The Excerpt

Republicans built an early advantage with podcasts and online creators. Now Democrats are trying to catch up. USA TODAY Politics Trending Reporter Emily Condon breaks down the growing influencer battle and how today's experiments could reshape political campaigning by 2028. Share your thoughts with us at 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 .

A blue wave could be on the horizon. But how accurate are the polls? USA TODAY chief political correspondent Phillip Bailey breaks down what's at stake in the 2026 midterms, hurdles that pollsters face and the races that could change everything. 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 .

Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faces criticism after releasing an attack ad that featured the estranged mother of his opponent, Democrat candidate Amy Acton. Senior correspondent Arit John joins The Excerpt to discuss the ad and why the race for governor is so close. 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 .

President Trump is offering $1 million for reports of voter fraud that lead to an arrest and conviction. But how would the reward actually work, and how widespread is voter fraud? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down the offer, the voter fraud evidence and what voters could encounter at the polls. Share your thoughts with us at 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 .

President Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot, but he’s a major force in the midterms as the Senate battleground expands. USA TODAY National News Reporter Zac Anderson explains how Trump is shaping Republican strategy and why once-safe races are getting competitive. 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 .

Republicans rank patriotism as the value America needs most. Democrats rank it last. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page examines what a striking new survey reveals about the values dividing the parties and why that gap could make governing after the midterms even harder. Share your thoughts with us at 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 .

One job seeker has submitted more than 500 applications over two years and still hasn't landed a permanent role. Carl Van Horn, public policy professor at Rutgers University, joins us to examine why hiring has slowed and why many qualified candidates say they're struggling to get interviews . 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 .

In The Hidden Cost of Nuclear Deterrence , USA TODAY explores how New Mexico still lives with the legacy of the Trinity test , as the U.S. plans to expand nuclear weapons production. This project was produced by USA TODAY's Zulekha Nathoo and Lamar Salter, and was made possible by support from Outrider Foundation and Journalism Funding Partners 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 .

What happens after a U.S. deportation flight lands in Haiti? USA TODAY National News Reporter Chris Kenning explains what deportees face after arrival, from limited assistance and separation from family to gang-controlled roads, violence and a devastating humanitarian crisis. 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 .

Political insults aren't new, but they're becoming a central campaign strategy. Why are candidates in both parties betting on nicknames, personal attacks and viral moments? USA TODAY Senior Political Correspondent Arit John explains what makes these attacks stick, who campaigns are targeting and what voters should remember heading into the 2026 elections. 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 .

As water levels decline at Lake Powell, long-submerged sections of Glen Canyon are reemerging , fueling a renewed debate over the future of the dam itself. Trevor Hughes, national correspondent for USA TODAY, explores what climate change and water shortages could mean for the American West. 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 .

Could Latino voters help turn Texas blue? Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY senior national news reporter, breaks down what she’s hearing from voters, why some Republicans may split their tickets and how the race involving James Talarico and Ken Paxton could signal a bigger political shift . 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 .

A new diesel supply deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin aims to ease pressure on fuel markets , but will it make a meaningful difference? Daniel de Visé, personal finance reporter for USA TODAY, breaks down why economists expect only modest relief and what the move could mean for consumers and businesses. 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 .

Why are more people talking about ketamine? USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer explains what the drug does and why researchers say there's still limited data on its role in sexual assault cases. He also shares what experts say college students and universities may be missing about this powerful anesthetic. 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 .

Why is DOGE back before the Supreme Court? USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe explains the fight over government transparency, what records watchdog groups want to see, and why the ruling could affect how future administrations shield information from public view. 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 .

USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler explains how reporters fought for months to obtain ICE records and what they uncovered inside an "agitator" tracking system . He also breaks down why the findings are fueling new questions about protest surveillance and government transparency. 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 .

Five million Americans have already fallen off SNAP rolls, and experts say that may be just the beginning. Sarah D. Wire, senior national news reporter for USA TODAY, explains how new federal requirements are reshaping food assistance programs and what the changes mean for families who rely on SNAP. 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 .

Convicted murderer Christa Pike was sentenced to death by lethal injection on September 30th, but somehow survived . Her situation has surprised many, but new reporting suggests there were warning signs something could go wrong. 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 .

Author and domestic violence advocate Denise Brown reflects on the warning signs her family missed before Nicole Brown Simpson’s death . She explains what she later learned about power, control and the cycle of abuse, and what families need to understand when someone they love may be at risk. 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 .

America needs electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople . So why are newly trained workers still struggling to get hired? Rachel Barber, USA TODAY money reporter, explains the contradiction behind the skilled-worker shortage and what it could mean for repairs, infrastructure and essential services. 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 .