The Excerpt

Is coolness just a vibe—or something deeper? A new global study spanning 12 countries finds surprising common traits that define who we see as cool. Turns out, it’s not about rebellion or being aloof. University of Arizona professor Caleb Warren, co-author of "Cool People," breaks down the six qualities that consistently make someone cool worldwide—and why being cool doesn’t always mean being good. He also explains how social media reshapes our perception of cool, and what the rise of coolness as a status symbol reveals about modern values.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.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen puts President Donald Trump's announced firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in context, and explains what it might mean for his influence on the Fed.The president calls for the death penalty for anyone charged with killing someone in Washington, DC.Trump's doubling of tariffs on Indian imports takes effect.USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter gives some tips and tricks for flying internationally with pets, in this week's Cruising Altitude column.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A judge Monday temporarily blocked Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down President Donald Trump's Monday executive orders on flag burning, and separately - requiring criminal suspects to pay cash bonds.FEMA staff told Congress that inexperience of Trump officials risks a Katrina-style disaster.USA TODAY's Zachary Schermele discusses why back-to-school looks so different this year.The Women's Professional Baseball League is nearly here. Plus, hear our special Deep Dive episode about the league from earlier this year.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran takes a look at some of the history behind Fort Bliss, amid efforts to detain migrants there.A new poll shows more Americans 'strongly disapprove' of President Donald Trump's second term.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes explains how the Trump administration is cracking down on commercial truckers who can't speak English.Rangers cleared thousands of illegal marijuana plants from a popular national park.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Black Americans have lost millions of acres of land due to systemic failures and legal loopholes. Saul Blair’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience and resistance. USA TODAY’s Andrea Riquier breaks down the heirs' property crisis and what it means for racial equity, wealth and legacy in America.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.

Jeffrey Epstein's imprisoned former girlfriend and associate Ghislaine Maxwell absolved President Donald Trump of wrongdoing.USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson takes a look at the GOP's preparations for 2026.Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been released from custody.Lyle Menendez lost his bid for parole, one day after his brother was denied.USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn discusses how gender pronouns are at the heart of a growing workplace conflict pitting religious beliefs against the rights of trans and nonbinary people.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey takes a closer look at redistricting battles, and how the conversation is shifting to California.USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi discusses the move by an appeals court to toss President Donald Trump's $454 million civil fraud court loss.A federal judge bars the transfer of new detainees to Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz’ detention facility.Erik Menendez has been denied parole.Kiss job hopping goodbye. More people are job hugging.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The US water supply is struggling under the combined pressures of drought, aging infrastructure, thirsty AI data centers, and over extraction. The need is evident, but how can the US source more water? A long-standing agreement between the US and Canada on water rights and obligations is currently being renegotiated by the Trump administration. Along the US southern border with Mexico, where the water supply is less plentiful, things are even more complicated. What’s the solution to America meeting its long-term water needs? Jay Famiglietti, a Global Futures Professor in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the current US water crisis.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.

Texas Republicans have passed a new state congressional map intended to flip five Democratic-held U.S. House seats up for grabs in the 2026 elections.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses the Justice Department's push for the high court to make clear that regular pot smokers – and other drug users − shouldn’t be allowed to own firearms.USA TODAY First Amendment Reporting Fellow BrieAnna J. Frank breaks down a federal judge's move to temporarily block several Texas school districts from enforcing a law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The Trump administration is painting the U.S.-Mexico border fence black to make the steel so hot migrants won't climb it.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Walton thought he was being helpful to a neighbor. But his good nature was taken advantage of, and he was ultimately scammed out of nearly $100,000. He's not alone. Con artists can be neighbors or co-workers. They often seem like normal people. So how do you spot one? And what can you do if you're being conned? Jonathan joins The Excerpt to share his story and talk about some of the tips and red flags he outlines in his new book, "Anatomy of a Con Artist," on bookshelves now.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.