• Venezuela military options on the table: CBS reports the Pentagon is preparing strike and pressure scenarios for President Trump as he seeks to weaken Nicolás Maduro without launching a full U.S. invasion.
• Government shutdown ends: Smithsonian reopens: Federal workers return nationwide after Democrats walked away with no concessions.
• Chicago's treasurer sparks outrage with Treasury-bond protest: Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin stops investing in U.S. Treasury bonds as a political protest against Trump, triggering backlash from Democrats and warnings that she's jeopardizing the city's financial stability while running for Congress.
• Verizon announces 15,000 layoffs amid weakening economy: Verizon becomes the latest Fortune 500 company cutting jobs and outsourcing store operations.

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.