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The Excerpt

<p>Get context, not just headlines. Every weekday The Excerpt brings USA TODAY's award-winning journalists from across the nation together to unpack America's most pressing stories — from politics and culture to sports and entertainment — with host Dana Taylor.</p>

USA TODAY

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 Politics Reporter Sarah D. Wire joins The Excerpt to share her reporting.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can faith help Democrats win in red states?

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 many people asking: is the hiring process broken? USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Rachel Hale joins The Excerpt to share her deep dive into the state of hiring.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is hiring broken?

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 Professor of Practice in Journalism & Mass Communication at Arizona State University Jessica Pucci joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the launch of the program.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is content creation worth the cost of a college degree?

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 joins The Excerpt to discuss why Iran has become such a difficult issue for Republicans, how some MAGA supporters are responding and the choices facing Trump as campaign season heats up.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran war tests Trump’s hold on the GOP as midterms near

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 19th. Meanwhile a new piece of legislation cloaked in the guise of Russian sanctions aims to effectively give the president carte blanche to levy tariffs on whichever countries he wants to. Is the president’s “America First Trade Policy” a win for the American people? Inu Manak, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, joins The Excerpt to share her insights.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” working for Americans?

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 candidates like Gavin Newsom, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris reveals about the Democratic Party's future and its potential path back to the White House. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats are betting on South Carolina in 2028

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 whether this high-stakes project could redefine the future of American energy.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A dying coal town. A nuclear gamble. Enter Bill Gates.

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 prior to enrollment.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why hundreds of private American colleges are shutting down

"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, physique inflation and the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards are affecting young men today.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why young men are resorting to extreme looksmaxxing

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 preparations are already underway could create errors that cannot be undone. USA TODAY Senior National News Reporter Sarah D. Wire joins The Excerpt to explain what the court is considering, how eligible voters could be affected.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Could Trump’s mail-in ballot plan put your vote at risk?

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 Voyles-Pulver joins The Excerpt to share her reporting.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The wildfires in Spokane are just the beginning

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 joins The Excerpt to share what motivates him.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From turnaround to pay it forward: Kickstarter CEO backs artists

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’ bid to reclaim control of the chamber this November. The question now, can El-Sayed galvanize enough voters to win over Republican Mike Rogers? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her analysis of the race.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With a nail-biting win, Dems pin their hopes on Michigan in midterms

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 of its lower-priority rights to water delivered through the Central Arizona Project.Brandon Loomis, environmental and climate reporter for The Arizona Republic, joins The Excerpt to explain what the federal government has decided and what remains up for negotiation.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colorado River cuts could reach far beyond the West

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. 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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the post-Trump GOP already forming?

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 experts warn, however, that skipping the interview could make it harder for people with legitimate claims to explain inconsistencies, present evidence and receive a meaningful review. USA TODAY National Reporter Christopher Cann joins The Excerpt to explain what all this means for immigrants.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Trump’s asylum change means for people seeking protection

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 sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's immigration crackdown sends migrants north to Canada

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 connections may be one of the missing pieces.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why are so many young adults not working or in school?

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 their loved ones’ last days are spent. Dr. Becky Frank, a veterinarian with Lap of Love, a nationwide pet hospice organization, joins The Excerpt to talk through this shift in end-of-life care for the animals in our lives.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pet hospice is everywhere: What you need to know

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 contained or becomes a global disaster.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Could biological warfare cause the next pandemic?

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 something goes wrong. AI Now Institute Co-Executive Director Sarah Myers West joins The Excerpt to discuss the risks consumers already face, the limits of the current approach, who may be held responsible when AI causes harm and what meaningful U.S. oversight could look like.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can the US regulate AI without slowing innovation?

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 in a country built on the idea of opportunity? Susan Stokes, the distinguished service professor of political science at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Center on Democracy, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt for a look at what happens to faith in democratic institutions as unprecedented wealth becomes more concentrated. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Elon Musk reaching trillionaire status says about America

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 House Correspondent Joey Garrison joins The Excerpt to discuss the stakes for the Trump administration and the potential for a widening conflict. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iran war costs in blood and treasure soar as mission remains unclear

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 responsibilities, retirement and lower immigration may all be contributing to a shrinking labor force. USA TODAY Money Reporter Rachel Barber joins The Excerpt to explain what the latest numbers really reveal, why fewer available workers could constrain economic growth and how much confidence we should place in a jobs report that may still be revised.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

America’s workforce is shrinking. What’s going on?

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 politics of MAGA.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Trump losing his grip on working-class voters?

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. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What college is really worth in 2026

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 largely to blame.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As antisemitism spikes, how can America tackle the hate?

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 is whether they've also earned him enough Republican votes to claim the Justice Department's top job. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to share her insights on the first day of his confirmation hearing.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump’s IRS settlement draws criticism at Blanche confirmation hearing

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 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Cat in the Hat is back in a lost Dr. Seuss book

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 nervously. Their concern is that Republicans will seize on those wins to blur the lines between progressives and moderates, turning every Democrat in a competitive state into a stand-in for the party’s most unapologetic activists. Is the party genuinely rebuilding itself or are progressives dooming the Dems for what could have been a midterm rout. 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 podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liberal progressives are remaking the Democratic party in 2026

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 2025 left it struggling to effectively respond to last summer’s Texas floods. It also hasn’t had anyone permanent leading it since President Donald Trump took office. The question isn’t whether the next catastrophe is coming. It is. The question is, will FEMA be ready to meet the moment? USA TODAY National Correspondent Dinah Voyles-Pulver joins The Excerpt to share her insights.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is FEMA ready for the coming hurricanes, floods and fires?

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 the U.S. captured and extracted Maduro, netted the anonymous investor who made it $400,000. Are prediction markets democratizing information as some argue or are we monetizing reality in a way that incentivizes perverse motives? Alex Goldenberg, Fellow at Rutgers University, joins The Excerpt to explain how these markets work and the risks they pose financially and politically. (This episode originally aired on February 11, 2026.)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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are prediction markets democratizing information or gamifying war?

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 University College London and author of Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives, joins The Excerpt to explain what science says about creativity, mental health and why making something with your hands can be so powerful. (This episode originally aired on March 4, 2026.)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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crafting’s comeback and the science behind it

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? Forester and author Ethan Tapper joins The Excerpt to share both his practical and philosophical perspectives outlined in his new book, "How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World." (This episode originally aired on August 6th, 2025.)Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you love a forest? Ethan Tapper has thoughts.

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 Excerpt to discuss “The Nuclear Sponge” – a five-part project by USA TODAY that dives into the strategic debate and costs of modernizing the land leg of America’s nuclear arsenal. (This episode originally aired on January 7, 2026.)Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inside the push to modernize the US nuclear arsenal

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 oceanographer at the University of Miami and one of the authors of the study, joins The Excerpt to share his findings. (This episode originally aired on April 23, 2026)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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Doomscrolling alert: The Atlantic current may be headed for collapse

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 history and where the country might be headed in its next 250 years.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Related USA 250 stories: American Flag, Oregon Trail, Space Race, Mississippi River, Paul Revere, Route 66, Underground RailroadEpisode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We hit the road for USA 250

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 you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House Speaker Johnson on housing, relationship with Trump and Iran war

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 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump dealt major blow with birthright citizenship ruling

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 somewhere private and intimate. So, what is really going on? From the celebrity guests to the luxe venue, music performances to the wedding dress we are breaking it down. USA TODAY Reporters Bryan West, Melissa Ruggieri and Morgan Evans join Senior Entertainment Correspondent Ralphie Aversa on this special episode of The Excerpt.* An earlier version of this podcast referenced a prior release of Toy Story that included a Taylor Swift song. It was Toy Story 5. 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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: The big wedding date is finally here!

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 National News Reporter Sarah Wire joins The Excerpt to explain what the memo says, why states are trying to fill the gaps themselves and what this could mean for November’s midterms.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the midterm elections be free from interference from bad actors?

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 next for affected families. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt to walk through the decision and what happens next.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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SCOTUS ruling ends TPS legal status for Haitians and Syrians

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 desk and if he does, will it make housing any more affordable? Francis Torres, Director of Housing & Infrastructure for the Bipartisan Policy Center, joins The Excerpt to share his analysis of the crisis.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On housing, America agrees. Trump stands alone

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 they be able to find common ground while they still have the power to execute on Trump’s agenda? USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele joins The Excerpt now to explain why Senate Republicans are scrambling and what it could mean for the party heading into the midterms. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GOP drama as Trump meets lawmakers behind closed doors

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 question is: Will we? Author Robert Wright joins The Excerpt to talk about his new book.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does AI mark an inflection point for civilization?

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 why literary tourism is growing, what readers are really paying for and how book lovers can build their own story-inspired experiences closer to home.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BookTok is turning favorite books into real-life trips

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 America’s democratic experiment at its founding. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her thoughts on this historic opening.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Obama dedicates his new presidential center on Chicago’s South Side

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 July? White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers joins The Excerpt to break down the latest following the G7 Summit and talk about the future of NATO.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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump and Iran agree to suspend war pending further negotiations

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 discuss whether social media bans work, why age verification raises privacy and free speech concerns and what parents can do to help children navigate social media more safely.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do social media bans actually protect kids?

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 About It,” Samuel argues that power in the U.S. skews older not just because some politicians stay in office for decades, but because older Americans vote at higher rates, hold more wealth and remain in positions of influence longer. Samuel joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to talk about his new book and what studying gerontocracy might teach us.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are young people locked out of power in the US?

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 cases and what’s next for Trump’s complicated legal journey? USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to unpack the political and legal issues.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Much of Trump’s legacy is tied up in the courts

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 Scot Meisenheimer’s medical nightmares began. Tamia Fowlkes, a Public Investigator, and Caitlin Looby, a Great Lakes and Environment Reporter, both with The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, have spent the last two years investigating the cleanup and the consequences for contractors like Meisenheimer. They join The Excerpt to share their exclusive reporting.Search for superfund sites in your area: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/search-superfund-sites-where-you-live For more on PCB cleanups: https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/managing-remediation-waste-polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs-cleanupsLet 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PCB cleanup workers say they weren’t protected. Now Scot has cancer.

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 before sunrise, and what are they really hoping to find there? USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporter Rachel Hale joins The Excerpt for more on what it’s like to begin the day with a healthy and deliberately designed communal experience.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forget night clubs. Morning raves are where it's at.

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 field. USA TODAY National Soccer Writer and Sports Seriously Soccer Podcast host Jon Arnold joins USA TODAY'S The Excerpt to break down what to expect.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the 2026 World Cup about to change soccer forever?

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 over the administration of future elections which could ultimately decide the presidency, including in 2028. USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer joins The Excerpt to unpack this politically fraught issue. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They rejected Biden’s 2020 win. Now they’re running for office.

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 broadly described as featuring contrarian and conservative viewpoints. Last fall, CBS News, under the leadership of newly minted CEO David Ellison, acquired the Free Press for a deal estimated at $150 million. And, after the deal closed, he put Bari Weiss, a successful entrepreneur with no broadcast experience, in charge of CBS News. Will Weiss’ radical approach usher in a new age of prosperity for the storied network or will it lead to its demise? CNN’s Chief Media Analyst Brian Stelter joins The Excerpt to dig into the issues plaguing CBS News in this moment and what it means for the future of “60 Minutes.”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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turmoil at ’60 Minutes’ after Pelley and two others are fired

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 on Alicia Keys, Madonna, Peter Frampton, Katy Perry, Daft Punk and more. USA TODAY National Music Reporter Melissa Ruggieri joins The Excerpt to talk about why music films are having a moment, what separates a great one from a celebrity vanity project and how artists are using documentaries and concert films to reach audiences in new ways.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At Tribeca, music films are moving beyond the screen

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 considering retiring early, America faces a crisis of losing our women leaders? What can we do to stop the exodus? Philanthropist and author Melinda French Gates joins The Excerpt to talk about her latest initiative to educate healthcare practitioners and expand outreach in areas where access to menopause care is most limited.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Melinda French Gates is making a $215 million bet on women's health

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 build more curiosity, complexity and connection across their differences.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can Hollywood help heal America's divides?

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, including people involved in the Jan 6th attack on the capitol. The fund was already in legal limbo after one court put the fund on hold last week while a second re-opened the IRS case for further scrutiny. Meanwhile, pushback from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers had mushroomed. We spoke before this news broke with USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi about the dramatic legal and political headwinds the Trump administration was facing. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump admin retreats from Anti-Weaponization Fund after headwinds mount

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 can they help us understand our ongoing and evolving search for a national identity? Ben Rhodes, a former national security advisor and speech writer to President Barack Obama, joins The Excerpt to share his insights. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who gets to define what it means to be American?

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 TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers explains the political stakes and which states may have the edge. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats eye 2028 race as states compete to go first

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, with the largest single donor, the U.S., having walked away. A recent shift in U.S. health policy now has the U.S. keeping suspected American cases abroad – sending some to quarantine facilities in Europe and others to Kenya. Why can’t they be treated back home? And what does that say about U.S. preparedness for a deadly outbreak? Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the policy shift and what it means for public health, travel restrictions, and preparedness in the United States. She is also editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News and an opinion contributor for USA TODAY. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why the US won’t treat Ebola patients at 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 are already in the US, studying, working and living with their families? And what’s behind the change? Adriel Orozco, senior policy counsel at American Immigration Council, joins The Excerpt to share his insights.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Green card application process now forces immigrants to return home

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 systems intended to help children can leave relatives largely on their own.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kinship families raise millions of children. Where is the support?

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 Correspondent Chris Kenning joins The Excerpt to discuss efforts to revitalize the modern Memphis music scene, its rich music history and how the story of music in Memphis is being written today. 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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Memphis defined American music. How did it miss out on the money?

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. Could some January 6 defendants be eligible? What role will a commission play in deciding payouts? And what does this mean for the Justice Department’s independence? USA TODAY Justice Correspondent Aysha Bagchi breaks down what we know — and what remains unclear.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Trump’s $1.776B DOJ fund is raising alarms

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 recently in a wildly expensive and pivotal race in Kentucky between incumbent Representative Thomas Massie and challenger Ed Gallrein. Like others Trump has rallied against, Massie, too, fell in Tuesday night’s elections. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to help make sense of the mismatch between Trump’s approval ratings and his hold on the Republican Party. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump defies low approval ratings with win in key Kentucky race

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 crisis, and what it reveals about the growing threat of zoonotic spillover events.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hantavirus isn't the real threat. Ebola is.

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 Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins The Excerpt to talk about the impact of the scale of U.S. borrowing and what it likely means for future generations.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Don't think US national debt impacts you? It already has.

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 disappear. USA TODAY TV Critic Kelly Lawler joins The Excerpt to discuss rising production costs, shifts in viewing preferences and the demise of one of the pillars of late-night television.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert takes its final bow

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 the gun industry. Is this a move toward fairer enforcement, or is it a step back from oversight? USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler joins The Excerpt to discuss why the ATF stripped licenses from fewer gun shops in 2025. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gun industry privacy vs. gun safety on full display at ATF hearing

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 the U.S. Cuba then made an offer to two of their higher profile prisoners – Maykel Castillo Pérez and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara: They could either leave Cuba or stay and rot in prison. Both agreed to be exiled. Yet both still languish behind bars. USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Rick Jervis joins The Excerpt to talk about what’s next for Castillo and Otero as well as high-level negotiations between US and Cuban officials.Please note: Cuban officials did not return USA TODAY interview requests for comment.Responding to a request for comment from USA TODAY, a State Department official said the Cuban regime continues to show indifference to the suffering of the Cuban people and is still holding hundreds of political prisoners. The official reiterated that President Trump favors a diplomatic solution but will not allow Cuba to deteriorate into a greater national security threat. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cuban political prisoners central to ongoing negotiations with US

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@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With CNN, Ted Turner profoundly changed the way we see the world

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 driving up fuel costs and disrupting global aviation routes, raising concerns about higher ticket prices and fewer options for travelers. Questions remain about what flying will look like in the months ahead — and whether the era of cheap, easy air travel is starting to disappear. USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter joins The Excerpt to talk about what all of this means for summer travelers.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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does Spirit’s collapse signal the end of cheap flights?

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 Climate and the Environment Dinah Voyles Pulver joins The Excerpt to discuss the lingering impacts of La Niña and the potential impact of El Niño.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is El Niño about to reshape the Pacific again?

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 their district maps, even though primary voting in some cases is already underway. The ramifications will reverberate for decades. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen joins The Excerpt to help unpack this story.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will SCOTUS Voting Rights Act ruling disenfranchise voters?

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 that how Gunty built and ran his empire has raised serious concerns among legal experts, including potential abuse of monopoly power and using non-profit teams for private gain. USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Kenny Jacoby joins The Excerpt to share more on this investigation. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inside a hockey empire that turned youth sports into big business

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 fundamental mismatch between what employers want and what Gen Z values. She also explains how AI, remote work and a shifting job market are making it harder for early-career workers to find their footing.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Gen Z is getting fired after being hired

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 a potential frontrunner in a season that feels more wide open than usual. In this episode of The Excerpt, USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt breaks down several of the must-see films of the summer. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The must-see movies of summer 2026—and a surprising frontrunner

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 should. Because it’s all there – day after excruciating day leading up to Day 328 when their son was murdered by Hamas. Wisdom, horror and resilience are intertwined here, but through them, you begin to understand the powerful faith, love and purpose woven throughout this family’s story. A story of two parents, two sisters and a son. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Her son was taken and killed in Gaza. She still chooses humanity.

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 historic inflection point.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hegseth seeks to justify $1.5T budget while defending $25B war in Iran

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 of the biggest events in sports.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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why this year’s Kentucky Derby is wide open

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 marketing might have altered the course of his life. On Monday, the court heard the case of John Durnell, known as the “spray guy,” whose $1.25 million verdict against Monsanto, is being challenged. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt for more on Monday's arguments.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller need a cancer warning?

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 dinner on Saturday marked the third time since the summer of 2024 that a gunman was able to get dangerously close to now-president Donald Trump. Was security to blame? And what were the gunman’s motives? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her personal experience and insights.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political violence upends the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

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 how AI-generated influencers are fueling a “volume game” online, why authenticity may matter less than we think and how this trend could deepen misinformation and political division. Plus, what to look for if you’re trying to spot who’s real — and who’s not — in your feed.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI-generated influencers are here. Can you tell who’s real?

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 cards to play with a several seat advantage possible in Trump’s home state of Florida. Stepping back, could the midterm results end up being a referendum on tactics rather than politics? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to share his insights.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Redistricting battle now turns to Florida and the courts

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 oceanographer at the University of Miami and one of the authors of the study, joins The Excerpt to share his findings.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Andrew’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. So what can the monarch actually accomplish in a moment like this? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to break down the stakes. 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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s at stake as King Charles visits Trump

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 he supports Iran having nuclear weapons. USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard joins The Excerpt to share his insights.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 at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.