The Excerpt

It has been one month since President Donald Trump took the oath of office and was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. In that time, he has issued more than 70 executive orders and has bypassed Congress on issues related to citizenship, the disbursement of appropriated funds, and the overall downsizing of the federal government. What happens when one of the three branches of government overreaches and seizes power and authority from another? Critics of the president are calling it a constitutional crisis. Is that true and what does a constitutional crisis really mean? USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen joins us on 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.

President Donald Trump shakes up leadership at the Pentagon. USA TODAY Network Florida State Watchdog Reporter Ana Goñi-Lessan discusses recent ramped up efforts by ICE in northern parts of Florida to track down immigrants who have entered the country illegally. A judge indefinitely delays New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption trial. The Supreme Court declines President Trump's emergency bid to immediately fire the head of a government ethics watchdog agency. Plus, a judge blocks President Donald Trump's ban on DEI for federal agencies and contractors. Maine governor Janet Mills and President Trump clashed in a tense exchange at the White House over the president's threat to withhold federal funds from states that allow transgender athletes to play in girls and women sports. USA TODAY Politics and Washington Managing Editor Holly Rosenkrantz takes us behind the scenes at how her team is covering some of the latest news out of Washington and beyond. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson discusses how some of Trump's job cuts have hit Forest Service workers who help fight fires. New York Governor Kathy Hochul won't oust Mayor Eric Adams but vows stricter oversight. More than half a million Haitian refugees lose protected status. Researchers say Trump cuts to basic science and medical studies will hurt everyone. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé looks at the future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and what its shutdown might mean for Americans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With an aging baby boomer population, the demand for family caregivers in the U.S. has never been higher. While traditionally, most family caregiving has fallen to women, men are now increasingly joining their ranks. Although both sexes face a financial, emotional and physical toll, men are still the primary breadwinners in most opposite sex families, and in that aspect, face unique challenges. How can we as a society better support them? Jason Resendez, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, joins The Excerpt to dig into these issues. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tensions continue between President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen discusses a lawsuit over Trump's anti-diversity and transgender orders. A judge holds off on deciding whether to drop a corruption case surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Hamas has handed over the bodies of the youngest Gaza hostages taken from Israel. USA TODAY Congress and Campaigns Reporter Savannah Kuchar talks through new 'sex-based definitions' from the federal government. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50 years ago, a Canadian comedian named Lorne Michaels kicked off the first season of what would rapidly become a cultural institution. That show is SNL, aka Saturday Night Live, a mainstay of late-night entertainment. It’s also the longest-running, most Emmy-nominated, and highest-rated weekly late-night show in television history. How has Michaels done it? Ten years ago, Susan Morrison, articles editor at The New Yorker, rolled up her sleeves to find out. Susan is the author of the newly released title “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,” the definitive biography of SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels, and joins The Excerpt to share her insights. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. and Russia met Tuesday on Ukraine ceasefire negotiations, while Ukraine and other European nations were shut out of the talks. USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses a complaint filed by lawyers, arguing President Donald Trump's mass firing of probationary employees was illegal and not performance-based. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is scrambling to rehire fired employees who play a key role in the agency's response to bird flu. Plus, a judge won't block Elon Musk's records access because states couldn't show 'irreparable harm.' USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee talks about the possibility of IRS staffing cuts and what that might mean for taxpayers. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A regional jet flipped upside down upon arrival at Canada's Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday. USA TODAY National Correspondent Terry Collins discusses this week's protests against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Pope Francis remains in the hospital as doctors treat an infection. El Paso Times Border and Immigration Reporter Jeff Abbott breaks down a lawsuit over the elimination of ICE's sensitive locations policy. As sports betting skyrockets, more Americans search for addiction help, according to a new study. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Des Moines Register Agriculture, Environment and Energy Reporter Donnelle Eller discusses how President Donald Trump's spending freeze has stuck Iowa farmers with millions in bills for conservation work. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of Russia talks to end the war in Ukraine. Plus, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he is willing to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after the war. A judge blocks mass layoffs at the consumer protection agency targeted by Trump. USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise explains why a futuristic-looking solar energy plant is doomed. It's President's Day! And Monday is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On January 20th, less than two years into a 22-year federal prison sentence for seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio was pardoned by newly elected President Donald Trump. Tarrio is the former (and possibly current) leader of the Proud Boys, a loose nationwide coalition of men who have targeted various communities in the past. USA TODAY National Correspondent and Extremism Reporter Will Carless joins The Excerpt to share insights from his exclusive sit-down with Enrique Tarrio. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thousands have been fired across the federal workforce, as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk escalate their government purge. In this week's edition of Editor's Note, USA TODAY Immigration Editor Karen Weintraub discusses how the newsroom is approaching a shifting immigration landscape. If you have a topic you want to hear from an editor, send us a note at podcasts@usatoday.com. Federal prosecutors drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Trump orders the defunding of schools that mandate COVID-19 vaccines. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé takes a look at the debate over government alcohol guidance. A few minutes of bird watching this weekend can help scientists: Here's how to participate. Episode Transcript available here Also available at art19.com/shows/5-Things See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Trump made another major move on tariffs Thursday. USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard takes a look at the impact from President Donald Trump's executive order to freeze spending, pending a review, at the U.S. Agency for International Development. RFK Jr. was sworn in Thursday as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Manhattan US Attorney resigns over a 'rushed' DOJ process to drop charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz discusses what's going on with recent tech layoffs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year marks 60 years since of the assassination of Malcolm X, a civil rights leader who pierced the consciousness of a racially divided nation. In 1966, three men were convicted in his shooting death, two of whom were exonerated in 2021. Revelations from the overturning of those convictions has led to a $100 million lawsuit, filed last November, by the three daughters of Malcolm X. In it, they accuse the NYPD, FBI and CIA of playing a role in the murder of their father. What really happened the day Malcolm X was murdered and how can we understand his significance to civil rights in America? Peniel Joseph, an American scholar, teacher, and public voice on race issues, joins The Excerpt to discuss the 60-year legacy of Malcolm X. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran breaks down the ACLU's lawsuit over immigrants sent to Guantanamo Bay, and tells us about one mother's anguish. The Trump administration sues New York state over immigration. 75,000 federal workers take President Donald Trump's buyouts as the offer expires. Plus, in other news out of Washington, Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed by the Senate as national intelligence director. And - Trump says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin plan to meet in Saudi Arabia. USA TODAY TV Reporter Erin Jensen stops by with her Valentine's Day date Casey Johnson after a nationwide search. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Icebergs are bellwethers of environmental changes. Their formation, movement and melting offer insights into some of the most extreme areas of the cryosphere, such as Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic Ocean. Scientists have long monitored icebergs because of their role in regulating our climate. But what do the sounds they make reveal? Geophysicist Vera Schlindwein, professor of polar and marine seismology at the University of Bremen in Germany, joins The Excerpt to discuss these breathtaking frozen wonders. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses what a reprieve for New York Mayor Eric Adams tells us about the Trump era. American school teacher Marc Fogel has been released by Russia after more than three years in custody. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Michael Collins discusses worries over Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency gaining access to personal information. Plus, the Education Department will shield federal student aid data from DOGE – for now. Flu cases surge to the highest levels in 15 years. Monty the Giant Schnauzer wins Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show. Here's how USA TODAY chose its Restaurants of the Year for 2025. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hamas says it will stop releasing hostages, while accusing Israel of ceasefire violations. Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down why a group of states sued over billions in research cuts. Also in the courts, a judge extended the pause on a deadline for federal workers to decide on buyouts. Plus, a judge ruled the Trump White House failed to comply with a court order on frozen federal spending. And - refugee resettlement organizations asked a federal judge Monday to restore the U.S. refugee program. In other White House news, Trump fired the government's top ethics official. And he's announced a plan to stop making new pennies. USA TODAY Pentagon Correspondent Tom Vanden Brook digs into the Pentagon's revival of its ban on transgender troops joining the military. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson discusses how Elon Musk is igniting a debate with moves at federal agencies. The Philadelphia Eagles prevent the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat in the Super Bowl. Plus, Kendrick Lamar makes history at halftime. President Donald Trump prepares tariffs on steel and aluminum. USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire talks about some of the frustrations for federal employees amid a buyout offer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With climate change, the threat of wildfires, and human encroachment among other things, our trees and forests are in desperate need of guardians. From tropical rainforests, often referred to as the lungs of the planet, to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California’s White Mountains, home to some of the oldest living organisms on earth, what is being done to protect our woodlands? Forester and author Ethan Tapper joins The Excerpt to share both his practical and philosophical perspectives outlined in his new book, "How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer takes a look at some of the pushback in the courts to the Trump administration's early moves. President Donald Trump says Elon Musk's next DOGE targets are the Pentagon and Education Department. The Coast Guard finds the missing plane in Alaska and all 10 on board are believed dead. The New York governor shuts down poultry markets after several cases of bird flu were detected in New York City. USA TODAY Sports Video Executive Producer Christine Conetta gives us a look at her team's coverage of the build-up to the Super Bowl in this week's edition of Editor's Note. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.