The Excerpt

These gentle giants of the ocean have long been a source of fascination for us humans. And while researchers have made huge gains in fostering a greater understanding of these majestic creatures in recent decades, the use of AI may have just cracked open the mother lode of all puzzles: thier language. Could this lead to one day the possibility of talking with whales? David Gruber, the founder & president of Project CETI, an interdisciplinary scientific and conservation project aimed at listening to and translating the communication of sperm whales, joins The Excerpt to share this exciting new development. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Georgia Court of Appeals has temporarily halted the 2020 election racketeering case involving former President Donald Trump and 14 others. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Michael Collins reports from Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. An FDA panel finds that the new COVID-19 vaccine for fall should target the JN.1 lineage. USA TODAY Breaking News and Education Reporter Zach Schermele discusses how school civil rights complaints are piling up. A crewed Boeing Starliner launched Wednesday from Florida. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week’s unprecedented conviction of a former president on 34 felony counts in the hush money trial continues to reverberate in political circles and across the country. New polling by several organizations shows that while Trump’s support is holding at around 31%, about half of all Americans feel the guilty verdict was correct and that he should end his campaign for the presidency. As we enter these uncharted waters of political turmoil, how might this historic verdict continue to play out? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her insights. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen has the latest from Hunter Biden's felony gun trial. President Joe Biden issues a directive on the border. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has charged Kenneth Chesebro and other Trump aides in a fake elector scheme. What obstacles remain to President Joe Biden's Gaza cease-fire plan? USA TODAY Reporter Sara Chernikoff talks about young adults living with their parents. A heat dome bakes the Southwest. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Republican lawmakers are plotting revenge after former President Donald Trump's hush money conviction. USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise breaks down Dr. Anthony Fauci's testimony on Capitol Hill over the COVID-19 pandemic response. The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals blocked Fearless Fund from awarding grants to businesses owned by Black women. A San Francisco program gives homeless alcoholics booze. USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry talks about her experience as an election poll worker. You may get another chance to see the northern lights. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mexico has elected Claudia Sheinbaum as president. Listen to Saturday's episode on the candidate here. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen previews Hunter Biden's felony gun trial. LGBTQ+ communities and allies around the country are taking steps to promote safety at Pride events. Millions of children are now caregivers at home without any government recognition, pay or support. USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn discusses whether companies have kept promises made to Black Americans after George Floyd's murder. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the world’s largest economy and its highest GDP, you might think the United States would have the world’s happiest citizens. But you’d be wrong. This year, when the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network released its annual World Happiness Report, the U.S. had dropped out of the top 20, landing at 23rd on the list. The reason? America's youth are deeply unhappy. What societal and cultural factors are at play here? Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Centre and a professor of economics and behavioral science, joins The Excerpt to share his insights into what truly makes people happy. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen looks at former President Donald Trump's Friday comments following his hush money case conviction. President Joe Biden said Israel has offered a new cease-fire proposal. Some pro-Palestinian student protesters say schools are withholding diplomas. USA TODAY National Reporter Lauren Villagran puts Mexico's presidential election Sunday in context. Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has died. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi breaks down the jury's guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money case. Across battleground states, voters react to Trump's guilty verdict with a mix of emotions. USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter discusses a plan Boeing has submitted to the FAA to address quality-control issues. The NBA Finals matchup is now set. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

National landmarks hold a special place in American history in their celebration of the unique American places that tell our story. Whether that story is the incredible natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, or the man-made wonder carved into Mount Rushmore, these are the places that inspire awe and invite reflection. But some historic landmarks reflect competing visions of American history, and in an election year, may be used to stoke a cultural divide. Which view of our American national landmarks resonates with you? USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran joins The Excerpt to discuss who controls the narrative. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things 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 Political Correspondent David Jackson reports on how campaigns for former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are preparing post-verdict strategies. Bird flu outbreaks continue nationwide. The nation's top hurricane forecaster has five warnings as hurricane season begins. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks about how many Americans are viewing fast food as a luxury. Negro Leagues' statistics will be incorporated into Major League Baseball’s historical records. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As another very hot summer approaches, a surge in demand for air conditioning is inevitable. But the nation’s electrical grid is aging and overtaxed in some areas. There were major failures last year in Texas. Meanwhile, solar and wind projects want access to new customers while oil and gas interests would prefer that this not happen so fast. The established utilities want to keep their monopolies after all. How can regulators, businesses and government leaders navigate this minefield successfully to benefit the American people? Ari Peskoe, the director of the Electricity Law Initiative at Harvard Law School’s Environment and Energy Law Program, has some ideas for what could help reinforce the country's electrical infrastructure. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi has the latest after closing arguments in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial wrapped up. Democrats will nominate President Joe Biden in a virtual session to ensure he's on the Ohio ballot. USA TODAY Investigative Data Reporter Austin Fast has the latest on PFAS chemicals and efforts by some utilities to get them out of the water supply. Check out the PFAS levels in your neck of the woods. Americans keep leaving big cities for smaller towns even after COVID. NASA has discovered a potentially habitable exoplanet 40 light years from Earth. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial moves to closing arguments. USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard looks at the implications of a decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognize the state of Palestine. Financial aid experts are raising new concerns about a difficult timeline for students hoping to rely on financial aid this summer. USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn discusses how some brands are pulling back on Pride Month merch and promotions. Basketball legend Bill Walton has died at 71. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 35 in southern Gaza. USA TODAY Reporter Karissa Waddick explains what Vietnam War activists are saying decades later, amid current college protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Tornadoes kill at least 15 in the central U.S. USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise explains why orcas near Spain have been ramming and sinking boats in recent years. Check out our Deep Dive episode on orcas with Michael Weiss, research director at the Center for Whale Research. It's Memorial Day. Take a minute of silence to remember fallen soldiers. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sales for electric vehicles in the U.S. and worldwide will reach their highest levels ever this year. But a big sticking point remains. Even with tax incentives and rebates, the price for EVs is still thousands of dollars higher than their gas-guzzling cousins. The Biden administration set 2030 as the goal for when half of all new vehicles sold would be electric powered. The question is, can we get there? Duncan Wood, vice president for strategy & new initiatives at the Wilson Center, a non-profit thinktank, joins The Excerpt to talk about the possibilities and what it will take for this growing market to mature. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For a moment, George Floyd's murder changed everything. Are those days gone? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey discusses. The U.N.'s top court orders Israel to halt its military offensive into Rafah. USA TODAY Sports Columnist Dan Wolken talks through the implications of an NCAA deal to let schools pay their players. Documentarian Morgan Spurlock has died at 53. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2024 NOAA hurricane season forecast is here - and a record number of storms are expected. USA TODAY Congress Reporter Riley Beggin discusses how a failed Senate border bill is creating a campaign opportunity for vulnerable Democrats. Hijacking, mobs and combat are threatening Gaza humanitarian aid from a new U.S. pier. The Justice Department is suing Live Nation and Ticketmaster to reduce ticket prices. USA TODAY Money, Markets and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee talks about surging home insurance prices. Today marks the 2-year anniversary of the Uvalde school shooting. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the world warms and aspirations to reach net-zero carbon emissions slide further and further away, climate scientists and engineers are looking at solutions, that to some, might sound like they’re straight out of science fiction. By taking on climate control with technology, experts say geoengineering can be a tool to help mitigate and remove greenhouse gases from the climate system and may be essential to reducing global temperatures. Wake Smith, author of “Pandora’s Toolbox: The Hopes and Hazards of Climate Intervention,” and a lecturer at the Yale School of the Environment, joins The Excerpt to discuss these developments in climate intervention. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ireland, Norway and Spain are recognizing a Palestinian state. USA TODAY National Correspondent Will Carless discusses how former President Donald Trump is spreading QAnon posts as he campaigns. Nikki Haley says she'll vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. Another controversial flag flew over a home of Supreme Court Justice Alito. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé discusses why first-time homebuyers are waiting to buy. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.