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It’s Wednesday. We have officially entered the third week of the government shutdown. *hums the “Jeopardy!” theme song*

In today's issue:

• Explosive report reveals young GOP racist texts

• Supreme Court hears major voting rights case

• Journalists hand in Pentagon credentials

• Gaza ceasefire made even more fragile

• Washington’s rat problem

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🗨️ TALK OF WASHINGTON

Digital footprints last forever:

Various Republicans have spoken up to denounce racist, hateful and violent rhetoric shared by young Republican leaders in group chats revealed in an explosive Politico report.

The story — which reported on thousands of private messages — has sent shockwaves through the political world, with a state GOP group shutting down and several people involved losing their jobs.

What’s in the text messages?: They referred to Black people as “monkeys” and “the watermelon people.” They discussed putting political rivals in gas chambers. One referred to rape as “epic.” There were references to Hitler, several variations of the N-word and praise for Republicans who they believed support slavery.

“I love Hitler,” one person reportedly said in a chat. Another responded with a smiley face.

Which states’ young Republican groups were involved?: New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont.

The Young Republican National Federation called for immediate resignations. Several prominent New York Republicans, including Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler,have denounced the chat.

“We are appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed in the Politico article published today. Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents,” the Young Republican National Federation’s board of directors said in a post on Instagram.

Vice President Vance, meanwhile, rejected what he called “pearl clutching” in the wake of the story, pointing to text messages from Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones openly discussing violence directed at former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R). “This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat,” Vance wrote on X.

Stefanik also

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