USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt (formerly 5 Things), brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. We also deliver special deep-dive episodes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons on the most compelling topics in culture, entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Give us fifteen minutes a day, we'll give you all of the headlines, none of the chaos. Hosted by Taylor Wilson and Dana Taylor.
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New Trump federal election interference indictment aims to satisfy Supreme Court
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There's a new federal election interference indictment against former President Donald Trump. USA TODAY Trump Campaign Reporter Zac Anderson reports on some of the latest TV ad spending by Donald Trump and whether Florida could be in play this fall. Donald Trump adds Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard to his 2024 transition team. An Israeli ho…
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More than 200 Bush, McCain, Romney alums endorse Harris for president
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USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses how hundreds of former aides of high profile Republican politicians have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith urged a federal appeals court Monday to reinstate the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump.…
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The next president will face these issues in office
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USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire takes an early look at some of the major issues facing the next president. Vice President Kamala Harris raised $82 million during the Democratic convention. Attacks by Israel and Hezbollah could fuel or ease tensions in the region. USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise discu…
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Beatlemania today: 60th anniversary of The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl
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The 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ legendary performance at the Hollywood Bowl was just a couple of days ago on August 23rd, 2024. Why is that date special? Has there ever been a group of fans who’ve hung on for this long? We’ll have to wait a long time to see, but Taylor Swift’s fans may give them a run for their money. Truthfully, there’s no de…
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RFK Jr. has suspended his campaign for president. A judge has reduced charges against former officers in the Louisville raid that killed Breonna Taylor. USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Claire Thornton discusses how evictions for making too many 911 calls happen. Fed Chair Jerome Powell says the 'time has come' to lower interest rates. College foot…
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Kamala Harris accepts Democratic presidential nomination
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Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted the Democratic nomination for president. USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page recaps the Democratic National Convention. Protesters against Israel's war in Gaza made their voice heard again Thursday night, though demonstrations throughout the week were modest. Arizona Republic County Watchdog Report…
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SPECIAL | Dozens of hostages are still being held by Hamas. Their families want them home.
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Sagui Dekel-Chen was 200 yards from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th when a group of Hamas terrorists stormed his home. The hours-long siege claimed the lives of 1200 people and 200 were taken hostage. Sagui was last heard from at 9:30 a.m. that Saturday morning before vanishing into Gaza. Ten months later, cease-fire talks are at an impasse and dozen…
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Tim Walz makes everyman pitch while accepting Democratic nomination for vice president
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took the stage Wednesday night in Chicago to accept his party's nomination for vice president. Plus, USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry relays what some voters are saying about Vice President Kamala Harris. Former President Donald Trump is heading back to court. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may drop out of the …
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SPECIAL | The clothing we discard is a problem. How do we fix that?
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Globally, we throw out about 92 million tons of clothing each year according to an analysis of data by The Ellen MacCarther Foundation. That discarded clothing ends up either in landfills or is burnt, both of which have undesirable environmental impacts. While many clothing materials are biodegradable in their original form, most clothing today is …
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Obamas fire up Dems for Harris on second day of convention
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Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention, where they amped up Democrats for Vice President Kamala Harris. USA TODAY Reporter Lauren Villagran discusses enthusiam among Latino voters for Kamala Harris. Ukraine hits Moscow with a drone attack. Native American…
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Biden says goodbye at Democratic National Convention
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President Joe Biden took the convention stage Monday. Plus, USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy speaks with Sen. Bernie Sanders. Protesters hit the Chicago streets over Gaza amid the convention. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi has the latest on former President Donald Trump's push to delay his hush…
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Zelenskyy says Ukraine creating 'buffer zone' in Russia to prevent attacks
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is creating a 'buffer zone' in Russia. The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago. USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry discusses the leadership role Black women hold at this week's convention. Chicago braces for the convention with major security measures. USA TOD…
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Why do disparities in medical care persist?
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Earlier this year, a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal found widespread racial and ethnic disparities in medical care, treatment, and health outcomes across all pediatric specialties. That there are healthcare inequities in America that disproportionately affect marginalized communities isn’t news. But why do these dis…
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USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee takes a look at Vice President Kamala Harris' economic priorities revealed Friday. Kamala Harris is doing well with Black voters in key battleground states, while gaps remain. Migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border plunge. USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran looks at…
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Riots in the UK spurred by racist posts on social media. Experts warn of a repeat in the US
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USA TODAY National Correspondent Will Carless discusses recent violent outbursts in Britain, and whether they could move stateside. The Gaza death toll passes 40,000. USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer puts the hack of former President Donald Trump's campaign in context. The vice presidential debate is set. Five people have been c…
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SPECIAL | The chilling story of a serial killer with a Border Patrol badge
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In 2018, four female sex workers were brutally murdered in the span of 12 days in Laredo, Texas, shocking their small border community. A few hours after the last victim was murdered, an unlikely suspect was arrested: a ten-year veteran of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. During his trial, the prosecution argued that Juan David Ortiz used hi…
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Harris leads Trump in 5 battleground states, poll finds
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Vice President Kamala Harris is ahead or tied with former President Donald Trump in six of seven battleground states, according to a new survey. Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has resigned. USA TODAY Reporter Lucy Tompkins explains how a housing voucher program is failing poor families. The World Health Organization declares mpox a g…
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SPECIAL | New laws restrict voter access, disenfranchise thousands in swing states
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In response to former President Donald Trump’s lies about a stolen election in 2020, many state legislatures implemented new laws restricting voter access to curtail the non-existent fraud. Will this make it harder for registered Americans who are legally allowed to vote to cast their ballots in November? USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield…
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US approves $20 billion Israel arms package
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U.S. officials have approved a $20 billion arms package for Israel. USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub looks at how Floridians view a major abortion amendment, according to a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University/WSVN-TV poll. Rep. Ilhan Omar wins a closely watched primary after two losses for the progressive 'Squad.' The UAW has filed labor char…
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FBI probes Trump hack, Harris team says it was also targeted
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The FBI is investigating allegations that Iranian cyber agents breached Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. USA TODAY Trump Campaign Reporter Zac Anderson breaks down new USA TODAY/Suffolk University polling data from Florida, highlighting potential issues for the former president. Elon Musk sat down with former President Donald Trump amid tech i…
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How race, police and mental health collided in America's heartland
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USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses what's next for the country after this summer's deputy fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. The Trump campaign says 'hostile' foreign sources hacked and leaked internal documents. USA TODAY Trump Campaign Reporter Zac Anderson takes a look at former President Donald Trump's shift in approach. That…
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Remembering comedic genius Robin Williams with son Zak
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Robin Williams was an Oscar-winning actor and comedian best known for his improvisational skills. From his role as a radio broadcaster in “Good Morning Vietnam” to his portrayal of a man grappling with the karmic repercussions of his wife in “What Dreams May Come,” he had a powerful repertoire. Robin died 10 years ago today at the age of 63. The of…
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Illinois sheriff will retire amid criticism over the killing of Sonya Massey
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An Illinois sheriff will retire in the wake of the deputy killing of Sonya Massey. Sixty-one people are dead after a plane crash in Brazil. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks about new rules for withdrawing from a 401(k). Americans are in favor of reforming the Supreme Court, according to a new USA TODAY/Ipsos poll. USA TODAY …
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Harris and Trump will debate in September
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Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will debate in September. USA TODAY Pentagon Correspondent Tom Vanden Brook discusses why the Trump campaign is going after Harris running mate Tim Walz's military history. Are you getting headaches after Tropical Storm Debby? There's a likely cause. USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter …
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SPECIAL | Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency is historic. Is America ready?
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It’s been just over two weeks since President Joe Biden took the extraordinary step of stepping down from the 2024 presidential race, making Vice President Kamala Harris only the second female to ever make it to the top of a presidential ticket, and the first female of color to do so. Is the country ready? What lessons can Harris’ communication tea…
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JD Vance endorsed a book calling far-left 'unhumans,' and praising fascist dictators
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USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer takes a closer look at Sen. JD Vance's blurb in a controversial book. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is calling for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign after the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts have been canceled after a planned terrorist attack. USA TODA…
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SPECIAL | House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi shares the story of her political journey
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Nancy Pelosi has been the most powerful woman in American history. She was the first female speaker of the House and remains an influential adviser to presidents, including Joe Biden in recent weeks. She was instrumental in passing everything from the 2008 financial bailout to the Affordable Care Act. But in her new book "The Art of Power" Pelosi s…
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Kamala Harris unveils Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as running mate
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USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison breaks down Vice President Kamala Harris' choice for a running mate. An Iran-linked plotter who may have targeted former President Donald Trump has been arrested. The EPA bans a pesticide in a historic move. The stock market recovers after days of losses. USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth W…
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Wall Street hammered amid plunging global markets
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USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee explains what happened to the markets Monday. The Supreme Court rejects Missouri's effort to delay former President Donald Trump's hush money sentencing. A man is charged with threatening Vice President Kamala Harris and other top elected officials. USA TODAY Pentagon Correspondent Tom Vanden…
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USA TODAY Campaign Reporter Zac Anderson discusses the Trump campaign's latest approach to JD Vance amid controversies. Debby strengthens to a Category 1 hurricane as it moves closer to Florida. Colleges keep closing. Are regulators doing enough to warn students? USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise discusses why sharks are moving close…
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The AI doom loop is real. How can we harness its strength?
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As the world changes, we must adapt to it. Enter AI. Type ‘losing jobs to AI’ in your search engine and the headlines generated: AI will shrink workforces, AI blamed for the most job losses ever, AI is coming for the professional class – are stark. How can we break out of the AI doom loop and focus on using it to our advantage? Best-selling author …
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The story behind the historic prisoner exchange with Russia
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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 Austi…
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American hostages released in largest prisoner swap since the Cold War
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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 terr…
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SPECIAL | Is population decline a problem to solve or just one to rethink?
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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 …
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Donald Trump questions Kamala Harris' racial identity, Harris says Americans deserve better
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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 Za…
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SPECIAL | Giant pandas return to nation's capital by end of year
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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 …
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Hamas' top political leader Ismail Haniyeh killed during raid in Iran
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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 C…
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Biden calls for sweeping Supreme Court changes
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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. …
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Vigils honor Sonya Massey as calls for justice grow
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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…
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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 expl…
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Unique opening ceremony kicks off Paris Olympics
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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 for…
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Harris pushes Netanyahu to end war in Gaza
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met separately with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday. Harris defends Israel but laments "suffering" in Gaza. USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson discusses how the age question has flipped in the presidential election. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor …
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SPECIAL | How will history remember President Joe Biden?
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President Joe Biden spoke from the White House to the nation on Wednesday evening, following concerns about his mental fitness that have dogged him since his disastrous debate performance in June. What led to his unprecedented decision to bow out of the presidential race, and was he able to reassure Americans that he’s mentally fit to remain as the…
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Biden leaves to Harris the race he wanted to run
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President Joe Biden spoke to the nation Wednesday, passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi has the latest on investigations into the shooter's motive in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers discusses Israe…
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SPECIAL | Team USA Olympics BMX Racer Cam Wood on the 'adrenaline rush' of competing
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Reaching speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour, BMX racers at the 2024 Paris Olympics will have more than just a medal on the line. This sport can also be deadly. A relatively new competition in the Olympics, BMX racing was added to the 2008 Beijing games as part of a strategy to attract a younger audience. And based on the recent addition of other ac…
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Black women mobilize for Harris campaign but brace for backlash
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USA TODAY National Correspondent Deborah Barfield Berry discusses how Black women are mobilizing for Vice President Kamala Harris' push for the White House. Sen. Bob Menendez will resign, following his corruption conviction. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned in the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Tru…
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What's next after Democrats' gamble on 2024 election?
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USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page looks ahead to the next weeks and months after President Joe Biden's historic decision. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris secures the delegates needed to become nominee. Delta Air Lines continues to see major disruptions after last week's IT outage. USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer r…
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Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race
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USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses President Joe Biden's decision to end his bid for reelection. How's the Trump campaign responding after Biden's decision? Is America ready for a President Kamala Harris? USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub breaks down new findings into the worldwide risk of animal-to-human disease sp…
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Can Olympics officials get doping under control?
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Athletes have lost faith in the World Anti-Doping Agency, also known as Wada. That’s what we heard from Michael Phelps, the U.S. Olympian with the most medals in history. Phelps made the statement during Congressional testimony he gave in June referring to drug tests given in the leadup to the 2021 games in Tokyo which found that 23 Chinese swimmer…
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Global tech outage grounds flights, hits banks and businesses
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A tech outage affected businesses, travel and more around the world Friday. What happened? USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer discusses whether Secret Service agents followed protocols in the moments after a shooter opened fire on former President Donald Trump a week ago. A Russian court sentences Wall Street Journal reporter Evan…
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