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Category: News
July 8, 2025
News

Chinese Military Accused of Targeting NATO Aircraft With Laser.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The Chinese military allegedly targeted a laser at a German aircraft involved in a European Union-led mission in the Red Sea.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: German aircraft, Chinese military, and the European Union’s Aspides mission.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred during a routine operation over the Red Sea.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Endangering German personnel (and) disrupting the operation is entirely unacceptable.” – German foreign ministry

🎯IMPACT: The German aircraft’s mission was aborted, and the aircraft returned to a base in Djibouti.

IN FULL

Berlin has raised concerns over an incident in which the Chinese military allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser. The NATO country’s aircraft was participating in the European Union’s Aspides mission, which aims to safeguard marine traffic in the Red Sea.

The German foreign ministry took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the act, stating that “Endangering German personnel (and) disrupting the operation is entirely unacceptable.” The ministry further revealed that the Chinese ambassador to Berlin had been summoned for discussions.

According to a spokesman from the German defense ministry, the aircraft was targeted “without reason or prior contact” during a routine mission. The Chinese vessel’s actions were described as posing a threat to both personnel and equipment.

Following the encounter, the German aircraft was forced to abandon its mission and return to its base in Djibouti. The nature of the laser, whether a weapon or a guidance system, remains unclear.

This development has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Germany demanding explanations and assurances from Beijing regarding the incident.

Image by Steve Webel.

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July 8, 2025
War

Trump Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that the United States will resume sending defensive weapons to Ukraine, reversing a recent pause in shipments.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Pentagon officials, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on July 7, following escalating Russian attacks on Ukraine.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “They’re getting hit very hard now,” said Trump, speaking from the White House.

🎯IMPACT: The resumption of defensive aid could increase pressure on Russia’s President Putin to renew peace negotiations with Ukraine; however, the move could also be seen as a reescalation and further prolong the conflict.

IN FULL

The Pentagon announced on Monday that it will resume sending defensive weapons to Ukraine at the request of President Donald J. Trump. This decision reverses a prior move to pause air defense shipments that were already en route to Ukraine.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the weapons would “ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure that the killing stops.” President Trump, speaking alongside U.S. and Israeli delegations at the White House, emphasized the need for Ukraine to be able to defend itself against escalating Russian air attacks. “They’re getting hit very hard now,” Trump said, adding that he was “disappointed, frankly, that President Putin hasn’t stopped.”

Following a July 3 phone call between Trump and Putin, Russian forces launched what Ukrainian officials described as the largest airstrikes since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The Ukrainian air force reported over 539 drones and 11 missiles during the attacks, marking a record high.

In addition to the renewed flow of military aid, President Trump continues to float the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on Russia. Additionally, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is pushing legislation in the U.S. Senate that would hit countries purchasing Russian oil with a 500 percent tariff—though it remains unclear just what level of support the South Carolina Republican has among his colleagues for the measure.

Ukraine’s reliance on air defense systems supplied by Western allies, including the Patriot missile system, has grown as Russian attacks intensify. Ukrainian officials were surprised when the Pentagon initially paused shipments of critical munitions, citing concerns that America’s stockpiles had been run down. However, the decision to resume aid follows a productive July 4 phone call between President Zelensky and President Trump. Zelensky described the conversation as “the best in all this time” and expressed gratitude for U.S. support in addressing air defense needs.

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July 8, 2025
News

TSA Finally Ends ‘Shoes Off’ Rule.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that passengers will no longer need to remove their shoes during airport security screenings.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The TSA, passengers at U.S. airports, and Muslim convert Richard Reid, a.k.a. Abdul Raheem, the “Shoe Bomber.”

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The change takes effect on July 13, 2024, and will apply to all U.S. airports.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I flew through LaGuardia this morning and when I went to take my shoes off, the TSA agent yelled at me like I was a crazy person doing something completely unexpected,” said one passenger on X (formerly Twitter).

🎯IMPACT: The change aims to streamline airport security processes, though some have raised concerns about potential security risks.

IN FULL

Passengers traveling through U.S. airports will no longer have to remove their shoes during security screenings, according to a new memo from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The policy change, which will take effect on July 13, was revealed in a message sent to TSA staff last week.

This adjustment comes after years of enforcement of the “no shoe rule,” implemented following an attempt by Muslim convert Richard Reid, a.k.a. Abdul Raheem, to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on American Airlines Flight 63 in December 2001. Reid’s actions, which occurred just months after the September 11 terror attacks, led to heightened security protocols, including mandatory shoe removal during screenings.

Passengers have already started noticing the change. CBS News reported that travelers at Los Angeles International Airport and New York City’s LaGuardia Airport were allowed to keep their shoes on during security checks earlier this week. Online, many passengers expressed relief, with one saying, “I flew through LaGuardia this morning and when I went to take my shoes off, the TSA agent yelled at me like I was a crazy person doing something completely unexpected.”

Some have voiced concerns over the potential security implications of the new policy. However, the TSA memo indicates that passengers who trigger security scanners will still be required to remove their shoes for additional screening.

The TSA has not yet issued an official public statement, though the policy is expected to be rolled out nationwide.

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July 7, 2025
Crime
UK

Terrorists and Gangsters Are Teaching Each Other How to Make Bombs and Launder Money in Prison.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: A study has revealed that terrorists and organized criminals in British prisons are exchanging dangerous skills, including bomb-making and money laundering techniques.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Islamic extremist inmates, gang members, prison officers, researchers, and researchers such as Dr. Hannah Bennett.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The study highlights ongoing issues within high-security prisons across the United Kingdom, including His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Frankland and HMP Belmarsh.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “Some prisoners are coming out knowing how to make a bomb. Others are learning how to use the dark web or commit financial crime.” – Dr. Hannah Bennett

🎯IMPACT: The study warns of dangerous alliances forming in prisons, posing a threat both inside and outside prison if unchecked.

IN FULL

Islamist terrorists in British prisons are reportedly teaching organized criminals bomb-making skills. In exchange, the criminals are teaching the terrorists how to launder money. Gangsters are also said to be teaching inmates how to use the dark web and acquire weapons for terrorist attacks, according to a new study.

Interviews with prison officers, former prison governors, counter-terrorism officials, and prisoners themselves indicates that terrorists and other prisoners are less divided than they were previously. This means the terrorists may soon be able to fund their activities more extensively, while gangsters will be able to use more violent methods, such as bombings, in their turf wars.

“Some prisoners are coming out knowing how to make a bomb. Others are learning how to use the dark web or commit financial crime. For many, it’s about protection but it’s also about opportunity,” said study author Dr. Hannah Bennett.

The findings follow high-profile attacks on prison guards. These include an incident involving Hashem Abedi, Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi’s accomplice brother, who attacked three officers with makeshift knives and hot oil at HMP Frankland in April, and Southport mass murderer Axel Rudakubana, who scalded a guard with boiling water.

Dr. Bennett characterized maximum-security prisons as oppressive, “black hole”-like settings, marked by rampant corruption, pervasive violence, and inadequate oversight, increasing risks “exponentially.”

Britain’s prison system is highly overcrowded, due to previous Labour and Conservative governments failing to substantially increase capacity. The current leftist Labour government is releasing thousands of prisoners to ease the stress on the system.

As these criminals have been released, people who took part in anti-mass migration protests and riots or made approving comments about them on social media after the Southport killings have been receiving unusually lengthy sentences.

Image by JV.

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July 7, 2025
Lawfare

Planned Parenthood Is Suing Trump to Stop Abortion Funding Cuts in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit challenging a provision in President Donald J. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that would strip Medicaid funding from its abortion centers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Planned Parenthood, the Trump administration, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed on Monday, July 7, 2025, in a federal court in Boston, Massachusetts.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The true design of the Defund Provision is simply to express disapproval of, attack, and punish Planned Parenthood, which plays a particularly prominent role in the public debate over abortion,” Planned Parenthood stated in its complaint.

🎯IMPACT: Planned Parenthood claims the provision would have “catastrophic consequences” for over one million patients annually who rely on Medicaid services at its nearly 600 facilities.

IN FULL

Planned Parenthood has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, targeting a specific provision in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—signed into law last week by President Donald J. Trump—that would revoke Medicaid funding from its abortionist clinics. The lawsuit, submitted in a Boston federal court, argues that the provision is unconstitutional and aims to prevent the organization’s abortionists from receiving Medicaid money.

The organization stated that over one million patients annually rely on Medicaid services provided by its nearly 600 facilities. Planned Parenthood described the measure as an effort to “attack and punish” the organization due to its status as the industry leader in aborting babies.

“The true design of the Defund Provision is simply to express disapproval of, attack, and punish Planned Parenthood, which plays a particularly prominent role in the public debate over abortion,” the organization claimed in its filing.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that oversees Medicaid, has not commented on the lawsuit. Planned Parenthood asserts that the provision would lead to “catastrophic consequences,” claiming it would negatively impact patients who depend on Medicaid.

In June, the top abortion provider suffered a significant legal blow when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state governments have the authority to block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood clinics, siding with South Carolina in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. Medicaid and government grants comprise a significant portion of Planned Parenthood’s funding.

Image by Tim Evanson.

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July 7, 2025
Economy
News

Trump Is Imposing Tariffs of Up to 40% on These Countries:

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on goods from South Korea and Japan, effective August 1, and tariffs of up to 40 percent on several other countries, mostly in Asia.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, South Korean leadership, South Africa, Burma (Myanmar), Laos, and others.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Announced on Monday via Truth Social; tariffs take effect on August 1.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “We invite you to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The tariffs will increase pressure on Japan, South Korea, and the others to make concessions to the U.S., given the importance of the U.S. as an export market.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States will impose 25 percent tariffs on goods from South Korea and Japan starting August 1. The announcement was made through letters to the leaders of both nations and posted on Truth Social. The tariffs will apply to all Japanese products entering the United States, separate from sectoral tariffs.

Later in the day, President Trump announced tariffs on additional countries. Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Tunisia will face 25 percent tariffs, South Africa and Bosnia will face 30 percent, Indonesia faces 32 percent, Bangladesh and Serbia face 35 percent, Thailand and Cambodia face 36 percent, and Laos and Burma (Myanmar) face 40 percent. White House press secretary Karolin Leavitt explained, “It’s the President’s prerogative, and those are the countries he chose.”

Trump’s letters to the mostly Asian countries emphasized the importance of the trading relationship with the U.S. Trump invited them to participate in the U.S. economy, while stressing that the current balance of trade is unfair. The letters also warned that, should tariffs be raised on the U.S., punishing reciprocal measures will be added to the August 1 baseline rates.

The tariffs follow a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, which had been set to expire on July 9. The later implementation date of August 1 gives businesses in both nations a brief window to adjust to the new trade conditions. It is also possible that the targeted countries, many of which depend heavily on exports, will now come to Trump with last-minute concessions.

President Trump’s tariff policies have already led to significant investments in U.S. manufacturing, and many nations, including the United Kingdom and Vietnam, have already reached deals with the U.S. to avoid heavier tariffs.

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July 7, 2025
William Upton
Politics
Sports

California Refuses to Comply with Federal Law Protecting Women’s Sports, Faces DOJ Action.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The State of California has rejected a federal resolution agreement that would bring the state into compliance with federal law and prevent men from competing in women’s sports. In response, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says she is referring the matter to the Department of Justice for legal action.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the U.S. Department of Education, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), the California Department of Education (CDE), the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and transgender athletes.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Sec. McMahon announced California’s decision on Monday, July 7, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “California has just REJECTED our resolution agreement to follow federal law and keep men out of women’s sports,” Sec. McMahon wrote. “Turns out Gov. Newsom’s acknowledgment that ‘it’s an issue of fairness’ was empty political grandstanding.”

🎯IMPACT: Sec. McMahon indicated that she will refer California’s decision not to comply with federal law to the DOJ for further legal action.

IN FULL

California has rejected a federal resolution agreement that would bring the state into compliance with federal law and prevent men from competing in women’s sports. The state’s decision was announced Monday, July 7, by the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“California has just REJECTED our resolution agreement to follow federal law and keep men out of women’s sports,” Sec. McMahon wrote. “Turns out Gov. [Gavin] Newsom’s acknowledgment that ‘it’s an issue of fairness’ was empty political grandstanding.” The Trump administration’s Education Secretary added that Governor Newsom (D) would soon be hearing from the U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, indicating that McMahon will soon refer the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for legal action.

The response from California‘s Department of Education is blunt. Signed by the state agency’s general counsel, Len Garfinkle, the notice states: “The California Department of Education (CDE) received the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights’ (OCR’s) June 25, 2025 Letter of Finding and Proposed Resolution Agreement in the above-referenced OCR matter. The CDE respectfully disagrees with OCR’s analysis, and it will not sign the Proposed Resolution Agreement.”

A separate response from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) states it “concurs with the response of the California Department of Education (CDE),” indicating that the organization is also refusing to sign the U.S Department of Education’s resolution agreement.

In late June, the U.S. Department of Education found that the State of California had violated Title IX with its policies allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. As part of the determination against California, the Department of Education stipulated that the state restore any female athletic record taken by biological males. Additionally, state officials were directed to begin immediately complying with federal law.

In February, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order barring men from participating in women’s sports.

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July 7, 2025
Lauren Gallagher
News
World

‘Leave Bolsonaro Alone!’ — Trump Warns Brazil Against ‘Witch Hunt’ of Populist Leader.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: On Monday, President Donald J. Trump cautioned Brazil’s far-left government and judiciary that his administration opposes the ongoing lawfare campaign against populist former President Jair Bolsonaro.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, the Trump administration, and the Brazilian government.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Brazil and the United States, July 7, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!” – President Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump backing Bolsonaro could cause friction between the U.S. and Brazil and bolster Bolsonaro’s supporters.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has defended populist former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, sometimes dubbed the ‘Tropical Trump,’ in a post on his Truth Social platform, calling the charges against him a “witch hunt.” Bolsonaro, who lost reelection in 2022 to the far-left Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—after Bolsonaro’s attempts to do away with voting machine-based elections were blocked—has been banned from seeking office until 2030.

“Brazil is doing a terrible thing on their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. I have watched, as has the World, as they have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year!” Trump wrote. He continued, “He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE.”

Trump praised Bolsonaro as a “strong Leader” and tough negotiator on trade. “His Election was very close, and now, he is leading in the Polls,” he added. Trump concluded with a direct message: “The Great People of Brazil will not stand for what they are doing to their former President. I’ll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!”

He also compared the efforts to exclude Bolsonaro from Brazil’s elections to the lawfare campaign against him in 2024, writing, “This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10.”

Brazilian President Lula responded on X, formerly Twitter: “We are a sovereign country. We do not accept interference or guardianship from anyone. We have solid and independent institutions. No one is above the law. Especially those that threaten freedom and the rule of law.” However, whether the Brazilian people are truly sovereign if they are denied the opportunity to vote for Bolsonaro as their preferred candidate is debatable.

Lula had himself been convicted of corruption and was blocked from running in 2018. However, his convictions were overturned in 2021 by a court largely composed of judges appointed by him or his political allies.

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July 7, 2025
News

Iranian Prez Backs Away from Fatwa on Trump.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The Iranian President has claimed there is no official fatwa against Donald Trump from the Iranian government, despite recent news to the contrary.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Tucker Carlson.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Interview aired on Monday, July 7, 2025.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “I can assure you that the meaning of this fatwa should not be construed or considered as a threat against an individual.” – Masoud Pezeshkian

🎯IMPACT: The statement aims to clarify Iran’s stance and counterclaims of threats against Trump.

IN FULL

In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed claims regarding fatwas supposedly issued against former U.S. President Donald Trump. Pezeshkian emphasized that, to his knowledge, no such decrees had been issued by the Iranian government or the Supreme Leader.

Pezeshkian said that any statements made by Iranian ayatollahs were not directed at Trump personally but were instead a condemnation of insults to religion and religious figures. He said these should not be seen as threats against any individual.

The discussion with Carlson also touched upon accusations that Iran had backed assassination attempts against Trump, which Pezeshkian dismissed as misinformation propagated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Pezeshkian addressed concerns about Iranian nationals in the U.S., refuting claims that they were sleeper cells acting on government orders. He stressed that Iranians are known for their peaceful nature and contributions to science and culture.

Pezeshkian’s remarks aim to counter narratives suggesting Iran’s hostility toward the United States and emphasize the nation’s preference for peace and stability in the region.

Last week, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa declaring that anyone who threatens Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a “Muharib,” i.e., “an enemy of God” and his messengers, according to Iran’s state media. The fatwa specifically named U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Notably, a “Muharib” is subject to the death penalty.

Shirazi is a senior leader in Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s sect of Shia Islam. Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that Shirazi, who helped to draft Iran’s constitution following the Islamic Revolution, called on Muslims worldwide “to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.” The 98-year-old cleric emphasized that supporting such “enemies” is considered “haram” (forbidden) under Islamic law.

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July 7, 2025
Immigration

Border Czar Homan Wants to Turbocharge ICE Arrests to 7,000 a Day With ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Money.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Tom Homan, President Donald J. Trump’s Border Czar, is pushing for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest 7,000 illegal immigrants daily now that the “Big, Beautiful Bill” has been signed, more than doubling the current quota.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Tom Homan, President Trump, ICE agents, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made outside the White House in July 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “And for those that say 3,000 [arrests] a day is too much, I want to remind them, do the math, we have to arrest 7,000 every single day for the remainder of this administration just to catch the ones Biden released into the nation,” said Homan.

🎯IMPACT: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act empowers ICE to hire 10,000 new officers, doubling the agency’s capacity for detaining illegal immigrants.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump’s Border Czar, Tom Homan, has announced a push for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase their illegal alien arrest targets to 7,000 a day. This new target more than doubles the previous quota set for the agency.

This announcement comes after Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which massively boosts funding for border security and ICE deportation efforts. The bill, signed into law on July 4, also empowers ICE to hire 10,000 additional officers.

During a press briefing outside the White House, Homan said, “[F]or those that say 3,000 [arrests] a day is too much, I want to remind them, do the math, we have to arrest 7,000 every single day for the remainder of this administration just to catch the ones Biden released into the nation.”

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted that the new law would “turbocharge” Trump’s deportation efforts. Homan’s 7,000-a-day target exceeds even the 3,000-a-day target previously put forward by White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, one of the administration’s most prominent immigration hawks.

The Trump administration initially set a quota of 1,800 arrests per day in January.

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