The Weekend

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.

May 3, 2026; 9am:  It’s been a long week of the Justice Department and Supreme Court enabling Trump’s autocratic moves. From the massive blow against the Voting Rights Act, to yet another James Comey probe, the enablers’ actions from this week will be felt for generations. Eric Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and now chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting 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.

May 3, 2026, 8 AM ; GOP super PAC "Americans for Prosperity Action" is warning the party’s Senate majority is at risk -- and is calling on Republicans to focus on the cost of living in their messaging. One state where this is being tested is Ohio, which holds its primary elections on Tuesday, including in a closely watched Senate special race for the seat formerly held by JD Vance. Republican incumbent Jon Husted, who was appointed to the seat, is running unopposed for his party’s nomination. The Democratic favorite is former Senator Sherrod Brown, who has long centered his political career on the working class and economic issues. Republicans seem worried that Democrats could be competitive here in November, even in a state that Trump has carried three times. Kimberly Atkins-Stohr and Jackie Kucinich join The Weekend to discuss how President Trump's low approval ratings may cause an uphill battle for Republicans in the midterms. 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 3, 2026; 7am:  President Trump said he is reviewing Iran’s latest peace plan, but has already implied the proposal will be dead on arrival. Plus, a senior foreign diplomat who’s been linked to negotiations told MS NOW contributor Inzamam Rashid that officials are bracing for further conflict, saying Iran is “preparing to be attacked again.” Former Senior Pentagon Official Katherine Thompson and Host of Cosmopolitics, Elise Labott, join “The Weekend” to discuss what’s next. 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 2, 2026, 9 AM ; Trump’s claim came on what was the 60-day deadline for him to gain approval from Congress to continue the war with Iran. Meanwhile, in his first Capitol Hill appearances since the start of the war, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was grilled about a host of issues, including the cost of the war, which the Pentagon put at $25B dollars over two months. Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton joins The Weekend to discuss Hegseth's testimony to congress and the conflict's mounting price tag. 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 2, 2026, 8 AM; In the name of disentangling race from voting, the Supreme Court has made it virtually impossible for Black voters to challenge gerrymandered congressional maps. For decades, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act acted as a guardrail, preventing Southern legislatures from carving Black voters out of political power. Within hours of that ruling, states across the South began moving to redraw their maps ahead of the midterms. President and CEO of Democracy Forward Skye Perryman and Melissa Murray join The Weekend to discuss how this will affect voting and the midterms. 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 2, 2026; 7am: Demonstrators poured into the streets across the country yesterday for May Day protests, billed as "Workers over Billionaires." Organizers say more than 3,300 events took place in American cities from coast to coast, where protesters called for peace, higher wages, and better working conditions. MS NOW Contributor David Drucker and USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page 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.

April 26, 2026; 9am:  Members of Congress are reacting to the shooting that unfolded at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Representative Suhas Subramanyam joins “The Weekend” to share his experience. 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.

April, 26 2026, 8 AM; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney were among the first to condemn the violence. Former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland, who was present at the event, joined The Weekend to discuss to discuss her experience.  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.

April 26, 2026; 7am: A suspect is now in custody following gunfire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last night. Police say 31-year-old Cole Allen of California charged at a Secret Service checkpoint armed with multiple weapons. He was tackled by agents at the scene and was taken to a nearby hospital. 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.

April, 25 2026, 9 AM; Instead of a comedian, this year’s dinner will feature mentalist Oz Pearlman, who is known for his mind-reading tricks that have made him a viral sensation. Pearlman could give us a glimpse into what is on the mind of not only the journalists in the room, but maybe President Trump himself. He joins "The Weekend" to discuss the White House Correspondents' Dinner and to show off a few of his tricks  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.

April, 25 2026, 8 AM; They will consider a new congressional map that could net Republicans three to five seats in this year's midterm elections. This comes after voters in Virginia narrowly approved a new congressional map that will allow Democrats to pick up as many as four new seats. President Donald Trump started this fight last year after successfully pushing red states Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina to redraw their congressional maps to create more Republican- friendly seats. Republicans were ecstatic about those rigged maps until the Democrats fought back, secured wins, and put MAGA's hypocrisy in the spotlight. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the redistricting war between both parties. 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.

April 25, 2026; 7am: This morning, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading back to Islamabad, Pakistan for another round of peace talks. Iran says it will not engage in direct talks with the United States and will instead convey its position through Pakistani officials. MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid joins “The Weekend” from Dubai to discuss the latest. Then, Former Senior U.S. Diplomat Alan Eyre and Bloomberg White House Reporter Kate Sullivan join 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.

April 19, 2026; 9am: Yesterday, protesters came out to stand against what they call inhumane conditions at an immigrant detention center in Dilley, Texas - the country's only detention center for families. Plus, Minnesota officials formally charged an ICE agent with assault over his actions during "Operation Metro Surge". Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison 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.

April 19, 2026; 8am: President Trump renewed threats to Iran as he announced the U.S. will be going to Islamabad tomorrow for negotiations. The Weekend’s Jackie Alemany spoke by phone with President Donald Trump on his just-announced peace talks with Iran. Over the phone, he told Alemany that the American negotiators will be U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and also Vice President JD Vance will not be traveling to participate in talks. This was before two senior U.S. officials told MS Now that Vance in fact would lead the U.S. delegation. 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.

April 19, 2026; 7am: Democratic stars held events in Michigan and Georgia this weekend to build momentum for the 2028 midterms. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Whitmer, Senator Cory Booker, and Governor Andy Beshear spoke at fundraising events in Detroit. Senator Jon Ossoff took direct aim at the Trump Administration during a campaign rally in Augusta, GA. Meanwhile, reporting suggests Republicans are growing increasingly worried about the midterms amid recent polling. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan 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.

April, 18 2026, 9 AM; Prosecutors have charged Agent Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. with two counts of second degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Morgan Jr. allegedly pointed his firearm at two civilians in their vehicle after they cut him off. The charges come as Minnesota officials are already investigating 17 incidents involving federal agents, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the charges and the presence of ICE in her 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.

April, 18 2026, 8 AM; Palermo, who worked as the institution’s first curator of Visual Arts and special programming, joins The Weekend to discuss the report and dive deeper into his claims. 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.

April 18, 2026; 7am: President Trump has said Iran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz, but this morning, Iranian officials announced that restrictions in the Strait will be reimposed, warning that the passage through the waterway will remain blocked until the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. Trump has said repeatedly that the blockade will continue until a peace deal is reached. MS NOW Senior National Security Reporter David Rohde, Former CIA Director John Brennan, and Axios White House Reporter Marc Caputo 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.

April 12, 2026; 9am: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse are speaking out after Melania Trump's impromptu speech on Epstein this week. A group of survivors released a statement accusing the First Lady of “shifting the burden” onto them. Haley Robson, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, 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.

 April 12, 2026, 8am; During an evening prayer service on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for peace and called out those using God’s name to justify violence, saying, “It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive. Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.” His remarks follow weeks of President Trump and his administration injecting religion into their messaging on the war. Professor Anthea Butler joins “The Weekend” to discuss the growing tensions between the Vatican and Washington. 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.

April 12, 2026; 7am: Vice President JD Vance said late Saturday that 21 hours of peace talks in Pakistan between the United States and Iran had failed to produce an agreement. President Trump says it does not matter if the talks produced an agreement. MS NOW Political Analyst Richard Stengel and Nancy Youssef, 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.

April, 11 2026, 9 AM; The rare public appearance caught many White House staffers off guard according to a White House official, including President Donald Trump. Yet, there's still no clear reason why the First Lady decided to make her statement now, or why she felt it was the time to call on Congress to hold a public hearing for Epstein’s survivors, especially as her husband has repeatedly called the Epstein controversy a “Democrat hoax.” Former W.H. Communications Director Stephanie Grisham joins The Weekend to discuss the First Lady's actions and her denial of any close relationship with Epstein and Maxwell. 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.

April, 11 2026, 8 AM; They're offering a preview of what the '28 campaign season might look like for the Democratic hopefuls while sounding the alarm on President Trump's blatant attempts to interfere in the midterms. 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.

April 11, 2026; 7am: The United States and Iran are in Pakistan to work out a ceasefire deal. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the talks, is accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Just last night, the president warned that the U.S. will open the Gulf “with or without” Iran. Sky News International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn joins us from the region to share the latest. Then, Former Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith and MS NOW Security Analyst and Former Rear Admiral John Kirby 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.

April 5, 2026; 9am: President Trump continues to threaten Iran with “hell” if they don't agree to a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In his most recent post on Truth Social, the president dropped the f-bomb and pledged to attack power plants and bridges on Tuesday. This week, more than 100 international law experts wrote an open letter warning that U.S. strikes on Iran violate the UN charter and may be war crimes. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Dan Maurer and Retired Four-Star General Barry McCaffrey join “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.

April, 5 2026, 8 AM; Vice President JD Vance is heading to Hungary next week in what appears to be a show of support for prime Minister Viktor Orbán -- just days before the country's election. Hungary's leader of 16 years could be in real trouble, with polling showing that center-right candidate Peter Magyar is currently leading. President Trump has already endorsed Orbán, who has faced condemnation for his authoritarian actions. Anne Applebaum joins The Weekend to discuss what Vice President JD Vance's upcoming trip to Hungary, just days before its key election, has to do with voters back here in the United 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.

April 5, 2026; 7am: Details are emerging after a U.S. servicemember was found after ejecting from a fighter jet on Friday. According to the president and new reporting, the rescue mission involved hundreds of special forces, dozens of aircrafts, and various intelligence capabilities. President Trump reacted on Truth Social and shared the servicemember “sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.” MS NOW Senior National Security Reporter David Rohde, MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid, and MS NOW National Security and Intelligence Analysts Christopher O'Leary, and Marc Polymeropoulos 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.

April, 4 2026, 9 AM; We're learning new details on what this will mean for both the future of the Department of Justice and the White House. Bondi was a loyal foot soldier and fierce defender of Trump, but clearly, that was not enough. Sources say her failed prosecutions of Trump’s political opponents and the fallout from the Epstein files, played a big part in why she was ousted. The Atlantic reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick joins The Weekend to discuss what it means for the next candidate who will spearhead the DOJ and the possible purge of other Trump Administration officials. Democratic Congressional Candidate for Georgia's 14th District, Shawn Harris, also joins The Weekend to discuss the special election for the seat previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. 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.

April, 4 2026, 8 AM; The lawsuit comes in addition to a separate legal challenge filed by Democratic Party leadership, which also argues the President has no such authority to order his sweeping change to elections. It’s the opening salvo in what could become a major legal fight after the President doubled-down this week on false claims about mail-in voting, his favorite excuse for why he lost the 2020 election. Founder for the "Fair Fight" voting rights group and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams joins The Weekend to discuss the president's latest attacks on voting. 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.

April 4, 2026; 7am: The search for an American service member inside Iran enters a second day today. That missing service member is one of two crew members aboard a U.S. F-15 fighter jet shot down over southern Iran early yesterday. Iran is believed to have shot down a second plane yesterday. A U.S official told MS NOW American forces safely rescued the plane’s pilot after the aircraft went down near the Strait of Hormuz. As the U.S. continues its search for the missing service member, President Trump says this incident will not affect negotiations with Iran “at all.” MS NOW Reporter David Noriega joins “The Weekend” from Israel to share the latest. Then, Mark Mazzetti and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy Mara Karlin join to discuss conflicting messages from the White House. 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.

March 29, 2026; 9am: As the U.S.-Israel war against Iran enters its fifth week, The Washington Post reports the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations. While President Trump has yet to approve the plans, it comes as the U.S. Central Command said more than 3,500 U.S. forces arrived in the Middle East on Friday. Nancy Youssef, Staff Writer at The Atlantic and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Retired Commander of U.S. Army Europe, 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.

March, 29 2026, 8 AM; With Iran continuing to block the key Strait of Hormuz the price at the pump continues to climb closer to $4 a gallon. In fact the war has raised the price of everything from flights to fertilizer and food prices and even balloons for your kid's birthday party. Jared Bernstein joins The Weekend to discuss the financial burden the war is taking on Americans. 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.

March 29, 2026; 7am: Yesterday, massive “No Kings” protests swept across the nation, and organizers say at least 8 million people attended more than 3,300 demonstrations, with nearly half of them held in battleground states. What does this mean for the midterms? Former Congressman Joe Walsh and the President of Media Matters, Angelo Carusone, 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.

Organizers said the purpose is to stand up against President Donald Trump, his administration and his increasingly authoritarian policies. This will be the third “No Kings” protest of Trump’s second administration. While protests are set to begin in the U.S. Later this morning, protests overseas have already begun. Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the protest. 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.

March, 28 2026, 8 AM; The Trump administration is once again seeking a DOJ probe into one of Trump’s most vocal critics, New York Attorney General Letitia James, after the administration had already failed to prosecute her multiple times. In the same week the DOJ settled a lawsuit from trump ally Michael Flynn for a reported $1.2 million, despite the fact that Flynn pleaded guilty to misleading the FBI during its investigation. Former Federal Prosecutor Brendan Ballou joins The Weekend to discuss Trump's escalated retribution campaign. 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.

March 28, 2026; 7am:  Last night, the House of Representatives passed a short-term Republican proposal to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security after rejecting a deal passed unanimously by the Senate that would have funded most of DHS, except ICE. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says the House GOP bill is dead on arrival, and amid the standoff, President Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers as soon as Monday. MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor Michele Norris 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.

March, 22 2026, 9 AM; Democratic candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District Jack Schlossberg joins The Weekend in an exclusive interview to discuss his presentation that Profile in Courage award to Minneapolis residents. 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.

March 22, 2026; 8am: Organizers predict next week’s “No Kings” protests will be the largest in American history. One of the issues fueling the protests is Trump’s draconian immigration crackdown. Chief Political and Advocacy Officer for the ACLU, one of the organizations planning “No Kings” events this upcoming Saturday, Deirdre Schifeling, and Democratic strategist and senior advisor to the Harris-Walz campaign, Adrienne Elrod, 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.

March 22, 2026; 7am: The Senate has been working through the weekend to come up with a plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security. In an attempt to speed up that process, President Trump threatened to replace TSA officers with ICE agents as soon as Monday. Eli Stokols and 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.

March, 21 2026, 9 AM; Meanwhile – questions remain if U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will comply with the committee's subpoena to answer questions about the investigation. House Democrats stormed out of a last-minute closed-door briefing with Bondi this week. They say they were enraged by her refusal to commit to testifying under oath. Democrats also pressed Chairman James Comer on whether he’d compel Bondi’s testimony or seek to hold her in contempt, but Comer does not seem interested in that. Sen. Jeff Merkley joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the Epstein investigation. 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.

March 21, 2026; 8am: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard contradicts Trump’s claims about the war with Iran, including on whether Iran’s nuclear program posed an imminent threat, even as the White House used that as justification. At two separate hearings this week, she said it’s not her job to assess threats. John Brennan, Former Director of the CIA and MS Now Senior National Security and Intelligence Analyst, 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.

March 21, 2026; 7am: Overnight, Iran says its nuclear facility – the country’s largest enrichment site – has been hit in an airstrike. On Friday, President Trump said he was considering winding down military presence in the region. However, MS NOW reports the administration has doubled the number of United States troops deployed to the region. Josh Lederman, fellow at the Center for International Security Studies, and Alan Eyre, Former Senior U.S. Diplomat, 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.

March 15, 2026; 9am: This weekend, the U.S. has intensified airstrikes on Iran’s most important oil export terminal, Karg Island. Investors warn that additional action could plunge global oil markets into further chaos as the island exports roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil. U.S. Amos Hochstein, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources under President Biden, 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.

March, 15 2026, 8 AM; A recent NBC poll shows that the war has not fractured the MAGA base all that much, with 90% of MAGA-aligned republicans approving of the strikes on Iran. However, some prominent MAGA and conservative media figures are among those crying foul the loudest over the war. When it comes to republicans who don’t align with MAGA that number falls to 54 % in support of the attacks on Iran. David Drucker and Adam Serwer join The Weekend to discuss why some elected officials in the G.O.P are getting increasingly nervous about the iran war's impact on their election prospects in November. Makena Kelly also joins The Weekend to discuss the whistleblower report revealing how social security data may have been taken by a former doge employee to his new job. 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.