The Excerpt

The H-1B visa program — a key pipeline for skilled foreign workers in tech — has recently been upended by President Donald Trump. A recent executive order now mandates that companies to pay $100,000 per application, a move the White House says will protect American jobs.

But critics warn it could shrink the talent pool, raise costs and push innovation overseas. So what’s really changed, who benefits the most and how might this impact the economy? Daniel Costa, director of immigration law and policy research at the Economic Policy Institute, joins The Excerpt to unpack the issues.

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America’s high school seniors are falling behind. The decline in math and reading scores is more than a statistic. It’s a warning sign about our future. If the next generation is leaving high school and stepping into adulthood with fewer core educational skills than the generation before, where does that leave them as they try to compete at colleges and universities, and in the workforce? And where does it leave the nation when it comes to our global competitiveness? Martin West, Academic Dean at Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into the Nation’s Report Card.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Since June of 2025, thousands of National Guard troops have been deployed to four US cities – Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago and Memphis. And, if President Donald Trump has his way, Portland, Oregon, will be fifth on the list. Trump says the deployments are a push to crack down on crime and to support his widespread deportation efforts. But when a president deploys the National Guard over the objections of governors and local mayors, is the decision about keeping the peace, or testing the limits of executive power? USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to unpack the issues surrounding this unprecedented deployment of US troops on American soil.

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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.

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High costs. Limited supply. No insurance coverage. All of these are motivating some patients to cook up unregulated “gray GLP-1” drugs at home. Health experts are worried. Why are people willing to risk injecting homemade drugs in an unregulated, non-sterile medical environment and what needs to change before access and safety improve? USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Nicole Fallert joins The Excerpt to share her reporting on this alarming trend.

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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.

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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.

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