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Meta’s $18 Billion Social Media Addiction Settlement and How the ‘Trump Effect’ Secured Darline Graham’s Primary Win Aug 26, 2026

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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.

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Canada Retaliates in Trade War, the Battle Over Mail-In Ballots and Dolly Parton’s Legacy Aug 25, 2026

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Canada hit the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs on $20-billion worth of U.S. goods, ranging in rates from 15% to 50%. The announcement came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ended negotiations over “unfair” and “uneconomic” terms that he says the U.S. tried to impose and the Trump administration’s 50% tariffs on Canada that went into effect Saturday. As Canada looks for new global trading partners, Ann Fitz-Gerald, the director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, explains how industry could be affected on both sides of the border.

Then, the Supreme Court has issued a decision that could pave the way for President Trump’s executive order putting restrictions on mail-in ballots to move forward, while a lower court decides on its legality. But could pushing the can down the road affect whether and how Americans cast their ballots in the upcoming midterm elections? NBC senior Supreme Court reporter Lawrence Hurley explains why the ruling is just the first step, and how states are reacting to the decision.

Lastly, we say goodbye to country music legend and “most likeable American” Dolly Parton, who died today at the age of 80. NBC entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas talks about Dolly’s legacy as a musician, a businesswoman and a philanthropist.

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Economic “D-Day” for Iran; Why Vigilantes are Vandalizing Flock Cameras Aug 24, 2026

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The Trump administration has unveiled a new wave of secondary sanctions to further isolate Iran from the global economy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the government will target companies that still do business with Iran, but stopped short of naming names. Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, explains why Iran is dismissing the economic threats and what impact targeting its partners could have on Iran. Then, NBC News cybersecurity and surveillance reporter Kevin Collier breaks down why protests and vigilante vandals have pushed the surveillance company Flock Safety to make policy changes – and explains why civil rights groups say they aren’t going far enough. Plus, Yas takes a ride to NYC’s downtown to visit a subway newsstand revamped by comedian Al Mullen as part of a program to find creative uses for vacant spaces in the subway system. How he’s bearing the heat – and how he and his fellow comedians are using the project to inject inspiration into the daily commute.

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U.S.-Canada Tariff Talks Jolt the Auto Industry; Drive to Decision Day at the Iowa State Fair Aug 21, 2026

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The U.S. and Canada are facing a midnight deadline before President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs are set to go into effect, affecting $20 billion worth of imports from Canada. A major sticking point in negotiations is the auto industry, which has already been struggling with the higher costs of tariffs. Nora Eckert, Reuters autos correspondent, explains what’s at stake for the sector and how the tariffs could affect prices for consumers. Then, NBC News Senior Political Reporter Jon Allen concludes his trek through some of the country’s biggest battleground districts with a stop at the Iowa State Fair. He explains why the fair has become such an important political stop and who he saw flipping burgers during his visit. Plus, the second World Humanoid Robot Games are taking place this weekend in Beijing. NBC News Correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer breaks down why China is so far ahead of the U.S. in robotics and why viral videos of robots malfunctioning only tell part of the story.

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What $40 Trillion in U.S. Debt Means for America’s Bottom Line; Drive to Decision Day in Toledo, Ohio Aug 20, 2026

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The U.S. national debt hit $40 trillion for the first time this week. The debt has more than doubled in the past decade, due to spending under both the Trump and Biden administrations. NBC News chief business correspondent Christine Romans explains how the national debt trickles down to affect American households. Then, we continue on our “Drive to Decision Day” roadtrip down I-80 with NBC News senior national political reporter Jon Allen … stopping in Toledo, where residents are struggling with inflation and divided about the growing presence of AI data centers in northwestern Ohio. And Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their kids are making a surprise move back to the U.K. NBC News royal commentator Daisy McAndrew explains why Brits are not necessarily excited to see them return.

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Florida Primary Shifts Dems' Midterm Priorities and Drive to Decision Day in Ohio Aug 19, 2026

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Could a shocking upset in Florida’s U.S. Senate primary, with democratic socialist Angie Nixon defeating moderate candidate Alex Vindman, force Democrats to switch strategies in their effort to win back control of Congress? NBC News Chief Capitol Hill Correspondent Ryan Nobles explains why certain progressive candidates won while others fell short and how President Donald Trump’s endorsements affected Republicans in his home state. Then, we check back in with NBC News Senior National Political Correspondent Jon Allen on his I-80 trek to some of the most competitive districts ahead of the midterms. Today, in Ohio’s 7th District, voters share how domestic abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller are influencing their decisions. Miller has denied the allegations against him. Plus, White House aide Natalie Harp has been getting attention after Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., dropped her name at a rally. NBC News White House Correspondent Monica Alba explains how Harp got the coveted role and why the White House is responding so strongly to questions about her role in the administration.

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Lindsay Clancy & Hayden Panettiere Highlight Postpartum Crisis; Drive to Decision Day in Pennsylvania Aug 18, 2026

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The trial of Lindsay Clancy and the sudden death of actress Hayden Panettiere have thrust conversations about maternal mental health and postpartum care to the forefront. Dr. Sarah Oreck, a board-certified psychiatrist and expert on maternal mental health, breaks down how to recognize and support different postpartum diagnoses and why new mothers may not be getting the care they need in our medical system. Then, NBC News senior national political reporter Jon Allen’s “Drive to Decision Day” road trip continues in Pennsylvania’s 7th and 8th Districts, to see whether support for Trump among Hispanic voters has been impacted by the administration’s deportation agenda and ICE raids.

Plus, there’s a feud brewing among the Los Angeles Lakers’ Buss family. ESPN reported Monday that the family, which has operated the Los Angeles Lakers for decades, planned to sell its minority stake in the team. But the team’s governor, Jeanie Buss, is disputing that report. NBC News sports reporter Andrew Greif dissects the real-life “Succession” drama playing out behind the scenes.

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Are Trump and Netanyahu Back on the Same Page?; Drive to Decision Day: New Jersey’s 7th Aug 17, 2026

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and special envoy Jared Kushner agreed that the Gaza Strip’s “demilitarization” should start with Hamas handing over weapons under the supervision of an American military general, according to a senior Israeli official familiar with their hourslong meeting Monday. NBC News International Correspondent Matt Bradley explains why that meeting could be a signal that relations are thawing between President Donald Trump and Israel. He also explains the situation in the occupied West Bank, where Jewish Israeli settlers have been harassing Palestinians. Then, we’re kicking off a new NBC News series, "Drive to Decision Day." It’s a six-day, 1,700-mile road trip to some of the most competitive districts in the upcoming midterms. Senior National Politics Reporter Jon Allen is on the ground in New Jersey’s toss-up 7th District trying to understand how voters are reacting to Rep. Tom Kean’s 100-day absence from Congress and whether a Democrat could ultimately oust him. And, in the wellness world, the hottest health trend is Poop Positivity. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist, details the do’s and don'ts of a healthy bathroom break and why it’s important to have toilet talk.

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Mangione Admits to Killing Brian Thompson; How Afghan Women Are Bypassing Taliban Restrictions Aug 14, 2026

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Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty today to federal stalking charges in the case surrounding the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He said in court that he “shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan in his back.” NBC News legal analyst Misty Marris explains how Mangione’s plea kicks off a double jeopardy fight in New York state court, where he still faces murder charges. Plus, when the Taliban reasserted control of Afghanistan after the U.S. pulled out in 2021, it promised to allow more freedoms for women. Five years on, that hasn’t borne out. Host Yasmin Vossoughian interviews Sara Wahedi, an Afghan-Canadian entrepreneur whose startup covertly connects women inside the country to critical services like healthcare and education they’d otherwise be unable to access. Then, will American interest in soccer keep going after the World Cup? Rebecca Lowe, host of NBC Sports’ Premier League, previews the upcoming English Premier League season and explains why this could be a turning point for American fandom.

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Luigi Mangione to Plead Guilty in N.Y. Federal Case; How Crypto Is Influencing the Midterms Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty Friday in the federal case in connection with the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to sources familiar with the matter. It is unclear if Mangione will plead guilty to one or both of the two stalking-related charges in his federal case, but the expected plea comes less than a month before his New York state murder trial is set to begin. NBC News Legal Analyst Misty Marris analyzes what may have motivated Mangione’s lawyers to change his plea. Plus, in the 2026 midterms, three cryptocurrency-aligned super PACs have spent tens of millions of dollars to support both Democrats and Republicans. At least two of them list the same Minnesota address as their headquarters. OpenSecrets Senior Reporter Joedy McCreary breaks down how these PACs are working together to support candidates who would help formalize the role crypto plays in our financial system. Lastly, the dating app Bumble is breaking up with its entire premise. It said this week that it’ll allow men to message first. NBC News Internet and Trending Reporter Angela Yang explains how flagging dating app economics may have prompted the move.

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