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Category: News
May 6, 2025
Wake Up Right
Immigration

Trump Offers Stipend to Illegals Who Self-Deport.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering free flights and a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the U.S. — a self-deportation program the agency says costs far less than traditional deportation.

The details: The program requires illegal aliens to register for self-deportation through the CBP Home App, and they only receive their stipend once it is verified that they have returned to their home country.

  • President Trump told the press: “We’re gonna get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from.”

Cost savings: DHS says it currently costs the American taxpayer over $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport a single illegal alien. Under this new, self-deportation program, it costs around $4,500—a 70 percent savings.

  • White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller added on X: “The savings are as much as $1 million per illegal alien family given the long-term costs of free welfare and public support.”

What the left is saying: Pro-illegal groups are denouncing the plan and urging illegals to reject the offer. One activist, Aaron Reichlin, said: “This option might be WORSE… it would abandon clear options for staying.”

Zoom out: The plan is reminiscent of Trump’s effort to reduce the federal workforce by offering buyouts to government workers who voluntarily resigned, ultimately leading to 77,000 resignations. Pay a little up-front for long-term savings.

The last word goes to President Trump, who warned that those who do not take this offer “are going to be taken out of our country… And they will never get a path to come back in.”

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering free flights and a $1,000 stipend to illegal aliens who voluntarily leave the U.S. — a self-deportation program the agency says costs far less than traditional deportation. show more
May 6, 2025
William Upton
Religion

Contenders Emerge for Next Pope. Here’s Who’s in the Running…

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, initiating the process to elect a new pope. This week, the College of Cardinals will meet for a conclave to elect the next successor of Saint Peter.

👥 Who’s Involved: 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will participate in the conclave to choose the next pope.

📍 Where & When: The conclave begins on May 7, 2025, at the Vatican.

💬 Key Quote: “Every papal conclave comes down, in some sense, to a referendum on the papacy that has just ended,” said John Allen, editor of Crux.

⚠️ Impact: The election could either continue Pope Francis’s legacy or shift towards a more traditional, conservative direction.

IN FULL:

The Catholic Church is set to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave, consisting of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80, will commence on May 7 at the Vatican to choose the next leader of the global Catholic community and successor to Saint Peter.

John Allen, a seasoned Vatican observer and editor of the Catholic news site Crux, remarked on the significance of this election, noting that each papal conclave reflects on the preceding papacy. “Every papal conclave comes down, in some sense, to a referendum on the papacy that has just ended,” Allen said in a recent media interview.

Among the potential successors to the late Pope Francis is Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, the Archbishop of Budapest, known for his conservative views and balanced approach to immigration. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa, recognized for advocating social justice and orthodoxy, is also a contender. Cardinal Mario Grech from Malta, influential in synod operations, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, are also in the running, with Parolin noted for his diplomatic acumen.

Other notable candidates include Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the first Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to be raised to the cardinalate and who has been active in interfaith dialogue, criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, and social justice; and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, often referred to as the “Asian Francis” for his alignment with Pope Francis’ values. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy and Sweden’s Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm—a convert to Catholicism from Lutheranism—are also considered potential successors, each bringing unique perspectives to the role.

In addition to Cardinal Ambongo, another African prelate, Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, is believed to be a dark horse contender should the conclave swing in a more traditionalist direction.

Image by George Martell/The Pilot Media Group.

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May 6, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Tariffs Boost U.S. Manufacturers.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. tariffs have led to increased demand for American-made goods as companies bring production back to the U.S. This boost has been felt especially among smaller manufacturers.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, U.S. manufacturers like Jergens Inc., Grand River Rubber & Plastics, SafeSource Direct, AccuRounds, Whirlpool, and Excel Dryer.

📍 Where & When: Various U.S. locations, including Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan, over recent weeks.

💬 Key Quote: “We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” said Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc.

⚠️ Impact: Smaller U.S. manufacturers are experiencing increased demand and potential growth, as tariffs level the playing field against foreign competitors.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump‘s administration continues to push for a resurgence in American manufacturing, with recent tariffs boosting demand for American-made goods. This shift particularly benefits smaller domestic manufacturers as more companies decide to onshore production.

“We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,” says Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc. The company is known for producing heavy-duty power and industrial tools, including industrial screwdrivers, clamps, and hoists. Schron added that his facilities are “going like gangbusters” to meet demand.

In Ohio, Donny Chaplin, president of Grand River Rubber & Plastics, has observed a notable increase in inquiries and orders. Some former clients, who had previously switched to Chinese suppliers, are returning to Grand River for rubber gaskets. New business from oil filter manufacturers seeking to move away from China could potentially bring in $5 million annually, driving the need for expansion and additional hires.

The tariffs have become a vital lifeline for companies that emerged during the pandemic to produce personal protective equipment. Alan Rust, chief growth officer for SafeSource Direct, noted a significant rise in inquiries as new tariffs on Chinese rubber gloves have doubled prices, prompting businesses to seek alternative sources.

Massachusetts-based AccuRounds is experiencing a similar uptick, with employees working overtime to fulfill rising orders for steel components. CEO Michael Tamasi revealed a 20 percent increase in first-quarter sales compared to the previous year.

Whirlpool, a Michigan-based appliance manufacturer, is optimistic about the recent tariffs on imported appliances. CEO Marc Bitzer believes these measures will help close the price gap created by Asian competitors who benefit from cheaper components and steel.

Excel Dryer in Massachusetts is also reaping the benefits of the tariffs. Chief Operating Officer William Gagnon credits the import taxes with improving production location decisions and enhancing competitiveness against cheaper foreign copies.

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May 5, 2025
News
Politics

Nationalist Leads in Romanian Presidential Polls.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: George Simion, a nationalist and supporter of President Donald J. Trump, won the first round of Romania’s presidential election redo by a significant margin.

👥 Who’s Involved: George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), and a globalist opponent in the upcoming runoff.

📍 Where & When: Romania, with a runoff election scheduled for May 18.

💬 Key Quote: “For 35 years, the Romanian people lived the lie that we are a democratic country,” Simion said. “And now the people are awakening.”

⚠️ Impact: A Simion presidency could shift Romania’s geopolitical stance within the European Union (EU) and NATO, challenging the status quo.

IN FULL:

George Simion, a nationalist figure and supporter of President Donald J. Trump, has emerged victorious in the first round of Romania’s presidential election redo. The courts canceled the first attempted election, in which NATO skeptic Calin Georgescu won the first round, on the dubious pretext that Russia had influenced voters through TikTok videos. Georgescu was eventually barred from running again in the do-over.

Simion, 38, leads the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), a party known for its right-wing stance. His win comes amid a wave of anti-establishment sentiment sweeping the nation.

Simion’s victory sets the stage for a May 18 runoff against a globalist candidate, a contest that could significantly influence Romania’s future alignment within the European Union (EU) and NATO. The political scene in Romania was shaken last year when the top court annulled the previous election, citing alleged Russian interference, claims that Moscow has denied.

Born in Focsani in 1986, Simion pursued higher education in business and administration, as well as studying communist-era crimes. His activism includes protesting against a Canadian company’s gold mining project and advocating for the reunification with Moldova. In 2019, Simion founded the AUR party, which has grown to become Romania’s second-largest legislative force. The party opposes same-sex marriage and maintains strong ties with the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Simion aligns his party with Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, emphasizing an anti-establishment agenda. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AUR organized protests against vaccination and lockdowns, tapping into public distrust of authorities.

He criticized last year’s canceled election as a “coup d’etat” and vowed to restore democracy and the rule of law. “For 35 years, the Romanian people lived the lie that we are a democratic country,” Simion said.

A potential Simion challenges the political status quo in Europe. Simion insists on a strong NATO presence in Eastern Europe while opposing further military aid to Ukraine. He also advocates for more autonomy for EU member states, aligning with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s views.

Image: AUR Alianța pentru Unirea Românilor.

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May 5, 2025
News
Religion

Popemobile Repurposed as Gaza Health Unit.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A “popemobile” used by the late Pope Francis is being converted into a mobile health unit for Gaza.

👥 Who’s Involved: Pope Francis, Caritas charity, Israeli government, and Palestinian children.

📍 Where & When: Gaza Strip, ongoing since Pope Francis’s directive before his death.

💬 Key Quote: Peter Brune of Caritas states, “It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza.”

⚠️ Impact: Aid to Gaza is restricted as a result of the war, and the health system is reportedly near collapse.

IN FULL:

Efforts are underway to transform a “popemobile,” once used by Pope Francis, into a mobile health clinic destined for the Gaza Strip. The initiative, directed by Pope Francis before his passing, aims to address the medical needs of displaced Palestinian children in the conflict-ridden region.

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on Easter Monday, had a history of advocating for the Palestinians, often clashing with Israeli authorities. During his papacy, he called for international scrutiny of Israeli military actions in Gaza, labeling the humanitarian conditions “shameful.”

Pope Francis reportedly maintained nightly phone conversations with the only Roman Catholic Church in Gaza, sometimes calling multiple times daily.

The popemobile, used by Pope Francis during a 2014 visit to the Holy Land, is being reconfigured to serve as a clinic on wheels. This project is being supported by Caritas, a Catholic charity, with Peter Brune, the secretary general of its Swedish branch, emphasizing the symbolic and practical importance of the vehicle. “It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza,” Brune stated.

The conversion of the popemobile comes at a time when humanitarian aid to Gaza is restricted. Israel’s blockade, intended to intercept shipments and other materials used by Palestinian militants, has slowed deliveries of some essential supplies, exacerbating the already critical situation.

One of Pope Francis’s possible successors, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has been critical of Israel during his time as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Pizzaballa is one of several candidates who could become the head of the Roman Catholic Church during the Papal Conclave, which starts this week.

Image by Mustafa Bader.

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May 5, 2025
Health
Media

Now Protein is ‘Far Right.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Vanity Fair published an article linking protein consumption to right-wing MAGA extremism.

👥 Who’s Involved: Vanity Fair, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Harvard Medical School associate professor and Cambridge Health Alliance internist Pieter Cohen..

📍 Where & When: United States, May 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I don’t have a good sense on what’s driving that right now, other than if it’s just the usual manosphere—or manomania, here in the United States.” — Pieter Cohen.

⚠️ Impact: The article has sparked debate on social media about the politicization of dietary choices and essential nutrients.

IN FULL:

A recent Vanity Fair article absurdly suggests that the American obsession with protein is linked to right-wing MAGA ‘extremism.’ The piece, titled “Why Are Americans So Obsessed With Protein?” points to figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and “podcast bros” as key influencers in this trend, while seemingly dismissing the fundamental health benefits of protein.

The article alleges there is a longstanding “protein mania” in America, claiming it has reached its peak this year. This assertion is supported by the observation that discussions on protein intake and supplementation are ubiquitous. However, the article’s suggestion that this trend is politically motivated is raising eyebrows and allegations that the piece is either politically motivated or steeped in unfounded conspiracy theories.

Harvard Medical School associate professor and internist at Cambridge Health Alliance Pieter Cohen is quoted in the article. He expresses uncertainty about the current drivers of this protein interest. He speculates that it might be linked to what he describes as the “usual manosphere—or monomania” in the U.S. The piece further observes that more men than women appear interested in protein, hinting at a potential gender aspect to the trend.

The article and its narrative are being met with criticism online. Some question why protein, an essential micronutrient vital for muscle, bone, and skin health, is being politicized. Critics argue that the article dismisses the basic nutritional needs of the human body, suggesting instead a political agenda.

In a humorous twist, the decidedly not-right-wing and openly globalist The Atlantic discussed the very topic of protein consumption and how much is too much or too little last year, concluding that the human body, at a biological level, likely knows what source of protein it needs and how much.

Image: Kurman Communications.

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May 5, 2025
Crime

New York Is Installing ‘Panic Buttons’ Around the City.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: New York City plans to install hundreds of panic buttons in bodegas to combat crime.

👥 Who’s Involved: Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Police Department (NYPD), United Bodegas of America (UBA), SilentShield.

📍 Where & When: Announced Sunday, May 4, in The Bronx, targeting bodegas in crime “hotspots.”

💬 Key Quote: Mayor Adams: “The bodegas are important, and what this is going to do is add an extra layer of safety.”

⚠️ Impact: Panic buttons aim to reduce crime and improve safety in bodegas; installation begins in the coming weeks.

IN FULL:

New York City officials unveiled a $1.6 million initiative on Sunday to install up to 500 panic buttons in bodegas, aiming to enhance security amid rising violent incidents. Mayor Eric Adams announced the plan during a press conference outside a deli in The Bronx, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures.

“Instead of just having the cats keeping away the rats, we’re going to have a direct connection with the police to keep away those dangerous cats that try to rob our stores,” Adams said, adding: “The bodegas are important, and what this is going to do is add an extra layer of safety. Number one, for those who actually have the panic buttons and the direct communication to the police. But second, the element of surprise—500 of these devices throughout the entire city.”

The panic buttons, to be installed by SilentShield, will connect directly to the NYPD‘s central command center. This direct link bypasses traditional 911 dispatchers, potentially reducing police response times during emergencies. Crime in New York City has continued to be a serious issue since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the city housing tens of thousands of illegal immigrants, some of whom have been arrested in high-profile incidents. For instance, The National Pulse reported on May 5 that three illegal immigrant Tren de Aragua gang members were arrested on Sunday over their involvement in an assault on police in Times Square.

Other recent violent events have also underscored the urgency of the program. Just this past Saturday, a 33-year-old man was fatally stabbed inside a Harlem bodega. Last month, a group impersonating NYPD officers assaulted and robbed a store in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. In March, another Harlem bodega worker suffered a knife attack during an attempted robbery.

The United Bodegas of America (UBA) has long advocated for such measures. This new initiative builds on a previous pilot program that implemented 50 panic buttons, though it faced criticism over inconsistent police response times.

NYPD Chief of Department John Chell praised the new system, stating it provides “peace of mind” and serves as a “crime prevention tool.” He emphasized that the technology aids in quick responses and helps officers remain safe during potentially violent situations.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, the Bodega and Small Business Group (BSBG), which represents thousands of bodegas in New York City, backed President Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House. The move was in part a response to Democrat officials’ decision to prosecute bodega clerk Jose Alba for simply defending himself during an attack.

Image by Tyler A. McNeil.

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May 5, 2025
Crime
News

Jury Selection Begins in Diddy Trial.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Jury selection begins in Sean Combs’s federal criminal trial.

👥 Who’s Involved: Sean Combs, Cassie Ventura, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jurors.

📍 Where & When: Lower Manhattan, Monday, May 5, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I would think the prosecution is looking for older people, I think they’re certainly looking for law and order people,” said Dr. Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, who has been consulted for dozens of jury trials.

⚠️ Impact: If convicted, Combs could face decades in prison.

IN FULL:

Jury selection is commencing today in the federal criminal trial of music mogul and Democrat ally Sean Combs (also known as Diddy, P Diddy, or Puff Daddy), taking place in Lower Manhattan. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, is facing serious charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The charges stem from allegations of transporting sex workers across state lines and coercing women into participating in sex acts at drug-fueled parties. Combs’s legal team maintains that all activities were consensual.

The 55-year-old’s legal troubles began in November 2023 when singer Cassie Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against him, alleging rape, sex trafficking, and years of physical abuse. Combs settled the civil suit swiftly, but it triggered a criminal investigation. This led to federal raids on his properties in Miami and Los Angeles, resulting in the seizure of multiple devices. Combs has been held at a Brooklyn jail since his arrest in 2024.

As jury selection gets underway, experts suggest that the prosecution will seek older jurors who are likely to favor law and order. They will also be interested in prospective jurors’ views on the Me Too movement and experiences related to sexual assault. Many legal experts note that the jury selection process could take far longer than expected during any similar trial, as finding jurors who are relatively unaware of the case could prove difficult.

Ventura is expected to testify alongside three others who will remain anonymous. They are anticipated to provide testimony about being drugged and forced into participating in what have been described as “freak offs.” The trial itself is projected to last up to eight weeks, with the outcome determining whether Combs could spend decades behind bars.

Image by Nikeush.

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May 5, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Says No Easing on China Tariff Talks.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced he will not further reduce tariffs on China to encourage negotiations.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, NBC’s Kristen Welker, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

📍 Where & When: Mar-a-Lago estate, during an NBC Meet The Press interview recorded Friday.

💬 Key Quote: “I’m not looking to have China make hundreds of billions of dollars and build more ships and more army tanks and more airplanes.” – President Trump.

⚠️ Impact: Potential economic strain on China and long-term U.S. economic strategy with expected new investments.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has stated that he will maintain tariffs on Chinese imports, resisting any reduction to bring Beijing to the negotiating table. In an interview with NBC’s Meet The Press recorded at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump emphasized that China’s economy is suffering significantly. “They’re getting absolutely destroyed. Their factories are closing. Their unemployment is going through the roof,” Trump remarked to host Kristen Welker.

Trump made it clear that he does not intend to ease the tariffs, which are designed to protect American producers from cheap Chinese imports, merely to initiate talks. When asked directly by Welker if he would drop the tariffs for negotiation purposes, Trump responded with a definitive “No.”

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has indicated an openness to discussions on tariff reductions, but their own tariffs are far less effective than President Trump’s, as they export far more to the U.S. than vice versa. The Trump administration takes the view that this status quo results from various informal restrictions on American exports, and underhanded tactics such as state subsidies and currency manipulation artificially increasing Chinese goods’ competitiveness in price.

Trump suggested that while future reductions may occur, they are contingent on ensuring the U.S. can conduct business effectively with China. “At some point, I’m going to lower them because otherwise you could never do business with them,” he stated.

The America First leader stressed the benefits of tariffs to industries such as the automotive sector. He highlighted significant investments by companies like Apple, Toyota, and General Motors, which are committing billions to U.S. operations.

Beijing has already created a list of American products, including pharmaceuticals and microchips, exempt from its retaliatory tariffs. Similarly, the Trump administration has temporarily exempted certain Chinese products, such as smartphones, laptops, and computer parts, from tariffs to give consumers and the domestic industry time to adjust.

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May 5, 2025
Crime
Immigration

Tren de Aragua Gang Clashes with NYPD in Times Square Brawl.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A group of gang members attacked New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Times Square after a boxing match, marking the second such incident involving migrants in the area in under two years.

👥 Who’s Involved: Members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and its offshoot, Diablos de la 42, including a 12-year-old ringleader, were involved. NYPD officers were attacked.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred in Times Square, New York City, following a boxing match on Friday night.

💬 Key Quote: “Is this what a sanctuary city is supposed to be?” questioned a frustrated officer, highlighting the challenges posed by Democrat policies.

⚠️ Impact: The attack raises concerns about public safety and the policies governing sanctuary cities, with several young gang members already linked to previous crimes.

IN FULL:

In a brazen attack captured on video, members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and its offshoot, Diablos de la 42, targeted New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Times Square following a Friday night boxing match. The altercation unfolded as officers attempted to stop the gang members from robbing two young people.

A 12-year-old illegal immigrant is believed to be the ringleader of the robbery ring. The three suspects were apprehended by police on Sunday and are believed to be responsible for several other robberies that have occurred in Central Park. Notably, the suspects were living at Manhattan’s Row Hotel, one of many sites housing illegal immigrant asylum seekers at public expense.

While New York City Mayor Eric Adams has pledged to close a number of hotels being used to house illegal immigrants, the arrest of the three illegal immigrants for the Times Square assault on police and robberies has reignited the debate over the shelters and the city’s sanctuary status. A frustrated officer questioned, “Is this what a sanctuary city is supposed to be?”

An NYPD spokesman confirmed that two migrants, aged 16 and 17, face charges including obstructing governmental administration and assault on a police officer. The 12-year-old was released pending a family court hearing, while investigations continue into other gang members involved in the attack.

This latest incident adds to the growing strain on New York City’s resources, as the influx of migrants over the U.S. border since 2022—now stemmed by the Trump administration—has introduced a new wave of criminal elements. The NYPD is grappling with the challenges posed by these migrants, trying to maintain order in a city where Democrats long prided themselves on offering “sanctuary” to illegal aliens.

WATCH:

Image by Krokodyl.

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