Legal Aid to Stop Deportations.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democrat New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani pledged to allocate an additional $100 million in taxpayer funds for legal defense services for illegal immigrants facing deportation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zohran Mamdani, Mayor Eric Adams, Council Member Robert Holden, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, and illegal immigrants.

📍WHEN & WHERE: New York City, as part of Mamdani’s 2025 mayoral campaign proposals.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A cornerstone of our campaign is to increase funding for those very legal defense services by more than $100 million so that we can ensure we’re taking every step we can to keep New Yorkers safe, to keep New Yorkers together, and to show the world that they are welcome in this city,” said Zohran Mamdani.

🎯IMPACT: Critics argue the proposal unfairly burdens taxpayers and rewards lawbreaking, at the expense of legal immigrants and underfunded city priorities.

IN FULL

Democrat New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is calling for an additional $100 million in taxpayer funds to provide legal defense for illegal migrants facing deportation, describing the initiative as a “cornerstone” of his campaign during an interview. Mamdani claims that approximately 400,000 New York City residents are currently at risk of deportation and pointed out that fewer than 200 migrants received free legal representation last year.

“A cornerstone of our campaign is to increase funding for those very legal defense services by more than $100 million so that we can ensure we’re taking every step we can to keep New Yorkers safe, to keep New Yorkers together, and to show the world that they are welcome in this city,” Mamdani said.

New York City’s current budget already includes $54.5 million for migrant legal defense services. Mayor Eric Adams has said this amount is “more than any other major city in America.” Mamdani’s proposal would nearly triple that figure, but he has not outlined how the additional funds would be financed.

Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa condemned the plan, saying, “It is unfair to taxpayers and to those who played by the rules to come here legally, and enough is enough.”

Even Council Member Robert Holden, a Democrat representing Queens, said, “New York is in a fiscal crisis, and Mamdani wants to rip another $100 million from taxpayers to bankroll deportation defense, rewarding lawbreaking while seniors, classrooms, sanitation, and public safety go without.”

Since 2022, the city’s migrant crisis has cost an estimated $12 billion, covering expenses such as housing, food, and legal aid.

Mamdani, currently a state assemblyman from Queens, is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and has built a reputation for pushing progressive and controversial policies. At a rally on Staten Island earlier this year, the Ugandan immigrant denounced deportation efforts and reinforced his support for sanctuary protections. “As we gather here on an island… where nearly one in four were born outside of this country … it’s an island that we know is not immune from this horrific crackdown,” he said.

Previously, Mamdani celebrated securing state funds for illegal immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it one of his “greatest victories.” He has also drawn criticism for advocating the abolition of private property and prisons.

Image by Bingjiefu He.

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

show less
show more
September 29, 2025
Crime
War

U.S. Plans Military Strikes on Drug Traffickers INSIDE Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. military officials are considering air strikes targeting drug traffickers inside Venezuela, potentially beginning in a matter of weeks.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, U.S. military officials, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, and intermediaries from allied nations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Discussions are ongoing, with possible strikes in Venezuela in the coming weeks.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers, and drugs. It’s not acceptable.” – President Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Potential escalation in U.S. military operations against drug trafficking and increased pressure on Venezuela’s leadership.

IN FULL

The U.S. military is reportedly preparing plans to strike drug traffickers within Venezuela, with operations potentially beginning in a few weeks. This development comes as part of the Trump administration’s intensified focus on combating drug trafficking and addressing its concerns with the Venezuelan government under dictator Nicolás Maduro.

In recent weeks, U.S. forces have already targeted Venezuelan vessels involved in drug trafficking. President Donald J.  Trump announced these actions on Truth Social and directed a larger contingent of U.S. air and naval power to be deployed to the Caribbean. Dominican Republic officials confirmed that drugs were recovered after one such strike.

The proposed plans reportedly include drone strikes targeting drug labs and leadership within trafficking organizations. Discussions also highlight frustrations with Maduro’s perceived failure to curb illegal drug flows out of Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly argued, “Venezuela is sending us their gang members, their drug dealers, and drugs. It’s not acceptable.”

A significant number of U.S. military aircraft have been moved to Puerto Rico, signaling readiness for further operations. However, prolonged deployments could strain other military commitments.

The Trump administration has not ruled out regime change as a potential outcome of its strategy, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly advocating for increased pressure on Maduro. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with intermediaries facilitating discussions between the U.S. and Venezuela. Maduro has denied involvement in drug trafficking and has accused the U.S. of attempting to undermine his government.

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

show less
show more
September 28, 2025
News

Eric Adams Exits NYC Mayoral Race.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expected to drop out of the mayor’s race, according to sources.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Eric Adams, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement expected Sunday; election in New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I am the only one that can beat [Zohran] Mamdani,” said Eric Adams during a Sept. 5 news conference.

🎯IMPACT: Adams’s departure leaves a three-way race between Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa for NYC mayor.

IN FULL

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expected to drop out of the mayor’s race on Sunday, according to sources cited by CBS News New York political reporter Marcia Kramer. This decision follows months of speculation regarding the mayor’s future in the race.

Adams’s departure sets the stage for a three-way contest between communist Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa. Polling data consistently showed Adams trailing far behind Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, Cuomo, running as an independent, and Sliwa, the Republican candidate.

In a press conference on September 5, Adams had dismissed rumors of his withdrawal, stating, “I am the only one that can beat [Zohran] Mamdani,” and referring to Mamdani and Cuomo as “two spoiled brats.” Despite his statements, sources now indicate he will exit the race, although his name will still appear on the November ballot.

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

show less
show more
September 28, 2025
News

FBI Fires Agents Who Knelt for BLM Photo.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The FBI has fired 15 agents linked to a 2020 kneeling incident during protests over George Floyd’s death.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: 15 FBI agents, FBI Director Kash Patel, and the FBI Agents Association.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The firings were announced on Friday, following a review of the 2020 incident in Washington, DC.

🎯IMPACT: The firings are part of an effort to address left-wing politicization within the FBI

IN FULL

The FBI has dismissed 15 agents tied to a 2020 incident where agents were photographed kneeling with protesters during demonstrations over the death of George Floyd. The decision follows a months-long review of the event, which had drawn criticism from conservative media and some retired agents.

The FBI Agents Association criticized the firings, stating they violated the agents’ due process rights and undermined trust within the bureau. “Patel’s dangerous new pattern of actions are weakening the Bureau because they eliminate valuable expertise and damage trust between leadership and the workforce,” the association said in a statement.

The original incident occurred in Washington, DC, during the summer of 2020, when a group of agents knelt in an effort to de-escalate tensions with protesters. While the move successfully calmed the situation, it sparked internal controversy, and photos of the event led to backlash.

Following the incident, initial reviews determined no policy violations had occurred. However, earlier this year, FBI leadership reassessed the situation, resulting in reassignments and eventual firings. The bureau has not commented on the recent dismissals.

Friday’s actions are reportedly part of a broader effort to address what the Trump administration has called “woke” and politicized elements within the FBI. This includes a review of agents involved in cases disfavored by the current administration, such as investigations into the president and his allies.

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

show less
show more
September 27, 2025
News

Soros Money Man Howard Rubin Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal prosecutors charged Howard Rubin with running a decade-long sex-trafficking operation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Howard Rubin, a retired financier, and his former assistant Jennifer Powers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Between 2009 and 2019, primarily in a Manhattan penthouse described as a “sex dungeon.”

💬KEY QUOTE: Rubin has been linked to George Soros, as he previously worked at Soros Fund Management and Bear Stearns.

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights allegations of abuse and misconduct tied to a high-profile financier with political connections.

IN FULL

Federal prosecutors have charged 70-year-old Howard Rubin, a retired New York financier, with orchestrating a decade-long sex-trafficking scheme that allegedly preyed on dozens of women. Authorities say the abuse largely took place in a lavish Manhattan penthouse outfitted as a “sex dungeon,” where women were brought under false pretenses and, in some cases, drugged or heavily intoxicated before being assaulted.

Rubin’s former assistant, Jennifer Powers, is also facing charges for her alleged role in recruiting women between 2009 and 2019. Prosecutors claim she acted as a gatekeeper, luring victims into Rubin’s circle where they were exploited under the guise of business opportunities.

According to the New York Post, Rubin’s Wall Street pedigree is notable: he previously served as a top manager at Soros Fund Management, the investment firm founded by billionaire George Soros, a major donor to Democratic Party causes. Before that, Rubin worked at Bear Stearns, where he built his reputation in mortgage-backed securities.

The case has drawn national attention not only for the salacious details but also because of Rubin’s high-powered financial ties. If convicted, both Rubin and Powers face decades in prison for what prosecutors describe as a calculated, exploitative, and long-running criminal enterprise.

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

show less
PULSE POINTS show more