The Excerpt

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Gretchen Carlson: The fight isn't over Sep 30, 2026

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Ten years after taking on Roger Ailes, Gretchen Carlson, former Fox News anchor, reveals what changed for women who speak out and where justice still fails them. She reflects on the personal cost of challenging workplace power and why many women never return to their careers.

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Can tech companies stop AI deepfakes from spreading? Sep 29, 2026

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Bad actors rarely remain on a single platform. Sean Litton, former president and CEO of the Tech Coalition, explains how they can move between social media, gaming, messaging and payment services. On USA TODAY's The Excerpt, he also breaks down Lantern, a system that allows companies to share warning signals and uncover harmful activity that might otherwise remain hidden.

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A record number of ICE employees are leaving. Why? Sep 28, 2026

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A record number of employees are leaving ICE, even as the agency hires thousands of workers to expand enforcement operations. Ignacio Calderon, a USA TODAY data reporter, breaks down what federal workforce records reveal about the surge in departures,

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Why Republicans are suddenly worried about Texas Sep 25, 2026

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Texas is rarely considered a political battleground, so why are Republicans spending heavily to defend it? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey explains James Talarico’s rise, Ken Paxton’s vulnerabilities and why affordability, AI, data centers and frustration with Washington are reshaping the Senate race.

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Trump threatens Iran in fiery UN speech. What's next? Sep 24, 2026

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From Iran and Cuba to Ukraine and NATO, President Trump's UN visit touched nearly every major foreign policy challenge facing the United States. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY White House correspondent, examines the biggest moment and what to watch as Trump heads into a high-stakes meeting with China's leader.

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Episode transcript available here.

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What happens when the White House bans reporters? Sep 23, 2026

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This fight is bigger than which reporters enter the White House. BrieAnna Frank, USA TODAY First Amendment reporting fellow, explains why fewer journalists with firsthand access could narrow what the public can independently learn and verify, and how a loss in court could give future administrations more room to restrict the press.

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Andy Beshear talks faith and a possible 2028 run for president Sep 22, 2026

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joins USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page on The Excerpt to talk about his new book, the midterms and if he will run for president in 2028.

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She asked for help. Her doctor dismissed her concerns Sep 21, 2026

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A pregnant mother's struggle with untreated depression became a lasting lesson in what can happen when patients don't feel listened to. Ken Alltucker, a national correspondent for USA Today, discusses new research on healthcare access and why women are more likely to report negative experiences with the healthcare system.

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Episode transcript available here.

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Her father was denied a class trip to D.C. Now she may join the Senate Sep 18, 2026

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Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton could make history if she's elected to the U.S. Senate, but her campaign is also rooted in a deeply personal family story. USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jay Stahl joins The Excerpt to discuss how her father's experience with segregation, along with the loss of her father last year, continues to shape her candidacy to replace Sen. Dick Durbin.

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AI insiders warn of danger. Will Congress act? Sep 17, 2026

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After an Anthropic researcher quit and warned about the risks of advanced AI, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to respond. USA TODAY Congressional Correspondent Zach Schermele explains why the warning is getting lawmakers' attention and whether meaningful AI oversight is finally gaining momentum.

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Episode transcript available here.

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