•Federal Pay Fight: The Trump administration threatens to withhold back pay from furloughed workers during the shutdown, testing a 2019 law and putting pressure on Democrats to end the standoff.

•Gold Surges Past $4,000: Markets react as global investors ditch the dollar and turn to gold amid economic uncertainty and shifting currency reserves.

•Supreme Court Skeptical of Conversion Therapy Ban: Even liberal justices question Colorado’s law restricting counseling, signaling a likely 9-0 defeat for progressives.

•Republicans See Momentum in Virginia: GOP funding pours into key races as Democrats refuse to denounce candidate Jay Jones after his violent text message scandal.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

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Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.