5 Things

Last week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that will likely impact Black voters for generations. The 6-3 decision, which split along conservative and liberal lines, essentially nullified section 2 of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color or language minority status. In its wake, Louisiana, Tennessee and other states are redrawing their district maps, even though primary voting in some cases is already underway. The ramifications will reverberate for decades. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen joins The Excerpt to help unpack this story.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.

The story of Murry Gunty is about more than a hockey dad interested in youth sports. It’s about a businessman who saw an opportunity to build a lucrative hockey empire and cashed in on it. Gunty claims that his company, Black Bear, took almost all of its profits and reinvested them back into the business, allowing more kids to play hockey. But a nine‑month USA TODAY investigation found that how Gunty built and ran his empire has raised serious concerns among legal experts, including potential abuse of monopoly power and using non-profit teams for private gain. USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Kenny Jacoby joins The Excerpt to share more on this investigation. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

Gen Z workers are entering the job market, and in some cases, getting fired just as quickly. A recent survey found that many employers say they’ve let Gen Z hires go within months of their hire, citing gaps in communication, professionalism and expectations. But is this really a problem with young workers—or is it something deeper? NYU professor Suzy Welch breaks down what she sees as a fundamental mismatch between what employers want and what Gen Z values. She also explains how AI, remote work and a shifting job market are making it harder for early-career workers to find their footing.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

Hollywood’s summer movie season is here and it’s packed with big names, familiar franchises and high-stakes bets at the box office. From "Spider-Man" to "Star Wars," studios are once again leaning on proven hits to draw audiences in. But this year, one film could break through the noise: Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey." With a stacked cast and built-in name recognition, it’s emerging as a potential frontrunner in a season that feels more wide open than usual. In this episode of The Excerpt, USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt breaks down several of the must-see films of the summer. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, 254 people were abducted. One of them was 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin. In his mother Rachel Goldberg-Polin's new book entitled, “When We See You Again,” she writes, “My family is comprised of normal people to whom an ab-normal, quite rare brand of torture happened.” The author warns us early on to strap ourselves in. And you should. Because it’s all there – day after excruciating day leading up to Day 328 when their son was murdered by Hamas. Wisdom, horror and resilience are intertwined here, but through them, you begin to understand the powerful faith, love and purpose woven throughout this family’s story. A story of two parents, two sisters and a son. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

today marks the 60th day since the start of the U.S. war in Iran. According to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must now seek congressional approval to continue military operations in the war on Iran, a war whose price tag stands at $25 billion with no clear objective or end in sight. USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele joins The Excerpt to break down this historic inflection point.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note 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 year's Kentucky Derby returns with a wide open field and no clear favorite. Courier Journal reporters Jason Frakes and Kirby Adams join The Excerpt to talk about the top horses to watch, betting strategy, post position impact and ongoing horse safety concerns at Churchill Downs. They also break down Derby traditions, fashion trends, celebrity appearances and what makes this race one of the biggest events in sports.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.

Should companies be legally required to warn consumers that their product might cause cancer? If your company is selling tobacco, that answer has been yes since 1965. But what if your product is just for lawns and is regulated by the EPA? That’s precisely what the Supreme Court is being asked to decide. The man at the heart of a lawsuit against Monsanto says a warning or a change in marketing might have altered the course of his life. On Monday, the court heard the case of John Durnell, known as the “spray guy,” whose $1.25 million verdict against Monsanto, is being challenged. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt for more on Monday's arguments.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

The setting was the same as it’s always been: the elegant ballroom in the basement of the Washington Hilton. There, the president, vice president and other high-ranking officials gathered with around 2500 guests to celebrate freedom of speech. But instead of being a light-hearted gala as it had been in the past, fear and pandemonium soon reigned. The White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday marked the third time since the summer of 2024 that a gunman was able to get dangerously close to now-president Donald Trump. Was security to blame? And what were the gunman’s motives? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her personal experience and insights.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

Generative AI is making it easier than ever to create influencers who don’t actually exist. These synthetic personas can build audiences, promote products and even shape political conversations — often without people realizing they aren’t real. So what happens when influence itself can be engineered at scale? We sit down with Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic, who explains how AI-generated influencers are fueling a “volume game” online, why authenticity may matter less than we think and how this trend could deepen misinformation and political division. Plus, what to look for if you’re trying to spot who’s real — and who’s not — in your feed.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

The latest news in the redistricting arms race between Republicans and Democrats saw voters narrowly approve a new map in Virginia that could advantage the Dems by up to four new seats. Although there’s an injunction on that election, if it is certified, that would bring the total number of states with new district maps heading into the midterms up to seven. But Republicans may have more cards to play with a several seat advantage possible in Trump’s home state of Florida. Stepping back, could the midterm results end up being a referendum on tactics rather than politics? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to share his insights.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A large-scale and delicate system of ocean currents that has been active for millions of years and that’s responsible for our warm climate is in danger of collapse due to climate change. This is according to a new study published in April in the journal Science Advances. If that collapse actually happens, scientists warn, the consequences could be dire. Shane Elipot, a physical oceanographer at the University of Miami and one of the authors of the study, joins The Excerpt to share his findings.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

King Charles III is heading to Washington for his first visit as monarch — and the timing is anything but simple. The king will address Congress and attend a state dinner with President Donald Trump. But the visit comes amid rising global tensions, including divisions over Iran and uncertainty about the future of NATO. It also unfolds against the backdrop of renewed scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. So what can the monarch actually accomplish in a moment like this? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to break down the stakes. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

President Donald Trump has been clashing with Pope Leo XIV for weeks now in a rare and increasingly public dispute between a U.S. president and the head of the Catholic Church. The pope has warned against the escalating violence around the world and called for peace and diplomacy. But Trump has pushed back hard, going so far as to call the pope “weak on crime” and falsely suggesting that he supports Iran having nuclear weapons. USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard joins The Excerpt to share his insights.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

The Trump administration's mass deportation effort has played out on numerous fronts since he took office in 2024. There’s been dramatic ICE sweeps of major American cities and a significant expansion of immigration detention. But the administration has also been working to reshape the nation's immigration courts and dozens of immigration judges across the country have been fired. What impact is this having on immigrants’ right to due process? USA TODAY National Reporter Lauren Villagran joins The Excerpt to share her reporting.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

Wildfire season is already off to an early and dangerous start across the U.S., with more than 1.6 million acres burned — far above the 10-year average. Experts warn the months ahead could bring more large, destructive fires. At the same time, the Trump administration is planning a major overhaul of the U.S. Forest Service, including closing research facilities and regional offices. So what does that mean as wildfire risk grows? USA TODAY’s Dana Taylor speaks with Clark University Geography Professor John Rogan about what’s fueling this year’s fires, how scientists track wildfire behavior, and why cutting research could make it harder to predict and respond to future disasters.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

You can sip it. Zip it. Drive it. American brands do more than fill our lives, they shape who we are. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, we decided to look at brands that capture America’s ingenuity and drive. From Motown to Harley-Davidson, these names tell a uniquely American story. Narrowing it down to the 50 most iconic? That was the tough part. Business Editor Jim Nelson and Business Reporter Ricardo Torres of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, join The Excerpt to look at some of the standouts from USA TODAY’s Iconic Brands series.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

Last December, President Donald Trump convened a meeting of pharmaceutical executives with the goal of getting them to lower the cost of prescription drugs. A few weeks later, one patient battling lung cancer checked into a California clinic for an infusion of Merck & Co.'s blockbuster cancer drug, Keytruda. When the bill arrived, the clinic's charge for a 400 mg dose dominated the page: It was just over $162,000. While Brown only owed about $2,000 herself, the six-figure charges show how quickly prices for cutting-edge medical treatments can balloon in the U.S. health care system. USA TODAY joined the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in their year-long, reporting effort looking into rising healthcare costs around the world. USA TODAY Health Reporter Ken Alltucker joined The Excerpt to share his insights.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art1

President Donald Trump had his first and only state visit with Queen Elizabeth on June 3rd, 2019. It was a meeting he had long anticipated, the ultimate sign that he had made it in life. But what did the Queen think of Trump? Of 113 state visits during her long reign, President Trump had been the last. The impression he’d made, though, may have been overshadowed by the one made by Marine One, which flattened the Queen’s garden. Could Trump charm her into giving him the honor of being her favorite American president? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to discuss her latest book, "The Queen and Her Presidents," on bookshelves now.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.

The Department of Justice is in turmoil. The previous controversial attorney general Pam Bondi is out, and thousands of employees have either been fired, put on leave or quit. So what’s on the DOJ’s agenda and what can it hope to accomplish in the back half of President Donald Trump’s term? USA TODAY Justice Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to share her insights.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email 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.