The Excerpt

The Senate just approved significant funding cuts for foreign aid and public broadcasting while a new Trump policy raises concerns about immigration detainee rights. Tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking are now permanent. A Texas inmate, Robert Roberson, facing execution, is claiming innocence with support from a former detective who admits to a wrongful conviction. Meanwhile, Trump pressures the Federal Reserve, affecting investor sentiment and raising questions about historical presidential influence on economic policy.

Alyssa Goldberg, a wellness reporter from USA Today, dives into the troubling world of social media's influence on body image. She discusses the harmful rise of SkinnyTok, highlighting how trends pushed unrealistic weight loss goals and dangerous diet habits. Alyssa examines the cultural revival of extreme body ideals and the troubling impact on vulnerable teens. With TikTok banning the SkinnyTok hashtag, she emphasizes the urgent need for social media platforms to regulate harmful content and advocate for body positivity and recovery.

Senate Republicans are eyeing extensive spending cuts that could severely impact public broadcasting and global health programs. Immigrant families are exploring creative fundraising methods, with one man using OnlyFans to support his wife's legal costs amid deportation fears. The discussion also illuminates the personal experiences of those affected by strict immigration policies. Additionally, the fallout from the historic Trinity nuclear test continues to haunt local residents, while a groundbreaking black hole merger has made waves in astrophysics.

A recent Supreme Court ruling gives President Trump the green light to fire hundreds of Education Department workers, prompting legal challenges over educational funding. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Trump ramps up military support for Ukraine while the Senate calls for sanctions against Russia. The discussion touches on Trump's loyalists' mixed feelings regarding Jeffrey Epstein revelations and the MLB All-Star Game's return to Atlanta. A compelling mix of legal battles and international defense makes for an engaging listen!

This discussion highlights a significant shift in American attitudes towards immigration, showing increasing support. It also delves into the financial strains states face due to cuts in Medicaid and SNAP following the Trump administration's policies. Attention turns to the Federal Trade Commission's crackdown on misleading 'Made in USA' claims, and a quick sports update reveals Chelsea's victory in the FIFA Club World Cup. The podcast captures urgent political and economic dynamics alongside cultural moments.

WNBA player Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon. It has changed women's basketball, women's sports and sports. Period. But what makes her tick? How did a kid from Iowa become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world? And what does her presence mean for the future of the WNBA and how we talk about it? USA today sports columnist Christine Brennan has covered the beginning of Clark's career, and recently took a step back to write about this superstar in a new book "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports."Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The shifting focus to recovery after devastating floods in Texas reveals the emotional toll on families searching for loved ones. The role of advanced DNA technology in identifying victims adds a layer of hope amid ongoing grief. Tensions mount as immigration enforcement impacts volunteer efforts in the recovery process. Meanwhile, excitement brews over the FIFA Club World Cup final featuring Chelsea against PSG, alongside inspiring stories in women's sports and advancements in cancer research.

Francesca Chambers, USA Today’s White House correspondent, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. She discusses the friction over immigration policies and skepticism towards foreign aid to Ukraine. Chambers highlights rising tensions between Trump and Putin following a contentious phone call about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, she touches on the Secret Service's disciplinary actions and the evolving dynamics in Trump's support among conservatives amidst ongoing tragedies and criticisms.

Caroline Hickman, a psychologist specializing in eco-anxiety and board member of the Climate Psychology Alliance, delves into the rising tide of anxiety among youth due to climate change. She discusses the emotional fallout from extreme weather events, like the catastrophic floods in Texas. Hickman highlights how eco-anxiety fuels frustration and activism in young people, especially intensified during the pandemic. She emphasizes the need for adults to support and validate these feelings, fostering communication and proactive approaches to cope with this mental health crisis.

The discussion dives into how a new tax bill boosts the Coast Guard's Arctic icebreaker fleet amid rising tensions with China. The impact of new tariffs on copper and other goods is examined. A concerning surge in measles cases highlights vaccination issues, while Texas and New Mexico grapple with devastating floods. The conversation also examines a century of educational divides since the Scopes trial, exploring the intersection of faith, science, and contemporary debates. Lastly, the psychological impact of climate change on youth, termed eco-anxiety, is addressed.