The Excerpt
Episodes
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 ...
Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive form' of prostate cancer
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.President Donald Trump's tax bill passed in a key House committee vote.USA TODAY Wh...
Has the pronatalism movement gone mainstream?
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s well known that childcare has become extraordinarily expensive, costing many families nearly a quarter of their income. The fertility rate, as ...
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Supreme Court dealt a blow to the Trump administration Friday.USA TODAY Reporter Michael Collins discusses how a federal judge scolded the Trump a...
A humanitarian aid crisis in Gaza
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arwa Damon, former CNN Senior International Correspondent and president and founder of INARA, joins The Excerpt to discuss the latest concerns about s...
SPECIAL | Trump, Project 2025 and the plan to remake government
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For over 40 years, the conservative Washington think tank Heritage Foundation has issued a “Mandate for Leadership” to guide incoming Republican a...
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled Wednesday on Capitol Hill, where he talked about measles, vaccines, fluoride and more.USA TODAY Edu...
SPECIAL | While digital currency initiatives expand, we ask, what's the future of cash?
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s something to cold hard cash. You can hold it; you can smell it; it feels a certain way in your pocket. Earlier this year, President Donald T...
House debates Republican Medicaid, tax proposals and more
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lawmakers spent hours debating legislation that would enact sweeping tax cuts, raise the debt ceiling and add restrictions to benefit programs. P...
Mixed market response after US-China deal
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. Stocks surged Monday after this week's US-China tariff deal. But a rally in Asian stocks overnight fell off and the dollar also wobbled.USA TODAY...
BONUS | Opinion: What do you want your mom to know?
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're putting the spotlight on moms today, asking readers to share about why it's so important to honor moms or maternal figures in our lives. Forum i...
US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. and China have reached an agreement to reduce tariffs.The Trump administration floats suspending habeas corpus. What does that mean?USA TODAY...
Saving one abused dog at a time in Thailand
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tina was a sweet golden retriever, named after the legendary Tina Turner. Her passing led owner Niall Harbison down the path of a new personal mission...
Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass
10 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass as leader of the Roman Catholic Church Friday.USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin discusses how som...
How a Chicago native became pope
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY National Correspondent Phaedra Trethan gives us an introduction to Pope Leo XIV.The acting FEMA administrator has been replaced after contra...
SPECIAL | Dr. Eric Topol shares a new vision for living longer and better
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the second half of life could be just as healthy, active, and fulfilling as the first? Drawing on the latest science, world-renowned cardiolog...
Fed chair cites 'uncertainty' as central bank holds key rate steady
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Fed left its key interest rate unchanged again Wednesday and gave no hint it plans to lower it soon.Commercial Appeal Criminal Justice Reporter Lu...
SPECIAL | A beacon of American freedom and democracy may soon go silent
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As a bulwark against the flood of propaganda and misinformation coming from China and Russia, the United States Agency for Global Media is a global be...
Supreme Court allows ban on transgender troops to take effect
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There was some mixed news out of the courts Tuesday for President Donald Trump. The Supreme Court allowed his ban on transgender troops to take effect...
BONUS | Introducing true crime podcast: Untested
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Buried in an evidence room, a DNA swab held the key to catching a serial sex offender. But no one tested it for years. Detective Annie Harrison finall...
19 states sue RFK Jr., Trump administration for overhauling HHS
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy discusses a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul ...
BONUS | Opinion: After 100 days in office, how do you think Trump is doing?
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We received so many responses about President Trump's first 100 days in office that we created a second episode on what Americans are really thinking ...
Trump says 'I don't know' when asked if he must uphold the Constitution
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty whether he must uphold the Constitution to carry out his deportation agenda and said he's not looking at ...
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since its inception, baseball has always had a place for female athletes. In fact, colleges and universities had women’s teams as far back as the 18...
Trump budget proposal aims to cut $163 billion, mirroring DOGE plan
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
President Donald Trump unveiled a budget blueprint on Friday. Plus, despite additions, some GOP senators slammed his defense budget for being too stin...
Thousands rally against Trump, Musk in May Day protests
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Demonstrators rallied against the Trump administration in nationwide May Day protests.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses Pres...
SPECIAL | Porn's long cultural shadow
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happened to feminism in the twenty-first century? This is the foundational question at the heart of cultural critic Sophie Gilbert’s new book, ...
Ukraine, US sign minerals deal
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a mineral deal after weeks of tense negotiations.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé takes a look at ...
SPECIAL | With 100 days now in the books, how are Americans feeling?
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As of today, President Donald Trump has been in office for 100 days. In that short span of time, he has transformed American government. From public h...
Congress starts working on Trump's 'big beautiful bill'
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin breaks down what to know as the GOP starts work on a sweeping Trump priorities bill.Trump provides aut...
Carney wins Canada's election, riding Canadian anger at Trump to victory
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does Canada's election mean for relations between the two countries?It's been 100 days in office for President Donald Trump. Plus, he gets some r...
BONUS | Opinion: What do you think of President Trump's leadership in his first 100 days?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We asked: Do you support President Trump's actions so far? What concerns you about what he and his administration have executed on? Readers across the...
Booker, Jeffries hold sit-in on Capitol steps, slam Trump budget plan
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Congress will take up the fiscal 2026 budget proposal when lawmakers return to session Monday.Secretary of State Marco Rubio was pressed Sunday by NBC...
Is the US sliding into authoritarianism?
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A quick Google search reveals many articles, commentaries, social media posts, and scholarly debates on whether or not America is sliding into an auth...
Trump open to Abrego Garcia return, not trolling on Greenland: Time interview takeaways
26 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson discusses some of President Donald Trump's recent comments to Time Magazine.A Milwaukee judge has been cha...
Hegseth's chief of staff is ousted, the latest sacking at the Pentagon
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's been another shake-up at the Pentagon.President Donald Trump approaches 100 days in office. Here are 100 things that have changed.USA TODAY Ed...
SPECIAL | Can fandoms be as deep and meaningful as religion?
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us can say that we’re fans of something – music, sports, art, books. But what does it mean to be part of a fandom? You’ve probably seen ...
Russia strikes Kyiv in the biggest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russia slammed Ukraine's capital overnight in the biggest attack on the city this year.USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses some con...
SPECIAL | RFK Jr.'s impact on HHS so far has some worried
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most talked about and controversial cabinet appointments made by President Donald Trump has been that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vac...
What to expect after Pope Francis' death
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY National Correspondent Marco della Cava talks about his experience covering conclaves and what to expect from the process to select a new po...