Washington Report

BREAKING: 🚨 Mississippi County Rejects More Than Two Thirds of Affidavit Ballots in Extremely Close U.S. Senate Race 🗳️ Massive Ballot Rejections: Hinds County, Mississippi’s second most populous county and a major Democratic stronghold, rejected 1,609 of the 2,426 affidavit ballots submitted during the November 3 election. Only 817 ballots were accepted, representing approximately 34% of the total. ⚠️ Voter Registration Controversy: The rejections follow changes to Mississippi’s voter registration maintenance procedures that left more than 230,000 registered voters classified as inactive before Election Day. The state began using commercial credit bureau information to identify possible address changes, raising concerns about eligible voters being incorrectly flagged. 📋 Reasons for Rejection: Election officials indicated that many ballots were likely rejected because voters were not properly registered or cast ballots in the wrong precinct. However, questions remain about whether inaccurate voter registration records contributed to the unusually high rejection rate. 🔵 Democratic Stronghold Affected: Hinds County includes Jackson, Mississippi’s capital, and is a critical source of Democratic votes. The rejected ballots could carry significant political consequences in the closely contested Senate race between Democratic challenger Scott Colom and Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde Smith. 📊 Senate Race Remains Extremely Close: Colom was leading Hyde Smith by slightly more than 3,000 votes when the county announced its rejection figures. With such a narrow margin, decisions about which affidavit ballots qualify could affect the final outcome. ⚖️ Election Scrutiny Intensifies: Voting rights advocates have raised concerns that Mississippi’s voter list changes may have created unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. County election officials must certify their results by Friday, November 13, while questions surrounding rejected ballots and voter eligibility continue to attract scrutiny.

🚨 BREAKING: 22% of U.S. College Students Say America Deserved 9/11 as Support for Socialism Surges and Israel Declines 🇺🇸 More Than One in Five Students Say America Deserved 9/11: A nationwide survey conducted for the Buckley Institute found that 22% of American college students agreed with the statement "America deserved September 11th," 25 years after the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. However, 72% disagreed with the statement, while 6% remained undecided. 📊 Nationwide Survey Reveals Generational Attitudes: The survey questioned 803 undergraduate students across the United States between September 5 and September 14, 2026. The findings highlight political and ideological divisions among young Americans, many of whom were born years after the September 11, 2001, attacks. 🔴 Socialism Gains Significant Support: Approximately 42% of students said they would prefer living under socialism, compared with just 28% who favored capitalism. The 14 percentage point advantage represents the largest gap favoring socialism since the organization began asking the question five years ago. 🇮🇱 Support for Israel Continues to Decline: When asked which would be a better American ally, 38% selected Palestine, compared with 25% who chose Israel. The results represent a nine percentage point shift in the margin toward Palestine compared with the previous year's survey. 🗽 Patriotism Remains Strong Among Most Students: Despite the findings, 65% of respondents said they were proud to be American. The survey also found that 50% believed the United States remains fundamentally connected to white supremacy, while 39% believed the country was progressing toward greater equality. 🗣️ Free Speech Attitudes Raise Additional Concerns: The survey found that 40% supported criminal prosecution for offensive speech, while 45% believed physical violence could sometimes be justified to stop speech they considered hateful. Meanwhile, 87% affirmed the importance of the First Amendment, highlighting tensions between students' general support for free expression and their attitudes toward particular forms of speech. 🎓 Survey Highlights Changing Campus Politics: The findings illustrate shifting attitudes toward American identity, economic systems, international alliances, and freedom of expression. Although the results reflect the views of surveyed students rather than every American undergraduate, they provide a snapshot of ideological differences on college campuses a quarter century after September 11.

🇷🇺 BREAKING: Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev Reportedly Dies at 66 🔴 Russian Diplomatic Official: Russia’s Foreign Ministry has reportedly announced the death of Alexander Darchiev, the country's ambassador to the United States, at age 66. 🇺🇸 Ambassador to Washington: Darchiev was appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2025, succeeding Anatoly Antonov. His appointment came as Moscow and Washington attempted to restore diplomatic communication following years of deteriorating relations. 🌍 Decades of Diplomatic Experience: Darchiev joined Russia's diplomatic service in 1992 and previously served as ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. He also held senior positions overseeing relations with North America. 🤝 Role in U.S. Relations: During his tenure in Washington, Darchiev advocated restoring diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States. He presented his credentials to President Donald Trump in June 2025 and pledged to pursue more constructive engagement. ⚠️ Cause of Death: The circumstances surrounding his reported death have not been independently established. His departure would leave Moscow facing the task of appointing another ambassador during a sensitive period in relations with Washington.

🇮🇷🇺🇸 BREAKING: Iran's Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, says U.S. claims of talks with Iran in Qatar are fabricated to ease economic pressure and lower oil prices. Iran has conveyed its 7-point conditions and awaits a clear U.S. response.

🚨 BREAKING: U.S. Credit Card Debt Hits Record $1.29 Trillion as Average Consumer Balance Reaches $6,678 💳 Credit Card Debt Reaches Historic High: Americans now owe a record $1.29 trillion in credit card debt, following a $22 billion increase during the third quarter of 2026. Outstanding balances have climbed approximately $52 billion over the past year, highlighting growing financial pressures on households. 💰 Average Consumer Debt Climbs: The average credit card balance per borrower has reached $6,678, increasing 2.4% from approximately $6,523 a year earlier. The number of consumers carrying credit card balances has also risen to approximately 178 million. 📈 Interest Rates Intensify Financial Pressure: Credit card interest rates remain exceptionally high, with average rates exceeding 22% for borrowers carrying balances. At a 22% annual interest rate, a $6,678 balance would generate approximately $1,469 in interest over one year if the balance remained unchanged. 🏠 Total Household Debt Reaches $19.1 Trillion: Americans are also carrying record levels of overall household debt, including approximately $13.4 trillion in mortgages, $1.73 trillion in auto loans and $1.66 trillion in student loans. ⚠️ Financial Stress Remains Elevated: Approximately 5% of outstanding household debt is now in some stage of delinquency. However, the rate at which credit card balances are becoming seriously delinquent has improved slightly, suggesting that financial difficulties are not worsening equally across all borrowers. 🛒 Inflation Continues Squeezing Household Budgets: Rising prices for groceries, housing, transportation and everyday necessities are putting additional pressure on consumers. Higher borrowing costs make it increasingly difficult for households carrying balances to reduce their debt, raising concerns about consumer spending and financial stability heading into 2027.

BREAKING: 🌿 Texas Democrats Introduce Bills to Legalize Recreational Marijuana and Allow 12 Cannabis Plants at Home Beginning in 2027 🏛️ Major Legalization Push: Texas Democratic lawmakers have introduced three bills that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, establishing a regulated cannabis industry and allowing residents to grow marijuana at home. The proposals were filed November 9 ahead of the 2027 legislative session. 🌱 Home Cultivation: Adults would be permitted to grow up to 12 cannabis plants at a private residence, provided the plants are kept in a locked, enclosed area that is not visible to the public. Residents could also possess up to two ounces of marijuana in public and up to 15 grams of cannabis concentrate. 💰 Cannabis Sales and Taxes: The legislation would establish licensed dispensaries and impose a 20% retail cannabis tax and a 15% wholesale tax. Revenue would support public education, veterans assistance, substance abuse treatment and local government oversight. 📜 Legislation Introduced: Democratic Representatives John Bucy III and Joe Moody filed House Bills 362 and 369, while Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado introduced Senate Bill 237. The proposals would establish rules governing cannabis cultivation, distribution, testing and retail sales. 📅 Implementation Timeline: If approved, the House legislation would take effect September 1, 2027. State regulators would have until July 2028 to finalize regulations, with commercial licensing scheduled to begin by November 2028. ⚖️ Political Challenges: Democrats secured control of the Texas House and governorship in the 2026 elections, but Republicans retained their majority in the state Senate. The legislation would therefore require support beyond the Democratic House majority to become law. 🚨 Current Marijuana Laws: Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Texas. Possession of less than two ounces is generally classified as a Class B misdemeanor. The proposed legislation would represent a major change in the state's cannabis laws if enacted.

BREAKING: House Republicans elected Ohio’s Jim Jordan, a Trump ally, to lead their opposition to the Democratic-controlled Congress and defend the president’s agenda.

🇺🇸🇮🇷 BREAKING: Iran’s security chief, General Rezai, said that the Trump administration is lying about ongoing talks and a planned Qatar meeting. He said Washington’s initial response to Iran’s seven conditions was insufficient and that no deal would happen unless its demands were met.

BREAKING: An alleged Chinese spy and her husband reportedly had connections to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang years before her alleged affair with him.

🚨 Meghan Markle’s Father Jailed After Allegedly Cutting Off Ankle Monitor Amid Child Pornography Case 🔴 Federal Judge Orders Detention: Thomas Wayne Markle Sr., 82, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has been ordered held in federal custody without bond after allegedly removing his electronic ankle monitor while awaiting trial on a federal child pornography possession charge. ⚖️ Violation of Court Orders: Federal prosecutors said Markle cut off his monitoring bracelet early Monday morning, violating conditions imposed following his initial arrest on November 6. U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay S. Griffin revoked his release during a hearing in Tampa, Florida. 🚔 Returned to Federal Custody: Authorities arrested Markle again Tuesday. The judge determined that his living arrangements had become untenable and ordered him detained while his criminal case proceeds. 🔎 Serious Criminal Allegations: FBI investigators previously seized approximately 78 items, including photographic slides, film negatives and books containing suspected child sexual abuse material, from two storage units Markle rented in the Los Angeles area. Prosecutors allege some photographs depict Markle with underage girls. 🏥 Medical and Psychiatric Evaluations: The judge also ordered a medical evaluation and a psychiatric examination to determine whether Markle is mentally competent to understand the charges and participate in his defense. ⚖️ Potential Prison Sentence: Markle faces one federal count of possession of child pornography, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. He has denied the allegations and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Megyn Kelly described Russell Brand’s 10-year-and-six-month prison sentence for rape and sexual assault as “an outrage” and accused the judge of being biased.

BREAKING: Marco Rubio says there is “no need” for additional major combat operations against Iran.

BREAKING: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin says mass amnesty will never be on the table and the mass deportation policy will remain unchanged.

🗳️ California Voters Reject Billionaire Wealth Tax, Dealing Major Blow to Nationwide Tax Proposals 🗳️ Proposition 40 Defeated: California voters have rejected a proposed 5% tax on billionaires, with approximately 52.8% voting against the measure and 47.2% supporting it. The Associated Press called the race after roughly 83% of expected votes had been counted. 💰 $100 Billion Tax Proposal: Proposition 40 would have imposed a one time tax of 5% on the net worth of California residents whose fortunes exceeded $1 billion. Supporters estimated the measure could generate approximately $100 billion in additional state revenue. 🏥 Healthcare Funding at Stake: The proposal would have directed 90% of its revenue toward healthcare programs, with the remaining 10% supporting education, food assistance and tax administration. Supporters argued the funding was necessary to offset federal healthcare spending reductions. 🏛️ Democrats Divided: California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the proposal, warning that taxing billionaires at the state level could encourage wealthy residents to relocate. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Ro Khanna supported the measure, arguing that billionaires should contribute more toward public services. 💵 Billionaires Spend Hundreds of Millions: Wealthy technology executives and investors contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to campaigns opposing Proposition 40. Google cofounder Sergey Brin emerged as one of the largest contributors, helping finance an extensive campaign against the tax. 🇺🇸 National Implications: The defeat raises questions about the political viability of similar state wealth taxes across the country. However, the result does not necessarily indicate opposition to all taxes on wealthy Americans, particularly because California voters separately approved a measure maintaining higher income tax rates on top earners. 🔄 Another Attempt Possible in 2028: Supporters have indicated they could return with another billionaire tax proposal in 2028. The defeat leaves unresolved the broader debate over whether wealth taxes should be implemented by individual states or through federal legislation.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) declines to commit to supporting Schumer as Democratic leader.

🇺🇸 Sen. Brian Schatz demanded that Israel let aid into flooded Gaza. "The Israeli government must immediately allow rescue equipment, building materials, and winter supplies into Gaza."

🏛️ House Republicans Block Impeachment Effort Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in 211 to 204 Vote 🔴 Republicans Move to Protect Hegseth: House Republicans voted 211 to 204 Tuesday to refer eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the House Judiciary Committee, effectively halting an immediate impeachment vote. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the only Republican to side with Democrats. ⚖️ Eight Articles of Impeachment: Massie's impeachment resolution accused Hegseth of serious constitutional violations and abuses of military authority, including conducting military operations without congressional authorization, ordering deadly strikes overseas, and improperly targeting a sitting United States senator. 🇮🇷 Iran War and School Strike Allegations: Among the most serious accusations was Hegseth's involvement in the unauthorized war against Iran, including an American strike on a school in Minab reportedly responsible for the deaths of 120 children. The impeachment articles raised questions about military accountability, civilian casualties, and congressional authority over war. 🚢 Caribbean and Pacific Military Operations: The resolution also challenged deadly American military strikes against boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, raising concerns about the legal justification for using lethal military force outside conventional battlefields. 🇻🇪 Venezuelan President's Seizure: Massie additionally cited the American operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, questioning whether the administration exceeded its constitutional authority. 🇺🇸 Senator Mark Kelly Controversy: The articles also addressed the Pentagon's alleged targeting of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, raising concerns about potential retaliation against an elected official. 🏛️ White House Intervention: CNN reported that Republican leaders and White House officials worked intensively behind the scenes to prevent a direct impeachment vote that could have embarrassed President Donald Trump and exposed divisions within his party. 🗣️ Hegseth Rejects Accusations: Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort as political sabotage and defended the administration's military operations. Trump continued to express confidence in his defense secretary. 📅 Democrats Could Revive Impeachment: Referring the resolution to the Judiciary Committee does not amount to an acquittal. With Democrats preparing to take control of the House in January 2027, lawmakers could introduce new impeachment proceedings or reopen investigations into Hegseth's conduct. Any removal from office through impeachment would require conviction by a two thirds majority in the Senate.

BREAKING: One of the female University of Mississippi students captured on camera outside a Black student’s apartment Friday evening, allegedly making racist noises and gestures, apologized Tuesday for her behavior.