USA TODAY 5 Things

Why is DOGE back before the Supreme Court? USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe explains the fight over government transparency, what records watchdog groups want to see, and why the ruling could affect how future administrations shield information from public view. 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 Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler explains how reporters fought for months to obtain ICE records and what they uncovered inside an "agitator" tracking system. He also breaks down why the findings are fueling new questions about protest surveillance and government transparency. 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.

Five million Americans have already fallen off SNAP rolls, and experts say that may be just the beginning. Sarah D. Wire, senior national news reporter for USA TODAY, explains how new federal requirements are reshaping food assistance programs and what the changes mean for families who rely on SNAP. 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.

Convicted murderer Christa Pike was sentenced to death by lethal injection on September 30th, but somehow survived. Her situation has surprised many, but new reporting suggests there were warning signs something could go wrong. 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.

Author and domestic violence advocate Denise Brown reflects on the warning signs her family missed before Nicole Brown Simpson’s death. She explains what she later learned about power, control and the cycle of abuse, and what families need to understand when someone they love may be at risk. 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.

America needs electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople. So why are newly trained workers still struggling to get hired? Rachel Barber, USA TODAY money reporter, explains the contradiction behind the skilled-worker shortage and what it could mean for repairs, infrastructure and essential services. 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.

For years, Loudoun County, Virginia, treated data centers as an economic success story. Fast-track approvals attracted major developers, and the tax windfall paid for public services across the county. Now residents say the growth has gone too far. USA TODAY National Reporter Christopher Cann examines the backlash and what other communities can learn from Loudoun’s experience. 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.

With just over a month to go before the midterm elections, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins The Excerpt to discuss the rise of the DSA within the Democratic party, his private meeting with Trump adviser Jared Kushner, and why he believes the U.S. is in the midst of an "AI safety crisis." 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.

Cornell University received more than 1,200 reports of sexual violence between 2018 and 2024, but only a fraction resulted in formal investigations and disciplinary action. Kenny Jacoby, investigative reporter for USA TODAY, joins The Excerpt to break down the numbers, the limits of campus misconduct systems and what experts say these outcomes can mean for student trust. 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.

Cancer rates are declining across most of the United States. But Iowa is moving in the opposite direction. Iowa now has one of the nation's highest cancer incidence rates and is one of only three states where rates continue to rise. So what's different about Iowa? Nick El Hajj, reporter for the Des Moines Register, joins The Excerpt to discuss the theories researchers are investigating, from drinking water and nitrate pollution to radon exposure and other environmental factors. He also shares the stories of Iowa families searching for answers. 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.

Ten years after taking on Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson, former Fox News anchor, reveals what changed for women who speak out and where justice still fails them. She reflects on the personal cost of challenging workplace power and why many women never return to their careers. 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.

Bad actors rarely remain on a single platform. Sean Litton, then-president and CEO of the Tech Coalition, explains how they can move between social media, gaming, messaging and payment services. On USA TODAY's The Excerpt, he also breaks down Lantern, a system that allows companies to share warning signals and uncover harmful activity that might otherwise remain hidden. 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 record number of employees are leaving ICE, even as the agency hires thousands of workers to expand enforcement operations. Ignacio Calderon, a USA TODAY data reporter, breaks down what federal workforce records reveal about the surge in departures, 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.

Texas is rarely considered a political battleground, so why are Republicans spending heavily to defend it? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey explains James Talarico’s rise, Ken Paxton’s vulnerabilities and why affordability, AI, data centers and frustration with Washington are reshaping the Senate race. 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.

From Iran and Cuba to Ukraine and NATO, President Trump's UN visit touched nearly every major foreign policy challenge facing the United States. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY White House correspondent, examines the biggest moment and what to watch as Trump heads into a high-stakes meeting with China's leader. 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.

This fight is bigger than which reporters enter the White House. BrieAnna Frank, USA TODAY First Amendment reporting fellow, explains why fewer journalists with firsthand access could narrow what the public can independently learn and verify, and how a loss in court could give future administrations more room to restrict the press. 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.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joins USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page on The Excerpt to talk about his new book, the midterms and if he will run for president in 2028. 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 pregnant mother's struggle with untreated depression became a lasting lesson in what can happen when patients don't feel listened to. Ken Alltucker, a national correspondent for USA Today, discusses new research on healthcare access and why women are more likely to report negative experiences with the healthcare system. 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.

Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton could make history if she's elected to the U.S. Senate, but her campaign is also rooted in a deeply personal family story. USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jay Stahl joins The Excerpt to discuss how her father's experience with segregation, along with the loss of her father last year, continues to shape her candidacy to replace Sen. Dick Durbin. 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.

After an Anthropic researcher quit and warned about the risks of advanced AI, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to respond. USA TODAY Congressional Correspondent Zach Schermele explains why the warning is getting lawmakers' attention and whether meaningful AI oversight is finally gaining momentum. 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.