The Excerpt

If a person is convicted of a crime, they may be sentenced to prison. Upon release, technically, they're free again. The catch is that now they have a criminal record that will likely follow them everywhere they go. So, when does the sentence end? For most people, the answer is never. 70 million Americans have some sort of criminal record. Twelve states have recently passed laws allowing low-level convictions to be expunged from records if certain requirements are met. In recognition of Second Chance Month, we ask: should everyone get a chance at a clean slate? Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative, an organization working to get all 50 states to offer automatic record clearance, joins The Excerpt to discuss the ramifications of living with a criminal record.

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Congress has passed legislation that puts the future of TikTok up in the air. USA TODAY Congress & Campaigns Reporter Riley Beggin breaks it down.

Israel slams northern Gaza, while Hamas calls for an escalation. Plus, campus protests continue.

The Department of Justice will pay nearly $139 million to survivors of Larry Nassar's sexual abuse in a settlement.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent David Jackson looks at former President Donald Trump's ongoing strategy of campaigning from the courthouse.

The Biden administration has announced a rule that would make millions of workers newly eligible for overtime pay.

Contact has been restored with NASA’s Voyager 1 space probe.

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USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi recaps opening arguments in Donald Trump's hush money trial.

A judge approves safeguards for Donald Trump's $175 million civil business fraud appeal bond.

Tensions over the Israel-Hamas war continue on college campuses.

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down a major case centered on ticketing the homeless.

Britain approves a Rwanda asylum seekers plan.

The World Anti-Doping Agency says 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive before Tokyo Olympics.

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USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen previews the second week of former President Donald Trump's hush money trial.

The New York attorney general's office asks a judge to reject the $175 million bond in Donald Trump's civil business fraud case.

It'll be a busy week at the Supreme Court.

The House approves an anti-TikTok measure.

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran looks at why Donald Trump's comments on oil and immigration are at odds.

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Earth Day falls on April 22nd this year. And as with every Earth Day, it’s a chance to slow down and take stock of where we are with climate change and the state of the planet. While the drumbeat of alarming climate change news continues unabated - it's been the hottest year, we have the warmest oceans, and most severe weather on record - some scientists argue that humanity is actually on the cusp of broad, positive change. Even though the years ahead may be rough, as climate warms beyond what had been hoped for, these scientists are feeling “urgent optimism” for what could be the first generation to achieve a sustainable world. USA TODAY National Correspondent for climate and energy transition, Elizabeth Wiese, joins The Excerpt podcast to explain the many reasons to feel hopeful today about the future of our planet.

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A man set himself on fire Friday at the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is taking place.

A bill that could effectively ban TikTok picks up steam in Congress. Plus, another GOP lawmaker says he will support efforts to oust Mike Johnson from the speakership.

USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses Republican efforts to push back on voter fraud.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes the Michigan presidential ballot as an independent candidate.

USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn discusses a wave of young people glorifying the Columbine shooters on the 25th anniversary of the high school shooting.

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Israel has launched strikes on Iran. But Tehran is playing down the incident.

Police arrest more than a hundred protesters at Columbia University.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers talks about a Biden surrogate working to bring frustrated voters to the president.

Florida bans local water break rules.

USA TODAY National Music Writer Melissa Ruggieri breaks down Taylor Swift's new album.

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Could the woolly mammoth really be brought back to life? Ben Lamm thinks so. He’s the CEO and Co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, a company at the heart of an evolving science that aims to see this ancient animal and others return in the name of preserving and promoting biodiversity. According to him, the success of this work could just be the ticket that saves humanity. Lamm joined The Excerpt podcast to talk about the possible impacts and the ongoing ethical debate around de-extinction.

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The Senate has killed both impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison talks about President Joe Biden's comments on tripling the rates of tariffs on steel and aluminum from China.

Former President Donald Trump is funneling campaign money into cash-strapped businesses.

USA TODAY Breaking News and Education Reporter Zach Schermele breaks down the Columbia University president's testimony before Congress Wednesday on campus antisemitism.

The FAA has lifted its ground stop of Alaska Airlines flights after system issues were resolved.

Happy National Exercise Day! Want to stay fit? Here are some ways.

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If you’re a woman who is part of Generation X or the baby boomers, then you probably, like me, spent your Monday nights growing up watching one of America’s most enduring and endearing TV series. The show followed the wholesome Ingalls family and their life in Walnut Grove, Minnesota in the 1800s, loosely based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The show’s star was Melissa Gilbert who played little Laura Ingalls, an optimistic, curious and mischievous young girl who quickly became America’s sweetheart. The pilot for the show aired 50 years ago on March 30th on NBC and the series ran for a remarkable nine seasons. Melissa joins The Excerpt to talk about the show's outsized impact on American culture and share her experience being part of it.

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