Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders Townsend set the agenda for Saturday, Sunday, and the week ahead. Listen to fresh analysis of the week's biggest events and a rotating crew of major D.C. newsmakers.

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.

August 9, 2026; 9am: President Trump's focus is drifting further away from issues like the war in Iran and the economy, and further into his retribution campaign, vanity projects, and conspiracy theories. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, a member of the House Oversight and Intel 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 9, 2026, 8 AM; Despite his repeated efforts to put pressure on his party, Senate Republicans left town yesterday for their August recess without moving on his much talked about Save America Act. But the voter suppression bill is only one of the many ways Trump has been working to put his thumb on the scale for the Republicans. The New York Times is reporting that there are a growing number of election deniers who hold offices involved in state and local elections across the country. Sen. Richard Blumenthal joins The Weekend to discuss his concerns over the integrity of the midterm elections. 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 9 2026; 7am: The new monthly employment report revealed that the U.S. lost an unexpected 23,000 jobs in July when economists originally anticipated a gain of 83,000 jobs. Plus, job numbers from May and June were revised down sharply by 103,000, suggesting the job market may be weaker than previously understood. This news comes on top of Americans already struggling with a housing shortage and the high cost of groceries and gasoline, made worse by the war in Iran. As the midterms rapidly approach, a new survey found that the majority of Americans view rising living costs as the biggest barrier to a better life, with 60% of respondents saying they wanted greater financial security. Democratic Mayor Matt Tuerk of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Republican Mayor Daniel Rickenmann of Columbia, South Carolina join “The Weekend” to discuss the impact the economy has on their constituents. 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 8, 2026, 9 AM; August 8, 2026, 9 AM; Michigan Democrats have presented a united front this week- with a special appearance by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Jocelyn Benson, Abdul El-Sayed, and Haley Stevens all join The Weekend to discuss the party's unity. 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 8, 2026, 8 AM; The calls come as allegations that Miller abused his ex-wife and young daughter are consuming his campaign. Miller has strongly denied the allegations. If he were to drop out, Ohio Republicans would have until Monday to name a new candidate. But, so far, Miller is refusing to back down. President Trump says he's not going to weigh in on whether Miller, who worked in the first Trump administration, should drop out or resign. However, several Republican lawmakers have called for Miller to step down, including his former father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno. Alex Isenstadt and Jessica Taylor join The Weekend to discuss the scandal that's plaguing the GOP. 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 8 2026; 7am: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General. Now, President Trump's former personal lawyer has become the head of the nation's chief law enforcement agency, while questions remain about whether his focus is on defending the rule of law or continuing to defend his former client. Sabrina Siddiqui, National Politics Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, and MS NOW Political Analyst Kimberly Atkins-Stohr 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.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 2, 2026, 8 AM; The race in Michigan is not only a battle for a Senate seat in a swing state, one that very well may determine control of the chamber next year, but it's also emblematic of the fight inside a divided Democratic Party. Democratic voters will decide between Rep. Haley Stevens, the establishment favorite, and progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Tuesday's winner will head to the November election against former Rep. Mike Rogers, the presumptive Republican nominee who is running unopposed. El-Sayed joined The Weekend to discuss his campaign and react to attacks waged against him by his opponent. 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 2 2026; 7am: President Trump has once again pulled back from threats to escalate US strikes in Iran, cancelling a planned attack that was expected this weekend, saying that Mideast allies reached the “perimeters of a deal” to end the war. Mara Karlin, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities in the Biden administration, 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 1, 2026, 9 AM; Eugene Daniels traveled to Chicago for the DSA's National Organizing Conference, where he sat down with members and got their insight on key issues and some things they say have been misrepresented in the media. 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 1, 2026, 8 AM; Interviews with dozens of people indicate"staggering fundraising and influence operation, with Trump at the center of it all," according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Trump has raked in $800 million dollars since returning to office, including $50 million from Japan's Softbank for his presidential library, $25 million from Apple for the Ballroom project, and a $10 million donation from Microsoft. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and Kevin Frey join The Weekend to discuss the report. 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 1, 2026; 7am: Yesterday at Camp David, President Trump defended the anti-weaponization fund he and his attorney general have said is dead, and blamed a Democratic governor for a water-supply attack U.S. officials say was likely carried out by Iran. As Americans continue to face higher prices at the pump and the grocery store, Trump has received all-time low approval ratings across multiple polls this week, with just one-third of voters approving the job that Trump is doing as president. Elise Labbott, host of Cosmopolitics on Substack, 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.

July 26, 2026; 9am: This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to decide whether to advance the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. All eyes are on two Republican committee members, Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, either of whom could tank Blanche's nomination. Meanwhile, Blanche's leadership continues to face scrutiny. Yesterday, a U.S. District Judge ordered the acting attorney general to submit to the judge unredacted copies of key Jeffrey Epstein related emails and documents along with evidence backing up the DOJ's claims that the original redactions were legitimate and followed the law under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Senator Cory Booker, a member of the Judiciary Committee, joins “The Weekend” to discuss. 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.

July 26, 2026, 8 AM; As the president prepares to rally in the battleground state of Michigan on Monday, early voting is happening now for the state's primary election scheduled to take place on August 4th. Earlier this month, Trump's Department of Justice sent letters to officials in three of Michigan's Democratic-leaning cities, including Detroit, detailing plans to have federal monitors observe voting during next month's primary. The Justice Department also warned several states, including Michigan, that they could face criminal action if they knowingly allow non-U.S. Citizens to vote or to remain on their voter rolls. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist 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.

July 26, 2026; 7am: As concerns continue to grow about the steps President Trump has taken to make it harder to vote, some of his actions are hitting roadblocks. Yesterday, an appeals court upheld a lower-court ruling blocking key parts of Trump's executive order that would restrict mail-in voting in 23 states. Tomorrow, President Trump is expected to rally in the crucial battleground state of Michigan. MS NOW political analyst Eugene Robinson and former DHS Chief of Staff Miles Taylor 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.

July 25, 2026; 9am: As the Iran war drags on in its fifth month, President Trump is weighing options to majorly intensify the war. He reportedly met with top advisers and senior cabinet members to consider his options yesterday and warned a “massive attack” is to come. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged to $100 a barrel this week, with the national average remaining over $4 a gallon per tank. Representative Ro Khanna of California 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.

July 25, 2026, 8 AM; 601 delegates are gathering in Bangor for a nominating convention to decide between the two remaining candidates: former State Senator Troy Jackson and bio-science CEO Saundra Pelletier. Each candidate will give a roughly 5-minute speech before the voting begins. Executive Director of Maine's Democratic Party Devon Murphy-Anderson 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.

July 25, 2026; 7am: It's round two of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, months after the first one was cut short by the shooting. Trump used the opportunity to take personal jabs at the press and Democrats, and made a 2028 presidential bid “joke.” Plus, Trump's speech comes amid efforts from his administration to threaten press freedoms. On Thursday, the Justice Department had to drop subpoenas it issued to New York Times reporters over security concerns about the new Air Force One gifted to Trump by the Qatari royal family. Vanity Fair Washington Correspondent Aidan McLaughlin, and MS NOW Senior White House Reporter Vaughn Hillyard, who was at last night's dinner, 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.

July 19, 2026; 9am: More than two dozen House Democrats met this week for a closed-door strategy session to map out how they would respond if President Trump tried to interfere in this year's midterms. House Democrats have told MS NOW that one fear they have is that Trump could be using the Save America Act as a pretext, and if the legislation fails, Trump could declare a state of emergency to make electoral rule changes. Congressman Joe Morelle of New York, who organized the meeting with House Democrats, joins “The Weekend” along with Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. 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.

July 19, 2026, 8 AM; But across the country, voters have more real-world concerns. With that in mind, Democrats are trying to win over voters, even in red states like Iowa, by focusing on the future and practical concerns. Former Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg was in the Hawkeye State and Florida this week holding events with Democratic candidates running for office there. He joined The Weekend to weighs in on the path forward for Democrats as we move ever-closer to the midterm elections. 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.

July 19, 2026; 7am: Thousands of Americans took to the streets to protest against ICE and the Trump administration's harsh immigration crackdown. The demonstrations come as Trump is urging ICE to keep up aggressive traffic-stop operations despite the recent deadly shootings. At the same time, Trump spent this week focused on reviving election conspiracy theories, laying out the groundwork to challenge midterm election results if Republicans lose. President of Media Matters, Angelo Carusone, 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.

July 18, 2026; 9am: Multiple fatal shootings involving ICE officers spark a major national day of action against Trump's immigration crackdown. In response to the shootings, the Department of Homeland Security paused ICE vehicle stops except in cases that involved serious criminal targets. However, President Trump reversed the order. Andrea Flores, former Department of Homeland Security and White House official, 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.

July 18, 2026, 8 AM; Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn continue to question whether the DOJ's controversial $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization" initiative is truly "dead," as Blanche has claimed. Blanche also met with Jeffrey Epstein survivors after Sen. Tillis made it a condition for Blanche to get his vote. Glenn Thrush and Ankush Khardori join The Weekend to discuss the latest on Blanche's confirmation hearing. 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.

July 18, 2026; 7am: President Trump packed his Thursday primetime address with false and misleading claims about U.S. election security. Trump unveiled documents he claimed provided definitive proof of widespread voter fraud, but many of those are directly undercut by the documents the White House released. Chief Washington Correspondent for MeidasTouch, Scott MacFarlane, and Jackie Lopez, partner with the Elias Law Group, join “The Weekend” to debunk some of his election conspiracies. 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.