The Excerpt

We're putting the spotlight on moms today, asking readers to share about why it's so important to honor moms or maternal figures in our lives. Forum is a series from USA TODAY's Opinion team, dedicated to showcasing views from across the political spectrum on issues that Americans are starkly divided on. If you'd like to weigh in on a different topic, you can find more questions at usatoday.com/forum. And if your submission is selected for print, we might invite you to add your voice to a future special bonus episode like this one. 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 U.S. and China have reached an agreement to reduce tariffs.The Trump administration floats suspending habeas corpus. What does that mean?USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses what deporting people facing criminal charges can mean for justice.President Trump says he will sign an order aimed at cutting drug prices to match other countries.USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi explains how Diddy's lawyer defended a 'sex cult' leader in an eerily similar case.Pope Leo XIV warned of a 'piecemeal' third world war in his first Sunday address.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.

Tina was a sweet golden retriever, named after the legendary Tina Turner. Her passing led owner Niall Harbison down the path of a new personal mission: to rescue and rehabilitate abused street dogs in Thailand, his adopted country. Niall captures the story of Tina and his dog rescue journey in his new book "Tina: The Dog who Changed the World." Niall joins The Excerpt to discuss Tina’s legacy and what’s next in the fight to save even more dogs while bringing about a fix to this persistent global issue.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.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first mass as leader of the Roman Catholic Church Friday.USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin discusses how some Republican lawmakers are at odds as they work on a bill dealing with President Donald Trump's priorities.The National Science Foundation eliminates its equity division and cancels dozens more grants.India and Pakistan step up military strikes.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Gina Barton gives us a peak of Untested. Listen to the exclusive series here.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.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Phaedra Trethan gives us an introduction to Pope Leo XIV.The acting FEMA administrator has been replaced after contradicting President Donald Trump on abolishing the agency.USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson breaks down a trade deal between the U.S. and U.K.President Trump's budget aims to cut billions from environmental programs.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.

What if the second half of life could be just as healthy, active, and fulfilling as the first? Drawing on the latest science, world-renowned cardiologist and researcher Dr. Eric Topol challenges outdated ideas about aging and reveals how factors like exercise, sleep, social connection and cutting-edge AI tools can help us extend not just our lifespan—but our healthspan. Dr. Topol joins The Excerpt to share insights from his new book "Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity."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 Fed left its key interest rate unchanged again Wednesday and gave no hint it plans to lower it soon.Commercial Appeal Criminal Justice Reporter Lucas Finton has the latest from Memphis after former police officers were found not guilty of murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. All three former officers were separately convicted in federal court and still face time in federal prison.A nonpartisan analysis said millions of Americans could lose Medicaid health insurance coverage under different Republican Congressional proposals to cut spending.Airline CEOs rally behind Trump's air traffic control plan.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zach Schermele discusses how some think China could benefit from Trump defunding university research.Today is VE Day, marking 80 years since the end of the European theater in World War II.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.

As a bulwark against the flood of propaganda and misinformation coming from China and Russia, the United States Agency for Global Media is a global beacon of American freedom and democracy, reaching nearly 500 million listeners every day. Two of the six entities underneath USAGM are Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. While a March executive order by President Donald Trump to dismantle them has been reversed by the courts, their continued existence is uncertain as Republicans hammer out a new budget that aims to deliver on the president’s agenda. Why should Americans care? Japhet Quitzon, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, joins The Excerpt to talk about the agency's historic role in spreading American culture and values.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.

There was some mixed news out of the courts Tuesday for President Donald Trump. The Supreme Court allowed his ban on transgender troops to take effect. Plus, a judge blocked him from shuttering an agency that funds museums and libraries.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes tells us about a women's group that quilts for democracy.The Trump administration continues to suggest the Federal Emergency Management Agency could go away.USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn talks about the waning support from brands ahead of Pride Month.The REAL ID deadline is here.A papal conclave begins.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.

Buried in an evidence room, a DNA swab held the key to catching a serial sex offender. But no one tested it for years. Detective Annie Harrison finally put the pieces together in two states 800 miles apart. This is the story of Untested, an exclusive true crime podcast from USA TODAY and Witness. The show's host, USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Gina Barton, joins The Excerpt to discuss the reporting that went into the series and why she thinks listeners should tune in.Subscribe hereEpisode Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.