

The Excerpt
USA TODAY
Get context, not just headlines. Every weekday The Excerpt brings USA TODAY's award-winning journalists from across the nation together to unpack America's most pressing stories — from politics and culture to sports and entertainment — with host Dana Taylor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 12min
New revelations in Charlie Kirk murder case as suspect is charged
According to court documents, the 22-year-old had been planning the attack for a week.USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses how lawmakers grilled FBI Director Kash Patel over the investigation into Kirk's killing.The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has state terrorism charges dismissed in court.The United States will soon announce a buyer for TikTok, according to President Donald Trump.USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt talks about the legacy of Robert Redford, who has died at 89.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Sep 16, 2025 • 12min
Israel launches ground assault in Gaza City
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X that "Gaza is burning."USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson has the latest after President Donald Trump said the U.S. military conducted a second strike on what he described as "violent drug trafficking cartels" from Venezuela.Trump officials vow a crackdown on left-leaning groups they contend are promoting political violence.USA TODAY Trending Reporter Greta Cross discusses the apparent framework deal reached between the U.S. and China over the future of TikTok.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Sep 15, 2025 • 14min
Charlie Kirk remembered in DC vigil; Utah governor says suspect is not cooperating
Utah Governor Spencer Cox gave some of the latest details on the Utah shooter during his appearances on Sunday news shows.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down why American farmers are feeling squeezed.A steady ocean pattern has failed for the first time ever observed.USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard wonders what's up with the semicolon.It was one of the most unpredictable Emmy Awards in years. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Sep 14, 2025 • 10min
Charlie Kirk's assassination matters more than you think
In this compelling discussion, Will Carless, a national reporter for USA Today with expertise in extremism, delves into the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He highlights the unsettling rise in political violence against public figures and the implications for American society. The conversation addresses the escalating political tensions following Kirk's death and how partisanship may be fueling this alarming trend. Carless warns of a potential cycle of retaliation, raising critical questions about the future of political discourse in the U.S.

Sep 13, 2025 • 16min
White House mourns the death of Charlie Kirk
USA TODAY White House reporter Francesca Chambers discusses what Charlie Kirk’s death means in this moment for the White House. A U.S. Marine has been fired over a social media post mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk. A fatal shooting in Chicago after ICE agents shot and killed a man during an attempted arrest. USA TODAY National News reporter Andrea Riquier breaks down how a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, and other pressure points are shaping the economic picture.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Sep 12, 2025 • 16min
Manhunt continues for Charlie Kirk shooter
Authorities have released new video of the suspected shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the aftermath of the shooting, USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Philip M. Bailey discusses how Democrats are addressing this fraught political moment. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted yesterday of plotting a coup. A federal judge in New York is allowing a lawsuit to move forward against Saudi Arabia over possible involvement in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Reporter Nancy Cutler of LOHUD.com, part of the USA TODAY network, shares why many of the victims of the 9/11 attacks and first responders continue to battle illnesses. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Sep 11, 2025 • 15min
SPECIAL | The 'dirtbag' who built Patagonia—and gave it away
Patagonia is worth billions. But founder Yvon Chouinard never wanted the title of billionaire. From his days as a dirtbag climber to his reluctant role as CEO, Chouinard built one of the world’s most influential outdoor brands — then shocked the business world by giving it all away. Author David Gelles whose biography of Chouinard "Dirtbag Billionaire" is out now, joins The Excerpt to talk about Chouinard’s unconventional life, his fight to align business with values, and what his legacy means for capitalism today.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Sep 11, 2025 • 12min
Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk fatally shot
Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University yesterday. Poland's military said it shot down Russian drones. USA TODAY Deputy World Editor Dan Morrison discusses the fallout.A new federal lawsuit accuses FBI Director Kash Patel of illegally firing top bureau officials. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page shares her perspective on how the world has changed in the 24 years following the 9-11 terrorist attack. Actress Polly Holliday, who played the iconic southern waitress Flo in the 1970s sitcom “Alice,” died yesterday at the age of 88. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at 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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 15min
SPECIAL | Can sharks help predict hurricanes? Researchers are hoping so.
Accurately forecasting hurricanes has improved over the past few decades with the use of satellites, NOAA’s airborne Hurricane Hunters and numerical weather prediction models. But with warming waters and the potential for an increase in major hurricanes, every bit of data helps. That’s where sharks and their dorsal fins might come in. Researchers are studying sharks to see if they can gather and transmit useful data regarding ocean temperatures. Could sharks, long feared, be poised for an image makeover? Aaron Carlisle, a University of Delaware marine ecologist, who is leading the research initiative joins The Excerpt for a deep dive.Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
MAHA report on childhood health is out
A detailed analysis of the MAHA Commission's new guidelines for childhood health stresses the impact of ultra-processed foods. Immigration arrests ramp up as a major operation unfolds in Chicago. The podcast delves into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, including a significant airstrike in Qatar. Tensions grow around a Supreme Court case concerning Donald Trump’s global tariffs, and listeners can also look forward to an exciting UFC event at the White House next summer.


