•Energy War in Europe: Russia and Ukraine escalate attacks on pipelines and refineries as President Trump pivots U.S. strategy to support NATO allies supplying Ukraine. What’s at stake is not just territory, but global energy security.

•California Gerrymandering Fight: A new lawsuit challenges California’s partisan maps, but with a partisan state Supreme Court, the outcome looks predetermined. The fight underscores how partisan courts erode trust in democracy itself.

•HHS Targets Gender Ideology in Schools: The Trump administration launches a federal inquiry into state sex education programs pushing transgender ideology without parental consent. California is the first state to lose funding.

•AI vs. Human Jobs: Artificial intelligence is displacing both entry-level workers and older employees, threatening opportunity ladders and fueling cultural resentment. Leaders will face mounting pressure to regulate AI and prioritize human dignity.

 

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.