The Weekend

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.

July 12, 2026; 9am: On Wednesday, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is expected to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee in his hearing to become Trump’s next confirmed Attorney General. Founder and Executive Director of Justice Connection, Stacey Young, and MS NOW legal analyst and former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance join “The Weekend” to preview how it’s likely to go. 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 12, 2026; 8am: It has been a little more than three months since Blanche took the reigns at the Department of Justice after Trump’s last AG Pam Bondi was fired, reportedly in part due to Trump’s growing frustration with the pace of prosecutions against his perceived political rivals. In just that short time Blanche has shown his willingness to allow his former client to assert himself, as Trump has repeatedly declared, to be the chief law enforcement officer” of the U.S. Melissa Murray and Andrew Weissmann join The Weekend to discuss his confirmation 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.

July 12, 2026; 7am: His office confirmed the senator "passed away from a brief and sudden illness." Senator Graham served in the House of Representatives for eight years before winning his senate seat in 2002. He briefly ran for the 2016 Republican nomination for president where he was very critical of Donald Trump, saying that the GOP would "get destroyed" if they made Trump the nominee. Senator Graham later became one of President Trump's top allies and defenders in congress. Graham was chair of the Senate Budget Committee, and was a hawk when it came to foreign policy. He had just returned from a trip to Kyiv, where he met with President Zelenskyy on Friday. 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 11, 2026; 9am: He submitted paperwork to remove his name from the ballot yesterday, clearing the way for Maine's Democratic party to replace him. On Wednesday, Platner announced that he was suspending his campaign after a woman he dated accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021 - an allegation he denied as "false." As Democrats race to select a new nominee by the July 27th state deadline, which they will do through a nominating convention on July 25th, the fallout is reigniting a debate over how political leaders are held accountable. Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky join The Weekend to discuss the Maine race and political accountability. 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 11, 2026; 8am: Gas prices are poised to climb again as the conflict with Iran escalates. Moody's chief economist estimates the average household has already spent roughly $1,000 more because of the war. And Trump refused to sign a bi-partisan housing bill that became law anyway at midnight. It's one of the few measures that would actually help with the affordability crisis. But Trump refused to sign it in protest over Republican refusal to pass his voter restriction bill, the SAVE America Act. As those challenges mount, the President and his friends have devoted increasing attention to something else entirely: tributes to Donald Trump and his pet projects. New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan and authors of “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump,” join The Weekend to break down the ongoing chaos at the White House and the President's fixation on his vanity projects instead of voter issues. 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 5, 2026; 9am: With Republicans drawing more favorable congressional maps ahead of the midterms, Democrats will likely need a strong turnout advantage to win back the House. Early signs show the redistricting fight may be energizing voters more than Republicans expected. In South Carolina's recent runoff elections, early voting reached levels typically seen only in presidential years. In South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District, represented by Rep. James Clyburn, turnout jumped by more than 50 percent, despite an uncontested primary. That surge was driven largely by Black voters, who make up roughly 60 percent of registered Democrats in South Carolina.  Representative Al Green, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, 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.

July 5, 2026; 8am: He and his family could find themselves under intense scrutiny if Democrats win big in November's midterms. As Axios reports, Democrats are planning a serious of subpoenas intent on exposing what has become the most lucrative presidency in American history. Democrats may also investigate people in Trump's orbit over a myriad of corruption allegations involving Trump's crypto empire, his sons' investments in defense companies seeking federal contracts, and billions of dollars worth of investments in Saudi real estate projects. Author Megan Gorman joins The Weekend to discuss the president’s finances. 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 5, 2026; 7am: After being delayed by severe weather, President Trump delivers a patriotic and yet partisan speech to mark America's 250th birthday hours after masked white supremacists march in the nation's Capitol. MS NOW’s Eddie Glaude Jr. and Michele Norris 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 4, 2026; 9am: Burns examines the idea of democracy and its role during the revolution. He also discusess his next project and what, if anything, he considers off limits. 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 4, 2026, 8 AM; An intelligence official tells MS NOW that the individuals fired by the Trump Administration are officials “who they believe are deep state” and who leadership alleges have not provided complete pictures of available intelligence. The latest move comes just two weeks after Pulte's takeover of the agency and his decision to cut six political appointees put in place by former Director, Tulsi Gabbard.  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 4, 2026; 7am: On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the United States, President Trump delivered a political speech at Mount Rushmore. Instead of delivering a unifying message about the country's future, the president devoted much of his remarks to warning against a renewed communist threat in the United States, calling for political opponents to be "sent into exile," and pushing his SAVE America Act. Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley and Anne Applebaum, staff writer for The Atlantic, 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 28, 2026; 9am: Meanwhile, he has fixated on his own pet projects like his reflecting pool makeover and his White House ballroom, which the Washington Post reports will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars despite the president insisting that it would come at no cost to the American taxpayer. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) joins The Weekend to discuss the current economic concerns and the president's on-going vanity projects. 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 28, 2026; 8am: In one case dealing with the Epstein files, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was ordered to comply with the Epstein files transparency act and release unredacted versions of several files by next Thursday or explain why so many documents are still heavily redacted. In another case regarding the DOJ's so called “anti-weaponization” fund, a federal judge said a lawsuit challenging its creation would proceed given the agency's continued refusal to confirm in writing what Blanche has said publicly, which is that the fund is dead. In normal times, a federal court would not be necessary to see the DOJ fulfill its role but as we all know, this is anything but normal times. Andrew Weissmann joins The Weekend to discuss how judges are checking those extraordinary actions. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. 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 28, 2026; 7am: Trump is becoming his own worst enemy, hurting his agenda and his party with his fixation on things like vanity projects and non-existent voter fraud, while ignoring real concerns like inflation. Plus, Trump scrapped a planned signing of a bipartisan housing bill and demanded Congress pass the Save America Act, which would target federal elections. MS NOW political analyst Eugene Robinson 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.

June 27, 2026; 9:00 am: The ruling could cause the hundreds of thousands of children born in the U.S. each year to undocumented parents or those with temporary status to not receive automatic U.S. citizenship. If the Justices side with the administration it would mark one of the biggest victories yet for Trump's mass deportation agenda. Paola Ramos joins The Weekend to discuss how this will affect  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 27, 2026; 8am: After four Senate Republicans sided with Democrats on a War Powers Resolution to limit the President's authority in Iran, Trump reportedly berated those Senators during a closed-door lunch on Wednesday. The next day Senate Republicans rejected a similar measure. former Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) and former Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) join The Weekend to discuss Trump's standoff with the members of the Senate 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.

June 27, 2026; 7am: This week, President Trump cancelled a big bipartisan signing event on Capitol Hill for a bill that would make housing more affordable in this country. As lawmakers were gathering for the event, Trump said he would not sign it unless Congress passed his big voter suppression bill, the Save America Act. This comes after two federal judges blocked Trump’s executive orders trying to restrict the use of mail-in ballots. Kimberly Atkins Stohr and David Drucker join The Weekend to weigh in on how this could actively hurt the Republican party's chances in November. 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 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; 8am: 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 21, 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; 9am: 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; 8am: 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.