The Excerpt

The story behind the historic agreement that freed US prisoners in Russia involved months of delicate negotiations. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Michael Collins shares what went on behind-the-scenes to make the deal happen.

Vice President Kamala Harris officially becomes the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III reverses an offer by military prosecutors to put the death penalty back on the table for the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and two accomplices.

U.S. hiring slowed substantially in July as employers added fewer jobs amid persistently high inflation and the looming threat of a recession.

What started with a car fire in northern California's Bidwell Park has grown to the fourth-largest wildfire in the state's history. 

Climate change is causing one of Hawaii’s most popular spots — Waikiki beach — to disappear. USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Kathleen Wong shares the impact this could have on the tourism industry.

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A historic prisoner swap between NATO nations and Russia results in 24 people being released, including three detained American citizens and one permanent American resident. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers takes us behind the scenes to share details of this historic deal.

From outrage to agreement, families react to 9/11 terrorist plea deals announced earlier in the week.

A conservative activist is going after iconic American brands, claiming their diversity, equity and inclusion policies betray their socially conservative customers.

Americans are being overcharged for health care that should have been free or covered by their health insurance.

Plus, Simone Biles is officially the gymnastics GOAT, with her ninth Olympic medal overall. 

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Across the globe, populations are in precipitous decline. People are simply not having children at the fertility rate needed to sustain our global demography. Here in the U.S., the fertility rate in 2023 hit a historic low, according to the CDC. That means not enough new workers, on whose taxes the rest of us depend as we age. What else do we need to know about the issue, and importantly, what can be done about it? Jennifer Sciubba, President and CEO of the non-profit Population Reference Bureau, joins The Excerpt to offer a new perspective on the issue.

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Former President Donald Trump, during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists Annual Convention, questioned Kamala Harris' racial identity. Harris said it was the "same old show."

President Joe Biden’s new Title IX rules are all set to take effect Thursday. But not everywhere. USA TODAY Education and Breaking News Reporter Zach Schermele explains.

Firefighters battle massive wildfires in California and Colorado.

USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub discusses the ALS ice bucket challenge ten years later, and why it's making a comeback.

Swimmer Katie Ledecky goes for more history at the Paris Olympics.

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What does it take to be a successful international diplomat? For some, the secret is a distinctive coat of black and white fur and a love of bamboo. The China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Smithsonian National Zoo have reached a 10-year agreement that will bring two new giant pandas to the U.S. by the end of this year. The announcement came just six months following the departure of their last two pandas. What do we know so far about this latest installment of panda diplomacy? National Zoo Director Brandie Smith joins The Excerpt to talk about the distinct personalities of Qing Bao and Bao Li and what visitors and panda cam viewers can expect to see.

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Hamas' top political leader has been killed. The incident came hours after Israel said it killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut in retaliation for a rocket attack on a soccer field in the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.

Some new clues emerge about Vice President Kamala Harris' timeline and choice for running mate.

Des Moines Register Chief Politics Reporter Brianne Pfannenstiel looks back at Kamala Harris' failure in 2019, and what may be different this time.

Local police spotted Thomas Matthew Crooks' gun before his assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. That was one of several takeaways during Senate testimony Tuesday.

USA TODAY Sports Columnist Nancy Armour breaks down the U.S. women's gymnastics team gold medal, and what this moment means for star Simone Biles.

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Here's what to know about President Joe Biden's election-year proposals to change the Supreme Court.

The sheriff in charge of the deputy who killed Sonya Massey declines to resign, while asking for forgiveness.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Will Carless discusses how some Project 2025 contributors have a history of racist writings and activity.

USA TODAY Trending News Reporter Kinsey Crowley takes a look at former President Donald Trump's policy proposals on crime.

Iowa's six-week abortion ban is now in effect.

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Protests and vigils continued around the country over the weekend in remembrance of Sonya Massey. The Black woman was shot and killed by a white sheriff's deputy in her Illinois home earlier this month.

Venezuela's electoral authority said overnight that Nicolas Maduro won a third term, despite multiple exit polls pointing to an opposition win.

USA TODAY Education and Breaking News Reporter Zach Schermele discusses how many teachers are ready to get back in the classroom after a historic summer of current events.

Get ready for Day 3 at the Paris Olympics.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks about why young investors are shifting away from stocks.

The platypus is in trouble. But researchers have a plan to help.

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In just two days, the United Nations will commemorate its World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The theme this year is "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking." Children, particularly girls, remain at great risk here. A staggering 1 in 3 victims of human trafficking globally is a child. How can we prevent this type of exploitation and what’s being done to end human trafficking both in the U.S. and globally? Emma Ecker, a Senior Policy Specialist with Freedom Network USA, the largest coalition working on human trafficking in America, joins The Excerpt to share the progress that's been made and lay out the challenges that continue to impede efforts to end the practice altogether.

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The Paris Olympics are officially here after an opening ceremony to remember along the River Seine on Friday. Check out the upcoming events.

The Obamas endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for president.

Tennessean Business Reporter Hadley Hitson talks about the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency as former President Donald Trump is set to speak at Bitcoin2024.

The co-founder and alleged leader of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, along with the son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman have been arrested.

USA TODAY Consumer Reporter Betty Lin-Fisher discusses how and why many Americans are working side hustles.

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