The Excerpt

It’s been two years since the October 7th attacks on Israel. On that day in 2023, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage. In response, Israel unleashed a military campaign that has brought death and devastation to Gaza. Now President Trump, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, has unveiled a 20-point plan he says will bring a lasting peace to the region. On Oct. 3, Hamas said it agrees to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of Trump's plan and signalled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details. Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and a military historian joins The Excerpt with my colleague USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page to discuss the new peace plan. 

* Note: This conversation was recorded on October 1, 2025.

Episode transcript available here.

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President Donald Trump is calling on Israel to stop its Gaza bombing campaign to secure the safe extraction of remaining hostages, after Hamas agreed to portions of his peace plan.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen has the latest as lawmakers fail to get out of a government shutdown.

The shutdown is delaying a key jobs report.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson tells us about Trump's move to freeze funding for Chicago, amid a broader push to withhold funds from blue cities and states.

Diddy has been sentenced to 50 months in prison.

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For 75 years, Charles Schulz’s Peanuts gang has reflected our humor and hope, as well as our struggle to navigate some of life’s everyday curveballs. How is it that the characters he created so poignantly reflect how we experience other people and the world around us? And why do a ragtag group of comic strip kids who debuted in newspapers in 1950 post-war America, still resonate with children and adults around the world? Andrew Blauner, author of “THE PEANUTS PAPERS: Writers and Cartoonists on Charlie Brown, Snoopy & the Gang, and the Meaning of Life,” sat down with USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts gang and its enduring impact.

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President Donald Trump's approval ratings are historically low compared to other presidents, but have mostly plateaued in recent months.

USA TODAY First Amendment Reporter BrieAnna Frank breaks down a ruling against the Trump administration that found Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem misused their authority to target non-citizen pro-Palestinians for deportation.

The White House is encouraging leaders at nine universities to sign a compact committing their schools to adopt President Donald Trump's policy agenda for higher education in exchange for preferential access to federal funds.

The Pentagon tells Congress Trump has determined the U.S. is in 'armed conflict' with cartels.

USA TODAY National Music Writer Melissa Ruggieri chats about Taylor Swift's new album - "The Life of a Showgirl" - out today.

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Once known simply as a gossip guru, Charlamagne tha God – who reaches over 7 million monthly “Club” listeners – still gets "the tea.” USA TODAY Politics Reporter Jay Stahl joins The Excerpt to share excerpts from his sit-down with the political influencer.

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USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers takes a look at how the federal government shutdown is playing out politically, and gives us some insight into how Americans are being impacted.

FBI Director Kash Patel says he won't partner with the Anti-Defamation League over a James Comey link.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen explains how concerns over tariffs might loom over 2026 races.

We remember Jane Goodall.

Jews observe Yom Kippur.

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In the wake of the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's week-long suspension from "Jimmy Kimmel Live," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued a not-so-veiled threat on a podcast saying "we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way." David Inserra, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and an expert on First Amendment issues, joins The Excerpt to talk through the First Amendment and where the Constitutional line is for those in power.

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The federal government shut down at midnight. USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire gives us a better sense of one of the key issues at play - a fight over extending insurance subsidies.

A judge rules President Donald Trump's deportation moves against pro-Palestinian students are unconstitutional.

USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman recaps a controversial meeting of top military commanders in Virginia.

President Trump announces a deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices.

The MLB Playoffs are underway.

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President Donald Trump said he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reached a deal for peace in Gaza. But how do leaders in the enclave see the deal? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers has the latest.

Several people - including U.S. citizens - are seeking millions in damages after violent ICE arrests.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the latest as the clock ticks toward a government shutdown.

Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal is being considered at the Supreme Court.

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An assailant killed at least four people at a Michigan church during Sunday service. Plus, a suspect has been charged in a Saturday shooting in North Carolina.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington Monday.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses how some who grew up under authoritarian regimes are worried about what's happening stateside.

The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling with protesters during 2020 racial justice protests.

USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn tells us about Costco - and other retail - superfans.

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