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. Vice President JD Vance will not be traveling to participate in talks. 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.