1. ADP job losses outweigh corporate hiring: Small businesses with under 50 employees shed tens of thousands of jobs, driving a bleak private-sector snapshot now shaping the national narrative.
2. Elise Stefanik escalates her fight with Speaker Mike Johnson: She's attacking him over a long-running provision she wants added to the defense bill.
3. Pentagon Inspector General blasts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: A new report says he improperly shared sensitive military information in a Signal chat, further eroding confidence among Republicans who already questioned his competence.
4. Epstein documents delayed again: Attorney General Pam Bondi still hasn't released the Epstein files despite clear direction from Congress and Democrats are using the delay to revive speculation and conspiracy theories.

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.

Get the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite app.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.