Here's the Scoop

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians marched in the streets of Tehran today in a rally organized by the Iranian government to show a united front against the U.S. and Israel. NBC News international editor Babak Dehghanpisheh explains who those protesters are – and how Iranians are really feeling about the state of the war. Then, amid the recent rise of AI “doomerism,” Geoffrey Hinton, one of the so-called “godfathers of AI,” has said lawmakers have about a year to get the technology under control. But not everyone is in the doomer camp. Dr. Joanna Bryson, professor of ethics and technology at the Hertie School in Berlin, explains what the U.S. could learn from the E.U. and how government regulators could work collaboratively with companies to improve. Plus, a revealing new memoir by Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, is striking a nerve with the British royals. The Telegraph’s royal correspondent India McTaggart explains the allegations and Buckingham Palace’s highly unusual response. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House Speaker Mike Johnson abruptly canceled votes scheduled for today and sent representatives home early – ending the last session of Congress before the midterms. Johnson claims the House finished its business, but Democrats say it’s because Republicans are trying to sidestep a vote on a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. NBC News correspondent Julie Tsirkin breaks down why Massie’s resolution may have put the GOP on edge. Then, Canada is cozying up to Europe. Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke before the European Parliament this morning, after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the bloc’s first “associate member.” NBC News international reporter Matt Bodner explains what that designation would entail and what it could mean for the U.S. on the international stage. Finally, the animated sitcom “South Park” is back for Season 29 with its signature satire – and a new name. The Guardian’s Jesse Hassenger joins to talk about whether creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone will soften their political commentary after proving in Season 28 that a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount+ won’t tame them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump has been calling for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, but on Wednesday, new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh defied the president, announcing the first rate hike since 2023. NBC News business reporter Allie Canal explains why this decision came now and how American consumers could be affected. Then, the Trump administration is planning a $2.8 billion arms sale to Israel — including 40,000 heavy bombs — according to a U.S. official and a source familiar with the matter, which would be one of the largest deliveries of U.S. munitions to the country. NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake explains why the Biden administration had paused delivery of these bombs — and why Congress might not be able to stop it, despite changing public sentiment toward Israel. Plus, all of Ed Sheeran’s supporting acts and his house band have left his tour after rapper Macklemore was dropped for making a pro-Palestinian speech. NBC News senior breaking news reporter Doha Madani breaks down how New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is involved and why this controversy might boost Macklemore’s sales. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After months of legal back-and-forth about mail-in voting, the Supreme Court has blocked President Trump’s executive order restricting the practice. NBC News senior political reporter Jane C. Timm shares how states are responding – and why this may not be the end of the story on mail-in ballots. Then, the Environmental Protection Agency is rolling back a Biden-era rule placing limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, saying it will save the energy industry hundreds of billions of dollars. Bloomberg News Climate Reporter Zahra Hirji explains how this fits into the administration’s broader strategy of deprioritizing the fight against climate change – and what else could be coming down the pipeline. And finally, the AI safety issue is making some strange bedfellows. NBC News AI reporter Jared Perlo joins us from the Pro-Human Assembly, an AI risk conference in Washington, D.C., to explain why Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Trump ally Steve Bannon were back-to-back headlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI industry leaders like the CEOs of Anthropic and OpenAI have been responding to recent warnings about AI ending humanity by calling for collaboration among top companies and government regulators. NBC News chief Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles explains why Congress — just back from summer recess — is unlikely to pass meaningful AI legislation anytime soon. Then, Saudi Arabia has become a new target in the Iran war. Last week, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels took control of parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, opening up another front in the war — and cutting off alternative routes for oil exports in the region. NBC News international correspondent Matt Bradley explains how the economic and military pressure on Saudi Arabia could lead it to negotiate an independent deal with Iran. And finally, “The Pitt” and “Hacks” are among the shows expected to win big at this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards. But concerns about AI’s role in the industry – including whether it will replace screenwriters, animators or even actors – hangs over it all. NBC News entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas explains why AI actor Tilly Norwood may not be ready for primetime.Why Congress Isn’t Meeting the AI Moment And Why Saudi Arabia’s Oil Is a New Iran Target Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Midterm elections usually shake up power in Washington – and Democrats are hoping that will hold true in November. But will the "Trump effect" change that calculus? Welcome to Here’s the Scoop, Election Edition. Every Saturday until Election Day, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Garrett Haake will bring on newsmakers to discuss the themes, issues and key players shaping the 2026 midterms. This week, Garrett’s looking at how Republicans and Democrats are positioning themselves to keep or take control of Congress next year, respectively, and he's speaking with two people at the crux of those decisions: former White House deputy chief of staff James Blair and California Democratic congressman Pete Aguilar. Blair left the West Wing to run President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc. He’s got $400 million to spend, a president itching to hit the campaign trail and a plan to keep Republican majorities in Washington for two more years. Meanwhile, Aguilar’s role as chair of the House Democratic Caucus means he’s in charge of crafting the party's message as it faces tough polling, deeper GOP coffers and new congressional maps. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 attacks, a generation has grown up in the shadow of the event. To commemorate the anniversary, our guests reflect on how 9/11 affected their childhoods and how becoming parents or interacting with a younger generation has shifted their perspective. When Matthew John Bocchi lost his dad, an employee at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center, on 9/11, he was just 9 years old. In the aftermath, Bocchi became fixated on learning every detail of his dad’s death, and his trauma spiraled into drug abuse. He wrote about all of it in his memoir "Sway." Bocchi, now a father himself, reflects on how he celebrates his father’s life, why the historic event affected his childhood, and what his children and others struggling with mental health challenges and addiction can learn through his experience. Slate magazine writer Aymann Ismail was an 11-year-old at an Islamic private school in northern New Jersey when the Sept. 11 attacks happened. Now a father of two, Ismail talks about how his community reacted and was treated and how the post-9/11 experience has shaped his life and the lives of generations of Muslim Americans. At least a third of Americans alive today are not old enough to remember the events of 9/11. As we look to the future, Megan Jones, vice president of education programming at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, explains how her group helps a new generation of students and teachers understand why 9/11 has shaped the culture and politics of the world they have inherited. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The first ever Republican midterm convention is taking place this week in Texas. The GOP is hoping to motivate President Donald Trump’s base and less engaged voters to turn out in November — including by asking supporters to pretend Trump is “on the ballot.” NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake breaks down whether the convention is more likely to help or hurt the GOP’s chances of keeping their congressional majorities. Then, AI researcher Jacob Coxon went viral this week when he announced his resignation from Anthropic on social media by warning that the people building AI systems believe that they could lead to human extinction in the next decade — and are charging ahead anyway. NBC News AI reporter Jared Perlo explains why the “AI could kill us all” doomsayers could finally lead lawmakers in the U.S. to implement regulations on the industry. And the U.S. Open is headed to the semifinals with four Americans still competing across the men's and women’s tournaments. Can the American men finally end a decadeslong Grand Slam drought? And could there be an American sweep? Hall of Fame tennis coach Rick Macci previews what it will take. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. and Iran continue to trade attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent oil prices to about $100 a barrel. The U.S. and Iran are both dealing with domestic economic pressure, but NBC News international correspondent Matt Bradley explains why it’s not enough to get them back to the negotiating table. Then, hundreds of people with disabilities in Nebraska have had their Medicaid benefits slashed after the state began using an algorithm to assess financial need. NBC News senior investigative reporter Mike Hixenbaugh lays out the potential toll of these cuts on the families who rely on government funding to care for their loved ones. And Apple has a new phone — and a new chief. NBC News business and data correspondent Brian Cheung has the deets from the annual fall reveal, including the new foldable iPhone Duo and whether CEO John Ternus is ready to follow in the footsteps of Tim Cook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Primary season is almost over, but the races in New Hampshire could turn the tide for Democrats and Republicans in the fight for Senate control. For Republicans, it’s another test of President Donald Trump’s grip on the party, while Democrats' fight is between an establishment and a progressive candidate. NBC News chief data analyst Steve Kornacki breaks down those familiar midterm themes and explains how the calculus has changed for each party heading into the November election. Then, five years after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, Yasmin speaks to two young Afghan women about how they rebuilt their lives in the U.S. — and to NBC News' president of editorial, Rebecca Blumenstein, who helped make it happen. Rebecca details how The New York Times evacuated 124 members of its staff and family members and helped them build new lives in a book, co-authored with Diana Kapp, “The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan and Coming of Age in America,” out today. Finally, NBC News senior Hollywood reporter Rebecca Keegan takes us inside the surprise screening of Nathan Fielder’s documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, which is already getting awards buzz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy Labor Day! The annual celebration of American workers is rooted in the late 1800s, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday after technology introduced during the Industrial Revolution massively reorganized how people worked. Some say we’re seeing that reorganization again today, with the introduction of artificial intelligence. And just like back then, there are people who say AI will yield huge wins for the economy and prosperity – and others who are ringing alarm bells. Today on the show, Erik Brynjolfsson, professor and senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI and director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, helps us understand how the AI revolution is already reshaping the workforce and how you can prepare yourself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will Democrats retake the House, Senate and statehouses across the country this November — or will Republicans harness the “Trump effect” to defy history and hold on to power? How will issues like the economy, the war with Iran, America’s relationship with Israel and the rise of AI shape voter decisions? And where will the fight for power in Washington be decided? In Here’s the Scoop Election Edition, NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake invites newsmakers to discuss the themes, issues and key players shaping the 2026 midterms. Tune in every Saturday until Election Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The judge in the Lindsay Clancy murder case declared a mistrial today after the jury sent a third note to the court saying it was deadlocked. Clancy’s defense team tried to appeal to a higher court, but was almost immediately denied. What kept the jury from reaching a unanimous verdict? And what comes next for Lindsay Clancy? NBC News Legal Analyst Misty Marris explains. Then, we take a look at how private capital transformed youth sports into a $40 billion industry. New York Magazine contributing writer Caitlin Moscatello breaks down how the new playing field is impacting kids’ mental and physical health. Finally, we speak with the senior investigator on a new NYU Langone Health study which found that weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound may cause some men to lose their hair faster. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York City and Los Angeles school districts have launched moratoriums on AI in schools — in NYC through eighth grade, in L.A. including high school. WNYC education reporter Jessica Gould explains what’s in the New York ban and how it fits into a wider pushback against technology in schools nationwide. Then, Ukrainians are living under the most intense Russian bombardment since the war began. NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel visits a maternity hospital and a school near the Russian border that have been forced to operate underground. Finally, we remember the legacy of writer, activist and feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who has died at 92. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has ramped back up this week. Iranian officials have accused the U.S. military of striking a wedding party in Kuhestak, in the southern part of the country, Tuesday night, killing at least four people and injuring dozens more. U.S. Central Command is investigating, according to a U.S. official, who said the military had been conducting strikes in the vicinity. NBC News international editor Babak Dehghanpisheh breaks down why the U.S. military may have targeted Kuhestak and what the recent exchanges of fire reveal about the current stage of the war. Then, we’re continuing our look at the new power players shaping this year’s elections. This week: political megadonors. A New York Times analysis showed that the top 20 contributors have already poured $1.2 billion into contests this cycle — and that they’re mostly aligned with Republican interests. New York Times reporter Teddy Schleifer explains why billionaires are funneling so much money to the right and whether that could change if Democrats retake control of Congress in November. And the U.S. Open doubles matches may be the hottest ticket in tennis. After a hugely successful mixed doubles tournament last week, Venus and Serena Williams are teaming up in the women’s draw. Matthew Futterman, senior tennis writer for The Athletic, explains the growing fanbase in the format and how players are changing the narrative around age. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Search teams in the Grand Canyon are still looking for at least one unaccounted person after rescuing dozens from deadly flash floods that swept through the national park, leaving behind a trail of destruction and killing two people. Now there are questions about whether the flood warning systems in place were working properly, and whether the park service did enough to alert hikers to potential risks. NBC News correspondent Dana Griffin is on the ground in Arizona. Then, Israeli settlers in the West Bank have been targeting Palestinian families in recent weeks, trying to force them out of their homes. Over the weekend, an NBC News crew and the Palestinian woman they were interviewing were attacked by a group of masked settlers. NBC News international correspondent Matt Bradley explains how this fits into a larger pattern of Israeli settler violence and what the government is doing to rein it in. Finally, a jury in Nevada has convicted Duane “Keffe D” Davis of first-degree murder in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. The Ringer senior staff writer Joel Anderson reflects on Tupac’s legacy, as the 30-year saga comes to a close. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As oil and gas prices continue to be driven by the war with Iran, President Donald Trump has announced an oil deal with Venezuela, which would give the U.S. roughly 65 billion barrels of the country’s oil reserves. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez touted the deal as an economic growth opportunity for Venezuela. But NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake explains why it won’t bring U.S. prices down anytime soon. Then, in Nepal, more than 900 people have been confirmed dead and thousands are still missing from last week’s catastrophic flash floods, including dozens of Americans, according to the U.S. State Department. NBC News correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer shares stories of survivors and the ongoing rescue efforts of people searching frantically for loved ones. Finally, former Rep. George Santos has been ousted again — this time from Kalshi. Wall Street Journal reporter Brian Schwartz explains why the prediction market platform is accusing Santos of insider trading on the State of the Union. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s been six months since the U.S. and Israel launched the Iran war, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and thousands of people, bringing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to a halt and depleting American weapons stockpiles. NBC News contributor Hooman Majd looks at why the U.S. strategy hasn’t worked – and why Iranians aren’t rising up against their country’s new leadership. Plus, the sports betting industry has become the third-largest corporate donor in this year’s midterm elections, behind tech and crypto, according to Reuters. In Georgia, where sports betting is illegal, a super PAC funded by the industry has spent millions in state legislative races. Greg Bluestein, chief political reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, explains what they hope to achieve by playing an outsize role in Georgia politics. Then, the U.S. Open begins this weekend in New York City with a lot of uncertainty around the top contenders. Can Carlos Alcaraz defend his title as he returns from injury? Will Aryna Sabalenka lose her World No. 1 ranking? Will the stands erupt when Venus and Serena Williams take the court? Matthew Futterman, senior tennis writer for The Athletic, previews the potential chaos at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Devastating flash floods and mudslides wreaked havoc along the Nepal-China border this week, leaving hundreds dead and more than 1,000 missing. More than 500 foreigners are among the missing, including, by one estimate, roughly 65 Americans. NBC News correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer explains why the destruction happened without warning and what role climate change may have played. Then, jury deliberations are underway in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, who killed her three young children. While Clancy doesn’t dispute the killings, her defense team is arguing that she shouldn’t be held criminally responsible because she was experiencing postpartum psychosis. But the prosecution insists she acted intentionally and deliberately. As the jury weighs a set of complex outcomes, NBC News legal analyst Misty Marris breaks down what evidence and testimony from the five-week trial could be key to reaching a verdict. Finally, 2026 could be the year of the foldable phone. Samsung and Google already have models on the market, and Apple is reportedly planning to drop its version in September. But are consumers willing to shell out $2,000 for a little extra screen? NBC News chief tech analyst Joanna Stern explains why the phones have appeal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, just agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle a multistate lawsuit over teen social media addiction. While Meta denies wrongdoing, it has agreed to make changes on its platforms for younger users, like time limits and disabling “like” counts. But will those protections be enough? And will other social media companies follow suit? NBC News tech reporter David Ingram breaks down the terms of the deal. Then, Sen. Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsay Graham, won South Carolina’s GOP primary runoff Tuesday, despite questions about her lack of political experience and foreign policy expertise. NBC News chief Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles analyzes why President Donald Trump had to campaign so aggressively for Graham to notch the victory. Plus, the WNBA’s season has been roiled by a debate around transgender athletes in women’s sports. NBC News sports reporter Andrew Greif explains how it all boiled over at a recent game and why the WNBA has become a cultural lightning rod. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.