Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Court Upholds Online Censorship Law Challenged by Wikipedia.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The High Court in England rejected the Wikimedia Foundation’s legal challenge against Britain’s so-called Online Safety Act.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Wikimedia Foundation, the High Court, British government regulator Ofcom, and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was delivered in England in August 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This does not give Ofcom and the Secretary of State a green light to implement a regime that would significantly impede Wikipedia’s operations.” – Justice Jeremy Johnson

🎯IMPACT: The decision raises concerns about free speech restrictions, with U.S. lawmakers warning of international implications.

IN FULL

The High Court in England has delivered a significant win for the UK government’s controversial Online Safety Act by dismissing a legal challenge brought by the Wikimedia Foundation. The decision upholds a law enabling sweeping government censorship online, sparking fresh concerns over the state of free speech in the United Kingdom.

The Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, argued that the legislation’s expansive regulatory powers threaten the site’s open, collaborative model. The risk of being designated a “Category 1” service was particularly concerning, as this official classification would require the site to implement strict identity verification for all users who edit or contribute to content. Wikimedia warned such a move would severely undermine its volunteer-driven approach, discourage British contributors, and reduce public access to its information.

While dismissing the lawsuit, Justice Jeremy Johnson claimed that his ruling does not give regulators unchecked power. He noted that Wikimedia retains the right to challenge any future decision by Ofcom, the British media regulator, if it “concludes that Wikipedia is a Category 1 service” impermissibly.

Across the Atlantic, American lawmakers have criticized the Online Safety Act, expressing alarm that it may inspire other governments to adopt similar measures that threaten online freedoms. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) said that the law poses potential security risks, warning, “The cybersecurity of Americans’ communications and digital lives must be defended against foreign threats,” and that Britain’s censorship laws could compel U.S. officials to use “weakened encryption and storage in the UK.”

Image by Bjørn Erik Pedersen.

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Trump Warns Israel and Iran: An Attack on Qatar Is an Attack on America.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to guarantee the security of Qatar, marking a significant commitment to a non-NATO ally.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Emir of Qatar, and the Iranian regime.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Executive Order was signed on Monday, during Netanyahu’s visit to the White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The order solidifies Qatar’s security ties with the U.S., enhancing its defense privileges and threatening a robust response to any attacks.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order committing the United States to the security of Qatar, a significant move for the non-NATO, Arab ally. The order asserts that any armed attack on Qatar’s territory or infrastructure will be seen as a threat to U.S. peace and security.

“The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States,” the Executive Order states, continuing: “In the event of such an attack, the United States shall take all lawful and appropriate measures—including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military—to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability.”

The announcement coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, where he apologized to Qatar’s prime minister for a recent Israeli strike on the Qatari capital of Doha, targeting members of Hamas. Trump, alongside Netanyahu, subsequently unveiled his 20-point plan for peace in Gaza.

The Executive Order emphasizes that the U.S. will engage a full range of measures to defend Qatar, including potential military action if necessary. This aligns with Trump’s earlier public promise to protect Qatar during his visit to the Gulf region.

Qatar, officially recognized as a major non-NATO ally in 2022, has long sought enhanced U.S. security guarantees. The nation hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the region’s major U.S. military hub, further deepening its strategic ties with Washington.

Notably, Israel is not the only regional power to attack Qatar in recent months, with Iran also launching missiles at the Gulf state after the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are seeking similar security assurances from the U.S.

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Probe Opened Into Hunter S. Thompson’s 2005 Death.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Colorado authorities are reviewing the 2005 death of journalist Hunter S. Thompson, which was initially ruled a suicide.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione, and Thompson’s widow, Anita Thompson.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The 2025 review concerns Thompson’s death in February 2005 near Aspen, Colorado.

💬KEY QUOTE: “By bringing in an outside agency for a fresh look, we hope to provide a definitive and transparent review that may offer peace of mind to his family and the public.” – Sheriff Michael Buglione

🎯IMPACT: The review aims to address lingering questions and provide closure for Thompson’s family and the public.

IN FULL

The 2005 death of famed gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson is being reviewed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the request of his widow, Anita Thompson. Investigators originally ruled Thompson’s death, which occurred just outside Aspen in February 2005, a suicide. While Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione stated there is no new evidence suggesting foul play,  lingering questions remain regarding the writer’s death at the age of 67.

“We understand the profound impact Hunter S. Thompson had on this community and beyond,” Buglione said in a statement, adding: “By bringing in an outside agency for a fresh look, we hope to provide a definitive and transparent review that may offer peace of mind to his family and the public.”

The CBI did not provide a timeline for the review, which will focus on three incident reports prepared by Pitkin County investigators after Thompson’s death. All three reports concluded Thompson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a determination confirmed by an autopsy conducted at Aspen Valley Hospital. However, the coroner did not order a toxicology report, despite Thompson’s well-documented drug abuse and unconventional lifestyle.

Thompson’s unique memorial service saw his cremated remains shot out of a cannon on his Woody Creek property, accompanied by fireworks.

Image by Helen Davis / Denver Post / John Venzel.

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Epstein’s Ties to Banks and Hedge Funds Are Far More Extensive Than Previously Thought.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Newly reported documents have revealed Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive banking activities and transactions before his death.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jeffrey Epstein, several banks, hedge funds, and known associates, including the former Bill Clinton-era Treasury Secretary and Barack Obama-era National Economic Council Director Larry Summers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Before Epstein’s death in 2019, involving banks and entities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

🎯IMPACT: The House Oversight Committee may issue subpoenas for bank records, potentially leading to further investigations.

IN FULL

Pedophile financier Jeffrey 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.

Among the banks were Wells Fargo, TD Bank, and FirstBank Puerto Rico. JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank have already faced scrutiny and lawsuits due to their past associations with Epstein, although they claim to have severed ties in 2013 and 2018, respectively.

Documents reveal Epstein transferred significant sums, including $60 million to Honeycomb Partners and $13.5 million from a hedge fund led by Paul Tudor Jones. He also sold $15 million in shares to Blockchain Capital. These transactions occurred in the years leading up to his 2019 death, after his 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution.

Epstein’s financial dealings involved a complex network of entities. Payments were made to known associates like Larry Summers, the former Bill Clinton-era Treasury Secretary and Barack Obama-era National Economic Council Director, who received $1,232.25 as a travel reimbursement.

The House Oversight Committee is expected to subpoena banks for further records, potentially uncovering more about Epstein’s financial network.

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More Charges in Major Nursing Diploma Fraud Case.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Fraud charges have been filed against 12 defendants involved in selling fake nursing diplomas and transcripts as part of Operation Nightingale.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The defendants include nursing school owners and employees, such as Herline Lochard, Carleen Noreus, and others.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The charges were announced in Miami, Florida, with related activities occurring from January 2019 through September 2022.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The charges highlight the purpose of a professional nursing licensure: protecting the public from harm by ensuring that only qualified and competent practitioners provide nursing care.” – DOJ Press Release

🎯IMPACT: The fraudulent scheme resulted in approximately 7,300 fake diplomas, posing significant risks to public health and safety.

IN FULL

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged 12 people with fraud-related offenses in Miami, Florida, as part of Phase II of Operation Nightingale. This operation exposed a scheme that sold fake nursing diplomas and transcripts, enabling unqualified individuals to bypass proper licensing and secure nursing jobs.

The accused, including owners and staff of nursing schools, allegedly conspired to provide fraudulent credentials, allowing buyers to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and obtain nursing licenses for employment nationwide. Among the defendants, Herline Lochard has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, while Carleen Noreus faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. These fake credentials helped unqualified people gain nursing positions and benefits from unsuspecting healthcare providers across the country.

The scheme operated through several now-closed for-profit nursing schools in Florida, issuing around 7,300 fake diplomas between January 2019 and September 2022. The charges highlight the importance of legitimate nursing licensure in ensuring public health and safety.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami are leading the investigation. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy charges.

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UN Rapporteur Lobbies Against Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Francesca Albanese, a United Nations Special Rapporteur, criticized U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s proposed plan to end the Gaza conflict, labeling it the “Trap of the Century.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Francesca Albanese, Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The plan was introduced earlier this week, with ramifications for Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Trap of the Century.” — Francesca Albanese

🎯IMPACT: Albanese is the first notable international leader to openly oppose Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

IN FULL

The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur for the so-called Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, is calling on Palestinians to reject U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s plan to rebuild Gaza and end the war between Israel and Hamas, dismissing it as the “Trap of the Century.”

Albanese, who has been associated with Greta Thunberg’s “flotilla” of anti-Israel activists attempting to reach Gaza, is the first significant international leader to publicly oppose the plan. This has placed her at odds with Arab and Muslim nations that have embraced it, as well as with the Palestinian Authority.

Trump introduced the peace plan earlier this week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 20-point proposal includes a transitional governance system for Gaza, managed by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee. This body would oversee public services and redevelopment efforts until the Palestinian Authority is prepared to assume control. This would be overseen by a “Board of Peace” chaired by President Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the controversial former Middle East Peace Envoy and Iraq War architect.

Additionally, the plan calls for the demilitarization of Gaza, with Hamas members given amnesty if they commit to peaceful coexistence and decommission their weapons. Trump’s plan further outlines economic redevelopment for Gaza, including the establishment of a special economic zone and international investment to rebuild infrastructure and create jobs. Aid would be sent immediately upon acceptance of the agreement, ensuring necessary supplies and resources reach the region.

The plan also proposes that the U.S. “will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)” to train Palestinian police and secure Gaza’s borders in coordination with Israel and Egypt. Israel would progressively withdraw its forces as stability is achieved.

Hamas has yet to issue a formal response to the peace plan. Trump has given the group several days to decide before supporting an Israeli campaign to dismantle Hamas.

Image by WAFA / APAimages.

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UK Govt Slashes Farage’s Security Funding Amid Rise in Political Violence.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Reform Party leader Nigel Farage’s taxpayer-funded security has reportedly been reduced by 75 percent in the past two weeks.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nigel Farage, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Reform reporting the funding cut on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in the United Kingdom.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The parliamentary security department made the ‘inexplicable’ decision to downgrade Farage’s protection.” – Zia Yusuf

🎯IMPACT: Donors have reportedly stepped in to fund Farage’s security following the alleged cuts, which come amid the ongoing fallout from conservative youth organizer Charlie Kirk’s assassination in the U.S.

IN FULL

Nigel Farage’s Reform Party has reported that his taxpayer-funded security detail has been reduced by 75 percent in recent weeks, despite the recent assassination of conservative yoth organizer Charlie Kirk in the United States and a rising threat of political violence. Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy, described the move as “inexplicable” and noted that it came just days after Farage accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “inciting violence” by calling one of Reform’s immigration policies “racist.”

Yusuf said private donors have since stepped in to cover the costs of Farage’s protection. “I want to be clear to Reform supporters: Thankfully, we have had generous donors step in to shore up that security, so I can assure you Nigel is safe and he is well protected, but that places into context this hideous campaign of incitement to violence against the man who is bookmaker’s favourite to be the next Prime Minister,” he said.

He accused the governing Labour Party‘s leadership of leading a coordinated attack on Farage, citing comments from 11 Cabinet ministers. “The Home Secretary called him ‘worse than racist.’ The Deputy Prime Minister accused him of ‘flirting with Nazism.’ If anything happens to Nigel, I will hold the Prime Minister responsible,” Yusuf said.

He also referenced threats made against Farage online, including on TikTok and X, and recalled personally witnessing attempts to attack him during campaign events. Leftists have on several occasions thrown milkshakes and even cement at the populist leader, while illegal immigrants have issued recorded death threats against him.

The Labour-controlled House of Commons declined to comment on specific security arrangements, claiming decisions are made based on professional risk assessments and are kept confidential to avoid compromising safety.

The security row comes at a time when Farage and Reform are experiencing a significant surge in public support. According to a recent Ipsos poll conducted between 11 and 17 September 2025, Reform leads national voting intention with 34 percent, ahead of Labour at 22 percent and the formerly governing Conservatives at just 14 percent, the lowest share ever recorded for the party by Ipsos.

The same poll reveals deep public dissatisfaction with the current Labour leadership. Only 13 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with Starmer’s performance as Prime Minister, while 79 percent expressed dissatisfaction.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Trump Halts $18BN in NYC Funding Over DEI Policies.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration has frozen approximately $18 billion in infrastructure funding for New York City projects, citing concerns over unconstitutional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Russell Vought, Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and New York City officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced on October 1, 2025, from Washington, D.C., impacting New York City infrastructure projects.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles,” said Vought.

🎯IMPACT: The funding freeze affects the Hudson River Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway project, with further updates expected from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

IN FULL

Russell Vought, Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced on Wednesday that the Trump administration has frozen approximately $18 billion in infrastructure funding for New York City. The decision was made to ensure that funding is not distributed based on what Vought described as “unconstitutional DEI principles.”

The funding freeze affects major projects such as the Hudson River Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway project. Vought made the announcement via posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

“Roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles,” Vought wrote. He indicated that more information would be forthcoming from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

The announcement coincided with the first day of a U.S. government shutdown after Democrats in Congress refused to pass stopgap funding bills. However, Vought clarified that the funding freeze is unrelated to the government shutdown.

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The U.S. Air Force Is Moving Refueling Tankers and Other Assets to This Country—With a Warning.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A significant deployment of U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers has been observed moving into the Middle East, signaling increased military readiness amid rising tensions with Iran.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. Air Force, Iran, and regional actors including Israel, as well as analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

📍WHEN & WHERE: Aircraft have been tracked in recent days departing from Atlantic bases and arriving at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key U.S. Central Command hub.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The moment Israel starts a war, we will also enter a war with the United States.” – Major General Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

🎯IMPACT: The deployment underscores the potential for rapid escalation in the Middle East.

IN FULL
The U.S. Air Force has shifted a number of KC-135 Stratotankers to the Middle East over the last 48 hours. Data from flight trackers indicates planes leaving bases along the Atlantic and gathering at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as the main hub for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This move reflects a clear boost in American military preparedness and could signal renewed strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Tehran has threatened reprisals against potential strikes.
This abrupt influx of numerous KC-135 tankers occurs during a period of extreme instability in the region. Comparable major troop shifts occurred right before U.S. intervention in the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran in June, with the U.S. bombing sites critical to the Iranian nuclear program. By amassing refueling resources in Qatar, the U.S. ensures rapid deployment capabilities throughout the area. 
Iran has asserted its readiness for war, while claiming it won’t initiate hostilities. Mohammad Jafar Asadi, the deputy for inspections, stated that Tehran would expand its missile reach “to wherever necessary” and threatened a strong counteraction if targeted, rejecting demands from the U.S. and Europe to curb its missile production.

On Sunday, Major General Mohsen Rezaei, the former chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), cautioned that a lone Israeli attack might spark a broader regional conflict drawing in the U.S., declaring, “The moment Israel starts a war, we will also enter a war with the United States.” 

President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order warning that “The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.”

While this has been interpreted by many as a rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently launched an attack on Hamas targets in Qatar against U.S. wishes, it is likely also a warning to Iran, which launched missiles at the Gulf state after the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

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Nigel Farage Tops Popularity Charts Among British Teenagers.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Reform Party leader Nigel Farage is the most popular politician among British teenagers aged 13 to 17, surpassing rivals and even celebrities.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nigel Farage, British teenagers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Conservative (Tory) Party leader Kemi Badenoch, and other leading politicians.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The survey was conducted by Merlin Strategies, with findings relevant to the next British general election, which must be held sometime between now and 2029.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Gen-Z is very different. Very different to Millennials. I see a lot more ambition, I see a lot more rejection of what they’re being indoctrinated with at school and university.” – Nigel Farage

🎯IMPACT: Reform’s popularity among teens could significantly influence the next general election, with projections already showing the populist party on track to place first with 311 seats in the House of Commons.

IN FULL

The future of the British political landscape is shifting to the populist right, with a poll finding that Brexit champion and Reform Party leader Nigel Farage is by far the most popular politician among under-18s.

Despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s left-wing Labour Party attempting to smear Farage as a “racist” and the “single greatest threat” to the country’s “way of life,” these attacks do not appear to be resonating with the youth the way they have with older generations. According to a survey from Merlin Strategies for the New Statesman, of the 13 to 17-year-olds who intend on voting in the next general election—which must be held no later than 2029—33 per cent said that they would vote for Farage’s Reform party, compared to 27 per cent for Labour, and 12 per cent for formerly governing Conservatives (Tories) and the far-left Greens.

Farage’s personal popularity also stands out, with 38 percent of British teens viewing him favorably, compared to 25 percent for Prime Minister Starmer, 23 percent for far-left former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is attempting to launch a third party focused on Muslim issues, and just 16 percent for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.

Notably, Farage’s friend and ally, President Donald J. Trump, is the second-most popular politician among British teens, at 28 percent.

“It’s happening. Gen-Z is very different. Very different to Millennials. I see a lot more ambition, I see a lot more rejection of what they’re being indoctrinated with at school and university,” Farage said of the British youth last June.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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GOP Closes Gap With Dems in Tight NJ Governor’s Race.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A new poll shows a tight race between Jack Ciattarelli (R) and Mikie Sherrill (D) for New Jersey governor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jack Ciattarelli, Republican candidate, and Mikie Sherrill, Democratic candidate.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The poll was released in New Jersey, October 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Voters across the board want a change (76%).” – Quantus Insights Poll

🎯IMPACT: The race is now considered a dead heat, with significant gains by Ciattarelli among Independent voters.

IN FULL

Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli is now running neck and neck with Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, according to a new poll. The Quantus Insights Poll shows Sherrill narrowly leading Ciattarelli 48.1 percent to 45.8 percent among likely voters, a margin within the poll’s error range.

This marks a significant shift from earlier surveys, including a Labor Day poll where Sherrill held a 10-point lead. Ciattarelli’s recent surge is attributed to his strong performance among Independent voters, where he leads 51 percent to 38 percent.

For much of the campaign, Sherrill maintained a comfortable lead over Ciattarelli. However, recent polling has indicated a tightening race, now considered a dead heat. She has been hurt in part by a scandal related to cheating at the U.S. Naval Academy, which saw her barred from walking with her classmates at her graduation.

Sherrill’s advantage has decreased to a 4.7 percentage point lead in the latest RealClearPolitics polling aggregate. Notably, this aggregate underestimated Ciattarelli’s support by about five points in the 2021 election.

Joe Biden officially won New Jersey by 16 points in 2020, but by only six points in 2024—one of the biggest improvements for President Donald J. Trump nationwide.

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