This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor.

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Special Guest:

Alyssa Royse, the owner of Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle, who is deeply passionate about fighting to preserve a fair and equal democracy in the US.

.

Featured in this episode:

Treasury Department Considers Minting a $1 Trump Coin: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/03/treasury-department-trump-dollar-coin-00593368 

The shutdown continues: https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-federal-workers-pay-health-care-415768faa14b4e54525d5e6d18ac97b4 

Shutdown affects US airports: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx27z97ryr0o 

Dolly Parton is not dying: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15172709/Dolly-Parton-sets-record-straight-health-issues-sister-concern-prayers.html 

The National Guard Rollout: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-chicago-portland-memphis-trump-arrests-b36199b00e0511e687c10fa83fd838b5 

Alligator on the Golf Course: https://apnews.com/article/vince-whaley-alligator-sanderson-farms-pga-tour-950794673062998659bc76ecd7c92f72

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map

What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219