Rebels have taken over Syria. What's next?USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Sudiksha Kochi takes a look at the possibility of bipartisanship, as some Democrats signal support for certain Trump picks and initiatives.Donald Trump says he'll begin pardoning Jan. 6 rioters on the 'first day' of his second term.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zach Schermele explains how some universities are shifting guidance for students potentially impacted by Trump immigration policies.Officials make it clear - some unpasteurized milk contains the bird flu virus.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.

Hidden beneath Earth’s surface are caverns and pathways that hold the secrets of our planet’s very beginnings. Even after decades of exploration, there are still new ecosystems and signs of past lives yet to be discovered. Trekking deep into the earth is not for the faint of heart. Enter a cohort of maverick scientists who strap on a harness and oftentimes scuba gear, and delve deep into the belly of the Earth. Who are these cave explorers, what have they found, and what do they still hope to discover? Phil Short, experienced cave diver and Research Diving and Training Lead at DEEP, joins The Excerpt to take us down below, back in time and into the future.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 search continues for a gunman in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Experts say the killer was maybe a professional. Meanwhile, many online have shown little sympathy. Why?Is the labor market bouncing back?Palm Beach Post Politics and Growth Editor Antonio Fins talks about Mar-a-Lago and how President-elect Donald Trump uses the property as a political hub.USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi discusses whether Donald Trump's election win will help him with his $600 million civil losses.It's the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. See photos of the attack that brought the U.S. into World War II.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 search continues for the shooter in this week's brazen New York killing.Three U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Texas have been charged in an alleged human smuggling operation involving noncitizens.It's been a historic week for Bitcoin.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé discusses what it really means to live paycheck to paycheck.China's ban on exports of gallium, germanium and more could cost the U.S. billions.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise talks about the return of wolves to 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.

Gen Z is the first generation of digital natives, young people who are literally growing up on social media. It’s where they explore their self-identities, where they make and lose new friends. During the pandemic, it was in fact the only place where they could socialize. But it’s also where they are exposed to dangerous levels of toxic culture, whether that’s through body shaming, overly sexualized content or cyberbullying. Director Lauren Greenfield captured all of this and more in an eye-opening 5-part docuseries on FX called “Social Studies” by following a group of teenagers who gave her an inside look into their online lives. She joins us on The Excerpt to discuss how social media has shaped the adults these teens are becoming.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.

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe gives some of the main takeaways from Wednesday's oral arguments debating whether bans on puberty blockers for transgender minors are discriminatory.Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy may be exempt from ethics rules as Donald Trump's advisors. Plus, Donald Trump DEA pick Chad Chronister withdraws from consideration, and Trump taps Paul Atkins as SEC chairman.The search for a shooter continues after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in New York.USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier discusses the housing crisis, the American Dream and what the next Trump administration can do about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year marked the end of a 20-year struggle to remove four hydroelectric dams from the Klamath River that runs along the California-Oregon state line. The first of the four dams was built in the 1910’s. Their construction ultimately resulted in a river basin high in phosphorus and toxic algae, which flowed downriver killing off fish such as salmon and steelhead, while creating river water that was unsafe for the tribes who called the Klamath River home. The hydroelectric dams also impeded fish migration for nearly a century. Now, all four dams have been taken down. So, what happens next? Indigenous Affairs Reporter Debra Utacia Krol with the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY network, joins The Excerpt to discuss the Klamath River's recovery and the Indigenous tribes working to reclaim their way of life.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 wants his New York hush money case tossed.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers discusses how some Senate Republicans are calling for deeper vetting on Trump picks Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel.The Supreme Court will consider if states can keep transgender adolescents from puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Listen to arguments live on USA TODAY's YouTube channel at 10 a.m. ET.USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Alyssa Goldberg talks about Sabrina Carpenter and how views on sex are changing.Billboard names Beyoncé the greatest pop star of the 21st century.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A surprising pardon for Hunter Biden stirs political debate, especially with Donald Trump's comments tying it to January 6 rioters. The podcast explores shifting Mexican attitudes towards migration, revealing growing concerns about migrant flows and their economic impacts. As the discussion shifts to impending tariffs, experts highlight potential price hikes on consumer goods like toys and clothing. The implications for holiday shopping are particularly significant, urging consumers to navigate economic changes wisely.

President Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter Biden.President-elect Donald Trump threatens BRIC nations with tariffs if they 'move away' from the U.S. dollar.USA TODAY Congress and Campaigns Reporter Riley Beggin discusses how President-elect Donald Trump is already testing checks and balances ahead of re-taking office.Donald Trump is planning to nominate Kash Patel as director of the FBI, tapping the longtime loyalist to lead the the law enforcement agency he has often criticized.USA TODAY National News Reporter Michael Loria discusses how Elon Musk is known for making radical cuts, and what it means for Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.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.