Advertise on podcast: 4 Things To Know This Afternoon

1. Ukraine Resumes Strikes on Russian Refineries After pausing for several weeks at the U.S.'s request, Ukraine hit Russian oil refineries again to cut off fuel for Russia's war effort. Erickson also criticizes European countries for still buying Russian natural gas, and says Ukraine is right to keep fighting. 2. Gulf Oil Flows Again, but at a Steep Price Oil exports from the Persian Gulf are back near pre-Iran-war levels. However, security, insurance, and diesel costs add about a $30 premium per barrel, and renewed Iranian attacks on tankers near Hormuz are pushing Brent and WTI above $100. 3. Trump Trades Rallies for Tele-Town Halls Trump canceled some rallies and is holding tele-town halls instead, partly because Georgia Republicans worry his visits energize Democrats more than Republicans. Erickson expects the GOP to hold the Senate but lose the House, and he urges Republicans to vote the full ballot even if they skip a candidate they dislike. 4. Nasdaq Slides on AI Bubble Fears The Nasdaq is having its worst day since June, and Intel is having its worst day in 50 years. Erickson attributes the sell-off to growing doubts about AI's payoff, combined with rising oil prices and broader economic worries. Subscribe for the next edition of Four Things You Need to Know with Erick Erickson. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. Erickerickson.com https://www.facebook.com/ewerickson https://www.instagram.com/ewerickson https://www.threads.com/@ewerickson https://x.com/ewerickson/

The economy is growing, but that doesn't mean your paycheck is keeping up. Republicans have warning signs in states they should be winning. And Google faces a challenge to the business that made it dominant. Here are the four things you need to know this afternoon: 1. Alaska: The governor has ordered an investigation following allegations of spoiler recruitment involving Mary Peltola's campaign. I explain the controversy surrounding the two Dan Sullivans and why I question the Justice Department's legal approach. 2. The economy: Growth is strong, but inflation remains a problem. I discuss purchasing power and why I think higher interest rates could be ahead. 3. South Carolina and Georgia: Candidate quality matters. I look at the competitive Senate race in South Carolina, turnout concerns in Georgia, and why Republicans cannot take otherwise winnable races for granted. 4. Google and AI: I examine Alphabet's spending and ask how Google protects an advertising business when more people turn to AI for answers. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Inflation is still a problem. Israel's election math is still a mess. And with the midterms almost here, political operatives are giving voters more reasons to distrust them. Here are the four things you need to know this afternoon: ➡️ The Federal Reserve: The Fed holds rates steady. I explain the inflation problem and why another increase could be ahead. ➡️ Israel: Netanyahu appears positioned to get the first chance at building a coalition, but a path to a stable government remains uncertain. ➡️ Ohio: I break down the backlash to Vivek Ramaswamy's ad featuring Amy Acton's mother and why I think Republicans could pay for it beyond the governor's race. ➡️ Alaska: I discuss reporting on efforts to recruit another Dan Sullivan for the ballot and the questions it raises about Mary Peltola's campaign and voter confusion. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Israel's election, Bolsonaro's reported flight from Brazil, China's growth claims and Republican turnout concerns lead the four things to know this afternoon. 1. Israel's election and Netanyahu's future: High turnout and warnings of possible upsets raise questions about Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud. Exit polling had not been released when this episode was recorded at 3:15 p.m. Eastern. 2. Bolsonaro's reported flight from Brazil: Flavio Bolsonaro's reported departure for the United States follows Brazil's election. Allegations surrounding voting-hour extensions and a falling stock market add to the uncertainty. 3. China's economic growth claims: China's reported growth faces skepticism over government control of economic data. U.S. economic performance and household cost pressures provide the comparison. 4. Republican turnout concerns: Trump returns to Texas as Republican pollsters warn about early voting participation. Nevada and Florida stand out in the transcript's turnout account, while control of the House and Senate remains at stake.  Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Ohio Republicans respond to Vivek Ramaswamy's ad against Amy Acton. Jon Husted, Mike DeWine and other Republicans oppose the ad, while a 1978 arrest warrant tied to molestation allegations against Cletus Arthur supports Acton's account of her family living in a tent.  2. Trump is expected to remove 50% tariffs on major Canadian products in a bid to help Susan Collins in Maine and Mike Rogers in Michigan. The removal has not yet taken effect, and tariffs on other Canadian products remain possible. 3. Georgia's rural vote is down 50% from 2022 as Trump prepares to visit middle Georgia. Farm bankruptcies, anger over tariffs and Republican voters signaling they may sit out the election are raising concerns about turnout. 4. Brent crude rises above $116 and West Texas crude above $103 after Tom Barrack suggests Iran strikes could come as early as the weekend. Trump denies the strikes will happen, while reports of plans for a U.S.-Israeli campaign after the midterms continue to unsettle oil markets.   Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Abdul El-Sayed's Muslim Brotherhood letter  The New York Times reports that Abdul El-Sayed signed a letter supporting the Muslim Brotherhood while he was a medical student. His campaign declined to comment.  2. Vivek Ramaswamy's Amy Acton ad Vivek Ramaswamy's ad features Amy Acton's mother challenging her daughter's truthfulness. JD Vance declined to denounce the ad, and Ohio Republican candidates are fielding questions about it.  3. Starlink service in Ukraine Trump asked Elon Musk to restore Starlink connectivity after service failures affected Ukraine's defenses against Russian attacks.  4. Corey Lewandowski inquiry The Wall Street Journal reports that the Justice Department is examining allegations that Corey Lewandowski profited from his position at the Department of Homeland Security. The inquiry follows a referral from the department's inspector general.   Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

California voter fraud allegations, questions about Abdul El-Sayed's naming story, unrest in France, and Republican turnout concerns lead the four things to know for October 19, 2026. California voter fraud allegations Federal authorities have arrested 20 people accused of illegal voter registration activity, according to the account presented in the episode. A Trump administration lawsuit also alleges California failed to review as many as 20,000 suspected noncitizens. The discussion distinguishes illegal voting from evidence that enough unlawful votes were cast to change an election's outcome. Abdul El-Sayed's Paula Abdul story A resurfaced account from El-Sayed's 2018 campaign attributes his name to Paula Abdul's popularity. His 1984 birth and her 1988 debut album form the basis of Erick's challenge to that explanation. The segment also addresses Erick's allegations about El-Sayed's Muslim Brotherhood ties and Democratic concerns about his Michigan candidacy. France riots and immigration policy Reports of violent unrest and a nationwide curfew in France frame a discussion of immigration and assimilation. Erick argues that France's approach has failed and describes opposition from Poland and other Eastern European countries to European Union immigration policies. Trump's Republican turnout push Trump's appearances in Kansas and Georgia come amid concerns about Republican voter enthusiasm. Roger Marshall's Senate race, campaign spending, and a reported shift from MAGA identification toward traditional Republican identification illustrate the challenges discussed in the episode. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Trump Cancels Execution Livestream President Trump has canceled plans to livestream an execution following bipartisan outrage. Polling described in the episode shows majority support for the execution but even greater opposition to broadcasting it. The cancellation follows concerns about footage of real deaths becoming viral memes. 2. Ukraine Plans to Resume Russian Refinery Strikes Ukraine says it will resume strikes on Russian refineries after Russia continued attacks despite Trump's push for an energy ceasefire. Zelensky told Piers Morgan that Trump is helping Russia rather than acting as a neutral mediator. Attacks on Ukraine's power grid and energy supplies remain a concern ahead of winter. 3. Susie Wiles Departure Rumors Circulate Rumors suggest White House chief of staff Susie Wiles could leave after the election, with claims that Trump has complained about her and sought recommendations for a replacement. Her departure is not confirmed. The rumors are described as circulating largely among opponents she has pushed aside. 4. College Football Playoff Expansion to 24 Teams The college football playoff is set to expand to 24 teams in 2027, doubling the current field. The expansion raises questions about competitive games, television revenue and the place of historic bowls. Corporate bowl branding and sports betting are also part of the debate.   Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Ukraine's Starlink signal cut, inflation concerns, Netflix layoffs, and a tightening Texas Senate race lead the four things you need to know for October 14, 2026. Ukraine Starlink Cut Sparks Bipartisan Anger The Pentagon's involvement in cutting Ukraine's military internet signal draws frustration from Republicans and Democrats. The disruption hampers Ukraine's ability to detect Russian drones and target Russian supply lines. Inflation Fuels Fears of a Fed Rate Hike Inflation has remained above the Federal Reserve's 2% target for 64 consecutive months, fueling concerns about a rate increase before the election. Wages trail inflation as rising costs extend beyond energy to appliances, apparel, and vehicles. Netflix Cuts 1,000 Jobs Amid Slowing Growth Netflix is eliminating 1,000 jobs while investing in sports, live events, and movies to attract subscribers. Competition from other streaming services and consumers' efforts to save money add to its challenges. Texas Senate Race Tightens The race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is narrowing, with Talarico still slightly ahead in the polling average. Paxton's candidacy remains a point of criticism, including allegations of corruption reported to the FBI by his own staff. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns After White House Request Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned after the White House asked her to step down. Her departure follows reports alleging that she sought favors from wealthy people while in Greece, including help paying credit card debts. 2. Trump's Russian Diesel Purchases Raise Sanctions Questions President Trump's push to buy Russian diesel raises questions about the new Lindsey Graham sanctions law and Russian support for Iran. Canada is willing to supply diesel, while the potential effect of Russian purchases on American diesel prices is described as marginal. 3. Republican PACs Shift Money From Swing Seats Republican PACs are pulling money from competitive races to protect Senate seats in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and South Carolina. With three weeks until the election, Republican strategists describe growing concerns about tariffs, economic policy and voter backlash against the GOP. 4. Rising Interest Rates Pressure Banks and Borrowers Higher interest rates are increasing costs for banks and private equity while pushing up mortgage, credit card and car loan costs. Some credit card rates exceed 30%, and missed payments raise concerns about financial strain as rates threaten to climb further. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Russia Continues Energy Attacks as Ukraine Signals a Response Russia continues attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure despite President Trump's call for an energy ceasefire. Ukraine signals it will respond, risking further strain with Trump as he remains concerned about diesel prices. 2. Ilhan Omar Immigration Fraud Investigation Expands Federal agents have expanded an investigation into immigration fraud allegations involving Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, including a raid on her Washington home. Democrats condemn the timing near the election. The allegations concern her family's immigration history. 3. Trump's Georgia Visit Raises Republican Concerns President Trump plans to campaign in Georgia on Friday alongside Mike Collins. Republican operatives worry the visit could push independent voters toward Democrats, while Collins continues emphasizing his ties to Trump. 4. Trump Expresses Doubts About Execution Livestream Trump is expressing doubts about livestreaming an execution as a bipartisan group of lawmakers and White House officials urge him to reconsider. Their concerns include potential incitement and the implications of a public execution. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Houthi Attacks Hit Riyadh Houthi missile, drone and rocket attacks have left commercial jets burning at Riyadh's airport, while Pakistan has joined Saudi Arabia and other regional countries in the fight against the Houthis. Tanker attacks near Qatar have pushed oil prices higher. 2. Iran Strike Reports and US Military Damage The president says there will be no attacks on Iran before the midterms, following reports that strikes were under consideration. CBS News reports that earlier Iranian attacks inflicted more damage on US positions than previously understood, including strikes by low-flying F-5 jets in Kuwait. 3. Federal Deficit Nears $2 Trillion The Congressional Budget Office puts the federal deficit at nearly $2 trillion for the fiscal year ending September 30, up 12% from 2025 in nominal dollars. Spending reached $7.4 trillion against $5.4 trillion in revenue, while rising bond yields are making federal borrowing more expensive. 4. Russia Escalates Strikes in Ukraine At least 30 people are dead as Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine, including power grids and other infrastructure ahead of winter. Ukraine is launching long-range missiles into Russia as the president predicts the war will wind down and signs of strain grow inside Russia.   Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Republican turnout remains a major unknown as Democrats surge in some midterm polls. High bond yields pressure stocks, persistent inflation raises expectations of another Fed rate hike, and a Tennessee judge orders execution materials preserved after Christa Pike survives a lethal injection attempt. Midterm Polling and Republican Turnout Pollsters on the left and right question whether some polls showing a Democratic surge are intended to attract donors. Republicans' reluctance to answer pollsters leaves uncertainty about their November turnout. Stronger turnout could mitigate GOP losses, particularly in the Senate, while the House remains at risk. Bond Yields, Stocks and Government Debt The Dow, NASDAQ and S&P declined before beginning to recover as a strong Treasury auction pushed yields lower. Higher government borrowing costs add to debt pressures, while investment flowing into government bonds leaves less available for private sector growth. Fed Rate Outlook, Inflation and Tariffs Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, with another rate increase expected, potentially in December after the election. A New York Fed analysis attributes price increases of more than 2% on top of regular inflation to tariffs and concludes prices would have fallen without them. Christa Pike Execution Update Pike's lawyers say she is awake, angry and confused after surviving two doses of a lethal injection drug. A Tennessee judge has ordered the state to preserve syringes and other materials. Pike was sentenced to death for torturing and murdering a 19-year-old woman.   Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

Inflation outpaces wage growth, Democrats signal opposition to Trump's judicial nominees, reports of pneumonic plague emerge from Siberia, and Republicans increase spending in red states amid concerns about Senate control. Inflation and consumer debt Consumers continue spending even as inflation outpaces wage growth. Rising credit card debt and a climbing 10-year Treasury yield raise concerns about household finances and borrowing costs. Democrats and Trump's judicial nominees Democrats are signaling they would refuse to confirm Trump's judicial nominees if they regain the Senate during his final two years, preserving vacancies for a potential Democratic president after 2028. Pneumonic plague reports from Siberia Reports describe a pneumonic plague case associated with a biological research lab in Siberia, with the initially infected person reported dead and 200 people in quarantine. An antibiotic treatment also appears to be available. Republicans defend red states Trump and JD Vance are campaigning in Republican states as the GOP redirects resources to defend Senate control. Republican strategists privately warn of potential losses. Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

The G7 plans to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude as oil prices decline. Weak U.S. hiring, an update on Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike, and Republican campaign spending shifts round out the October 2 news. G7 Oil Release and Iran Export Blockade The planned release aims to stabilize prices, with Brent crude briefly falling below $100 before moving back above that level. The United States has blocked an arrangement to move Iranian oil through Iraq to Pakistan. Reports of military skirmishes inside Iran continue as its economy deteriorates. U.S. Adds 29,000 Jobs as Wages Lag Inflation Unemployment has edged up to 4.2%, with companies holding back on hiring. Inflation has risen four-tenths of a point while wages have risen one-tenth. Economists point to uncertainty over the president's changing tariffs as one reason companies are struggling to budget for wages. Christa Pike Unconscious After Execution Attempt Pike remains unconscious and on a ventilator after Tennessee's lethal injection attempt. Her lawyers describe what happened as torture. Pike and her boyfriend tortured and murdered a 19-year-old woman. GOP Redirects Campaign Spending to Kansas Republicans are increasing support for Roger Marshall in Kansas while cutting spending in North Carolina and most major funding in Georgia. Ossoff continues to lead Collins in Georgia polling. Additional spending for Paxton in Texas and a new advertising commitment from Bottoms in Georgia also feature in the campaign picture.   Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson. www.erickerickson.com https://www.youtube.com/@ewerickson  https://rumble.com/ewerickson  Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.