The Excerpt
Episodes
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...
Pope Francis' funeral to be held on Saturday
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The world continues to react to the death of Pope Francis. His funeral is set for Saturday in Vatican City. Plus, what do American Catholics want from...
BONUS | Opinion: Are Democrats disappointing you?
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We asked: Why did Democrats lose in November? Does the Democratic Party need to transition ideologically? Forum is a series from USA TODAY's Opinion t...
Pope Francis dead at 88
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tennessean Religion Reporter Liam Adams discusses the life and legacy of Pope Francis.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared Yemen attack plans with hi...
"Funny Because It's True" - New book reveals the beginnings of The Onion
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven’t heard of The Onion, a satirical news publication, you’ve no doubt come across the many memes and parodies inspired by its style. Th...
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kilmar Abrego Garcia said he's been traumatized by his experience in Salvadoran custody. Plus, an ambiguous Supreme Court ruling may have invited the ...
Sen. Chris Van Hollen meets with Kilmar Abrego Garcia
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sen. Chris Van Hollen met Thursday with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. But the wrongly deported Maryland man remains in custody.The U.S. will abandon Ukraine p...
SPECIAL | Is adding more nuclear power the solution to our growing energy needs?
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While President Donald Trump seems intent on doing everything he can to revive the coal industry, nuclear energy appears to be enjoying a resurgence i...
IRS may revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The IRS may revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, following Trump threats.Sen. Chris Van Hollen demanded Wednesday that Salvadoran President Nayib Bukel...
SPECIAL | Is your genetic data secure?
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The recent bankruptcy of genetic testing firm 23andMe has raised alarm bells for privacy advocates and consumers worried about their personal informat...
Judge admonishes U.S. for failing to return Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A judge Tuesday reprimanded the government for failing to return a Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Fr...
Wrongly deported man not leaving El Salvador prison, Bukele says
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
El Salvador's president says a wrongly deported man is not leaving a Salvadoran prison.USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee discus...
BONUS | Opinion: Is President Trump using executive orders effectively?
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We asked: What do you think of President Donald Trump's use of executive orders - and the use of them by presidents in general? Forum is new series fr...
Authorities arrest suspect after fire at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's home
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A suspect is in custody after a suspected arson attempt on the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson look...
Research team discovers new life flourishing under an ice shelf
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On a recent expedition to Antarctica, researchers made a startling discovery after part of a huge ice sheet broke off. In the frigid waters originally...
Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The case of a Maryland man accidentally deported to a notorious El Salvador prison has galvanized public attention. Gabrielle Banks, an editor on USA ...
Supreme Court says US must begin process to release man deported to El Salvador
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to begin the process of releasing Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvado...
SPECIAL | You're not crazy. Allergy season really is getting worse
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s allergy season and that means sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes for many. If you’ve wondered if your allergies are getting worse, you’re no...
Stocks soar as Trump pauses most tariffs
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY Money Editor Charisse Jones takes a look at the market response to President Donald Trump's move pausing reciprocal tariffs for most countri...
SPECIAL | The dream of quantum computing is closer than ever
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Microsoft says it has created a new state of matter to power quantum computers - one that’s neither liquid, solid nor gas. It’s the latest major a...
Trump's 'reciprocal' tariffs take effect
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
President Donald Trump's latest tariffs take effect Wednesday.USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi discusses the Supreme Court's mo...
Coming Soon: Untested
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
He terrorized women. He slipped through the cracks. But one detective refused to give up. Untested, an exclusive true crime podcast series from WITNES...
Trump Administration can resume some deportations under Alien Enemies Act
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Supreme Court ruling will allow the Trump administration to resume the deportation of certain immigrants.The U.S. stock market had a turbulent day a...
BONUS | Opinion: Hearing differing perspectives with Forum
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People are passionate about their views, and we'll continue to bring you that pulse from readers and listeners like you. Today you’ll hear from Seni...
Trump defends tariffs amid market mayhem
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's next for the market response to tariffs?USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi discusses why Trump's moves to punish law firms...
For many U.S. immigrants, legal status is suddenly out of reach
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Among the nation's nearly 14 million estimated unauthorized immigrants, more than two million didn't sneak over the border or overstay a visa but rath...
Judge orders US to bring deported Maryland man back from El Salvador prison
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY White House Correspondent Michael Collins discusses a judge's decision to order a deported man sent back to the United States.Stocks plunge ...
Major stock indexes have worst day in years
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee takes a look at a historically bad day for the markets.The Trump administration gives states ...
SPECIAL | Space junk: the impact of global warming on satellites
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when today’s treasure – satellites that give us access to broadband internet and accurate weather forecasts among other things – be...
Trump announces 10% tariff on all imports
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers takes a look at President Donald Trump's Wednesday tariff announcement.51 senators voted to end...
SPECIAL | “Bourdain” author shares her story in new memoir
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Women in the culinary world have long fought to be heard, respected and given full credit for their contributions. With a career spent both cooking an...
Democrats win Wisconsin, Republican margins sag in Florida
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A liberal won Wisconsin's Supreme Court election Tuesday, while two Florida Republicans won their special elections to fill U.S. House vacancies.USA T...
Trump’s biggest round of tariffs is coming
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison has the latest ahead of Wednesday's expected tariff announcement from President Donald Trump.Republi...
BONUS | Opinion: Does our country's low birth rate concern you?
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We asked: Do you agree with Millennials and Gen Zers who are waiting longer to have kids - or deciding not to have them at all? Could anything help to...
Trump says 'there will be bombing' if Iran does not make nuclear deal
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
President Donald Trump, in an interview with NBC News, said 'there will be bombing' if Iran does not come to an agreement with the U.S. over its nucle...
Taxes are different this year: what filers should know
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tax season is in full swing and there are a few changes this year. Not only has President Donald Trump proposed several substantive and not-so-substan...
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next three months, the State Department is set to assume USAID’s remaining "life-saving and strategic aid programming," according to an int...
Trump withdraws Stefanik's nomination as UN ambassador
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY Congress Reporter Riley Beggin takes a closer look at President Donald Trump's withdrawal of Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination as UN ambassad...
SPECIAL | How bowel frequency impacts your health
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We eat for a variety of reasons, most importantly to sustain life. Unsurprisingly, the decisions we make about what we consume can have a huge impact ...
Trump announces 25% auto tariffs
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs - this time on automobiles.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down a busy we...
SPECIAL | Is education in America fair and balanced for all kids?
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are schools providing the best education possible for all their students? This episode's guest argues that the U.S. school system is where children ar...
Democrats grill Trump officials over Signal leak
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY Congress Reporter Savannah Kuchar discusses the reaction on Capitol Hill following a report that secret plans for U.S. airstrikes were discu...
Trump officials shared secret war plans in chat that included journalist
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down what happened when officials shared detailed secret plans for a U.S. strike on Iran-b...
BONUS | Opinion: What do you think of how Trump's handling our economy?
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trump and Republicans campaigned aggressively in 2024 on the economy. So now that he’s in office, we asked: do you think that President Trump is doi...
U.S. and Russia discuss Black Sea ceasefire
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. officials are meeting with Russian officials Monday for talks in Saudi Arabia.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes explains that expert...