In Big Bend, Texas, residents across party lines are voicing strong opposition to the Trump administration’s plans for a new border wall, arguing it would disrupt communities and threaten a beloved region along the Rio Grande. USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran traveled to Big Bend and joins The Excerpt to share their concerns.

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The US Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in perhaps its most controversial case this term, the one involving birthright citizenship. On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to not recognize the citizenship of babies born in the United States if neither parent is a citizen or lawful permanent resident. The decision could impact about a quarter of a million babies born in the United States each year. It could also affect millions of others. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt to break down Wednesday’s arguments.

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It’s not if, but when the next major power grid failure will happen. Major recent failures have exposed the grid’s vulnerabilities, from the massive Northeast blackout in 2003 to the deadly Texas power outages during the winter of 2021. Add to that the critical fire risks caused by aging transmission lines, the cause of California’s deadliest and most destructive fire that decimated the town of Paradise back in 2018. How can we shore up the infrastructure that powers both our economy and our lives while meeting the needs of evolving demand and supply? University of Michigan Associate Professor Johanna Mathieu joins The Excerpt to explain where the pressure points are and what needs to happen to keep the lights on.

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Oil and water are both strategic in the war with Iran. Disruptions to either resource in the Middle East could further impact energy, food prices, fertilizer and other goods here at home. Amy Jaffe, director of the energy, climate justice, and sustainability lab at New York University, and Shafiqul Islam, director of the Water Diplomacy Program at Tufts University, join The Excerpt to explain the impact on Americans.

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As the U.S.-Israel war in Iran intensifies, it’s hard to imagine Iran was once an important U.S. ally. In this special episode, we lay out key inflection points in the history of US-Iranian relations and how they continue to shape the ongoing conflict today. Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, joins The Excerpt to share his insights and analysis.

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A critically important source of water for seven western states, the Colorado River is now running out of water. To fix the problem a public lands access group has proposed an ambitious plan to build eight massive desalination plants off the California coastline, turning ocean water into fresh water for farming, and reducing demand on the ailing Colorado River. The question is, will it work? USA TODAY National Reporter Trevor Hughes joins The Excerpt to break down the issues and what's at stake.

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Public health policy has become one of the most contentious fronts of the Trump administration. From cuts to Medicaid to RFK Jr.'s promotion of dubious theories on the causes of autism, some physicians say they feel compelled to run for office. President Donald Trump is also possibly losing support among MAHA Moms who object to his promotion of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate for use in agriculture. The conversation comes amid a federal court ruling striking down parts of Kennedy’s vaccine policies. USA TODAY National Reporter Sarah D. Wire explains what it could mean for the midterms.

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President Donald Trump says the SAVE America Act could “guarantee the midterms” for Republicans. The bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and expand ID requirements at polls. But critics warn it could create hurdles for millions of voters. USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele breaks down what’s in the bill and what its chances of passing are.

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March Madness is almost here, and the bracket picture is starting to come into focus. Is there a true favorite this year, or is the field wide open? USA TODAY college sports reporter Paul Myerberg joins The Excerpt to share which teams look built for a deep tournament run, which big-name programs could miss the bracket and the players who could turn March into their NBA breakout moment.

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On Tuesday night in Georgia, a crowded Republican field tested the strength of President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican Clay Fuller. In a race to fill the seat once held by former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, the question weighing over this year’s critical midterm elections, is whether the president’s backing is a help or hindrance? As these contests unfold alongside domestic economic concerns and major global tensions, what can they tell us about where American politics is heading? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to share his insights on the latest elections.

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Alarm bells on the health of the U.S. economy are ringing. An unexpectedly dismal jobs report, growing unemployment and the ensuing uncertainty over trade policy piled on top of surging oil prices--make the financial outlook particularly bleak this month. Could a recession be next? USA TODAY Money Reporter Andrea Riquier joins The Excerpt to share her latest insights as to where the economy is headed.

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Independent reporter Aaron Parnas has built one of the fastest-growing news audiences on social media, with millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. Known for breaking down politics in a casual, direct style, Parnas has become a trusted source for many Gen Z viewers who aren’t watching traditional TV news. Parnas joins USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jay Stahl to discuss how he built that audience, why younger Americans are turning to creators for news and what the shift means for the future of journalism

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The Supreme Court has issued a major ruling on conversion therapy — siding with a Colorado counselor who argued the state’s ban violated her free speech rights. The decision doesn’t strike down the law outright, but it raises new constitutional questions that could reshape similar bans across the country. USA TODAY Supreme Court correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down what the court decided, why it was an 8–1 ruling, and what it could mean for LGBTQ+ youth, mental health care, and future legal challenges.

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Tony Mitchell, who was held for nearly two weeks in a concrete cell known as “The Freezer” at the Walker County Jail. The medical examiner says he froze to death. Meahwhile, Sheriff Nick Smith denies any wrongdoing and is seeking reelection. What happened to Tony Mitchell inside cell BK 5? USA TODAY National Extremism Correspondent Will Carless and USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Gina Barton, who investigated Mitchell’s death and the jail, join The Excerpt to discuss why jailers in Walker County are facing civil rights charges.

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With rare access and unflinching restraint, the documentary The Alabama Solution exposes the human cost of confinement in stark – at times difficult to watch – detail. The film sets out and succeeds in offering a view of a mass incarceration system laid bare. If what we see is functioning as designed, should it be allowed to continue? The Alabama Solution was directed and produced by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, and co-produced by Alex Duran, program director at Galaxy Gives, an organization committed to criminal justice reform. The film has been nominated for Best Documentary at this year's Academy Awards. Andrew Jarecki and Alex Duran joined USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the film.

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House Judiciary Committee oversight hearings are intended to hold federal agencies accountable. But the latest session involving Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has become a flashpoint in the debate over immigration enforcement. While Noem received strong support from Republicans on the committee, Democratic lawmakers pressed her on several controversial issues, including the shooting deaths of two Americans during a federal operation and allegations that the Department of Homeland Security obstructed oversight investigations. USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran joins The Excerpt to share her insights.

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Crafting is having a moment. From knitting and crochet to embroidery and quilting, more people — especially younger adults — are picking up hands-on hobbies. But this trend isn’t just about nostalgia. Research suggests creative activities may reduce stress, improve mood and even affect how our brains and bodies function. Daisy Fancourt, professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London and author of Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives, joins The Excerpt to explain what science says about creativity, mental health and why making something with your hands can be so powerful.

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With U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Tehran’s retaliation across the region, the U.S. is now engaged in open conflict with Iran. The question many Americans are asking is: are we, once again, at war in the Middle East? And in terms of military commitment and risks to American troops serving overseas, what does an open conflict with Iran mean for the U.S.? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers joins The Excerpt to share her insights on what is quickly becoming a widening conflict in the Middle East.

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Primary season is here, and even though President Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot, his influence is shaping races across the country. Republican candidates are aligning with him — or testing his grip on the party — while Democrats face their own internal debates over identity, strategy and the path forward. What will the primaries reveal about both parties? And how will the results could shape the fight for control of Congress in 2026?

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While the Clintons testified in closed-door Congressional hearings about what they know about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the fallout for the rich and powerful continues. Will more people be named and charged as co-conspirators from the Epstein investigation? And will Epstein’s victims ever see full accountability?

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Sex for secrets. In an age dominated by digital surveillance, human desire remains a vulnerability. Foreign intelligence agencies are still using intimacy as a tool for gathering information. Is there a way to protect national security secrets from sexpionage? If trained officials with security clearances can be compromised in this way, how safe are our secrets? USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard joins The Excerpt for a look at the world of spies and honey traps. 

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After a tumultuous start to his second term, President Donald Trump is looking to reset the reigning narrative about his leadership with Americans. In his first State of the Union address of his second term, the president tried to sell the country on his economic agenda, working to counter increasingly dim views of his economic stewardship. Did he succeed? And critically, will he able to convince Americans to keep Republicans’ control of Congress in the midterms? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her analysis.

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Last week, the Supreme Court delivered a major ruling on presidential power — striking down a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s economic agenda. What happens next? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen joins The Excerpt to break it all down.

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With smartphones and social media, pornography is more accessible than ever. Some young men say early exposure led to compulsive use that affected their relationships and daily lives. USA TODAY’s Rachel Hale explains what the research shows, why stigma keeps many from seeking help and how online forums have become a first step toward recovery.

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America needs affordable energy, and that demand sits at the crossroads of creating economic stability while balancing environmental responsibility. Green energy solutions like wind and solar farms hold promise, but there’s been strong pushback over safety and land use. As the country weighs questions about infrastructure and affordability, what kind of energy future should we invest in? USA TODAY Reporter Elizabeth Weise joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to explore those questions and to share the perspective of farmers who have grappled with the issue of land use.

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Jesse Jackson spent decades as a public figure turning his moral convictions into public action. Jackson was a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, a Democratic presidential candidate and one of the world's best-known Black activists. Following a lengthy illness, Jesse Jackson died earlier this week on the morning of Tuesday, February 17th. He was 84 years old. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes joins The Excerpt to explore the life and legacy of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson.

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Maryland Governor Wes Moore was taken aback when he learned that he wasn’t on President Donald Trump’s invite list for the White House’s annual dinner for governors, a historically bipartisan event. As a leading figure in the Democratic Party a larger question looms, though: how does he think his party can prove to voters that they’ve figured out a way forward heading into this year’s midterm elections? Gov. Wes Moore joins The Excerpt to share thoughts on all things politics.

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Last week, the Trump administration announced it was repealing a 2009 determination called the endangerment finding. That finding had been the basis by which the EPA had assumed the right to regulate greenhouse gases for nearly 20 years. How will its repeal impact Americans and is the Supreme Court likely to join this heated debate? Michael Gerrard, a law professor at Columbia University, joins The Excerpt to share his insights regarding the legal, political and scientific issues at play.

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As the critical midterms approach, we’re taking a look at how Trump’s numbers may be influencing voters. At stake: 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, 39 governorships -- and the nation's political direction for the next two years. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her insights.

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The fight over renaming The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts has led to a reckoning about the meaning attached to presidential memorials and arguments about who we are. From marble monuments to cultural institutions, what do presidential memorials tell us about not only our past, but our present? For Presidents Day we decided to dig into that with one of the nation’s leading voices on memory and memorials, James E. Young, professor emeritus of English and Judaic & Near Eastern Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

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Chocolate wasn’t always sweet — or romantic. Once a ceremonial drink and even a form of currency, cacao has a long history before becoming a Valentine’s Day staple. Harvard Professor Carla Martin explains how marketing, industrialization and chemistry helped turn chocolate into a symbol of love — and why men buy the most chocolate one week a year.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed repeatedly with Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday in a fiery hearing. Among other heated topics was the release of the Epstein documents and the redactions and lack thereof on those files. Top House Committee Democrat, Representative Jamie Raskin, accused the Justice Department of redacting the names of multiple men for political reasons. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to share her reporting.

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Who will be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028? What will the price of gold be at the end of the week? Who will win the World Cup? All of these are relatively benign bets you can make today. But there are other bets that maybe aren’t so benign, like will Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro be removed from office by the end of January? That well-timed bet, made in the hours before the U.S. captured and extracted Maduro, netted the anonymous investor who made it $400,000. Are prediction markets democratizing information as some argue or are we monetizing reality in a way that incentivizes perverse motives? Alex Goldenberg, Fellow at Rutgers University, joins The Excerpt to explain how these markets work and the risks they pose financially and politically.

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For the first time in over half a century, there are no nuclear arms controls in place between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the US and Russia. With a rising China growing its nuclear arsenal while it continues to assert its power on the international stage, we ask, is this the beginning of a new Cold War era? Ankit Panda, a senior fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins The Excerpt to dig into the critical geopolitical, economic and military concerns at the heart of this story.

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The US-led war in Iran is the first global conflict where AI is playing a major role, both on the literal battlefield and on social media where the battle for hearts and minds is playing out. Are we entering a dangerous new evolution of warfare with AI? Aalok Mehta, director of the Wadhwani AI Center for CSIS, and Mehta Alimardani, associate director at WITNESS, join The Excerpt to share their insights.

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It started with the banning of the Associated Press from certain White House events over its refusal to use the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” Then there was a recent FBI search of a Washington Post reporter’s home. And then in January two journalists, including former CNN host, Don Lemon were arrested following an immigration protest at Cities Church in St Paul, Minnesota. What’s happening to freedom of the press? First Amendment scholar RonNell Andersen Jones, professor of law at the University of Utah, joins The Excerpt to dig into all of it.

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Two recent elections-related developments are playing out today that have some election officials concerned. The first relates to the FBI’s seizure of election documents in Georgia, a state whose election President Donald Trump continues to falsely claim he won in 2020. The second involves recent public comments made by the president that elections should be nationalized in 15 states. Both of these actions may be illegal. Has the Trump administration crossed a line USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to unpack the story.

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We are now just one day away from the roar of the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. Team USA is on the hunt for gold as figure skater Ilia Malinin – who some have dubbed the ‘quad god’ - pushes the sport of ice skating to dizzying heights. USA TODAY National Sports Columnist Christine Brennan and Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano, the hosts of USA TODAY’s Milan Magic podcast and vodcast, join The Excerpt to share what they're most excited about.

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Since the Supreme Court widely legalized sports wagering in 2018 the nation’s appetite for bets has exploded. U.S. betters made over a billion dollars worth of bets in 2025 on sports alone. This year’s Super Bowl is expected to attract $1.7 billion in legal U.S. wagers. But investigators are finding that there’s also been a surge in illegal betting by minors. Are sportsbooks putting our children in harm’s way? USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler joins The Excerpt to share his reporting.

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The 2026 Grammys saw major wins for artists like Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga, and also served up an impressive number of live performances. But beyond the spectacle and the awarding of Grammy statuettes, the night also highlighted the bridge between headlines about immigration policy and ICE and how music often defines our most challenging cultural moments. USA TODAY National Music Reporter Melissa Ruggieri joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the biggest night in music.

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A landmark trial asks whether social media giants like Instagram and YouTube knowingly designed addictive platforms, and if they can be held legally responsible. Clay Calvert, nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to break down the case.

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Following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis last Saturday, Democrats have taken a stand against the Trump administration’s immigration policy. While the Senate did reach a short-term deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, because the House is out of session, a partial government shutdown could still begin on Saturday. USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele joins The Excerpt from the Capitol with the latest.

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The NFL playoffs are now in the books. After a dramatic day of games last weekend, we now know the New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks for Super Bowl LX. What kind of drama can we expect to see on the field? USA TODAY Senior NFL Columnist Jarrett Bell joins The Excerpt to dig into all things NFL.

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GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are everywhere — but thousands of users now allege the medications caused severe, life-altering injuries including everything from stomach paralysis and colon ruptures to sudden blindness. Drugmakers deny the allegations and say the medications are safe when used as directed. USA TODAY investigative data reporter Austin Fast explains what patients are alleging in court, how widespread GLP-1 use has become and how drug companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are responding. 

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Another American citizen has been shot and killed by US immigration officers in Minneapolis as protests against ICE and border patrol intensify across the nation. Thirty-seven-year-old Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse who treated veterans. Meanwhile in Washington, Democrats are threatening to pull out of the government funding deal reached last week because of the money earmarked for expanding immigration enforcement. If they do so, that would trigger another government shutdown. Has the country reached an inflection point? USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Christopher Cann joins The Excerpt to break down all the new developments.

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USA TODAY’s Women of the Year honors women from diverse backgrounds and industries who are making a difference in their communities. In this special bonus episode of The Excerpt, USA Today Special Projects Producer and Host Zulekha Nathoo shares the stories of artists, executives, athletes and leaders from across the U.S. who, through their passion and commitment to excellence and service, inspire us to be a force for good. 

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After weeks of threats and escalating rhetoric, President Trump says he’s reached a framework with Denmark over Greenland — backing away from the use of force. USA TODAY White House correspondent Francesca Chambers breaks down what’s actually on the table. 

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2026 brought vampires, Shakespeare and ping pong to the big screen – all stories and performances riveting enough to put them in contention for Hollywood’s highest honor – the Oscar. With “Sinners” record-breaking 16 nominations, this year’s awards are already historic. But who will walk away with Oscar gold? USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss both the highs and the heartbreak following the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees. 

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The healthcare system has been thrown into disarray since Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as Health and Human Services Secretary. He’s changed the childhood vaccine schedule that has been in place for decades, released a new set of dietary guidelines that emphasizes more protein while calling for an end to the “war” on saturated fats, cancelled billions of dollars in grants and, last but not least, launched a cultural movement called Make America Healthy Again. Is he succeeding in that seemingly noble goal? USA TODAY Will Carless sat down for an exclusive interview with the MAHA leader.

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What started as organic food and holistic parenting has evolved into something far more political. USA TODAY's Extremism Reporter Will Carless investigates how “crunchy moms” became a powerful force inside the MAHA — Make America Healthy Again — movement, why anti-vaccine beliefs spread so effectively online and how Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fits into the story. Public health experts warn the consequences could reshape trust in medicine itself.

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