Here's the Scoop (NBC News)

Episode: "China's might on display, Congress gets back to business"

Date: September 2, 2025
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian
Key Guests:

• Janice McAffrer (NBC News Foreign Correspondent, Beijing)
• Ryan Nobles (NBC Chief Capitol Hill Correspondent)

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on two central stories: China's major display of diplomatic and military power amid a high-profile military parade in Beijing drawing leaders from Russia, India, and North Korea; and the return of the U.S. Congress from recess, facing the imminent threat of a government shutdown and pressure from the ongoing Epstein files investigation. The episode also covers rapid-fire headlines on global disasters, a landmark legal ruling on National Guard deployment, new data on American economic pessimism, and shakeups in fashion and food industry giants.

Segment 1: China’s High-Stakes Military Parade and Diplomatic Show (00:51–09:20)

Key Discussion Points

• Diplomatic Gathering in Beijing:

  • Leaders from Russia (Putin), India (Modi), North Korea (Kim Jong Un), Iran, Turkey, and others assembled in China for an unprecedented summit and upcoming military parade.
  • The gathering is widely interpreted as a show of strength and an alternative power bloc in contrast to U.S. dominance, following recent tensions with the Trump administration over Ukraine and trade.

• Janice McAffrer Reports from Beijing:

  • McAffrer describes being evacuated from the NBC bureau in Beijing due to strict parade security:
    • “We were evicted. We had been informed that because the NBC bureau overlooks Chang' An Avenue...we would have to get out of the bureau...We couldn't go on the balcony...had several visits from the police...” (02:24)
  • Outlines the extreme security measures and restrictions on movement and observation for residents and foreign journalists.

• Parade Pageantry and its Message:

  • Xi Jinping’s parades prioritize optics and national pride but are strictly off-limits to the public:
    • “People who live along the parade route are not allowed to leave their homes. They're not even allowed to look out their window...It's not a parade for the people, it's a parade that people will watch on television...” (03:03, 08:05)
  • The guest list of “mostly authoritarian regimes” underscores China’s bid to show global influence, unity, and resilience despite economic stress and strained U.S. relations.

• Symbolic Gestures Between Leaders:

  • Highlighted moments include the much-publicized car rides between Putin & Trump (Alaska) and Modi & Putin (Beijing):
    • “Putin got in the car with Trump, which we've never really seen before. Narendra Modi got in President Putin's car at this summit and they spent 50 minutes in the car uninterrupted.” (05:41)
    • McAffrer on the optics: “The optics of that moment were incredibly rich because it seemed solely designed as a message to President Trump...” (06:05)
  • Emphasis that despite their differences, these countries are keen to display that they are “not without friends” in a shifting global order.
    • “These leaders wanted to telegraph the message that they have strength in numbers, that they present an alternative to a world order...long been dominated by the U.S.” (04:43)

• The Parade Experience:

  • Average citizens are excluded; production is designed solely for TV spectacle, with heavy cinematic elements and advanced visuals.
    • "...it's like Top Gun and every Hollywood movie that you can think of that...idolizes military hardware, GoPros in fighter jets and motorcycles with cameras..." (08:05)
  • Lighthearted moment about the restricted items allowed for female reporters:
    • "TV reporters are only allowed to take lipstick and eyebrow pencils. How those two items made the cut, I have have no idea." (03:40)
    • Yasmin quips: "Well, your eyebrows and your lipstick look beautiful for those people that cannot see you and are just listening." (09:02)
    • McAffrer replies: “I need the most resilient cosmetics known to womankind to get me through the parade.” (09:12)

Notable Quotes

• Janice McAffrer:
  • “We were evicted...watched us pack up and we had to leave.” (02:24)
  • “It's not a parade for the people, it's a parade that people will watch on television...” (08:05)
  • “These leaders wanted to telegraph the message...that they present an alternative to a world order that has long been dominated by the U.S.” (04:43)
• Yasmin Vossoughian:
  • “Because nothing says Victory Day like a little show and tell on a global scale.” (01:39)

Segment 2: Congress Returns – Shutdown Ahead & Epstein Files (10:33–16:19)

Key Discussion Points

• Looming Government Shutdown:

  • Congress is back with only weeks to avoid a government funding lapse by September 30th.
  • Chronic inability to pass appropriations bills; expectation is for a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open.
    • “The way Congress works is that they delay and delay and delay decisions until they absolutely have to. But they're in a very tight spot here...” (11:07)

• Political Dynamics and Obstacles:

  • Internal splits: Conservative House Republicans resist CRs; slim Republican majorities mean cross-party support is essential.
  • Complicating factor: Trump's recent use of “rescissions package” to divert approved funds unilaterally, sowing Democratic distrust.
    • “Democrats are saying, why would I agree to appropriate money if I don't even know the President is actually going to spend it?” (13:49)

• The Epstein Files Investigation:

  • The ongoing investigation is not fading and is, in fact, gaining bipartisan momentum.
  • Survivors are meeting with the House Oversight Committee in closed session; DOJ is now cooperating with subpoenas for case files.
    • “There actually is at least now a pretty serious investigation that is happening...that at least at this stage appears to be bipartisan.” (14:55)
    • “They're starting to get that material. And I'm told my sources, both Republican and Democrat, are telling me they are getting something of substance...” (15:50)

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Nobles:
  • “They have not done anything close to [passing appropriations], so they're likely gonna have to come up with some sort of continuing resolution.” (11:22)
  • “What President Trump did last week was he informed Congress that he was also going to cut $5 billion in funding, mainly for foreign aid programs. And he told Congress, I don't need your approval for this...” (13:03)
  • On the Epstein investigation: “The survivors are gonna be here today and tomorrow...a bipartisan closed door meeting....They feel encouraged by the way the Department of Justice is cooperating.” (14:55, 15:50)

Segment 3: Rapid Headlines & Major News Briefs (16:22–20:20)

Highlights

• Natural Disasters:

  • Earthquake (Afghanistan-Pakistan border): 1,400+ dead, mostly refugees in makeshift camps.
  • Darfur (Sudan): Landslide destroys entire village, only one survivor out of 1,000+ — area was a refuge for those displaced by war.

• Landmark Legal Ruling:

  • Federal judge rules deployment of National Guard in Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act.

• American Economic Pessimism:

  • WSJ/NORC poll: Nearly 70% of Americans no longer believe hard work alone leads to a better life — lowest optimism in 15 years.
    • “The dream's not dead, but it just might be. On layaway.” (18:51)

• Fashion Industry News:

  • Chloe Mao named new head of American Vogue, succeeding Anna Wintour in U.S. operations.

• Kraft Heinz Split:

  • Kraft Heinz Company is splitting in two:
    • ‘Global Taste Elevation Co.’ (Heinz Ketchup, Philadelphia, Kraft Mac & Cheese)
    • ‘North American Grocery Co.’ (Oscar Mayer, Lunchables, Kraft Singles)
  • “Ketchup and cheese might still go together on a burger, but on Wall Street, they'll be trading on separate plates.” (19:49)

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode skillfully blends the gravity of big geo-political events with levity and insider color (e.g., lipstick jokes during draconian parade security).
• Candid commentary on the dysfunction of congressional budgeting and the cyclical panic around government shutdowns.
• Results of the economic survey are presented in a way that is both factual and wry, capturing a national mood of cynicism.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• China’s Diplomatic Show & Military Parade: 00:51–09:20
• Congress Back & Budget Crisis: 10:33–14:33
• Epstein Files Investigation Update: 14:33–16:19
• Rapid Headlines: 16:22–20:20

For listeners seeking insight on shifting global alliances, behind-the-scenes of diplomatic theater, and how political brinksmanship impacts everyday Americans, this episode of "Here’s the Scoop" offers a fast-paced, illuminating overview with smart analysis and human moments.