Here's the Scoop

Heading into Election Day, most polls indicate that Democrats are likely to take control of Congress. But with only slim leads in several key Senate races, could late surprises in Michigan and Alaska change that calculation? NBC News chief Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles breaks down which recent developments could end up moving the needle — and what states he’ll be watching to read the election tea leaves as polls close tomorrow night.

Plus, what’s motivating Americans at the ballot boxes? NBC News teams have been traveling all over the country, speaking to voters about why they’re showing up this year.

And lastly, there will be an unprecedented number of poll watchers – Republican, Democratic and nonpartisan – observing this year’s elections. NBC News senior reporter Jane C. Timm explains why they’re there and what they’re allowed to do.

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Election Day is just days away. In the final episode of "Here’s the Scoop, Election Edition," Garrett Haake brings in three of NBC News’ top political minds: senior national politics reporter Jon Allen, national politics reporter Bridget Bowman and chief Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles. Together, they dig into the standout moments from the 2026 midterm campaigns, key factors driving voters’ decisions at the ballot box, the races they’ll be watching on election night and what the results could mean for 2028 presidential hopefuls.

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The Israeli election results are in, and neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his opponent, Gadi Eisenkot, has enough seats for a majority government. And they’ve both pledged not to form a coalition with Arab-majority parties, which nearly doubled their representation. NBC News international correspondent Matt Bradley breaks down how these results could shape the upcoming coalition-building process.

Also, award-winning author Min Jin Lee’s new novel, "American Hagwon," tackles the increasingly competitive, expensive and stressful education system through the lens of a South Korean family striving to help their kids get ahead. She joins "Here's the Scoop" to discuss how she thinks we can reimagine education and the importance of family in bridging the gap.

Plus, many people are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for information on candidates, ballot measures and even polling locations ahead of the midterm elections. NBC News AI reporter Jared Perlo explains how a new, nonpartisan AI-powered app, VoteMate, is hoping to help voters and stop the spread of election misinformation.

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The New York Times reported this week that top aides from Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign were involved in recruiting a second Dan Sullivan to run for Senate against the GOP incumbent Dan Sullivan to confuse voters. Peltola’s campaign has denied any involvement. NBC News senior political reporter Jane Timm explains why legal experts say the alleged scheme is unethical, but not unlawful.

Michigan’s Senate race is taking an ugly turn as Republicans hurl racist and Islamophobic attacks against Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed. NBC News national politics reporter Allan Smith explains how the rhetoric is shaping the campaign’s final stretch.

Lastly, food delivery giant DoorDash just announced plans to buy Instacart, the service that brings groceries straight to your door. Will this $17 billion acquisition help bring your take-out costs down? NBC News business and economy reporter Allie Canal breaks down the impacts of the merger.

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Two high-speed trains collided in central Spain this morning, killing at least 68 people and injuring dozens more, according to Spanish authorities. It’s the second deadly train crash on the Madrid-Seville line this year. NBC News foreign correspondent Raf Sanchez shares the details surrounding the accident and how authorities are responding to the growing safety concerns about the country’s railways.

Plus, the family of Alex Pretti, the ICU nurse who was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year, is accusing the federal government of not following the correct legal procedures in the investigation into his killing. Minnesota NBC affiliate KARE-11 anchor Jana Shortal details the concerns about transparency and why the Pretti family has chosen to speak out now.

Finally, author and podcaster Mel Robbins’ “let them” theory has become a mantra for her 40 million followers in the self-help space. Robbins goes deep with Yas about how a life crisis in her early 40s helped fuel her success – and why she hopes listeners have grace with themselves.

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The Justice Department has filed charges against former FBI director James Comey, alleging he mishandled classified information in October 2016. But Comey insists he’s innocent and his legal team says the statute of limitations has run out on the case. NBC News senior legal correspondent Laura Jarrett explains how these latest charges fit into the Trump administration’s broader efforts to go after Comey and other perceived political enemies.

AI giant Anthropic, the developer behind Claude, is about to go public in what could be one of the biggest stock debuts in history. In their IPO filing, the company disclosed that the company hasn’t turned an annual profit, and warned about existential risks with AI. So is this AI bubble ready to burst? NBC News business and economy reporter Allie Canal has the details.

The “romantasy” craze is resurrecting the midnight book release. NBC News national reporter Alicia Lozano explains why readers are cosplaying and staying up late to celebrate the latest installment of Sarah J. Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses.”

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Israelis are gearing up to vote in the country’s first nationwide elections since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. NBC News international correspondent Matt Bradley explains how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dealing with pressure from his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, over national security, the economy and ongoing settler violence in the West Bank.

Plus, crowds of supporters welcomed Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado back to the country after 11 months in exile. Reporter Ana Vanessa Herrero, who is based in Caracas, explains whether her return will pressure the government to hold new elections.

Finally, a new Netflix documentary series, “The One About Matthew Perry,” explores the “Friends” actor’s life and struggles with addiction. The documentary’s director, Mary Robertson, shares Perry’s legacy, in addition to his role as Chandler Bing.

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Could the backlash to artificial intelligence and data centers decide control of Congress? NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake sits down with Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., to talk about his proposals for mitigating AI-related job losses, banning political deepfakes, and establishing government oversight and regulation despite pushback from the Trump administration. Then, NBC News national politics reporter Allan Smith details how the opposition to data centers has been reshaping campaigns and races across the country, scrambling traditional party lines. Plus, we look at which candidates are trying to stake a claim in AI ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

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Reports that AI agents are taking over our bank accounts, hacking into our personal data and shutting humans out of their systems have been in the news this week. On the other hand, an AI tool helped detect a critical vulnerability online. So should we feel worried or optimistic? NBC News AI reporter Jared Perlo dives deep.

Then, the resignation of leading Make America Healthy Again figure Calley Means as a senior adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is revealing MAHA-sized cracks in President Donald Trump's coalition. NBC News correspondent Julie Tsirkin explains why some MAHA activists feel the administration has fallen short on key promises, and why both parties are now vying for MAHA support in the midterms.

Finally, it’s Game 1 of the World Series … with the Milwaukee Brewers facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays. NBC News sports reporter Andrew Greif breaks down how these smaller-market teams were able to beat out richer rivals and why upcoming labor negotiations about salary caps could lead to a lockout ahead of the 2027 MLB season.

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Top Democrats have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block it from usurping states’ authority in conducting elections. NBC News senior political reporter Jane C. Timm explains how this is connected to a Justice Department lawsuit against California over mail-in ballot counting and how unusual it is for the department to bring litigation right before an election.

Then, Netflix has laid off around 1,000 employees and reshuffled its top creative team amid a slowdown in revenue growth. NBC News senior Hollywood reporter Rebecca Keegan explains how the streaming giant is positioning itself against competitors, including YouTube and the newly merged Skydance.

Finally: No packages. No credit card bill. Just the thrill of online shopping. NBC News chief consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen helps us unbox a new trend from South Korea: fake online stores designed to deliver the dopamine rush of buying — without the cost.

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U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” on Wednesday, after Russia released a retired American teacher who’s been in custody since 2022. John Herbst, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, breaks down whether this really was a gesture of good faith by Putin and how this softening of U.S.-Russia relations could affect the war in Ukraine.

Next, the race for governor in Ohio is getting personal. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has claimed responsibility for an attack ad against his opponent, Democrat Amy Acton, that features her estranged mother. NBC News senior national politics reporter and Ohio native Henry J. Gomez explains the response in the state and how the ad could actually backfire against Ramaswamy.

Plus, an NBC News analysis found that some students had viewed thousands of YouTube videos during school hours last year. NBC News national reporter Tyler Kingkade describes why parents are raising the alarm about screen time in school.

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A burgeoning separatist movement in Canada’s Alberta province was squelched this week after 75% of voters chose to remain part of Canada. Mickey Djuric, a politics and policy reporter for Politico Canada, explains how the movement grew in the conservative oil-rich province and what the outcome of the vote means for Prime Minister Mark Carney as he navigates tensions with President Donald Trump.

The new documentary “You Can See Everything” about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is smashing box office records, after pulling in $15 million in its opening weekend and earning rave reviews from critics. WIRED Global Editorial Director Katie Drummond shares what she learned from her cover-story interview with the elusive co-director Nathan Fielder and explains how the Theranos scandal influenced the way journalists cover today’s AI boom.

Plus, the NBA season tips off today and basketball fans already have questions: Will the NY Knicks be able to fend off Lebron James’ 76ers and a stronger-than ever all-star Eastern Conference? Will the Thunder and the Spurs continue to dominate the West? Mike Tirico, NBC Sports NBA play-by-play voice, gives his full-season preview and predictions.

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President Trump’s approval ratings have hit a new second-term low, based on the latest polling from the NBC News Decision Desk, and 71% of Americans say they think the country is on the wrong track. But how much will this negative public sentiment hurt Republicans in the midterms? NBC News chief data analyst Steve Kornacki explains what pollsters might be missing as we approach the midterms.

In France, violent protests erupted in cities across the country this weekend. NBC News foreign correspondent Raf Sanchez explains how student-led protests over school conditions grew into nationwide demonstrations, and how the turmoil is already playing a role in the country’s upcoming presidential elections.

Then, the 21st book in the beloved “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series is hitting bookshelves on Oct. 20. Author Jeff Kinney explains why he’s taking on bullying and why his main character Greg’s frown on the front cover has helped the series become a global success in the past two decades.

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Iowa overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump in 2024 — and Republicans hold all of the state’s congressional seats. But rising fuel costs, tariffs and growing voter frustration over the war with Iran have made the Hawkeye State one of the most closely watched battlegrounds of the midterms. This week, “Here’s the Scoop Election Edition” host Garrett Haake sits down with Iowa state representative and Democratic Senate nominee Josh Turek, a Paralympic gold medalist and former Republican who's betting that his brand of "common-sense prairie populism" can win over independents, farmers and working-class voters. Then, longtime Republican strategist and Iowa insider David Kochel explains how GOP candidates are trying to establish independence from the White House and what he'll be watching for on election night.

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Families in Bend, Oregon, are reeling after a 16-year old gunman killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday, and critically injured two others. NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz explains why the shooting has sparked a debate about Oregon’s gun laws. Plus, a new documentary about Elon Musk, including interviews with Musk’s family members, colleagues and some of the women he’s been involved with, opens on Friday. Former right-wing influencer Ashley St. Clair discusses why she didn’t sign an NDA worth millions after she had Musk’s son, and what her time with him revealed about how Musk wields power. Then, the WNBA Finals start this weekend, with the Atlanta Dream taking on the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco. LaChina Robinson, host of “WNBA Showtime” on NBC and Peacock, previews the matchup and how the growing league is capitalizing on this season’s growth.

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Just weeks before the midterm elections, federal agents searched the home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., seizing her phone and issuing around a dozen subpoenas, two people familiar with the DOJ investigation told NBC News. NBC News senior justice reporter Ryan J. Reilly explains how the move fits into a broader trend of the DOJ going after President Trump’s perceived political enemies and why it’s so unusual to launch this kind of probe right before an election.

Then, Cleo Abram is a video journalist and the host of the widely popular YouTube series “HUGE* if true” and “HUGE* conversations,” where she looks at the potential and the solutions offered by science and technology. Cleo talks about why she’s still a tech optimist in light of growing AI doomerism and how her interviews with industry leaders have shaped her perspective on security and regulation.

Lastly, we wade into the internet’s favorite controversy this week: singer and TV personality Kelly Clarkson’s social media fight with a Brooklyn shop over a mechanical bird. NBC News entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas spills the tea on the back-and-forth – and why the bird is now going for $15 million.

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Consumer prices are up 3.7% from a year ago, according to the latest inflation numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s largely driven by gas prices, which rose 9.1% in September. NBC News chief Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles breaks down how the GOP is dealing with rising inflation as early voters head to the polls. Plus, Ukraine says that Elon Musk’s SpaceX limited critical Starlink internet access and that some allies didn’t share key intel ahead of attacks, making the country more vulnerable to Russian assaults. NBC News national security and global affairs reporter Dan De Luce discusses whether Ukraine is being cut off from key allies as President Donald Trump’s attitude toward Russia softens. Finally, the Vatican said that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and that he is recovering after surgery Tuesday. NBC News Vatican analyst Deborah Lubov joins us from Rome to discuss Leo’s transparency about his condition and how Catholics are responding.

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Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned from her post as U.S. Ambassador to Greece, after being accused of asking a Trump donor for $100K in exchange for access to the president and taking luxury trips from Greek tycoons, all of which she denies. NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake explains why the White House called for her to step down now and what’s next for the longtime Trump loyalist.

Then, Americans are finding it harder to put food on the table – and more are relying on food banks. An NBC survey of 90 of the largest food banks across the country found that nearly three-quarters were serving more people this year, while 4 out of 5 said they were getting less food and funding from the government. NBC News senior policy reporter Shannon Pettypiece shares how food pantry workers in rural West Virginia are managing the shortages.

Lastly, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any advanced economy – even though it spends the most on healthcare. Former supermodel Christy Turlington Burns joins the podcast to explain how her own experience with a childbirth complication led her to start a maternal health organization, why impending changes to Medicaid coverage could exacerbate the maternal mortality crisis, and how people can take action.

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The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched two hits on a Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, killing 13 people. NBC News chief international correspondent Kier Simmons looks into whether the deadliest attacks on a regional U.S. ally since the war with Iran began could open up another front. Plus, states are cleaning up from Hurricane Isaias, which hit Florida and Alabama over the past weekend and killed four people. NBC News correspondent Jesse Kirsch breaks down how prepared states are to deal with the aftermath of these disasters in the wake of FEMA cuts. Finally, a slew of films focusing on Silicon Valley giants like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are coming to the big screen once again. NBC News entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas discusses why Hollywood is spotlighting these stories and why they might not be resonating with audiences.

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As early voting gets underway ahead of the midterms, Garrett Haake goes behind the scenes of America’s elections to ask a fundamental question: Can voters trust the results? Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt explains how officials are preparing for everything from cyberattacks and AI-generated misinformation to voter intimidation and potential federal interference. Then, NBC News senior reporter Jane C. Timm takes us inside Georgia’s election system, where Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is turning to security measures, audits and a lot of data to combat distrust. Plus, why counting votes takes time, what makes voting by mail secure, and what election officials are most worried about this November.

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