The Excerpt

What do you get when you mix the NBA with the Italian mafia and then add in some poker? Perhaps one of the most explosive gambling scandals the sports world has ever seen. Over thirty people have now been indicted according to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. as part of two investigations known as Operation Royal Flush and Operation Nothing But Net. Beginning as early as 2019, defendants in the case are accused of using wireless cheating technology to run rigged poker games in places like the Hamptons, Miami, Las Vegas and Manhattan. How did defendants allegedly pull it...

Who doesn’t like a weekend getaway? A nice hotel room, spa treatments, room service, sure – but a cabin with strangers? Adult sleepaway camps are having a moment, but what’s driving the boom? These retreats promise connection in a time when many adults feel lonelier than ever. Are adult sleepaway camps a good way to make genuine connections or are they just a bit of fun? USA TODAY Mental Health reporting fellow Rachel Hale packed a bag and set off for luxury camp Camp Social, where the tagline is “99% arrive solo, 100% leave as friends.” She joins USA TODAY’s The Excerp...

The H-1B visa program — a key pipeline for skilled foreign workers in tech — has recently been upended by President Donald Trump. A recent executive order now mandates that companies to pay $100,000 per application, a move the White House says will protect American jobs.

But critics warn it could shrink the talent pool, raise costs and push innovation overseas. So what’s really changed, who benefits the most and how might this impact the economy? Daniel Costa, director of immigration law and policy research at the Economic Policy Institute, joins The Excerpt to unpack the issues.

Have...

America’s high school seniors are falling behind. The decline in math and reading scores is more than a statistic. It’s a warning sign about our future. If the next generation is leaving high school and stepping into adulthood with fewer core educational skills than the generation before, where does that leave them as they try to compete at colleges and universities, and in the workforce? And where does it leave the nation when it comes to our global competitiveness? Martin West, Academic Dean at Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into t...

As the contract deadline of October 31st approaches, negotiations are at a standstill, and players and fans alike are contemplating the very real possibility of no 2026 season. What are the big sticking points and how might players pivot? USA TODAY Sports Columnist Nancy Armour and USA TODAY's National Women's Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson join USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into all of it. 

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California voters are already casting ballots in what is likely the most important contest of 2025, one that will play a substantial role in deciding which party controls the U.S. House for the last two years of President Donald Trump's time in office. Many voters are frustrated, angry and wanting to push back against President Trump or Governor Gavin Newsom − from the rural, Republican North State to liberal enclaves along California's coast − with just weeks to go before the consequential November 4 election. USA TODAY Senior National Reporter Sarah D. Wire joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into what t...

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi breaks down the indictment of Trump critic and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton in a documents investigation.

A federal appeals court won’t allow President Donald Trump to deploy troops to Illinois as part of his recent crackdown. Plus, a Chicago judge orders ICE to wear body cams.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer tells us why a judge blasted the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

Trump unveils a new plan to expand access to IVF.

The MLB Postseason ro...

Since June of 2025, thousands of National Guard troops have been deployed to four US cities – Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago and Memphis. And, if President Donald Trump has his way, Portland, Oregon, will be fifth on the list. Trump says the deployments are a push to crack down on crime and to support his widespread deportation efforts. But when a president deploys the National Guard over the objections of governors and local mayors, is the decision about keeping the peace, or testing the limits of executive power? USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria joins USA TODAY’s The E...

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses what's at stake in a major redistricting case.

President Donald Trump says he's considering strikes on land to combat Venezuelan drug cartels. Plus, the Trump administration has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert action in Venezuela.

A judge temporarily halts Trump shutdown layoffs.

USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman tells us about military families waiting for a paycheck during the government shutdown.

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High costs. Limited supply. No insurance coverage. All of these are motivating some patients to cook up unregulated “gray GLP-1” drugs at home. Health experts are worried. Why are people willing to risk injecting homemade drugs in an unregulated, non-sterile medical environment and what needs to change before access and safety improve? USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Nicole Fallert joins The Excerpt to share her reporting on this alarming trend.

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The federal government’s partial shutdown has reached its 15th day.

President Donald Trump says Hamas will disarm or the U.S. will force them 'perhaps violently.'

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen recaps the move to award the late Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom.

The Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones' appeal of a $1.4 billion Sandy Hook judgment.

USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire tells us what to expect from this weekend's 'No Kings' protests.

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USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page puts President Donald Trump's role in recent Israel-Hamas peace proceedings in context.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the government shutdown latest, as the Education Department lays off roughly 20% of its workforce.

The collapse of coral reefs has driven the world across its first climate tipping point.

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All remaining living Israeli hostages have been released, while some 2,000 detained Palestinians are released. Plus, President Donald Trump speaks to Israel's Parliament.

USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee takes a look at recessions on the state level.

Little progress emerges toward getting out of a government shutdown.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer gives us some of the historical context behind the Insurrection Act.

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If you spend any time on YouTube, and most of us do, then you’ve probably watched or at least heard of MrBeast. Last check, he had 444 million subscribers with videos that routinely get hundreds of millions of views. MrBeast is literally at the top of the YouTube food chain. But off platform, one of his ventures appears to have stalled out. In 2022, he announced a partnership with East Carolina University to offer a credentialing program to help teach students how to create captivating money-making content. So, what happened to it? USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Chris Quintana went looking for...

USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins tells us about one family's fight to bring hostage loved ones home.

Gazans trek to their ruined homes, as Trump plans a visit to the Middle East amid a ceasefire.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison breaks down President Donald Trump's mass layoffs of federal workers.

Trump announces an additional 100% tariff on China imports.

19 people are unaccounted for after an explosion at an explosive manufacturing plant in Tennessee.

The Las Vegas Aces are WNBA champions. Where do they rank among the all-time...

New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.

Israeli forces start pulling back from parts of Gaza.

USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria has the latest from Chicago as President Donald Trump's National Guard deployments face legal tests.

The Trump administration airs a video at U.S. airports blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

USA TODAY Senior Crime Reporter Amanda Lee Myers explains why a Texas court stopped Robert Roberson's execution over...

This is banned books week. It’s a week that highlights how a few loud voices have shaped what kinds of books are pulled from school and library shelves. Who gets the final word, not on which books should be read, but on access? And what’s been the impact on those caught in a fight they didn’t start – our teachers and librarians? USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the banning of books.

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President Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a White House peace plan aimed at ending Israel's onslaught in Gaza, and securing the release of hostages.

USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria has the latest from Chicago, where residents say a Trump immigration blitz is upending daily life.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the Palisades Fire.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down the case against former FBI Director James Comey, after he pleaded not guilty to making false...

We’re nearly at the end of day eight of the government shutdown, the first time this has happened since 2018 when President Donald Trump was last in office. Hundreds of thousands of employees who have been deemed non-essential have been furloughed and there’s little movement in Washington toward an agreement that would get the wheels churning again. Some would argue that the gridlock in Washington was already a form of government shutdown with Congress deadlocked and not negotiating on many issues of substance as to how we run this country. Where are with the shutdown and what are the...

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison has some of the latest from the federal government shutdown, including the president's controversial remarks about furloughed workers.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is grilled by and insults Democrats in a Senate hearing.

Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down oral arguments over Colorado's ban on 'conversion therapy.'

All four divisional series are in action Wednesday in the MLB Postseason.

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USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman discusses the Trump administration's approach on deploying National Guard troops to U.S. cities.

It's been two years since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, and the start of the latest subsequent Israeli onslaught in Gaza.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the government shutdown is adding stress to air traffic controllers.

USA TODAY National News Reporter Karissa Waddick takes a look at the Virginia's governor's race and the potential impact of the ongoing shutdown.

The Supreme Court rejects an appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell.

A federal judge temporarily blocks President Donald Trump from deploying 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe looks at the upcoming term for the high court.

Trump is warning of 'complete obliteration' if Hamas insists on staying in power in Gaza.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield talks about the Trump administration's push for control over agencies like the FCC.

In this month's edition of Kind Time, hear about a tiny goat who was given a chance to thrive - with the help...

It’s been two years since the October 7th attacks on Israel. On that day in 2023, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage. In response, Israel unleashed a military campaign that has brought death and devastation to Gaza. Now President Trump, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, has unveiled a 20-point plan he says will bring a lasting peace to the region. On Oct. 3, Hamas said it agrees to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of Trump's plan and signalled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details. Michael Or...

President Donald Trump is calling on Israel to stop its Gaza bombing campaign to secure the safe extraction of remaining hostages, after Hamas agreed to portions of his peace plan.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen has the latest as lawmakers fail to get out of a government shutdown.

The shutdown is delaying a key jobs report.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson tells us about Trump's move to freeze funding for Chicago, amid a broader push to withhold funds from blue cities and states.

Diddy has been sentenced...

For 75 years, Charles Schultz’s Peanuts gang has reflected our humor and hope, as well as our struggle to navigate some of life’s everyday curveballs. How is it that the characters he created so poignantly reflect how we experience other people and the world around us? And why do a ragtag group of comic strip kids who debuted in newspapers in 1950 post-war America, still resonate with children and adults around the world? Andrew Blauner, author of “THE PEANUTS PAPERS: Writers and Cartoonists on Charlie Brown, Snoopy & the Gang, and the Meaning of Life,” sat down with USA TODAY’s The Exce...

President Donald Trump's approval ratings are historically low compared to other presidents, but have mostly plateaued in recent months.

USA TODAY First Amendment Reporter BrieAnna Frank breaks down a ruling against the Trump administration that found Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem misused their authority to target non-citizen pro-Palestinians for deportation.

The White House is encouraging leaders at nine universities to sign a compact committing their schools to adopt President Donald Trump's policy agenda for higher education in exchange for preferential access to federal funds.

The...

Once known simply as a gossip guru, Charlamagne tha God – who reaches over 7 million monthly “Club” listeners – still gets "the tea.” USA TODAY Politics Reporter Jay Stahl joins The Excerpt to share excerpts from his sit-down with the political influencer.

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USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers takes a look at how the federal government shutdown is playing out politically, and gives us some insight into how Americans are being impacted.

FBI Director Kash Patel says he won't partner with the Anti-Defamation League over a James Comey link.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen explains how concerns over tariffs might loom over 2026 races.

We remember Jane Goodall.

Jews observe Yom Kippur.

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In the wake of the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's week-long suspension from "Jimmy Kimmel Live," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued a not-so-veiled threat on a podcast saying "we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way." David Inserra, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and an expert on First Amendment issues, joins The Excerpt to talk through the First Amendment and where the Constitutional line is for those in power.

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Episode transcript available here.

The federal government shut down at midnight. USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire gives us a better sense of one of the key issues at play - a fight over extending insurance subsidies.

A judge rules President Donald Trump's deportation moves against pro-Palestinian students are unconstitutional.

USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman recaps a controversial meeting of top military commanders in Virginia.

President Trump announces a deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices.

The MLB Playoffs are underway.

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President Donald Trump said he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reached a deal for peace in Gaza. But how do leaders in the enclave see the deal? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers has the latest.

Several people - including U.S. citizens - are seeking millions in damages after violent ICE arrests.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the latest as the clock ticks toward a government shutdown.

Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal is being considered at the Supreme Court.

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An assailant killed at least four people at a Michigan church during Sunday service. Plus, a suspect has been charged in a Saturday shooting in North Carolina.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington Monday.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses how some who grew up under authoritarian regimes are worried about what's happening stateside.

The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling with protesters during 2020 racial justice protests.

USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn tells us about Costco - and other retail - superfans.

Have...

Former FBI Director James Comey has now been indicted. Who might be next? Is the Trump administration now weaponizing the Department of Justice in order to seek retribution from his political foes? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to dig into this explosive story.

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Victim detainees shot by a sniper at a Dallas ICE facility have been identified.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson takes a look at the Epstein documents released this week by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.

The Supreme Court Friday said President Donald Trump, for now, doesn’t have to spend billions in foreign aid approved by Congress.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield breaks down the Department of Justice lawsuits involving six states over voter rolls.

Golf's Ryder Cup rolls on after a rough start for Team US...

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis has the latest from Dallas after this week's shooting at an ICE facility.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders about 800 senior military leaders stationed around the world to come to a last-minute meeting in the U.S.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele takes a look at the White House's threat of mass firings as the clock ticks on avoiding a government shutdown.

A top Justice Department official reportedly directed several federal prosecutor offices to investigate George Soros...

In 1980, the world of arcade games got a jolt that changed the gaming world forever. That’s when a round yellow fellow with a large set of chompers known as Pac-Man first came on the scene. It’s now been 45 years since the game was first imported to the US from Japan as PuckMan, a name that was quickly changed. It’s interesting to note that, in the original game, the few players who completed all levels simply landed on a garbled “kill screen.” How is it that a game with no defined way to even “win” managed to take hold and...

A shooter opened fire on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday, killing one detainee and critically wounding two others.

Prosecutors are set to seek an indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.

USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler tells us about a new gun training program from an unlikely source.

Middle class Americans aren't feeling the prosperity.

USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporter Rachel Hale talks about her visit to a place where children who have lost parents to overdose deaths can go to heal.<...

Living, working, even vacationing off world is no longer a distant concept. We're approaching a time when humans aren't just visitors to outer space, but could become residents. With the International Space Station set to retire by the end of 2030. Private companies are racing to replace it, as space travel and space mining move from science fiction to becoming everyday realities. How do we balance access, ambition and accountability in the next space race? Namrata Goswami, professor of space security at Johns Hopkins University, joins The Excerpt to explore.

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Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday, where he addressed his show's suspension.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison takes a look at some of the MAGA backlash toward President Donald Trump over free speech concerns.

A 59-year-old man has been found guilty of trying to assassinate Trump last year.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy recaps the president's address to the United Nations General Assembly.

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USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield breaks down the president's announcement linking autism to Tylenol.

Jimmy Kimmel is returning to late-night television.

The White House denies border czar Tom Homan accepted $50,000 from undercover FBI agents.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison takes a look at the preliminary deal TikTok has reached to sell its U.S. operations to an American-based investor group.

The MLB Playoffs are almost here, but plenty of races have yet to be decided.

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Elected officials, faith leaders, Kirk's colleagues and his loved ones remembered the conservative activist at a service in Arizona Sunday.

Top Democratic leaders in Congress demand a meeting with President Donald Trump as a government shutdown deadline nears.

USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire takes a look at how states are preparing as the Trump administration considers closing FEMA.

The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada recognize a Palestinian state, putting the countries at odds with President Trump.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé breaks down how m...

US-born extremism is on the rise and spreading beyond our borders. The US-based Active Club network is now taking root across the globe. Active Clubs are one of the latest iterations of extremist groups, blending physical training such as mixed martial arts with fascism. What led to the creation of these clubs that use something as innocuous as fitness as a recruitment tool for teaching hate? Heidi Beirich, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss her research into the Active Club network.

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USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the latest from Capitol Hill where the possibility of a government shutdown looms.

President Donald Trump has created new immigration fees, including a "gold card" for foreigners to pay $1 million to remain in the country permanently.

The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices gives new guidance on the MMRV vaccine for young children, while falling short of clear recommendations on eligibility for COVID-19 shots.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins talks about some concerns from the right amid efforts to shut down and seek retribution against those...

President Donald Trump says negative coverage of him by television networks should be grounds for the Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licenses.

Tennessean First Amendment Reporter Angele Latham takes a closer look at the conversation about hate speech and free speech.

Late-night hosts and comedians speak out after Jimmy Kimmel's sidelining.

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran breaks down new data about immigrants in solitary confinement.

Clayton Kershaw has announced his retirement after the 2025 season.

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From “follow the science” during COVID to universities accused of activism, the gap between experts and the public is widening. Roger Pielke Jr. explains why expertise doesn’t just mean a PhD, how media silos deepen divides, and why experts must serve all Americans—not just those who share their politics.

* Please note, this interview was recorded on 8/19/25

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USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Rachel Barber puts the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut in context.

President Donald Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday, when they're expected to mark a $205 billion package of U.S. investment into Britain.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zachary Schermele breaks down dramatic testimony from ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez.

Three law enforcement officers were killed and two were injured in a Pennsylvania shooting.

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show has been suspended indefinitely following the host's comments on the fatal shooting of conservative...

Generative AI is now widely used to make artwork, music and even film – valuable cultural contributions that used to be exclusively the province of the creative class. Could AI-generated art start displacing human creators? And what about AI’s cultural influence on society writ large? Is AI generated art in the beginning of an artistic revolution or the stuff of a dystopian nightmare? Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor of Information Studies at UCLA, director of the UC Center for Global Digital Culture, and host of the Utopias podcast, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to unpack the many ethical and societ...

According to court documents, the 22-year-old had been planning the attack for a week.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses how lawmakers grilled FBI Director Kash Patel over the investigation into Kirk's killing.

The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has state terrorism charges dismissed in court.

The United States will soon announce a buyer for TikTok, according to President Donald Trump.

USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt talks about the legacy of Robert Redford, who has died at 89.

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X that "Gaza is burning."

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson has the latest after President Donald Trump said the U.S. military conducted a second strike on what he described as "violent drug trafficking cartels" from Venezuela.

Trump officials vow a crackdown on left-leaning groups they contend are promoting political violence.

USA TODAY Trending Reporter Greta Cross discusses the apparent framework deal reached between the U.S. and China over the future of TikTok.

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Utah Governor Spencer Cox gave some of the latest details on the Utah shooter during his appearances on Sunday news shows.

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down why American farmers are feeling squeezed.

A steady ocean pattern has failed for the first time ever observed.

USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard wonders what's up with the semicolon.

It was one of the most unpredictable Emmy Awards in years. 

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking before thousands at Utah Valley College. His death marks a new and unsettling chapter in America’s history of political violence. From lawmakers targeted in their homes to assassination attempts on presidential candidates, the toll is rising — and the nation is on edge. USA TODAY National Reporter Will Carless joins The Excerpt from Utah to unpack what we know about the Kirk shooting, why attacks on political figures are escalating, and whether the country is entering a dangerous cycle of retaliation and unrest.

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USA TODAY White House reporter Francesca Chambers discusses what Charlie Kirk’s death means in this moment for the White House. 

A U.S. Marine has been fired over a social media post mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk. 

A fatal shooting in Chicago after ICE agents shot and killed a man during an attempted arrest. 

USA TODAY National News reporter Andrea Riquier breaks down how a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, and other pressure points are shaping the economic picture.

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Authorities have released new video of the suspected shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. 

In the aftermath of the shooting, USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Philip M. Bailey discusses how Democrats are addressing this fraught political moment. 

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted yesterday of plotting a coup. 

A federal judge in New York is allowing a lawsuit to move forward against Saudi Arabia over possible involvement in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Reporter Nancy Cutler of LOHUD.com, part of the USA TODAY network, shares why many of the victims of the...

Patagonia is worth billions. But founder Yvon Chouinard never wanted the title of billionaire. From his days as a dirtbag climber to his reluctant role as CEO, Chouinard built one of the world’s most influential outdoor brands — then shocked the business world by giving it all away. Author David Gelles whose biography of Chouinard "Dirtbag Billionaire" is out now, joins The Excerpt to talk about Chouinard’s unconventional life, his fight to align business with values, and what his legacy means for capitalism today.

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Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University yesterday. 

Poland's military said it shot down Russian drones. USA TODAY Deputy World Editor Dan Morrison discusses the fallout.

A new federal lawsuit accuses FBI Director Kash Patel of illegally firing top bureau officials. 

USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page shares her perspective on how the world has changed in the 24 years following the 9-11 terrorist attack. 

Actress Polly Holliday, who played the iconic southern waitress Flo in the 1970s sitcom “Alice,” died yesterday at the ag...

Accurately forecasting hurricanes has improved over the past few decades with the use of satellites, NOAA’s airborne Hurricane Hunters and numerical weather prediction models. But with warming waters and the potential for an increase in major hurricanes, every bit of data helps. That’s where sharks and their dorsal fins might come in. Researchers are studying sharks to see if they can gather and transmit useful data regarding ocean temperatures. Could sharks, long feared, be poised for an image makeover? Aaron Carlisle, a University of Delaware marine ecologist, who is leading the research initiative joins The Excerpt for a de...

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his MAHA Commission release their long-awaited second report on childhood health. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy breaks it all down You can also listen to our deep dive on RFK Jr’s contentious Senate hearing from last week here.

Immigration arrests begin in Chicago as President Donald Trump's "Operation Midway Blitz" hits a fever pitch. 

Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in Qatar on Tuesday. USA TODAY Deputy World Editor Dan Morrison joins us to discuss the escalation of Israel's war against Hamas. 

The Supre...

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 in Chicago.

President Donald Trump vows to protect prayer in schools.

USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Rachel Hale tells reports that some parents are treating their kid’s depression with a controversial remedy.

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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. 

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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.

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. 

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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. Duration: 00:11:49

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’...

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.

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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 Norma...

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...

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.

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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?

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.<...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, jo...

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. 

Th...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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...

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.

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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.

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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 sodi...

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.

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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...

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.

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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.

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