The Excerpt

USA TODAY / Wondery

USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt (formerly 5 Things), brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. We also deliver special deep-dive episodes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons on the most compelling topics in culture, entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Give us fifteen minutes a day, we'll give you all of the headlines, none of the chaos. Hosted by Taylor Wilson and Dana Taylor.

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Our Editor's Take

Staying up-to-date with what's going on in the world is essential. After all, an informed public is key to a healthy society. But the The Excerpt podcast (formerly 5 Things) raises the question of whether we have too much information. With today's 24/7 news cycle, staying connected should be easier than ever. From dedicated news networks to podcasts, the flow of information never stops. Sometimes, though, the news of current events has the opposite effect. It can be overwhelming to sort through. Filtering through the information overload often leaves people wondering what's important. It's stressful and leads many to give up altogether.

The Excerpt cuts through the chaos and distills the day's most meaningful events into a quick and easy podcast. Listeners catch up on current events without distractions and unimportant details. The Excerpt concentrates on the top five stories and why they matter. This quick-hitting news podcast is a fast and effective way to stay informed, but it doesn't sacrifice quality. The content is always on point, from breaking news to closer looks at enduring stories.

With a plethora of things to discuss, this podcast raises critical questions. Hosts James Brown, PJ Elliot, Shannon Rae Green, and Taylor Wilson share insights along the way. It's for the casual listener who wants to stay informed and current event fanatics alike. The topics are as intriguing as they are poignant. As a result, The Excerpt also serves as a tremendous jumping-off point for further research. Think of it as an indispensable introduction to relevant subjects. It's quick, compelling, and invaluable.

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People are obsessing over the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO. Why?

People are obsessing over the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO. Why?

USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Charles Trepany takes a closer look at the fascination some have over a murder suspect.President-elect Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James are sparring over the $485 million fraud case. Plus, Manhattan prosecutors urged a New York criminal court to keep Trump's hush money case alive.Syria's interim leader says the country faces a lack of foreign currency.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz discusses 'dry promotions,' and what employees can do about them.77 Nobel Prize winners ask the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episodes

People are obsessing over the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO. Why?

People are obsessing over the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO. Why?

USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Charles Trepany takes a closer look at the fascination some have over a murder suspect.President-elect Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James are sparring over the $485 million fraud case. Plus, Manhattan prosecutors urged a New York criminal court to keep Trump's hush money case alive.Syria's interim leader says the country faces a lack of foreign currency.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz discusses 'dry promotions,' and what employees can do about them.77 Nobel Prize winners ask the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Suspect charged with murder in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing

Suspect charged with murder in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing

A 26-year-old suspect has been charged with murder in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson.USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses how President-elect Donald Trump's takeover on foreign policy has begun.The Supreme Court rejects a case pitting the 'spirit of Aloha' against gun owners' rights.USA TODAY Trump Reporter Zac Anderson talks about whether Donald Trump can use Jill Biden's image to sell perfume.Will the FDA ban red dye 3?Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rebels take over Syria as long-time President Bashar Assad flees country

Rebels take over Syria as long-time President Bashar Assad flees country

Rebels have taken over Syria. What's next?USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Sudiksha Kochi takes a look at the possibility of bipartisanship, as some Democrats signal support for certain Trump picks and initiatives.Donald Trump says he'll begin pardoning Jan. 6 rioters on the 'first day' of his second term.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zach Schermele explains how some universities are shifting guidance for students potentially impacted by Trump immigration policies.Officials make it clear - some unpasteurized milk contains the bird flu virus.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cave-diving scientists are exploring the past while charting the future

Cave-diving scientists are exploring the past while charting the future

Hidden beneath Earth’s surface are caverns and pathways that hold the secrets of our planet’s very beginnings. Even after decades of exploration, there are still new ecosystems and signs of past lives yet to be discovered. Trekking deep into the earth is not for the faint of heart. Enter a cohort of maverick scientists who strap on a harness and oftentimes scuba gear, and delve deep into the belly of the Earth. Who are these cave explorers, what have they found, and what do they still hope to discover? Phil Short, experienced cave diver and Research Diving and Training Lead at DEEP, joins The Excerpt to take us down below, back in time and into the future.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Experts say killer was 'meticulous,' maybe professional in CEO shooting

Experts say killer was 'meticulous,' maybe professional in CEO shooting

The search continues for a gunman in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Experts say the killer was maybe a professional. Meanwhile, many online have shown little sympathy. Why?Is the labor market bouncing back?Palm Beach Post Politics and Growth Editor Antonio Fins talks about Mar-a-Lago and how President-elect Donald Trump uses the property as a political hub.USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi discusses whether Donald Trump's election win will help him with his $600 million civil losses.It's the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. See photos of the attack that brought the U.S. into World War II.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who brazenly killed a health insurance CEO in NYC? The search continues

Who brazenly killed a health insurance CEO in NYC? The search continues

The search continues for the shooter in this week's brazen New York killing.Three U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Texas have been charged in an alleged human smuggling operation involving noncitizens.It's been a historic week for Bitcoin.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé discusses what it really means to live paycheck to paycheck.China's ban on exports of gallium, germanium and more could cost the U.S. billions.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise talks about the return of wolves to California.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SPECIAL | “Social Studies” exposes the toxic impacts of social media

SPECIAL | “Social Studies” exposes the toxic impacts of social media

Gen Z is the first generation of digital natives, young people who are literally growing up on social media. It’s where they explore their self-identities, where they make and lose new friends. During the pandemic, it was in fact the only place where they could socialize. But it’s also where they are exposed to dangerous levels of toxic culture, whether that’s through body shaming, overly sexualized content or cyberbullying. Director Lauren Greenfield captured all of this and more in an eye-opening 5-part docuseries on FX called “Social Studies” by following a group of teenagers who gave her an inside look into their online lives. She joins us on The Excerpt to discuss how social media has shaped the adults these teens are becoming.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What we learned from oral arguments in transgender care case

What we learned from oral arguments in transgender care case

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe gives some of the main takeaways from Wednesday's oral arguments debating whether bans on puberty blockers for transgender minors are discriminatory.Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy may be exempt from ethics rules as Donald Trump's advisors. Plus, Donald Trump DEA pick Chad Chronister withdraws from consideration, and Trump taps Paul Atkins as SEC chairman.The search for a shooter continues after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in New York.USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier discusses the housing crisis, the American Dream and what the next Trump administration can do about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SPECIAL | The Klamath River recovery begins

SPECIAL | The Klamath River recovery begins

This year marked the end of a 20-year struggle to remove four hydroelectric dams from the Klamath River that runs along the California-Oregon state line. The first of the four dams was built in the 1910’s. Their construction ultimately resulted in a river basin high in phosphorus and toxic algae, which flowed downriver killing off fish such as salmon and steelhead, while creating river water that was unsafe for the tribes who called the Klamath River home. The hydroelectric dams also impeded fish migration for nearly a century. Now, all four dams have been taken down. So, what happens next? Indigenous Affairs Reporter Debra Utacia Krol with the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY network, joins The Excerpt to discuss the Klamath River's recovery and the Indigenous tribes working to reclaim their way of life.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump wants hush money case tossed due to election win

Trump wants hush money case tossed due to election win

President-elect Donald Trump wants his New York hush money case tossed.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers discusses how some Senate Republicans are calling for deeper vetting on Trump picks Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel.The Supreme Court will consider if states can keep transgender adolescents from puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Listen to arguments live on USA TODAY's YouTube channel at 10 a.m. ET.USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Alyssa Goldberg talks about Sabrina Carpenter and how views on sex are changing.Billboard names Beyoncé the greatest pop star of the 21st century.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump links Hunter Biden's pardon to Jan. 6 rioters

Trump links Hunter Biden's pardon to Jan. 6 rioters

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down the varied responses to President Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter Biden.Mexican views of migration harden.E-cigarette makers hope the Supreme Court will give President-elect Donald Trump a chance to greenlight flavored vapes.USA TODAY Money Editor Charisse Jones discusses the potential impact on of Trump tariffs on consumers.What's next for help with weight loss drug costs?Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden

President Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden

President Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter Biden.President-elect Donald Trump threatens BRIC nations with tariffs if they 'move away' from the U.S. dollar.USA TODAY Congress and Campaigns Reporter Riley Beggin discusses how President-elect Donald Trump is already testing checks and balances ahead of re-taking office.Donald Trump is planning to nominate Kash Patel as director of the FBI, tapping the longtime loyalist to lead the the law enforcement agency he has often criticized.USA TODAY National News Reporter Michael Loria discusses how Elon Musk is known for making radical cuts, and what it means for Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's time we talk about perimenopause and menopause

It's time we talk about perimenopause and menopause

Can we talk about “the change”? Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently joined talk show host Gayle King and comedian Samantha Bee in speaking publicly about the hormonal and physical changes that come with perimenopause and menopause, a natural part of the aging process that up until now, has rarely been discussed openly. The question is, why not? As millennials age into perimenopause, how is their activism changing the conversation? Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist and chair of The Women in Medicine Initiative for Columbia University, joins The Excerpt to talk about "the pause."Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau visits Trump for tariff talk

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau visits Trump for tariff talk

Canada's prime minister visited Mar-a-Lago Friday evening.USA TODAY Senior National News Reporter Rebecca Morin discusses President-elect Donald Trump's election success in the Rio Grande Valley, a Latino-majority area along the border in south Texas.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes talks through President Joe Biden's legacy on trains.French President Emmanuel Macron lauds artisans for restoring the Notre-Dame Cathedral ahead of its reopening next week.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump touts Mexico's 'effectively closing' the border after talk with Sheinbaum. She disagrees

Trump touts Mexico's 'effectively closing' the border after talk with Sheinbaum. She disagrees

President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke this week, touting a positive conversation.USA TODAY Congress and Campaigns Reporter Savannah Kuchar discusses how anti-abortion leaders are approaching a second Trump term.Reporter Ella Adams talks about the struggles of one community in Black Appalachia after Helene.It was an eventful NFL Thanksgiving, featuring another heartbreaking Chicago Bears loss.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SPECIAL | The rapid rise of the slow living movement

SPECIAL | The rapid rise of the slow living movement

Americans hustle. We get after it. And, while having the ability, desire and energy to accomplish extraordinary things is commendable, it can also lead to burnout and high levels of stress. Is it time for some of us to slow down? Slow living is a radical approach to self-care which celebrates a less hectic pace of life along with making mindful choices to enhance our wellbeing. Is it possible to marry our desire to have it all with a slow living lifestyle? Author Rachel Schwartzmann, whose new book “Slowing” came out this fall, joins The Excerpt to give us a better understanding of the slow living movement.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israel ups bombing of central Gaza

Israel ups bombing of central Gaza

Israel killed more than a dozen Palestinians in Gaza strikes Thursday. Cease-fire talks in the Israel-Hamas conflict have stalled, while a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah appears to hold.The FBI says several of Donald Trump's cabinet nominees were targeted with 'violent' threats.American consumers say they're struggling. Tariffs will make inflation worse.USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey talks about how to navigate politics at the Thanksgiving table (if at all).A woman is set to reunite with her brother missing since 1999 after seeing his photo in a USA TODAY report.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SPECIAL | How young is too young for superstardom?

SPECIAL | How young is too young for superstardom?

The tragic death of 31-year-old One Direction star Liam Payne earlier this year, after falling from the balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, has led some to question how young is too young for international stardom. Several have been charged in his death, including one person who was allegedly supplying him with drugs. Liam Payne was just 16 years old when One Direction was created. The world has watched as young stars, like Britney Spears and Justin Bieber, struggled to navigate the heights of celebrity. UCLA’s Dr. Adi Jaffe, a psychologist who specializes in addiction, joins The Excerpt to discuss whether it is reasonable to expect young people, even children, to be able to handle the psychological challenges associated with extreme fame.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israel and Hezbollah reach cease-fire

Israel and Hezbollah reach cease-fire

Israel and Hezbollah have reached a cease-fire agreement.USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran discusses the response in Mexico after President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats.Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy push for federal workers to return to the office.Millions of Americans could have expanded Medicare and Medicaid to cover blockbuster weight loss drugs.USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier discusses what this week's announcement by Fannie May and Freddie Mac means for the housing market.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal judge dismisses Jan. 6 case against Trump at request of special counsel Jack Smith

Federal judge dismisses Jan. 6 case against Trump at request of special counsel Jack Smith

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen looks at what's next for President-elect Donald Trump's legal cases after a judge dismissed his Jan. 6 case.Lawyers for Donald Trump have conducted a probe into reports that a top aide asked prospective political appointees for payments to promote their candidacies with Trump.The Fox News to government official pipeline is growing.USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe looks at the high court's decision not to review a case dealing with whether SWAT teams must pay for property damage.A newly discovered planet is one of the youngest.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.