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Monday, March 23, 2026

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1 hour ago
News

LaGuardia Shutdown: Plane Hits Fire Truck, Two Pilots Dead.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Two pilots were killed, and dozens were injured after an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a fire truck during landing at LaGuardia Airport, late Sunday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada Express jet, 72 passengers, four crew members, and Port Authority fire truck personnel.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Just after 11:30 PM Sunday, March 22, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Heartbreaking news out of LaGuardia this morning. Two pilots were killed and dozens injured in this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.” – New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D)

🎯IMPACT: LaGuardia Airport remains closed until 2:00 PM to facilitate investigations, with 18 flights diverted to other airports or returned to their origin.

IN FULL

The pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada Express regional jet lost their lives after the aircraft collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Approximately 40 passengers and crew members were transported to local hospitals, with most released after treatment.

The crash occurred just after 11:30 PM Sunday evening when the jet collided with a firefighting vehicle responding to a separate incident, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Two employees in the fire truck sustained injuries. The Air Canada Express CRJ-900 plane, operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time.

An air traffic controller could be heard in radio transmissions attempting to halt the fire truck moments before the collision, saying, “Stop, Truck 1. Stop.” The controller then redirected incoming aircraft from landing to prevent further incidents.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) expressed her condolences, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Heartbreaking news out of LaGuardia this morning. Two pilots were killed and dozens injured in this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.” She added that the airport would remain closed until 2:00 PM to allow for investigations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the closure of LaGuardia Airport until early afternoon, with 18 flights diverted to other airports or returned to their origin. The incident adds further strain to U.S. airport operations, already impacted by staffing challenges and a partial government shutdown.

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23 minutes ago
William Upton
World

Trump Hands Iran Exit Ramp With 5-Day ‘Ceasefire’ Offer.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump offered the Islamic Republic of Iran the potential of a five-day ceasefire early Monday, following what he called “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, the Department of War, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The statement was made on Monday, March 23, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.” — Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: In the post on Truth Social, the President also stated he directed the Department of War to postpone a wave of attacks that would have targeted Iran’s electrical grid infrastructure if the regime did not immediately open the Strait of Hormuz.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump offered the Islamic Republic of Iran the potential of a five-day ceasefire early Monday, following what he called “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.” In the post on Truth Social, the President also stated that he had directed the Department of War to postpone a wave of attacks that would have targeted Iran’s electrical grid infrastructure if the regime did not immediately open the Strait of Hormuz.

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” President Trump wrote, continuing, “Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

Despite Trump’s offer to Iran of an offramp in the form of a ceasefire and the order to stand down on strikes targeting key electricity infrastructure, the Islamist regime almost immediately denied any talks had occurred. The Iranian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, posted what appears to be an official response from the regime, stating, “After the Islamic Republic threatened that in the event of any U.S. attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure, it would target the energy infrastructure of the entire region, Trump backed down and stated that he had issued an order to postpone the attack.”

The talks between Iranian negotiators and Trump White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly took place as late as last night. Notably, command control within Iran has been so badly degraded that the U.S. believes that some elements of the regime may not be aware yet of what its remaining leaders are doing, which could explain the denials of talks from entities like the Islamic Republic’s embassy in Kabul.

Responding to the regime again on Monday morning, President Trump told the press outside Air Force One that Iran may need to get “better PR people.”

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7 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
UK
War

Explosions Outside London Synagogue as Jewish Community Ambulances Torched.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An arson attack targeted Jewish Community Ambulance Service ambulances outside a synagogue in London, England.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: London’s Metropolitan Police, the London Fire Brigade, Hatzola Ambulance Service, and local residents.

📍WHEN & WHERE: March 23, 2026, at Highfield Road in Golders Green, north London.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries.” – Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson

🎯IMPACT: Community unrest, evacuation of residents, and increased police patrols in the area.

IN FULL

London’s Metropolitan Police force is investigating an arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance Service, Hatzola, as an “anti-Semitic hate crime.” The attack occurred in the early hours of March 23, 2026, on Highfield Road in Golders Green, an area of the British capital known for its large Jewish community. The ambulances were parked next to a synagogue at the time of the attack.

The London Fire Brigade arrived at the scene around 01:40 GMT to find the ambulances on fire. “We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage,” said Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who is leading the investigation.

The blaze triggered explosions from gas cylinders inside the ambulances, shattering windows in a neighboring apartment block. As a precaution, nearby homes were evacuated, and local roads were closed. No injuries were reported, however, and the fires were believed to be under control as of 03:06 GMT.

Police have not made any arrests so far and are urging anyone with information to come forward. While the motives for the arson attack are currently unknown, there has been a wave of terrorist attack activity worldwide, often targeting Jews, since the start of the Iran war in late February.

Britain saw a more serious anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Manchester last October, when Syrian immigrant Jihad al-Shamie carried out a deadly vehicle ramming and knife attack at a synagogue while on bail for rape.

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23 hours ago
News

‘Roblox’ Programmer Faces 40 Child Porn Charges.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Louisiana authorities arrested Jamie Borne, 30, after probation officers discovered a child-sized sex doll and electronic devices suspected of containing child sexual abuse material during a routine visit to his New Orleans home.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jamie Borne, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, and Louisiana State Police.

📍WHEN & WHERE: February 26, 2026, at Borne’s residence in New Orleans, Louisiana.

💬KEY QUOTE: When asked about the child-sized sex doll, Borne reportedly told officers he was “very lonely.”

🎯IMPACT: Borne was booked on 40 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession, trafficking, or importing a child sex doll, with significant legal penalties if convicted.

IN FULL

Jamie Borne, a 30-year-old probationer, was arrested in New Orleans after probation officers discovered a child-sized sex doll and electronic devices suspected of containing child sexual abuse material during a routine visit to his home. Borne, who identified himself as a programmer for the Roblox gaming platform, was serving probation for a 2023 conviction involving smoke grenades and a firearm.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Louisiana State Police were involved in the arrest. During the visit on February 26, probation officers reportedly found the child-sized sex doll in Borne’s bedroom, along with child clothing, condoms, and electronic devices believed to contain material related to children under 13 years old.

Borne was booked on 40 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession, trafficking, or importing a child sex doll. He is being held on a bond of $50,000 per count. Louisiana state law stipulates severe penalties for these offenses, including hard labor sentences of up to 20 years without parole for possession of child sexual abuse material and additional penalties for trafficking or importing child sex dolls.

Roblox, the gaming platform where Borne worked, has faced scrutiny in recent years for its lack of age restrictions and alleged facilitation of predatory behavior. According to Louisiana Attorney General Murrill, Roblox allows access to millions of games, including some that allegedly feature explicit content. Murrill has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, citing its failure to implement proper safeguards for minors.

The platform reportedly has 151.5 million daily users, with a significant portion being minors. Twenty percent of the user base is under nine years old, and another 20 percent falls between the ages of nine and twelve. Critics argue that this demographic makeup makes it especially urgent for Roblox to address safety concerns.

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March 21, 2026
News

Russia Hoax Peddler Robert Mueller Dead at 81, Trump Responds.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Robert Mueller, former special counsel in the Russia investigation, has died at the age of 81.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Robert Mueller, former FBI Director and Special Counsel, along with unnamed sources who confirmed his passing.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Mueller passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026. The location was not disclosed.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Mueller had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for years,” according to individuals familiar with the matter.

🎯IMPACT: Mueller’s passing marks the end of a career that included leadership of the FBI and a high-profile investigation into falsely alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

IN FULL

Robert Mueller, who led the phoney investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, has died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by two individuals familiar with the matter.

President Trump responded on Truth Social: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. However, sources indicated that Mueller had been battling Parkinson’s disease for several years.

Mueller served as FBI Director from 2001 to 2013 and was appointed as Special Counsel by the Justice Department in 2017 to oversee the investigation into alleged Russian interference. His two-year probe concluded in 2019, finding no substantive evidence that Russia colluded with the Trump campaign to influence the election.

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March 21, 2026
Crime

Town’s First Vape Store Closed Down Within Months After Becoming Hub for ‘Crime and Antisocial Behavior.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The first vape store in West Kirby, England, was shut down due to “criminality and antisocial behaviour.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Wirral Council, The West Kirby Vape Shop, and its director, Khalid Qader.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The store was closed in March 2026; it was located in West Kirby, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral.

🎯IMPACT: The closure order underscores the link between vape stores and criminal activity, dangerous goods, and illegal working.

IN FULL

The first vape store to open in West Kirby, England, has been forced to close just months after launching in October 2025, due to “criminality and antisocial behaviour.” Wirral Council enforcement officers who inspected the premises discovered a suspicious mattress on the floor in a back room, along with illegal cigarettes and illegal vapes.

Community complaints about the business surfaced shortly after it began operating. Andrea Fitzgerald, speaking for Wirral Council in court, said that someone had been found working there illegally and that counterfeit cigarettes were discovered. Kevin Burn, a tobacco compliance officer, said dozens of illegal vapes and several suspect bottles of Coca-Cola without proper labeling were also found, indicating multiple additional violations of regulations.

The court was informed that the shop’s director, Khalid Qader, is connected to another vape business in Oswestry, Shropshire, where officers intercepted a staff member attempting to flee with a suitcase and a shopping bag holding 5,000 illegal cigarettes. Vape stores are associated with similar issues in the United States, with a recent series of raids in Kinston, North Carolina, seeing four people arrested and drugs and millions in cash seized.

Previous investigations have found strong links between vape stores, which are spreading in numbers far beyond the market demand for them, and organized crime, human trafficking, drug dealing, and illegal immigration.

They are also a serious risk to life and the heritage of the communities they are proliferating in, with an unregistered vape store in Glasgow, Scotland, recently burning down a 175-year-old landmark. It also caused the country’s largest railway station, located nearby, to close down, throwing the transport network into days of ongoing chaos.

Image by Azraq Al Rezoan.

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March 20, 2026
News

Russia Offered to Stop Sharing Intel With Iran If U.S. Stops Sharing Intel With Ukraine.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russia offered to cease supplying intelligence to Iran if the U.S. stopped supplying Ukraine with intel about Russia.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald J. Trump, and the Iranian and Ukrainian governments.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The proposal was reportedly made last week in Miami, Florida.

🎯IMPACT: The Trump administration rejected the proposal, but it has sparked concern among European diplomats that the U.S. may cease assisting Ukraine in favor of prioritizing its agenda in the Middle East.

IN FULL

Russia recently put a proposal to the United States, offering to cease intelligence sharing with Iran—in particular, details like precise locations of U.S. military assets in the Middle East—if Washington ceases sharing intelligence with Ukraine regarding Russian military activities. The suggestion was conveyed by Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev to U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during a meeting in Miami, Florida, last week.

The Trump administration rejected the offer, according to sources, but the proposal has caused alarm among European diplomats, who worry that Russia is seeking to exploit divisions between the U.S. and its European partners over Iran.

Notably, President Donald J. Trump recently voiced frustration with NATO allies’ hesitation to deploy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, branding them “COWARDS” in a Truth Social post and warning, “we will REMEMBER!”

The Kremlin has indicated that U.S.-facilitated peace negotiations on Ukraine are presently “on hold.” While the United States continues to provide intelligence support to Ukraine, other categories of assistance have been reduced. The Trump administration’s recent moves to relax sanctions on Russian energy exports, as the Iran war disrupts global supply, have drawn complaints from some European officials.

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March 20, 2026
Media

CBS News Slashes Staff, Shuts Down Radio Division.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: CBS News is shutting down its radio service in May after nearly 100 years in operation, and laying off approximately six percent of its workforce.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: CBS News employees, including those affected by the layoffs, CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The radio unit will officially go off air on May 22, 2026, with the announcement made on Friday in a memo to staff.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A shift in radio station programming strategies, coupled with challenging economic realities, has made it impossible to continue the service.” – CBS News executives

🎯IMPACT: The decision affects 60-70 employees and ends nearly a century of CBS News radio broadcasting, impacting 700 affiliated radio stations.

IN FULL

CBS News has announced the closure of its radio service after nearly 100 years in operation. In addition, approximately six percent of the network’s workforce will be laid off, affecting 60 to 70 employees. The announcement was made through a memo issued Friday from CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and President Tom Cibrowski.

The memo acknowledged the challenges of the modern news business, stating, “It’s no secret that the news business is changing radically, and that we need to change along with it. New audiences are burgeoning in new places, and we are pressing forward with ambitious plans to grow and invest so that we can be there for them.”

Executives also addressed the closure of the radio service, citing shifts in radio programming strategies and economic realities as primary factors. “While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one,” the memo noted. The radio unit, which serves 700 affiliated stations, will officially go off air on May 22, 2026.

The closure comes as CBS’s parent company, Paramount, awaits regulatory approval for a merger with Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company of CNN. CBS sources have stated that this merger did not influence the decision to shut down the radio service. Regulatory approval for the deal is expected to take six months.

Image by Studio Sarah Lou.

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March 20, 2026
Education

Trump Admin Sues Harvard for Failing to Back ‘Jewish and Israeli’ Students.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging the institution failed to address anti-Semitism on campus.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, Harvard University, Jewish and Israeli students, and campus protesters.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in a Massachusetts federal court on Friday, following incidents on Harvard’s campus from 2023 to 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Jewish and Israeli students at Harvard University were harassed, physically assaulted, stalked, and spat upon… Harvard’s response to this: do nothing.” – Lawsuit filed by the Trump administration.

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit seeks to revoke federal funding, appoint an external monitor, and require Harvard to collaborate with law enforcement on protest-related arrests.

IN FULL

The Trump administration on Friday filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, accusing the Ivy League institution of allowing anti-Semitism to persist on its campus. Filed in a Massachusetts federal court, the complaint alleges that Jewish and Israeli students have been harassed, physically assaulted, and subjected to a hostile environment with little to no intervention from the university.

According to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) filing, Harvard failed to address numerous anti-Semitic incidents, including students being blocked from entering buildings, being spat upon, and hearing chants such as “Heil Hitler” during protests. Notably, the legal action also seeks to classify certain pro-Hamas protest chants, such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” as calls for violence against Jewish people. The Trump administration claims that these actions violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin at federally funded institutions.

Harvard has responded by defending its actions, stating that it has implemented measures to combat anti-Semitism, including enhanced training and education, as well as programs promoting civil dialogue. A university spokesman described the lawsuit as “yet another pretextual and retaliatory action by the administration for refusing to turn over control of Harvard to the federal government.”

This latest DOJ lawsuit is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address alleged anti-Semitism at major universities. Unlike other institutions such as Columbia and Northwestern, Harvard has refused to reach a negotiated settlement with the administration. The university has also faced other legal challenges, including a recent lawsuit over its admissions records and accusations of failing to comply with the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.

Image by Adam Fagen.

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March 20, 2026
News

Trump Announces He Is Considering ‘Winding Down’ the War in Iran.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced he is considering “winding down” military operations against Iran.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump and U.S.-Israeli forces.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The war is ongoing as of February 2026, across Iran and the wider Middle East.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East…” – President Trump

🎯IMPACT: Ending the war could stabilize the global economy, which is reeling from the impact of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on energy infrastructure.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has indicated that the United States is nearing the completion of its military objectives in Iran and that operations may be gradually brought to an end. “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran,” he wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday.

Trump outlined his key goals as degrading Iran’s missile capabilities, destroying its defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, and forcibly terminating its nuclear program. He also described “Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others”—which have been taking an increasing amount of damage as a result of Iranian retaliatory strikes, often targeting U.S. bases and energy infrastructure.

Additionally, Trump mentioned that the Strait of Hormuz, a major conduit for global energy and fertilizer supplies that has been closed by Iranian action, should be secured by others. “The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated,” he wrote, adding: “Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them.”

The announcement comes as the unpopularity of the Iran war in the U.S. is increasing, and its negative economic impact is becoming more severe. Notably, and despite Trump’s Friday statement on the Iran war possibly winding down, the U.S. has in recent days begun to deploy an increasing number of ground troops to the region, signaling the potential for escalation, such as an amphibious assault on Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub.

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March 20, 2026
Data
Politics
War

Trump Rating Hits All-Time Low With FRIENDLY Pollster as War Opposition Amongst 2024 Trump Voters Doubles.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 42 percent, the lowest of his presidency, according to a new poll.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and 1,037 registered voters surveyed by JL Partners.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Poll conducted online from March 18 to March 20, 2026, amid the ongoing Iran war.

🎯IMPACT: Rising inflation, gas prices, and opposition to the Iran war are driving disapproval, with 54 percent of voters saying the economy is worsening.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump‘s approval rating has dropped to 42 percent, according to a new poll from Trump-friendly JL Partners. This marks the lowest approval rating of his presidency, down from 44 percent earlier this month and 48 percent in January. The poll surveyed 1,037 registered voters online from March 18 to March 20, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.

According to the survey, the Iran war and inflation fears are key reasons for the decline. Twenty-eight percent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s handling of the Middle East, up from 20 percent earlier this month. Meanwhile, 44 percent blamed him for rising inflation, an increase from 38 percent at the start of March. Gas prices have risen to $3.90 per gallon nationally, compared to $2.90 before U.S. strikes began on February 28.

Support for the Iran war has also waned. Initially, 40 percent of voters supported military action, but that figure has now dropped to 33 percent, with 49 percent opposing the conflict. Among Trump voters, support for the war has decreased from 75 percent to 61 percent, while opposition has risen to 22 percent. Thirteen U.S. troops have been killed and over 200 injured since the U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran started.

Economic sentiment has also worsened, with 54 percent of voters saying the economy is deteriorating, up from 44 percent last month. Only 16 percent believe the economy is improving, a significant drop from 30 percent in February. The poll also revealed that only 19 percent of voters would tolerate a $1 increase in gas prices to secure a military victory, while just seven percent would accept up to 10,000 American fatalities in the conflict.

Vice President J.D. Vance, however, has not seen his approval rating affected by the Iran war. His approval remains steady at 47 percent, five points higher than Trump’s. Notably, independents, who are crucial for Republican success in the 2026 midterm elections, oppose the war by a two-to-one margin, with 50 percent against and 24 percent in favor. Democrats are overwhelmingly opposed, with 76 percent disapproving of the decision to strike Iran.

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