4 Things To Know This Afternoon

Erick Erickson
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Politics
  • Updated Daily

Your essential end-of-day rundown of the four most important stories breaking while you were busy. Hosted by nationally syndicated radio host Erick Erickson, 4 Things to Know This Afternoon delivers smart, conservative analysis of the four biggest headlines shaping the nation and the world in less than ten minutes. From national security to culture, economics to politics, Erick distills the noise into clarity—cutting through the spin with conviction, context, and a clear-eyed view of where things stand. Subscribe for daily insight before dinner.

  1. 1d ago

    GOP Polling, Bond Yields, Fed Rate Outlook and Christa Pike Update

    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.

    GOP Polling, Bond Yields, Fed Rate Outlook and Christa Pike Update

  2. 3d ago

    Inflation, Trump Judges, Plague Reports and GOP Senate Concerns

    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.

    Inflation, Trump Judges, Plague Reports and GOP Senate Concerns

  3. 6d ago

    G7 Oil Release, Weak Hiring, Pike Update and GOP Spending Shifts

    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.

    G7 Oil Release, Weak Hiring, Pike Update and GOP Spending Shifts

  4. Oct 1

    Mortgage Rates Surge, Iran Troops, U.S. Attorney Ruling, Pike Execution Fails

    Rising mortgage rates, a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, a ruling on presidential removal authority, and a reported failed Tennessee execution lead the October 1 news. Mortgage Rates and Bond Yields Rise Rising mortgage rates and the 10-year bond yield are adding to borrowing costs. Tariffs on materials and restrictions on building compound the pressure on homeownership. U.S. Sends More Troops to the Middle East A third aircraft carrier and 10,000 additional U.S. troops are headed to the Middle East as Trump weighs options on Iran. Reports of growing violence inside Iran raise the possibility that the deployment could address spillover from internal instability rather than signal further strikes. Seattle Judge Blocks U.S. Attorney Removal An Obama-appointed district judge in Seattle has barred the president and attorney general from removing a court-appointed U.S. attorney. The ruling puts presidential removal authority and the separation of powers at the center of the dispute. Christa Pike Execution Reportedly Fails Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike reportedly remains alive with brain damage after two lethal injections failed to execute her. Pike and her boyfriend tortured and murdered 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.

    Mortgage Rates Surge, Iran Troops, U.S. Attorney Ruling, Pike Execution Fails

  5. Sep 30

    Flydubai Hijacking, Oil Flows, Boeing Jets and SCOTUS Deportations

    Flydubai Hijacking Ends With Emergency Landing A Dubai-to-Israel flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot attacked the captain and sent the plane into a 14,000-foot dive. A passenger intervened, and two passengers who were pilots helped land the aircraft. Whether the attack was intended to crash the plane or strike a target in Israel remains unresolved. Middle East Oil Flows Return to Prewar Levels Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and pipeline capacity in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have brought total flows back to prewar levels. Prices remain elevated in part because of fears that Iran could attack ships, oil facilities or pipelines. Boeing Fighter Jet Plans Draw Scrutiny Boeing's military aircraft plans face questions about its ability to deliver as the company delays the 737 MAX 10 and deals with software problems affecting existing 737 aircraft. The focus on Boeing also raises questions about competition with Lockheed. Supreme Court Temporarily Allows Third-Country Deportations The Supreme Court has suspended lower court orders blocking deportations to countries other than an immigrant's home nation. The temporary action allows deportations to proceed while the case awaits consideration, giving the Trump administration a win. 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.

    Flydubai Hijacking, Oil Flows, Boeing Jets and SCOTUS Deportations

  6. Sep 29

    Hegseth Cuts, Canada Trade Fight, Auburn Allegations, Student Loans

    Military leadership cuts, Canada trade tensions, Auburn athletic trade secrets allegations, and proposed student loan restrictions lead September 29's four things to know. Hegseth orders further military cuts The defense secretary seeks 20% fewer generals and admirals at the top of the officer corps. Republicans who spoke with Erick Erickson question his political future and criticize his relationships on Capitol Hill. Navarro escalates tensions with Canada Peter Navarro tells Canadian trade representatives and lobbyists to leave the United States as the trade dispute continues. Canadian lumber and power supplies remain significant concerns for American states. Former Auburn employee faces trade secrets allegations A former Auburn University employee now working at Tennessee has turned himself in on an arrest warrant. He is accused of attempting to sell Auburn athletic trade secrets to rivals ahead of this weekend's Auburn-Tennessee game. Education Department plans student loan restrictions The department plans to reduce and ultimately eliminate loans for programs that do not provide a financial return on the college investment, putting graduates' earnings and loan repayment at the center 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.

    Hegseth Cuts, Canada Trade Fight, Auburn Allegations, Student Loans

  7. Sep 28

    UK Terror Bail, Saudi Oil, Iowa Steel Plant, FBI Data Breach

    UK Terror Suspects Released on Bail Five British terror suspects have been released on bail while the United States and United Kingdom investigate whether Iran was behind an alleged plot near a military installation housing a US bomber facility. British authorities say no conclusions can yet be drawn. Saudi Oil Pipeline Reopens Ahead of Schedule Saudi Arabia has reopened its pipeline to the Red Sea earlier than planned, with West Texas crude below $100 a barrel and Brent still above $100. Refinery problems and exports ahead of a possible US diesel export ban remain factors in fuel prices. Trump Announces $15 Billion Iowa Steel Plant A planned Mesabi Metallics steel plant in Iowa would open in 2030 and create an estimated 1,750 full-time jobs, according to the White House. The proposed $15 billion facility would be the largest steel plant in US history, though questions remain about whether the project will materialize. FBI Breach Exposes Employee and Family Information A breach involving current and former FBI employees exposed more personal information than initially disclosed, including information about their families. The FBI is increasing employee protection globally while investigators work to determine how the breach happened and who was responsible.

    UK Terror Bail, Saudi Oil, Iowa Steel Plant, FBI Data Breach

  8. Sep 23

    Bond Yields, China Farm Trade, Ukraine Winter, Trump Press Ban

    1. 10-year yield reaches a 19-year high. Persistent inflation concerns and expectations of a possible Fed rate increase are putting borrowing costs in focus. Higher yields point to more expensive mortgages, car loans, and credit card debt, while potentially increasing returns on CDs and savings accounts. 2. China farm purchases fall short. Unfulfilled Chinese agricultural purchases and declining exports are straining U.S. farmers, with farm bankruptcies highlighted in Georgia. Another taxpayer-funded farmer bailout is under discussion as Republicans approach the midterms. 3. Zelensky warns of a cold winter at war. Ukraine's president tells the United Nations that Russia must also face the consequences of a harsh winter if the war continues. Forecasts of severe cold in Central and Eastern Europe add to concerns as Zelensky seeks peace while rejecting surrender. 4. White House press ban faces a court challenge. CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are seeking restored White House access. Shared press-pool costs and the administration's ability to exclude particular outlets are central issues in the episode's account of the dispute. 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.

    Bond Yields, China Farm Trade, Ukraine Winter, Trump Press Ban
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5
out of 5
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About

Your essential end-of-day rundown of the four most important stories breaking while you were busy. Hosted by nationally syndicated radio host Erick Erickson, 4 Things to Know This Afternoon delivers smart, conservative analysis of the four biggest headlines shaping the nation and the world in less than ten minutes. From national security to culture, economics to politics, Erick distills the noise into clarity—cutting through the spin with conviction, context, and a clear-eyed view of where things stand. Subscribe for daily insight before dinner.

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