"Dawn of a new Middle East”

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Dawn of a New Middle East"

Podcast: Here’s the Scoop (NBC News)
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian
Episode Date: October 13, 2025
Duration: ~15 minutes

---

Overview

This episode of "Here’s the Scoop" focuses on a historic day in the Middle East: the release of all surviving hostages held by Hamas after nearly two years of captivity, the reciprocal release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and an ambitious new peace deal touted as the "dawn of a new Middle East." The program provides on-the-ground coverage from Israel, Gaza, Jerusalem, and Egypt, featuring emotional reunions, political complexity, and international diplomatic efforts, along with perspectives on what comes next for the region.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historic Hostage Release and Its Aftermath

(01:01-03:11)

• 20 hostages freed: Marks the end of 738 days of uncertainty for their families.
• Scene in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square: Emotional reunions broadcast to cheering crowds.
• Return of remains: Hamas agreed to return the remains of 28 deceased hostages, with four expected the same day.
• Prisoner exchange: Israel released 250 Palestinians with life sentences and 1,700+ others detained post–October 7.

Memorable Quote:

“It is a moment 738 days in the making. Today, all 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas have been released, ending two years of fear and uncertainty.”
— Yasmin Vossoughian (01:01)

---

2. On the Ground: Israel's Perspective

(03:11-08:10) — Richard Engel, NBC Chief Foreign Correspondent

• Mood in Hostage Square: Festive, celebratory as sequences of hostage release unfolded.
• Physical condition of released hostages: Generally healthy, a relief compared to previous releases.
• Avoidance of propaganda: Hamas avoided prior “parting gift” or media stunts.
• Surreal handovers: Hostages video-called families while still in Hamas custody with kidnappers present.
• Complex emotions: Israelis experience closure; for Gazans, the struggle is not over.

Notable Moments:

“Some of the hostages…were doing video calls with their family members…while they were still in Hamas custody, being handed over. So…I’m talking to you, you’re seeing me, and then behind them…the car was a masked Hamas kidnapper.”
— Richard Engel (04:25)

“Here, excitement, hoping that there’s a new page. In Gaza, it’s the reality that they all have to start their lives over again.”
— Richard Engel (06:42)

---

3. Families Await Remains

(07:13-08:07)

• Israeli outrage over incomplete return of remains: Only 4 of 28 expected hostages’ bodies received.
• Deadline for transfer: Thursday at noon, local time, for Hamas to deliver all remains.

“They’re still expecting 28. He was on the Hamas list. Don’t have, as we’re speaking right now, confirmation that the transfer happened, but the expectation is, yes, that he is among the first four to be handed over.”
— Richard Engel (07:28)

---

4. Palestinian Prisoner Releases

(09:03-14:09) — Danielle Hamamjan, NBC International Correspondent, reporting from Jerusalem

• 2,000 prisoners/detainees released by Israel: Including 250 convicted of serious crimes and many held without charge.
• Atmosphere in the West Bank: Schools closed; families gathered but subdued, heeding IDF warnings not to celebrate or speak to media.
• IDF warnings: Leaflets dropped: “We are watching you. If you give any support to the terrorists, you will be arrested…”
• Emotional reunions: For both Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.
• Gazans experience unique relief: Many released from administrative detention, some families hadn't known detainees were alive.

Notable Quote:

“The happiest day will be when we are sure that the war is totally stopped…when I meet my wife again, when I build my home again. And I’m sure that…they will not destroy it. Yes, today is a happy day…but, you know, the sense of urgency is not over.”
— Danielle Hamamjan recounting a Gazan’s words (12:24)

---

5. Humanitarian Aid

(13:05-14:07)

• UN aid: Israel approved 190,000 tons of food, shelter, supplies for Gaza.
• Essential goods enter Gaza: First time since March for cooking oil and gas.
• Cautious optimism: “Today is a good day, but the sense of urgency is not over.”

---

6. Egypt Peace Summit: International Diplomacy

(15:49-21:15) — Keir Simmons, NBC Chief International Correspondent, reporting from Egypt

• Summit attendees: President Trump, 20 state leaders, except for Israeli PM Netanyahu who declined to attend.
• Global attention on US leadership: World leaders waited for hours for Trump to join after Knesset address.

“The chancellor of Germany, one of the most powerful leaders in the world…ambled over to us…said, do you mind if I watch President Trump’s speech to the Knesset on the NBC News monitor? So that was stunning.”
— Keir Simmons (16:55)

• Trump’s vision: Described as a “momentous breakthrough,” aiming for a new beginning for the region.

“The momentous breakthrough that we’re here to celebrate tonight is more than the end of the war in Gaza. It’s…a new beginning for an entire beautiful Middle East.”
— President Trump (quoted by Keir Simmons, 17:27)

• Reaction and skepticism: Optimism mixed with realism; deep challenges in implementing democracy and reconstruction, especially for Gaza.
• Role of international figures: Tony Blair named for a peace process role—controversial due to Iraq War associations.

---

7. Headlines Roundup (US & Global)

(21:18-25:55)

• US government shutdown: Thousands furloughed, Smithsonian and National Zoo closed.
• Weather update: Nor’easter causing flooding and event cancellations on East Coast.
• Gender pay gap: Widening for the first time in decades.
• Entertainment news: No Doubt to reunite for first major shows since 2012, breaking ground as the first woman-led headline act at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

---

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Hostage Release Coverage In-Depth: 01:01–08:10
• Palestinian Prisoner Releases & Family Reunions: 09:03–14:09
• Humanitarian Aid Insights: 13:05–14:07
• International Diplomacy & Egypt Summit: 15:49–21:15
• US News Roundup & Headlines: 21:18–25:55

---

Notable Quotes

• “This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
  — President Trump, quoted by Keir Simmons (01:18)

• “Obviously, they need medical care, obviously they need psychological treatment, but they were not skeletons being pushed in wheelchairs.”
  — Richard Engel (04:25)

• “We are watching you. If you give any support to the terrorists, you will be arrested.”
  — IDF warning leaflet, read by Danielle Hamamjan (09:51)

• “If you’re talking about trying to bring democracy to Gaza, how do you do that?...There are many ways in which what President Trump wants to do, history tells us, will be enormously challenging.”
  — Keir Simmons (18:20)

• “The happiest day will be when we are sure that the war is totally stopped…Yes, today is a happy day for a lot of people. It was about reunions…”
  — Gaza resident, relayed by Danielle Hamamjan (12:24)

---

Tone and Language

• The tone throughout is urgent yet cautiously hopeful. Reporting is empathetic when discussing families and reunifications; analytic and nuanced when delving into political challenges and skepticism around the peace plan.
• Original voices and language of the correspondents and sources are retained for authenticity.

---

Conclusion

Today’s episode captured a watershed moment in Middle East history, balancing scenes of emotional reunification with the sober realities of loss, reconstruction, and the uncertain path to peace. While world leaders project optimism and a desire for stability, the voices on the ground—Israeli, Palestinian, and international—remind listeners that closure for some means new beginnings, and new challenges, for many more.

---

For those seeking a concise but comprehensive understanding of this pivotal development, this episode delivers reporting from all vantage points, offering not only the facts but the lived experience and complexity behind the headlines.

Transcript

[Yasmin Vasugian]

McCormick knows unbeatable flavor starts with the right spices. It's why we created Flavour Sealed. So anytime you peel back the seal of McCormick herbs and spices, you can be confident they will pack the same amount of flavor as the day they were packed. The kind of flavor that brings out the best of your favorite recipes and keeps everyone coming back for seconds or maybe even thirds. McCormick flavor sealed for unbeatable flavor.

[LifeLock Announcer]

It's Cybersecurity Awareness month and Lifelock is here with tips to help protect your identity. Use strong passwords, set up multi factor authentication and report phishing scams. And for comprehensive identity protection, Lifelock is your best choice. LifeLock alerts you to suspicious uses of your personal information and also fixes identity theft. Guaranteed or your money back. Stay smart, stay safe and stay protected with a 30 day free trial at lifelock.com Specialoffer terms of plot.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Welcome to Here's a scoop from NBC News. I'm Yasmin Vasugian. It is a moment 738 days in the making. Today, all 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas have been released, ending two years of fear and uncertainty. President Trump spoke before Israel's parliament, the Knesset.

[Keir Simmons]

This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

He framed the deal as both a humanitarian breakthrough and the start of what he described as a new era of stability in the region. In addition to freeing the surviving hostages, Hamas has agreed to return the remains of 28 others killed in captivity, with four of those expected to be brought home today. For the families who have spent more than two years in waiting, today brings something that once felt impossible. Closure and the faint hope of a new beginning. The world watched as those 20 freed hostages were finally reunited with their loved ones, emotional scenes that felt both intimate and historic. Large monitors were set up in Tel Aviv's hostage square where thousands cheered as the images of the newly released hostages flashed across the screens. Their names and faces have become familiar over these past two years as families fought tirelessly for their return. Among them, 25 year old Eitan Moore, who embraced his parents today for the first time since his capture, a moment the Israeli Defense Forces shared. As part of the deal, Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners who had been serving life sentences, along with over 1700 others detained in the wake of the October 7th Hamas led terror attack. There are plenty of complexities around today and we have a team around the world to cover the reaction from Israel to to Egypt. We want to start with NBC News chief Foreigner correspondent Richard Engel, who's on the ground for US in Israel. Richard, you have been talking to the families of these hostages throughout the last few years, since October 7th closure for many of them. The return of these final hostages from Gaza. What has it been like there?

[Richard Engel]

Well, I'm still in Hostage Square. I think last time we were speaking, I was in the back of a car. Now I'm on foot. It's evening now. It's thinned out a little bit. There's still quite a few people here. The mood is one of celebration. There's. It's quite festive. Earlier today, people were really jammed in here, waving Israeli flags, waving American flags. There's a large screen. It's off right now. It was on earlier, showing the moment by moment as people went through the events of today. They were watching it all unfold in real time. So it happened with a pretty precise schedule. As we talked about in the past. Today was the deadline. The hostages, the living hostages, the 20 had to come out by today, noon, otherwise the deal was going to be broken. The ceasefire could have been broken. There could have been a major escalation, would have gone badly. Okay, first group comes out, seven of them, pretty early in the morning.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

How did they. How did they look? Because I remember, you know, we've had moments in which hostages have come out. They were emaciated, they looked sickly. How are these hostages?

[Richard Engel]

They look good. They look relatively good, considering all things. Considering they weren't brought out on stretchers, they look to be in pretty. Pretty good health. Obviously, they need medical care, obviously they need psychological treatment, but they were not skeletons being pushed in wheelchairs. And that was a real concern. The first seven came out. Moss didn't play any of these propaganda games. They didn't put them up on a stage. They didn't hand him any of these stupid goody bags like they'd done in the past, as if they'd had some great experience and a parting gift. Remember, they did that in the beginning and it outraged many people, so it was specific. Now, as part of this deal, none of that, no propaganda. In fact, some of the hostages. And we were watching it here in the square with all the families. They were doing video calls with their family members like I'm doing with you, while they were still in Hamas custody being handed over. So I'm talking to you, you're seeing me. And then behind them in the car was a masked Hamas kidnapper on their way to be handed over to the Red Cross. So they were.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

How surreal.

[Richard Engel]

How very surreal. And everyone was watching it here and cheering and celebrating. Then handed over to the Red Cross, then handed over to the military family. Some family reunions right there. Then taken to hospital. Big family reunions. Lots of tears and people here were experiencing it. The second group came out around around 11:30 or so, so about half an hour to spare. And the mood was joyous. It happened, it coincided pretty much as Trump was coming in and did his speech at the Knesset. So he was landing just as the hostages were coming out. There was a slight delay, but not much. He came in, he met some of the hostages families in the Knesset and then he gave a big speech and was celebrated with standing ovation. After standing ovation, he was praising Prime Minister Netanyahu. Prime Minister Netanyahu was praising him. It was a long session, a long speech in front of the Israeli Parliament. Different scenes, different mood in Gaza. There's a sense here tonight that Israel is finding this moment of closure as Israel is trying to move on from this horrific experience. But it's a new beginning for Gaza. The Gazans are still homeless. Yeah, Gazans are going back to their homes and finding nothing there. So here, excitement, hoping that there's a new page in Gaza. It's the reality that they all have to start their lives over again.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Richard, Israel is also expecting the return of the deceased hostages. You actually spoke with the father of one of the hostages who died in captivity in Gaza and his body was supposed to come back today. Do you know if the father has received his son?

[Richard Engel]

His son's name, Guy was on the list. Hamas said he was handing over four, the remains of four of the hostages today. The Israelis said that's insufficient and we're outraged that it's only 4 instead of 28. They're still expecting 28. He was on the Hamas list. Don't have, as we're speaking right now, confirmation that the transfer happened, but the expectation is, yes, that he is among the first for to be handed over. And according to this new Israeli deadline, Hamas has until Thursday local time, noon, to find, collect and hand over all of the remains.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Richard, thank you for your time. Appreciate it.

[Richard Engel]

Absolutely.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

In Gaza tonight, there is a flicker of relief, a feeling that has not existed in years. The toll of the last two years has been staggering. More than 67,000 people killed in Israel's military campaign, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. But for now, the air is quiet. As part of the deal, Israel released 250 prisoners serving life sentences and more than 1700 Palestinians detained after October 7, many returned to the west bank to reunite with their families where they also were met with cheers and tears. And that is where NBC News international correspondent Danielle Hamamjin is on the ground tonight in Jerusalem. Danielle, walk us through what you've been seeing today. I know that you spent the earlier part of the day at Afra Prison, which is where many of these Palestinians were being held that were subsequently released. What happened there?

[Danielle Hamamjan]

Yeah. So as part of this plan, Israel released 2,000 prisoners and detainees. Among those, 2,250 of them are security prisoners. So some of them were serving multiple life sentences, something like 11 life sentences. They were convicted of murdering Israelis, some serving longer sentences. But those are the ones who were released in the west bank today. More than half deported to Egypt, some of them here in East Jerusalem, but dozens into the West Bank. The schools were closed. And so a lot of the young boys gathered on this hilltop overlooking the prison, and they were throwing rocks at every time they saw an IDF vehicle. The next thing you know, we were hearing Israeli drones above us, and we weren't sure if they were going to drop tear gas or leaflets. But the next thing you know, we saw these white papers fly down, and this is what they were dropping. And what it says here is, we are watching you. If you give any support to the terrorists, you will be arrested. There will be severe punishment, and you have been warned. So this is not anything new. Every time there's been a ceasefire, the IDF has warned people and residents, do not celebrate, do not show any joy. And usually that's been ignored. This time, I'd say it was a little different.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

How was it different this time than times before that you've seen?

[Danielle Hamamjan]

Because they've seen prisoners released in the past and then rearrested, and they don't want to take a chance because, you know, when's the next time there's going to be a release of prisoners? The family members were very guarded in their comments, and they showed gratitude. They expressed it, but wouldn't comment. And then we found out that the idf, again, this is nothing new, but the IDF had called each and every one of those families to warn them, don't speak to the media and don't show any joy. They were reunited with their fathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, who in some cases they hadn't seen in years. But for a lot of people, what was really striking today was, were the 1700 detainees released in Gaza. Now, that's a different story. Most of them, they were held without being charged under what's called administrative detention that allows Israelis to hold people for an indefinite period of time without ever being charged. Without ever being tried. And so those were the scenes you saw today in Gaza. Family members reunited with loved ones they didn't know were still alive in some cases.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Describe for us this side. Right. The reunification of these prisoners with their family members. When you were in Ramallah, as these busloads of Palestinians were being driven into the west bank and released.

[Danielle Hamamjan]

It was emotional in Gaza, it was emotional in the West Bank. And I have to say, back in January, in the first ceasefire, obviously the release of the hostages and the prisoners happened over a six week period. And whenever we talked about phase two, and I know you were here covering it as well, whenever we talk about phase two, it was never when we get to phase two, it was if we ever get there. If, if, Right. And so right now there is a little bit of the if. And so I asked someone in Gaza today, if. And let me read this message to you. I asked him, is this a happy day for you? And he said, the happiest day will be when we are sure that the war is totally stopped, when we sleep without drones, when I meet my wife again, when I build my home again. And I'm sure that they'll not, that they will not destroy it. Yes, today is a happy day for a lot of people. It was about reunions, reunions for the hostages and their family members. Reunions here in Jerusalem, in Gaza and the West Bank. And of course, tomorrow and the day after, the conversation will be about what happens now.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

We've seen images of humanitarian aid being delivered to Gaza. What do we know about any type of aid that is now getting in with the release of the Israeli hostages out of Gaza? And what is more to come? And also, has the fighting officially stopped A few days ago it had not, even after the deal had been announced.

[Danielle Hamamjan]

I mean, there's been some, some infighting in Gaza. And that's a conversation possibly for another day because you know, you've got rival gangs in, in Gaza in terms of the UN aid, they've said that they've secured Israeli approval for 190,000 tons of food, shelter items and other supplies. And that for the first time since March, cooking oil, cooking gas was allowed to enter the Gaza Strip. When you think of children not even being able to see the sight of fruit and vegetables for the longest time, I heard someone say today is a good day. But, you know, the sense of urgency is not over.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Danielle Hamamjan, thank you so much.

[Danielle Hamamjan]

You're welcome.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

We are going to take a quick break and when we're back, we're heading to Egypt.

[LifeLock Announcer]

It's Cybersecurity awareness month and LifeLock is here with tips to help protect your identity. Use strong passwords, set up multi factor authentication and report phishing scams. And for comprehensive identity protection, LifeLock is your best choice. LifeLock alerts you to suspicious uses of your personal information and also fixes identity theft, guaranteed or your money back. Stay smart, stay safe and stay protected with a 30 day free [e-mail] Specialoffer terms apply.

[Danielle Hamamjan]

Who's ready for some football all season.

[LifeLock Announcer]

The Today show takes you inside the game.

[Danielle Hamamjan]

We are going to get this party started.

[LifeLock Announcer]

Join us every week as we go behind the scenes with your favorite NFL teams for the biggest stories on and off the field. Big game tonight, plus game day recipes that don't pile up your tailgate.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Football food soup to nuts.

[LifeLock Announcer]

From stadium lights to game day bites, the Today show is your home for all things football every morning on NBC.

[Keir Simmons]

This week on Meet the Press, as.

[LifeLock Announcer]

Israel and Hamas make progress toward a peace deal and tensions rise over the National Guard in Chicago and the continued government shutdown.

[Keir Simmons]

Kristen Welker sits down with Vice President J.D.

[LifeLock Announcer]

Vats, Senator Lindsey Grabb and Senator Mark.

[Keir Simmons]

Kelly this week on Meet the Press. Listen to the full episode now.

[LifeLock Announcer]

Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Welcome back to here's the scoop from NBC News. In Egypt today, a rare moment of unity as world leaders gathered for a summit and the signing of the new peace deal. President Trump was joined by 20 heads of state, including leaders from Egypt, the U.K. germany, Canada and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. But one seat remained empty. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited but choosing not to attend. We're joined now by NBC News chief international correspondent Kir Simmons, who's in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Kir the president began his day in Israel addressing the Knesset and then made his way to where you are in Egypt. But as he was addressing the Knesset and you were watching it, there was an interesting thing that happened. Walk us through that.

[Keir Simmons]

It's really a story about the power of the American presidency. And what happened was some of the most powerful world leaders gathered here while President Trump was in Israel. And President Trump was late, hours late. These leaders had really honestly nothing to do but wait for him. The chancellor of Germany, one of the most powerful leaders in the world, the leader of a G7 country, kind of ambled over to us, suddenly appeared next to me and said, do you mind if I watch President Trump's speech to the Knesset on the NBC News Monitor? So that was stunning.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Kir the President then came to Egypt, where you are in Sharm el Sheikh, and addressed all of these leaders in the signing of this peace deal. And part of his address, he said, we now at long last have peace in the Middle East.

[Keir Simmons]

The momentous breakthrough that we're here to celebrate tonight is more than the end of the war in Gaza. It's with God's help, it'll be the new beginning for an entire beautiful Middle East.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

How was he received once he did actually make his way there?

[Keir Simmons]

I think there is optimism, and I think there's relief, too, and not least among some of the neighbors of Israel. The Arab countries, for example, which have been trying to pursue a policy of stability in order to grow their economies, in order, frankly, to get jobs for their people, particularly in the case, for example, of Saudi Arabia. So they've wanted this to be over for a long time, and I think that is fueling that optimism. Whether that optimism can translate to a truly enduring peace. The kind of historical change that President Trump is talking about here, that's a much, much more difficult question for some of the reasons that history tells us are very difficult in this region. To give you some examples here in Egypt, President Sisi, who has been hosting this summit, he is in power because he overturned a democratically elected president, and many in Egypt are pleased that he did that. But that was the end, really, of democracy in Egypt, at least for now. So if you're talking about trying to bring democracy to Gaza, how do you do that? How do you get, as President Trump's peace plan talks about an apolitical Palestinian community prepared to run Gaza and a Palestinian community that's ready to elect a leader like that. Another example in that peace plan that President Trump has presented, it names Tony Blair as somebody who will help shepherd this through. That has received quite a bad reaction because, of course, 20 years ago, 20 years ago, but still memories along here. He was the British prime minister who helped get America and the UK and allies into the Gulf War. There are many ways in which what President Trump wants to do, history tells us, will be enormously challenging.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

With that in mind, Kir, can you just walk us through what the objective of today was in Egypt with this summit?

[Keir Simmons]

I think there are lots of actually different objectives for different leaders here. But I think one thing that does unite them is a desire, a almost desperate desire, honestly, to end the bloodshed in Gaza and end the instability that the fighting in Gaza is causing. It's certainly the objective of a number of the neighbors of Israel to get simply to stability in the region in order to be able to pursue their other objectives, the economic development that they would like to see improvement in people's lives. And I think just more granularly, on a more granular level, the objective is quite simply to try to get peace in Gaza and some kind of a political system that works and then a reconstruction of Gaza that enables Palestinians to live good lives. But again, that's a great objective. How you get there is a, is a different question and is incredibly, is really very, very challenging. And I think honestly, realistically, it's going to be a long time before we are able to say truly, there is a enduring, a lasting peace in this, in that part of the world.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Keir Simmons, fending off the international press corps or the sounds of the international press corps, along with all of the leaders taking off and landing in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. We thank you, Keir.

[Keir Simmons]

Thank you.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

All right, let's get to some headlines. As the government shutdown drags into week three, the White House is doubling down on its decision to lay off thousands of federal workers and pointing the finger at Democrats for the stalemate. Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump said the administration is, quote, ending some programs we don't want. On Friday, in a court filing, the Justice Department revealed that around 4,200 federal employees across seven agencies have received pink slips, though some CDC staff who were told they were out of a job have since been told actually, never mind. And it's not just workers feeling the pinch. Even the pandas at the National Zoo will be spending their days without their usual crowd of admirers. Our Capitol Hill correspondent Melanie Zinona is at the zoo.

[Melanie Zinona]

It would be packed on a day like today, which is a federal holiday, but it is a ghost town around here. I peered in through the gates, which does have a closed due to the government shutdown sign hanging on it. And you can see the Halloween decorations that were put up for the annual Boo in the Zoo celebration, something that will not go as planned this weekend if the government doesn't turn its lights back on. Now, another question people have had is what happens to the animals during a shutdown? Well, the good news is a spokesperson for the zoo did confirm the animals will be cared for during a government shutdown. But those animal cams that allows people to keep tabs on the zoo animals include including those famous pandas. Those will be dark during the government shutdown.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

The Smithsonian says its museums and research centers are also closing their doors due to the lack of funding. They posted the update on X and warned that it won't be posting much else until Washington reopens. The government Nothing says Monday mood quite like starting the week off with an actual cloud over your head. Literally. A powerful nor' easter has been pounding the east coast since Sunday, drenching cities with heavy rain, fierce winds and coastal flooding. The storms already upended air travel and triggered a string of states of emergency, first in New Jersey on Saturday night, then Nassau county on Long island on Sunday, and finally in New York City today. It even forced the cancellation of the Columbus Day parade, a first since the pandemic. The National Weather Service has the city under a coastal flood warning through at least Monday afternoon, forecasters saying thank you, things should calm down by tonight, but for now, East Coasters are advised to stay dry, stay grounded and maybe just embrace the gloomy start of the week. After decades of progress, the gender pay gap is widening again and return to office mandates may be part of the reason new census data showing that for the first time since the 1960s, the gap has grown two years in a row. In 2024, women earned 80.9 cents for every dollar men made, down from 84 cents in 20. Men's median income rose 3.7% last year, adjusted for inflation, while women's stayed flat. Researchers say women's greater family responsibilities often make them more likely to seek flexibility and more likely to make the trade off that comes with it. It is too soon to tell if this is just a blip or the start of a longer slide, but after years of inching forward, it feels a lot like deja vu in the fight for equal pay. Iconic 90s band no Doubt is back reuniting in Las Vegas for their first run of shows since their Los Angeles residency way back in 2012. That is right. Fourteen years later, Gwen Stefani and the crew are taking over the sphere for a six show residency. It is a full stop circle moment for a band that defined an era and a fitting stage as well. The $2.3 billion, 17,500 seat venue has been something of a boys club, hosting acts like U2, Dead and Company and the Backstreet Boys. No Doubt has just the girl to change that. Gwen Savannah, the voice in phase of no Doubt will make history next May as the first woman to headline the Fear when the band takes over the Las Vegas venue for its long awaited reunion in 2026. All right, that is going to do it for us today. Here's a scoop from NBC News. I'm Yasmin Vesugin. We'll be back tomorrow with whatever the day may bring. And if you like what you heard, then like us back. Subscribe to Here's a scoop. Wherever you get your podcasts, we'll see you tomorrow. Our Common Nature is a musical journey with Yo Yo Ma and me, Ana Gonzalez, through this complicated country.

[Keir Simmons]

We go into caves, onto boats, and up mountain trails to meet people, hear their stories, their poetry, and of course, play some music. All to reconnect to nature and get closer to the things we're missing.

[Yasmin Vasugian]

Listen to Our Common Nature from wnyc. Wherever you get podcasts.