President Biden's new law aims to enhance transparency in colleges by mandating the reporting of hazing incidents. A lawsuit against Sean 'Diddy' Combs over sexual battery allegations adds intrigue. Model trains' cherished connection to Christmas traditions is unraveled, showcasing their resurgence during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the voice acting industry faces uncertainty as AI technology raises questions about its impact on creativity and emotional depth, prompting debates among voice actors about the future of their craft.

USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Claire Thornton has the latest after Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state murder and terrorism charges in New York.President Joe Biden might pardon others before leaving office. How does that work?USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down a Matt Gaetz ethics report that found 'substantial evidence' of statutory rape and prostitution.Former President Bill Clinton has been hospitalized with a fever.NORAD and Google have live tools to track Santa this Christmas Eve.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donald Trump plans to revert the name of Denali back to Mt. McKinley, sparking debate. Meanwhile, advancements in space exploration include NASA's Artemis missions and SpaceX's Starship. The automotive industry faces consolidation as Honda and Nissan discuss a merger to compete in the electric vehicle market. On the financial front, there's a push for budgeting tools along with advice on tackling credit card debt and building emergency savings as the new year approaches.

For years, Wanda Tucker has used her family's story to encourage others to explore and preserve their family history. Tucker has traced her history from Virginia to the shores of present-day Angola. Earlier this month, when President Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to visit Angola, Wanda Tucker traveled there as his guest. USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry, who traveled to Angola for this story, joins The Excerpt to discuss why Wanda Tucker and other members of the Tucker family have remained open to confronting a painful past and what they hope others take away from their journey.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress reached a last-minute, bipartisan deal to keep the government running after a midnight deadline.A driver rammed into a Christmas market crowd in Magdeburg, Germany Friday evening, killing at least two.USA TODAY Wellness Reporter David Oliver talks about giving the gift of genetic testing.The FAA warns the public to stop aiming laser pointers at the sky.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise explains how cute and hungry otters are eating up an invasive crab species in California.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parts of the government may shut down Friday if a midnight deadline isn't reached.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler takes a closer look at the anonymous world of 3D-printed guns.A Georgia court disqualifies DA Fani Willis in President-elect Donald Trump's election racketeering case.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zachary Schermele breaks down the Education Department's move to reopen two student loan repayment plans.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From college arenas to the Olympics, women dominated their sports. Simone Biles racked up four gold medals while women's soccer beat Brazil to clinch the gold as well. The WNBA had its highest-viewed year ever, due in part to the powerhouse that is Caitlin Clark. Conversations around equity and inclusion also abounded with talk about transgender athletes. USA Today Sports Columnist Nancy Armour and NFL Insider Tyler Dragon tally up the wins from sports in 2024.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President-elect Donald Trump is throwing a new wrinkle into the fight to avoid a government shutdown.USA TODAY Pentagon Correspondent Tom Vanden Brook breaks down the Pentagon's response to drones on military bases.The Fed lowers its key interest rate by another quarter point, but foresees just two cuts in 2025. The announcement spooked investors.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler explains how delayed rape cases from an untested kit backlog can mean lower sentences.Amazon workers will strike at multiple U.S. warehouses.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What word had moviegoers buzzing in 2024? They may not want to admit it, but that word would be sequels. From “Inside Out 2” to “Gladiator II,” Hollywood racked up big wins with the tried and true. With the 2023 Hollywood strikes by both the Screen Actors Guild and the Writer’s Guild in the rearview, was Hollywood able to come roaring back in 2024? USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joins The Excerpt to discuss some of Hollywood’s biggest hits and misses this year.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month, is facing upgraded murder charges in New York.USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis stops by to break down how Elon Musk and SpaceX changed a Texas town.A grieving Wisconsin community struggles to make sense of this week's school shooting.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise explains why black plastic utensils aren't as dangerous as a study suggested.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.