WNBA hits a new peak, but money is still a sticking point

As the contract deadline of October 31st approaches, negotiations are at a standstill, and players and fans alike are contemplating the very real possibility of no 2026 season. What are the big sticking points and how might players pivot? USA TODAY Sports Columnist Nancy Armour and USA TODAY's National Women's Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson join USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into all of it. 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.

California voters are already casting ballots in what is likely the most important contest of 2025, one that will play a substantial role in deciding which party controls the U.S. House for the last two years of President Donald Trump's time in office. Many voters are frustrated, angry and wanting to push back against President Trump or Governor Gavin Newsom − from the rural, Republican North State to liberal enclaves along California's coast − with just weeks to go before the consequential November 4 election. USA TODAY Senior National Reporter Sarah D. Wire joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into what this special election means, not just for California, but for the country.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. Episode transcript available here.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 breaks down the indictment of Trump critic and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton in a documents investigation.A federal appeals court won’t allow President Donald Trump to deploy troops to Illinois as part of his recent crackdown. Plus, a Chicago judge orders ICE to wear body cams.USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer tells us why a judge blasted the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security.Trump unveils a new plan to expand access to IVF.The MLB Postseason rolls on.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 Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses what's at stake in a major redistricting case.President Donald Trump says he's considering strikes on land to combat Venezuelan drug cartels. Plus, the Trump administration has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert action in Venezuela.A judge temporarily halts Trump shutdown layoffs.USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman tells us about military families waiting for a paycheck during the government shutdown.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.

The federal government’s partial shutdown has reached its 15th day.President Donald Trump says Hamas will disarm or the U.S. will force them 'perhaps violently.'USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen recaps the move to award the late Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom.The Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones' appeal of a $1.4 billion Sandy Hook judgment.USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire tells us what to expect from this weekend's 'No Kings' protests.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 Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page puts President Donald Trump's role in recent Israel-Hamas peace proceedings in context.USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the government shutdown latest, as the Education Department lays off roughly 20% of its workforce.The collapse of coral reefs has driven the world across its first climate tipping point.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.

All remaining living Israeli hostages have been released, while some 2,000 detained Palestinians are released. Plus, President Donald Trump speaks to Israel's Parliament.USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee takes a look at recessions on the state level.Little progress emerges toward getting out of a government shutdown.USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer gives us some of the historical context behind the Insurrection Act.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 National Correspondent Michael Collins tells us about one family's fight to bring hostage loved ones home.Gazans trek to their ruined homes, as Trump plans a visit to the Middle East amid a ceasefire.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison breaks down President Donald Trump's mass layoffs of federal workers.Trump announces an additional 100% tariff on China imports.19 people are unaccounted for after an explosion at an explosive manufacturing plant in Tennessee.The Las Vegas Aces are WNBA champions. Where do they rank among the all-time best teams?The Seattle Mariners win an epic extra innings game to make their first ALCS since 2001.It's National Coming Out Day.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.

New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.Israeli forces start pulling back from parts of Gaza.USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria has the latest from Chicago as President Donald Trump's National Guard deployments face legal tests.The Trump administration airs a video at U.S. airports blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.USA TODAY Senior Crime Reporter Amanda Lee Myers explains why a Texas court stopped Robert Roberson's execution over questions about shaken baby syndrome. Listen to or watch our conversation with the lead investigator from the case 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.

This is banned books week. It’s a week that highlights how a few loud voices have shaped what kinds of books are pulled from school and library shelves. Who gets the final word, not on which books should be read, but on access? And what’s been the impact on those caught in a fight they didn’t start – our teachers and librarians? USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the banning of books.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.