The Excerpt

Since its inception, baseball has always had a place for female athletes. In fact, colleges and universities had women’s teams as far back as the 1860's. But at some point, women were shuffled into softball and opportunities to play hardball disappeared. Until now. Associate Professor of sports leadership and management at Miami University Callie Batts Maddox joins The Excerpt to talk about the launch of the Women's Pro Baseball League next year and what it will mean for women and girls who are passionate for the sport. 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 Donald Trump unveiled a budget blueprint on Friday. Plus, despite additions, some GOP senators slammed his defense budget for being too stingy. USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey talks about Stephen A. Smith as Democrats grapple with celebrity populism. A new policy means zero tolerance for visa holders. President Trump says he's revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status. USA TODAY Sports Columnist Dan Wolken discusses a renewed interest in aftercare for retired racehorses. 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.

Demonstrators rallied against the Trump administration in nationwide May Day protests. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses President Donald Trump's shakeup of his national security team. A judge rules Trump cannot use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants. Plus, the Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to intervene in its bid to strip temporary protected status for more than 300,000 Venezuelans. President Trump signs an order that aims to cut funding for PBS and NPR. USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt discusses the release of 'Rust' years after the on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. 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 happened to feminism in the twenty-first century? This is the foundational question at the heart of cultural critic Sophie Gilbert’s new book, “Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves.” In it, she argues that porn’s long cultural shadow has resulted in the hyper-objectification of women, presenting them as spectacles. What can a critical look at the postfeminist era teach us about how women can view themselves in a more empowered and healthy way? Sophie Gilbert is a staff writer at The Atlantic. 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 Ukraine have signed a mineral deal after weeks of tense negotiations. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé takes a look at some rough news for the country's GDP. House Republicans propose new immigration fees. USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer takes a closer look at President Trump's personal wealth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As of today, President Donald Trump has been in office for 100 days. In that short span of time, he has transformed American government. From public health to the economy, immigration to education, the second Trump Administration has affected changes that are singular in their scope and the speed at which they were made. While some Americans are pleased with Trump’s policies and executive orders, they’ve also thrust many Americans into uncertainty, anxiety and in some cases, detention. Listeners and viewers of The Excerpt should be very familiar with what Trump’s done in the past 100 days because The Excerpt has been breathlessly covering every executive order, every firing, every cut. But what’s been the impact to ordinary Americans? How are they feeling at Day 100? USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes joins The Excerpt to share reporting from across the network on how Americans are feeling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Senior Congress Reporter Riley Beggin breaks down what to know as the GOP starts work on a sweeping Trump priorities bill. Trump provides automakers some relief from 25% tariffs. Republicans propose a massive overhaul of student loans and Pell Grants. Congress passes a bill to outlaw deepfake pornography. USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning explains how President Trump’s coal push stirs hopes and worries in Appalachia. 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 does Canada's election mean for relations between the two countries? It's been 100 days in office for President Donald Trump. Plus, he gets some rough polling news. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes talks about civil liberties concerns as plainclothed ICE agents make detentions. President Trump signs an executive order highlighting sanctuary cities fighting immigration enforcement. Russian President Vladimir Putin declares a 3-day ceasefire with Ukraine in May. Trump says that's not good enough. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe says the high court appears likely to side with a student in a disability discrimination case. 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.

We asked: Do you support President Trump's actions so far? What concerns you about what he and his administration have executed on? Readers across the country shared their opinions with us. Forum is a series from USA TODAY's Opinion team, dedicated to showcasing views from across the political spectrum on issues that Americans are starkly divided on. If you'd like to weigh in on a different topic, you can find more questions at usatoday.com/forum. And if your submission is selected for print, we might invite you to add your voice to a future special bonus episode like this one. 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.

Congress will take up the fiscal 2026 budget proposal when lawmakers return to session Monday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was pressed Sunday by NBC News over child U.S. citizens removed from the country. USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier explains how home renovation costs will climb amid new tariffs. President Donald Trump said his meeting in Rome with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "went well." USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise talks about a brood of cicadas first recorded by the pilgrims. 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 quick Google search reveals many articles, commentaries, social media posts, and scholarly debates on whether or not America is sliding into an authoritarian state. But is that really what’s going on here? Or is calling the current political climate “authoritarian” simply a case of liberals being melodramatic? Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a professor of history and expert on fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and democracy protection at New York University, joins The Excerpt to share her expertise. 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. 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 some of President Donald Trump's recent comments to Time Magazine. A Milwaukee judge has been charged with federal felonies in an ICE case. Former Rep. George Santos has been sentenced to more than seven years after pleading guilty in 2024 to felony wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday. USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Charles Trepany breaks down why some people live separately from their spouses. 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.

There's been another shake-up at the Pentagon. President Donald Trump approaches 100 days in office. Here are 100 things that have changed. USA TODAY Education Reporter Zachary Schermele takes a look at a busy week for the Trump administration on education. A judge partly blocks a Trump order seeking to overhaul U.S. elections. USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise tells us about carnivorous 'bone collector' caterpillars. 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.

Most of us can say that we’re fans of something – music, sports, art, books. But what does it mean to be part of a fandom? You’ve probably seen devoted super fans participating in cos play at Comic-Con, painted in their team’s color at a football game or dressed up as their favorite characters at a midnight screening of a film series. But is there something deeper than just fun at play here? Something that aligns more with religion or even sacredness? That’s the argument of sociologist Michael Elliott, a professor at Towson University who has studied the culture of Comic-Con for 7 years. Elliott joins The Excerpt to share the results of his deep research into fandoms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Russia slammed Ukraine's capital overnight in the biggest attack on the city this year. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses some concerning polling news for President Donald Trump on the economy. President Trump signs an executive order boosting AI in K-12 schools. USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub explains how budget cuts are impacting important Alzheimer's research. It's NFL Draft Night. 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.

One of the most talked about and controversial cabinet appointments made by President Donald Trump has been that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic who has embraced several debunked health conspiracies. As secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, he now controls the Centers for Disease Control, which led the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Food & Drug Administration which looks after food safety, and many other consequential health subdepartments which safeguard the public's health. What changes has RFK Jr. enacted so far and what does the future of American health under his leadership look like? Dr. Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC, joins The Excerpt to share his concerns. 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 National Correspondent Marco della Cava talks about his experience covering conclaves and what to expect from the process to select a new pope. The Trump administration proposes a major shake-up of the State Department. Health Secretary RFK Jr. says eight artificial dyes will be phased out of the U.S. food supply. USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler discusses the latest on a pair of men deported to El Salvador. Tesla profits plummet. 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.

The world continues to react to the death of Pope Francis. His funeral is set for Saturday in Vatican City. Plus, what do American Catholics want from the next pope? USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise discusses a list of America's Climate Leaders when it comes to the corporate world. Harvard sues the Trump administration. Collection of defaulted student loans will restart May 5 for first time since the pandemic. USA TODAY Economy Reporter Rachel Barber breaks down what 2025 graduates want from their future employers. 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.

We asked: Why did Democrats lose in November? Does the Democratic Party need to transition ideologically? Forum is a series from USA TODAY's Opinion team, dedicated to showcasing views from across the political spectrum on issues that Americans are starkly divided on. Today you’ll hear from a few folks about how they view the current state of the Democratic Party. If you'd like to weigh in on a different topic, you can find more questions at usatoday.com/forum. And if your submission is selected for print, we might invite you to add your voice to a future special bonus episode like this one. 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.

Tennessean Religion Reporter Liam Adams discusses the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared Yemen attack plans with his wife, brother and lawyer in a group chat, according to a source. USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson discusses how President Donald Trump is leaning into the deportation fight as a battle he thinks he can win. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down the high court's decision to take on children's books and LGBTQ+ messages in school. 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.