The Excerpt

It's been just over 50 years since President Richard Nixon declared a war on drugs. Since then, drug policy at the state level has mostly been progressing toward legalization, embracing liberal attitudes that aim to destigmatize drug use. But that experiment may soon be drawing to a close. In the wake of surging overdose deaths, Oregon has recently moved to recriminalize drug use and possession. Are we back to square one? Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, joins The Excerpt to argue that policy makers simply didn't put the right safeguards in place.

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Princess Kate has been diagnosed with cancer. What's that mean for the Royal Family?

Gunmen killed more than 60 in a Russia concert attack.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes looks at the politically charged climate around electric vehicles.

Congress passes a spending bill after a short government shutdown.

Parents think their kids are doing well in school. They're often wrong.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry discusses how new museums are changing the way Black history is told.

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USA TODAY National Correspondent Will Carless looks at an Air Force Academy plan to monitor online extremism.

The Justice Department sues Apple.

USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub explains the medical significance of the first-ever kidney transplant from a gene-edited pig.

The U.S. fails to crack the top 20 in the World Happiness Report.

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The classic storybook version of happy ever after typically involves meeting someone, falling in love, getting married and starting a family. But what if that dream isn’t one you share? What happens when the way you define romantic relationships and love doesn’t align with societal norms? Enter polyamory, popularized by reality shows like the Peacock network’s "Couple to Throuple." Are we ready to open up our definition of love to accommodate these other relationships? Joining The Excerpt to discuss ethical non-monogamy is Leanne Yau, non-monogamy educator, sex positivity advocate, and queer therapist in training.

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Tens of millions of Americans drink water from systems reporting PFAS to the EPA. How safe is your water? See a map here. Plus, listen to a special episode on microplastics.

The Federal Reserve leaves its key interest rate unchanged. Plus, President Joe Biden cancels billions more in student debt.

USA TODAY Money and Consumer News Editor Charisse Jones looks at pensions, and whether they could make a comeback.

USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn talks about workers pushing back against losing their PTO.

Scientists consider fighting climate change by making clouds brighter and thicker.

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One of the many ways the COVID pandemic upended education was with regards to college admissions. Widespread lockdowns meant that in-person tests like the SAT and ACT were no longer offered. That led dozens of high-end universities to drop those requirements. Many thought this was a good thing, leveling the playing field for disadvantaged applicants. But recently, there’s been a trend to reverse that. Which students are being hurt by this decision and which ones are getting a leg up? Our guest, John Friedman, Professor of Economics at Brown University and Co-Director of Opportunity Insights at Harvard University, studies the impact of standardized testing on social capital and economic mobility.

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A federal appeals court has put a controversial Texas immigration law back on hold.

Bernie Moreno won the Ohio Senate Republican primary, setting up a high-stakes battle in November. Plus, other contests were held in California and Illinois.

USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler has exclusive reporting on how kids can easily access ammunition online.

President Joe Biden and lawmakers have announced a government funding deal that could avert a shutdown.

Ukraine is open to aid in the form of a loan being pushed by some Republicans.

USA TODAY Education Reporter Alia Wong discusses Muslim students' challenges during Ramadan.

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Lawyers for former President Donald Trump say the $454 million bond is a 'practical impossibility.' USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi reports.

The UN warns of dangerous hunger levels in Gaza.

The Supreme Court has extended a hold on a Texas law giving police the power to arrest migrants who illegally enter the U.S. Plus, the high court lets stand a ban against the Cowboys for Trump co-founder using the 14th Amendment.

USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield explains how far-right conspiracy theories threw a voter integrity system into peril.

See the Washington, D.C. cherry blossom trees as peak season nears.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin wins another election.

USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson looks into whether the presidential candidates could drop out of the race.

Is the Great Resignation over? Not entirely. Turnover remains high in some industries.

USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub examines why health care isn't a bigger issue on the campaign trail.

March Madness is here! Enter USA TODAY's NCAA Tournament bracket contest.

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March is Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contribution to history, culture and society. Former Irish President Mary Robinson, current Chair of The Elders, has been at the forefront of the fight for gender equality, especially when it comes to the climate crisis. Today she joins The Excerpt to talk about why women need to lead the next phase of the climate justice movement to ensure a livable world in the future.

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