The Excerpt

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran breaks down the ACLU's lawsuit over immigrants sent to Guantanamo Bay, and tells us about one mother's anguish.

The Trump administration sues New York state over immigration.

75,000 federal workers take President Donald Trump's buyouts as the offer expires. Plus, in other news out of Washington, Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed by the Senate as national intelligence director. And - Trump says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin plan to meet in Saudi Arabia.

Grocery prices in January were up 0.5% from December, and up 1.9% from the same month last year.

USA TODAY TV Reporter Erin Jensen stops by with her Valentine's Day date Casey Johnson after a nationwide search.

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Icebergs are bellwethers of environmental changes. Their formation, movement and melting offer insights into some of the most extreme areas of the cryosphere, such as Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic Ocean. Scientists have long monitored icebergs because of their role in regulating our climate. But what do the sounds they make reveal? Geophysicist Vera Schlindwein, professor of polar and marine seismology at the University of Bremen in Germany, joins The Excerpt to discuss these breathtaking frozen wonders.

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USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page discusses what a reprieve for New York Mayor Eric Adams tells us about the Trump era.

American school teacher Marc Fogel has been released by Russia after more than three years in custody.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Michael Collins discusses worries over Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency gaining access to personal information. Plus, the Education Department will shield federal student aid data from DOGE – for now.

Flu cases surge to the highest levels in 15 years.

Monty the Giant Schnauzer wins Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show.

USA TODAY's 2025 Restaurants of the Year.

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Hamas says it will stop releasing hostages, while accusing Israel of ceasefire violations. Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement.

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down why a group of states sued over billions in research cuts.

Also in the courts, a judge extended the pause on a deadline for federal workers to decide on buyouts. Plus, a judge ruled the Trump White House failed to comply with a court order on frozen federal spending. And - refugee resettlement organizations asked a federal judge Monday to restore the U.S. refugee program.

In other White House news, Trump fired the government's top ethics official. And he's announced a plan to stop making new pennies.

USA TODAY Pentagon Correspondent Tom Vanden Brook digs into the Pentagon's revival of its ban on transgender troops joining the military.

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USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson discusses how Elon Musk is igniting a debate with moves at federal agencies.

The Philadelphia Eagles prevent the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat in the Super Bowl. Plus, Kendrick Lamar makes history at halftime.

President Donald Trump prepares tariffs on steel and aluminum.

USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire talks about some of the frustrations for federal employees amid a buyout offer.

Advocates are stepping up for Black History Month as federal agencies scale back.

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With climate change, the threat of wildfires, and human encroachment among other things, our trees and forests are in desperate need of guardians. From tropical rainforests, often referred to as the lungs of the planet, to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California’s White Mountains, home to some of the oldest living organisms on earth, what is being done to protect our woodlands? Forester and author Ethan Tapper joins The Excerpt to share both his practical and philosophical perspectives outlined in his new book, "How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World."

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USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer takes a look at some of the pushback in the courts to the Trump administration's early moves.

President Donald Trump says Elon Musk's next DOGE targets are the Pentagon and Education Department.

The Coast Guard finds the missing plane in Alaska and all 10 on board are believed dead.

The New York governor shuts down poultry markets after several cases of bird flu were detected in New York City.

USA TODAY Sports Video Executive Producer Christine Conetta gives us a look at her team's coverage of the build-up to the Super Bowl in this week's edition of Editor's Note.

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USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe has the latest on President Donald Trump's buyout offer and what's next in court.

President Trump signs an executive order targeting 'anti-Christian bias.'

The U.S. Treasury temporarily agrees to limit DOGE access.

Alaska rescue crews search for a missing airplane with 10 onboard.

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz takes a look at the conversation around potentially removing taxes on tips.

Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been sentenced after defrauding the baseball star.

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While agriculture is currently a greenhouse gas contributor, accounting for about 30% of global emissions, it's also being dramatically impacted by our warming planet. Many foods we consider essential will simply not be around for our children and grandchildren. But it’s not all doom and gloom. New tools and technologies hold incredible promise when it comes to not just slowing down climate change but actually fighting it. Culinary Entrepreneur Sam Kass, former chef to the Obamas, joins The Excerpt to help us understand the role of food and agriculture in the global fight against global warming.

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USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page takes a step back to look at the first few weeks of President Donald Trump's second term.

Anti-Trump and anti-Elon Musk protesters rally in cities across the country.

Trump signs an executive order targeting transgender women in sports.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé discusses why younger retirees depend mostly on Social Security.

New York Fashion Week is here!

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