The Excerpt

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

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.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

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 Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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 [email protected] 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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

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 [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Published: 27 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield takes a closer look at redistricting fights playing out across the country.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

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 [email protected] 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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

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 [email protected]'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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

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 [email protected] Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down subpoenas issued by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee in their Jeffrey Epstein probe.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. Find more feel-good stories from Humankind. Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

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.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is touting new savings accounts for American babies included in the recently approved megabill as a "backdoor for privatizing Social Security."Former Vice President 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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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 [email protected]. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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.USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down President Trump's comments about being 'allowed' to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell.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 Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey takes a look at some upcoming governor 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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

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 [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

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 [email protected]. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025