• House votes 427–1 to release Epstein files: A rare bipartisan move advances full release of the Epstein case documents, though Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Clay Higgins warn innocent names could be unfairly tainted without stronger redaction rules.
• Trump defends Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: Despite CIA findings on the Khashoggi killing, Trump publicly backs MBS as a key U.S. ally, signaling a reset in Saudi-U.S. relations and a hard pivot away from Biden-era tensions.
• Texas redistricting maps struck down: A Trump-appointed judge rules the Texas congressional maps unconstitutional for racial gerrymandering. The case heads to the Fifth Circuit, with major implications for Texas, California, and the 2026 midterms.
• Judge Boasberg rules Meta is not a monopoly: In a major blow to the FTC and the Biden administration, META wins its antitrust case, with the judge finding no monopoly in social networking despite acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.

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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