GET THE APP
Thursday, May 15, 2025
5 hours ago
Health
Immigration

Now Newsom Wants to Freeze Medicaid for Adult Illegal Aliens.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has proposed freezing new adult illegal alien enrollments in Medi-Cal and introducing a $100 monthly premium for certain enrollees.

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Gavin Newsom, illegal alien Medi-Cal applicants, and current enrollees with “unsatisfactory immigration status.”

📍 Where & When: California; freeze proposed to start January 1, 2026, and premium to take effect January 1, 2027.

💬 Key Quote: “[T]he state must take difficult but necessary steps to ensure fiscal stability and preserve the long-term viability of Medi-Cal for all Californians,” states the governor’s office.

⚠️ Impact: The proposal could limit access to Medi-Cal for new adult illegal alien applicants while imposing additional costs on certain current enrollees.

IN FULL:

Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a proposal to freeze new illegal alien adult enrollments in the state’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, starting no earlier than January 1, 2026. The freeze would apply to new adult applicants over the age of 19—but would not remove current enrollees from the program.

In addition, Newsom has proposed a $100 monthly premium for Medi-Cal participants aged 19 and older with “unsatisfactory immigration status.” This category includes individuals whose immigration status disqualifies them from federally funded Medicaid, encompassing both illegal immigrants and those with lawful status. The premium would take effect on January 1, 2027.

The governor’s office has attributed these measures to fiscal challenges, attempting to blame President Donald J. Trump’s trade policies. “Trump’s pendulum swings on tariffs have slowed the economy and weakened state revenues by a staggering $16 billion,” the document alleges. In fact, the America First leader’s tariffs have generated $16 billion in additional revenue nationally, slashing the federal budget deficit.

“[T]he state must take difficult but necessary steps to ensure fiscal stability and preserve the long-term viability of Medi-Cal for all Californians,” Newsom’s office said of the proposed Medi-Cal changes.

Newsom, who has served as governor since 2019, surviving a recall election in 2021, has faced criticism over his handling of state issues, including homelessness and health care. However, despite being seen as a leading figure in the Democratic party and a potential presidential candidate, Newsom has failed to attract the support of Democratic voters, who rank him behind several others in popularity.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
5 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
Crime
UK

Anti-Trump UK Foreign Sec Allegedly Assaulted Euro Cabbie.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is accused of assaulting a taxi driver after refusing to pay a massive bill on a 360-mile trip from Italy to France.

👥 Who’s Involved: David Lammy, of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, an unnamed French taxi driver, and the French authorities.

📍 Where & When: The alleged attack took place on April 10 in Haute Savoie in the French Alps.

💬 Key Quote: “On the night of April 10-11, I was the victim of assault and violence by members of a British embassy during an international transfer, where they refused to pay me.” — Taxi driver.

⚠️ Impact: The incident could be the latest embarrassment for Lammy, who previously referred to President Donald J. Trump as a “neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath.”

IN FULL:

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, known for calling President Donald J. Trump a “neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath” in the past, has been accused of assaulting a European taxi driver over a bill costing over $780. Lammy and his wife used a taxi service to take them on a 360-mile trip from Italy to a French ski resort on April 10.

The trip followed King Charles III‘s three-day trip to Italy, during which Lammy and his wife Nicola Green were also present. The taxi driver alleges that Lammy became aggressive over payment for the ride, totaling over $1,700, though most of the cost was paid by the transfer service Lammy booked the nearly seven-hour trip with.

Lammy was expected to pay the remaining $782 but allegedly refused, “became aggressive,” and ultimately swiped a receipt from the driver’s hands. The driver left the pair at the destination in Haute Savoie in the French Alps and reported the incident to local police. The authorities found diplomatic material in the car, including a briefcase, two diplomatic passports, and diplomatic license plates.

“On the night of April 10-11, I was the victim of assault and violence by members of a British embassy during an international transfer, where they refused to pay me,” the driver told French media.

The Bonneville prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the incident, but Lammy and his wife have denied the allegations and claimed the man fraudulently removed their luggage, along with cash, saying they will sue him.

The driver says he did not know who Lammy was at the time of the incident but joked that if he had, he would have charged “much more.”

Image by Ben Dance / FCDO.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
Footer Ad
Footer Ad
6 hours ago
News
Politics

Kevin McCarthy Backs ‘Young and Smart’ David Hogg After DNC Ouster.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy defended David Hogg after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) voided his election amid internal party disputes.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kevin McCarthy, David Hogg, James Carville, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Maxine Waters.

📍 Where & When: Fox News, Wednesday; the DNC’s credentials committee decision reported Monday.

💬 Key Quote: McCarthy: “This is exactly what the Democrats do… If you’re old and not working to win a majority, you ought to leave!”

⚠️ Impact: The controversy highlights internal Democratic Party tensions and potential shifts in leadership dynamics.

IN FULL:

Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy expressed his support for anti-gun-rights activist David Hogg on Wednesday, after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) voided his election as vice chair amid internal disputes.

During an appearance on Fox News, McCarthy criticized the Democratic Party’s handling of Hogg’s situation, arguing that the party’s leadership is resistant to change. Hogg, who had been proposing to fund challenges against insufficiently woke Democratic incumbents, had faced backlash from the party leadership prior to his removal, ostensibly on grounds that his appointment transgressed party gender quotas.

“This is exactly what the Democrats do,” McCarthy said. “They don’t believe in allowing Democrats to pick who should lead them. He’s right, and he’s young, he’s smart, and he’s going to be around, and this is only going to elevate him.”

The controversy began Monday after reports stated that the DNC’s credentials committee had nullified Hogg’s election as vice chair, citing gender-parity policies. However, Hogg and many observers believe the move is linked to Hogg’s outspoken criticism of the party’s leadership and ongoing efforts to install more “progressive” candidates.

McCarthy suggested that Hogg’s criticism of older Democratic leaders resonates with party members. “If you’re old and not working to win a majority, you ought to leave,” McCarthy remarked, pointing to figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, 74, as examples of leadership he believes is ineffective.

The former Speaker also highlighted the fundraising success of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), whom he described as a rising leader in the party. “AOC has raised more money in the last quarter than any member in Congress—three times as much as the Speaker. [Hogg’s] going to be next, and this is the future.”

McCarthy predicted that Hogg’s position within the party will ultimately be strengthened, saying, “They’re going to elevate him, and he should fight this; and he will become the chairman of the party or get elected.”

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
7 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
NatSec

Justice Dept Charges Ex-Soldier with Plot to Attack Base for ISIS.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A former U.S. Army National Guard member, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, was arrested for planning an Islamic State-inspired mass shooting at a Michigan military base, charged with supporting a terrorist organization and distributing destructive device information.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Islamic State (ISIS).

📍 Where & When: Warren, Michigan, with the arrest on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “This defendant was stopped dead in his tracks as he conspired with others in planning a deadly attack on a U.S. military base here at home for IS,” the Justice Department stated.

⚠️ Impact: The arrest underscores the continued threat of radical Islam in the U.S., with adherents present even among military service members.

IN FULL:

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed the arrest of 19-year-old Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said on May 13, 2025, for plotting an Islamic State-inspired mass shooting at the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) facility in Warren, Michigan.

Said, a Melvindale, Michigan resident, faces charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS) and distributing information related to a destructive device, each carrying a maximum 20-year prison sentence. According to the Justice Department, Said supplied armor-piercing ammunition and magazines, recruited two conspirators, and flew a drone over TACOM for reconnaissance. His plan was set to unfold on the day of his arrest, but law enforcement stopped him cold.

“This defendant was stopped dead in his tracks as he conspired with others in planning a deadly attack on a U.S. military base here at home for IS,” the Justice Department said. The swift intervention prevented a potential catastrophe at TACOM, a critical hub for military vehicle development.

Said’s alleged betrayal, as a former National Guard member, underscores the insidious reach of radical Islam, even among those sworn to protect the nation.

At the beginning of the year, military veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar carried out a vehicle-based terrorist attack for ISIS in New Orleans, Louisiana, killing 14 people and injuring 57. Jabbar wounded two police officers in a shootout following the car ramming, before being fatally shot himself.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
8 hours ago
Economy
News

Swing Voters Back Trump Tariffs, Poll Shows.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A survey shows Americans in swing districts support President Donald J. Trump’s China tariffs and blame retailers for gouging prices.

👥 Who’s Involved: Donald J. Trump, American voters in 19 swing districts, retail CEOs, China.

📍 Where & When: Polling was released on May 14.

💬 Key Quote: “Our data found that swing district voters are generally behind Trump in his efforts to correct decades of outsourcing through his recent tariffs and trust him far more than the retailers to stick up for American workers,” said the Protecting America Initiative.

⚠️ Impact: The broad support for President Trump’s tariffs in key swing states could affect the upcoming mid-term elections in 2026.

IN FULL:

A new poll reveals that a plurality of voters in several key swing districts support President Donald J. Trump‘s tariff policies. The survey, released May 14, examined the opinions of voters in 19 key battleground districts and found that more voters trust President Trump on defending American workers than they trust the CEOs of major retailers.

A massive 78 percent of those polled by the Protecting America Initiative (PAI) say that those retailers should absorb the price of tariffs themselves, and half say retailers have engaged in price gouging. A further 75 percent say retailers used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to raise their prices and saw record profits as a result.

Over 80 percent say they wish to see investigations into possible price gouging by corporations, and 78 percent say they would like to see penalties for companies that used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to raise prices.

“Our data found that swing district voters are generally behind Trump in his efforts to correct decades of outsourcing through his recent tariffs and trust him far more than the retailers to stick up for American workers,” PAI stated.

A total of 48 percent say they support President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports, insisting that American retailers should be less dependent on the communist country and prioritise support for American manufacturing.

President Trump’s tariffs have already prompted billions of dollars in investment for American manufacturing from some of the largest companies in the world, such as Nvidia, which pledged to invest $500 billion in infrastructure and manufacturing of AI supercomputers in the U.S.

The tariffs have also contributed to a government surplus for the month of April, as the Trump administration reported over $16 billion in tariff receipts.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
8 hours ago
News

Rep. Forcing Trump Impeachment Vote Branded ‘Dumbs**t’ by Fellow Democrats.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Michigan Democrat Rep. Shri Thanedar forced a House vote on articles of impeachment for President Donald J. Trump, but his colleagues are not happy.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Shri Thanedar, House Democrats, Michigan State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D).

📍 Where & When: U.S. House of Representatives; articles introduced April 28, vote by Thursday.

💬 Key Quote: “This is the dumbest f***ing thing. Utterly selfish behavior,” said an unnamed House Democrat.

⚠️ Impact: The move is seen as jeopardizing Democrats in competitive districts where Trump is popular, with little chance of succeeding.

IN FULL:

Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar, a Democrat facing a tough primary battle, is forcing a House vote on articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. The vote, scheduled for Thursday, is widely expected to fail, and has already drawn sharp criticism from some of Thanedar’s Democratic colleagues.

The articles of impeachment, introduced by Thanedar on April 28, accuse Trump of bribery, corruption, and other supposed infractions. Speaking on the House floor in a thick Indian accent, the foreign-born lawmaker declared, “President Donald J. Trump has been committing crimes since day one.”

The timing of the move coincides with Michigan State Rep. Donavan McKinney’s announcement of his candidacy for Thanedar’s Detroit-area seat, raising questions about Thanedar’s motivations. Despite his insistence that the action is based on principle, some Democrats are skeptical.

“He’s really just doing it for himself,” one House Democrat told Axios, while another described the move as “a waste of time.” Another unnamed lawmaker expressed frustration, calling it “the dumbest f***ing thing. Utterly selfish behavior.”

New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler is said to have called Thanedar’s impeachment move “idiotic,” while another House Democrat commented simply, “What a dumbs**t.”

Rep. Al Green (D-TX) was the first House Democrat to publicly call for Trump’s impeachment back in February, but Thanedar is the first to actually force a vote by introducing his resolution as privileged. However, it is likely House Republicans will move to table his resolution before the Thursday deadline for a vote, effectively killing it.

The debacle highlights internal divisions within the Democratic Party, as individual politicians struggle to gain relevance and aged party grandees such as Nancy Pelosi, now 85, struggle to either provide decisive leadership or pass the torch to clear successors.

WATCH:

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
Footer Ad
Footer Ad
China Spying
9 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
NatSec

U.S. Officials Find Secret Comms Devices in China-Made Solar Inverters, Batteries.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. energy officials uncovered undocumented communication devices in Chinese-made solar inverters and batteries, raising fears of remote cyberattacks that could disrupt America’s power grid.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump’s administration, U.S. energy officials, Chinese firms like Huawei and Sungrow, and European solar trade bodies.

📍 Where & When: United States, with the discovery reported by Reuters on May 14, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “With over 200GW of Europe’s solar capacity relying on these inverters… the security risk is systemic,” warned the European Solar Manufacturing Council.

⚠️Impact: Trump’s focus on exposing Chinese tech threats strengthens national security, potentially spurring domestic manufacturing and safeguarding America’s energy infrastructure.

IN FULL:

U.S. energy officials have uncovered rogue communication devices embedded in Chinese-made solar inverters and batteries. Reuters reports these undocumented devices could enable remote access, bypassing cybersecurity firewalls and allowing adversaries to disrupt America’s power grid.

Solar inverters, the digital “brains” of photovoltaic systems, are critical to energy production, and Chinese firms like Huawei and Sungrow control over 50 percent of the global market. The discovery of these devices, which could theoretically let hackers trigger blackouts or damage infrastructure, validates President Donald J. Trump’s warnings about China’s influence over critical systems, aligning with the America First leader’s push to secure U.S. energy independence.

The alarm extends beyond America’s borders. The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) called the issue a “systemic” risk, noting that 200GW of Europe’s solar capacity—equivalent to 200 nuclear plants—relies on these inverters. The ESMC urged the European Commission—the European Union’s unelected executive—to probe sabotage and espionage risks. SolarPower Europe and consultancy DNV echoed these concerns in a recent report, warning that an attack on just 3GW of inverter capacity could destabilize power systems.

At Intersolar Europe in Munich, a leading European inverter manufacturer previously likened the threat to Russia’s gas supply cuts post-Ukraine invasion, telling PV Tech, “It’s very clear inverter companies could switch off the grid if they want to.”

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
10 hours ago
News
World

Trump Secures $1.2 Trillion Deal with Qatar.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump signed a $1.2 trillion economic exchange agreement with Qatar, alongside $243.5 billion in additional economic deals.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Qatari officials, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Boeing.

📍 Where & When: Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, following Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

💬 Key Quote: “The landmark deals celebrated today will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age.” — White House statement.

⚠️ Impact: The agreement includes a $200 billion Boeing aircraft deal and further defense cooperation.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump and Qatari officials signed a “joint declaration of cooperation” on Wednesday during Trump’s visit to Doha. The agreement comes as part of a broader diplomatic push by the Trump administration following his stop in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week.

According to the White House, the deal will “generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion,” alongside “economic deals totaling more than $243.5 billion.”

Coinciding with the signing, Qatar announced a major aircraft purchase from Boeing, involving 160 wide-body jets valued at over $200 billion. Trump called the deal “fantastic” and described it as a “record” for Boeing. The agreement also includes an option for additional aircraft, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on foreign investment in US manufacturing.

Qatar has also offered the administration a luxury Boeing 747 aircraft worth as much as $400 million to replace Air Force One, as Boeing has delayed the delivery of the new Air Force One fleet, initially promised in 2024. “We’re giving to everybody else, why wouldn’t I accept a gift? Because it’s going to be a couple years until the Boeings are finished,” President Trump said this week.

Some have criticised the gift. Qatar has a history of supporting groups like the terrorist organisation Hamas in the past. However, it has been a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict, facilitating hostages being freed. It was also part of prior ceasefire negotiations.

The Doha visit followed Trump’s announcement in Saudi Arabia of $600 billion in investment commitments, including significant data center infrastructure projects involving companies like DataVolt.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a statement of intent with Qatar to enhance defense cooperation. The agreement included finalizing letters of offer and acceptance for the delivery of MQ-9B drones and FS-LIDS systems.

Jack Montgomery contributed to this report.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
11 hours ago
News

New Pardon Attorney Ed Martin Will Review Pardons Issued Under Biden.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump’s new pardon attorney, Ed Martin, announced plans to scrutinize pardons issued by former President Joe Biden in his final hours in office.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ed Martin, President Trump, Joe Biden, Liz Cheney, Hunter Biden, Denise Cheung.

📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C., May 13.

💬 Key Quote: “I do think that the Biden pardons need some scrutiny. And they need scrutiny because we want pardons to matter and to be accepted and to be something that’s used correctly.” — Ed Martin.

⚠️ Impact: Questions raised about the validity and reasoning behind Biden’s pardons, as well as broader investigations into potential misconduct during his tenure.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump’s newly appointed pardon attorney, Ed Martin, announced on May 13 that he will be reviewing pardons issued by former President Joe Biden in his final hours in office. Speaking at a Washington, D.C. press briefing, Martin emphasized the need for scrutiny, stating, “We want pardons to matter and to be accepted and to be something that’s used correctly.”

Martin’s focus includes pardons granted to several individuals, such as former Rep. Liz Cheney and Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. These pardons were reportedly issued for offenses that had not been formally charged. At the time, Biden defended his decisions, claiming the recipients were victims of “unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions.”

President Trump previously declared Biden’s pardons “void,” alleging they were authorized using an autopen, a device for replicating signatures, possibly without his authorization. Martin expressed uncertainty over whether the use of an autopen would invalidate the pardons, though he questioned their overall reasonableness.

At least one U.S. judge has also stated that at least parts of the pardon for Hunter Biden may be unconstitutional, claiming that “nowhere does the Constitution give the President the authority to rewrite history,” in reference to certain statements it included.

Martin, who is stepping down as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia after Republican-in-name-only senators refused to back him, was also recently named director of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) weaponization working group. This group is tasked with examining alleged misconduct under the Biden government, including the mishandling of January 6 prosecutions.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
11 hours ago
News

Federal Judge Takes Control of Rikers Island from NYC Administration.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge has ordered New York City’s Rikers Island jail and the entire city jail system to be overseen by an independent officer due to unconstitutional conditions.

👥 Who’s Involved: Judge Laura Taylor Swain, the NYC Department of Correction, Mayor Eric Adams, former Mayor Bill de Blasio, and federal court-appointed monitors.

📍 Where & When: Rikers Island, New York City; new ruling stemming from a 2011 federal lawsuit.

💬 Key Quote: “The unsafe and dangerous conditions in the jails… have become normalized despite the fact that they are clearly abnormal and unacceptable,” Judge Swain wrote.

⚠️ Impact: An independent officer will now manage Rikers, with authority to overhaul policies on staffing, discipline, and security.

IN FULL:

A federal judge has taken control of New York City’s Rikers Island jail complex, appointing an independent officer to oversee the facility and the city’s broader jail system. The decision follows years of controversy over allegedly dangerous and unconstitutional conditions at the facility, which houses around 7,000 inmates.

Judge Laura Taylor Swain issued the order in a 77-page ruling, stating that the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) had failed to implement court-mandated reforms. “The unsafe and dangerous conditions in the jails… have become normalized despite the fact that they are clearly abnormal and unacceptable,” Swain wrote.

The ruling stems from a 2011 federal lawsuit, Nunez v. City of New York, in which inmates alleged excessive and unnecessary use of force by jail staff. The city entered into the Nunez Consent Judgment in 2015, agreeing to reforms, but Swain noted that little progress had been made. In November, the court held the DOC and the city in civil contempt for failing to comply with 18 provisions meant to reduce violence and dysfunction.

The independent officer, the Nunez Remediation Manager, will report directly to the court and have the authority to alter policies on use of force, staffing, discipline, and security to address the city’s violations.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who opposed federal intervention, said his administration would comply with the ruling. “If the federal judge decided that they want to do something else and they don’t like what we’re doing, it’s a federal judgment. We’re going to follow the rules,” he stated.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in 2017 a plan to close Rikers within a decade and replace it with smaller borough-based jails. However, delays have pushed the timeline back, with the first facility not expected to open until 2029. Adams argues that the City Council’s prohibition of capital investments in Rikers has hindered improvements, though he claims conditions have improved under his leadership.

The move comes just months after President Donald J. Trump‘s administration announced plans to take over the overhaul of New York’s iconic Pennsylvania Station after years of promises and inaction by local politicians.

Image by Matt Green.

show less

PULSE POINTS:

show more
Footer Ad
Footer Ad