1. U.S. Approves $11B Arms Package to Taiwan: The Trump administration greenlights an $11 billion weapons sale to Taiwan, systems proven effective against Chinese technology on the Ukrainian battlefield. China is furious, but the move signals renewed U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense, reportedly encouraged by quiet diplomacy with Japan's new prime minister.
2. The "Warrior Dividend" Explained: Washington melts down over the so-called "warrior dividend," a $1,776 payment to service members. The reality: the funds were already approved by Congress as a military housing subsidy. President Trump simply expedited the payout and rebranded it, something Democrats have done for years, now suddenly deemed controversial.
3. Marijuana Reclassified for Medical Use: President Trump signs an executive order easing federal restrictions on medical marijuana, allowing broader access and enabling banks to work with marijuana businesses. While supporters cite medical benefits, growing evidence links expanded marijuana use to rising schizophrenia diagnoses, particularly among young people, raising serious long-term societal concerns.
4. MIT Fusion Expert Murdered; Possible Link to Brown Shooting: A leading authority on fusion reactors at MIT, has been murdered in Massachusetts. ABC News reports a possible connection to the Brown University shooting. Speculation ranges from domestic motives to foreign involvement, including Iranian interest. Authorities have not confirmed details, but this remains a developing national security story.

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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