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Sunday, October 26, 2025

Category: News
August 27, 2025
Lawfare
News

Trump DOJ Reaches Settlement with FBI Whistleblowers Targeted Under Biden.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ten Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) whistleblowers will have their security clearances reinstated and receive back pay following a settlement addressing retaliation they faced for their political beliefs and disclosing misconduct.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The former Biden regime, FBI whistleblowers, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and the legal nonprofit Empower Oversight.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Settlement announced Tuesday; incidents occurred during the Biden government.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They were punished [because] of their disclosures/political beliefs. In other words, they were treated like skunks at a picnic. Now they receive justice.” – Sen. Grassley

🎯IMPACT: Whistleblowers will receive back pay, have their security clearances reinstated, and see justice for improper retaliation.

IN FULL

Ten Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) whistleblowers who faced retaliation after reporting misconduct under the former Biden regime will have their security clearances reinstated and receive back pay, according to a settlement announced August 26. Collectively, they endured 12 years of suspension time. The whistleblowers were represented by the legal nonprofit Empower Oversight, which said the agents were targeted for protected disclosures and, in some cases, their political beliefs.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a longtime advocate for whistleblower protections, was closely involved in navigating the settlement and welcomed the outcome. “They were punished [because] of their disclosures/political beliefs. In other words, they were treated like skunks at a picnic. Now they receive justice,” Grassley wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

In a March 5 letter to the FBI’s general counsel, Empower Oversight detailed alleged retaliation, including demotions, revoked clearances, and loss of pay. The whistleblowers had objected to a range of actions inside the bureau, including the use of a SWAT team for a misdemeanor arrest, prosecutorial misconduct, and financial mismanagement.

Empower Oversight emphasized that the reprisals violated protections afforded to whistleblowers. “The actions taken against our clients were in reprisal for protected whistleblowing and/or improper targeting because of their political beliefs,” the group stated in its letter. Empower Oversight Founder Jason Foster and President Tristan Leavitt credited Grassley’s involvement in securing the resolution but warned that many similar cases remain unresolved.

“For each of these cases where whistleblowers finally received at least some measure of justice for the retaliation they faced just for telling the truth about wrongdoing, there are many more who still need a remedy,” they wrote.

The settlement is one of several recent cases in which federal employees faced political or administrative retaliation under former President Joe Biden and later received relief under President Donald J. Trump.

Image by Steve Fernie.

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August 27, 2025
Education
Immigration

Trump Sues Walz’s Minnesota for Funding Tuition for Illegals While Charging Americans More.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration is suing Minnesota over a law allowing illegal aliens to receive in-state tuition rates while U.S. citizens from other states are charged higher fees.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), Minnesota Democrats, and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit pertains to a recently passed Minnesota law.

💬KEY QUOTE: “No state can be allowed to treat Americans like second-class citizens in their own country by offering financial benefits to illegal aliens,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit challenges Minnesota’s attempt to bypass federal law, which prohibits states from offering lower tuition rates to illegal aliens while charging higher rates to U.S. citizens.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is suing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) and his state over a law that allows illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition at public colleges, arguing it violates federal law and unfairly disadvantages American citizens from other states.

The law, known as the North Star Promise, grants illegal alien students in-state tuition rates if they can prove they live in Minnesota and attended school there. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens from other states must pay significantly higher out-of-state rates.

Federal officials argue this policy breaks federal law prohibiting states from offering in-state tuition to illegal immigrants unless the same benefit is extended to all U.S. citizens, regardless of residency. “No state can be allowed to treat Americans like second-class citizens in their own country by offering financial benefits to illegal aliens,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

Minnesota Democrats attempted to sidestep the federal restriction by making tuition eligibility based on high school attendance rather than state residency. Under the law, illegal alien students who attended a Minnesota high school qualify for in-state tuition, while U.S. citizens who went to high school outside the state do not.

Critics see this as a dubious legal loophole intended to flout the intent of federal law. Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) general counsel Christopher J. Hajec stated, “For Minnesota, it’s not enough to let illegal aliens, who are not permitted to live in the United States at all, into its state schools, and apply lower admission standards to instate illegal aliens than to out-of-state Americans. Even after all that, Minnesota also lets them pay much less in tuition than out-of-state Americans have to pay. That’s where federal law and its supremacy come in, however.”

This lawsuit follows another move by the Trump administration to terminate a Clinton-era policy allowing illegal immigrants to access federally funded career, technical, and adult education programs. Education Secretary Linda McMahon declared, “Postsecondary education programs funded by the federal government should benefit American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

She promised that under the Trump administration, “hardworking American taxpayers will no longer foot the bill for illegal aliens to participate in our career, technical, or adult education programs or activities.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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August 27, 2025
News
War

Russians Advance Into New Ukrainian Region as Peace Talks Stall.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russian forces have reportedly penetrated another region in eastern Ukraine.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Russian and Ukrainian forces.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Ukraine claims fighting is ongoing in the villages of Novoheorhiivka and Zaporizke in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, while Russia claims they have been captured.

🎯IMPACT: Ukrainian forces remain under immense pressure, while Russia continues its campaign to disrupt Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

IN FULL

Russian forces have entered the villages of Novoheorhiivka and Zaporizke in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk (Dnepropetrovsk) region, according to Ukrainian military officials. The area, a key industrial hub bordering the fiercely contested Donetsk region, has become a new flashpoint amid Russia’s ongoing campaign in eastern Ukraine.

Victor Trehubov, a spokesman for Ukrainian ground forces, confirmed that Russian troops are now present in the villages, but claims their position remains insecure. Russia has claimed complete control of the settlements, but Ukraine insists its forces are still engaged in combat there.

This latest advance adds to mounting pressure along a 620-mile front line that continues to strain Ukraine’s military resources. Earlier this month, Russian forces made a significant breakthrough near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Troops reportedly pushed up to eight miles in a single day, breaking through Ukrainian lines east of Dobropillia. This move threatened to sever a key supply route connecting Dobropillia to Kramatorsk, raising concerns over Ukraine’s ability to hold its current defensive lines.

At the same time, Russia has escalated its campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking power grids and gas facilities in at least six regions. The attacks appear aimed at undermining Ukraine’s resilience ahead of the winter season. In response, Ukrainian forces have launched drone strikes on Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries.

Diplomatic progress towards ending the war remains stalled. No direct peace talks are currently scheduled between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. U.S. officials continue to press for dialogue following summits with Putin and European leaders.

Image by Vitaly V. Kuzmin.

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August 27, 2025
War
World

Trump Deploys Warships Amid Tensions with Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Navy has deployed eight warships to the Caribbean and Pacific regions near Central and South America, increasing military presence and tensions with Venezuela.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Navy, Trump administration officials, and the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 27, 2025; Caribbean and Pacific waters near Central and South America.

🎯IMPACT: The deployment may signal increased U.S. pressure on Venezuela, while also raising concerns about regional stability.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has deployed eight U.S. Navy warships to Caribbean and Pacific waters near Central and South America, with Venezuela’s far-left dictatorship claiming it sees the move as a possible precursor to invasion. Despite the protests by Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro, the Trump White House stressed the deployment is part of an “enhanced counter narcotics operation” aimed at drug interdiction missions in Latin America.

Notably, the deployment includes three destroyers, two landing dock ships, an amphibious assault ship, a cruiser, and a littoral combat ship. These vessels are equipped for various operations, with destroyers carrying U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement officials for drug interdictions.

Recently, the Trump administration accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug cartel and facilitating the entry of Tren de Aragua gang members into the United States, offering a $50 million bounty for his capture.

Despite the military buildup, the Trump administration continues to coordinate deportation flights with Venezuelan officials, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, Maduro has mobilized troops and called on Venezuelans to enlist in militias to defend the nation.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that the U.S. opposes regime change driven by external forces, stating that Venezuelans must claim their own freedom. Maduro, reacting to U.S. actions, has released political prisoners while rallying support against perceived threats.

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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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