The Excerpt

With the world’s largest economy and its highest GDP, you might think the United States would have the world’s happiest citizens. But you’d be wrong. This year, when the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network released its annual World Happiness Report, the U.S. had dropped out of the top 20, landing at 23rd on the list. The reason? America's youth are deeply unhappy. What societal and cultural factors are at play here? Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Centre and a professor of economics and behavioral science, joins The Excerpt to share his insights into what truly makes people happy.

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USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Bart Jansen looks at former President Donald Trump's Friday comments following his hush money case conviction.

President Joe Biden said Israel has offered a new cease-fire proposal.

Some pro-Palestinian student protesters say schools are withholding diplomas.

USA TODAY National Reporter Lauren Villagran puts Mexico's presidential election Sunday in context.

Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has died.

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USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi breaks down the jury's guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money case.

Across battleground states, voters react to Trump's guilty verdict with a mix of emotions.

USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter discusses a plan Boeing has submitted to the FAA to address quality-control issues.

The NBA Finals matchup is now set.

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National landmarks hold a special place in American history in their celebration of the unique American places that tell our story. Whether that story is the incredible natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, or the man-made wonder carved into Mount Rushmore, these are the places that inspire awe and invite reflection. But some historic landmarks reflect competing visions of American history, and in an election year, may be used to stoke a cultural divide. Which view of our American national landmarks resonates with you? USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran joins The Excerpt to discuss who controls the narrative.

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USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson reports on how campaigns for former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are preparing post-verdict strategies.

Bird flu outbreaks continue nationwide.

The nation's top hurricane forecaster has five warnings as hurricane season begins.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks about how many Americans are viewing fast food as a luxury.

Negro Leagues' statistics will be incorporated into Major League Baseball’s historical records.

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As another very hot summer approaches, a surge in demand for air conditioning is inevitable. But the nation’s electrical grid is aging and overtaxed in some areas. There were major failures last year in Texas. Meanwhile, solar and wind projects want access to new customers while oil and gas interests would prefer that this not happen so fast. The established utilities want to keep their monopolies after all. How can regulators, businesses and government leaders navigate this minefield successfully to benefit the American people? Ari Peskoe, the director of the Electricity Law Initiative at Harvard Law School’s Environment and Energy Law Program, has some ideas for what could help reinforce the country's electrical infrastructure.

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USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi has the latest after closing arguments in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial wrapped up.

Democrats will nominate President Joe Biden in a virtual session to ensure he's on the Ohio ballot.

USA TODAY Investigative Data Reporter Austin Fast has the latest on PFAS chemicals and efforts by some utilities to get them out of the water supply. Check out the PFAS levels in your neck of the woods.

Americans keep leaving big cities for smaller towns even after COVID.

NASA has discovered a potentially habitable exoplanet 40 light years from Earth.

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Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial moves to closing arguments.

USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard looks at the implications of a decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognize the state of Palestine.

Financial aid experts are raising new concerns about a difficult timeline for students hoping to rely on financial aid this summer.

USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn discusses how some brands are pulling back on Pride Month merch and promotions.

Basketball legend Bill Walton has died at 71.

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Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 35 in southern Gaza.

USA TODAY Reporter Karissa Waddick explains what Vietnam War activists are saying decades later, amid current college protests against Israel's war in Gaza.

Tornadoes kill at least 15 in the central U.S.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise explains why orcas near Spain have been ramming and sinking boats in recent years. Check out our Deep Dive episode on orcas with Michael Weiss, research director at the Center for Whale Research.

It's Memorial Day. Take a minute of silence to remember fallen soldiers.

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Sales for electric vehicles in the U.S. and worldwide will reach their highest levels ever this year. But a big sticking point remains. Even with tax incentives and rebates, the price for EVs is still thousands of dollars higher than their gas-guzzling cousins. The Biden administration set 2030 as the goal for when half of all new vehicles sold would be electric powered. The question is, can we get there? Duncan Wood, vice president for strategy & new initiatives at the Wilson Center, a non-profit thinktank, joins The Excerpt to talk about the possibilities and what it will take for this growing market to mature.

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