Best-selling author James Patterson and viral librarian Mychal Threets talk about their shared love of books.

SPECIAL | James Patterson and Mychal Threets discuss book bans, library joy and their love of reading

USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt (formerly 5 Things), brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. We also deliver special deep-dive episodes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons on the most compelling topics in culture, entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Give us fifteen minutes a day, we'll give you all of the headlines, none of the chaos. Hosted by Taylor Wilson and Dana Taylor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The gates at the iconic Kentucky Derby will officially open May 4th, marking its 150th anniversary.

SPECIAL | Kentucky Derby celebrates 150th Run for the Roses

Pro-Palestinian protests continue on college campuses nationwide.

USA TODAY Congress and Campaigns Reporter Savannah Kuchar looks at the impact of Florida's six-week abortion ban. Plus, the Arizona Senate has voted to repeal a near-total 1864 abortion ban.

RFK Jr. proposes a 'no-spoiler' pledge with President Joe Biden to defeat former President Donald Trump.

The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady Wednesday.

USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub has the latest from a bird flu outbreak.




Episode Transcript available here 

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Police order dispersal of gathering at UCLA as protests continue nationwide

Can Caitlin Clark break barriers for women's sports at the pro level like she did in college?

SPECIAL | Women's basketball is bouncing back with fans

Police stormed a Columbia University building Tuesday amid ongoing protests.

Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial continues.

USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Karissa Waddick looks at why election polls matter.

The Biden administration plans to drastically change federal rules on marijuana.

USA TODAY Breaking News and Education Reporter Zach Schermele talks about the chaos caused for students nationwide amid delays in the college financial aid process.




Episode Transcript available here 

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Police in riot gear storm into building held by pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia

As campus protests continue nationwide, Columbia University has begun suspending students.

USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson has the latest on a tight race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Four law enforcement officers were killed while serving a warrant in North Carolina.

The death of Ohio man Frank Tyson, who told police 'I can't breathe,' has echoes of George Floyd.

USA TODAY Money, Markets and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee explains why you're better off renting than buying a home in major U.S. cities.




Episode Transcript available here 

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.

SPECIAL | James Patterson and Mychal Threets discuss book bans, library joy and their love of reading

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