5 Things

A slew of documents about Jeffrey Epstein with purported messages from President Trump and President Bill Clinton have been released.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down the Supreme Court's decision to lift restrictions on LA immigration stops. The Department of Homeland Security says it's launching Operation Midway Blitz.President Donald Trump vow to protect prayer in schools.USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Rachel Hale tells why some parents are treating their kid's depression with a controversial remedy.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

USA Today Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe shares highlights from an exclusive interview with the Supreme Court justice.Hundreds of South Korean workers detained in Georgia are heading back to South Korea soon.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing American moms are leaving the workplace.A 15-year-old is the first millennial Catholic saint.A look at the big wins at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

For Robert F Kennedy Jr, it was never going to be a smooth road as Secretary of Health and Human Services given the controversy surrounding his well-documented vaccine hesitancy. But his stewardship of the agency is now at a crisis point as the nearly 80-year-old CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reels from a series of worrying red flags. Is this cornerstone agency created to safekeep American public health crumbling? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal joins The Excerpt to share highlights from the hearing and talk about what this might mean for Americans' health.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down the latest disappointing jobs report. President Donald Trump says Americans should take vaccines that are “not controversial.” USA TODAY National Security Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman tells us about the change in Army recruitment. President Donald Trump has changed the name of the Department of Defense. The Powerball jackpot hits its second-highest jackpot in history, at an estimated $1.8 billion. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled during an explosive hearing Thursday.USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning discusses what Medicaid cuts mean for parts of the Appalachian U.S.USA TODAY First Amendment Reporting Fellow BrieAnna Frank takes a look at how 'South Park' is satirizing President Donald Trump, and what the First Amendment has to say.Giorgio Armani has died at 91.The NFL is back!Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Picture this, a powerful synthetic opioid that quietly morphs into one of the nation's most lethal drug crises. A drug that can be slipped undetected into heroin, counterfeit pills...the nation's bloodstream. You've seen and may have even been touched by the devastating impact of fentanyl. And now, a different class of ultrapotent synthetic opioids called nitazenes are following an eerily familiar path. Just how dangerous are these drugs and where are they coming from? Dr. Gregory McDonald, chair of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to unpack those questions and more.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer takes a look at Wednesday comments from Epstein victims, as they push for the release of more records.President Donald Trump responds to this week's military parade in China.USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran explains how the Trump administration plans to expand ICE detention into the notorious Angola prison.More than 1,000 HHS workers demand RFK Jr. resigns.A judge rules the Trump administration unlawfully cut Harvard's funding.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

America's young men are lost. At least, that's what they're telling us online. From feeling disconnected in school, relationships, and even purpose, to loneliness, our nation's boys are turning to the internet for answers and guidance. And that's where they find the “manosphere”: a world of influencers promoting strength, stoicism… and often, misogyny. “Extremely Normal," a new investigative series by USA TODAY's National Correspondent Will Carless examines how extremist and fringe ideas and movements have moved into America's mainstream. He joins us on USA TODAY's The Excerpt to dive into one part of “Extremely Normal”: The “manosphere.” What is it and how can it devolve from ideas about fitness and discipline into something darker? Will stepped into the manosphere space to see what teenage boys and young men in their 20s are consuming online – and to understand how it's shaping their world view.You can watch Will's full video on this topic here.Please 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.

An appeals court has rejected President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans.Military strikes killed 11 on an alleged 'drug vessel' from Venezuela.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down a judge's move blocking President Trump's deployment of the National Guard in California. Plus, Illinois responds to Trump's troop plans.The House Oversight Committee released thousands of pages of documents from the government's investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.USA TODAY First Amendment Reporting Fellow BrieAnna Frank talks about her reporting trips to Smithsonian museums amid Trump criticisms that they're too woke.*This audio was corrected to reflect that the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

USA TODAY's Zachary Schermele takes a look at some of the major looming issues as lawmakers return from an August recess.China's President Xi Jinping convened the leaders of Russia and North Korea Tuesday.Former CDC directors say Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health actions should alarm every American.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses what the high court might consider in a case centered on whether vanity license plates are protected speech.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

A judge Sunday issued a restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deporting 10 unaccompanied migrant Guatemalan children.President Donald Trump says he will sign an executive order mandating a voter ID requirement.USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield talks about the popularity of mail-in voting, even as Trump wants to eliminate it.At least hundreds are dead after a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé looks back on a 2010 pledge by billionaires to give away half their wealth. Are they actually doing it?It's Kind Time! Hear about a golden retriever with a heart of an angel, and her military veteran owner Kevin. Plus, find more from USA TODAY's HumanKind here.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans, the landmark musical venue of Preservation Hall is once again the center of the city's lively community of musicians. Ben Jaffe, its creative director, shared his story of resilience and hope with USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis.Please 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.

A divided U.S. appeals court ruled Friday that most of President Donald Trump's tariffs are illegal.USA TODAY's Zach Schermele discusses the conversation over whether taxpayer money should be used for private schools' safety.The Trump administration is making plans for an immigration crackdown in Chicago as soon as next week.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down what economists are saying about possible Fed rate cuts.It's a big weekend for college football.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Families remembered 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski the day after this week's Minneapolis shooting.USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page talks about lessons from Hurricane Katrina 20 years later.Thousands settled elsewhere after Katrina hit New Orleans. See a map here.USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier discusses how Katrina became 'the storm that told us what was to come' for climate and insurance.This week's immigration arrests of firefighters renewed debate about White House priorities.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

The vice president sat down with USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers to share his thoughts on issues both controversial (the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the deployment of National Guard troops to American cities, the contentious White House meeting with President Vladimir Zelenskky back in February) and mundane (President Donald Trump's new White House décor and the engagement of Travis Kelce to superstar Taylor Swift) in this wide-ranging conversation. Francesca joins The Excerpt to share her takeaways and a few choice clips from the vice president.You can watch the full interview with Vice President JD Vance here.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Vice President JD Vance sat down with USA TODAY for an exclusive interview Wednesday.Two children were killed in a Minneapolis church shooting.USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard discusses reports in Denmark about U.S. covert operations in Greenland.The White House fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after she refused to quit in a dispute with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.The Social Security Administration's chief data officer said in a whistleblower complaint that DOGE put Social Security data of millions of Americans at risk.USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn talks about how some employees are defying return to office mandates.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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 coolness just a vibe—or something deeper? A new global study spanning 12 countries finds surprising common traits that define who we see as cool. Turns out, it's not about rebellion or being aloof. University of Arizona professor Caleb Warren, co-author of "Cool People," breaks down the six qualities that consistently make someone cool worldwide—and why being cool doesn't always mean being good. He also explains how social media reshapes our perception of cool, and what the rise of coolness as a status symbol reveals about modern values.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.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen puts President Donald Trump's announced firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in context, and explains what it might mean for his influence on the Fed.The president calls for the death penalty for anyone charged with killing someone in Washington, DC.Trump's doubling of tariffs on Indian imports takes effect.USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter gives some tips and tricks for flying internationally with pets, in this week's Cruising Altitude column.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged.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.

A judge Monday temporarily blocked Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down President Donald Trump's Monday executive orders on flag burning, and separately - requiring criminal suspects to pay cash bonds.FEMA staff told Congress that inexperience of Trump officials risks a Katrina-style disaster.USA TODAY's Zachary Schermele discusses why back-to-school looks so different this year.The Women's Professional Baseball League is nearly here. Plus, hear our special Deep Dive episode about the league from earlier this year.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran takes a look at some of the history behind Fort Bliss, amid efforts to detain migrants there.A new poll shows more Americans 'strongly disapprove' of President Donald Trump's second term.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes explains how the Trump administration is cracking down on commercial truckers who can't speak English.Rangers cleared thousands of illegal marijuana plants from a popular national park.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.

Black Americans have lost millions of acres of land due to systemic failures and legal loopholes. Saul Blair's story is one of heartbreak, resilience and resistance. USA TODAY's Andrea Riquier breaks down the heirs' property crisis and what it means for racial equity, wealth and legacy in America.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.

Jeffrey Epstein's imprisoned former girlfriend and associate Ghislaine Maxwell absolved President Donald Trump of wrongdoing.USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson takes a look at the GOP's preparations for 2026.Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been released from custody.Lyle Menendez lost his bid for parole, one day after his brother was denied.USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn discusses how gender pronouns are at the heart of a growing workplace conflict pitting religious beliefs against the rights of trans and nonbinary people.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.

USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey takes a closer look at redistricting battles, and how the conversation is shifting to California.USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi discusses the move by an appeals court to toss President Donald Trump's $454 million civil fraud court loss.A federal judge bars the transfer of new detainees to Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility.Erik Menendez has been denied parole.Kiss job hopping goodbye. More people are job hugging.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.

The US water supply is struggling under the combined pressures of drought, aging infrastructure, thirsty AI data centers, and over extraction. The need is evident, but how can the US source more water? A long-standing agreement between the US and Canada on water rights and obligations is currently being renegotiated by the Trump administration. Along the US southern border with Mexico, where the water supply is less plentiful, things are even more complicated. What's the solution to America meeting its long-term water needs? Jay Famiglietti, a Global Futures Professor in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to discuss the current US water 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.

Texas Republicans have passed a new state congressional map intended to flip five Democratic-held U.S. House seats up for grabs in the 2026 elections.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses the Justice Department's push for the high court to make clear that regular pot smokers – and other drug users − shouldn't be allowed to own firearms.USA TODAY First Amendment Reporting Fellow BrieAnna J. Frank breaks down a federal judge's move to temporarily block several Texas school districts from enforcing a law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The Trump administration is painting the U.S.-Mexico border fence black to make the steel so hot migrants won't climb it.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Jonathan Walton thought he was being helpful to a neighbor. But his good nature was taken advantage of, and he was ultimately scammed out of nearly $100,000. He's not alone. Con artists can be neighbors or co-workers. They often seem like normal people. So how do you spot one? And what can you do if you're being conned? Jonathan joins The Excerpt to share his story and talk about some of the tips and red flags he outlines in his new book, "Anatomy of a Con Artist," on bookshelves now.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.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced Tuesday that President Donald Trump had directed her office to revoke security clearances from 37 former intelligence officials.USA TODAY Reporter Zachary Schermele takes a look at potential plans from Democrats to bring Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Congress to face hearings.Texas says the measles outbreak at the center of record U.S. case numbers is officially over.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Rachel Barber puts AI to the test when it comes to money advice.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers breaks down Monday's meeting between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and others.Texas Democrats return home, ending a redistricting standoff against the GOP.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen takes a look at Trump's threat to end mail-in voting.Hurricane Erin is a Category 3, but is expected to steer clear of the U.S.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders will meet with President Donald Trump in Washington Monday. Plus, details of the Alaska summit were left on a hotel printer.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise takes a look at the state of clean energy amid Trump cuts.Protests were held over the weekend against the Trump administration's push for Texas to redraw its congressional map in favor of Republicans.USA TODAY Women and the Caregiving Economy Reporting Fellow Madeline Mitchell discusses the fear of dying first for parents of children who require 24/7 care.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

What is American cuisine and who gets to define it? Is it barbecue or blueberry pie, hot dogs or lobster rolls, chili or gumbo? American food culture is as complex and complicated as we are. And, in addition to what lands on our plates, there's everything that comes along with it, from tipping to whether the check should come before dessert. While most of us walk or drive to try out new restaurants, British food writer Felicity Cloake chose to fly to the US with a green touring bike she calls Eddy, to cycle from coast to coast in search of American cuisine. She joins USA TODAYs The Excerpt to share her view from the outside looking in, which is also detailed in her new book “From Peach Street to Lobster Lane,” available on bookshelves now.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.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers recaps President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.The District of Columbia has sued President Donald Trump and his administration over his federal takeover of the city's police force.The FBI returns a 16th-century stolen document signed by conquistador Hernán Cortés to Mexico.USA TODAY Trending News Reporter Michelle Del Rey tells us why some whales are going silent.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes takes a look at some of the reasons a meeting in Alaska makes sense for President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday.California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces a special election to re-draw maps.Hunter Biden drops expletives on Melania Trump's Jeffrey Epstein lawsuit threat.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe gives us some background after the Supreme Court declined to block a state law limiting kids' use of social media – for now.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

From laptops to electric cars, lithium-ion batteries are in so many of the products we use every day. It's hard to imagine there's an alternative. But a half century ago sodium-ion batteries were also on the table as an option. Today, with metals like lithium harder and more expensive to source, electronics firms are taking another look at sodium-ion to power our modern devices. With greater availability, lower manufacturing costs and more stable chemistry, could sodium-ion batteries be the key to powering our future? Shirley Meng, a University of Chicago professor and materials scientist who has studied sodium-ion batteries, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to dig into their potential.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.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield takes a closer look at redistricting fights playing out across the country.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday ahead of President Donald Trump's expected meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday in Alaska.USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier discusses how some empty churches are being converted into residences.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Across the planet, the actions of humans are creating novel ecosystems which, according to the BBC, have been dubbed ‘freakosystems' by the daughter of a professor of ecology. ‘Freakosystems' are places where unfamiliar species mix with native species in unexpected ways. Research into the Hawaiian island Oahu's lush landscape demonstrates how the actions of humans have radically changed the natural world. What do these emerging ecosystems tell us about both the resilience and fragility of life on Earth? Corey Tarwater, an ecologist at the University of Wyoming who has been researching Oahu's ecosystems for more than a decade, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to discuss her findings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Members of the Washington, D.C., National Guard have reported for duty across the nation's capital under President Donald Trump's orders to fight crime and reduce homelessness in the city.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy talks about how Trump's real estate history shapes his presidency.President Trump's pick to be the new U.S. commissioner of Labor Statistics suggests suspending monthly jobs reports.USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Karissa Waddick tells us how America's farmers are aging, and what that means for our food supply.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

USA TODAY Pentagon Correspondent Tom Vanden Brook takes a closer look at President Donald Trump's moves this week surrounding the National Guard and police in the nation's capital.An explosion at a steel plant in Pennsylvania left two people dead Monday.Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations next month.President Trump says he's looking at reclassifying marijuana at the federal level.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise discusses government plans to drop a horde of flies over the Texas border.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Israel's military says it targeted and killed Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif.USA TODAY Health and Wellness Reporter Adrianna Rodriguez discusses the ongoing feud between medical groups and RFK Jr.The Trump administration is using hundreds of federal police officers to target crime in Washington, D.C. Plus, Trump says homeless people in Washington "have to move out, IMMEDIATELY."AOL will shutter its dial-up internet service.USA TODAY Deputy Wellness Editor David Oliver tells us about his experience at grief camp.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Valeriana is an ancient, lost city in Southern Mexico hidden under jungle canopy for centuries, recently discovered via a Google search. How did that happen you ask? Luke Auld-Thomas' research on Mayan settlements had him poking around on the internet which led him to a LIDAR survey - a laser-based technology used in this case for terrain mapping. When he ran the data, he realized there was an entire city, of a significant size, entirely covered in dense vegetation. Could there be more of these ancient settlements, just a few clicks away, waiting to be found? Tulane doctoral student Luke Auld-Thomas joins The Excerpt to share how he stumbled into the discovery of a lifetime. (This episode originally aired on January 1, 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.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet next week in Alaska to discuss an end to Russia's war on Ukraine.President Trump and the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement Friday at the White House.For The Win Staff Writer Meghan L. Hall tells us what's really going on with sex toys being thrown on court at WNBA games.The Department of Justice opens an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James.Legendary astronaut Jim Lovell has died at 97.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this week that Israel intended to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip.President Donald Trump nominates CEA Chair Stephen Miran to a temporary Federal Reserve board vacancy.USA TODAY First Amendment Reporting Fellow BrieAnna Frank breaks down Trump's recent religion memo for federal workers.The National Weather Service has taken steps to begin filling some of the positions left vacant by federal cutbacks.USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn tells us how shoppers are returning just about everything, taking advantage of stores' lax return policies.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com.It's International Cat Day!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Squirmy and Grubs are not your typical YouTube stars. One is them is able-bodied. The other is not. How they navigate the challenges that dichotomy presents is the point. So is how normal their lives as an interabled couple really are. The story of Hannah and Shane Burcaws' relationship and others like it is captured in their new book, "Interabled: True Stories about Love and Disability." They joined The Excerpt to talk about what they hope abled couples understand about interabled love. (This episode originally aired on January 22, 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.

New tariffs take effect on Thursday after a new tariff announcement from President Donald Trump penalizing India for importing Russian oil. Plus, Apple announces $100 billion in new U.S. investment.A U.S. Army sergeant is in custody after a shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia.USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses the potential legacy of President Trump's new White House ballroom.USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Karissa Waddick breaks down how climate change is revealing archeological treasures.A new species of 'Jurassic sea monster' has been identified in an old fossil.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

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 February 9th, 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.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down subpoenas issued by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee in their probe of the Jeffrey Epstein case.President Donald Trump says 2028 Olympic athletes will be tested to prevent transgender competitors in women's sports.USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry takes a look back at the Voting Rights Act on its 60th anniversary, and why some worry the law's protections are now at risk.A new Coast Guard report reveals who and what to blame for the 2023 Titan submersible implosion.In this month's edition of Kind Time, we hear about a group that reunites Texas flood victims with lost stuffed toys. Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening more than 50 Democrats with legal action and removal from the state legislature after lawmakers fled the state amid a heated redistricting battle.USA TODAY Congress Reporter Savannah Kuchar takes a look at some pivotal Senate races in next year's midterm elections.The Department of Homeland Security will require some foreign travelers to post a $15,000 bond before they can come to the United States.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks about the gloomy forecast for stocks, and what to do about it.College football's preseason US LBM Coaches Poll is here. Who are some of the snubs?Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Hamas says it will coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions.USA TODAY Consumer Health Reporter Ken Alltucker takes a look at the millions expected to lose their health insurance in the coming years. Plus, Ken explains why some in the public are confused about whether they're on Medicaid.Victims have been identified in the Friday Montana bar shooting, as authorities search for the suspect.USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins talks about his trip north of the border, and how Canadians are making Old-Fashioneds without Kentucky bourbon amid tariff tensions.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Forget passive viewing. Audiences today want to step inside the story. From Super Nintendo World to Stranger Things pop-ups, immersive entertainment is on the rise. But what defines an “immersive” experience—and why is it suddenly everywhere?Noah Nelson, publisher of No Proscenium and co-founder of the Immersive Experience Institute, joins The Excerpt to explain how the pandemic accelerated demand, what designers are learning from escape rooms, and how new formats—from LARPs to “Monopoly Life-Size”—are reshaping entertainment across the U.S.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses President Donald Trump's move to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics following disappointing jobs numbers.U.S. stocks fell amid tariff tensions and weak jobs news.USA TODAY Money Reporter Rachel Barber explains why gold shines in uncertain economic times.The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will shut down following Trump budget cuts.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

President Donald Trump has signed an order for sweeping new tariffs.Israeli troops again fire on Gazans waiting for aid, as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire discusses how rural organizers say recent Republican-led cuts could help Democrats win votes. The White House plans to begin construction on a $200 million ballroom.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes explains major changes coming to homeless services.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Across the country, Americans are in need of affordable housing. In California, the crisis is particularly acute. Could California's repeal of 70-year-old housing regulations spur much-needed development? Ben Metcalf, managing director of the Turner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, joined The Excerpt to discuss the housing crisis in his state and beyond, and whether politicians are ready to face the challenge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.