SPECIAL | Why losing trust in expertise threatens democracy

From “follow the science” during COVID to universities accused of activism, the gap between experts and the public is widening. Roger Pielke Jr. explains why expertise doesn’t just mean a PhD, how media silos deepen divides, and why experts must serve all Americans—not just those who share their politics.* Please note, this interview was recorded on 8/19/25Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Rachel Barber puts the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut in context.President Donald Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday, when they're expected to mark a $205 billion package of U.S. investment into Britain.USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zachary Schermele breaks down dramatic testimony from ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez.Three law enforcement officers were killed and two were injured in a Pennsylvania shooting.Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show has been suspended indefinitely following the host's comments on the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Generative AI is now widely used to make artwork, music and even film – valuable cultural contributions that used to be exclusively the province of the creative class. Could AI-generated art start displacing human creators? And what about AI’s cultural influence on society writ large? Is AI generated art in the beginning of an artistic revolution or the stuff of a dystopian nightmare? Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor of Information Studies at UCLA, director of the UC Center for Global Digital Culture, and host of the Utopias podcast, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to unpack the many ethical and societal issues at play here. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to court documents, the 22-year-old had been planning the attack for a week.USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses how lawmakers grilled FBI Director Kash Patel over the investigation into Kirk's killing.The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has state terrorism charges dismissed in court.The United States will soon announce a buyer for TikTok, according to President Donald Trump.USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt talks about the legacy of Robert Redford, who has died at 89.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X that "Gaza is burning."USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson has the latest after President Donald Trump said the U.S. military conducted a second strike on what he described as "violent drug trafficking cartels" from Venezuela.Trump officials vow a crackdown on left-leaning groups they contend are promoting political violence.USA TODAY Trending Reporter Greta Cross discusses the apparent framework deal reached between the U.S. and China over the future of TikTok.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox gave some of the latest details on the Utah shooter during his appearances on Sunday news shows.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down why American farmers are feeling squeezed.A steady ocean pattern has failed for the first time ever observed.USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard wonders what's up with the semicolon.It was one of the most unpredictable Emmy Awards in years. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking before thousands at Utah Valley College. His death marks a new and unsettling chapter in America’s history of political violence. From lawmakers targeted in their homes to assassination attempts on presidential candidates, the toll is rising — and the nation is on edge. USA TODAY National Reporter Will Carless joins The Excerpt from Utah to unpack what we know about the Kirk shooting, why attacks on political figures are escalating, and whether the country is entering a dangerous cycle of retaliation and unrest.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. 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 Francesca Chambers discusses what Charlie Kirk’s death means in this moment for the White House. A U.S. Marine has been fired over a social media post mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk. A fatal shooting in Chicago after ICE agents shot and killed a man during an attempted arrest. USA TODAY National News reporter Andrea Riquier breaks down how a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, and other pressure points are shaping the economic picture.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Authorities have released new video of the suspected shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the aftermath of the shooting, USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Philip M. Bailey discusses how Democrats are addressing this fraught political moment. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted yesterday of plotting a coup. A federal judge in New York is allowing a lawsuit to move forward against Saudi Arabia over possible involvement in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Reporter Nancy Cutler of LOHUD.com, part of the USA TODAY network, shares why many of the victims of the 9/11 attacks and first responders continue to battle illnesses. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patagonia is worth billions. But founder Yvon Chouinard never wanted the title of billionaire. From his days as a dirtbag climber to his reluctant role as CEO, Chouinard built one of the world’s most influential outdoor brands — then shocked the business world by giving it all away. Author David Gelles whose biography of Chouinard "Dirtbag Billionaire" is out now, joins The Excerpt to talk about Chouinard’s unconventional life, his fight to align business with values, and what his legacy means for capitalism today.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.