Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. It’s Wednesday, October 1st, and this is The Record🗞️.
Today’s show is about political standoffs, economic uncertainty, and international tension.From a U.S. government shutdown affecting well over a million federal workers, to drug pricing deals, job losses, and escalating Gaza aid crises—this isn’t just chaos. This is the news. And I’m tired of it being filtered through corporate neutrality.So here we go.
🗞️ 1: U.S. government shut down at midnightWhat’s happening:The federal government closed after President Trump and Congress failed to reach a funding deal. Democrats demanded health care provisions, Republicans pushed a “clean” stopgap bill. About 1.45 million federal workers now face furloughs or unpaid essential work, while parks, Medicare, and Social Security will see partial or delayed impacts.What to know:Both sides are betting the other will take the blame, echoing Trump’s 2018–2019 shutdown. Red “Trump 2028” hats on the Resolute Desk have already drawn attention. Public polling, partisan clashes, and Trump’s use of racially charged AI videos against Democrats underline deep divisions.My take:This isn’t just a shutdown. It’s political theatre with real people paying the price. The question isn’t who’s right—it’s who gets hurt first.
🗞️ 2: Pfizer strike deal to lower drug pricesWhat’s happening:Pfizer agreed to lower Medicaid drug prices to match what it charges in other developed countries, in exchange for tariff relief. President Trump said the company would extend “most-favored-nation” pricing to all new U.S. drug launches, with other drugmakers expected to follow.What to know:U.S. patients often pay nearly three times more than in peer nations for prescriptions. Pfizer shares rose more than 6%, signaling investor optimism. The White House plans a direct-to-consumer website for Americans to buy drugs.My take:This could be a small win for patients—but it’s also a reminder that the system is rigged to reward big pharma first, people second.
🗞️ 3: U.S. economy sheds 32,000 private-sector jobs What’s happening:ADP reported 32,000 private-sector job losses in September, marking a sharp decline. August gains were also revised down to a net loss. The government shutdown now delays the official jobs report.What to know:This adds uncertainty for investors and policymakers. Labor market weakness is rising, and we’re navigating without key federal data.My take:Numbers aren’t just numbers—they reflect real lives disrupted. Without transparency, Americans are flying blind while leaders debate theatrics.
🗞️ 4: Aid flotilla faces Israeli harassment near Gaza What’s happening:An international flotilla carrying aid to Gaza reported Israeli vessels encircling the boats, jamming communications, and carrying out “intimidatory manoeuvres.” Italy and Spain deployed rescue vessels but vowed not to engage militarily.What to know:Tensions are escalating amid drone attacks and ongoing blockade restrictions. Humanitarian aid is caught in geopolitical power plays.My take:The people on those boats aren’t stats. They’re at risk because the world prioritizes politics over human life—and the media barely notices.
🧠gut check
The through line through all of this is power. It’s unchecked power with no regard for human life, whether it’s job loss, whether it’s finding aid and bringing it, whether it’s a lack of humanity with the government legitimately shutting down. Or maybe it’s even that Trump is cashing in on prescription prices. It’s power, unchecked power. And here, at least I’m going to name it.
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🎧 closing
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