Taking Stock After Six Months of War with Iran; How Sports Betting Is Influencing the Midterms

Taking Stock After Six Months of War with Iran; How Sports Betting Is Influencing the Midterms

Author: NBC News August 28, 2026 Duration: 28:18

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.


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Here's the Scoop delivers a daily dose of news with the clarity and depth you'd expect from NBC News, but in a format designed for your busy life. Host Yasmin Vossoughian guides conversations that cut through the noise, focusing on the political and general news stories that actually affect your day. You'll hear directly from the network's correspondents and reporters stationed everywhere, who provide not just the headlines but the crucial context behind them. This podcast thrives on making complex issues understandable, answering the questions that arise from a rapidly changing world. It’s a straightforward, reliable source for anyone who wants to stay informed without the spin, offering exclusive reporting and analysis in a genuinely conversational style. Each episode is built to give you a comprehensive yet efficient understanding of the day's events, ensuring you're caught up and prepared for whatever comes next.
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