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USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt (formerly 5 Things), brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. We also deliver special deep-dive episodes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons on the most compelling topics in culture, entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Give us fifteen minutes a day, we'll give you all of the headlines, none of the chaos. Hosted by Taylor Wilson and Dana Taylor.
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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 the Nation’s Report Card.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 this special election means, not just for California, but for the country.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 rolls on.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 Excerpt to unpack the issues surrounding this unprecedented deployment of US troops on American soil.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 answers and joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 best teams?The Seattle Mariners win an epic extra innings game to make their first ALCS since 2001.It's National Coming Out Day.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 questions about shaken baby syndrome. Listen to or watch our conversation with the lead investigator from the case here.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 statements.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 key takeaways so far? USA TODAY White House Reporter Bart Jansen joins The Excerpt to unpack the issues.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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.President Trump says Sean 'Diddy' Combs asked him for a pardon.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 of a couple of sheepdogs. For more, visit USA TODAY's Humankind.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and a military historian joins The Excerpt with my colleague USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page to discuss the new peace plan. * Note: This conversation was recorded on October 1, 2025.Episode transcript available here.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Dana Taylor is such an amazing host 😃
than you
"We shouldn't mention the shooter's name," says reporter who goes on to CLEARLY say shooter's name multiple times. ffs
well, that's an interesting speech to hear post presidency.
um, dude. Have you not heard of Jordan Klepper? He fingers the pulse of America. He fingers it HARD.
lmfao... The question they ask is, "What would happen if the candidates dropped out?" ... but we all know what they're REALLY asking is, "What would happen if those ancient dudes suddenly dropped dead of old age?"
well that ended rather abruptly!
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Dear Ukraine, We miss the Cold War. Thanks again, Nato and Red Army LOL
Did we roll back to JUNE???? LOL
I find it very difficult to consider a news item credible when the broadcaster refers to "Mary" as the nephew of the president.