The Weekend

September 27, 2026; 9am: President Trump's false claims of noncitizen voting collided hard with reality in Nevada after the state pressed DHS for evidence. DHS' initial claim of 16,000 noncitizen voters got downgraded to a list of just 185, but it appears to be zero cases. This comes as the Supreme Court handed the president a legal win this Friday, clearing the way for voter screening ahead of the midterms. Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar joins “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbc To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 27, 2026, 8 AM;During his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in January, he defended the investigations he led into Donald Trump's efforts to subvert the 2020 election as well as Trump taking classified documents to Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House. Smith faced hostile questions from Republican lawmakers, who accused him of political bias and overzealous prosecution. They also accused him of spying on members of Congress after it was revealed that prosecutors obtained telephone toll records of certain Republican lawmakers surrounding the events of January 6th. We are likely to see more of the same accusations from Senate Republicans because the hearing is titled “Oversight of Jack Smith's Abuse of Authority and the Targeting of Republicans and Related Matters.” Senator Cory Booker joins The Weekend to discuss the hearing.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 27, 2026; 7am: On Saturday, President Trump said he had rejected Iran's latest proposal for a ceasefire and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Before rejecting the proposal, the president posted an image of the Strait of Hormuz on Truth Social labeling it as the “Trump Strait.” And as the war enters its 8th month of fighting, there are new reports about the human toll of the war on American service members. The Washington Post reports the Pentagon quietly added 37 Sailors and Marines to its tally of troops wounded during the Iran War this week without explanation, bringing the total number wounded during the war to 861. Spokespeople for the Pentagon did not return the Post's requests for comment. John Brennan, Former Director of the CIA and MS NOW Senior National Security Intelligence Analyst, and David Rohde, MS NOW Senior National Security Reporter, join “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 26, 2026, 9 AM; ICE arrested 43K people in June, more than 50K in July, and nearly 51K in August, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Now, a shooting in Austin, Texas, is drawing renewed attention to the extremes of Trump's immigration crackdown. And a warning: some of the footage may be disturbing. Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, a Venezuelan immigrant, was working as a DoorDash driver on Sunday afternoon when he was shot in the back by an ICE officer during a traffic stop. The Department of Homeland Security says Gracés Pérez was the subject of a targeted vehicle stop and accused him of attempting to evade arrest. But Garcés Pérez disputes that. He says his car was sideswiped *twice* before he realized they were immigration agents. Rep. Joaquin Castro joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the shooting.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 26, 2026, 8 AM; The dismal picture for Republicans in the midterms has led to an increasing number of Republicans breaking from the president on a host of issues. most notably the Iran War. Despite claims they want an end to the conflict, this week Senate Republicans blocked a measure to direct Trump to end the war, but in the face of voter anger over high fuel prices a chorus of Republicans from competitive battleground states have joined calls to end the war. It all comes as more and more Republicans sound increasingly resigned about their party's chances this fall. MS NOW Congressional Reporter Mychael Schnell and Axios Congressional Reporter Kate Santaliz join The Weekend to discuss the latest on GOP candidates distancing themselves from President Trump.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 26, 2026; 7am: CNN announced last night that the White House is barring the network from flying on Air Force One today as part of the White House TV press pool. Instead, the White House has replaced the network with Lindell TV and Real America's Voice. This comes after a federal judge ordered the administration to restore White House press access, at least temporarily, to the three news outlets the president banned from the White House this week: MS NOW, CNN, and Politico. MS NOW White House reporter Akayla Gardner and former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori join “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 20, 2026; 9am: “It's a very inexpensive price to pay for what we've done.” That's what President Trump said about the rising cost of gas due to the war in Iran. The war has sent the national average up 50% since its start in February, and analysts warn huge jumps in the prices of gasoline and diesel are yet to come. New York congressman and combat veteran Pat Ryan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joins “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbc To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 20, 2026, 8 AM; FBI Director Kash Patel is suggesting that federal agents could be sent to polling places. A top Justice Department official warned that prosecutors would be fired if they do not go after cases of alleged voter fraud. The DOJ has denied that. Election officials across the country say they are ready to combat the chaos and are taking steps to protect voting systems. Fulton County, Georgia Commissioner Dana Barrett and Jackson County, Oregon County Clerk Christine Walker join The Weekend to discuss how they are preparing to protect their voting systems.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 20, 2026; 7am: Iranian-backed Houthi rebels say they fired a barrage of missiles and drones at Riyadh and Saudi oil facilities, landing the first strikes on the Saudi capital in months. This comes on the heels of President Trump telling Axios he faces a big decision on Iran, "Do I want to go in and annihilate them, or do I not?" Axios says the president was referring to the Iranian regime. This question comes just days before he meets with Gulf leaders, including Saudi Arabia, at the UN General ­Assembly. The State Department is reportedly granting Iran's leaders travel documents to attend UNGA, even as the U.S. and Iran remain officially at war. Richard Haass, President Emeritus at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 19, 2026, 9 AM; As the Wall Street Journal points out, mortgage rates are apprroaching 7%, gas prices are near their highest level since 2022, and the Federal Reserve just raised interest rates for the first time in three years. For millions of Americans, keeping up with everyday expenses is getting harder. While this is screaming trouble for Republicans in the polls, the Trump administration has done very little to address the issues voters care about. Rep. Melanie Stansbury joins The Weekend to discuss current state of the economy. For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 19, 2026, 8 AM; This week, Open-AI disclosed six new instances in which artificial intelligence systems hid mistakes, made up data and moved files onto the open internet without permission. In one case, during the development of a specific A.I. model, the system wrote hidden notes to remind itself to hide errors from users. Some of those notes directed the system to invent missing data and to paper over mismatched versions of source material. A new Politico poll finds that 63 % of Americans say the technology poses at least a moderate risk of *destroying humanity*. With the midterms quickly approaching, Democrats are calling for a more robust response to deal with the complicated task of A.I. regulation. Top candidates on the ballot this year such as Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia are pressing for sweeping action in Washington. New York State Assemblyman Alex Bores joins The Weekend to discuss A.I. regulations.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 19, 2026; 7am: As early in-person voting for the November midterms gets underway, there are new signs that President Trump and his economy are dragging down his party's chances of keeping the majority in both chambers of Congress. Two new polls from The New York Times and Fox News show that voters trust Democrats more than Republicans on the economy. And this week, MS NOW added Kansas and South Carolina, two states that previously looked safely Republican, to its list of Senate races to watch. Mike Allen, co-founder of Axios, and Dana Milbank, columnist for The Washington Sun, join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026; 9am: New alarms are being raised about what could happen after all the results are counted on Election Night in November. Retired Judge J. Michael Luttig, who served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, joins “The Weekend” to discuss what he is calling the final battle for America's democracy.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbc To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026, 8 AM; In a 3,800-page essay released Saturday, Dario Amodei the chief executive at the AI research company Anthropic warned. "We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans! I personally think it is greater than 10% within the next decade." Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, and Elon Musk even took to social media, agreeing that the pace of AI growth needs to slow down. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam joins The Weekend to discuss the recent warnings from tech leaders about AI.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026; 7am: President Trump is wrapping up his two-day trip to Ireland with an appearance at the Irish Open at his golf course. Thousands of Irish citizens took to the streets in protest yesterday, making clear their opposition to Trump's agenda and anger at the Irish government for welcoming him to their country. MS Now's International Reporter Ines De La Cuetara joins “The Weekend” from Dublin with the latest.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 12, 2026, 9 AM; That was his message to Republicans in Dallas this week as he closed out a two day, so-called Trump-a-palooza convention that was ostenibly supposed to gin up enthusiasm for Republican candidates. One of the realities Republicans now have to live with is Trump's promise of a payment to Americans if Republicans hold Congress. Those government checks have not been authorized by Congress and Trump hasn't explained where the money would come from. Rep. Madeleine Dean and Gina Hinojosa join The Weekend to discuss the latest on the GOP's strategy and Democrats momentum for the midterms.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 12, 2026, 8 AM; The captured island is a key alternative shipping route for Saudi oil. It comes after Saudi Arabia said it shut down its crucial East-West oil pipeline on Friday as a "precaution" from being targeted by drones launched in Iraq. Despite having knowledge of the sobering information, Vice President J.D. Vance along with President Donald Trump and other top White House officials are still choosing to downplay the war. This week the President even said he expects the war will end after the midterms. Adm. John Kirby and Alex Ward join The Weekend to discuss the current state of affairs surrounding the war.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 12, 2026; 7am: As Republicans attended the ‘Trumpapalooza' midterm convention in Dallas, Democrats provided a counter message to voters. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was among those calling out President Trump's historic unpopularity and voters' growing dissatisfaction with the war in Iran and high prices. The Weekend's Eugene Daniels spoke exclusively with Governor Pritzker about what Democrats need to do to succeed in November and how he plans to protect the right to vote in his state.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 6, 2026; 9am: As mail-in ballots are already being sent out to voters, the Trump administration is still trying to change the rules over those very ballots. A federal judge on Friday extended her temporary injunction barring the USPS from advancing Trump's new vote-by-mail restrictions. But, now the Justice Department is appealing that decision, while its earlier appeal of the judge's original temporary injunction remains at the Supreme Court. Ranking member of the House Administration Committee Rep. Joe Morelle joins “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbc To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 6, 2026, 8 AM; The event dubbed "Trump-a-palooza" by some kicks off Wednesday in Dallas, with the President the star of the show he's called "a rally like none other!” With just days before the two day event starts, it's already plagued with concerns about turnout and Trump fatigue. Michael Scherer and Jake Traylor join The Weekend to discuss the convention.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 6, 2026; 7am: Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv for their first visit to Ukraine as part of a renewed push from the Trump Administration to end Russia's war. Just yesterday, Witkoff and Kushner met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow for more than three hours. Former DHS Chief of Staff Miles Taylor and Former Congresswoman Susan Wild, join “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 5, 2026, 9 AM; The President is urging Republicans to run on his record and says he is going to hit the road for candidates despite his sagging popularity. If he can't win over skeptical Americans, he seems determined to block some of them from casting their ballots. But so far the courts are standing in his way. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) joins The Weekend to discuss the the final stretch of the midterms.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 5, 2026, 8 AM; The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the U.S. added 162,000 jobs in August - far more than expected - while the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%. But with midterm elections less than two months away, Americans continue to sour on what President Donald Trump calls a "roaring" economy, as his tariffs and the ongoing war with Iran threaten to increase costs even more. Courtenay Brown and Dan Koh join The Weekend to discuss the latest on the U.S. economy.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 5, 2026; 7am: President Trump suggests all Republicans have to do ahead of the midterms is talk about his record but his actions from the Iran war to his trade war with Canada have become increasingly unpopular. MS NOW has confirmed President Trump will speak Wednesday and Thursday night at next week's convention in Dallas. However, some congressional Republicans are planning to skip the $25,000 ticket event. Andrew Desidario, senior congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, and MS NOW political contributor Mark Leibovich join “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 30, 2026; 9am: Republican lawmakers are privately admitting that Trump is being described to them by Republican voters as exhausting. Plus, Trump continues to center himself in midterms, even as his approval rating sinks. Former Democratic Washington Governor Jay Inslee and former Republican Ohio Governor and MS NOW Political Analyst, John Kasich join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 30, 2026; 8am: President Trump is feuding with a top ally that could lead to price hikes for Americans. After Trump's trade with Canada collapsed, and both countries hit each other with tariffs, the trade war took a bizarre twist. Not only did Trump sign an executive order to formally rename ‘Lake Ontario' to ‘Lake America,' he also shared an AI generated video on Truth Social depicting an army of heavily armed Canadian geese with Trump wigs. Chrystia Freeland, the former Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister of Canada, and Democratic Rep. Tim Kennedy of New York, whose district is on the border of Canada and Lake Ontario, join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 30, 2026; 7am: Yesterday, Michigan Democrats put up a united front in their first convention since their contentious primary. Democratic candidate for Governor Jocelyn Benson and Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed took the stage and called on the people of Michigan to fight against the actions of the Trump Administration. And in Texas, Democratic Candidate James Talarico has taken a slight lead over Republican candidate Ken Paxton, according to polls. Aaron Parnas, author of "The Parnas Perspective" on Substack, and MS NOW political analyst Eugene Robinson join “The Weekend” to discuss For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 29, 2026; 9am: The Trump administration has appealed a ruling temporarily blocking his efforts to restrict mail-in voting, after a Massachusetts federal judge prohibited the U.S. postal service from carrying out Trump's plan. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who is part of the lawsuit over Trump's mail-in ballot order, and Brendan Ballou, former federal prosecutor and former lawyer with the DOJ National Security and Antitrust Division, join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 29, 2026; 8am: ICE arrested nearly 50,000 people in July, a 15% jump from the previous month and the highest single monthly arrest total since the start of President Trump's second term. Just this week, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the wife of an active-duty soldier was deported back to Honduras. She is at least the 7th spouse or parent of an active-duty service member to be deported as part of Trump's immigration crackdown. The administration is reportedly preparing to cancel up to 200,000 immigrant visas nationwide, a move that would mark the largest revocation effort in U.S. history. Dara Lind, Senior Fellow for the American Immigration Council, and Rosa Flores, MS NOW National Reporter, join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 29, 2026; 7am: This week marks 6 months since the start of the war with Iran, a war Trump originally said should last only 4-5 weeks. There's no end in sight, but Trump posted a meme on social media declaring ‘mission accomplished.' Plus, as Trump reignites an unnecessary trade war with Canada, Americans continue to worry about affordability. MS NOW White House reporter Laura Barron-Lopez and Wall Street Journal national politics reporter Sabrina Siddqui join “The Weekend” to discuss all that and more. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 22, 2026; 9am: As Americans continue to grapple with the ongoing affordability crisis, Trump's policies are again threatening to drive the prices we pay even higher. Trump took to Truth Social to claim Canada wanted “the benefits of being a state, without being one.” It comes after Canada said Saturday it would match "dollar for dollar" Trump's new 50% tariffs that went into effect after trade talks fell apart on Friday. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country had been “attacked” by the new American tariffs. Congressman Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, joins “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnbc TikTok: @theweekendmsnbc To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 23, 2026, 8 AM; This week, the Cook Political Report shifted Senate races in Texas and Iowa to the left: from "lean Republican" to "toss-up." MS NOW still rates both of these races as Lean Republican. Meanwhile, MS NOW's Political Unit is characterizing Senate races in Alaska and Ohio as toss-ups, two seats that are currently held by Republicans. Terrance Woodbury and Rachel Bitecofer join The Weekend to discuss the Democrats' prospects. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 23 2026; 7am: As U.S./Canada trade talks fall apart, President Trump is holding yet another spectacle in Washington, D.C. that taxpayers are contributing to -- a massive "Freedom 250 Grand Prix" IndyCar race throughout the streets of Washington, D.C. Later today, Trump will wave the green flag and will also reportedly take a “lap of honor” in The Beast. Taxpayers are footing the bill for security, which is expected to cost at least $10 million. Will Sommer, Senior Reporter for The Bulwark and Dana Millbank, Columnist for NOTUS, join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 22 2026; 9am: Last night at a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, President Trump conceded that voters may not be very enthusiastic about this year's midterm elections, but encouraged them to "pretend" he's on the ballot. This comes as three more Trump-endorsed candidates lost this week in Republican primaries in Florida and Wyoming. According to MS NOW's "Races to Watch," one of the best pickup opportunities for Senate Democrats is in Maine. Troy Jackson joins “The Weekend” to discuss his bid against Senator Susan Collins. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 22, 2026, 8 AM; The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration this week for violating the Freedom of Information Act by failing to turn over “records about any plans to seize ballots, voting machines or other election materials before the 2026 midterms are certified.” The concerns over Trump potentially interfering in the midterm elections are shared by election officials across the country who are at this moment “war-gaming” every move they think President Trump might make come this November. Rep. Joe Morelle and Jacquelyn Lopez join The Weekend to discuss how the party is preparing for any such nightmare scenario. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow   To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 22, 2026, 7 AM; The Supreme Court just gave him the green light to continue his $400M White House ballroom renovations, for now. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary stay, freezing a lower court ruling that would have brought the project to a halt this morning. Trump has focused so much on his pet projects that the White House has now dubbed him the “Builder-in-Chief.” However, his policies are causing things to crumble. Americans across the country are struggling with the cost of living, exacerbated by his war in Iran. Additionally overnight, trade talks between the U.S. and Canada fell apart. 50% tariffs are now in effect on about $20B worth of Canadian goods, which could lead to higher prices for American consumers. Rep. Jennifer McClellan joins The Weekend to discuss the President's focus on his vanity projects over the US economy. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 16, 2026; 9am: ICE plans to spend up to $20 million dollars to purchase thousands of gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks intended to gain compliance from combative individuals. Civil rights advocates quickly sounded the alarm over the plan, saying ICE officers already face scrutiny over their use of excessive force with little oversight or accountability. But supporters of the gloves say they are generally only used in specific jail or transport situations to subdue violent suspects. Congressional Democrats plan to host a field hearing in Biddeford, Maine, tomorrow, on ICE's use of force after a deadly shooting, last month. Maine Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, who represents the district where the shooting happened, joins “The Weekend” to discuss. She has been an outspoken critic of ICE's use of force and will host tomorrow's hearing. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnbc TikTok: @theweekendmsnbc To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 16, 2026, 8 AM; New polling from Emerson shows that the race for the U.S. Senate is a near dead heat between Democratic candidate James Talarico and Republican candidate Ken Paxton. In the governor's race, Republican incumbent Greg Abbott leads State Representative Gina Hinojosa by just four points -- only one point outside the poll's 3-point margin of error. Hinojosa joins The Weekend to discuss her campaign to energize voters. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 August 16 2026; 7am: The Democratic National Committee finalized sweeping changes to their primary calendar on Saturday, making South Carolina the kickoff state in the sprint to Super Tuesday. The party's membership ratified the decision during their summer meeting in Austin, Texas, moving more racially diverse states to the front of the line. With that 2028 business settled, the focus returns to this year's midterms. Three states will hold primaries on Tuesday: Alaska, Wyoming, and Florida. In Florida, voters will choose a new governor after eight years of Ron DeSantis. Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Florida, former Congressman David Jolly, joins “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 15 2026; 9am: The Democratic Party is expected to give final approval to its presidential primary calendar, with South Carolina scheduled to be the first on January 22nd. This meeting comes amid growing Democratic optimism about the midterms and surging turnout in recent primary elections. However, the party is also facing internal turmoil over questions about leadership and fundraising. DNC chair Ken Martin, joins “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 15, 2026, 8 AM; The group "Alabama Leadership Fund" released a new campaign ad targeting Tuberville on his goal of expanding data centers in the state. Candidate for Governor in Alabama and former US Senator Doug Jones joins The Weekend to discuss the gubernatorial race in his state and the rising concerns over A.I. data centers. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 15, 2026; 7am: The costs of President Trump's vanity projects are reaching new heights after the Washington Post reported his administration is estimated to spend at least $900 million on remodeling the White House. The spending on all of these projects comes as the American economy continues to struggle due to Trump's war with Iran, something he said he won't apologize for. Vanity Fair Washington Correspondent Aidan Mclaughlin and Axios Senior Economics Reporter Courtenay Brown join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.