The Excerpt

A man set himself on fire Friday at the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is taking place. A bill that could effectively ban TikTok picks up steam in Congress. Plus, another GOP lawmaker says he will support efforts to oust Mike Johnson from the speakership. USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses Republican efforts to push back on voter fraud. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes the Michigan presidential ballot as an independent candidate. USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn discusses a wave of young people glorifying the Columbine shooters on the 25th anniversary of the high school shooting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israel has launched strikes on Iran. But Tehran is playing down the incident. Police arrest more than a hundred protesters at Columbia University. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers talks about a Biden surrogate working to bring frustrated voters to the president. Florida bans local water break rules. USA TODAY National Music Writer Melissa Ruggieri breaks down Taylor Swift's new album. 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.

Could the woolly mammoth really be brought back to life? Ben Lamm thinks so. He’s the CEO and Co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, a company at the heart of an evolving science that aims to see this ancient animal and others return in the name of preserving and promoting biodiversity. According to him, the success of this work could just be the ticket that saves humanity. Lamm joined The Excerpt podcast to talk about the possible impacts and the ongoing ethical debate around de-extinction. 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.

The Senate has killed both impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison talks about President Joe Biden's comments on tripling the rates of tariffs on steel and aluminum from China. Former President Donald Trump is funneling campaign money into cash-strapped businesses. USA TODAY Breaking News and Education Reporter Zach Schermele breaks down the Columbia University president's testimony before Congress Wednesday on campus antisemitism. The FAA has lifted its ground stop of Alaska Airlines flights after system issues were resolved. Happy National Exercise Day! Want to stay fit? Here are some ways. 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.

If you’re a woman who is part of Generation X or the baby boomers, then you probably, like me, spent your Monday nights growing up watching one of America’s most enduring and endearing TV series. The show followed the wholesome Ingalls family and their life in Walnut Grove, Minnesota in the 1800s, loosely based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The show’s star was Melissa Gilbert who played little Laura Ingalls, an optimistic, curious and mischievous young girl who quickly became America’s sweetheart. The pilot for the show aired 50 years ago on March 30th on NBC and the series ran for a remarkable nine seasons. Melissa joins The Excerpt to talk about the show's outsized impact on American culture and share her experience being part of it. 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 second day of former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial is in the books, and jury selection is going quicker than expected. USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Karissa Waddick looks at President Joe Biden's push for blue-collar voters, and what several congressional districts won by Donald Trump might tell him. A second GOP lawmaker backs the ousting of House speaker Mike Johnson. USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer talks about a new DHS program to combat child exploitation online. Warm oceans are devastating coral. 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.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi recaps the first day of former President Donald Trump's hush money trial. Trump Media's stock price plummeted Monday. Congress is grappling with foreign aid after Iran's attack on Israel. USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman has the latest from investigations into the Baltimore bridge collapse. The Supreme Court lets Idaho enforce its ban on transgender care. The 'Rust' armorer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter, after the shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Listen to our special episode with best-selling author James Patterson and viral librarian Mychal Threets about their shared love of books. 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.

What's next for the Israel-Iran conflict? USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson looks at how abortion is playing out on the campaign trail. Former President Donald Trump's historic hush money trial is set to begin Monday. USA TODAY Breaking News and Education Reporter Zach Schermele talks about crime on campus, and what the latest numbers tell us. Arborists are trying to clone Orlando's oldest tree. 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.

The mass media has pushed skinny on us for decades. And while doctors encourage healthy eating and lower body mass indexes, the body positivity movement supports the inclusion of all shapes and sizes, emphasizing loving the skin you’re in. But there are even more fractures in this conversation when it comes to the newest weight loss fad and object of desire: the drug Ozempic and its competitors like Wegovy and Mounjaro. There is also a dark side to this pursuit of perfection; namely, eating disorders and other health issues, both physical and emotional. Meredith Nisbet, the National Clinical Response Manager for the Eating Recovery Center, an eating disorder treatment center based in Denver, Colorado, joined The Excerpt to discuss the body image debate and how to navigate healthy ways to see ourselves. 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 Joe Biden said Friday that an Iranian attack on Israel is imminent. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison looks at efforts by Biden allies to stop Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The House passes a controversial spying bill after infighting. USA TODAY Investigative Data Reporter Austin Fast explains how millions of Americans rely on drinking water systems that have recently exceeded new limits for toxic “forever chemicals." President Joe Biden announces new student loan relief. 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.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Marco della Cava looks back on the Ford Bronco chase, and the life of O.J. Simpson. Iowa's Senate OKs a bill allowing armed school staff. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen talks about a Supreme Court January 6 case that could impact former President Donald Trump. Despite booming employment gains, white-collar job growth slows. A rare double brood of cicadas is set to emerge. Here's what they'll sound like. 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.

At age 47, Barbara Walters broke the glass ceiling for women in broadcast journalism, becoming co-anchor of a network evening news program at ABC. She would go on to land big interviews, from U.S. presidents to world leaders like Vladimir Putin and Fidel Castro but also celebrities like the singer Courtney Love and boxer Mike Tyson. Through it all, Walters brought a signature style of interviewing. Her interview subjects laughed with her and cried with her. Actor Patrick Swayze even danced with her. What drove this bold and ambitious woman? Here to talk about the incredible life and career of Barbara Walters is USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page. Susan’s new book “The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters” takes readers behind the glamour of the famous broadcaster to share the story of a woman who broke all the rules, shattered glass ceilings and gave women a permanent place on America’s news airwaves. 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.

USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler examines new rules around gun sales. Bipartisan frustration over the bungled FAFSA rollout was on display at a congressional hearing. Inflation picked up again in March. USA TODAY Reporter Karen Weintraub looks at the future of the Chandra telescope amid budget cuts. The Masters Golf Tournament tees off. 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.

If you love books, then this episode is for you. Best-selling author James Patterson’s latest book, “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians” is in many ways a love letter to this cornerstone of education here in America. Joining him is Mychal Threets, a librarian in California whose viral library-focused social media videos have endeared him to thousands of readers across the US. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Arizona Republic State Politics Reporter Stacey Barchenger puts the Arizona Supreme Court abortion decision in context. James and Jennifer Crumbley have been sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for their son's mass shooting attack. Plus, a Virginia assistant principal has been charged with felony child abuse in a 6-year-old's shooting of a teacher. The Justice Department’s COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force has charged thousands of people with federal crimes. Former President Donald Trump loses a bid to delay his New York hush money trial while appealing a gag order. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes looks at young voters' priorities this election cycle. 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.

USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson looks at the significance of former President Donald Trump's comments on abortion. Trump loses his push to delay the Manhattan hush money trial pending a location change request. The Vatican denounces gender-affirming surgery, and surrogacy. USA TODAY Breaking News and Education Reporter Zach Schermele discusses President Joe Biden's announcement of student loan debt forgiveness. The UConn Huskies are national champions again. See photos from Monday's solar eclipse. 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.

USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Sudiksha Kochi talks about the push for more funding at election offices nationwide. A Hamas official says no progress has been made at the latest Gaza ceasefire talks. USA TODAY Network Florida State Capitol Reporter John Kennedy talks about what ballot measures on abortion access and recreational marijuana might mean for Democrats in Donald Trump's home state. The South Carolina Gamecocks are national champions. Here's everything you need to know for the solar eclipse. 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.

After six months of intense human suffering, both sides of the Israel and Gaza conflict have experienced a collective trauma that will affect generations for years to come. It all started with a Hamas attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people along with the taking of 240 hostages. It was the single deadliest assault against Jews since the Holocaust. The Israeli response has been brutal, killing over 30,000 Gazans, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, mostly innocent women and children. The situation in the Gaza Strip is now dire, with millions not having enough food, housing, or medical care to meet the needs of a desperate population. Despite this, cease-fire negotiations continue to falter, and both sides remain far apart. After traveling to The Holy Land, USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard provides a special report for The Excerpt on the human stories that define this tragic conflict. 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.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison recaps President Joe Biden's Baltimore visit and looks at plans for the port's reopening. Israel's military has fired officers for their roles in strikes that killed seven aid workers. The U.S. is on alert for possible Iranian attacks on Israeli and American facilities. The Friday earthquake recorded in New Jersey was one of the strongest in state history. USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses a Georgia bill that would create new rules for removing voters from the rolls. March Madness rolls on with the Final Four. 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 Georgia judge has rejected former President Donald Trump's request to dismiss election racketeering charges under the First Amendment. USA TODAY 2024 Campaign Reporter Zac Anderson talks about how Donald Trump has made the murder of Michigan woman Ruby Garcia part of immigration debate on the campaign trail. President Joe Biden gives an ultimatum to Israel. USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz looks at a study that found racial bias in AI chatbots. This year's hurricane season forecast includes the highest number of hurricanes ever predicted. 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.