The Excerpt

SPECIAL | Attempt to fix California's severe housing crisis offers lessons to U.S.

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Across the country, Americans are in need of affordable housing. In California, the crisis is particularly acute. Could California's repeal of 70-year...

US to set 15% tariff on South Korean imports under new deal

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. Pl...

SPECIAL | Why are ICE agents hiding behind masks?

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ma...

Tsunami waves reach Hawaii and West Coast hours after magnitude 8.8 earthquake

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tsunami waves reached Hawaii and parts of the West Coast after one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history.USA TODAY Justice Department Corre...

Starvation stalks Gaza

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are major international starvation concerns in Gaza, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is no starvation there.A gunma...

US and EU reach trade deal

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Chr...

Transgender athletes in college sports are rare, despite outsized political attention

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In July, the University of Pennsylvania agreed to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women's sports and strip the record of former swimme...

Trump arrives in Scotland for golf and trade talks

26 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Israel and US recall teams from Gaza truce talks; violence near aid distribution centers continues

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel and the United States recalled their delegations from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations Thursday. Plus, hundreds of people have been kille...

SPECIAL | Insomnia is a global epidemic. How do we fix it?

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Columbia University to pay $200 million fine in new agreement with Trump administration

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Columbia University has struck another deal with the Trump administration.A federal judge has rejected the Justice Department's bid to unseal grand ju...

SPECIAL | Elon Musk wants to start a third party but it will take more than just money

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elon Musk is taking aim at both Democrats and Republicans with his “American Party.” But ballot access, unpopularity, and a messy political middle...

Speaker Mike Johnson to shut down House early amid Jeffrey Epstein drama

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen discusses the latest tensions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's case files, as House Speaker Mike Johnson ...

'Flood' of ICE agents is coming to cities run by Democrats, according to the White House

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes breaks down what the White House is saying about ICE agents heading to 'sanctuary cities.'A former Loui...

Nobel laureates plea for diplomacy to prevent nuclear war

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Reporter Davis Winkie breaks down what nuclear experts said last week about the current state of nuclear threats and what to do ...

How to navigate a job market transformed by AI

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The U.S. job market is undergoing a fundamental shift. As AI advances, roles that were once gateways to upward mobility are disappearing. In a recent ...

Can Trump calm MAGA's fury by releasing more Epstein records?

19 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson breaks down some of the latest surrounding President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein records. Trump sued ...

House passes Trump's cuts to public broadcasting, foreign aid

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A bill with cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid will next land on President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.Trump denies a report he wro...

SPECIAL | Nature is the medicine: Hospitals are catching on

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hospitals aren’t usually known for comfort — but could bringing nature inside actually help us heal faster? Public health expert Dr. Jay Maddock j...

Senate passes aid, public broadcasting cuts

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Senate has passed another legislative victory for President Donald Trump.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes breaks down a new Trump po...

SPECIAL | SkinnyTok is now banned. Its dangerous influence persists.

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Health and wellness trends can be found on every social platform. But what happens when the pursuit of a particular body type morphs into harmful cont...

Senate Republicans weigh billions of dollars in spending cuts

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senate Republicans are considering billions in cuts, targeting programs from public broadcasting to global health initiatives.USA TODAY National Immig...

Supreme Court lets Trump fire hundreds of Education Department workers and dismantle the agency

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses the high court's move to let President Donald Trump fire hundreds of workers from the E...

Americans' views on immigration take a positive swing

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Americans' views on immigration took a positive swing this year.USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire discusses how states a...

Caitlin Clark has changed women's sports forever

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

WNBA player Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon. It has changed women's basketball, women's sports and sports. Period. But what makes her tick? How did a ki...

Grim reality looms as search for missing Texas flood victims continues

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis reports on the shift to recovery in the wake of Texas floods. Plus, President Donald Trump visited the st...

Trump at odds with MAGA movement on multiple fronts

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey discusses some of the latest friction between President Donald Trump and parts of the MAGA m...

SPECIAL | Eco-anxiety is on the rise

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Devastating rains in Texas Hill County on the morning of July 4th created deadly floods that have now claimed over 100 lives and counting. The catastr...

Trump tax bill supercharges Coast Guard’s Arctic icebreaker fleet

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes breaks down a part of the recent tax bill that adds new ships to the Coast Guard's fleet in the Northwe...

SPECIAL | Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is now law: Who are the winners and losers?

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a furious few weeks of debate, closed door negotiations, open floor debate and deal-making, the Republican-controlled legislature has finally pa...

Supreme Court lets Trump move forward with large-scale staff cuts for now

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down the high court's move to lift a federal judge's order pausing the Trump administratio...

104 dead as hard-hit areas in Texas face new flooding risks

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis reports from Texas on what he's seen in the aftermath of devastating flooding. Plus, Rick reported on how...

Death toll climbs in Texas flooding, children still missing from all-girls camp

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Camp Mystic was "horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster."USA TODAY National Correspondent...

Brain-computer interfaces: Unlocking the potential of man and machine

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It is the fodder of science fiction plots: implanting a device into the human brain... the blockbuster franchise “The Matrix” comes to mind. ...

At least 24 dead, over 20 children missing from summer camp in 'catastrophic' Texas flood

05 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office in Texas said Friday flooding was catastrophic.President Donald Trump spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Puti...

House passes Trump's megabill

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The House has sent Republicans' sweeping bill to President Donald Trump for his signature.The unemployment rate fell slightly in June. Plus, should yo...

Chatbot therapy? Available 24/7 but users beware.

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI chatbots are being used for mental health support — and it’s raising red flags. From offering bad advice to encouraging self-harm, some mental ...

House clears key hurdle on tax megabill

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The House has cleared a hurdle on President Donald Trump's bill of legislative priorities.USA TODAY National Correspondent Marco della Cava puts Diddy...

Can shared public spaces bridge the American divide?

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Walls. We all navigate them whether they be the walls throughout our homes, neighborhoods, and the places we choose to frequent, or the internal walls...

Senate passes Trump's big bill; House battle is next

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey gives some of his biggest takeaways after the Senate's passage of President Donald Trump's b...

Senate plods along as Republicans negotiate key parts of Trump's bill

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Senate early this morning was still voting and negotiating on President Donald Trump's bill on tax cuts, Medicaid and more.USA TODAY Supreme Court...

Senators to begin morning vote on Trump's major tax, Medicaid, border bill

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senators on Monday will vote on President Donald Trump's legislative priorities.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler discusses how ment...

Victims retraumatized and perpetrators glorified: The ethical reckoning of true crime

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

True crime is a cultural obsession. But beneath the gripping stories of ghastly crimes and elusive perpetrators are tough questions about ethics, repr...

Supreme Court wraps term with decisions on birthright citizenship, Obamacare and more

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe recaps the final day of the high court's term. We discuss decisions ranging from birthright citiz...

Supreme Court sides with South Carolina in effort to cut Planned Parenthood funding

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down the implications of the high court's decision siding with South Carolina in its effor...

SPECIAL | LGBTQ+ pride under pressure: Fighting back, then and now

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 1969, LGBTQ+ patrons at the Stonewall Inn fought back against a violent police raid — and sparked a global movement. More than 50 years later, th...

Trump says US, Iranian officials to hold talks after bombing of nuclear sites

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Iranian officials are expected to meet with U.S. officials next week. Plus, NATO leaders back a big increase in defense spending.USA TODAY Chief Polit...

SPECIAL | Record heat, a climate reckoning: How will humans respond?

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Climate change, global warming – we've all heard the steady drumbeat of doom. But a recent five-year forecast, by the World Meteorological Organizat...

US strikes failed to destroy Iran's nuclear sites, according to intelligence report

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

U.S. strikes failed to destroy Iran's nuclear sites. Plus, USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield looks back on the last 70 years...

Israel says Iran violates ceasefire, orders new strikes

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel says Iran has violated a ceasefire. Plus, USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers breaks down how Middle East tensions will impa...

SPECIAL | Does the US need a Golden Dome air defense system?

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In May, President Donald Trump shared his vision for protecting the US from the threat of nuclear strikes by drones, and ballistic, cruise and hyperso...

Trump floats regime change after strikes on Iran

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page takes a broader look at President Donald Trump's decision to order weekend strikes on nuclear targets in ...

New music documentaries rock the big screen at Tribeca

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A slew of new music documentaries recently debuted at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. The list of cultural icons with docs just released or comin...

Israel says it killed Iran commander as both sides attack

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

European foreign ministers are working to establish a path to diplomacy in Geneva.Lawmakers propose prohibiting masked agents. Plus, pro-Palestinian a...

Trump to decide on US role in Israel-Iran conflict within 2 weeks

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump will decide on the U.S. role in the Israel-Iran conflict within two weeks.USA TODAY White House Reporter Davis Winkie discusses...

SPECIAL | Rethinking the American dream: Trade schools vs. college degrees

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are high school graduates better off picking up a welding torch instead of a college textbook? As demand grows for skilled labor, more students—and ...

Trump says US 'may' or 'may not' strike Iran

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump is weighing U.S. actions amid Israel and Iran's ongoing strikes. Plus, MAGA infighting grows on the issue. And there are risks ...

SPECIAL | One immigrant's story of what it means to be undocumented

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Every one of their stories is different and the broad strokes coverage you often...

Pentagon sends warplanes, aircraft carrier to Middle East as Iran-Israel conflict continues

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Pentagon has shifted warplanes and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Plus, President Donald Trump threatens Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah...

Trump leaves G7 early, urges everyone in Tehran to evacuate 'before it is too late'

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers breaks down President Donald Trump's decision to abruptly leave the Group of Seven summit.Multi...

BONUS | Opinion: What do you want your dad to know?

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're putting the spotlight on dads today, asking readers to share about why it's so important to honor our fathers or paternal figures in our lives. ...

Assassination suspect arrested after fatal attack on Minnesota lawmakers

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A suspect has been arrested in the fatal shooting of Minnesota lawmakers over the weekend.Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa before dawn on Mo...

For those with crypto wealth, beware the wrench attack

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the high-stakes world of cryptocurrency, cybercrime is no longer the only concern for investors. A rise in street crime tactics means that some wea...

Iran launches waves of missiles at Israel in response to strikes

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Iran has launched waves of missiles at Israel in response to recent airstrikes.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen has the latest on Kilma...

Israel launches strikes against Iran as nuclear program talks falter

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel has launched strikes against Iran targeting its nuclear program.An appeals court blocks the ruling directing President Donald Trump to return c...

SPECIAL | President Trump is on a pardon spree

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a busy few months in the world of federal pardons. It started on day one of the Trump administration with more than 1500 people pardoned f...

Democratic governors to describe resistance to federal immigration enforcement at 'sanctuary' hearing

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen tells us how three Democratic governors today will push back against federal immigration enforcement a...

SPECIAL | Alligators: Our apex predator allies against climate change

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The story of the American alligator is one of survival. From 1967 to 1987, they were officially listed as an endangered species. But the wetlands of L...

Curfew enacted for parts of LA as protests spread to other cities

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes joins us again from Los Angeles as protests also spread to other cities.USA TODAY Pentagon Corresponden...

Trump administration deploys Marines to Los Angeles

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

700 Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles. But California has sued the Trump administration to block deployment of the National Guard and the Mari...

BONUS | Opinion: What does Pride month mean to the LGBTQ+ community in 2025?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Under President Donald Trump's second administration, LGBTQ+ rights are back in the spotlight as he issues executive orders banning transgender m...

Downtown LA declared 'unlawful assembly'; Newsom to sue over National Guard deployment

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tensions escalated in Los Angeles late Sunday between law enforcement and protesters as California National Guard troops arrived.USA TODAY National Im...

They led the fight for marriage equality

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Arthur’s vows to Jim Obergefell came during a unique wedding ceremony that changed the course of American history. It was 2013 and at the time,...

Kilmar Abrego Garcia charged with migrant smuggling after return from El Salvador

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been returned to the U.S. He now faces human trafficking charges.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswa...

Musk-Trump alliance craters

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer has the latest on the feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. Plus, Josh takes a look ...

SPECIAL | At this year's NATO Summit the stakes couldn't be higher

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The 2025 NATO summit will be held in The Hague later this month. Among the topics of discussion will be defense spending, strengthening the alliance, ...

Elon Musk tries to nuke Trump's GOP tax plan

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin has the latest after Elon Musk launched an attack on President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and policy ...

SPECIAL | AI in the classroom: Cheating, learning, and the new academic gray zone

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With AI tools like ChatGPT becoming ubiquitous on college campuses, students and educators alike are navigating a rapidly shifting academic landscape....

Boulder attack suspect’s family detained by ICE

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The wife and five children of the 45-year-old suspect in the assault on pro-Jewish demonstrators in Colorado are facing deportation.President Trump is...

Suspect charged with federal hate crime in Boulder attack

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A 45-year-old suspect has been charged with a federal hate crime in the attack on a Colorado pro-Israel protest.Russia and Ukraine hold peace talks af...

BONUS | Opinion: Is Caitlin Clark improving women's sports for the better or worse?

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People from across the country weighed in on the impact Indiana Fever's point guard Caitlin Clark is having on the WNBA and women's sports in general....

8 injured in attack on Colorado event calling for release of Israeli hostages

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The FBI is investigating the attack in Colorado as an act of terrorism.USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin discusses some potential change...

Is artistic expression a bedrock of our Constitution?

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of President Donald Trump’s focuses during his second term is his desire to reshape the arts in America. In February, he announced that he would...

Trump gives Musk an Oval Office sendoff

31 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen discusses President Donald Trump's sendoff for Elon Musk. Plus, Bart tells us about an obscure provisi...

Appeals Court allows Trump to keep tariffs while appeal plays out

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson has the latest on the trade whiplash around President Donald Trump's tariffs.A group of Deaf Americans is ...

SPECIAL | A potential new treatment for Parkinson's shows early promise

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Parkinson’s is a disease that afflicts an estimated 90,000 Americans every year. Current treatment focuses on managing its many symptoms as there is...

Trade court blocks Trump's tariffs

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A federal court has ruled President Donald Trump can't use an emergency-powers law to impose tariffs on foreign countries.Elon Musk leaves the Trump a...

SPECIAL | Rare earth minerals are mostly sourced from China. Can we get them in the US?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most electronic devices you use – your phone, laptop, earbuds – require certain materials called rare earth minerals to function. These minerals a...

Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in deportations to third countries

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to intervene in its effort to rapidly deport migrants to "third countries."USA TODAY Supreme...

How Trump's clash with the courts is brewing into an 'all-out war'

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson takes a look at President Donald Trump's clash with judges.Horse-drawn caisson funerals will soon resume a...

Trump says Putin has gone 'absolutely crazy' after massive Russian attack on Ukraine

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone 'absolutely crazy' after the latest Russian attack on Ukraine. Trump also blamed...

Dave Barry is the eternal class clown

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Dave Barry has made a career out of being a jokester, writing a nationally syndicated humor column for two decades. He i...

ICE agents deploy new tactic

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses a new tactic from ICE - arresting people as they leave mandatory court hearings.President Don...

What Trump's tax bill does with Medicaid, SNAP, tax breaks

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin takes a closer look at President Donald Trump's House-approved tax bill.The Trump administration says ...

SPECIAL | Uncharted territory: Trump accepts 'gift' of $400 million Qatari plane

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded a $3.9 billion contract to Boeing for two new Air Force One planes. For a variety of reasons, including delays tie...

2 Israeli embassy staff members fatally shot near Jewish museum in DC

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot Thursday night in Washington.Republican holdouts appear to have a deal with House GOP leadership t...

SPECIAL | Did Johnson & Johnson put profit over safety?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For generations of Americans, the Johnson & Johnson brand has been a beloved one, as quintessentially American as baseball and apple pie. Its baby...

Trump pushes $175 billion 'Golden Dome' missile defense plan

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a new missile defense system plan.USA TODAY National News Reporter Eduardo Cuevas d...

Trump says Russia, Ukraine peace talks to begin 'immediately' after Putin call

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What's next for Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations?USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses how former President Joe Biden's cancer diagn...

BONUS | Opinion: Do you support Elon Musk and his work with DOGE?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you think DOGE has helped to shrink the federal government or was it all for show? We asked and you answered on Forum. The series from USA TODAY's ...