GET THE APP
Saturday, December 20, 2025
34 minutes ago
Bonkers Britain

UK Politician Resigns Far-Left Green Party Whip After Slavery Arrest.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A councillor in Lancashire, England, has resigned the Green Party whip amid a criminal investigation linked to “modern slavery.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Councillor Sohail Asghar, Lancashire County Council, and local police.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The arrest occurred in Accrington, England, on November 6, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “[Councillor] Asghar has voluntarily given up the Green Party whip because there is an investigation.” – Cllr Gina Dowding

🎯IMPACT: Cllr Asghar now sits as an Independent on the council, amidst ongoing inquiries into alleged modern slavery.

IN FULL

Sohail Asghar, a local councillor in Lancashire, England, has given up the Green Party whip following his arrest as part of a police investigation into alleged modern slavery offences. The arrest took place in Accrington on November 6, 2025, when police detained Asghar and two other suspects. Lancashire Police confirmed the arrests were linked to an ongoing investigation into suspected modern slavery. All three were later released on bail while inquiries continue.

Councillor Gina Dowding, leader of the Green group on Lancashire County Council, claimed that Asghar stepped down from the whip voluntarily. She said, “Cllr Asghar has voluntarily given up the Green Party whip because there is an investigation,” adding: “This will remain the case until the investigation is completed.”

Despite relinquishing the Green Party whip, Asghar has not resigned from the council. He continues to sit as an Independent member of Lancashire County Council and remains part of the Progressive Lancashire Group in opposition.

Police have stated that the investigation remains active and that offences being considered include slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labor, and making threats to kill. No charges have been brought at this stage.

“Modern slavery” refers to situations in which people are exploited and unable to leave due to coercion, threats, abuse of power, or deception. It can involve forced labor, human trafficking, or other forms of severe exploitation. Although often associated with organized crime or illegal working, recent cases have drawn attention to how modern slavery can exist within professional, institutional, and even diplomatic settings, sometimes complicated by claims of legal immunity or jurisdictional protection.

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

show less
show more
13 hours ago
News

Trump Admin Slams Democrat County for Releasing Illegal Immigrant Murderer: ‘Blood on Their Hands.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An illegal immigrant with a lengthy criminal record was released by police in Northern Virginia and allegedly killed a man in his home a day later.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The suspected shooter, 23-year-old Marvin Morales-Ortez, police, the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The murder occurred on Wednesday in Northern Virginia, following Morales-Ortez’s release from custody on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The sanctuary politicians of Fairfax have blood on their hands. They should have turned this serial criminal illegal alien over to ICE law enforcement—instead they chose to RELEASE him back into Virginia neighborhoods.” – DHS spokesman

🎯IMPACT: The release and subsequent murder have reignited debates around sanctuary policies and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

IN FULL

Federal officials are criticizing Northern Virginia leaders after an illegal alien who had been released from local custody was arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing a day later, renewing debate over sanctuary-style policies and refusal to cooperate with immigration enforcement. The suspect, 23-year-old Marvin Morales-Ortez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, had been jailed in Fairfax County on charges of malicious wounding and brandishing a firearm. Prosecutors dropped those charges, citing insufficient evidence and the victim’s inability to testify, and Morales-Ortez was released. The following day, police allege, he killed a man.

Court records show Morales-Ortez has faced at least seven criminal charges in Fairfax County since 2020, including assault and first-degree murder. He has one conviction, a theft offense that resulted in a $300 fine.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office said it followed the law in releasing Morales-Ortez and stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not obtain a judicial warrant to keep him detained. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strongly disputed the county’s handling of the case. “To honor a detainer, officials do NOT need a judicial warrant,” a DHS spokesman said. “The sanctuary politicians of Fairfax have blood on their hands. They should have turned this serial criminal illegal alien over to ICE law enforcement—instead, they chose to RELEASE him back into Virginia neighborhoods.”

The case comes amid a series of recent high-profile crimes involving illegal aliens that have drawn national attention. For instance, federal authorities have reported arresting an illegal alien who allegedly attempted to join ISIS after previously being released into the country, and DHS has blamed sanctuary laws in California following a fatal DUI involving an illegal immigrant.

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

show less
show more
Footer Ad
Footer Ad
13 hours ago
War

Putin Claims Ukraine Unready for Peace as Kiev Strikes Tanker in Mediterranean.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine seems unwilling to negotiate peace, while Kiev claimed a significant strike on an alleged Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the Mediterranean.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the European Union (EU), and the U.S. government.

📍WHEN & WHERE: December 2025, during Putin’s annual news conference in Moscow, with separate developments in the Mediterranean Sea and Brussels, Belgium.

🎯IMPACT: Heightened tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and the West, with the EU agreeing on a $100 billion aid package for Kiev, and Russia vowing retaliation for attacks on its tanker fleet.

IN FULL

Russian President Vladimir Putin claims Ukraine is unwilling to negotiate an end to the war, reiterating demands that Kiev accept territorial concessions and demilitarization, conditions Ukrainian leaders have consistently rejected. Speaking during his annual news conference, Putin claimed Russian forces have “fully seized strategic initiative” and are advancing along the eastern front, portraying Moscow as holding the upper hand nearly three years into the conflict.

Ukraine, however, continues to resist both militarily and diplomatically. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Kiev has maintained that recognizing Russian control over occupied territories would undermine its sovereignty and encourage further aggression. Ukrainian officials have also rejected demands for demilitarization, arguing that it would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has announced a drone strike on a Russia-linked oil tanker operating in the Mediterranean Sea. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency confirmed it targeted the Oman-flagged tanker Qendil, describing it as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade Western sanctions and finance its war. Ukrainian officials said the vessel was a legitimate military target under international law and reported that it was empty at the time of the strike.

Putin dismissed the attack as an attempt to drive up insurance costs for Russian shipping but warned that Moscow would respond. The strike marked a notable expansion of Ukraine’s campaign to disrupt Russian revenue sources beyond the immediate battlefield.

Meanwhile, European Union (EU) leaders meeting in Brussels agreed on a roughly $100 billion aid package for Ukraine, structured as an interest-free loan backed by the EU budget. The funding is intended to support Ukraine’s military operations and economic stability for the next two years. However, proposals to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s defense failed due to internal divisions.

As fighting continues, diplomatic discussions remain stalled. Some Western-backed proposals have floated the idea of Ukraine pursuing European Union membership rather than NATO as part of a potential settlement, paired with long-term security guarantees.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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

show less
show more
14 hours ago
William Upton
News

DOJ Begins Releasing Epstein Files: What We Know So Far.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) began releasing the federal government’s trove of files pertaining to deceased pedophile and financier Jeffrey Epstein late Friday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jeffrey Epstein, former President Bill Clinton, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s victims, JPMorgan, and banking executive Jes Staley.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The DOJ began releasing the first tranche of files late Friday, December 19, 2025.

🎯IMPACT: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that additional material on Epstein will be released over the coming weeks, with the DOJ still reviewing documents to ensure the identifying information of victims and legal minors is redacted.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) began releasing the federal government’s trove of files pertaining to deceased pedophile and financier Jeffrey Epstein late Friday. While thousands of pages of documents were released in the initial tranche, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that additional material on Epstein will be released over the coming weeks, with the DOJ still reviewing documents to ensure the identifying information of victims and legal minors is redacted.

Following the release, two items have drawn significant attention, the first being a series of photographs of former President Bill Clinton in a pool where another individual has their face blacked out—indicating they are likely one of Epstein‘s victims. In a second photo taken from what appears to be the same evening, Clinton can be seen in the pool along with the unknown individual and Ghislaine Maxwell.

However, the most illuminating item appears to be part of a grand jury filing, which alleges that former JPMorgan senior executive Jes Staley purposefully cultivated a close relationship with Epstein. This is alleged to have occurred when Staley served as the chief of JPMorgan’s private banking arm, which provided financial services for clients with at least $10 million in assets. In 2023, the bank paid a $75 million settlement stemming from its relationship with Epstein.

The National Pulse reported in October of this year that Epstein‘s banking and investment activities were more extensive than previously known, involving multiple banks and major transactions with hedge funds. The true extent of Epstein’s investment portfolio and banking ties was revealed after his estate provided Congress with a list of over 20 banks where he held accounts.

You can access the DOJ’s “Epstein Library” here.

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

show less
show more
14 hours ago
War

U.S. Forces Launch Strikes in Syria to Avenge ISIS Attack on American Troops.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. forces launched OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria, targeting the Islamic State (ISIS).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and U.S. forces.

📍WHEN & WHERE: December 19, 2025, in Syria.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance.” – Pete Hegseth

🎯IMPACT: The operation targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites.

IN FULL

U.S. military forces initiated Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria today, targeting Islamic State (ISIS) fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites. The operation, named in honor of the “Hawkeye State” of Iowa—home to two National Guardsmen killed in a recent attack—comes as a direct retaliation for the December 13 ambush in Palmyra, Syria, that claimed the lives of two American service members and a civilian interpreter.

In a forceful statement, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the strikes: “Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria,” he wrote.

“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people. As we said directly following the savage attack, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you,” Hegseth added.

The strikes hit dozens of suspected ISIS locations across Syria, building on recent counterterrorism efforts. The December 13 attack on U.S. troops, attributed to a lone gunman with alleged ISIS ties, marked the first U.S. fatalities in Syria since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad a year ago. President Trump had previously vowed serious retaliation, emphasizing unwavering defense of American personnel.

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

show less
show more
14 hours ago
Crime

Trump Admin Arrests Nearly 300 Sexual Predators, Rescues 205 Children in Two-Week Operation.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that its Operation Relentless Justice has led to the rescue of 205 child abuse victims and the arrest of more than 293 child sex abuse offenders.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The operation involved all 56 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The crackdown was executed over two weeks across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice.” – Attorney General Pamela Bondi

🎯IMPACT: The operation underscores a continued commitment to protecting children and holding predators accountable, with significant arrests and rescues.

IN FULL

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the results of its Operation Relentless Justice, which saw all 56 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) field offices and U.S. Attorneys across the nation work “to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators.” According to the DOJ, the operation succeeded in discovering and rescuing 205 child victims, while resulting in the arrest of more than 293 child sex abuse offenders.

Over a two-week period, federal law enforcement, led by the FBI and the DOJ Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), carried out investigations and raids across the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said of the operation, adding: “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.”

The federal-led operation saw close coordination between the Trump administration and state and local law enforcement. Disturbingly, the DOJ noted that among the offenses committed by those arrested were “the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking.”

An airman in the United States Air Force and his wife were arrested in Dallas, Texas, for the alleged production of child sex abuse material (CSAM). Meanwhile, a police officer in Raleigh, North Carolina, was placed under custody after they attempted to distribute CSAM to an undercover federal agent with whom they also discussed their interest in sexually molesting children. An illegal immigrant from Guatemala—previously deported in 2011—was also among the arrestees, and has a long and violent criminal history.

“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” FBI Director Kash Patel stated.

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

show less
show more
Footer Ad
Footer Ad
15 hours ago
William Upton
Breaking

BREAKING: Stefanik Drops Out of NY Gov Race, Will Leave Congress.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) shocked the political world on Friday, announcing that she was dropping out of the 2026 New York governor race and would also not seek re-election to her seat in Congress.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Elise Stefanik, Governor Kathy Hochul (D), and Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman (R).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Friday, December 19, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress. I did not come to this decision lightly for our family.” — Elise Stefanik

🎯IMPACT: With Blakeman’s GOP gubernatorial primary candidacy, Stefanik would likely have had to engage significant resources to ensure she secured the party nomination and prevent any surprise upset by the Nassau County executive’s “quixotic” campaign.

IN FULL

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) shocked the political world on Friday, announcing that she was dropping out of the 2026 New York governor race and would also not seek re-election to her seat in Congress. Recent polling has shown Stefanik in a statistical tie with incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY); however, the entry of Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman (R) in the state’s GOP gubernatorial primary likely complicated matters.

“While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress. I did not come to this decision lightly for our family,” Stefanik wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday afternoon. She continued: “I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state for our campaign to Save New York.”

“However, as we have seen in past elections, while we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York,” she added.

Notably, with Blakeman’s primary candidacy, Stefanik would likely have had to engage significant resources to ensure she secured the party nomination and prevent any surprise upset by the Nassau County executive’s “quixotic” campaign. This diversion of funds would likely have left Stefanik at a difficult disadvantage in the general election race against Hochul.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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

show less
show more
16 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Minnesota Somali Fraudster Pleads Guilty to Medicaid and Food Stamp Theft Scheme.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Asha Farhan Hassan pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with schemes to defraud Medicaid and a child food program in Minnesota.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Asha Farhan Hassan, six additional defendants, and federal prosecutors in Minnesota.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Hassan pleaded guilty on Thursday in Minnesota. The fraud schemes span several years.

💬KEY QUOTE: “To be clear, this is not an isolated scheme. From Feeding Our Future to Housing Stabilization Services and now Autism Services, these massive fraud schemes form a web that has stolen billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Each case we bring exposes another strand of this network. The challenge is immense, but our work continues.” – First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson

🎯IMPACT: The fraud schemes have raised concerns about oversight in Minnesota’s public programs and led to criticism of the state’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Tim Walz.

IN FULL

The first defendant in Minnesota’s sprawling Medicaid autism program fraud scandal pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on Thursday. Asha Farhan Hassan, 28, was part of a scheme defrauding Medicaid of $14 million in taxpayer dollars. Additionally, Hassan participated in a separate fraud scheme that saw the theft of $465,000 from a food assistance program for needy children.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota announced new charges against six other defendants in what the Department of Justice (DOJ) describes as “staggering, industrial-scale fraud.” The schemes are part of a broader fraud conspiracy tied to the state’s Somali immigrant community, which is now believed to have seen the theft of an estimated $9 billion in taxpayer dollars.

“To be clear, this is not an isolated scheme. From Feeding Our Future to Housing Stabilization Services and now Autism Services, these massive fraud schemes form a web that has stolen billions of dollars in taxpayer money. Each case we bring exposes another strand of this network. The challenge is immense, but our work continues,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said in September when the charges against Hassan were initially filed.

Evidence presented by federal prosecutors detailed how Hassan participated in fraudulent claims for a Medicaid program aimed at supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and in the Feeding Our Future nonprofit, which misused state grants intended to provide meals to schoolchildren. Investigators allege much of the money was stolen, with few meals ever delivered. Thompson stated, “Every day, we look under a rock and find a new $50 million fraud scheme.”

Governor Tim Walz (D) has faced mounting criticism for his administration’s failure to take action against the fraud schemes. State government whistleblowers claim that Walz and other state officials were aware of the fraud network as early as 2019, but avoided taking legal action out of fear of being seen as “racist” by the powerful Minnesota Somali voter constituency.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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

show less
show more
16 hours ago
Economy
Health

Trump Secures Major Pharma Deals to Slash U.S. Drug Prices.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Nine major pharmaceutical companies have agreed to lower drug prices in deals with President Donald J.  Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump and pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Merck, and others.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The agreements were finalized on Friday in the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This represents the greatest victory for patient affordability in the history of American health care, by far, and every single American will benefit.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The agreements aim to reduce U.S. drug prices and include selling treatments to Medicaid patients at the lowest “most favored nation” price.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has finalized agreements with nine major U.S. and European pharmaceutical companies to lower their drug prices for American consumers, in line with the prices they charge in other countries. The agreements with Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GSK, Merck, Novartis, and Sanofi were announced by President Trump during an event at the White House on Friday afternoon alongside the executive leadership of the drug companies.

“As of today, 14 out of the 17 largest pharmaceutical companies … have now agreed to drastically lower drug prices for … the American people and the American patients,” Trump said at the event, adding: “This represents the greatest victory for patient affordability in the history of American health care, by far, and every single American will benefit.”

Absent from the group were Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, and Regeneron. However, the President noted that executives from Johnson & Johnson would be at the White House next week to finalize their own agreement.

The establishment of most-favored-nation pricing models is expected to substantially lower prescription costs for Americans as the pharmaceutical deals take effect. Trump has accused other nations of engaging in what he terms “global freeloading,” in which foreign drug prices are essentially subsidized through higher costs being passed on to American consumers.

The agreements are a significant win for the Trump White House, as the industry’s massive trade association, PhRMA, has continually pushed hard against the most-favored-nation pricing policy.

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

show less
show more
17 hours ago
Immigration
NatSec

Research Visa Holder from China Charged with Smuggling E. Coli Into U.S.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced charges against a Chinese post-doctoral researcher for attempting to smuggle E. coli bacteria into the U.S.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: FBI Director Kash Patel, Chinese researcher Youhuang Xiang, and U.S. authorities from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Federal charges against Xiang were announced on Friday, December 19, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is yet another example of a researcher from China – given the privilege to work at a U.S. university – who then allegedly chose to take part in a scheme to circumvent U.S. laws and receive biological materials hidden in a package originating from China.” — Kash Patel

🎯IMPACT: The arrest is just the latest to involve a foreign research visa holder attempting to illegally smuggle prohibited biological materials into the United States.

IN FULL

Federal charges were filed on Friday against a Chinese national in the United States on a J-1 academic research visa who was caught attempting to smuggle Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria cultures into the country. According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, the charges were brought against Youhuang Xiang after it was discovered that he intended to receive a package originating from China containing prohibited biological materials.

“Youhuang Xiang, a post-doctoral researcher and J-1 visa holder from China, was charged with smuggling Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the U.S. and making false statements about it,” Patel wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He continued: “This is yet another example of a researcher from China—given the privilege to work at a U.S. university—who then allegedly chose to take part in a scheme to circumvent U.S. laws and receive biological materials hidden in a package originating from China.”

“The FBI will not tolerate any attempt to exploit our nation’s institutions for illegal activity—as we have seen in this case and the three Chinese nationals charged in Michigan in November for allegedly smuggling biological materials into the U.S. on several occasions,” Patel added.

In addition, Director Patel reiterated that American research and academic institutions must remain vigilant against the abuse of visa programs and illegal activity by visa holders. There has been a concerning number of potential national security incidents in the U.S. in recent years involving foreign nationals conducting research in the country, including attempts to smuggle dangerous biological material and the theft of sensitive research and technology.

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

show less
show more
Footer Ad
Footer Ad