Here's the Scoop

Today, President Donald Trump sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for their high-stakes talks on the war in Ukraine. Behind them, a banner read “Pursuing Peace” but noticeably missing from the table? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose country is the one under Russian attack. Host Yasmin Vossoughian is joined by former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and NBC News International Affairs Analyst Michael McFaul to unpack what we might expect from this meeting and what he thinks Putin is like behind closed doors. NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel is also with us from Ukraine, with reaction from Ukrainians who feel shut out of a meeting that could decide the fate of their country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So an NBC News correspondent and a Fed president walk into a donut factory… Co-host Brian Cheung takes a tour of a Springfield, Illinois donut factory with Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee. The visit will help Goolsbee decide his vote when the Federal Reserve meets to set interest rates next month. And: a massive new detention center is set to open in Texas this week, but it’s running into roadblocks. NBC News Senior Homeland Security Correspondent Julia Ainsley joins to explain why it presents a problem for President Trump’s deportation goals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tensions rise as Trump and Putin prepare for their pivotal meeting in Alaska, sparking fears over Ukraine's security. The podcast reveals disturbing footage of violence by corrections officers in New York prisons, bringing systemic issues to light. In addition to these serious topics, the conversation touches on the intriguing decline of alcohol consumption and a jellyfish-related incident affecting a nuclear plant in France. Urgent calls for reform in the prison system echo throughout the discussion, highlighting the need for change.

Inflation pressures continue to mount, with a recent report showing a 2.7% rise in consumer prices. Experts discuss the impact of tariffs on everyday costs, particularly groceries and travel. Transitioning to sports, excitement builds for the NFL season as a well-known broadcaster shares insights on preparing for the upcoming games. Personal stories reveal the challenge of balancing football and family life, while broader topics touch on climate change concerns and Taylor Swift's highly anticipated album release.

President Trump plans to deploy National Guard troops to D.C., a move criticized as political theater given falling crime rates. The discussion highlights command authority and potential legal challenges in this unusual step. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un's daughter emerges as a potential successor, sparking conversations about leadership dynamics in North Korea and the role of women in power. The podcast also takes a nostalgic turn, bidding farewell to dial-up internet, reflecting on its impact in rural America.

Courtney Kube, NBC News Correspondent specializing in national security, joins to discuss Israel's bold plans to take control of Gaza City amidst international backlash. She dives into the complexities of the military strategy and the humanitarian implications, highlighting the precarious situation for hostages. The conversation also touches on the political turmoil in Texas over redistricting, revealing how political maneuvers are affecting crucial flood relief efforts. Tune in for insights on these pressing global and local issues!

President Trump's new tariffs are shaking up global trade, particularly affecting BRICS countries. Experts discuss the economic ramifications and political motivations behind these changes. Meanwhile, a breakthrough in obesity treatment emerges with Eli Lilly's promising weight loss pill, potentially making effective treatments more accessible. The conversation also touches on the societal challenges surrounding obesity and the benefits of transitioning to non-injectable medication. Plus, updates on current events add an intriguing layer to the discussion.

Paul Offit, an expert in vaccine development from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Keir Simmons, NBC News Chief International Correspondent, share insights on vital current events. They dissect the recent meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin, discussing the slim chances for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Offit also delves into the implications of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s drastic cuts to mRNA vaccine funding, emphasizing potential risks to public health and future pandemic readiness.

Matt Bradley, NBC News foreign correspondent in Tel Aviv, discusses Prime Minister Netanyahu's plan for a potential full occupation of Gaza amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis. He sheds light on the far-right influences shaping Israeli politics and the implications for US-Israel relations. Additionally, the conversation touches on ChatGPT's new safeguards addressing users' mental health, highlighting the urgent need for oversight in AI development as companies navigate regulatory challenges and societal concerns about technology.

Ryan Nobles, NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent, dives into the heated redistricting battle in Texas, discussing its potential ripple effects across the nation. He explains the dramatic tactics Texas Democrats are employing to thwart Republican map-drawing, raising questions about electoral fairness. Additionally, Shannon Pettypiece, NBC News senior policy reporter, sheds light on the tough job market new graduates are facing, exploring the mismatch between their qualifications and the harsh realities, including rising unemployment and economic uncertainty.