Politics of renaming a presidential memorial
The debate over adding Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center raises questions about presidential memorials and what they reveal about our values today.
The Excerpt
Each morning, The Excerpt cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle. Instead of a rapid-fire list of headlines, this daily podcast from USA TODAY provides depth and clarity on the stories that matter most. Host Dana Taylor guides conversations with the network's award-winning journalists stationed all over the country, turning complex national issues into understandable segments. You'll hear more than just what happened; you'll get the crucial background and analysis that explains why it matters. The discussions span the full spectrum of American life, from the latest developments in Washington and cultural shifts to major sports moments and entertainment news. It’s designed for anyone who wants to start their day informed, with a clear perspective that lasts beyond the initial click. By focusing on context, this podcast builds a more complete picture of current events, making sense of how different stories connect to our daily lives. Tune in on weekdays for a reliable, thoughtful breakdown that goes deeper than the front page.
Episodes
Chocolate wasn’t always romantic. How did it become a symbol of love?
Chocolate wasn’t always sweet — or romantic. Once a ceremonial drink and even a form of currency, cacao has a long history before becoming a Valentine’s Day staple. Harvard Professor Carla Martin explains how marketing,…
Attorney General Pam Bondi repeatedly clashes with Democrats
Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed repeatedly with Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday in a fiery hearing. Among other heated topics was the release of the Epstein documents and the redactions and lac…
Are prediction markets democratizing information or gamifying war?
Who will be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028? What will the price of gold be at the end of the week? Who will win the World Cup? All of these are relatively benign bets you can make today. But there are other…
US-Russia nuclear treaty called START expired. Should we be worried?
For the first time in over half a century, there are no nuclear arms controls in place between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the US and Russia. With a rising China growing its nuclear arsenal while it continues…
Is the Trump administration eroding freedom of the press?
It started with the banning of the Associated Press from certain White House events over its refusal to use the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” Then there was a recent FBI search of a Washington Post…
Was the FBI’s raid of Georgia’s Fulton County elections office legal?
Two recent elections-related developments are playing out today that have some election officials concerned. The first relates to the FBI’s seizure of election documents in Georgia, a state whose election President Donal…
Brian Boitano, Christine Brennan on 2026 Winter Olympics and Team USA
With Milano Cortina 2026 only one day away, Team USA turns to the ice. Ilia Malinin leads the charge as Christine Brennan and Brian Boitano preview skating and more.
Illegal sports betting by minors puts their mental health at risk
Since the Supreme Court widely legalized sports wagering in 2018 the nation’s appetite for bets has exploded. U.S. betters made over a billion dollars worth of bets in 2025 on sports alone. This year’s Super Bowl is expe…
Bad Bunny dominates Grammys in lead up to Super Bowl Sunday
The 2026 Grammys saw major wins for artists like Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga, and also served up an impressive number of live performances. But beyond the spectacle and the awarding of Grammy statuettes, the…
