NEW EPISODE · SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 · EP 614
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Vol. V · No. 614Wednesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 297

Damn, Summer is Over Already

Labor Day weekend was nice–if you got to get away or enjoy it. The weather was lovely in most parts of the country.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Preston calls Iran the story we’re about to lose focus on. and what happens if we do

02

The Strait of Hormuz. what Iran can still shut down even without a surface Navy

03

New reporting that up to 70% of Iran’s missile capacity is still standing. and why the drone threat matters more

04

“We want regime change. We just don’t want to use that word”. Hegseth’s own testimony on Iran’s nuclear intent


Labor Day weekend was nice–if you got to get away or enjoy it. The weather was lovely in most parts of the country. But summer is now over. School is back in session. The craziest election season of our lifetime is upon us. And damn, summer already seems far away. 

Trump and Harris are bombing away at full throttle now. And fighting for the coveted “swing voters” in swing states. But who are these powerful and mysterious voters? What do these mostly independent Americans really care about most? Why do we have to keep talking about Robert F Kennedy Jr? Why is Trump’s Arlington controversy still in the news? What did Senator John McCain’s son have to say? Can we please go back to summer?!?!

And meanwhile, war continues to rage around the world. Including involving US troops in…Iraq?!?! While Israel recovered six hostages brutally murdered by Hammas, Ukrainian civilians continue to be bombed and rocketed by Putin. The world is on fire and our broken political system is only making it worse. 

So as summer fades and fall’s chill creeps in, our host, Paul Rieckhoff, will get you ready for a new school year, a wild fall election season, the 24th anniversary of 9/11 next week, AND the start of football! Because we’re all gonna need a break from news and politics this fall especially.

Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. 

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