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Here’s what we’re talking about today.
This is a quick rundown of the topics we’ll be covering on today’s show. You can hit play to listen, or read the transcript below if that’s more your style.
Transcript:
Today is Friday, September 12, 2025, and this is your news and preview of today's show.
Political violence in the United States continues to draw national attention following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah college event. In the immediate aftermath, Donald Trump called Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom” and blamed “radical leftists” for terrorism, drawing scrutiny for his rapid, partisan response.
Meanwhile, Republicans are increasingly acknowledging that Trump has been manipulated by foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. A pattern of flattery and public praise has been used to influence Trump’s actions on issues ranging from NATO to Ukraine, with consequences for U.S. foreign policy and strategic positioning. Some Republican lawmakers now speak openly about Trump being “played,” while others still frame him as an adept negotiator.
Economic news is also drawing attention. Revised job growth numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show nearly one million fewer jobs were created between April 2024 and March 2025 than initially reported. The revisions indicate that job creation in recent months has slowed sharply, with August seeing only 22,000 new jobs.
A separate economic analysis finds that under current Trump administration policies, 99 percent of Americans are projected to see a decrease in income by 2027, while the top 1 percent is expected to benefit. The report attributes the projected losses to a combination of tax changes, tariffs, and cuts to social programs, with middle-income households facing net losses after accounting for higher costs.
Public sentiment toward capitalism is also shifting. Gallup reports that only 54 percent of Americans now view capitalism positively, marking the lowest rating in recent history. Support has declined most sharply among Democrats and independents, while Republican approval remains relatively strong. At the same time, support for socialism remains stable at 39 percent, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with the current economic system rather than a turn toward alternative ideologies.
On the Bonus Show today:
Senate Republicans defeat the release of the Epstein files.
And Brazil's Bolsonaro is sentenced to 27 years in prison over his coup attempt.
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