- Jamie Raskin promises aggressive congressional oversight, including subpoenas targeting corporations and law firms that worked with or supported the Trump administration. - Democrats’ post-election agenda comes under fire as investigations, prosecutions and accountability for Trump allies quickly overshadow campaign promises about affordability. - Gavin Newsom moves to halt executions in California, sparking renewed debate over hundreds of inmates currently sitting on death row. - Ron DeSantis argues Vivek Ramaswamy is a poor fit for blue-collar Ohio and says Republicans need candidates more closely aligned with working-class voters. - Tom Brady returns for Patriots-Packers as questions swirl over how the former New England quarterback handles calling a game involving his old team.

- Ron DeSantis launches an immediate post-election media blitz, touting Florida’s Republican performance while hammering GOP senators for failing to deliver on immigration, voter ID and other conservative priorities. - JD Vance points to polling showing the Iran war, cost of living, “America First” priorities and U.S.-Israel policy as major reasons Trump voters abandon Republicans in the midterms. - Donald Trump acknowledges the war likely hurts Republicans through higher gasoline prices but says he would make the same decision again to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. - Texas’ political shift raises major immigration questions as the episode highlights reports that incoming Gov. Gina Hinojosa could end state cooperation with ICE and reverse key Abbott-era border policies. - Post-election rhetoric turns explosive as a Democratic-aligned influencer calls for “Nuremberg Trials” targeting Trump allies and makes an explicit violent remark about Elon Musk.

- Democrats surge across the map, taking commanding House and Senate leads as Republican candidates collapse in races from Michigan and Texas to Maine and Minnesota. - Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan’s Senate race and delivers his victory speech as the episode revisits fierce disputes over his political views, associations and campaign record. - Texas undergoes a dramatic political shift as James Talarico wins a Senate seat and Greg Abbott loses the governor’s race amid major demographic changes highlighted in the episode. - Democratic lawmakers immediately signal investigations, subpoenas and renewed impeachment efforts targeting Trump administration officials after gaining congressional power. - Alaska’s Senate race remains under scrutiny as the episode alleges a second candidate named Dan Sullivan siphons votes from the Republican incumbent while ballots are still being counted.

-Tom Shattuck of The Maine Wire fills in for Gerry on Election Day and welcomes Graham Pollard to discuss surveillance footage from Lewiston that they allege shows interpreters improperly filling out ballots for Somali voters. -Maine’s Senate race heats up as Susan Collins faces Troy Jackson. Shattuck revisits Jackson’s CNN interviews with Dana Bash, challenging his positions on the Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz and Medicare for All. -Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey faces criticism over migrant housing, violent crime, rising energy costs and her handling of public safety, as Shattuck examines her record ahead of Election Day. -CNN’s Brianna Keilar clashes with attorney Julie Hamill over transgender athlete AB Hernandez competing in California girls’ sports, sparking a heated debate about Title IX, biological sex and federal education funding.

- Tom Shattuck of The Maine Wire fills in for Gerry. - Haley Stevens breaks with her own party and endorses Republican Mike Rogers after saying Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed tells her she is no longer welcome in his campaign. - Ayanna Pressley blasts Stevens for backing Rogers, accusing her of choosing “white supremacist order” and invoking Black voters in the fight over Michigan’s Senate seat. - John Fetterman openly criticizes El-Sayed, attacking his positions on Iran, Hamas, policing and his association with Hasan Piker as Democrats fracture ahead of Election Day. - El-Sayed pushes back on reporters asking about the growing campaign controversy, telling them to focus on issues facing Michigan voters instead of political “intrigue.”

- Kamala Harris calls for revisiting the Electoral College, expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices and granting statehood to Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico if Democrats regain Senate control. - University of New Haven hockey player Ryan O’Shea is remembered after a fatal wrong-way crash, while the episode highlights reports that the driver had previously been removed from the U.S. and later re-entered illegally. - Mary Peltola faces escalating scrutiny after a New York Times report says her campaign searched Alaska for another man named Dan Sullivan who later enters the Senate race against the Republican incumbent. - A Maine business owner says she believes she is being interviewed for a Susan Collins ad before discovering her comments are used in advertising supporting Troy Jackson. - A Massachusetts judge delays state officials from moving forward with medical gender-transition treatment for a teenage girl while her parents continue a bitter custody fight with the state.

- Mary Peltola faces a major Alaska Senate controversy after a New York Times report says campaign aides searched for another man named Dan Sullivan who later enters the race against Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. - James O’Keefe and Cam Higbie face felony charges after an undercover Minnesota investigation tests the state’s voter-vouching system without ultimately casting ballots. - Minnesota prosecutor Mary Moriarty defends the charges as O’Keefe and Higbie argue their operation exposes weaknesses in how voters can establish identity at polling places. - Ed Markey warns Trump could deploy ICE, the Army or Marines around Election Day and calls for mass protests and even a national strike if that happens. - Milwaukee celebrates a World Series title as local standout Sal Frelick draws praise for his work with Best Buddies and a Wisconsin coffee shop employing people with developmental disabilities.

- Donald Trump ramps up his closing push with back-to-back rallies and highlights a new $4.2 billion Audi plant planned for Georgia as evidence that tariffs are bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. - James Talarico becomes a major target in Texas as Trump plays a montage of his past comments on gender, immigration, policing, religion and fossil fuels. - Texas Children’s Hospital opens a detransition clinic under a settlement secured by Attorney General Ken Paxton, sharpening the political fight over youth gender medicine. - Nearly 200 House Democrats push back on the federal investigation into Ilhan Omar as the episode revisits allegations involving her immigration records, identity and passport history. - Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of John Madden draws heavy skepticism after a new clip from the upcoming biopic sparks criticism of his voice and performance.

- Abdul El-Sayed rises in Michigan polling as the episode focuses on his Senate bid, his policy positions and Republican attacks over alleged Muslim Brotherhood ties. - Ilhan Omar makes a public campaign appearance with Hasan Piker while the episode revisits disputed allegations surrounding her identity, immigration history and past marriage. - Angie Nixon faces ridicule after answering that she considers Cuba a dictatorship because “that is what people have told me,” while admitting she has never visited the country. - Texas Senate candidate James Talarico draws criticism for saying Jesus would tell lawmakers, “blessed are the trans children who are bullied,” as his race remains extremely tight. - James Comey faces another indictment as the episode highlights allegations that he improperly leaked information to the media while serving as FBI director.

- Donald Trump unleashes a 1,300-word Truth Social attack on Bill Maher after Maher describes their White House dinner and praises Trump’s willingness to engage with political opponents. - Barack Obama campaigns for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan as the episode questions El-Sayed’s Medicare-for-All agenda and his standing with union and Black voters. - Kamala Harris delivers an awkward riff about the “twinkle” in children’s eyes during a reproductive-rights event in New Hampshire, adding another viral campaign moment. - An El-Sayed campaign ad attacks U.S. aid to Israel by tying it to grocery costs, drawing fierce criticism as the Michigan Senate race enters its final days. - NFL officiating comes under fire after Giants running back Cam Skattebo is flagged for unnecessary roughness on a routine power run, fueling another debate over questionable calls.

- Maine Wire reporter Jon Featherston alleges interpreters in Lewiston are directing Somali voters toward Democratic choices and says he documents one interpreter touching a ballot. - Ilhan Omar faces renewed scrutiny over her identity, immigration history and past marriage after the episode highlights documents and her “not to my knowledge” response when asked whether a former husband is her brother. - The episode argues the midterms could dramatically reshape Trump’s agenda as Democratic odds rise for control of Congress with just 11 days remaining. - Kamala Harris draws criticism for dramatically shifting her speaking style between two audiences on consecutive days, fueling renewed questions about her 2028 ambitions. - Caleb Williams and Drake Maye deliver in a wild Bears-Patriots matchup as Chicago holds on and both young quarterbacks strengthen their superstar credentials.

- Ilhan Omar answers “not to my knowledge” when directly asked whether a former husband is her brother, as the episode focuses on the ongoing federal investigation and immigration-fraud allegations surrounding her. - Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers clash in Michigan as Rogers attacks El-Sayed’s record and El-Sayed openly argues that ICE should be abolished and replaced with an earlier immigration-enforcement system. - Vivek Ramaswamy faces blowback over a campaign ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother calling her a liar, with the episode questioning whether the attack damages his Ohio governor’s race. - Federal prosecutors accuse Jennifer Gonzalez of arranging sham marriages in Massachusetts for more than a decade, allegedly charging up to $40,000 per marriage and generating at least $6 million. - Patriots and Bears prepare for a Thursday night showdown as both teams enter hot, with New England getting three points on the road against Chicago.

- Elon Musk says Neuralink is preparing its first vision-restoration implants within six to 12 months, potentially allowing completely blind patients to receive visual signals directly through the brain. - Ilhan Omar returns publicly and asks supporters for donations as the episode highlights the expanding federal investigation into her finances, immigration history and family connections. - A fake polling operation called Wedgwood Polling reportedly makes its way into major media election coverage, reigniting questions about polling accuracy less than two weeks before the midterms. - Maine Wire reporter John Featherston says he witnesses interpreters pointing at and, in at least one instance, handling ballots while assisting Somali voters at a Lewiston polling location. - Abdul El-Sayed campaigns for Black voters in Michigan, discussing tensions between Black Detroiters and Muslim-owned businesses as his support in those communities becomes a key election issue.

- Todd Beamer’s father, David Beamer, backs Mike Rogers in Michigan and delivers a forceful warning against Abdul El-Sayed while invoking his son’s actions aboard Flight 93 on 9/11. - France faces widespread unrest, thousands of arrests and more than 1,000 injured police officers as the episode blasts media descriptions of the violence as largely peaceful or student-driven. - Abdul El-Sayed remains a major focus as the episode revisits his immigration comments, his response to questions about the Muslim Brotherhood and his closely watched Michigan Senate race. - The Ilhan Omar investigation intensifies as her sister reportedly speaks with federal investigators and the episode highlights questions surrounding immigration records, financial disclosures and a winery investment. - Troy Jackson struggles to explain his Iran strategy during a Maine Senate interview, facing repeated questions over the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. involvement and how withdrawal would affect oil prices.

- France faces widespread unrest, thousands of arrests and more than 1,000 injured police officers as CNN and CBS draw criticism for describing parts of the demonstrations as “mostly peaceful” and “scuffles.” - Abdul El-Sayed is confronted at a town hall over the Muslim Brotherhood and says he disavows the group while challenging why the question is being directed at him. - Michigan Sen. Slotkin says she wants young people considering jobs in the Trump administration to worry that doing so could bring “a ton of problems,” igniting a debate over political retaliation. - WNBA controversy erupts after a fan attends a Finals game wearing an “XX-XY” shirt and faces hostile reactions from fans over the transgender-athlete debate. - NFL officiating comes under fire after a controversial unnecessary-roughness penalty helps set up Arizona’s game-winning field goal against the Rams.

- Elon Musk unveils a rocket-assisted Tesla Roadster demonstration as the episode contrasts his record of innovation with fierce criticism from progressive politicians and commentators. - Ilhan Omar faces escalating federal scrutiny as the episode says investigators seize electronic devices and a passport while subpoenaing multiple relatives and associates in an expanding financial investigation. - James Talarico comes under renewed scrutiny over old messages sent to students while he was a teacher, along with past comments involving transgender children and drag performers. - CNN polling analysis shows Republicans potentially retaining both the Senate and House if 2026 polls underestimate GOP candidates by margins similar to previous election cycles. - Troy Jackson tells Susan Collins to “shut up” during their Maine Senate debate after a climate protester interrupts the exchange, adding another contentious moment to the closely watched race. Today’s podcast is sponsored by  PARAMOUNT PLUS - Don’t Miss “⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tulsa King⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.” All episodes streaming Oct. 16th on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount Plus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Abdul El-Sayed faces a sharp NBC confrontation after social-media posts from his half-sister appear to contradict his denial that his family has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. - James Talarico denies ever supporting the abolition of ICE despite recently calling to “tear down” the agency, while also backing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. - NBC corrects its report that FBI Director Kash Patel has landed in Russia after learning he remains in the United States, triggering questions about how the false report gets on air. - Florida Senate candidate Angie Nixon says she wants Republican opponent Ashley Moody “locked up,” turning a CNN interview into one of the campaign’s most explosive moments. - Washington cross-country runners refuse to compete in protest against a transgender athlete who previously competes in boys’ races, putting the girls’ sports debate back in the spotlight.

- NYPD Detective Jose Mercedes survives being stabbed 10 times during an alleged robbery by two undocumented suspects and publicly thanks the officers and medical teams who save his life. - New York’s immigration fight intensifies as Democrats defend restrictions on ICE cooperation while the episode contrasts that response with the treatment of Mercedes and other crime victims. - Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny after a counterterrorism analyst testifies about alleged connections between people in El-Sayed’s orbit and Muslim Brotherhood-linked organizations. - Questions continue around James Talarico’s nearly two-week absence from the Texas campaign trail as media reports say video places him at home during the period. - Ilhan Omar faces intensified scrutiny over a federal investigation as the episode highlights reported questions surrounding financial activity and discrepancies in biographical records.

- Federal authorities search Ilhan Omar’s Washington-area residence as an investigation reportedly examines immigration and financial issues, while Omar accuses the Trump administration of weaponizing law enforcement against her. - The White House says Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle is asked to resign amid scrutiny over her conduct, abruptly ending her tenure in Greece. - James Talarico returns to the Texas campaign trail after nearly two weeks away, insisting he only has the flu as questions continue over conflicting accounts of his medical treatment. - Abdul El-Sayed denies that he or his family have Muslim Brotherhood ties, while the episode highlights family social-media posts and a Mike Rogers campaign ad challenging that denial. - Shane Gillis sparks another backlash after an SNL monologue about gym culture and women’s workout clothes draws criticism from comedians and social-media commentators.

- The episode reports that federal authorities execute a search warrant at Ilhan Omar’s Washington-area residence as part of an investigation involving immigration records and documents. - James Talarico returns to the Texas Senate campaign trail after an unexplained two-week absence, with conflicting comments about where he receives treatment for the flu drawing fresh scrutiny. - Ashley St. Clair says she is now a dues-paying Democratic Socialists of America member and expresses regret over some of the conservative and transgender-related rhetoric she previously promoted. - New Jersey Senate candidate Justin Murphy calls for the U.S. to “finish” the Iran war and delivers an aggressive attack on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. - Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day fuel a culture-war debate over Christopher Columbus, Italian-American heritage and how American history is taught and commemorated.

- ICE shoots and arrests Oscar Bigel after authorities say the Dominican national rams federal vehicles and drives toward agents, while Zohran Mamdani calls the shooting “unconscionable” and demands an end to ICE enforcement. - Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed clash in Michigan as El-Sayed repeatedly avoids naming Iran as a greater threat than Israel, putting his foreign-policy views under fresh scrutiny. - James Talarico remains off the Texas campaign trail for nearly two weeks as his campaign cites the flu, fueling questions about his absence with Election Day closing in. - Newly surfaced messages in the Cornell case show the accuser telling one of the men that “none of the sexual stuff was illegal,” adding another major wrinkle to the disputed allegations. - Pete Hegseth says Nidal Hasan’s December 3 firing-squad execution will be conducted by soldiers and made available for the public to watch.

- Zohran Mamdani faces backlash from pro-Palestinian protesters after attending an October 7 memorial in New York, where demonstrators accuse him of betraying their cause and chase him from the scene. - October 7 commemorations at Columbia University and Union Square are disrupted by protesters chanting in support of Hamas and displaying imagery associated with its leadership. - The FBI arrests an 18-year-old Somali-American in Minnesota accused of plotting a mass shooting at the Mall of America and attempting to buy an AK-47 from an undercover agent. - A Maine Wire investigation into alleged Somali-linked fraud draws an angry city council confrontation from Hussein Hersi Ahmed, whom the episode identifies as a former Somali official tied to businesses under scrutiny. - Donald Trump publicly questions James Talarico’s absence from the campaign trail as the Texas Senate candidate’s staff says he is sick and his past remarks on “heteropatriarchy” resurface.

- The third anniversary of October 7 brings a stark look back at the Hamas massacre, the hostages taken that day and the surge in antisemitism and pro-Hamas activism that follows. - The episode cites a report that a United Airlines pilot previously flagged for extremist views returns to duty, prompting two other pilots to reportedly remain in the cockpit during a flight over security concerns. - Two Dominican nationals accused of stabbing an off-duty NYPD detective are captured in Lynn, Massachusetts, after authorities say both previously entered the country and were released at the border. - Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson rejects a voter-ID requirement and faces questions over his response to allegations of Medicaid fraud in the state. - Nidal Hasan’s execution is set for December 3 as the convicted Fort Hood shooter prepares to face a military firing squad.

- Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces scrutiny over the Muslim Brotherhood after repeatedly framing his answer around organizations that engage in political violence rather than immediately backing specific terror designations. - The episode cites a UK Home Secretary interview saying women attempting to reach Britain in small boats routinely face sexual violence during the journey, fueling another debate over immigration policy. - An ABC report cited in the episode says the FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain had previously been suspended from flying after being identified as a security risk and possessing extremist material. - The episode reports that President Trump approves execution by Army firing squad for Nidal Hasan, convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting. - New York officials face questions over the Cornell case after Letitia James publicly refers to the accuser as a survivor before the new investigation reaches its conclusions.

- Violent unrest sweeps parts of France as hundreds of schools close or face disruptions, thousands are arrested and clashes leave teachers and police injured. - The U.S. moves long-range bombers out of RAF Fairford after what the transcript describes as a new security threat following an alleged Iran-linked plot near the British base. - AOC’s description of the Cornell case as a drugging and gang rape is challenged against reported texts and statements the episode says point to consensual encounters. - Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster Braden Bell loses his job hours after old social-media posts from when he was 15 resurface. - Drake Maye rebounds from a brutal week and leads New England past Buffalo, tightening the AFC East race and handing the Bills a major early-season loss.