The Excerpt
The Excerpt is a daily news podcast from USA TODAY that provides context and analysis on America's most pressing stories, covering politics, culture, sports, and entertainment. Hosted by Dana Taylor, each episode features USA TODAY's award-winning journalists unpacking the headlines. The podcast aims to deliver more than just news summaries, offering deeper insights into the stories shaping the nation.
Episodes
What Elon Musk reaching trillionaire status says about America
Elon Musk becoming the world's first trillionaire is the kind of milestone that says something about making it in America. After all, this is a country that has long celebrated outsized success. But it's impossible to ignore that this moment arrives when many working Americans say simply affording a home feels out of reach. What happens when the promise of opportunity becomes less certain
Iran war costs in blood and treasure soar as mission remains unclear
The human and financial costs of the U.S. war in Iran continue to rise as the number of service members killed rises to at least 18 and President Donald Trump seeks an additional $67 billion in defense spending. Supporters argue the money is essential to maintain pressure, while critics point to a mission that still lacks clearly defined objectives or a clear timeline. USA TODAY White Hou
America’s workforce is shrinking. What’s going on?
The unemployment rate fell in June, but beneath that encouraging headline are signs that the U.S. job market may be losing momentum. Employers added just 57,000 jobs, previous estimates were revised downward and the share of people working or actively looking for work declined. Older workers are leaving at especially high rates, while hiring burnout, return-to-office mandates, caregiving
Is Trump losing his grip on working-class voters?
President Donald Trump built his political coalition with overwhelming support from white working-class and rural voters. But rising grocery prices, health care costs, tariffs and frustration over the economy are testing that loyalty ahead of the midterms. USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning joins The Excerpt to explain why some Trump voters are growing disillusioned with the p
What college is really worth in 2026
The question of whether college is worth it has gotten more complicated as costs rise and students weigh other paths after high school. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé breaks down what new research says about the value of a degree and the factors that can change the math.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Episod
As antisemitism spikes, how can America tackle the hate?
Antisemitism is spiking in the U.S. and around the world. Will Carless, USA TODAY national correspondent and host of Extremely Normal, talks to two experts about hatred against Jews and how to combat rising violence and hate speech.Watch the latest episode in Will Carless's Extremely Normal series here: Antisemitism is rising and critics say influencers from the left and the right are lar
Trump’s IRS settlement draws criticism at Blanche confirmation hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche may be one of the most divisive nominees President Donald Trump has nominated in recent weeks and his fingerprints are on some of the administration's most explosive controversies—from Trump's legal battles with the IRS to the Epstein files. Those fights have earned him fierce critics, alongside the president’s loyalty. The question facing senators now
The Cat in the Hat is back in a lost Dr. Seuss book
A completed, unpublished Dr. Seuss manuscript was recently discovered in author Theodor Geisel’s archives at UC San Diego. How was the book found, and what does it reveal about the author's creative process and complicated legacy? USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins The Excerpt to share her reporting.Plus, watch "Sing the 50 United States" written by Dr. Seuss.Let us know what you
Liberal progressives are remaking the Democratic party in 2026
The Democratic Party’s left wing is no longer knocking on the door—it’s kicking it in. The same energy that helped elect Zohran Mamdani has fueled a string of insurgent victories, knocking off longtime officeholders and helping progressive challengers break through in New York and Colorado. Five Democratic House incumbents have already been shown the door. Party leaders are watching nervo
Is FEMA ready for the coming hurricanes, floods and fires?
An historic El Niño is forming in the Pacific that could cause catastrophic weather around the world. Add to that the hurricanes, fires and floods that have created disaster zones across the US just in the past couple of years and the need for a stable and robust Federal Emergency Management Agency seems like a no-brainer. But crippling layoffs at the emergency aid agency in the spring of
Are prediction markets democratizing information or gamifying war?
Who will be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028? What will the price of gold be at the end of the week? Who will win the World Cup? All of these are relatively benign bets you can make today. But there are other bets that maybe aren’t so benign, like will Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro be removed from office by the end of January? That well-timed bet, made in the hours before
Crafting’s comeback and the science behind it
Crafting is having a moment. From knitting and crochet to embroidery and quilting, more people — especially younger adults — are picking up hands-on hobbies. But this trend isn’t just about nostalgia. Research suggests creative activities may reduce stress, improve mood and even affect how our brains and bodies function. Daisy Fancourt, professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at Unive
How do you love a forest? Ethan Tapper has thoughts.
With climate change, the threat of wildfires, and human encroachment among other things, our trees and forests are in desperate need of guardians. From tropical rainforests, often referred to as the lungs of the planet, to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California’s White Mountains, home to some of the oldest living organisms on earth, what is being done to protect our woodlands?
Inside the push to modernize the US nuclear arsenal
It’s the worst-cast scenario no one wants to talk about: what happens if America's nuclear missile silos are attacked? The Minuteman III is a powerful intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking targets on the other side of the world, and it could be our best bet. But it’s aging, and land-based ICBMs have an Achilles heel. USA TODAY Defense Reporter Davis Winkie joins The Excer
Doomscrolling alert: The Atlantic current may be headed for collapse
A large-scale and delicate system of ocean currents that has been active for millions of years and that’s responsible for our warm climate is in danger of collapse due to climate change. This is according to a new study published in April in the journal Science Advances. If that collapse actually happens, scientists warn, the consequences could be dire. Shane Elipot, a physical oceanograp
We hit the road for USA 250
To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, USA TODAY sent reporters out on the road, and into history, to follow the journeys that built America – from the Underground Railroad and Route 66 to Paul Revere’s midnight ride and beyond. USA TODAY reporters Trevor Hughes, Sarah D. Wire and Karissa Waddick join The Excerpt to share what they saw and what those stories tell us about our
House Speaker Johnson on housing, relationship with Trump and Iran war
There’s no shortage of news coming from Washington these days: The war in Iran, disputes between the president and Congress over legislation such as the bipartisan housing bill and the 250th anniversary of country’s founding this weekend. House Speaker Mike Johnson joins The Excerpt in an exclusive interview hosted by USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers.Let us know what
Trump dealt major blow with birthright citizenship ruling
Another Supreme Court term has wrapped with major rulings that reshape key national debates. The court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting a central push from President Donald Trump, while also siding with states on restricting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. USA TODAY Court Reporter Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to unpack what these decisions mean.Let us know
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: The big wedding date is finally here!
It’s being called the wedding of the century! Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting married, and it looks like it’s going to be big! New York City, Madison Square Garden BIG and all the clues are pointing to July 3rd. The rumors have run wild. Some say it’s a distraction. Others think MSG will be the big party “for everyone they’ve ever met,” while the actual ceremony will be somewher
Will the midterm elections be free from interference from bad actors?
A bipartisan group of secretaries of state is warning that the federal government may no longer be a reliable hub for election threat information, according to an internal memo shared exclusively with USA TODAY. The concern is that state officials will no longer have access to the kind of real-time cyber and physical threats that only the federal government can provide. USA TODAY Senior N
SCOTUS ruling ends TPS legal status for Haitians and Syrians
The Supreme Court has ended a humanitarian program that let many Haitian and Syrian immigrants stay in the United States temporarily, a decision that could upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of people along with the communities where they live and work. The ruling is a major win for President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, raising urgent questions about what happens nex
On housing, America agrees. Trump stands alone
Americans are stretched thin and you probably know why: Housing. It’s become increasingly, persistently unaffordable, and for many, simply out of reach. Americans are moving less, are forming fewer households and are spending too much of their income on housing according to an annual report just released by Harvard. Will Trump end up signing the 21st Century Road to Housing Act now on his
GOP drama as Trump meets lawmakers behind closed doors
President Donald Trump is testing his own party’s patience on Capitol Hill. Last week, he told Senate Republicans to cancel a major confirmation hearing, complicating their effort to renew a key antiterrorism law and adding to a growing list of frustrations for GOP lawmakers. Trump’s approach has some Republicans warning that the president is undermining the very results he wants. Will th
Does AI mark an inflection point for civilization?
In “The God Test,” Robert Wright argues that the real challenge of AI isn’t just building smarter machines—it’s deciding whether we can evolve, morally and politically, fast enough to develop an AI that’s mutually beneficial. As these systems begin to mirror—and amplify—human intelligence, agency, and even our flaws, the stakes become existential. Humans have shown that we can evolve. The
BookTok is turning favorite books into real-life trips
BookTok helped readers find community online. Now, some fans are taking that connection into the real world through literary tourism. USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins The Excerpt to talk about joining a Percy Jackson-inspired trip through Cairo, Athens and Rome, where readers visited ancient sites, completed quests and bonded over the books that shaped them. She also explains w
Obama dedicates his new presidential center on Chicago’s South Side
Foreign and national dignitaries, former presidents, acclaimed musicians and actors, friends, neighbors and family joined Former First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama in a dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Library which opens today, Juneteenth, on Chicago’s South Side. The former president delivered a speech that emphasized American ideals and the promise of Ame
Trump and Iran agree to suspend war pending further negotiations
President Donald Trump wrapped up his attendance at the G7 yesterday, sharing news of a 14-point agreement with Iran. Does this realistically signal the end to the war in Iran? This was also the first time Trump met with European leaders since the Iran war began - the source of much disagreement within NATO. Will the US reaffirm their commitment to the strategic alliance when it meets in
Do social media bans actually protect kids?
As concerns grow over children’s mental health, addictive algorithms and age-inappropriate content online, governments around the world are considering tougher rules for social media. Australia has already enacted a ban for kids under 16, Britain is weighing a similar move and U.S. states are testing their own approaches. Cato Institute Senior Fellow David Inserra joins The Excerpt to dis
Are young people locked out of power in the US?
America spends a lot of time talking about age in politics: how old is too old to lead, whether younger candidates are getting shut out, and if members of Congress should have term limits. But Yale law and history Professor Samuel Moyn says that conversation misses the bigger picture. In his new book, “Gerontocracy in America: How the Old Are Hoarding Power and Wealth – and What to Do Ab
Much of Trump’s legacy is tied up in the courts
From immigration to elections, ballrooms to tax immunity, much of President Donald Trump’s second term agenda is mired in the courts. While a Republican-controlled Congress has shown little interest in restraining the president as he seeks to execute on an expansive agenda, the courts may still decide that it’s in the country’s best interests to do so. What’s the latest status of these ca
PCB cleanup workers say they weren’t protected. Now Scot has cancer.
PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were built to last. So, beginning in the late 1920’s billions of pounds of it were produced across the country for use in construction materials, plastics and consumer goods. But over the next 50 years, evidence that PCBs were actually toxic began to mount, and the EPA eventually banned its production in 1979. That’s when the cleanup started…and when Sc
Forget night clubs. Morning raves are where it's at.
What’s it like to party not TILL but AT the break of dawn? In an era when so many interactions happen through screens, a growing number of people have become more intentional about seeking connection. Morning raves, where the first stop on your morning commute is a dance floor, are gaining popularity. What is it about these early morning get-togethers that are drawing people out of bed be
Is the 2026 World Cup about to change soccer forever?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and it is unlike anything the sport has staged before. Spanning three countries and expanding in size, this tournament will redefine what a World Cup looks like. While ticket costs remain a concern, host cities are preparing for massive crowds and global attention. The biggest question now is whether the U.S. can turn this moment into a breakthrough on the
They rejected Biden’s 2020 win. Now they’re running for office.
Among the Republicans running for governor of politically competitive states in 2026 are people like Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin. What they have in common is concerning to many: They all rejected President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. Should they win in the fall midterms, they would subsequently have power ove
Turmoil at ’60 Minutes’ after Pelley and two others are fired
For over 50 years, CBS’ legendary “60 Minutes” has been a stalwart of the investigative reporting tradition. But a recent shakeup to leadership and on-air talent may put that reputation and future at risk. Behind the changes is CBS News new Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, a former New York Times opinion columnist who left the grey lady to found “The Free Press,” a digital publication that is
At Tribeca, music films are moving beyond the screen
Music documentaries are a major part of the festival circuit, but this year at Tribeca, they’re becoming something bigger: live events, legacy projects and cinematic extensions of the artists themselves. The festival opened with Questlove’s new Earth, Wind & Fire documentary, followed by a performance from the legendary band and The Roots. Other music films and events this year center
Melinda French Gates is making a $215 million bet on women's health
Melinda French Gates is one of the biggest donors to women’s health through Pivotal, her foundation. Now she’s investing another $215 million to improve women’s health. This money will help her longtime work on contraceptive access and maternal care while expanding to a new area: midlife and menopause. With 1 in 10 women leaving the workforce because of menopause, and another 1 in 5 consi
Can Hollywood help heal America's divides?
The United States is marking its 250th anniversary at a moment of deep division over politics, rights, power and who belongs in the nation’s story. Steven Olikara, founder and CEO of Bridge Entertainment Labs, says movies and television can do something politics often can’t: move people beyond caricature and contempt. He joins The Excerpt to discuss whether Hollywood can help Americans bu
Trump admin retreats from Anti-Weaponization Fund after headwinds mount
In a surprise move, the Trump administration announced that it was retreating from a $1.776 billion-dollar Anti-Weaponization Fund that would have been established as part of a settlement President Donald Trump made with the IRS over leaked tax returns. The fund was intended to compensate people who believe they had been unjustly targeted by the Biden administration’s Justice department,
Who gets to define what it means to be American?
In the prologue of “All We Say: The Battle for American Identity” author Ben Rhodes asks two questions that get right to the heart of this battle. What does it mean to be an American? And who gets to decide? As we approach our 250th anniversary, these are questions that many Americans are also deeply contemplating. How have 15 speeches shaped and reflected that debate over history? And ca
Democrats eye 2028 race as states compete to go first
As Democrats turn the page on 2024, a new high-stakes fight is underway over which states will kick off the 2028 presidential primaries. Twelve states made their pitches to the Democratic National Committee, which ranged from racial diversity to electoral history. The coveted early spots can shape the entire race and bring a surge of campaign spending and national media attention. USA TOD
Why the US won’t treat Ebola patients at home
On May 16, the World Health Organization called the Ebola outbreaks in eastern Congo and Uganda a global health emergency. So far, there have been more than 900 suspected cases and over 200 suspected deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. There is no vaccine. No treatment. Behind it all is a global health funding system at its lowest level since 2009, wit
Green card application process now forces immigrants to return home
A significant change to the green card application process announced last week could upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in America. The change, released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services which oversees the program, will require non-citizens to apply for a green card from their host countries. What might this change mean for applicants and their families who ar
Kinship families raise millions of children. Where is the support?
Millions of children in the U.S. live with grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives, often after a family crisis. But many kinship families take in children with little help navigating housing, legal rights or financial support. USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Jayme Fraser joins The Excerpt to discuss her three-part series, “Caring for Kin,” what families told her and why the syst
Memphis defined American music. How did it miss out on the money?
You can’t tell the story of American music without the blues, which means you can’t tell it without Memphis. From Beale Street’s blues bars to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to Graceland – the city’s influence on nearly every genre of music is immense. But for a city that helped shape the sound of America — why hasn’t it fully shared in the wealth it created? USA TODAY National Co
Why Trump’s $1.776B DOJ fund is raising alarms
A new $1.776 billion Justice Department fund is raising big questions — about who could qualify and how the money might be used. The “anti-weaponization fund” stems from a settlement tied to a $10B lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the IRS. The DOJ says it’s meant to compensate people who were unjustly targeted by Justice. But the details leave key questions unresolved. Coul
Trump defies low approval ratings with win in key Kentucky race
Ever since Indiana state Republicans failed to heed Trump’s redistricting demand, President Donald Trump has been on a tear, working to reshape the Republican Party by pushing hard against those who have opposed not only his leadership, but his vision of America and its place on the world stage. The president has been successful in forcing foes within his own party out of office – most re
Hantavirus isn't the real threat. Ebola is.
A deadly cluster of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship has raised new questions about how rare diseases spread, and whether another pandemic could be on the horizon. Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, explains what makes the Andes strain different, why experts do not expect this outbreak to become another COVID-like crisi
Don't think US national debt impacts you? It already has.
America’s debt has crossed a striking threshold: it’s now bigger than the economy itself. Questions about what that means start to take shape when interest enters the picture. As the cost of carrying debt grows, its impact becomes harder to ignore. So, what should we do about the national debt, and just how worried should we really be? Marc Goldwein, senior policy director at the Committe
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert takes its final bow
For decades, late‑night television has provided us with a shared end‑of‑day ritual made up of monologues and jokes that shape our political conversations. And, while Stephen Colbert didn’t invent late-night TV, he sharpened it. Last July, when Colbert announced the end of The Late Show franchise on CBS, many wondered what happens when shows that function as cultural town squares begin to
Gun industry privacy vs. gun safety on full display at ATF hearing
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, better known as the ATF, dramatically reduced the number of gun dealers who had their licenses revoked last year, signaling a new approach under President Donald Trump. One of the practices ATF has ended is publicly listing revoked dealers, holding a hearing just yesterday focused on how to protect the privacy of both gun owners and
Cuban political prisoners central to ongoing negotiations with US
From the moment the Trump administration toppled former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s longtime ally Cuba has been in the White House’s crosshairs. In the aftermath of that operation, President Donald Trump declared Cuba would be “next.” On April 10th, the U.S. gave Cuban leaders only two weeks to free political prisoners if they wanted to preemptively land a deal with t
With CNN, Ted Turner profoundly changed the way we see the world
Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, passed away last week at the age of 87. His impact on cable TV and the news industry writ large will endure for generations to come. Michael Socolow, a media scholar and a professor of communication and journalism at the University of Maine, joins The Excerpt to share his insights.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@us
Does Spirit’s collapse signal the end of cheap flights?
Summer travel season is getting underway. But this year, travelers are facing a perfect storm of new pressures in the airline industry. The budget airline Spirit Airlines has collapsed after years of financial struggles, eliminating one of the country’s biggest low-cost carriers just as millions of Americans prepare to fly for their summer vacation. At the same time, the war in Iran is dr
Is El Niño about to reshape the Pacific again?
La Niña may be gone, but its impact doesn’t end when the pattern fades, according to a new study from NOAA researchers and the Cooperative Institute. Now, as scientists watch for signs that El Niño could emerge in the Pacific, there are growing concerns about what comes next, including the possible return of an ocean heat wave known as “the Blob.” USA TODAY National Correspondent for Clim
Will SCOTUS Voting Rights Act ruling disenfranchise voters?
Last week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that will likely impact Black voters for generations. The 6-3 decision, which split along conservative and liberal lines, essentially nullified section 2 of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color or language minority status. In its wake, Louisiana, Tennessee and other states are redrawing
Inside a hockey empire that turned youth sports into big business
The story of Murry Gunty is about more than a hockey dad interested in youth sports. It’s about a businessman who saw an opportunity to build a lucrative hockey empire and cashed in on it. Gunty claims that his company, Black Bear, took almost all of its profits and reinvested them back into the business, allowing more kids to play hockey. But a nine‑month USA TODAY investigation found th
Why Gen Z is getting fired after being hired
Gen Z workers are entering the job market, and in some cases, getting fired just as quickly. A recent survey found that many employers say they’ve let Gen Z hires go within months of their hire, citing gaps in communication, professionalism and expectations. But is this really a problem with young workers—or is it something deeper? NYU professor Suzy Welch breaks down what she sees as a f
The must-see movies of summer 2026—and a surprising frontrunner
Hollywood’s summer movie season is here and it’s packed with big names, familiar franchises and high-stakes bets at the box office. From "Spider-Man" to "Star Wars," studios are once again leaning on proven hits to draw audiences in. But this year, one film could break through the noise: Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey." With a stacked cast and built-in name recognition, it’s emerging as
Her son was taken and killed in Gaza. She still chooses humanity.
In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, 254 people were abducted. One of them was 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin. In his mother Rachel Goldberg-Polin's new book entitled, “When We See You Again,” she writes, “My family is comprised of normal people to whom an ab-normal, quite rare brand of torture happened.” The author warns us early on to strap ourselves in. And you
Hegseth seeks to justify $1.5T budget while defending $25B war in Iran
today marks the 60th day since the start of the U.S. war in Iran. According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must now seek congressional approval to continue military operations in the war on Iran, a war whose price tag stands at $25 billion with no clear objective or end in sight. USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele joins The Excerpt to break down this hist
Why this year’s Kentucky Derby is wide open
This year's Kentucky Derby returns with a wide open field and no clear favorite. Courier Journal reporters Jason Frakes and Kirby Adams join The Excerpt to talk about the top horses to watch, betting strategy, post position impact and ongoing horse safety concerns at Churchill Downs. They also break down Derby traditions, fashion trends, celebrity appearances and what makes this race one
Does Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller need a cancer warning?
Should companies be legally required to warn consumers that their product might cause cancer? If your company is selling tobacco, that answer has been yes since 1965. But what if your product is just for lawns and is regulated by the EPA? That’s precisely what the Supreme Court is being asked to decide. The man at the heart of a lawsuit against Monsanto says a warning or a change in marke
Political violence upends the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
The setting was the same as it’s always been: the elegant ballroom in the basement of the Washington Hilton. There, the president, vice president and other high-ranking officials gathered with around 2500 guests to celebrate freedom of speech. But instead of being a light-hearted gala as it had been in the past, fear and pandemonium soon reigned. The White House Correspondents Association
AI-generated influencers are here. Can you tell who’s real?
Generative AI is making it easier than ever to create influencers who don’t actually exist. These synthetic personas can build audiences, promote products and even shape political conversations — often without people realizing they aren’t real. So what happens when influence itself can be engineered at scale? We sit down with Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic, who explains ho
Redistricting battle now turns to Florida and the courts
The latest news in the redistricting arms race between Republicans and Democrats saw voters narrowly approve a new map in Virginia that could advantage the Dems by up to four new seats. Although there’s an injunction on that election, if it is certified, that would bring the total number of states with new district maps heading into the midterms up to seven. But Republicans may have more
Doomscrolling alert: The Atlantic current may be headed for collapse
A large-scale and delicate system of ocean currents that has been active for millions of years and that’s responsible for our warm climate is in danger of collapse due to climate change. This is according to a new study published in April in the journal Science Advances. If that collapse actually happens, scientists warn, the consequences could be dire. Shane Elipot, a physical oceanograp
What’s at stake as King Charles visits Trump
King Charles III is heading to Washington for his first visit as monarch — and the timing is anything but simple. The king will address Congress and attend a state dinner with President Donald Trump. But the visit comes amid rising global tensions, including divisions over Iran and uncertainty about the future of NATO. It also unfolds against the backdrop of renewed scrutiny over Prince A
The pope & Trump: A match not made in heaven
President Donald Trump has been clashing with Pope Leo XIV for weeks now in a rare and increasingly public dispute between a U.S. president and the head of the Catholic Church. The pope has warned against the escalating violence around the world and called for peace and diplomacy. But Trump has pushed back hard, going so far as to call the pope “weak on crime” and falsely suggesting that
The Trump administration is working to reshape immigration courts
The Trump administration's mass deportation effort has played out on numerous fronts since he took office in 2024. There’s been dramatic ICE sweeps of major American cities and a significant expansion of immigration detention. But the administration has also been working to reshape the nation's immigration courts and dozens of immigration judges across the country have been fired. What im
Wildfire season is already off to a dangerous start
Wildfire season is already off to an early and dangerous start across the U.S., with more than 1.6 million acres burned — far above the 10-year average. Experts warn the months ahead could bring more large, destructive fires. At the same time, the Trump administration is planning a major overhaul of the U.S. Forest Service, including closing research facilities and regional offices. So wh
50 most iconic brands that built America
You can sip it. Zip it. Drive it. American brands do more than fill our lives, they shape who we are. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, we decided to look at brands that capture America’s ingenuity and drive. From Motown to Harley-Davidson, these names tell a uniquely American story. Narrowing it down to the 50 most iconic? That was the tough part. Business Editor Jim Nelson and
The blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda can cost over $150,000
Last December, President Donald Trump convened a meeting of pharmaceutical executives with the goal of getting them to lower the cost of prescription drugs. A few weeks later, one patient battling lung cancer checked into a California clinic for an infusion of Merck & Co.'s blockbuster cancer drug, Keytruda. When the bill arrived, the clinic's charge for a 400 mg dose dominated the pa
President Donald Trump was a big fan of Queen Elizabeth II
President Donald Trump had his first and only state visit with Queen Elizabeth on June 3rd, 2019. It was a meeting he had long anticipated, the ultimate sign that he had made it in life. But what did the Queen think of Trump? Of 113 state visits during her long reign, President Trump had been the last. The impression he’d made, though, may have been overshadowed by the one made by Marine
The exodus from DOJ will have repercussions for years
The Department of Justice is in turmoil. The previous controversial attorney general Pam Bondi is out, and thousands of employees have either been fired, put on leave or quit. So what’s on the DOJ’s agenda and what can it hope to accomplish in the back half of President Donald Trump’s term? USA TODAY Justice Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to share her insights.Let us know wh
The reckoning over Jeffrey Epstein isn’t finished
After reading the Epstein files, Claire Wilmot, a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, uncovered a chilling pattern: systematic efforts to discredit survivors of sexual abuse while protecting the rich and powerful.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Poli
Trump’s whipsaw strategy with Iran has global leaders worried
It's been a week of escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump with regards to Iran, starting with threats to power plants and bridges on Monday morning. By Tuesday, Trump had posted on Truth Social that 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.' But then as the Tuesday deadline approached, Trump tried a different tack and announced a two-week ceasefire.
The World Cup is just over two months away. Here’s what to watch.
The World Cup is just over two months away. The 48 teams that were selected will be competing in a record 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. What storylines can we expect? Seth Vertelney, Soccer Editor for USA TODAY Sports, joins The Excerpt to talk all things World Cup.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usato
If it works, why can’t doctors prescribe cannabis?
Cannabis is widely known as a recreational drug, illegal in some states and legal in others. But what do you know about cannabis-based therapies, often referred to as medical marijuana? For well over a century, compounds extracted from the marijuana plant, of which there are more than 500, have been used therapeutically for a range of medical applications, from treating anxiety to address
A California sheriff is questioning election integrity
The midterm elections are heating up and battlelines are being drawn in cities and towns across the country, in places like Riverside County California. That’s where a court battle is playing out between Sheriff Chad Bianco, a prominent election denier running for governor, and Democrats who say his seizure more than 60,000 ballots from a prior election is a political stunt that undermine
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