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
Will Trump's Russia diesel deal actually lower prices?
A new diesel supply deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin aims to ease pressure on fuel markets, but will it make a meaningful difference? Daniel de Visé, personal finance reporter for USA TODAY, breaks down why economists expect only modest relief and what the move could mean for consumers and businesses.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@us
The ketamine blind spot on college campuses
Why are more people talking about ketamine? USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer explains what the drug does and why researchers say there's still limited data on its role in sexual assault cases. He also shares what experts say college students and universities may be missing about this powerful anesthetic.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to
Why DOGE is back at the Supreme Court
Why is DOGE back before the Supreme Court? USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe explains the fight over government transparency, what records watchdog groups want to see, and why the ruling could affect how future administrations shield information from public view.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Pol
ICE said it wasn't tracking protesters. Then we got records.
USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler explains how reporters fought for months to obtain ICE records and what they uncovered inside an "agitator" tracking system. He also breaks down why the findings are fueling new questions about protest surveillance and government transparency.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Se
Why 5 million Americans lost SNAP benefits
Five million Americans have already fallen off SNAP rolls, and experts say that may be just the beginning. Sarah D. Wire, senior national news reporter for USA TODAY, explains how new federal requirements are reshaping food assistance programs and what the changes mean for families who rely on SNAP.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.&nb
Christa Pike's lawyers warned of issues before her botched execution
Convicted murderer Christa Pike was sentenced to death by lethal injection on September 30th, but somehow survived. Her situation has surprised many, but new reporting suggests there were warning signs something could go wrong.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy
The warning signs Nicole Brown Simpson’s family missed
Author and domestic violence advocate Denise Brown reflects on the warning signs her family missed before Nicole Brown Simpson’s death. She explains what she later learned about power, control and the cycle of abuse, and what families need to understand when someone they love may be at risk.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See P
America needs tradespeople. Why can’t they find jobs?
America needs electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople. So why are newly trained workers still struggling to get hired? Rachel Barber, USA TODAY money reporter, explains the contradiction behind the skilled-worker shortage and what it could mean for repairs, infrastructure and essential services.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.&
Data centers made this county rich. Then came the backlash
For years, Loudoun County, Virginia, treated data centers as an economic success story. Fast-track approvals attracted major developers, and the tax windfall paid for public services across the county. Now residents say the growth has gone too far. USA TODAY National Reporter Christopher Cann examines the backlash and what other communities can learn from Loudoun’s experience.Let us know
Hakeem Jeffries on the Democratic Party's agenda if they win the House
With just over a month to go before the midterm elections, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins The Excerpt to discuss the rise of the DSA within the Democratic party, his private meeting with Trump adviser Jared Kushner, and why he believes the U.S. is in the midst of an "AI safety crisis."Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.&nbs
Cornell received 1,200 sexual violence reports. Few led to expulsion
Cornell University received more than 1,200 reports of sexual violence between 2018 and 2024, but only a fraction resulted in formal investigations and disciplinary action. Kenny Jacoby, investigative reporter for USA TODAY, joins The Excerpt to break down the numbers, the limits of campus misconduct systems and what experts say these outcomes can mean for student trust.Let us know what y
Cancer is falling nationwide. Except in Iowa.
Cancer rates are declining across most of the United States. But Iowa is moving in the opposite direction. Iowa now has one of the nation's highest cancer incidence rates and is one of only three states where rates continue to rise. So what's different about Iowa? Nick El Hajj, reporter for the Des Moines Register, joins The Excerpt to discuss the theories researchers are investigating, f
Gretchen Carlson: The fight isn't over
Ten years after taking on Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson, former Fox News anchor, reveals what changed for women who speak out and where justice still fails them. She reflects on the personal cost of challenging workplace power and why many women never return to their careers.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at
Can tech companies stop AI deepfakes from spreading?
Bad actors rarely remain on a single platform. Sean Litton, former president and CEO of the Tech Coalition, explains how they can move between social media, gaming, messaging and payment services. On USA TODAY's The Excerpt, he also breaks down Lantern, a system that allows companies to share warning signals and uncover harmful activity that might otherwise remain hidden.Let us know what
A record number of ICE employees are leaving. Why?
A record number of employees are leaving ICE, even as the agency hires thousands of workers to expand enforcement operations. Ignacio Calderon, a USA TODAY data reporter, breaks down what federal workforce records reveal about the surge in departures,Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privac
Why Republicans are suddenly worried about Texas
Texas is rarely considered a political battleground, so why are Republicans spending heavily to defend it? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey explains James Talarico’s rise, Ken Paxton’s vulnerabilities and why affordability, AI, data centers and frustration with Washington are reshaping the Senate race.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email
Trump threatens Iran in fiery UN speech. What's next?
From Iran and Cuba to Ukraine and NATO, President Trump's UN visit touched nearly every major foreign policy challenge facing the United States. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY White House correspondent, examines the biggest moment and what to watch as Trump heads into a high-stakes meeting with China's leader.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatod
What happens when the White House bans reporters?
This fight is bigger than which reporters enter the White House. BrieAnna Frank, USA TODAY First Amendment reporting fellow, explains why fewer journalists with firsthand access could narrow what the public can independently learn and verify, and how a loss in court could give future administrations more room to restrict the press.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an e
Andy Beshear talks faith and a possible 2028 run for president
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joins USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page on The Excerpt to talk about his new book, the midterms and if he will run for president in 2028.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice
She asked for help. Her doctor dismissed her concerns
A pregnant mother's struggle with untreated depression became a lasting lesson in what can happen when patients don't feel listened to. Ken Alltucker, a national correspondent for USA Today, discusses new research on healthcare access and why women are more likely to report negative experiences with the healthcare system.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to po
Her father was denied a class trip to D.C. Now she may join the Senate
Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton could make history if she's elected to the U.S. Senate, but her campaign is also rooted in a deeply personal family story. USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jay Stahl joins The Excerpt to discuss how her father's experience with segregation, along with the loss of her father last year, continues to shape her candidacy to replace Sen. Dick Durbin.Let us know
AI insiders warn of danger. Will Congress act?
After an Anthropic researcher quit and warned about the risks of advanced AI, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to respond. USA TODAY Congressional Correspondent Zach Schermele explains why the warning is getting lawmakers' attention and whether meaningful AI oversight is finally gaining momentum.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. 
Oprah Winfrey reveals how intuition has guided her career and life
Oprah Winfrey opens up about trusting her intuition and embracing reinvention as she promotes a new immersive event in Las Vegas April 2-4. In a wide-ranging conversation with USA TODAY Executive Editor of Entertainment Wendy Naugle, she shares why she’s still focused on helping people change their lives and why she believes new beginnings are always possible.Let us know what you think of
His father was missing. Then his search for answers began
Author and USA TODAY National Enterprise Editor Jeremy Redmon joins The Excerpt to discuss “Tell the Kids I Love Them,” his memoir about war, fatherhood, love and loss. Through audio tapes recorded during the Vietnam War, family memories and years of searching, Redmon pieces together the life of his father, Donald, and confronts the questions his family carried after Donald’s death by sui
Is HBO's The Pitt about to dominate the Emmys?
HBO’s The Pitt enters Emmy night with a leading 25 nominations, but the biggest story may be what its success says about television’s future. Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY senior entertainment correspondent, joins us to break down the breakout nominees and the industry trends shaping TV right now.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Epi
The story behind the firefighters' flag-raising at Ground Zero
Thomas E. Franklin, former Bergen Record photographer, reflects on September 11, 2001, recounting his journey into Ground Zero and the split-second decisions that led to one of the most recognizable images in American history. He joins Mike Kelly, a columnist for The Record in New Jersey and USA TODAY, to share what he saw and why the photograph still resonates decades later.Let us know w
The challenge of teaching 9/11 to kids
Twenty-five years after the attacks, today’s students know 9/11 through history lessons rather than personal memory. Dexter Southfield Head of School Peter Folan joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to explain how educators balance the tragedy of that day with stories of resilience, service, and unity. Hear how schools are helping a new generation understand why 9/11 still matters. Let us k
The untold 9/11 stories of ordinary Americans
Twenty-five years after 9/11, Mike Kelly, columnist for The Record of northern New Jersey and author of “After Ground Zero,” reflects on the ordinary Americans whose lives were forever changed. From survivors and first responders to grieving families, he explores the human stories behind the tragedy.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.&n
The enduring impacts of 9/11
In the now 25 years since the attack on 9/11, our world has drastically changed. The way we live our lives, the way we travel, the way we interact with our government, the way our government surveils us – all of it – changed. How exactly? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her insights.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to p
Who can track your car with Flock camera data?
Flock cameras capture license plates and vehicle details, creating a searchable record of where cars have been seen. USA TODAY Investigative Data Reporter Austin Fast explains how USA TODAY's analysis of 75 million searches uncovered troubling patterns, including officers repeatedly tracking the same vehicles, and why the findings are intensifying concerns about privacy, surveillance and
The AI backlash uniting a divided America
Opposition to Big Tech is creating a rare point of agreement across the political divide. USA TODAY National Reporter Christopher Cann explains why communities are resisting massive data centers, AI-powered surveillance, Flock cameras and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transc
Why mothers are leaving one of Washington’s toughest jobs
Being White House press secretary means long days, constant travel and being available almost around the clock. For parents of young children, those demands can come with a high cost. Karoline Leavitt is leaving the role months after having her second child, saying she wants more time with her family. But she isn't the first. USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield fou
TPS is over. What's next for Miami's Little Haiti?
The end of Temporary Protected Status for many Haitian immigrants has transformed Miami's Little Haiti. Businesses are quieter and churches are emptier, while many families weigh impossible choices. USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning joins The Excerpt after reporting from the heart of the community to explore the economic and human toll of losing deportation protections.Let us
Democrats fought Trump's bill. Why back part of it now?
Democrats sharply criticized President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But many are now championing one of its biggest health care investments: a $50 billion Rural Health…. Why the change? And can the funding make a meaningful difference as millions of Americans confront rising healthcare costs? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison joins The Excerpt to explain what
What’s Trump’s endgame in Iran?
We’re now six months into the US-Israeli War in Iran, a war with seemingly no end in sight. It’s cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and the lives of 18 servicemen. Does President Donald Trump have an exit strategy? USA TODAY Bureau Chief Susan Page breaks down where we are at the half year mark.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usa
Why everyone felt Dolly Parton was theirs
Dolly Parton was more than a country music legend. She was a songwriter, storyteller, philanthropist and cultural force whose work helped people feel seen. From timeless songs like "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" to her commitment to childhood literacy and disaster relief, her influence reached far beyond entertainment. USA TODAY National Music Reporter Meliss
USS Lincoln families speak out after grueling deployment
For months, sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln remained at sea as their expected return home was pushed further and further back. Their families watched graduations, weddings and other milestones pass without them, while hearing accounts of supply shortages, broken facilities and difficult conditions aboard the carrier. Now, as the Lincoln finally begins its return, USA TODAY Investig
At this summer camp, disability doesn’t mean sitting out
At Camp Simcha in New York’s Catskill Mountains, children with cancer, chronic illnesses and complex disabilities receive round-the-clock medical care while swimming, climbing, making friends and gaining independence. USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporter Rachel Hale explains how the camp gives kids experiences that can otherwise feel out of reach — and offers their parents a rare break
Can faith help Democrats win in red states?
For years, Republicans have had a lock on those who base their vote on their religious preferences and values, something that has only grown with the rise of the evangelical right, but this year an unusually high number of Democratic candidates in red states are sharing their faith in an effort to connect with voters in the midterm elections. Will it work? USA TODAY Senior National Politi
The job market says hiring is robust. Job seekers disagree.
Picture this: A software engineer logs onto Zoom for a coding interview. No interviewer ever shows up. Another job seeker has sent out roughly 5,000 applications to no avail. And then there are the jobs that may not really be available at all — listings for positions companies may have paused, plan to fill internally, or are simply using to build a future talent pool. All of this has
Is content creation worth the cost of a college degree?
Content creator wasn't a career path most colleges considered a generation ago. Today, it's one of the fastest growing ambitions among young people. Arizona State University is responding with a new Bachelor of Arts in content creation, designed to teach students everything from storytelling and audience trust to navigating AI and ever-changing algorithms. Senior Associate Dean and Profes
Iran war tests Trump’s hold on the GOP as midterms near
Nearly six months into the war with Iran, Republicans are growing increasingly anxious about what the conflict could mean for the midterms. Rising gas prices and broader affordability concerns are putting pressure on GOP candidates, while divisions over the war are exposing tensions within President Donald Trump’s own political coalition. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson j
Is Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” working for Americans?
Despite a major setback earlier this year when the Supreme Court ruled against his use of emergency authority in enacting tariffs back in April 2025 on what he called “Liberation Day,” President Donald Trump continues to find ways to levy import taxes on friends and foes alike. That includes a whopping 50% levy aimed at Canada which, if negotiations fail, will go into effect on August 19t
Democrats are betting on South Carolina in 2028
The DNC is doubling down on South Carolina as the first state in its presidential primary calendar, a decision that could reshape the race for the 2028 Democratic nomination. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy joins The Excerpt to explain why party leaders are sticking with South Carolina, which candidates stand to benefit most, and what early buzz around candi
A dying coal town. A nuclear gamble. Enter Bill Gates.
A Wyoming coal town facing an uncertain future has become the testing ground for a novel nuclear power plant backed by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Supporters view the high-tech project as an essential economic lifeline, while critics have voiced deep concerns over safety and nuclear waste storage. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes visited Kemmerer, Wyoming, to explore whet
Why hundreds of private American colleges are shutting down
When Vermont’s Sterling College shut down, it brought into focus a growing crisis for higher education in rural America. With hundreds of small private colleges facing severe financial pressure, what happens to the students and communities left behind? Investigative journalist Jon Marcus from The Hechinger Report joins The Excerpt for a look at the impacts and what families must look for
Why young men are resorting to extreme looksmaxxing
"Looksmaxxing" has exploded online as young men pursue physical perfection – from chiseled jawlines to extreme body alterations. But from "softmaxxing" skincare to risky DIY fillers and extreme bone alteration, when does self-improvement cross the line into dangerous self-harm? USA TODAY Senior Wellness Reporter Charles Trepany joins The Excerpt for a look at how social media algorithms,
Could Trump’s mail-in ballot plan put your vote at risk?
With less than 90 days before the midterms, the Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to let it move forward with an untested system that would give the U.S. Postal Service a new role in determining who receives a mail-in ballot. The administration says the changes would strengthen election security, while states and election officials warn that introducing new procedures after
The wildfires in Spokane are just the beginning
The wildfires burning in Spokane, Washington are a wake-up call to many, especially in the western United States. Recent deadly fires in Paradise, Marshall, Lahaina and Los Angeles share the same message for residents living in or close to risky fire-prone areas: If you want to live here, you’re going to have to accept the fire risks. But is it worth it? USA TODAY National Reporter Dinah
From turnaround to pay it forward: Kickstarter CEO backs artists
Before the crowdfunding giant Kickstarter hired a 33-year-old CEO in the fall of 2022, revenue had been falling…. as much as 20 percent earlier that year. Since then, the company – where folks fund projects by creatives – has bounced back in a big way. Last year was Kickstarter’s best year on record. So how did a young, Black corporate executive do it? Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor join
With a nail-biting win, Dems pin their hopes on Michigan in midterms
In a nail-biter Democratic senate primary in Michigan, progressive insurgent Abdul El-Sayed defeated establishment candidate Representative Haley Stevens, a four-term centrist congresswoman, in what could signal a further sign of change to the party’s direction. While there were four other state primaries on Tuesday night, the Michigan senate race has been seen as pivotal to the Democrats
Colorado River cuts could reach far beyond the West
The Colorado River supplies water to one in 10 Americans and supports farms that produce about 15% of the nation’s food. After the seven states that rely on it failed to agree on how to share a shrinking water supply, the federal government released a 10-year framework that could bring much deeper cuts to Arizona, California and Nevada. Arizona could bear the steepest reductions because o
Is the post-Trump GOP already forming?
We’ve seen some Republican lawmakers break with President Donald Trump on key votes, foreign policy and economic strategy. But do these isolated disputes point to a true political split or just standard policy debates? USA TODAY Congressional Correspondent Zach Schermele joins The Excerpt to break down the internal power dynamics and explore what could be early signs of a post-Trump GOP.&
What Trump’s asylum change means for people seeking protection
The Trump administration has changed how some asylum applications are handled, allowing certain cases to be sent directly to immigration court without first going through an interview with a trained asylum officer. The administration says the policy could help reduce a backlog of roughly 1.4 million pending cases and address abuse of the asylum system. Immigration attorneys and legal expe
Trump's immigration crackdown sends migrants north to Canada
At more 5,500 miles, the U.S.-Canada border is the longest international border in the world. As a new bridge opens between Detroit and Canada amid rising trade tensions, USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes embeds with Canadian Mounties to reveal what life, security and dangerous crossings look like along on our northern border.Let us know what you think of this episode by send
Why are so many young adults not working or in school?
Millions of young adults are not working, not in school and not in training. A new RAND report looks at why so many 18-24-year-olds are disconnected from the paths that usually launch them successfully into adulthood. RAND Senior Economist Jennie Wenger joins The Excerpt to explain why education alone does not solve the problem, how place and poverty shape opportunity and why community co
Pet hospice is everywhere: What you need to know
Most people are familiar with hospice, a compassionate, holistic approach to caring for someone who is terminally ill and has no chance of recovery. But did you know there’s also hospice for our furry loved ones? While not exactly a new trend, the availability of pet hospice care and end of life options has dramatically expanded in recent years, giving families greater control over how th
Could biological warfare cause the next pandemic?
Biological weapons are illegal, but the threat of an intentional release or catastrophic lab accident remains. Investigative journalist and best-selling author Annie Jacobsen joins The Excerpt to discuss her new book, “Biological War: A Scenario,” which follows how a deadly pathogen could spread, how governments might respond and why human behavior could determine whether an outbreak is c
Can the US regulate AI without slowing innovation?
AI is increasingly shaping decisions about health care, employment, prices and other parts of everyday life. But while the European Union has adopted a sweeping regulatory framework, the U.S. still has no single federal rulebook governing the technology. Instead, oversight relies on a patchwork of state laws, voluntary industry standards, existing consumer protections and lawsuits after s
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
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