Here’s the Scoop – NBC News
Episode: Strikes on the High Seas; A Patient’s Worst Fear
Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian
Episode Overview
This episode delves into two major stories: recent U.S. military strikes in the eastern Pacific targeting alleged narco-terrorists and the ensuing international backlash, and an NBC News exclusive on serious allegations of sexual misconduct by a U.S. Army gynecologist at Fort Hood, Texas. The episode features field reporting from Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel and a detailed interview with NBC’s Senior Correspondent Courtney Kube. Additional headlines include updates on the government shutdown, a landmark sports betting policy, a lawsuit in the wake of a deadly camp flood, and major shifts in the global pasta market.
Segment 1: U.S. Military Strikes on the High Seas
(Starts at 00:54)
Background & Developments
- The U.S. military, under orders from President Trump, carried out another operation targeting suspected drug trafficking groups in the eastern Pacific.
- Two vessels were struck, killing six people labeled as "narco-terrorists." No identities or evidence linking the victims to organized crime have been publicly released.
- These operations have prompted criticism from South American leaders, including Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro.
U.S. Navy Escalation
- The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier's arrival in the region is interpreted as a serious escalation.
- The Pentagon claims these actions aim to "disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organizations."
Yasmin Vossoughian’s Framing (04:55)
“One of the biggest issues here is obviously the President has not seeked congressional approval for any of these strikes… There is no revelation of any of the identities of the individuals… Do we know… whether or not the boats that are in fact being targeted are trafficking drugs?”
Richard Engel’s On-Ground Insights (03:18–07:27)
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Fishermen’s Perspective: Local Colombian fishermen confirm the presence of narcos but fear innocent civilians could be caught in the crossfire.
“One of the fishermen I was talking to… had a 25 horsepower engine… he’s saying that there are fishermen, there are narcos, but they’re worried that they’re going to get caught up in this operation.” (03:26)
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Colombian Government: Mixed messaging — the defense minister suggests targeted boats could be traffickers, while President Petro condemns the strikes as “unprovoked” and sees them as U.S. “bullying.”
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Motivation Behind U.S. Deployment:
“You don’t need [an aircraft carrier] to knock out a few boats… This amount of force is sending a message… enough force to potentially either invade the country or… give the impression that it could.” (05:23)
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Regional impact: Maduro has put Venezuela on a war footing, telling citizens to “get ready for war.”
“Maduro has more or less gone into hiding now… told his people to get ready for war… to arm themselves and get physically and psychologically prepared.” (05:57)
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U.S.–Colombian Cooperation: Despite public antagonism, operational cooperation continues; Colombian and U.S. forces raid drug labs “one every 40 minutes.”
Key Takeaway
The strikes signal a complex intersection of counter-narcotics operations and show-of-force regional geopolitics, sparking local fears, and international outcry.
Segment 2: Exclusive—Sexual Misconduct Allegations at Fort Hood
(Starts at 08:58)
Story Overview
- A lawsuit alleges that Army gynecologist Dr. Blaine McGraw at Fort Hood secretly filmed a patient, Jane Doe, during an intimate exam.
- The suit claims leadership ignored prior complaints, and that scores of Dr. McGraw’s female patients may be affected.
NBC’s Courtney Kube provides an in-depth interview:
Jane Doe’s Initial Experience (09:54–11:18)
- Was hopeful during early treatment; Dr. McGraw appeared attentive and supportive at first.
- After her final appointment on October 14, she was contacted by Army investigators who revealed illicit recordings of her conducted by Dr. McGraw.
“They showed her a screen grab… and said, ‘Can you identify this?’ And she said, ‘That’s me. I recognize the T-shirt. That’s my face.’” (10:45)
Victims’ Emotional Toll (11:18–12:07)
- Jane Doe felt “devastated” and “so violated.”
- Her husband, a 20-year service member, expressed “anger and sense of betrayal,” emphasizing the shattering of trust within the military family.
Scope and Seriousness of Allegations (12:07–14:00)
- Multiple forms of misconduct: illicit videotaping, inappropriate touching, lewd comments, and unwanted medical procedures.
“What I was really shocked by was how each of their allegations… are different. We’re not only talking about women who were videotaped…” (12:22)
- Dr. McGraw worked at other installations, including Tripler in Hawaii, increasing the potential victim pool.
- Army investigators have found at least 25 women believed to be on unauthorized videos/photos, with over 1,000 former patients notified as a precaution.
Army’s Response (14:00–14:34)
- Dr. McGraw was suspended immediately after the allegations surfaced.
- Ongoing criminal investigation; the Army stresses commitment to the safety and well-being of service members.
Plaintiff’s Goals (14:34–15:14)
- Jane Doe seeks accountability and wants all potential victims to receive support.
- She expressed a desire for Dr. McGraw to be held criminally responsible if found guilty and for “all who were victimized… to get help, mental health help, and the support that they need.”
“It takes a lot of courage, and it’s an emotional moment to sit and tell your story when something like this happens.” — Courtney Kube (15:10)
Dr. McGraw's Legal Response (15:14)
- Through his attorney, Dr. McGraw is cooperating but warns against premature public judgments.
Segment 3: Key Headlines
(Starts at 15:14)
- Trump Appeals E. Jean Carroll Verdict: President Trump requests the Supreme Court overturn the jury finding of sexual abuse and defamation. Defense claims the trial included “indefensible evidentiary rulings.”
- Texas Camp Flood Lawsuits: Families of children killed in a flash flood sue Camp Mystic for gross negligence over inadequate safety planning.
- MLB Sports Betting Clampdown: New rules cap micro-bets at $200 and restrict parlays in response to a scandal involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers.
- NBA Front Office Shakeup: Dallas Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison after a disastrous trade and disastrous start to the season.
- Pasta Tariff Woes: Major Italian pasta brands like Barilla may exit the U.S. market due to new tariffs; “If you’re craving penne alla vodka in 2026, you may just need to take a shot of Belvedere and then call it a night.“ (18:52)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “One of the fishermen I was talking to… he had a 25 horsepower engine on a small little boat… they’re worried that they’re going to get caught up in this operation.” – Richard Engel (03:26)
- “You don’t need that to knock out a few boats… This amount of force is sending a message.” – Richard Engel (05:23)
- “[Dr. McGraw] recorded the entire event.” – Courtney Kube (10:58)
- “She just felt so violated.” – Courtney Kube, relaying Jane Doe’s reaction (11:27)
- “He talked about how that sense of trust and comfort has been shattered by this.” – Courtney Kube, on Jane Doe’s husband (11:57)
- “We’re not only talking about women who were videotaped. We are talking about women who are alleging inappropriate sexual touching, inappropriate comments… unnecessary or medical procedures…” – Courtney Kube (12:22)
- “They’ve been pretty clear about the fact that they immediately suspended Dr. McGraw as soon as the allegation came in on October 17th.” – Courtney Kube (14:03)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- US Strikes on the High Seas: 00:54–07:27
- Exclusive Fort Hood Sexual Misconduct Story: 08:58–15:14
- Trump Supreme Court Appeal & Camp Flood Lawsuit: 15:14–16:30
- MLB and NBA News: 16:45–19:10
- Pasta Tariffs & Closing: 19:10–19:56
Tone and Language
The episode maintains an urgent, clear, and empathetic tone, particularly when dealing with sensitive stories. The interviews balance reportage with personal narrative, offering both factual updates and a human dimension—especially in the Fort Hood segment.
Summary prepared for listeners seeking in-depth understanding without the need to hear the full episode.