The Weekend

June 21, 2026; 9am: President Trump's $14 million reflecting pool has turned into a green, peeling mess, and he continues to blame everyone but himself for the downfall of his renovations. In a Saturday Truth Social post, Trump writes in part, "many additional people have been arrested having to do with the disgraceful vandalism of our beautiful reflecting pool." Meanwhile, cyclist and former Olympian David Hearn, who was arrested Friday on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property, told The Washington Post he touched the pool's detached liner but “didn't destroy or break or peel anything.”  MS NOW reporter, Maya Eaglin, joins “The Weekend” from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. 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.

June 21, 2026, 8 AM; Vice President J.D. Vance addressed the press and thanked delegates from both Pakistan and Qatar. It's the latest attempt by the U.S. and Iran to get last week's agreement back on track after strikes between Israel and Lebanon, which led Iranian officials to announce plans to close the Strait of Hormuz. 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.

June 20, 2026; 7am: Negotiating teams from the United States and Iran are in Switzerland for a new round of talks. Vice President JD Vance is leading the U.S. delegation. This comes after a day of confusion on whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed and President Trump threatening to charge American tolls there. MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid joins “The Weekend” from the U.S.-Iran talks at Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland. Then, Jon Finer, former principal deputy national security adviser in the Biden administration, and Thomas Nides, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, join to discuss the latest. 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.

June 20, 2026, 9 AM; Bill Pulte, who is a Trump loyalist and Director of Federal Housing, took over the position Friday. Pulte has no experience in the intelligence world, but he does have a history of doing the president's bidding by launching probes into Trump's perceived enemies. As acting DNI , he's in a position where he can further peddle the president's conspiracy theories on election fraud. Pulte's appointment is not popular, even among some Republicans who are against it. Colordado Secretary of State Jena Griswold joins the weekend to discuss Pulte's appointment. 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.

June 20, 2026, 8 AM; The fund, which was designed to benefit Trump's allies, and possibly include compensation for January 6th rioters, was previously scrapped after fierce bipartisan backlash last month. The Trump Administration declined to submit a court-requested sworn declaration to a federal judge that the program is officially dead.  Liz Oyer and Eddie Glaude Jr. join The Weekend to discuss the resurgance of the bill. Texas State Representative and U.S. Senate Candidate James Talarico also joins The Weekend in an exclusvie sit-down with Eugene Daniels on the momentum he's experiencing in the Senate race in Texas and attacks on his masculinity. 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.

June 20, 2026; 7am: This morning, Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least five people, according to Lebanese state media, just hours after a ceasefire took effect between Israel and Hezbollah. It comes a day after that conflict delayed an expected first day of talks to reach a final peace deal between the United States and Iran. MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid joins “The Weekend” from Dubai with the latest. 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.

June 14, 2026, 9 AM; Much of the hype and money that is surrounding the event has spurred controversy, with critics saying it reeks of corruption. President Trump and some of his allies could personally benefit from the fight. The Trump Organization has also promoted a line of "Freedom 250" themed silver and gold medallions, priced from $250 to $12K, tied to the event. The "No Kings" movement will hold a counter-event to protest Trump's policies and what organizers calling "strongman politics." Sen. Cory Booker (NJ-D) joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the UFC Freedom 250 event, Men's Mental Health, the Iran conflict and the confirmation of Todd Blanche to as Attorney General. 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.

June 14, 2026, 8 AM; The organizers aimed to represent a modern redefinition of the traditional presidential library with campaign memorabilia and artifacts on display, while also making room for public spaces like a new library, basketball court, gardens, a huge playbround and picnic area. As the New York Times points out, "It is a trip to a parallel universe, one suffused in earnest talk of hope and change, not dark warnings about American carnage, One marching toward a multiracial, progressive future rather than dismantling a suffocating woke tyranny." Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, and former Senior adviser to President Barack Obama joins The Weekend to discuss the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. 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.

June 14, 2026; 7am: Overnight, celebrations erupted outside Madison Square Garden and across New York City after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94 to 90 in a nail-biting Game 5 victory in the NBA Finals. MS NOW reporter Marc Santia, who covered the victory celebrations overnight, joins “The Weekend” to share more. Then, Actor Steve Schirripa and Howard Beck, Senior NBA Writer for The Ringer, join to discuss the games leading up to the win. 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.

June 13, 2026; 9am:  As President Trump continues his baseless claims of California voter fraud, Democrats warn that he is “laying the groundwork” to challenge midterm election results in November. Aaron Ford, Nevada Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor, joins  “The Weekend” to discuss how he is fortifying voting rights in his state and how he plans to combat Trump's claims of election fraud through the courts. 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.

June 13, 2026; 8am: On Friday, a federal judge extended an indefinite block on Trump's $1.8 billion so-called “anti-weaponization” fund. In her decision, the judge cited acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's unwillingness to rescind the order in writing, as well as Trump's continued public push for the fund. The judge said she will consider rescinding her order if the DOJ submits a sworn written declaration that the administration is not moving forward with the fund, and is giving them until next Friday to act. Former Federal Prosecutor Ankush Khardori and Skye Perryman, whose nonprofit organization represented the plaintiffs challenging the fund, 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.

June 13, 2026; 7am: Last night, a federal appeals court rejected a last-minute bid from the Trump administration to keep his name on The Kennedy Center. MS NOW White House Reporter Laura Barrón-López and Washington Correspondent at Vanity Fair, Aidan McLaughlin, 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.

June 7, 2026; 9am: The US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles claims it has opened “multiple election fraud investigations” into California's elections. The office also sent a federal prosecutor to monitor counting at a center in Los Angeles on Friday. Skye Perryman and Miles Taylor join “The Weekend” to discuss the dangers this poses ahead of November's midterms. Then, Democratic Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland talks about Trump's constant choice of loyalty over qualifications in staffing his administration. 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.

June 7, 2026, 8 AM; National Democrats are carefully navigating how to respond to growing controversies surrounding the likely nominee in one of their most important Senate flip targets — Maine being the only Republican-held seat on the ballot in a state that Kamala Harris won in 2024. So far, Democratic leadership has not pulled support for Platner. Kevin Fry and Jackie Kucinich join The Weekend to discuss the latest controversies involving Platner and the Senate primary election in Maine. Rev. Al Sharpton also joins The Weekend to discuss the Supreme Court's decision to allow Alabama to use a congressional map that favors Republicans, but was previously ruled as an intentionally racially discriminatory practice by a lower court. 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.

June 7, 2026; 7am: Republicans are reportedly “thrown off-balance" by Trump's distractions and dismissal of cost-of-living issues. Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joins “The Weekend” to talk Trump's inability to connect with voters on the economy and the scandal-plagued campaign of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. 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.

June 6, 2026, 9 AM; In his interview with Eugene Daniels, Mamdani also discusses how the party can improve on its outreach to young Americans, new voters, and his relationship with President Trump. 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.

June 6, 2026, 8 AM; Even as he faces a record low approval rating amid the ongoing war with Iran, Trump is focusing on celebrating America's 250th Anniversary the only way he knows how: By centering himself in a series of vanity projects. Those projects include the octagon on the south lawn of the White House for the upcoming UFC fight, construction on the ballroom, painting and refilling the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial, building a so-called Triumphal Arch in Memorial Circle, and the unprecedented proposal to put the current, living president's face on a $250 bill. Jake Traylor and Courtenay Brown join The Weekend to discuss the president's vanity projects and his historic low approval ratings. 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.

June 6, 2026; 7am: Last night, more than 500 Mainers joined a rally for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner in his first public event since The New York Times reported allegations of physical intimidation against him by ex-girlfriends. Platner has denied the claims, and his campaign has since announced that it raised more than $200K in the 24 hours since the report. MS NOW Congressional Reporter Kevin Frey, who was at the rally, joins “The Weekend” to share what Maine voters are saying. Then, Elana Schor, Senior Washington Editor at Semafor, and David Drucker, MS NOW Contributor, discuss primaries. 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.

May 31, 2026, 9 AM; Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is scheduled to appear before a House Appropriations subcommittee Tuesday, where he could face new questions about the Department of Justice's mishandling of the investigation. In her interview with the House Oversight Committee Friday, Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared to shift blame for the mishandling of the files' release onto Blanche, saying she “delegated oversight” to Blanche for the investigation and the release of the files. Bondi also reportedly raised questions about FBI director Kash Patel's role in the files release. Congressman Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the Overisight Committee says the panel will subpoena both Blanche and Patel. Rep. Ro Khanna joins The Weekend to share his thoughts on Pam Bondi's evasive testimony. 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.

May 31, 2026, 8 AM; After most of the musicians slated to perform at the White House's Great American State Fair for the nation's 250th Anniversary dropped out, the president announced in a series of Truth Social posts that the concert would be changed to a rally headlined by of course, Himself. Akayla Gardner and Dana Milbank join The Weekend to discuss some of the setbacks the president is facing this week. 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.

May 31, 2026, 7 AM; Senate Republicans are preparing for a showdown over President Trump's $1.7 billion so called Anti-Weaponization fund, which is part of a roughly $70 billion immigration enforcement reconciliation package. It's unclear how GOP leadership plans to navigate the dissent over the fund within their own party after previous concerns that some Republicans would support Democratic amendments blocking the proposal, effectively gutting the fund. Trump, of course, is likely not happy about all this, especially since he gave a self-imposed June 1st deadline for the GOP to pass the reconciliation package. House Speaker Mike Johnson probably won't be thrilled either and he's got his own hands full. The House will revisit a war powers resolution aimed at reining in President Trump's military operations in Iran, which was previously scrapped after GOP leaders concluded they didn't have enough votes to defeat it. It's expected to pass with a handful of Republican defections. Mychael Schnell and Scott MacFarlane join The Weekend to discuss the discuss the congressional vote, likely to happen this week. 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.

May 30, 2026, 9 AM; While there were no reports of her coming with that burn book like we saw in her last Congressional hearing, Democrats on the committee say Bondi was not forthcoming and was even combative at times, especially when asked about Donald Trump who she said she would not discuss. Bondi appeared to shift the blame to her deputy - now acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam joins The Weekend to discuss the hearing. 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.

May 30, 2026, 8 AM; Trump pulled off a clean sweep in Republican primary battles, driving out or sidelining candidates he deems insufficiently loyal. However, as Republicans look ahead to the general, Trump says the midterms are the least of his concerns amid negotiations with Iran. Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico's campaign says it raised $3M in just 24 hours after Ken Paxton's runoff victory. President and CEO of Voto Latino Maria Teresa Kumar and Dave Weigel join The Weekend to discuss the upcoming Texas Senate election in November. Rep. Jim Clyburn also joins The Weekend to discuss Republicans' redistricting campaign and offers some advice to the Democratic party. 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.

May 30, 2026, 7 AM; The grown pusback included a judge ordering the removal of his name from the Kennedy Center, a judge's refusal to dimmiss the most serious charges against Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and his fellow supporters who were convicted on charges of seditious conspiracy, a ruling barring his $1.8 billion slush fund, and accusations that the president has committed fraud when he ended his lawsuit against the IRS. Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for NSD Mary McCord and Will Sommer join The Weekend to discuss the onslaught of decisions against the president. 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.

May 24, 2026; 9am: President Trump put his authoritarian tendencies on full display this week as he is pushing to give his allies $1.8 billion dollars of taxpayer money over claims of government “weaponization”. MS NOW Legal Analyst Andrew Weissmann 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.

May 24, 2026, 8 AM; Those districts are in states like Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia, battleground states that have repeatedly helped decide control of Congress and the White House in the past. The voters in these communities could offer an early read on how Americans are feeling about the economy, the conflict with Iran, government corruption, and the broader state of our democracy heading into one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory. Arizona State Sen. Analise Ortiz, Michigan State Sen. Chedrick Green, and Georgia State Sen. Nikki Merritt join The Weekend to discuss the midterms in their respective states. 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.

May 24, 2026; 7am: Secret Service agents shot and killed a gunman who opened fire near a security checkpoint. A bystander was shot during the gunfire exchange and was rushed to a nearby hospital in serious condition. It is unclear whether that person was struck by the gunman or a responding officer. Sources tell MS NOW the suspect is identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who had previous encounters with the Secret Service last summer and was ordered to stay away from the White House. MS NOW White House Correspondent Jake Traylor and MS NOW Law Enforcement Analyst and Former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger join “The Weekend” to discuss the latest. 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.

May 23, 2026, 9 AM; In the past week, two of his biggest Republican critics, Rep. Thomas Massie and Sen. Bill Cassidy, lost their respective primaries to keep their seats after Trump pushed for their defeat. Trump has also made remarks that seem to threaten the seat of another critic within his party, Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who has dared to, at times, go against Trump's agenda. Fmr. Ohio Gov. John Kasich joins The Weekend to discuss how Trump treats members of his party who oppose his agenda. 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.

May 23, 2026, 8 AM; Clyburn is South Carolina's only Black member of the U.S. House and one of the most influential voices in congress and the Democratic party, and this move would further dilute Black voting power in the state for potentially decades. The new map still has to get through the State Senate, which yesterday failed to secure enough votes to finalize it before early voting begins Tuesday in South Carolina's primary election. Some Republicans don't seem to be totally on board with five of them joining Democrats in opposing a rushed process. Fmr. Rep. Joe Cunningham and Adam Serwer join The Weekend to discuss the latest redistricting efforts by the GOP in that state. 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.

May 23, 2026; 7am: In a rare show of defiance, members of President Trump's own party are pushing back against his so-called anti-weaponization fund, which could give millions to January 6 rioters. Republican lawmakers have described the $1.8B fund as “utterly stupid, morally wrong”, “unexplainable,” a galactic blunder,” and “stupid on stilts.” Ali Vitali, host of “Way Too Early” and MS NOW Senior Congressional Reporter, and Jeff Mason, White House Correspondent for Bloomberg, 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.

May 17, 2026; 9am: ICE is moving forward with its plan to convert warehouses across the country into mass immigration detention centers despite active lawsuits from multiple states. Just this week, a Georgia town of fewer than 5,500 people sued the Department of Homeland Security to stop a facility for 10,000 detainees from opening in their backyard. Andrea Flores, a former DHS official in the Obama administration, 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.

May 17, 2026, 8 AM; On Saturday, Americans mobilized for voting rights demonstrations across the south, including Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who was at a rally in Montgomery, Alabama. He joins “The Weekend” to share what's at stake for our democracy. 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.

May 17, 2026; 7am:  Organizers say thousands gathered yesterday in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, to protest gerrymandering while honoring the historic 1965 civil rights marches that made the Voting Rights Act possible. MS NOW Contributor David Drucker and Former State Representative Don Calloway join “The Weekend” to discuss. 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.

May 16, 2026, 9 AM ;The Supreme Court's ruling gutting the Voting Rights Act has cleared the way for a new congressional map in Alabama that would eliminate one of the state's two majority-Black districts before this year's midterms. Alabama is just one of several Republican-led Southern states that are seeking to redraw their maps in a way that would dilute Black voting power. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Black Voters Matter Founder LaTosha Brown joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on Voting Rights Act. 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.

May 16, 2026, 8 AM ; Peters was sentenced to nine years after prosecutors proved she gave an unauthorized person access to Mesa County election equipment in the aftermath of the 2020 election, then helped spread false claims that the vote was stolen. Her case became a cause célèbre on the right, with President Trump repeatedly calling her a “political prisoner” and demanding that Colorado set her free. The move comes after months of pressure from Trump, who cast Peters as a martyr in this broader campaign to rewrite the history of the 2020 election. Colorado Sec. of State Jena Griswold joins The Weekend to discuss the governor's decision. 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.

May 16, 2026; 7am: President Trump is back in Washington following his two day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The visit was heavy on pageantry and flattery but appears to have accomplished little in terms of policy, with no resolution on key issues like trade, the war in Iran, or Taiwan. Lara Seligman, National Security Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, and Jennifer Welch, Former National Security Director for China and Taiwan, 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.

May 10, 2026; 9am:  With less than six months until the midterms, Republicans are facing Trump's plummeting approval ratings and warning signs on the economy. However, GOP lawmakers privately tell MS NOW they will still stand by the president because they have ‘no choice.'  California Congressman Kevin Kiley, a former Republican, 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.

May 10, 2026, 8 AM ; The crowded primary is June 2nd with the top 2 candidates advancing to the general election regardless of party. Among the candidates are Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. However, after two fiery debates last week, there is still no clear frontrunner. A CBS-YOUGOV POLL, conducted in late April, shows only 7 percentage points separating the top 5 candidates. Former. Rep. Katie Porter, who is one of several Democrats running for the seat, joins The Weekend to discuss the California Governor's race. 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.

May 10, 2026; 7am: A hantavirus-stricken cruise ship has finally arrived in Spain, where more than 140 people on board have begun what Spanish officials are calling an "unprecedented" evacuation process to get them back safely to their countries of origin. Sky News Reporter Sadiya Chowdhury joins “The Weekend” from Spain with the latest. 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.

Alabama became the latest state in that fight on Friday when Republicans approved plans for new primary elections pending a court decision on whether those newly drawn GOP House districts can be used in the November midterm elections. Chaotic scenes erupted at the Alabama Statehouse as a protester was dragged from the packed House gallery by security officers. Tensions also ran high in the Tennessee state capitol this week where protesters were removed from hearings over proposed congressional maps that overwhelmingly favored Republicans. The protests did not prevent Republican lawmakers from enacting a new map that abolishes the state's only majority-Black district. Governor Bill Lee signed the new map into law the same day. Tennessee House Representative Justin J. Pearson and  Former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones join The Weekend to discuss how Republicans in their respective states are striping away Black voting power. 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.

May 9, 2026, 8 AM ; Sources tell MS NOW that Patel has "ordered the polygraphing of more than two dozen former and current members of his security detail, as well as other staff." This follows a series of unflattering reports about his leadership from The Atlantic – one describing the FBI Director as drinking to excess, missing important meetings and using federal resources for personal endeavors. The other describes him traveling with a supply of personalized branded bourbon bottles that he has been handing out as gifts. The bureau denies the accuracy of both reports and it has gone as far as launching a criminal leak investigation into the journalist who wrote both pieces. Former Federal Prosecutor Paul Butler and Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer join The Weekend to discuss the accusations against the FBI Director and new comments from Former Special Counsel Jack Smith that the DOJ has been "corrupted." 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.

May 9, 2026; 7am: As the United States waits for Iran to respond to a permanent end to the war, the two continue to exchange fire. On Friday, Central Command said U.S. military forces carried out airstrikes, hitting and disabling two Iranian-flagged oil tankers trying to break the American naval blockade. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said it intercepted drones and missiles launched by Iran. MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid joins “The Weekend" from Dubai with the latest. Then, former Senior U.S. Diplomat Alan Eyre joins the conversation. 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.