SPECIAL | You're not crazy. Allergy season really is getting worse

The IRS may revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, following Trump threats.Sen. Chris Van Hollen demanded Wednesday that Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele release Kilmar Abrego Garcia.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé takes a look at the data on how investors are responding amid stock market worries.A judge blocks the Energy Department from slashing federal research funding.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses how budget cuts are creating restroom and visitor center closures at national parks.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The recent bankruptcy of genetic testing firm 23andMe has raised alarm bells for privacy advocates and consumers worried about their personal information. The data managed by 23andMe could eventually be used in any number of negative or nefarious ways, from discrimination to executing a sophisticated scam. And to be clear, this isn’t just a 23andMe problem. Bankruptcy and data theft are just as much a risk with other DNA testing firms. So, what should people know about privacy and genetic data security? Kayte Spector Bagdady, a member of the health law and bioethics faculty at the University of Michigan, joins The Excerpt to share a legal and medical perspective.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A judge Tuesday reprimanded the government for failing to return a Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers takes a look at President Donald Trump's approach to Russia's war in Ukraine, after he accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of starting the war.An aide to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been put on leave.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zachary Schermele explains why Trump is threatening to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

El Salvador's president says a wrongly deported man is not leaving a Salvadoran prison.USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee discusses a positive day for the stock market, and what might be next for tariffs.The U.S. exceeds 700 measles cases.The Trump administration froze billions in funding to Harvard after the school rejected demands.USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry discusses how President Donald Trump is targeting museums he said push divisive ideology.A new class of WNBA rookies has arrived.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We asked: What do you think of President Donald Trump's use of executive orders - and the use of them by presidents in general? Forum is new 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 more than 100 executive orders that Trump has pushed forward. 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.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A suspect is in custody after a suspected arson attempt on the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson looks into the potential implications of tariffs on GOP political fortunes.President Donald Trump's approval rating falls in a new CBS poll, amid serious economic concerns.USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter talks about how sacred sites are helping travelers reconnect.Rory McIlroy wins the Masters - and a career Grand Slam.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a recent expedition to Antarctica, researchers made a startling discovery after part of a huge ice sheet broke off. In the frigid waters originally hidden below, scientists discovered what appear to be new species of crustaceans, fish and other life forms. How is this possible and just how many more new life forms are waiting to be found? Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, joins The Excerpt to share details of this remarkable discovery. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The case of a Maryland man accidentally deported to a notorious El Salvador prison has galvanized public attention. Gabrielle Banks, an editor on USA TODAY's politics team, discusses the latest on the return plan for Kilmar Abrego Garcia based on a Friday hearing.A judge will not curb immigration enforcement in places of worship. Also, Nineteen state attorneys general ask a federal judge to block President Donald Trump's international student-visa cancellations. Plus, a judge rules that Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil can be deported.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison explains that Elon Musk lowered DOGE's projected savings dramatically.A Trump budget proposal would fully eliminate Head Start.A man has been arrested and charged with making online death threats against President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and ICE agents.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to begin the process of releasing Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador.China will increase tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%.Inflation eased in March.USA TODAY Congress Reporter Riley Beggin discusses the blueprint approved by House Republicans to start work on President Donald Trump's agenda. Plus, the House GOP passes a bill to require proof of citizenship for voter registration, and approves a bill to restrict the reach of judges.Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the Department of Health and Human Services will know the cause of the 'autism epidemic' by September.USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Charles Trepany recounts his stay at a real-life 'White Lotus' hotel, and the broader appeal of wellness travel.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s allergy season and that means sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes for many. If you’ve wondered if your allergies are getting worse, you’re not alone. New research shows that pollen season is getting longer and more intense. But why? Lew Ziska, associate professor at Columbia University and a co-author of a new study on pollen, joins The Excerpt to share the science behind an intensifying allergy season.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode Transcript available hereAlso available at art19.com/shows/5-ThingsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.