The Excerpt

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.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

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.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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 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.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

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. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

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.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

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. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

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. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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 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.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

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.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.

It’s been exactly one year since President Donald Trump took the oath of office and laid out his vision for America. As he begins the second year of his second term, USA TODAY spoke to dozens of Americans across the country to hear their take on how the president’s policies have impacted their lives. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes joins The Excerpt to share some of their stories. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.