The Excerpt

USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman discusses the Trump administration's approach on deploying National Guard troops to U.S. cities. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the government shutdown is adding stress to air traffic controllers. USA TODAY National News Reporter Karissa Waddick takes a look at the Virginia's governor's race and the potential impact of the ongoing shutdown. The Supreme Court rejects an appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell. President Trump says Sean 'Diddy' Combs asked him for a pardon. 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.

A federal judge temporarily blocks President Donald Trump from deploying 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe looks at the upcoming term for the high court. Trump is warning of 'complete obliteration' if Hamas insists on staying in power in Gaza. USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield talks about the Trump administration's push for control over agencies like the FCC. In this month's edition of Kind Time, hear about a tiny goat who was given a chance to thrive - with the help of a couple of sheepdogs. For more, visit USA TODAY's Humankind. 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.

It’s been two years since the October 7th attacks on Israel. On that day in 2023, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage. In response, Israel unleashed a military campaign that has brought death and devastation to Gaza. Now President Trump, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, has unveiled a 20-point plan he says will bring a lasting peace to the region. On Oct. 3, Hamas said it agrees to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of Trump's plan and signalled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details. Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and a military historian joins The Excerpt with my colleague USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page to discuss the new peace plan. * Note: This conversation was recorded on October 1, 2025. 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.

President Donald Trump is calling on Israel to stop its Gaza bombing campaign to secure the safe extraction of remaining hostages, after Hamas agreed to portions of his peace plan. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen has the latest as lawmakers fail to get out of a government shutdown. The shutdown is delaying a key jobs report. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson tells us about Trump's move to freeze funding for Chicago, amid a broader push to withhold funds from blue cities and states. Diddy has been sentenced to 50 months in prison. 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.

For 75 years, Charles Schultz’s Peanuts gang has reflected our humor and hope, as well as our struggle to navigate some of life’s everyday curveballs. How is it that the characters he created so poignantly reflect how we experience other people and the world around us? And why do a ragtag group of comic strip kids who debuted in newspapers in 1950 post-war America, still resonate with children and adults around the world? Andrew Blauner, author of “THE PEANUTS PAPERS: Writers and Cartoonists on Charlie Brown, Snoopy & the Gang, and the Meaning of Life,” sat down with USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts gang and its enduring impact. 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.

President Donald Trump's approval ratings are historically low compared to other presidents, but have mostly plateaued in recent months. USA TODAY First Amendment Reporter BrieAnna Frank breaks down a ruling against the Trump administration that found Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem misused their authority “to target non-citizen pro-Palestinians for deportation. The White House is encouraging leaders at nine universities to sign a compact committing their schools to adopt President Donald Trump's policy agenda for higher education in exchange for preferential access to federal funds. The Pentagon tells Congress Trump has determined the U.S. is in 'armed conflict' with cartels. USA TODAY National Music Writer Melissa Ruggieri chats about Taylor Swift's new album - "The Life of a Showgirl" - out today. 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.

Once known simply as a gossip guru, Charlamagne tha God – who reaches over 7 million monthly “Club” listeners – still gets "the tea.” USA TODAY Politics Reporter Jay Stahl joins The Excerpt to share excerpts from his sit-down with the political influencer. 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.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers takes a look at how the federal government shutdown is playing out politically, and gives us some insight into how Americans are being impacted. FBI Director Kash Patel says he won't partner with the Anti-Defamation League over a James Comey link. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen explains how concerns over tariffs might loom over 2026 races. We remember Jane Goodall. Jews observe Yom Kippur. 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.

In the wake of the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's week-long suspension from "Jimmy Kimmel Live," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued a not-so-veiled threat on a podcast saying "we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way." David Inserra, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and an expert on First Amendment issues, joins The Excerpt to talk through the First Amendment and where the Constitutional line is for those in power. 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.

The federal government shut down at midnight. USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire gives us a better sense of one of the key issues at play - a fight over extending insurance subsidies. A judge rules President Donald Trump's deportation moves against pro-Palestinian students are unconstitutional. USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman recaps a controversial meeting of top military commanders in Virginia. President Trump announces a deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices. The MLB Playoffs are underway. 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.

President Donald Trump said he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu have reached a deal for peace in Gaza. But how do leaders in the enclave see the deal? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers has the latest. Several people - including U.S. citizens, are seeking millions in damages after violent ICE arrests. USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the latest as the clock ticks toward a government shutdown. Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal is being considered at the Supreme Court. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An assailant killed at least four people at a Michigan church during Sunday service. Plus, a suspect has been charged in a Saturday shooting in North Carolina. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington Monday. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses how some who grew up under authoritarian regimes are worried about what's happening stateside. The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling with protesters during 2020 racial justice protests. USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn tells us about Costco - and other retail - superfans. 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.

Former FBI Director James Comey has now been indicted. Who might be next? Is the Trump administration now weaponizing the Department of Justice in order to seek retribution from his political foes? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to dig into this explosive story. 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.

The Supreme Court Friday said President Donald Trump, for now, doesn’t have to spend billions in foreign aid approved by Congress. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson takes a look at the Epstein documents released this week by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. Victim detainees shot by a sniper at a Dallas ICE facility have been identified. USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield breaks down the Department of Justice lawsuits involving six states over voter rolls. Golf's Ryder Cup rolls on after a rough start for Team USA. 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.

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted. USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis has the latest from Dallas after this week's shooting at an ICE facility. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered about 800 senior military leaders stationed around the world to come to a last-minute meeting in the U.S. USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele takes a look at the White House's threat of mass firings as the clock ticks on avoiding a government shutdown. A top Justice Department official reportedly directed several federal prosecutor offices to investigate George Soros' Open Society Foundations network. Amazon will refund millions of Prime customers in a $2.5 billion FTC settlement. 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.

In 1980, the world of arcade games got a jolt that changed the gaming world forever. That’s when a round yellow fellow with a large set of chompers known as Pac-Man first came on the scene. It’s now been 45 years since the game was first imported to the US from Japan as PuckMan, a name that was quickly changed. It’s interesting to note that, in the original game, the few players who completed all levels simply landed on a garbled “kill screen.” How is it that a game with no defined way to even “win” managed to take hold and never let go? Chris Morris, an independent journalist and editor who specializes in the video game and consumer electronics industries, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the outsized cultural impact of Pac-Man. 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.

A shooter opened fire on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday, killing one detainee and critically wounding two others. Prosecutors are set to seek an indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler tells us about a new gun training program from an unlikely source. Middle class Americans aren't feeling the prosperity. USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporter Rachel Hale talks about her visit to a place where children who have lost parents to overdose deaths can go to heal. 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.

Living, working, even vacationing off world is no longer a distant concept. We're approaching a time when humans aren't just visitors to outer space, but could become residents. With the International Space Station set to retire by the end of 2030. Private companies are racing to replace it, as space travel and space mining move from science fiction to becoming everyday realities. How do we balance access, ambition and accountability in the next space race? Namrata Goswami, professor of space security at Johns Hopkins University, joins The Excerpt to explore. 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.

Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday, where he addressed his show's suspension. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison takes a look at some of the MAGA backlash toward President Donald Trump over free speech concerns. A 59-year-old man has been found guilty of trying to assassinate Trump last year. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy recaps the president's address to the United Nations General Assembly. 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.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield breaks down the president's announcement linking autism to Tylenol. Jimmy Kimmel is returning to late-night television. The White House denies border czar Tom Homan accepted $50,000 from undercover FBI agents. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison takes a look at the preliminary deal TikTok has reached to sell its U.S. operations to an American-based investor group. 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.