The Excerpt

USA TODAY National Correspondent Phaedra Trethan gives us an introduction to Pope Leo XIV.

The acting FEMA administrator has been replaced after contradicting President Donald Trump on abolishing the agency.

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson breaks down a trade deal between the U.S. and U.K.

President Trump's budget aims to cut billions from environmental programs.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sendin...

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 cardiologist and researcher Dr. Eric Topol challenges outdated ideas about aging and reveals how factors like exercise, sleep, social connection and cutting-edge AI tools can help us extend not just our lifespan—but our healthspan. Dr. Topol joins The Excerpt to share insights from hi...

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 Lucas Finton has the latest from Memphis after former police officers were found not guilty of murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. All three former officers were separately convicted in federal court and still face time in federal prison.

A nonpartisan analysis said mil...

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 beacon of American freedom and democracy, reaching nearly 500 million listeners every day. Two of the six entities underneath USAGM are Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. While a March executive order by President Donald Trump to dismantle them has been rever...

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. Plus, a judge blocked him from shuttering an agency that funds museums and libraries.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes tells us about a women's group that quilts for democracy.

The Trump administration continues to suggest the Federal Emergency Management Agency...

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 finally put the pieces together in two states 800 miles apart. This is the story of Untested, an exclusive true crime podcast from USA TODAY and Witness. The show's host, USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Gina Barton, joins The Excerpt to discuss the reporting that went into the ser...

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy discusses a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul the Department of Health and Human Services.

Israel readies a plan to seize all of Gaza.

The Department of Homeland Security is offering $1,000 stipends and free airfare to immigrants who deport themselves.

Trump says he knew 'nothing' about an AI image of him as the pope.

USA TO...

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 about Trump and his administration. Forum is a series from USA TODAY's Opinion team, dedicated to showcasing views from across the political spectrum on issues that Americans are starkly divided on. If you'd like to weigh in on a different topic, you can find more questions a...

President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty whether he must uphold the Constitution to carry out his deportation agenda and said he's not looking at running for a third White House term during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press."

USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry discusses what activists are saying about Trump's first 100 days in office setting back civil rights protections.

The new Trump budget p...

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 1860's. But at some point, women were shuffled into softball and opportunities to play hardball disappeared. Until now. Associate Professor of sports leadership and management at Miami University Callie Batts Maddox joins The Excerpt to talk about the launch of the Women's Pro Ba...

President Donald Trump unveiled a budget blueprint on Friday. Plus, despite additions, some GOP senators slammed his defense budget for being too stingy.

USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey talks about Stephen A. Smith as Democrats grapple with celebrity populism.

A new policy means zero tolerance for visa holders.

President Trump says he's revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status.

USA TODAY Sports Columnist ...

Demonstrators rallied against the Trump administration in nationwide May Day protests.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses President Donald Trump's shakeup of his national security team.

A judge rules Trump cannot use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants. Plus, the Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to intervene in its bid to strip temporary protected status for more than 300,0...

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, “Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves.” In it, she argues that porn’s long cultural shadow has resulted in the hyper-objectification of women, presenting them as spectacles. What can a critical look at the postfeminist era teach us about...

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 some rough news for the country's GDP.

The Supreme Court's conservative majority in oral arguments seemed open to allowing the Catholic Church in Oklahoma to run the nation's first religious charter school.

House Republicans propose new immigration fees.

USA TODAY Domestic Securi...

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 health to the economy, immigration to education, the second Trump Administration has affected changes that are singular in their scope and the speed at which they were made. While some Americans are pleased with Trump’s policies and executive orders, they’ve also thrust many A...

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 automakers some relief from 25% tariffs.

Republicans propose a massive overhaul of student loans and Pell Grants.

Congress passes a bill to outlaw deepfake pornography.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning explains how President Trump’s coal push stirs hopes and worries i...

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 rough polling news.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes talks about civil liberties concerns as plainclothed ICE agents make detentions.

President Trump signs an executive order highlighting sanctuary cities fighting immigration enforcement.

Russian President Vladimir ...

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 country shared their opinions with us. Forum is a series from USA TODAY's Opinion team, dedicated to showcasing views from across the political spectrum on issues that Americans are starkly divided on. If you'd like to weigh in on a different topic, you can find more questio...

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 News over child U.S. citizens removed from the country.

USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier explains how home renovation costs will climb amid new tariffs.

President Donald Trump said his meeting in Rome with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "went well."

USA TODAY National...