4 Things To Know This Afternoon

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.