4 Things To Know This Afternoon

1. F-35 parts reportedly diverted to Hong Kong A shipment returning from Australia to the United States reportedly ended up in Hong Kong, prompting congressional scrutiny and concerns about sensitive stealth technology. Chinese possession of the technology has not been established.  2. Questions surround military death reporting during the Iran war The Washington Post reports a gap between internal and public fatality counts. The transcript's quoted report distinguishes deaths during the hostilities from deaths directly caused by the conflict.  3. Russian drone strike hits railway near visiting Western officials Ukraine's railway operator reported a strike shortly after a diplomatic train departed. Former CIA director David Petraeus was aboard another train at the station. 4. Minnesota Senate race draws attention in midterm polling RealClearPolling rates the contest between Republican Michele Tafoya and Democrat Peggy Flanagan a toss-up. The episode also considers uncertainty surrounding polling and voter sentiment. 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.  

Susie Wiles Announces She Is Cancer-Free — White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles shared that she is cancer-free following treatment at the Mayo Clinic. She says she remains on the job advancing the president's America First agenda. The Fed Raises Interest Rates in a Unanimous Vote — The Federal Reserve raised interest rates a quarter point in a unanimous decision, with Chairman Kevin Warsh joining the vote. The Fed also signaled that at least one more rate hike is likely before the end of the year. Oil Returns Through the Strait of Hormuz as Saudi Tensions Grow — The Trump administration says oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz has recovered to at least 90 percent of pre-war levels, with the Saudi pipeline set to reopen rapidly. The spillover from the war with Iran continues to destabilize Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Spider-Man Brand New Day Becomes the Biggest Movie Ever — Spider-Man Brand New Day has passed Star Wars The Force Awakens to become the highest grossing film in raw dollars, though Gone with the Wind still leads when adjusted for inflation. Erickson calls the Tom Holland film a fun and kid-friendly watch. 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.

Russian terrorism and assassination plot allegations lead the afternoon headlines, followed by an arrest over threats against Ben Shapiro, an alleged ISIS-inspired attack plan in Pennsylvania, and the GOP convention's television ratings. Russian plot allegations: The DOJ announces an unsealed indictment alleging multiple Russian citizens worked with Russian intelligence on terrorism and assassination plots, including a plan targeting an unnamed Russian dissident in Washington, D.C. Threats against Ben Shapiro: A Kansas man is arrested over alleged antisemitic threats to kill Ben Shapiro, including posts referencing Yom Kippur. Pennsylvania ISIS-related arrest: Federal authorities charge Jonathan Hunter Kramer in a firearms case involving alleged preparations for an ISIS-inspired attack. Investigators seized a semiautomatic rifle and ammunition. GOP convention versus the NFL: Trump's Wednesday convention speech drew about 3 million viewers, compared with more than 25 million for that night's NFL game. The Republican event also generated fundraising and footage for campaign ads. 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 and the AI regulation fight. Trump's opposition to AI guardrails puts regulatory capture and competition with China at the center of the debate. The case against tighter controls rests on concerns that major companies could shape rules to protect their own interests. 2. Treasury yields and federal spending. The 10-year Treasury's move to 5%, as cited in the episode, raises questions about borrowing costs and fiscal discipline. Trump's proposed $5,000 payments face scrutiny alongside spending decisions by both parties. 3. China's AI dilemma. A warning attributed to China's top spy chief highlights concerns about AI's potential to destabilize one-party rule. The discussion connects those fears with information control and a reported disruption involving WeChat. 4. Russia targets Ukrainian rail routes. Attacks on trains serving Ukraine raise concerns about travel and Western support. Ukraine's expanding long-range weapons production adds another dimension to the war, alongside the argument that Russia's tactics reflect growing pressure.   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. Saudi Oil Pipeline Attack Raises Red Sea Concerns    A reported projectile attack has shut down a Saudi oil pipeline, with Houthi involvement suspected but not confirmed. The disruption adds to concerns about Red Sea shipping, Iranian escalation and pressure on U.S. missile supplies. 2. Inflation and a Possible Federal Reserve Rate Hike    Inflation continues to pressure household budgets as wages struggle to keep pace. Energy prices and tariffs remain central concerns ahead of the Federal Reserve's next meeting, with a possible interest rate increase adding uncertainty for borrowers and financial markets. 3. Reflecting Pool Contractor Acknowledges Repair Failures    The contractor responsible for work on Washington's Reflecting Pool has acknowledged repair problems behind damage to the liner. The development undercuts earlier vandalism claims as crews face additional work to address the pool's problems. 4. America Marks 25 Years Since September 11    The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks brings remembrance of the lives lost and the sacrifices made that day. Amid renewed threats and economic uncertainty, the anniversary also offers a moment for reflection, faith and prayer for the country and its leaders. 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.