Why Trump's plans for U.S. oil drilling are unlikely to cut gas prices and fix inflation, experts told USA TODAY.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks through how to become a 401(k) millionaire.

The U.S. deploys resources on drone sightings.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise takes a look at why Americans are obsessed with white Christmas.

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.

Who is 2024’s artist of the year? We all have our favorites, but you may recall Apple giving the early nod to Billie Eilish. The longest-running number one song of the year? "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey is not only the longest-running number one song of the year, but also of the decade. Madonna and Bad Bunny took the top spots on Pollstar’s list of the highest grossing tours of the year, but where did Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour land? A decade from now, what will we remember about 2024’s year in music? USA TODAY Music Reporter Melissa Ruggieri joins us on The Excerpt to break down some of the biggest music stories of the year.

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.

USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield explains how Dr. Mehmet Oz - President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - held millions in companies tied to Medicare.

A judge upholds the guilty plea of Trump co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro in the Georgia election case.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses how President Joe Biden is trying to Trump-proof his legacy.

McKinsey will pay $650 million after advising an opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales.

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.

President Joe Biden Thursday announced he is commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who were placed on home confinement during the COVID pandemic and pardoning 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes. For more on presidential pardons, check out our special episode.

USA TODAY National News Reporter Michael Loria talks about the rise in 3D-printed guns.

College students may soon benefit from two new bipartisan federal laws.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise discusses some of America's unusual Christmas food traditions.

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.

A foundational principle of the U.S. Constitution is the idea that no one is above the law. And yet, the power of the presidential pardon, based on the embrace of the concepts of mercy and amnesty, essentially guarantees that, in fact, a select few are actually not held accountable for crimes they have been found guilty of. President Joe Biden’s sweeping pardon of his son Hunter, after repeatedly promising he wouldn’t do it, is a case in point. What can the historical use of this awesome power tell us about how we should judge this political inflection point? USA TODAY Justice Correspondent Bart Jansen joins The Excerpt to dig into this complex and politically fraught topic.

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.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen looks at the decision by FBI Director Christopher Wray to resign.

House Republicans pass a defense policy bill that includes a contentious provision to ban certain types of medical care for transgender children of military service members.

USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Chris Quintana discusses how post-grad football lures players with a second shot at glory.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends self-tests to screen for cervical cancer.

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.

Approximately 800,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S. People living with chronic pain or in need of a better solution are taking the chance to go under the knife for a better quality of life. But it's an invasive procedure, often involving a several-days-long stay in the hospital followed by 6 months to a year of physical therapy. But what if there is another road to knee recovery, a less invasive one with a faster route to getting back to doing the things you love? CartiHeal implants, made from coral exoskeletons may just be the magic bullet for thousands whose knees are only partially damaged. Dr. Cassandra Lee, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at UC Davis, joins The Excerpt to discuss new treatment options.

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.

USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Charles Trepany takes a closer look at the fascination some have over a murder suspect.

President-elect Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James are sparring over the $485 million fraud case. Plus, Manhattan prosecutors urged a New York criminal court to keep Trump's hush money case alive.

Syria's interim leader says the country faces a lack of foreign currency.

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz discusses 'dry promotions,' and what employees can do about them.

77 Nobel Prize winners ask the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination.

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.

A 26-year-old suspect has been charged with murder in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson.

USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses how President-elect Donald Trump's takeover on foreign policy has begun.

The Supreme Court rejects a case pitting the 'spirit of Aloha' against gun owners' rights.

USA TODAY Trump Reporter Zac Anderson talks about whether Donald Trump can use Jill Biden's image to sell perfume.

Will the FDA ban red dye 3?

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.

Rebels have taken over Syria. What's next?

USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Sudiksha Kochi takes a look at the possibility of bipartisanship, as some Democrats signal support for certain Trump picks and initiatives.

Donald Trump says he'll begin pardoning Jan. 6 rioters on the 'first day' of his second term.

USA TODAY Education Reporter Zach Schermele explains how some universities are shifting guidance for students potentially impacted by Trump immigration policies.

Officials make it clear - some unpasteurized milk contains the bird flu virus.

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.