SPECIAL | A beacon of American freedom and democracy may soon go silent

USA TODAY National Correspondent Phaedra Trethan gives us an introduction to Pope Leo XIV.The acting FEMA administrator has been replaced after contradicting President Donald Trump on abolishing the agency.USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson breaks down a trade deal between the U.S. and U.K.President Trump's budget aims to cut billions from environmental programs.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the second half of life could be just as healthy, active, and fulfilling as the first? Drawing on the latest science, world-renowned cardiologist and researcher Dr. Eric Topol challenges outdated ideas about aging and reveals how factors like exercise, sleep, social connection and cutting-edge AI tools can help us extend not just our lifespan—but our healthspan. Dr. Topol joins The Excerpt to share insights from his new book "Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity."Episode Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Fed left its key interest rate unchanged again Wednesday and gave no hint it plans to lower it soon.Commercial Appeal Criminal Justice Reporter Lucas Finton has the latest from Memphis after former police officers were found not guilty of murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols. All three former officers were separately convicted in federal court and still face time in federal prison.A nonpartisan analysis said millions of Americans could lose Medicaid health insurance coverage under different Republican Congressional proposals to cut spending.Airline CEOs rally behind Trump's air traffic control plan.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zach Schermele discusses how some think China could benefit from Trump defunding university research.Today is VE Day, marking 80 years since the end of the European theater in World War II.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected] Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a bulwark against the flood of propaganda and misinformation coming from China and Russia, the United States Agency for Global Media is a global beacon of American freedom and democracy, reaching nearly 500 million listeners every day. Two of the six entities underneath USAGM are Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. While a March executive order by President Donald Trump to dismantle them has been reversed by the courts, their continued existence is uncertain as Republicans hammer out a new budget that aims to deliver on the president’s agenda. Why should Americans care? Japhet Quitzon, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, joins The Excerpt to talk about the agency's historic role in spreading American culture and values.Episode Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There was some mixed news out of the courts Tuesday for President Donald Trump. The Supreme Court allowed his ban on transgender troops to take effect. Plus, a judge blocked him from shuttering an agency that funds museums and libraries.USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes tells us about a women's group that quilts for democracy.The Trump administration continues to suggest the Federal Emergency Management Agency could go away.USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn talks about the waning support from brands ahead of Pride Month.The REAL ID deadline is here.A papal conclave begins.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected] Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buried in an evidence room, a DNA swab held the key to catching a serial sex offender. But no one tested it for years. Detective Annie Harrison finally put the pieces together in two states 800 miles apart. This is the story of Untested, an exclusive true crime podcast from USA TODAY and Witness. The show's host, USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Gina Barton, joins The Excerpt to discuss the reporting that went into the series and why she thinks listeners should tune in.Subscribe hereEpisode Transcript available hereSee 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 Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy discusses a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul the Department of Health and Human Services.Israel readies a plan to seize all of Gaza.The Department of Homeland Security is offering $1,000 stipends and free airfare to immigrants who deport themselves.Trump says he knew 'nothing' about an AI image of him as the pope.USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee takes a look at new data showing seriously delinquent student loans jumped just as involuntary collections resume.Check out how dandyism looked at the Met Gala.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected] Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We received so many responses about President Trump's first 100 days in office that we created a second episode on what Americans are really thinking about Trump and his administration. 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 [email protected] Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty whether he must uphold the Constitution to carry out his deportation agenda and said he's not looking at running for a third White House term during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press."USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry discusses what activists are saying about Trump's first 100 days in office setting back civil rights protections.The new Trump budget proposal would reduce money for the nation's national parks, monuments, historic sites, seashores and trails by nearly 25%.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise talks through new findings on the dangers of plastic.In our latest installment of Kind Time, hear about a dog who became a hero. Plus, find more stories like this on Humankind.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected] Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 [email protected] Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.