Wildfire season is already off to a dangerous start

Wildfire season is already off to a dangerous start

Author: USA TODAY April 17, 2026 Duration: 15:53
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.

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

The Excerpt
Podcast Episodes
Sexpionage and how foreign spies use intimacy to steal secrets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:24
Sex for secrets. In an age dominated by digital surveillance, human desire remains a vulnerability. Foreign intelligence agencies are still using intimacy as a tool for gathering information. Is there a way to protect na…
In rare rebuke, SCOTUS overturned Trump’s tariffs. What happens now? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:21
Last week, the Supreme Court delivered a major ruling on presidential power — striking down a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s economic agenda. What happens next? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen jo…
Future of wind and solar farms in Trump's America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:29
America needs affordable energy, and that demand sits at the crossroads of creating economic stability while balancing environmental responsibility. Green energy solutions like wind and solar farms hold promise, but ther…
Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson left an indelible mark on America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:45
Jesse Jackson spent decades as a public figure turning his moral convictions into public action. Jackson was a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, a Democratic presidential candidate and one of the world's best-know…
Trumps’s approval rating could be a problem for GOP in the midterms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:29
As the critical midterms approach, we’re taking a look at how Trump’s numbers may be influencing voters. At stake: 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, 39 governorships -- and the nation's political direction for the next t…
Politics of renaming a presidential memorial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:00
The debate over adding Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center raises questions about presidential memorials and what they reveal about our values today.