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Wednesday, August 6, 2025
3 hours ago
News

Howard Stern’s Declining Show May Be Ending.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The future of Howard Stern’s SiriusXM radio show is uncertain as his $500 million contract nears its end.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Howard Stern, SiriusXM, and radio personality Andy Cohen.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Stern’s contract is set to expire after a five-year term, with discussions ongoing in 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He may do a 1-2 year contract if they can meet him where he wants financially. He doesn’t want to pull the plug on his employees like this.” – Anonymous insider.

🎯IMPACT: The decision could affect Stern’s staff of around 95 and the future of his radio catalog.

IN FULL

Howard Stern’s long-running SiriusXM radio show faces an uncertain future as the end of his $500 million, five-year contract approaches. Stern, 71, has hosted the current version of his show since 2006. Reports suggest he is in “very serious negotiations” with SiriusXM regarding a potential renewal.

An insider revealed Stern might consider a shorter 1-2 year contract if financial terms are met, emphasizing that he does not want to disrupt his employees’ livelihoods. However, another source noted that Stern is also contemplating “parting ways” with SiriusXM and may sell his catalog of shows for replay on uncensored channels Howard 100 and Howard 101.

Stern has faced criticism in recent years, particularly after publicly embracing a “woke” stance. In 2023, he defended his position, stating, “To me, the opposite of woke is being asleep. And if woke means I can’t get behind Trump, or that I support people who want to be transgender, or I’m for the vaccine, dude call me woke as you f*****g want.” His audience numbers have reportedly declined significantly, with some estimating a drop from 20 million daily listeners to as low as 125,000.

The host has also expressed dissatisfaction with SiriusXM’s focus on fellow radio star Andy Cohen. Stern, who has spent much of the last five years broadcasting from home due to COVID-19 concerns, has not ruled out returning for specials if he does leave the platform. His staff reportedly only recently learned about his indecision.

Known as the “King of All Media,” Stern’s career spans decades, including television shows, books, and numerous controversial interviews. His legacy includes appearances from figures like Donald Trump and the Kardashian family, as well as a history of polarizing remarks that have drawn both criticism and attention.

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4 hours ago
Economy
News

Trump to Sign Executive Order Targeting Banks Accused of Debanking Conservatives.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump criticized major banks for allegedly discriminating against conservatives through debanking, where financial institutions close or refuse accounts.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and other financial institutions. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan also commented on the issue.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments were made during an interview with CNBC on August 5, following reports of a potential executive order addressing debanking.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They discriminated against many conservatives,” said President Trump during the CNBC interview.

🎯IMPACT: The issue highlights growing concerns over political bias in financial services, with calls for regulatory clarity and fair market access.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump confirmed on August 5 that he will soon sign an Executive Order targeting major banks that discriminate against conservatives through debanking practices. In his comments made Tuesday, Trump claimed JPMorgan Chase gave him 20 days to close his account, though he did not specify the timing or reasoning behind the decision. He also stated that Bank of America refused to do business after he left JPMorgan.

The issue of debanking has been raised by conservatives who argue that financial institutions are unfairly targeting individuals based on political views. While banks often cite regulatory compliance or risk management as reasons for account closures, Trump and others believe these explanations mask ideological discrimination. “They discriminated against many conservatives,” Trump said.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, in an earlier interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” denied allegations of bias. Moynihan emphasized regulatory pressures and risk management as key factors in banking decisions. “We look at it based on risk. People may feel those decisions are made for some other reason, but we always make it on what’s best for our company, what’s best for our client,” he said.

The practice of debanking has also been criticized in Congress. During a Senate hearing in February, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina argued that debanking harms individuals and the economy, violating principles of fair market access. Crypto investors have also testified about abrupt account closures, claiming bias against cryptocurrency transactions.

JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have both denied closing accounts for political reasons. JPMorgan stated, “We agree with Mr. Trump that regulatory change is desperately needed,” while Bank of America reiterated that political beliefs are not a factor in account closures.

The National Pulse reported in March that Brexit leader Nigel Farage successfully resolved his long-standing debanking dispute with NatWest Group, nearly two years after the closure of his accounts at the bank’s Coutts subsidiary. The settlement, which includes an apology from NatWest, brings closure to a saga that led to the resignation of the bank’s former chief executive, Dame Alison Rose, in 2023.

Image by Joyce N. Boghosian.

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5 hours ago
News

Trump Targets Russian Shadow Fleet with Fresh U.S. Sanctions.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration is considering additional sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers if Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the shadow fleet of oil tankers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Sanctions under consideration as of this week; targeting Russia’s maritime oil export operations.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Further measures against the fleet are viewed as a relatively straightforward way to increase pressure on Russia,” according to sources familiar with White House discussions.

🎯IMPACT: Potential sanctions could target a significant generator of Russia’s export revenue, further pressuring Moscow’s wartime economy.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is reportedly considering new sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, with the decision tied to whether President Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday.

Sources claim that cracking down on the shadow fleet is viewed within the White House as “a relatively simple way to increase pressure on Russia.” Another insider noted that while a broader range of sanctions is under discussion, targeting these tankers remains a primary focus.

This shadow fleet has been critical for Moscow in circumventing the G7-led price cap on seaborne oil, allowing Russia to continue generating substantial export revenues even under extensive Western sanctions. The broader sanctions regime has aimed to cut off these energy revenues, which are key to sustaining Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

Though Russia’s piped gas exports have declined significantly since the start of the war, its seaborne liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to the European Union have increased. More of the vessels involved in these exports are Russian-built and operate within the shadow fleet, which operates without Western insurers, flag registries, or maritime services. This setup has made enforcement of existing sanctions more difficult.

The deadline comes as Russai has been making key gains in the strategic city of Pokrovsk in recent weeks. Recent reports state that the city has become a hub of intense fighting between both sides and could give Russia control over the central Donetsk region if it falls.

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6 hours ago
Economy

The Search for Powell’s Replacement at the Fed Has Narrowed.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced he has narrowed his list of potential Federal Reserve chair candidates to four, including Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh, as he considers a replacement for Jerome Powell.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Jerome Powell, and Adriana Kugler.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during an interview on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good,” said Trump during the interview.

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s decision could reshape the Federal Reserve leadership and influence U.S. monetary policy for years to come.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump revealed on Tuesday that he has narrowed his list of candidates for Federal Reserve chair to four individuals. During a media appearance, Trump named Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, and Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve Board governor, as two of his top picks. He declined to name the other two candidates but confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not among them.

“I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good,” Trump said during the interview. While expressing his dissatisfaction with current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Trump noted that he has not yet decided on a replacement but plans to make a decision “soon.” Powell, whose term ends in May 2026, has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism, particularly over interest rate policies.

Trump has accused Powell of mismanaging a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Fed, but stated he is “highly unlikely” to fire him. The potential shift in leadership comes as Adriana Kugler, a current Fed governor, recently announced her resignation, creating an additional vacancy on the board.

Kevin Hassett, one of the named candidates, has a history of supporting Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts and tariffs. He previously served as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during the first Trump administration.

Meanwhile, Kevin Warsh, another candidate, has been critical of Powell’s Federal Reserve and has advocated for significant changes to its operations. In a previous interview, Warsh stated, “The president’s right to be frustrated with Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve.” Warsh has also suggested a new Treasury-Fed accord, similar to one implemented in 1951, to address the nation’s debt and improve coordination between monetary and fiscal policies.

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6 hours ago
Economy
News

Trump Fires Five Members of Controversial Govt Board Managing Puerto Rico’s Debt.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration dismissed five of seven members from Puerto Rico’s federal control board, sparking concerns over the island’s financial future due to potential board malfeasance.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The White House, dismissed board members Arthur Gonzalez, Cameron McKenzie, Betty Rosa, Juan Sabater, Luis Ubiñas, and remaining members Andrew G. Biggs and John E. Nixon.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The dismissals were announced Tuesday, affecting Puerto Rico’s federally appointed financial oversight board.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s time to restore common sense leadership,” said a White House official, citing inefficiency and secrecy within the board.

🎯IMPACT: The move raises questions about the board’s future and Puerto Rico’s ongoing financial restructuring efforts.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has removed five of the seven members of Puerto Rico’s federally appointed financial oversight board, raising alarms over the island’s economic recovery and governance. The board, established by Congress in 2016 to manage the U.S. territory’s public finances, has been overseeing efforts to restructure tens of billions in debt following years of financial mismanagement.

The dismissed members, all Democrats, included board chair Arthur Gonzalez, along with Cameron McKenzie, Betty Rosa, Juan Sabater, and Luis Ubiñas. Remaining on the panel are Andrew G. Biggs and John E. Nixon, both Republicans.

A White House official justified the dismissals by accusing the board of operating inefficiently and lacking transparency, saying it “has been run inefficiently and ineffectively by its governing members for far too long and it’s time to restore common sense leadership.”

The official also criticized the board’s spending, citing excessive consulting and legal fees as well as “exorbitant salaries to staff.” According to the same official, the decision reflects dissatisfaction with the board’s progress, which the administration believes has “prolonged Puerto Rico’s bankruptcy.”

During the Obama administration, the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) was created under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). At the time, the island had declared it could not repay its more than $70 billion in public debt, triggering the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Currently, Puerto Rico continues to face significant hurdles, particularly with the restructuring of $9 billion in debt held by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), a process mired in legal disputes with creditors seeking full repayment.

The dismissals will likely face legal challenges. However, Puerto Rico bond expert Cate Long argues there are clear grounds for the for-cause dismissals. “The level of the Puerto Rico OBoard’s incompetence is evident to people on both sides of the aisle. Ask yourself how they could pay their executive director, Robert Mujica, $625,000 [a year] while the US president only makes $400,000 [a year],” Long wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She added: “Meanwhile, the OBoard allowed Mujica to moonlight for the Greater New York Hospital Association and Mets owner Steve Cohen. This, while the [Puerto Rico] electric utility was on its knees.”

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Wind Farm
7 hours ago
Politics

Trump Admin Looks to End ‘Bird Killing’ Wind Farms.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Interior Department issued a new order targeting large-scale wind and solar projects, citing inefficiency, environmental impact, and grid instability.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Secretary Doug Burgum, President Donald Trump, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The order was revealed Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and impacts federal land management across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Gargantuan, unreliable, intermittent energy projects hold America back from achieving U.S. energy dominance while weighing heavily on the American taxpayer and environment,” said Doug Burgum.

🎯IMPACT: The order could limit the expansion of wind and solar projects, focusing instead on energy sources with higher efficiency and reliability.

IN FULL

The Interior Department has taken new steps to evaluate energy projects on federal lands based on their efficiency and environmental impact. Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order using a “capacity density” formula to measure the space and reliability of energy installations, with a particular focus on wind and solar projects.

“Gargantuan, unreliable, intermittent energy projects hold America back from achieving U.S. energy dominance while weighing heavily on the American taxpayer and environment,” Burgum said, announcing the new initiative. The order aligns with President Donald J. Trump’s energy goals, emphasizing the optimization of land use and the minimization of environmental impacts.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that advanced nuclear plants produce significantly more energy per acre compared to wind farms, with nuclear energy being 5,500 times more efficient. Burgum’s order highlights the displacement of reliable energy sources by “artificially stimulated” wind and solar projects, which he says have destabilized the electric grid.

President Trump has long criticized wind energy for its environmental toll, including the killing of birds. “If you love birds, you’d never want to walk under a windmill because it’s a very sad, sad sight. It’s like a cemetery,” Trump remarked during a past speech.

The order also touches on national security concerns, noting the importance of a stable domestic energy production framework. Burgum emphasized the need for commonsense policies that strengthen the nation while keeping the public informed.

Image by Patrick Briggs.

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7 hours ago
William Upton
News

Trump Says He Will ‘Federalize D.C.’ If Violent Crime Continues.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: In a post on Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump said he will move to federalize the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., unless the city government, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), reins in violent crime.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Washington, D.C. city officials, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), criminals, and victims of violent crime.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in a post on Truth Social.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Crime in Washington, D.C., is totally out of control. Local “youths” and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released.” — President Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump and Congress could move to revoke home rule for the capital and re-exert federal control entirely over the city.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced on Tuesday that he will move to federalize the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., unless the city government, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), reins in violent crime. In a post on Truth Social, Trump lambasted the lack of action by city officials to handle a recent wave of violent and deadly assaults and muggings.

“Crime in Washington, D.C., is totally out of control. Local “youths” and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released,” President Trump wrote. He added: “They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now! The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these “minors” as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14. The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs.”

Trump insists that the capital “must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans,” and if Mayor Bowser does not act, “we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore.” Significantly, the President added: ” If this continues, I am going to exert my powers, and FEDERALIZE this City.”

Washington, D.C. has been plagued with waves of violent crime—especially during the summer months—in recent years. Recently, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old college student interning for Representative Ron Estes (R-KS), died after being struck by a stray bullet in a drive-by shooting in the downtown area of the capital. Over a month earlier, far-left pro-Palestinian activist Elias Rodriguez murdered two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

Already, the Trump administration has ramped up nuisance arrests for public drinking and drug use in public parks under federal control. This effort stems from a presidential directive issued in March aimed at clearing D.C.’s homeless encampments and open-air drug markets, which have fueled—in part—the crime wave.

The National Pulse reported last month that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed Michael Pulliam, a Washington, D.C. police commander, is under investigation for allegedly doctoring crime statistics. The investigation began after the Fraternal Order of Police complained that the department was deliberately falsifying crime data. The police union claims that supervisors are manipulating data to show a significant decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year.

Image by Burkhard Mücke.

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8 hours ago
Politics

Lois Lerner’s Deputy Finally Removed at IRS Decades After Tea Party Targeting Scandal.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Holly Paz, a former deputy to Lois Lerner during the Obama-era IRS targeting scandal, was placed on leave following concerns raised by lawmakers over the politicization of a new IRS sub-department she was leading.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Holly Paz, former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Joni Ernst, Rep. Lloyd Smucker, and current IRS Commissioner Billy Long.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Paz was placed on leave last week, following months of scrutiny and letters to the Treasury Department from lawmakers. The events span multiple years, including the former Obama and Biden governments.

🎯IMPACT: Lawmakers have raised concerns about the IRS’s impartiality, the potential misuse of taxpayer funds, and the targeting of conservative businesses, echoing previous IRS scandals.

IN FULL

Holly Paz, a former deputy to Lois Lerner during the Obama-era IRS targeting scandal, has been placed on leave after lawmakers raised concerns about a new IRS sub-department she was leading. Paz had been assigned to oversee a unit aimed at auditing pass-through businesses, a move announced by Biden-era IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. At the time, Werfel described the unit as a step toward holding the nation’s wealthiest filers accountable.

Lawmakers, however, have criticized the new unit as being ideologically driven. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) warned in May that the unit was targeting Main Street businesses, including family-owned ventures and professional services firms. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) also raised concerns about the unit’s impartiality, citing political comments made by Paz’s team and their use of templates with names referencing political rhetoric.

Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) expressed alarm over a Biden-era rule extending the scope of enforcement, which he argued burdens small businesses. “American taxpayers and businesses deserve clear and consistent tax rules that allow them to confidently comply with the law,” Smucker wrote in a letter to the newly appointed IRS Commissioner Billy Long, calling for a reconsideration of the rule.

Blackburn and Ernst have both noted that the new unit duplicates existing IRS processes, potentially wasting taxpayer money. Blackburn further highlighted that the unit’s focus on increasing audits rather than improving compliance suggests an agenda-driven approach to enforcement.

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9 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
News
UK

Tommy Robinson Arrested Over Alleged Railway Station Assault.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: British anti-grooming gang activist Tommy Robinson was arrested by police after a physical altercation at a train station in London.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Tommy Robinson, British police, unidentified injured man.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The altercation took place on July 28, while Robinson’s arrest occurred several days later.

💬KEY QUOTE: “RELEASE THE FOOTAGE.” – Tommy Robinson on social media.

🎯IMPACT: The arrest could lead to potential charges and yet another possible prison sentence for Robsinson, who has been hounded by UK authorities for years.

IN FULL

British anti-grooming gang activist Tommy Robinson was arrested on the night of August 4 on suspicion of assaulting a man at St. Pancras train station in London. The 42-year-old was detained by police at Luton Airport, just outside London, as he returned from Portugal.

Although police generally do not confirm the identities of individuals who haven’t been formally charged, the British Transport Police said in a statement that a 42-year-old Bedfordshire man had been arrested in connection with a July 28 assault at St. Pancras. The police later confirmed the man had been released on bail until September 2.

Footage published by British media showed police officers meeting Robinson as he exited the plane and escorting him into a waiting van.

Authorities had sought Robinson since July 28, when a man was discovered unconscious at the central London train station. A video circulated widely on social media shows Robinson walking nearby, but it does not reveal how the man was injured. In the clip, Robinson is heard telling someone off-camera, “He come at me, bruv.”

On Tuesday morning, a post on Robinson’s X account (formerly Twitter) read, “RELEASE THE FOOTAGE,” and tagged London’s Metropolitan Police Service.

Following the incident, British Transport Police issued a statement saying a man had suffered serious injuries in an assault at the station and was taken to the hospital. They also said the suspect had boarded a flight to Tenerife in the early hours of July 29, and urged witnesses to come forward with any information.

The case comes just months after Robinson was released from prison after serving time behind bars for contempt of court relating to a case involving a young Syrian asylum seeker. Robinson received an 18-month sentence for releasing a documentary that defended his own allegations against the Syrian migrant, which were previously ruled as libelous by a British court.

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10 hours ago
News

Ghislaine Maxwell Fights to Keep Grand Jury Transcripts Sealed.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team opposed the unsealing of grand jury transcripts in her criminal case.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ghislaine Maxwell, her defense attorneys, and the Trump Department of Justice.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Court proceedings on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not,” her attorney wrote.

🎯IMPACT: Maxwell’s appeal to the Supreme Court could be affected, and concerns over grand jury secrecy remain central.

IN FULL

Ghislaine Maxwell‘s defense team has voiced opposition to a judge’s potential decision to unseal grand jury transcripts in her criminal case. This move comes after the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) sought to make the documents public.

In court filings, Maxwell’s attorneys argued that unsealing the transcripts could jeopardize her appeal to the Supreme Court. They also emphasized that their client is unable to take an “informed position” on the matter since the court has not allowed her legal team to review the transcripts in advance.

“Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not,” her attorney wrote in the filings. “Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain.”

While the implications of this decision could have a significant impact on her appeal, the ruling could potentially set precedent for the broader handling of grand jury materials in similar cases.

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