The Excerpt

On January 3, 2026, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him to New York to face drug charges. While his arrest has led to questions regarding who will control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, Venezuelan immigrants are now left wondering how long they will be allowed to remain in the U.S. USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran joins The Excerpt to discuss how the fall of Maduro is playing out in Venezuelan immigrant communities in America.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

Joining the discussion are Bart Jansen, a USA Today White House correspondent covering national politics, and Sarah Weyer, a National correspondent who reported from inside the Capitol on January 6th. They dive into Trump's attempts to rewrite the narrative around the Capitol riot, exploring his unfounded election claims and the violent reality of that day. Sarah shares harrowing eyewitness accounts from inside the House chamber while Bart sheds light on police testimony and the complex aftermath, including reactions to Trump’s pardons and the ongoing public debate over historical memory.

In this insightful discussion, USA TODAY finance reporter Andrea Riquier dives into the pressing issue of affordability and its political significance for 2026. She unpacks the reasons behind persistent inflation, including pandemic effects and supply-chain issues. Riquier also examines the Federal Reserve's goals and the unstable job market influenced by tariffs and policy uncertainty. With a focus on rising healthcare costs and housing supply challenges, she offers a nuanced look at economic prospects while highlighting some silver linings.

Davis Winkie, a defense reporter for USA TODAY who specializes in military and national security, sheds light on the U.S. nuclear arsenal. He explains the concept of the 'nuclear sponge' and the dire implications of an attack on missile silos. Discussion includes the high costs of the Sentinel program, projected delays, and the ongoing debate about land-based ICBMs. Winkie also addresses the risks of a new nuclear arms race with nations like Russia and China, while unveiling innovative fallout modeling techniques developed with expert Alex Wellerstein.

Bart Jansen, a USA TODAY White House correspondent, discusses the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. forces. He covers the charges against them, including narco-terrorism and allegations of extensive drug trafficking. Jansen explores the legality of the U.S. action and the global response, drawing parallels to Manuel Noriega's case. He also shares insights into future U.S. plans for Venezuela's oil industry and the mixed public reaction within Venezuela, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding leadership and foreign involvement.

Joey Garrison, a USA TODAY White House correspondent, dives into the political landscape as Donald Trump approaches 2026. He discusses the fallout from expiring ACA subsidies complicating health care for millions. Garrison highlights midterm election pressures on House Republicans and the fragile state of U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine and Gaza. He also examines looming Supreme Court decisions that could disrupt Trump's tariff agenda and emphasizes the growing concerns of public economic frustration, all while hinting at Trump's diminishing influence.

Roger Pielke Jr., a political scientist and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the troubling divide between experts and the public. He discusses how expertise extends beyond academic credentials, encompassing various societal roles. Pielke highlights the need for institutions to reflect public diversity to rebuild trust in expertise. He addresses the politicization of universities and urges experts to accept democratic compromise. Additionally, he warns against media silos that fragment public understanding, emphasizing the importance of serving all Americans.

Staci Gruber, an expert in cannabis research and psychiatry from Harvard Medical School, discusses the rising trend of cannabis-infused drinks. She explains how these beverages promise a buzz without hangovers, but there are drawbacks to consider. Staci compares THC and CBD, highlights the quick onset of effects compared to traditional edibles, and delves into the legal landscape surrounding hemp-derived beverages. Additionally, she addresses safety tips and whether these drinks could replace alcohol in social settings.

2025 was a big year for the Supreme Court, as it repeatedly handed win after win to the Trump administration. Emergency Orders, also known as the shadow docket, let President Donald Trump keep his tariffs in place, withhold foreign aid and conduct immigration raids largely based on racial profiling. But lawsuits filed by complainants mean that many of these cases will be ultimately decided in the new year. Hot button issues such as transgender athletes in sports, whether birthright citizenship is a constitutional right and if redistricting efforts in Louisiana have effectively disenfranchised voters are among many impactful decisions we expect to hear in 2026. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to share how these cases and others might impact life in America.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.

America’s housing affordability crisis has led to a sharp increase in homelessness. And, according to the latest count by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, children under the age of 18 have seen the largest jump. There are nearly 1.4 million homeless students nationwide, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Christopher Cann joins The Excerpt to discuss this rapidly growing population of students and the long-term implications for society. 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.