The news you need to know to start your day. Five top news stories and why they matter. Every weekday, plus Saturdays. Powered by the USA TODAY Network and hosted by Taylor Wilson.
The 5 Things podcast is a diverse, inclusive, informative, and comprehensive news podcast that delivers everything one could seek in a daily news source. With each episode, listeners are guaranteed to learn something new and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in the world. The podcast serves as a valuable resource for those who want to be informed without having to immerse themselves in all the bad news out there. It is a go-to podcast that provides a quick rundown of the day's most important news stories, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to start their day off well-informed.
One of the best aspects of The 5 Things podcast is its format. The hosts do an excellent job of highlighting the key highlights of the day's news stories, ensuring that listeners get a comprehensive overview while keeping it concise and easy to follow. The diversity of topics covered is also commendable, as it caters to various interests and provides useful information on different subjects. Additionally, the podcast strives to be inclusive by offering a wide range of perspectives and not aligning itself with any particular political affiliation. This balanced approach brings a refreshing and much-needed perspective to the world of news podcasts.
While The 5 Things podcast excels in many areas, there are some aspects that could be improved upon. One common criticism raised by listeners is the musical introduction used in each episode. Some find it unpleasant or jarring, especially when listening early in the morning. A more soothing or professional opening theme may enhance the overall experience for listeners. Additionally, there have been occasional episodes where important details or clarity about certain news topics were lacking. For example, there was confusion regarding which case was being referred to in relation to E Jean Carroll and whether it was related to rape or defamation suits. To maintain its credibility and ensure accuracy, providing clear information on such matters is crucial.
In conclusion, The 5 Things podcast offers a valuable service by providing diverse, inclusive, and informative news coverage that keeps listeners engaged and up to date. While there may be some improvements that could enhance the overall experience, the podcast remains a reliable source of information that delivers what it promises – a concise and comprehensive overview of the day's top news stories. Whether you're a news addict or simply someone who wants to stay informed, The 5 Things podcast is worth subscribing to and listening to daily.
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the U.S. will set a 15% tariff on South Korean imports under a new deal ahead of a Friday deadline. Plus, the U.S. will add a 25% tariff to Indian imports.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zachary Schermele takes a look at Brown University's deal with the Trump administration to restore funding.Kamala Harris says she won't run for California governor.USA TODAY Money Reporter Rachel Barber talks about how Gen Z is responding to a tough job market with gig work and entrepreneurship.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.
Law enforcement officers working in plain clothes or undercover is nothing new. What is new is that some officers are now hiding their faces behind masks and refusing to show identification. Following a surge in arrests by armed, masked federal immigration agents in unmarked cars, some California Democrats are backing a new bill in Congress that would bar officials from covering their faces while conducting raids unless the masks were required for their safety or their health. What's led to the rise of masked policing? And is this what law enforcement should look like in a democracy? Former FBI agent Mike German, a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to dig into those questions and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tsunami waves reached Hawaii and parts of the West Coast after one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history.USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi breaks down Ghislaine Maxwell's conditions for Congressional testimony.The EPA will repeal the finding that climate pollution endangers human health.The U.S. sets a new electricity consumption record amid summer heat.USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire breaks down what's next for library funding as E-books are on the line.We remember the victims of this week's New York City shooting.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.
There are major international starvation concerns in Gaza, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is no starvation there.A gunman killed four people, and then himself at a prominent Midtown Manhattan skyscraper on Monday.President Trump sets a new deadline of 10 or 12 days for Russia to end its war in Ukraine.A federal judge has blocked enforcement of a provision in Trump's tax and spending bill that would deprive Planned Parenthood and its members of Medicaid funding.USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down President Trump's comments about being 'allowed' to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell.USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey takes a look at some upcoming governor's races and why they will be major referendums on Trump vs. Democrats.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 U.S. has reached a trade deal with the European Union after President Donald Trump's weekend trip to Scotland.USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning talks about his reporting on farmers facing a fork amid the immigration crackdown.Israel pauses some military action in Gaza amid ongoing starvation concerns.USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry discusses a bipartisan push for a new women's history museum.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.
In July, the University of Pennsylvania agreed to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women's sports and strip the record of former swimmer Lia Thomas as part of an agreement with the Department of Education. It was the same month that the Supreme Court announced that it will review Idaho's and West Virginia's state bans on transgender athletes joining female sports teams. The moves mark the country's latest grappling with issues surrounding transgender athletes. More than half the states have now passed laws preventing transgender athletes from competing on schools' female sports teams, saying they are trying to prevent competitive advantages. Where does the American public stand on these issues? And what are the larger implications and influences playing into this conversation? USA TODAY Education Reporter Zachary Schermele joins The Excerpt to talk through the issues from political and educational lenses.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's four-day visit to Scotland is opening old wounds for some.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Chris Quintana takes a look at the man tapped to be the next to oversee higher education. Plus, the Trump administration will return more than $5 billion in public school funding it withheld.The Department of Justice is inspecting state voter rolls.This month's oppressive heat forecast isn't normal.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise talks about tarantulas ahead of mating season this fall.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 and the United States recalled their delegations from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations Thursday. Plus, hundreds of people have been killed in recent weeks trying to reach food, mostly in mass shootings by Israeli soldiers posted near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution centers.USA TODAY Senior National Columnist for Health and Wellness Laura Trujillo takes a closer look at President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein's relationship over the years.Two GOP senators call for a special counsel to probe former President Barack Obama over the 2016 Trump-Russia investigation.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses a new executive order that makes it easier for cities and states to remove homeless people from the streets.Hulk Hogan has died at 71.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.
If you suffer from insomnia, you're not alone. About one in 10 adults suffers from chronic insomnia, an inability to fall or stay asleep three nights a week for three months or more. The condition has potentially debilitating health impacts including an increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even car accidents. The question is: Why can't we sleep? Jennifer Senior, a staff writer at The Atlantic who recently went on her own journey to solve her insomnia, joins The Excerpt to talk about what she learned along the way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Columbia University has struck another deal with the Trump administration.A federal judge has rejected the Justice Department's bid to unseal grand jury testimony tied to Florida-based investigations of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly told President Donald Trump in May that he was named multiple times in the government's files on Epstein. And the House Oversight Committee will subpoena Epstein files and documents from the Clintons and others.USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman discusses why a handful of tech executives are joining the Army and what critics are worried about.A notorious Idaho killer was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison. Victims' families gave powerful testimony in court.USA TODAY Congress Reporter Savannah Kuchar breaks down a Republican redistricting plan out of Texas.We remember Amelia Earhart on her birthday.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.
Elon Musk is taking aim at both Democrats and Republicans with his “American Party.” But ballot access, unpopularity, and a messy political middle make the path ahead rocky. White House correspondent Joey Garrison breaks it down.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 discusses the latest tensions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's case files, as House Speaker Mike Johnson sends lawmakers home early.President Donald Trump has announced a new trade deal with Japan that sets a 15% tariff.How much did the military parade cost last month?New research sheds light on the six dams most at risk of failing in the U.S.USA TODAY National Music Writer Melissa Ruggieri remembers Ozzy Osbourne.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 National Correspondent Trevor Hughes breaks down what the White House is saying about ICE agents heading to 'sanctuary cities.'A former Louisville police officer has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor.Harvard and the Trump administration face off in court.The administration releases files related to the MLK assassination.USA TODAY NFL Reporter Chris Bumbaca discusses President Trump's comments about reverting to the former name of the Washington Commanders football team. Plus, how are Indigenous groups and Commanders fans responding?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 White House Reporter Davis Winkie breaks down what nuclear experts said last week about the current state of nuclear threats and what to do about it.Support for President Donald Trump's immigration policies fell in a new poll.USA TODAY National Immigration and Border Reporter Lauren Villagran discusses Louisiana's place as a major immigration detainer.Israeli fire killed 67 people seeking aid in Gaza.WNBA All-Stars make a CBA statement with 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' shirts.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.
The U.S. job market is undergoing a fundamental shift. As AI advances, roles that were once gateways to upward mobility are disappearing. In a recent interview quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the CEO of Ford conceded that artificial intelligence will, “leave a lot of white-collar people behind.” For college graduates just entering the job market, the outlook is particularly bleak, as advancements in AI make those jobs mostly obsolete. As AI challenges and redefines the landscape of employment, how can society reconcile the human desire for self-sufficiency with the need for meaningful work? And how can individuals traverse an increasingly tricky job market? Executive and business coach Jim Frawley joins The Excerpt to share his insights on AI-proofing your career.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 White House Reporter Zac Anderson breaks down some of the latest surrounding President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein records. Trump sued the Wall Street Journal Friday over the newspaper's report that his name was on a 2003 birthday greeting for Epstein.Americans detained in Venezuela have been released in exchange for Venezuelans detained in El Salvador.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe takes a closer look at how the Trump administrations is affecting litigation over gun regulations.Health insurance costs are set to spike again.The Open Championship continues.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.
A bill with cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid will next land on President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.Trump denies a report he wrote Jeffrey Epstein a lewd 50th birthday letter. Plus, polling shows voters aren't happy with how Trump's team is dealing with the controversial Jeffrey Epstein case.USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire discusses this week's anti-Trump protests.Private equity is coming to your 401(k).USA TODAY Congress Reporter Savannah Kuchar breaks down landmark bills dealing with cryptocurrency.CBS cancels "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."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.
Hospitals aren't usually known for comfort — but could bringing nature inside actually help us heal faster? Public health expert Dr. Jay Maddock joins The Excerpt's Dana Taylor to explain how biophilic design — from leafy views to nature sounds — is changing the way we think about patient recovery, burnout, and even the immune system. From fake plants to rooftop gardens, it turns out a dose of greenery might be just what the doctor ordered.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.
The Senate has passed another legislative victory for President Donald Trump.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes breaks down a new Trump policy that will keep immigration detainees locked up longer.Trump signed a bill making tough sentences for fentanyl trafficking permanent.Execution is back on for Texas inmate Robert Roberson who has strong innocence claims. Last year, we spoke with Brian Wharton, the former police detective who led the investigation and subsequent arrest of Roberson. Wharton said he got it wrong and Roberson is innocent. Listen to that episode here. Gun groups want a law reversed on mailing through the postal service.USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier takes a look at how the president has been amping up pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell and how investors are reacting.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.
Health and wellness trends can be found on every social platform. But what happens when the pursuit of a particular body type morphs into harmful content and risky, or even life-threatening, behavior? Across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it's easy to find content from creators who push excessive weight loss goals and promote an unhealthy obsession with eating only certain types of foods. What previously trended as thinspo, short for thin inspiration, gave way to SkinnyTok. This June, TikTok banned the SkinnyTok hashtag, but social media giants are still struggling to keep up with the pervasiveness of unsafe weight loss content. USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Alyssa Goldberg joins The Excerpt to discuss the persistent trend of potentially dangerous body image mythology on social media.Please 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.
Senate Republicans are considering billions in cuts, targeting programs from public broadcasting to global health initiatives.USA TODAY National Immigration and Border Reporter Lauren Villagran discusses some of the new legnths immigrants are going to for legal fee fundraising.USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Karissa Waddick takes a look at reparations for atom bomb victims 80 years after the Trinity Test.We take a look at the collision that created the biggest black hole merger yet.The Emmy nominations are here. Who got snubbed?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 Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses the high court's move to let President Donald Trump fire hundreds of workers from the Education Department and continue other efforts to dismantle the agency.A coalition of states is suing the Trump administration to restore billions of dollars in federal education funding.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers breaks down Trump's decision to send Ukraine weapons through NATO. Plus, Senate pressure builds to sanction Russia.Some Trump loyalists are underwhelmed and upset with what's been delivered about Jeffrey Epstein.The MLB All-Star Game is tonight!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.
Americans' views on immigration took a positive swing this year.USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire discusses how states are scrambling for funds after President Trump's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.Trump says the U.S. will send Patriot missiles to Ukraine.New flooding hits Texas.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down the Federal Trade Commission's crackdown on 'Made in USA' claims.Chelsea have won the FIFA Club World Cup.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.
WNBA player Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon. It has changed women's basketball, women's sports and sports. Period. But what makes her tick? How did a kid from Iowa become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world? And what does her presence mean for the future of the WNBA and how we talk about it? USA today sports columnist Christine Brennan has covered the beginning of Clark's career, and recently took a step back to write about this superstar in a new book "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's 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.
USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis reports on the shift to recovery in the wake of Texas floods. Plus, President Donald Trump visited the state Friday.Federal immigration agents and protesters clashed during a raid at a California cannabis farm.The State Department will lay off more than 1,300 people.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers speaks with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang days after the company reached a historic $4 trillion valuation.The FIFA Club World Cup Final sees Chelsea take on PSG Sunday in New Jersey.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 Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey discusses some of the latest friction between President Donald Trump and parts of the MAGA movement.Texas flood victims are being remembered by families and communities.The Secret Service has suspended six staff members after the Trump assassination attempt, amid policy changes.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers breaks down the current relationship between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin after Trump ripped Putin this week. Former President Joe Biden's doctor wouldn't testify in a Congressional investigation into his mental fitness.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.
Devastating rains in Texas Hill County on the morning of July 4th created deadly floods that have now claimed over 100 lives and counting. The catastrophic rains took place in a region that's known as "flash flood alley," causing the Guadalupe River to rise from less than a foot on July 3 to more than 34 feet by the morning of July 4. Experts say that warming temperatures over land and especially in the Gulf are stoking extreme rainfall events across the United States, largely due to climate change. These super storms are also unleashing extreme fear in young people. It's called eco-anxiety. How can we maintain the mental health of young people in the midst of our worsening climate? Caroline Hickman, a psychologist who has been treating eco-anxiety for decades and sits on the board of the Climate Psychology Alliance, joins The Excerpt to share her insights into this growing psychological issue. 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 National Correspondent Trevor Hughes breaks down a part of the recent tax bill that adds new ships to the Coast Guard's fleet in the Northwest Passage, and the broader context in that region amid an ongoing cold war with China.President Donald Trump announces new tariffs - for copper, Brazil and more.Death tolls rise in the flooding disasters in Texas and New Mexico.Measles was eradicated in the United States 25 years ago. Cases this year have reached a new high.Tennessean Education Reporter Rachel Wegner looks at some of the ongoing divisions in American education 100 years after the Scopes trial.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.
After a furious few weeks of debate, closed door negotiations, open floor debate and deal-making, the Republican-controlled legislature has finally passed a final version of President Donald Trump's budget priorities referred to by Republicans as “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It is likely going to be the most significant legislative accomplishment of Trump's second term. And as with most bills, this one has its winners and its losers. But make no mistake, it will impact every American one way or another. USA TODAY Senior Congress and Campaigns Reporter Riley Beggin joins The Excerpt to explain what's in the final bill. 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 Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down the high court's move to lift a federal judge's order pausing the Trump administration's large-scale staffing cuts.The death toll continues to rise in the aftermath of Texas flooding. Plus, USA TODAY National Correspondent Dinah Voyles Pulver looks into the forecasting ahead of the storm and whether budget cuts played a role.The massive tax and spending bill is about to deal Harvard and other Ivy League schools a major blow.A Marco Rubio impersonator used AI voice to contact U.S. and foreign officials.Peter Jackson wants to help bring back an extinct New Zealand flightless bird.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 National Correspondent Rick Jervis reports from Texas on what he's seen in the aftermath of devastating flooding. Plus, Rick reported on how warnings for the flash flooding came with little time to act. And flood survivor Chrissy Eliashar tells us her story.President Donald Trump announces tariff hikes on 14 countries.USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page takes a look back on the assassination attempt of President Donald Trump as we near its one-year anniversary.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.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Camp Mystic was "horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster."USA TODAY National Correspondent Dinah Voyles Pulver discusses how the NOAA budget spells out plans to reduce spending and abandon climate research, and the potential impact on hurricane forecasting.Elon Musk announces a new political party after slamming President Donald Trump's megabill.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes talks about the preparations underway for the 250th birthday of the United States.Mexico beat the United States in the Gold Cup Final.Hear about a baseball player's dream moment in this month's installment of Kind Time, from Humankind.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
It is the fodder of science fiction plots: implanting a device into the human brain... the blockbuster franchise “The Matrix” comes to mind. Here in the real world, though, it's actually happening. While tiny computers have been implanted into less than 100 brains so far, their impact has been life-changing. Brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, have done everything from allowing increased mobility to helping with speech. Could these devices become more mainstream and help the disabled do even more in the future? Dr. Iahn Cajigas, a neurosurgeon at the University of Pennsylvania who has studied brain-computer interfaces and worked with patients using them, joins USA TODAY's 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 hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Kerr County Sheriff's Office in Texas said Friday flooding was catastrophic.President Donald Trump spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise looks at the latest science around black holes.Chelsea and Fluminense advance in the FIFA Club World Cup.USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy talks about some of the best comfort reads.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
The House has sent Republicans' sweeping bill to President Donald Trump for his signature.The unemployment rate fell slightly in June. Plus, should you take a buyout?The Supreme Court will take up a major case on transgender athletes joining girls' teams.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise talks about the dangers of fireworks.USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt gives us his top 10 films of the year.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
AI chatbots are being used for mental health support — and it's raising red flags. From offering bad advice to encouraging self-harm, some mental health chatbots are crossing dangerous lines. Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation for the American Psychological Association, joins The Excerpt to talk about what's at stake—and how regulation could protect users.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
The House has cleared a hurdle on President Donald Trump's bill of legislative priorities.USA TODAY National Correspondent Marco della Cava puts Diddy's trial in context after a verdict.A federal judge has blocked President Trump's asylum ban at the U.S.-Mexico border.Kilmar Abrego Garcia experienced "severe beatings" and "psychological torture" at a prison in El Salvador, according to a new court filing.USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporting Fellow Rachel Hale discusses why LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to be homeless.Clayton Kershaw joins the 3,000 strikeout club.The U.S. men's soccer team advances to the Gold Cup Final to play Mexico.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
Walls. We all navigate them whether they be the walls throughout our homes, neighborhoods, and the places we choose to frequent, or the internal walls that allow us to maintain our distance from others. To what extent is divisiveness baked into our infrastructure, politic, and psyche? Anand Pandian, Professor of Anthropology at Johns Hopkins University, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to discuss his new book “Something Between Us.” In it, he explores the walls that divide us as a nation. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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 Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey gives some of his biggest takeaways after the Senate's passage of President Donald Trump's bill of legislative priorities.Paramount settles with Trump over a ‘60 Minutes' interview.The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women's sports and strip the record of former swimmer Lia Thomas.A big summer of soccer rolls on.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
The Senate early this morning was still voting and negotiating on President Donald Trump's bill on tax cuts, Medicaid and more.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses the court's move to hear a GOP challenge to a campaign spending limit.The Justice Department sues Los Angeles to end 'sanctuary' immigration policies.Trump penned a handwritten note to Fed Chair Jerome Powell demanding lower interest rates.The man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022 has accepted a plea deal in the case.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise tells us how some plastic bag bans appear to be working.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
Senators on Monday will vote on President Donald Trump's legislative priorities.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler discusses how mentally ill detained immigrants are being forced to fight in solitude.Canada rescinds its digital services tax amid newly stalled U.S. trade talks.A sniper in Idaho started a blaze and killed two responding firefighters in an ambush attack before being found dead hours later, authorities say.USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn tells us why some say there's a double standard around remote work.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.
True crime is a cultural obsession. But beneath the gripping stories of ghastly crimes and elusive perpetrators are tough questions about ethics, representation and respect. Who gets to tell these stories? Whose voices are amplified and whose are left out? And how can creators avoid retraumatizing victims? Journalism professor and true crime author Kate Winkler Dawson joins The Excerpt to unpack where the genre goes wrong, how it can do better, and why responsible storytelling matters now more than ever.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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 Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe recaps the final day of the high court's term. We discuss decisions ranging from birthright citizenship to Obamacare, LGBTQ+ books in public schools and more.Undocumented immigrants face massive fines under a new Trump rule.President Donald Trump says the U.S. will end trade talks with Canada.California Gov. Gavin Newsom sues Fox News for defamation.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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 Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down the implications of the high court's decision siding with South Carolina in its effort to cut Planned Parenthood funding.President Donald Trump's passport policy was lifted. But some Americans are still in the dark.Protests pop up in Venice before the Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sánchez wedding. Why are people upset?USA TODAY National Correspondent Marco della Cava talks about the popularity of Formula One racing and a new Brad Pitt movie - F1 - in theaters today.(Trailer credit: Apple Original Films/Warner Bros. Pictures)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.
In 1969, LGBTQ+ patrons at the Stonewall Inn fought back against a violent police raid — and sparked a global movement. More than 50 years later, the fight continues. Under President Donald Trump's second term, the National Park Service quietly removed “transgender” and “T” and “Q” from the Stonewall National Monument website. USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins joins The Excerpt to share his reporting on Stonewall veterans who fear history is being rewritten.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.
Iranian officials are expected to meet with U.S. officials next week. Plus, NATO leaders back a big increase in defense spending.USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey discusses what Zohran Mamdani's win in New York City means for Democrats and the GOP.Feds wasted millions on tech to detect fentanyl at the border, according to a federal watchdog.USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy breaks down the Trump administration's impact on how we read.Check out last night's NBA Draft picks.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.
Climate change, global warming – we've all heard the steady drumbeat of doom. But a recent five-year forecast, by the World Meteorological Organization and the U.K. Meteorological Office, puts it starkly: The world will likely soon break another annual temperature record and, according to the Associated Press, the heat will be deadly. What would happen if we embraced the idea that the future still rests firmly in our hands? Is it in our nature to learn, adapt and change? And, equally important, is there still time? Author and climate scientist Kate Marvel dives into those questions in her new book “Human Nature,” on bookshelves now. She joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to share her perspective.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
U.S. strikes failed to destroy Iran's nuclear sites. Plus, USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield looks back on the last 70 years of history between the U.S. and Iran.Zohran Mamdani wins a New York City primary for mayor, shaking up mainstream Democratic politics.America's housing is pulling further out of reach, according to a new report.USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter talks about supersonic air travel and its past and present in this week's Cruising Altitude column.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.
Israel says Iran has violated a ceasefire. Plus, USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers breaks down how Middle East tensions will impact this week's NATO summit.The Supreme Court lifts a judge's limits on deportations to third-party countries.A judge blocks President Trump's plan to to bar foreign nationals from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard University.New York City Democrats head to the polls to vote in citywide elections that will determine their party's nominee for mayor.USA TODAY National Correspondent Dinah Voyles Pulver breaks down the potential impact of proposed massive cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.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.
In May, President Donald Trump shared his vision for protecting the US from the threat of nuclear strikes by drones, and ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles. The idea? A Golden Dome which would cover the country with three layers of air defenses. Following the launch of missiles in Iran, the idea of having a robust defense system here at home is getting more attention. Tom Karako, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to share his insight on missile defense and nuclear deterrence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page takes a broader look at President Donald Trump's decision to order weekend strikes on nuclear targets in Iran. Plus, an Iranian spokesperson calls Trump a 'gambler.' And Trump floats the idea of regime change.The strikes could hit the U.S. economy at a fragile time.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise tells us about killer bees.The Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champions.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.
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