The Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, has pledged to reinstate more Islamic laws, including public stoning and public floggings as punishment for adultery. “You say it’s a violation of women’s rights when we stone them to death,” said Akhundzada, adding: “But we will soon implement the punishment for adultery. We will flog women in public. We will stone them to death in public.”
Despite promises of a more moderate regime after taking control of Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban has reinstated many of the harsh punishments it instituted under its previous rule during the late 1990s. The Supreme Leader’s comments directly challenged Western conceptions of women’s rights. “Do women want the rights that Westerners are talking about? They are against Sharia and clerics’ opinions, the clerics who toppled Western democracy,” he said in one of the state television messages.
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He argued the Taliban defends human rights as “God’s representatives,” in contrast to Western societies that he equated as being “the devil’s.” His words face considerable backlash, including strong criticisms from the United Nations, which has called for an end to public executions, lashings, and stoning in Afghanistan.
Akhundzada, who remains largely hidden from the public eye, apart from a few old portraits, reportedly operates from the Taliban’s stronghold in Kandahar. In his newest public statements, the Islamistleader continued to emphasize the tenacity of the Taliban in their war against Western influence.
Editor’s Notes
Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.
I’ve just finished reading a book called The Internationalists, which is mostly about the Biden regime’s handling of the fall of Afghanistan and the beginning of the war in Ukraine
I’ve just finished reading a book called The Internationalists, which is mostly about the Biden regime’s handling of the fall of Afghanistan and the beginning of the war in Ukraine show more
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that he directed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to update its website to reverse the agency’s prior position on childhood vaccines and autism.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC, and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.).
📍WHEN & WHERE: The update was implemented this week and confirmed in an interview published on Friday.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The whole thing about ‘vaccines have been tested and there’s been this determination made’ is just a lie.” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
🎯IMPACT: The CDC website now acknowledges that the claim “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based and that studies investigating a link have been overlooked.
IN FULL
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has acknowledged that he directly ordered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to alter its long-standing language on vaccines and autism, to acknowledge that a possible link between the two has not been ruled out.
In an interview published Friday, Kennedy said, “The whole thing about ‘vaccines have been tested and there’s been this determination made’ is just a lie. The phrase ‘Vaccines do not cause autism’ is not supported by science.”
Following his directive, the CDC revised its “Vaccines and Autism” webpage. The updated text now states that “The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.” The page also notes that “Studies supporting a link have been ignored by health authorities” and adds that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun a wide-ranging review of autism’s causes, including examinations of possible biological mechanisms and potential vaccine-related links.
Although the content has changed substantially, the headline “Vaccines do not cause autism” still appears on the page, albeit with an asterisk. The language remains due to an agreement with Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana (R), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Cassidy, a physician, condemned the revision, claiming that “vaccines for measles, polio, hepatitis B, and other childhood diseases are safe and effective and will not cause autism. Any statement to the contrary is wrong, irresponsible, and actively makes Americans sicker.” Kennedy confirmed he spoke with Cassidy, and “He disagreed with the decision.”
Recent months have seen increased scrutiny of autism research within the federal government. Kennedy has announced new federally backed investigations aimed at identifying environmental toxins or biological pathways that could contribute to rising autism diagnoses, and the CDC has begun preparations for broader inquiries into possible associations between vaccinations and neurodevelopmental issues.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump met with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D) at the White House late Friday afternoon, with the once defiant socialist bending the knee to the Trump administration.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Friday, November 21, 2025, in the Oval Office at the White House.
💬KEY QUOTE: “He’s got views that are a little out there, but who knows. We’re going to see what works.” — Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: For many on the far left who hoped for a clash of ideologies or for Mamdani to “speak truth to power,” the White House meeting will be sorely disappointing. Instead, what the American people saw was a gracious President and a Mayor-elect expressing his gratitude.
IN FULL
President Donald J. Trump met with New York City’s socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D) at the White House late Friday afternoon in what can only be described as the once defiant socialist bending the knee to the Trump administration. Mamdani avoided his previously inflammatory rhetoric regarding Trump, instead striking a conciliatory and even thankful tone.
“He’s got views that are a little out there, but who knows. We’re going to see what works,” Trump said, continuing: “He’s going to change, also, we all change. I changed a lot, changed a lot from when I first came to office.”
.@POTUS on Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani: “He’s got views that are a little out there, but who knows. We’re going to see what works.” pic.twitter.com/5qBVFKDLxm
Mamdani acknowledged that during the campaign in New York, he spoke to city residents who had supported President Trump during the 2024 election and understood the importance of ending forever wars and addressing affordability to Trump’s supporters. Likewise, President Trump emphasized the need to continue pushing down prices and growing the economy.
Both Trump and Mamadni said they were able to find common ground on their mutual love for New York City. Mamdani, multiple times, acknowledged that Trump increased his support in New York City in the last election, with Trump pledging help to Mamdani in dealing with the state’s electricity utility, Con Edison, which both men contend has not lowered rates in accordance with falling energy prices.
Trump even went so far as to say that some of Mamdani’s ideas are similar to his own on affordability and improving the lives of working Americans.
While Mamdani was asked whether he would withdraw some of his more aggressive remarks regarding Trump, the President waved off the insults as merely part of politics. For many on the far left who may have hoped for a clash of ideologies or for Mamdani to “speak truth to power,” the White House meeting will be sorely disappointing. Instead, what the American people saw was a gracious President and a Mayor-elect expressing his gratitude.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: A multicar crash caused by an illegal immigrant from Georgia resulted in the death of a National Guard member in Indiana.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Goderdzi Gujabidze, an illegal alien, and Indiana National Guardsman Terry Frye.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The crash occurred last Friday in Indiana.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The loss of any of our Guardsmen is tragic, and we offer deepest and heartfelt condolences to the soldier’s families, loved ones and friends.” – Indiana National Guard spokesman
🎯IMPACT: The crash highlights the dangers of illegal aliens obtaining commercial driver’s licenses and causing fatal accidents.
IN FULL
Another illegal immigrant, this time from the Republic of Georgia, is responsible for a deadly highway car crash that took the life of Indiana National Guardsman Terry Frye. Last Friday, 56-year-old Goderdzi Gujabidze, driving a commercial truck with a trailer, allegedly swerved, leading to a crash on Interstate 65 near Whitestown, Indiana, that resulted in the death of Frye and injured at least three others.
Gujabidze possessed a non-domiciled commercial driver’s license from New York, granted under the administration of Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY). The Georgian national and illegal immigrant was paroled into the United States under the former Biden government.
Frye and his fellow guardsmen were en route to Camp Atterbury for a drill when the incident occurred. The military Humvee they were in flipped, ejecting all four passengers, ultimately causing Frye’s death and injuring three others.
The Indiana National Guard expressed their sorrow over Frye’s death, with a spokesman stating, “The loss of any of our Guardsmen is tragic, and we offer deepest and heartfelt condolences to the soldier’s families, loved ones and friends.” Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich emphasized the profound impact of the loss within the military community.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the practice of sanctuary states providing commercial licenses to illegal aliens, calling the crash “another senseless and avoidable tragedy on America’s roads.” She highlighted the dangers posed by migrants who should not be operating commercial vehicles on highways.
The outbreak of violent and deadly vehicle crashes caused by illegal immigrants has sparked national backlash. The National Pulse reported last week that even far-left California is moving to cancel the commercial driver’s licenses for 17,000 illegal immigrants that the state claims it mistakenly granted.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced he has begun working on a peace deal for Sudan after a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) during their meeting at the White House.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Sudanese military leaders Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. and U.S. lawmakers.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re working on that. We started about 30 minutes after you explained to us the great importance of that. I view it differently now than I did just a day ago.” – Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: Trump’s involvement could bring new attention to Sudan’s civil war, but the conflict remains complex, with accusations of atrocities and international players backing opposing factions.
IN FULL
President Donald J. Trump has revealed that during Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) visit to the White House, he asked for Trump’s assistance in securing a peace deal in Sudan’s longstanding civil war. Speaking at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, Trump stated, “You know we’ve already started working on that, OK? We’re working on that. We started about 30 minutes after you explained to us the great importance of that.”
Trump described the Sudanese conflict as one of the most violent and devastating humanitarian crises in the world, writing on Truth Social that “tremendous atrocities” are taking place. He pledged to work with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and other regional allies to end the violence and stabilize the country.
Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since 2023, following a breakdown in relations between Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, civil conflict in the country has sporadically erupted for decades, with devastating consequences. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, with former Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeling the RSF’s actions as genocide during the Biden government’s final days.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID) praised Trump’s efforts, saying, “Congress stands ready to work with President Trump to reach a sustainable peace, end the suffering of the Sudanese people, and help stabilize this critical ally in the Red Sea corridor.” Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need to cut off weapons and financial support to the warring factions, particularly the RSF.
On Wednesday, General Burhan of the SAF expressed openness to Trump and MBS’s efforts, stating, “The government thanks them for their continuing interest and efforts to end the Sudanese bloodshed and assures them of its readiness to seriously engage with them to realize the peace that Sudanese people expect.”
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: The city of Hillsboro, Oregon, declared a state of emergency in response to increased immigration enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which have led to hundreds of arrests in the Portland metro area.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Hillsboro City Council, and anti-ICE activists.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: Operations have been ongoing since October in the Portland metro area, with the emergency declared on Tuesday in Hillsboro, Oregon.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The unnecessary and likely unlawful tactics being used by many federal immigration enforcement authorities have generated widespread fear in the community…” – Hillsboro City Council resolution.
🎯IMPACT: Hillsboro strengthened its sanctuary measures and called for state and federal action to counter ICE operations. ICE reported over 560 arrests in October.
IN FULL
A suburb of Portland, Oregon, has declared a state of emergency in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Hillsboro, a city on the western edge of Portland, is condemning ICE agents engaged in enforcement actions, calling for their immediate cessation.
Late Tuesday, the Hillsboro City Council enacted a resolution reaffirming its sanctuary status and emphasizing its commitment to shielding illegal immigrants from what it described as “unjust enforcement practices.” The resolution states, “No matter when someone has joined our community or where they have come from, every person deserves to be free of fear and intimidation and to be treated with dignity and respect.”
The city council also encouraged residents to report ICE activity and announced plans for additional “Know Your Rights” training sessions aimed at assisting illegal immigrants in evading arrest. Furthermore, the council urged the state of Oregon to ban the use of masks by federal agents and called on the Oregon congressional delegation to pass legislation opposing deportation operations. Notably, the federal government argues that states lack the authority to regulate federal law enforcement, a position supported by a number of legal scholars.
The state of emergency declaration follows a surge in ICE activity, with Border Patrol reporting over 560 arrests in October during an operation referred to as “Portland Sweep.” Anti-ICE activists have been seen in social media videos obstructing enforcement actions in Hillsboro and nearby areas over the past month.
The Trump administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed legal actions against Oregon and other sanctuary jurisdictions, arguing that such policies provide safe havens for illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. is considering sanctions and counterterrorism measures to push Nigeria to protect its Christians from genocide by Islamist terrorists and militia groups.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. State Department, and Nigerian authorities.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: November 2025, with discussions at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York City and actions involving Nigeria.
💬KEY QUOTE: “They’re killing people by the thousands,” Trump said, adding: “It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it.”
🎯IMPACT: Increased U.S. scrutiny and potential military or economic actions to protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
IN FULL
The United States government is considering a number of options, including sanctions and limited kinetic counterterrorism engagements, as part of an effort to push the Muslim-led Nigerian government to put an end to the genocide of its Christian population at the hands of Islamists. In early November, U.S. President Donald J. Trump floated the potential of a limited military action in Nigeria due to the ongoing attacks against Christians within its borders. On Friday, President Trump went further, declaring the Islamist attacks a genocide against the country’s Christian population.
“They’re killing people by the thousands,” Trump said, adding: “It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it.”
Recently, the Trump administration—in partnership with rapper and singer-songwriter Nicki Minaj—highlighted the plight of Nigerian Christians at the United Nations (UN). During the UN meetings, it is believed the United States began laying the groundwork for potential sanctions against the Nigerian government over its lack of action to ensure the protection of its Christian citizens against Islamist terrorists and militias.
Jonathan Pratt, the senior official leading the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, told the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday that the time has come for less talk and more action. “The Trump administration is developing a plan to incentivize and compel the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities and improve religious freedom,” Pratt said, confirming that sanctions are on the table: “This plan will consider U.S. State and Treasury engagement on sanctions, as well as possible Department of War engagement on counterterrorism, and other efforts to protect religious communities.”
In October, President Trump added Nigeria to the list of “Countries of Particular Concern.” The list denotes countries that the U.S. believes have violated the religious freedom of its citizens.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced his candidacy for California governor, entering a crowded race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA).
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Eric Swalwell, a seven-term congressman, and several other candidates, including Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, and billionaire green agenda enthusiast Tom Steyer.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: Swalwell launched his campaign late Thursday night during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m running for Governor because prices are too high and people are scared,” Swalwell wrote on his campaign website.
🎯IMPACT: Swalwell’s campaign launch comes amid allegations of mortgage and tax fraud, which have been referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation.
IN FULL
Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has officially entered the California governor’s race, joining a growing list of far-left Democrats vying to win their party’s nomination and replace Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA). Swalwell, who represents part of the San Francisco Bay Area, initially announced his campaign on his website, stating he is running with “fresh ideas and tremendous heart.”
“I’m running for Governor because prices are too high and people are scared,” Swalwell wrote. The far-left Democrat lawmaker also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Thursday night, where he said, “I’ve been in these fights as a city council member up in Dublin, my hometown, as a prosecutor in Oakland, and taking on the most corrupt president ever in the U.S. Congress, but I’m ready to bring this fight home.”
Swalwell joins a crowded field of candidates that includes former Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), former Biden government Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and radical green agenda billionaire Tom Steyer, among others. The congressman, who has served seven terms in the House, previously ran as an afterthought for president during the 2020 election.
Notably, Swalwell’s campaign launch comes amid allegations of mortgage and tax fraud. Last week, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte criminally referred Swalwell to the Department of Justice (DOJ), citing evidence that the congressman declared his primary residence as Washington, D.C., rather than California, to secure several million dollars in loans and refinancing. The referral recommends an investigation into whether Swalwell committed mortgage fraud, state and local tax fraud, and insurance fraud.
The National Pulse reported in December 2024 that a Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General (IG) report named then Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Swalwell as the two primary leakers of classified materials to corporate media outlets during the Democrats’ Russiagate hoax. Swalwell’s mishandling of classified information and the allegations of financial fraud are likely to be major hurdles for his campaign.
❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Biden-era Justice Department subpoenaed two years of phone records belonging to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan as part of the “Arctic Frost” investigation.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, the Justice Department, Verizon, and federal Judge David Baker.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The subpoena covered phone records from January 2020 to April 2022 and was issued prior to special counsel Jack Smith’s involvement in the investigation.
💬KEY QUOTE: “If they can do it to us, they can do it to you.” – Jim Jordan
🎯IMPACT: The subpoena raises concerns about government overreach, transparency, and the targeting of elected officials.
IN FULL
New revelations indicate that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) was also targeted by the former Biden government’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the Arctic Frost scandal. Phone records obtained by the agency from Verizon contained the details of calls, texts, and voicemail messages from January 2020 until April 2022—though the FBI was not granted the content of the communications themselves.
Chairman Jordan revealed the previously unknown subpoena in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “They spied on President Trump. They spied on Senators. Now, we just learned, they spied on me. If they can do it to us, they can do it to you.” Images of the subpoena were shared alongside his post.
Like the other telecommunications subpoenas issued later by special counsel Jack Smith, the seizure of Representative Jordan’s phone records was also ordered to remain under a gag order by a federal judge. The National Pulse has previously reported that U.S. District Court Judges James Boasberg and Beryl Howell were the primary go-to judges for Smith to obtain the gag orders.
However, in the instance of Jordan, it was a federal magistrate judge in Florida, David Baker, who issued the gag order. “The Court finds reasonable grounds to believe that such disclosure will result in flight from prosecution, destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the investigation,” Baker wrote. He also ordered Verizon employees not to disclose the subpoena’s existence for one year, except to their attorneys for legal advice.
A Verizon spokesman, Rich Young, responded to the revelations, stating, “As part of our investigation, we uncovered new information regarding Chairman Jordan and shared it with him as soon as possible. We are committed to restoring trust through transparency and will continue to work with Congress and the administration as they examine these issues and consider reforms to expand notification protections.”
Notably, the subpoena was issued before special counsel Jack Smith took over the investigation, which later led to charges against President Donald J. Trump. Other reports revealed that the FBI analyzed phone metadata from several Republican lawmakers, including Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Josh Hawley (R-MO).
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukraine is being pressured to sign a peace deal or risk losing U.S. intelligence sharing and weapons support.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, President Donald J. Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The plan was presented recently, with a deadline set for Thanksgiving.
💬KEY QUOTE: “I have a good relationship with President Putin, but I’m a little disappointed in President Putin right now. He knows that.” – Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: Ukraine faces tough decisions regarding territorial concessions, NATO membership, and military reductions, while Russia has shown cautious interest in the proposal.
IN FULL
Ukraine is facing intense pressure from the Trump administration to accept a sweeping peace proposal by Thanksgiving, with the threat of losing U.S. intelligence sharing and weapons support if it refuses. The plan, presented by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to President Volodymyr Zelensky, would require Ukraine to cede control of the eastern Donbas region and freeze the current front lines in two southern regions, with Russia withdrawing from its more northerly footholds in Ukrainian territory.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would be barred from joining NATO, must limit its armed forces to 600,000 troops, and disband any international brigades. NATO troops would not be allowed on Ukrainian soil, and Kiev would be required to return long-range missiles capable of hitting Moscow, although it would receive some Western security guarantees. Russia would be readmitted to the G8, reversing its exclusion since the annexation of Crimea, but would be required to legislate a non-aggression policy towards Ukraine and the European Union (EU), with some of its frozen assets in the West surrendered.
While the former Biden government had suggested a possible pathway for Ukraine’s NATO membership, Russian President Vladimir Putin firmly opposes that idea. Moscow has expressed some interest in the plan, though a Kremlin spokesman said there is “nothing new in addition to what was discussed in Anchorage.”
President Trump has criticized both sides of the conflict. “I have a good relationship with President Putin, but I’m a little disappointed in President Putin right now. He knows that,” Trump remarked.
At the same time, Ukraine is grappling with a majorcorruption scandal. Its anti-corruption bureau launched a 15-month investigation into a $100 million kickback scheme involving Energoatom, the state nuclear company. Officials allege that contractors paid bribes of 10 to 15 percent to secure contracts, and recordings from over 1,000 hours of surveillance have implicated a network of high-level figures, including Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelensky. Mindich reportedly fled to Israel just before law enforcement raids, with widespread suspicion that he was tipped off. Two government ministers have resigned in connection with the scandal.
In parallel, the Trump administration has imposed new sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, citing Moscow’s “lack of serious commitment to a peace process.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move aims to cut off key revenue for Russia’s war machine and called for an “immediate ceasefire.” These sanctions bar the firms from U.S. banking systems, putting pressure on Moscow’s ability to finance its military operations.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $10,000 bonuses for 776 air traffic controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during the government shutdown.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Air traffic controllers, FAA technicians, Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association union.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: Bonuses announced Thursday following the 43-day government shutdown, which impacted air travel across the U.S.
💬KEY QUOTE: “These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown.” – Sean Duffy
🎯IMPACT: The decision has sparked criticism from government unions, citing the exclusion of thousands of workers who also contributed during the shutdown.
IN FULL
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that 776 air traffic controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during the 43-day government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses. However, that is not sitting well with an estimated 20,000 other workers who are not being considered for the payments.
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy, in his announcement, praised the dedication of the relatively few workers who never missed a shift. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Santa’s coming to town a little early.” He emphasized that these workers “never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown.” However, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association union pointed out that only 311 of its more than 10,000 members will receive the bonuses, calling for broader recognition of those who worked under difficult conditions.
The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union also criticized the decision, stating that thousands of technicians worked to maintain the aging systems that air traffic controllers rely on and deserved acknowledgment. “It took many hands to ensure that not one delay during the historic 43-day shutdown was attributed to equipment or system failures,” the union said in a statement. The FAA has not announced any plans to penalize workers who missed shifts during the shutdown, and the Republican-led stopgap funding measure signed by President Donald J. Trump provides back pay for all federal workers.
The FAA’s staffing shortage, exacerbated by the shutdown, resulted in flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports as air traffic controller absences increased. Secretary Duffy has been working to boost hiring and streamline training for air traffic controllers, aiming to address the shortage over the next several years. Since the shutdown ended, staffing levels have improved, and airlines have resumed normal operations this week.
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