The Excerpt

The first presidential debate of 2024 is in the books. For President Biden, it wasn't a good night. What were some of the key takeaways and how did undecided voters react? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey shares his insight into the night’s big moments.The U.S. Supreme Court issued three substantive rulings on Thursday, including emergency abortions in Idaho, a six billion dollar opioid settlement and cross-state pollution. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt to unpack the big decisions. And for a deeper look at the underlying issues of the opioid case, listen to our podcast featuring then USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent John Fritze from last fall.A grand jury in Texas indicted former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo yesterday over the police response to the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School, a mass killing which resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers.Oklahoma Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters ordered all 5th to 12th grade classrooms in the state to incorporate the Bible.U.S. gymnastics Olympic trials have begun. Catch our live blog of the trials along with NBA draft updates and other sports news at USATODAY.com/sports.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thirty-eight states and Washington, D.C. now allow any adult to place a bet on their favorite sport – even with the click of a button on the phone. But what happens when the athletes themselves are placing bets? Several athletes have been banned from their respective leagues in recent months for doing just that. USA TODAY Sports Reporter Steve Gardner joins The Excerpt to discuss this moment and what sports fans can expect next.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court may be about to allow emergency abortions in Idaho.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler explains why Hunter Biden's purchase at a Delaware gun shop was illegal for another reason.Senate Democrats are raising concerns that the U.S. Postal Service's decision to re-route some mail processing may hurt the delivery of mail-in ballots during this year's elections.Journalist Evan Gershkovich goes on trial in Russia.COVID-19 cases are ticking up, as summer gatherings get into full swing.USA TODAY Election Reporting Fellow Melissa Cruz discusses the decision by the Commission on Presidential Debates to step down. Watch tonight's debate on USA TODAY's YouTube channel. Plus, use our presidential debate bingo card to play during the Biden-Trump showdown.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The age-old question has been debated for centuries. Might we soon get an answer? The planet that is the current focus of international inquiry is called Gliese 12b, an Earth-sized exoplanet that’s only 40 light years away. The first step in answering this question has to do with determining a planet's habitability. In this respect, Gliese 12b shows some promise. What’s next on the road to solving one of mankind's oldest riddles? Michael McElwain, a NASA scientist at the James Webb Space Telescope center, joins The Excerpt to share insights regarding this revolutionary new development.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The federal judge in charge of former President Donald Trump's classified documents case appears set to allow prosecutors to use documents seized by the FBI from the former president's private club. Plus, Monica Lewinsky wants the judge impeached.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Michael Collins discusses President Joe Biden's approach to Thursday's debate.President Joe Biden pardons thousands of veterans convicted under a military law that banned gay sex.The National Transportation Safety Board says that burning off chemicals after a train derailed in Ohio last year was unnecessary.The NBA Draft begins!Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julian Assange will be freed after pleading guilty to breaking U.S. espionage law.Texas' anti-abortion heartbeat law aimed to save babies. But more infants died.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses the high court's move to take on gender-affirming care for minors.The U.S. surgeon general wants to issue warnings on guns like cigarettes.USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson takes a look at former President Donald Trump's strategy ahead of Thursday's debate.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Severe heat led to deaths at the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, while heat warnings and advisories spread across the U.S.USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Karissa Waddick discusses how Democratic candidates are approaching transgender issues in 2024.Are the economy and job growth slowing? Not based on sales of worker uniform patches.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks about millionaires next door.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over two years into Russia’s war in Ukraine have left the country and its soldiers running short of ammunition, weapons, manpower, money and worst of all, morale. A particularly troubling recent quote from a Ukrainian soldier on the frontlines by Reuters was: “worse than hell.” Russian drone and artillery relentlessly target Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. Ukrainian military leaders openly admit that the situation on the eastern front is decidedly worse in recent months. Russia, meanwhile, has executed a savage onslaught on Ukraine. Can U.S. and European support help turn things around for Ukraine? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison joins The Excerpt to unpack significant new developments.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court has upheld a law banning domestic abusers from owning guns.USA TODAY Election Reporting Fellow Melissa Cruz breaks down how Georgia is mandating election training for police.Iowa's Board of Education has approved rules that require educators to tell parents and caregivers if their child asks to use different pronouns.USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Kathleen Wong discusses how little vacation Americans take compared with other countries.Is this the summer of rock?The U.S. men's national team begins its Copa América tournament Sunday.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee 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 Bart Jansen looks at the upcoming three days of hearings, beginning Friday, in Former PresidentDonald Trump's classified documents case.The Supreme Court upholds a controversial tax on foreign income. Plus, the court prepares for a flurry of decisions in the coming days.Excessive heat continues, and is as dangerous for animals as it is for people.USA TODAY Money, Markets and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee talks about Americans' fading purchasing power.Donald Sutherland has died at 88.Thursday night's MLB game at Rickwood Field honored the history of Black baseball.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the advent of CRISPR as a gene editing technology, there are new opportunities to develop breakthrough treatments that weren’t possible before. Could this be a turning point that revolutionizes how doctors treat some of the biggest medical challenges, while also being a more effective and cheaper solution for the patient? Shengdar Q. Tsai, associate member and principal investigator of the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, joins The Excerpt to talk about how this new technology could shape the future of medicine.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Louisiana becomes the first state to require the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms.USA TODAY Deputy Washington Editor Dan Morrison discusses a flurry of bills aimed at honoring former President Donald Trump.Robert F. Kennedy Jr. misses a deadline to meet criteria set by CNN to participate in this year's first presidential debate.USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield looks at how hundreds of officials in swing states have cast doubt on elections.Can a newly discovered genetic trait help delay Alzheimer's?135 million Americans are baking under a massive heat wave. Plus, Tropical Storm Alberto has formed.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anthony Fauci was one of the nation’s leading public-health doctors, working on the world’s deadliest emerging infectious diseases, from AIDS to Zika. Then came COVID-19. He soon became a voice millions of Americans trusted -- a straight-talker even when his candor put him at odds with President Trump. But it also made him the target of conspiracy theories and worse. In an exclusive interview about Fauci's new memoir, “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service,” USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page sits down with Fauci to talk about his years in public health and whether he will ever again feel safe. Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter breaks down the Boeing CEO's testimony, after a new whistleblower complaint.Cities are breaking temperature records in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Check out our Sunday Deep Dive episode on extreme heat.California wildfires force evacuations, while Sonoma County wineries avoid worst-case-scenario fears.USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman talks about Black veterans celebrated on a Juneteenth trip to Washington.Willie Mays has died at 93.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee 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 Michael Collins looks at today's announcement of a new immigration rule from the Biden administration.Severe heat bakes much of the country, while the first alert of the 2024 hurricane season is issued.Firefighters battle a wildfire 60 miles from Los Angeles.USA TODAY Trending News Reporter Kinsey Crowley breaks down U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's calls on Congress to pass a warning label for social media.What do we know a year after the Titan sub disaster?Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Campaign 2024 Breaking News Editor Austin Bogues discusses how President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are approaching Black voters.Culture war clashes in Congress risk stalling must-pass bills.A crazy week of weather is on the way.USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub puts the bird flu outbreak in context.Bryson DeChambeau wins the U.S. Open.Angelina Jolie and Daniel Radcliffe win their first Tony Awards.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 2024 marked the twelfth straight month of record-high temperatures for the planet. Here in the U.S., temperatures across the country are likely to break records again this summer, increasing health risks to those spending long periods outdoors – from construction workers to migrants illegally crossing the border. Government and business leaders have long struggled to cope with protecting people from the heat. Kathy Baughman McLeod, founder and CEO of Climate Resilience for All, a non-profit dedicated to protecting vulnerable communities from extreme heat, joins The Excerpt to explain how people should prepare for a hotter world.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee 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 puts a high court decision surrounding gun bump stocks in context.A judge orders Alex Jones' personal assets to be liquidated and paid to Sandy Hook families.A Southwest Airlines jet was damaged during a flight last month after it experienced a Dutch roll manuever.USA TODAY Breaking News and Education Reporter Zach Schermele discusses how one Montana mayor is refusing to recognize Pride.Forecasters warn of a dangerous and potentially record-breaking heat wave next week.Euro 2024 kicks off.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee 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 the high court's decision on mifepristone, as well as a pair of other cases.President Joe Biden signs a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine.President Joe Biden says he won't commute any sentence given to his son Hunter Biden over gun felonies.USA TODAY Congress Reporter Ken Tran discusses former President Donald Trump's return to Capitol Hill.A shift in global climate patterns - from El Niño to La Niña - is unfolding.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Supreme Court has had its ethical compass called into question periodically over the decades, but not nearly as much as it is right now. From Justice Clarence Thomas’ recent disclosure of receiving millions of dollars in vacation benefits to Justice Samuel Alito’s admission of flying an American flag upside down at one of his homes, a politically charged symbol, the court’s integrity is under scrutiny and public faith in the court has dropped to its lowest level ever recorded. Can the public’s trust in this institution of American democracy be restored? USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt to put the court's recent ethical blunders into context.Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.