Taylor Wilson
Appearances
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Mike Simpson from Idaho, a dentist, expressed concerns to Kennedy about the fluoride issue, noting that the Food and Drug Administration, an agency of the HHS, announced it had begun removing ingestible fluoride supplements for children. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water, soil, and air, and has been demonstrated to prevent dental cavities and tooth decay.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
For decades, it's been added to community water supplies and dental products like toothpaste. Utah has become the first state to remove fluoride from its drinking water, a ban that went into effect earlier this month. Florida and Ohio are also considering bans.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Congressman also criticized the decision by the National Institutes of Health, which Kennedy oversees, to cut programs that research critical medical issues like maternal health, Alzheimer's treatment, and youth mental health. You can read more with a link in today's show notes. International students bring billions to the U.S., but that may be changing.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
I spoke with USA Today education reporter Zach Shermaly to learn more. Hello, Zach. Hey, Taylor. Thanks for having me. Thanks for hopping on. So just starting here, kind of backtracking a little bit. What actions have we seen really from the Trump administration as it pertains to foreign students?
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
defended the president's proposed cuts to top health agencies as committee members in the House and Senate peppered him with questions on a number of health topics and spending. Many questions revolved around the secretary's response to a measles epidemic, which last week crossed the 1,000 cases mark in the U.S., the largest single outbreak in 25 years.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
So just in terms of how big a deal this might be, losing this block of students for the university, Zach, I mean, it seems like a massive deal.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
You mentioned other countries earlier, Zach. I mean, are other countries stepping in to try and maybe lure international students to their own schools? Of course, this has always happened, but even more so in this moment.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Strong words. We'll see where this conversation goes next. Zach Shurmley covers education for USA Today. Thank you, Zach. Thanks, Taylor. Higher education is not alone in pushing back against the Trump administration's immigration policies. Another fiery hearing on Capitol Hill yesterday involved Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
She accused a House Democrat of defending a terrorist after he suggested she was ignoring a court order to return a Salvadoran immigrant who was mistakenly deported. Representative Dan Goldman asked Noem at a House Homeland Security Committee meeting what she had done to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. after his removal in March as an alleged member of MS-13.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Garcia denies gang membership and had an immigration court order protecting him from deportation, which the administration acknowledged was an administrative error. Meanwhile, Harvard scientist Ksenia Petrova has been charged with smuggling as the Russian national fights for her freedom from immigration detention.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Good morning, I'm Taylor Wilson, and today is Thursday, May 15th, 2025. This is The Excerpt. Today we break down a fiery hearing over health and RFK Jr. 's plans, plus international college students bring billions to the U.S. That may change, and how Republican state houses are joining Trump's fight to root out DEI. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
The outbreak has also recently spread to both Mexico and Canada. If you had a child today, would you vaccinate that child for measles?
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
The government contends that Petrova failed to declare biological material when arriving at Boston's Logan International Airport in February. In the lawsuit, the government asked a U.S. judge to dismiss Petrova's case and deport her to her native Russia.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Petrova sued the Trump administration after customs officers canceled her J-1 work-study visa and turned her over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for failing to declare biological samples. She has been detained in Louisiana since mid-February.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
In court documents, Petrova's lawyers have argued that the sample's non-living, chemically fixed frog embryos were not alive, therefore she did not believe they needed to be declared. In the past, a similar violation might have led to a fine. A wave of legislation targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion is rolling through Republican-controlled statehouses.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
I spoke with USA Today senior reporter Jessica Gwynn for more. Jessica, always a pleasure. Thanks for hopping on.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
So starting here, Jessica, what are we seeing really in Republican controlled state houses when it comes to DEI?
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
This has been a while coming. Jessica, how did we get to this point?
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Well, Jessica, in response, some blue states are rolling out bills defending DEI. How are they pushing back?
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Folks can find more with a link in today's show notes. Jessica Gwynn is a senior reporter with USA Today. Thanks as always, Jessica.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Why would a woodpecker peck something other than wood? Residents in some communities are dealing with an unexpected crime wave. Woodpeckers damaging their car's mirrors and windshields. One woman in Ohio, Stephanie Gallucci, told the Columbus Dispatch of the USA Today Network that one of the birds took out multiple car windows in her family.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Elsewhere in Massachusetts, multiple outlets reported that more than 20 vehicles have sustained damage in the town of Rockport. Woodpeckers usually hammer on wood, making their distinctive noise, to proclaim their territory and to signal potential mates, according to allaboutbirds.com.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
They typically stop in the springtime once the breeding season started, and other reasons for the hammering include to excavate a nest or place to roost, to feed on insects inside the wood, or to store food.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
Jim McCormick, a wildlife photographer and specialist, told the dispatch that woodpeckers may drum on reflective surfaces like car mirrors or metal because they think the reflection is a rival, and that is more prevalent during mating season. The metal makes the drumming louder and more aggressive sounding.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
If you have any pesky woodpecker stories of your own, shoot us an email at podcasts at usatoday.com. We also have that address in today's show notes. And coming up later today, you've probably heard a lot about Project 2025 over the past year. But where are conservatives with its realization? And how does their execution differ from historically conservative aims in the past?
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
That was author David Graham, a staff writer with The Atlantic and author of a new book, The Project, on bookshelves now. David recently sat down with my colleague Dana Taylor to talk all things Project 2025. You can hear that conversation right here today, beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. And thanks for listening to The Excerpt. You can get the podcast wherever you get your audio.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
If you're on a smart speaker, just ask for The Excerpt. And you can always find us by email at podcasts at usatoday.com. I'm Taylor Wilson, and I'll be back tomorrow with more of the excerpt from USA Today.
The Excerpt
RFK grilled during contentious hearing
That was Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan from Wisconsin. When pressed on whether he would vaccinate his children for chickenpox and polio, Kennedy once again dodged the question and said he didn't want to be giving advice. Republican Rep.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
And just considering this increase in women holding coaching and managerial positions in baseball, how do you see the landscape changing really for women in pro baseball?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
All right, let's take a step back and look at the history of women in baseball. I know this has been a focus of yours, Callie. Women have played baseball at least since the 1860s. That's the Civil War era, not long after really the creation of the entire sport. And, you know, for more context, professional men's baseball started in 1869. So women were playing even before the men had a pro league.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Correct. Where were women playing early on and who were some of the early teams?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
That's so cool. So how did the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League impact the opportunities for women in baseball? And what were some of the challenges they faced?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Now Americans can look forward to seeing the Women's Pro Baseball League in summer 2026. Hello and welcome to The Excerpt. I'm Taylor Wilson. Today is Sunday, May 4th, 2025, and this is a special episode of The Excerpt. Women's sports have been on the rise, so it only seems natural that a women's pro league would take shape. But women already make up a rich part of baseball history.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Indiana, and in the township of West Baden, baseball is by no means a game for the mere man. The girls are right in the professional spotlight. America's favorite pastime has a decidedly strong female fan base. A 2024 survey revealed women make up 39% of those who attended or watched an MLB game. And it's not just in the stands. The number of women working professionally in baseball has grown.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
So, you know, even going back to the 1860s, as you said, they were playing hardball as opposed to softball. And you've written about how women at some point got pushed into playing softball instead. Why did that happen and how did that happen?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
We'll talk a little bit more about softball and baseball here in a bit. But I feel like we can't have this conversation without at least mentioning the role of media and pop culture, especially with some of these kind of older women's baseball leagues.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Sports and movie fans in particular will, of course, remember the 1992 movie In a League of Her Own, of course, about the All-American Girls Pro Baseball League, which we just mentioned. Last fall, even, there was a documentary about women's baseball called See Her, Be Her.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
How has the perception of women in baseball evolved over the years and what role do media and popular culture play maybe in this transformation?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
For more on that history and the current momentum of women's baseball, I'm joined by Callie Batts-Maddox, an associate professor of sports leadership and management at Miami University. Callie, thank you so much for coming on the excerpt today.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
I think that's a great point about what's happening around the world as well, Callie. Despite some of this progress we're talking about, what are some of the remaining barriers that women might face in pursuing careers in professional baseball or just being part of the sport in general?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Let's dig a little bit more into bringing more young women and girls into the sport. And I want to be clear, like we're not here to disparage softball, right? Not at all. But how can we encourage more girls to play baseball instead of maybe always being directed towards softball? And what initiatives are currently in place to support those?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
So let's start with the moment right now. Really interesting moment. As I mentioned at the top, there is strong women's interest in baseball. We know there's strong interest from women's fans and franchises are catering to them with special meetups and clubs as well. But perhaps more interesting, Callie, is the rise of women on the MLB payroll. Let's just give out some stats.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
All right. That makes sense to me. Who are some of the key figures in women's baseball today that young players could maybe look up to and how have they contributed to the sport?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Well, you know, next year is a big year for this league. Just in general, looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of women's baseball, both in terms of professional opportunities and really also broader societal impact?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
As of 2023, as you've outlined, women made up 30% of central office professional staff and 27% of team senior administration jobs. And on top of that, 43 women made held coaching and managerial jobs across the major and minor league levels, marking a 95% increase in just two years. So a lot of numbers there, as you've outlined, Callie. Are these increases more about interest or more opportunities?
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Amazingly put. I really love your passion for this topic, Callie. Thank you so much for hopping on with me and discussing.
The Excerpt
In baseball, women will soon have a league of their own
Thanks to our senior producers, Shannon Rae Green and Kaylee Monaghan for their production assistance. Our executive producer is Laura Beatty. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts at usatoday.com. Thanks for listening. I'm Taylor Wilson, and I'll be back tomorrow morning with another episode of The Excerpt.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
So would you just start by telling us about Ginny Williams and her experience here?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
So how does her either anxiety or experience reflect an increased anxiety from a lot of Americans and folks in the country about crossing borders in this moment?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
And I mean, are legal residents actually facing detention or deportation in some of these border crossing situations?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Yeah. Well, I mean, in terms of those increases, Kathleen, what specifically has this administration really instructed immigration officials to do in this moment?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
And is there anything you're hearing about, Kathleen, in terms of what folks are doing to prepare? Say they have a border crossing coming up, things they're thinking about. Is it about maybe deleting pictures or apps from a phone, thinking differently about how they pack or what they wear?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
I mean, what are some of the considerations that folks maybe previously weren't thinking about that they are now in this moment?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
That's after the State Department notified Congress it would discontinue USAID functions that do not align with Trump administration priorities. USAID staffers were informed of the decision by an internal memo from a member of the Department of Government Efficiency.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
This was a great piece. Kathleen Wong covers consumer travel for USA Today. Thank you, Kathleen.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
A federal court in New Jersey could determine whether the U.S. can deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Experts say it could be a landmark case on the civil rights of non-citizens. But first, Khalil will have to fend off a challenge to try and get his case moved out of the U.S. District Court for New Jersey.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
The Department of Homeland Security argued in court yesterday that the case should be sent to Louisiana, where Khalil is being held, and where any appeals are likely to end up in a more conservative-leaning court. Khalil is one of a growing number of legal residents in the U.S. who are being targeted for deportations over pro-Palestinian speech or activity.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Trump administration officials say they can deport non-citizens they deem hostile to the country or its foreign policy. Civil rights advocates warn that the government's actions pose sweeping threats to free speech and the right to protest.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Federal agents swept up hundreds of Venezuelan migrants and sent them to a prison in El Salvador based in part on tattoos depicting stopwatches, sports logos, and other ink art they claim marks an allegiance to the trained-to-Iragua street gang.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
But internal Department of Homeland Security and FBI documents obtained by USA Today reveal federal authorities for years have questioned the effectiveness of using tattoos to identify members of the gang.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
The internal documents provided exclusively to USA Today by the open government advocacy group Property of the People come as pressure mounts on the Trump administration for refusing to provide information about the arrest and deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans they claim are TDA members. The group requested the documents under open record laws.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Attorneys for the detained migrants have said their clients have been swept up without due process and have been labeled gang members with flimsy evidence. In response to USA Today's request for comment, a White House official said Homeland Security's assessments go beyond tattoos, but that they cannot get into intelligence matters that can compromise their operations.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Over the next three months, the State Department would assume USAID's remaining life-saving and strategic aid programming, according to the memo. The death toll is rapidly rising after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Southeast Asia.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Purple streetlights cast a mysterious eerie glow across the country, and they're a photographer's dream. I spoke with USA Today national correspondent Elizabeth Weiss to find out what's behind them. Howdy, Beth. Hey, how's it going? Okay, thanks for hopping on. So another fun piece from you. What are you hearing from photographers in their quest to find purple streetlights?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Good morning, I'm Taylor Wilson and today is Saturday, March 29th, 2025. This is The Excerpt. Today the latest at USAID, plus a major earthquake slams Asia and some American travelers are fearing border crossings. Personnel at the U.S. Agency for International Development were told yesterday that all positions there not required by law would be eliminated.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
So I know we're talking right now on an audio platform, Beth, and folks should go check out some photos of this, but why are photographers so interested in this type of light? I mean, is it just cool looking? Is there anything more to it than that?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
All right. So what's the science on kind of why this is happening?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
The death toll in Myanmar rose past 1,000 earlier this morning, while at least nine people were killed in neighboring Thailand, where massive buildings were destroyed. In Myanmar, the U.S. Geological Service's predictive modeling estimated the death toll could exceed 10,000 and that losses could exceed the country's annual economic output. The U.S.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
All right, good explainer. So amid this phenomenon, is there any risk to the public with these funky, faulty bulbs, Beth?
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Elizabeth Weiss is a national correspondent with USA Today. Thank you, Beth.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
Tax season is in full swing, but there are questions about how cuts by Doge and the Trump administration will affect filers this year.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
USA Today personal finance reporters Medora Lee and Daniel DeVise join my colleague Dana Taylor to hash out all the changes you can expect when filing your taxes this year. Listen to that episode of The Excerpt tomorrow morning, beginning at 5 a.m. Eastern Time. And thanks for listening to The Excerpt. You can get the podcast wherever you get your pods.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
And if you're on a smart speaker, just ask for The Excerpt. I'm Taylor Wilson, and I'll be back Monday with more of The Excerpt from USA Today.
The Excerpt
Trump administration moves to fire remaining USAID staff
has said it will provide some assistance, though it has previously sanctioned officials with the ruling military. Some American travelers are fearing U.S. border crossings under recently increased vetting. I spoke with USA Today consumer travel reporter Kathleen Wong for more. Hello, Kathleen. Thanks for hopping on the show today.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union filed urgent requests yesterday in multiple courts, including the Supreme Court, urging immediate action after reporting that some of the men were told they would be deported. Trump has invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act in an attempt to deport accused members of the trained Aragua gang that his administration labels a terrorist organization.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
The federal government's sex crimes case against Sean Diddy Combs will soon be underway. I spoke with USA Today Entertainment reporter Patrick Ryan, who joined me from outside the courthouse in New York following a hearing yesterday. Patrick, thanks for carving out some time on this.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
So Patrick, what has Diddy been accused of or charged with? I guess let's start there.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
All right, so you're joining us from outside the courthouse. Set the scene for us, if you would, Patrick. What was the atmosphere like in and out of court yesterday, Patrick?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Interesting. And the big news out of yesterday, Patrick, of course, this decision from the judge not to grant a trial delay. Can you talk through why the judge made this decision and why did Diddy and his legal team want the trial delayed?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
I know there were also decisions made about which testimony may be included in the trial and also how the alleged victims will be involved.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
The Maryland man wrongly deported to El Salvador and held in a notoriously violent prison told a senator that he's been traumatized by the experience. During their meeting in Central America, Kilmar Abrego-Garcia reported to Senator Chris Van Hollen that he was moved over a week ago from that country's Terrorism Confinement Center, or SECOT, to another facility with better conditions.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
All right, well, the trial is now just right around the corner, Patrick. When will it functionally begin and just how big a case, I guess, do you expect this to be? I'd imagine it'll be pretty closely followed considering who's involved.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Folks can stick to Patrick and USA Today's coverage of the trial here coming up in a few weeks. Patrick Ryan covers entertainment for USA Today. Thank you, Patrick. Thank you.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
The suspected gunman in an attack at Florida State University this week had a troubling fascination with Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany, according to screenshots of his online history captured by the Anti-Defamation League and shared with USA Today yesterday. The suspect used a drawing of Hitler with the word nine in a thought bubble next to him as a profile photo for an online gaming account.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
according to analysts at the anti-hate group. The new revelations come after the shooting that began when a gunman opened fire near the university's student union, killing two and injuring six. Today marks 30 years since a former Army soldier committed the worst act of domestic terrorism in the country's history.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Good morning, I'm Taylor Wilson, and today is Saturday, April 19th, 2025. This is The Exit. Today we're learning more about what conditions Kilmar Abrego-Garcia has been held in. Plus, the Supreme Court pauses deportations of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. And we discuss the threat of domestic terrorism 30 years after the Oklahoma City bombing.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
And decades after the Oklahoma City bombing, military service remains the single strongest predictor of involvement in violent extremism. So what's being done? I spoke with USA Today national correspondent Will Carlos for more. And a note, Will joined me before boarding a flight back from reporting in El Salvador, so you may hear some airport sounds. Will, thank you for making some time.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
but that he had been traumatized by his time in Secod and that he had been taunted by other prisoners. Abrego Garcia's meeting with Van Hollen this week was the first time he had been seen publicly since he was detained in March by U.S. immigration officials near his home in Beltsville, Maryland.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Thanks, as always, for having me. So just resetting this, Will, I think especially for some of our younger listeners who don't have any recollection of this day and this tragedy, what happened 30 years ago in Oklahoma City and how does this tragedy, I guess, resonate with Americans today?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
The attacker back in the 90s was a military veteran, Will, a former Army soldier, and military service remains the single strongest predictor of involvement in violent extremism, according to terrorism researchers. Can you talk through exactly what that research tells us?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
OK, so what efforts have we seen, Will, in recent years to tackle this problem? And I guess what's now changing over the past few months under new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Even though the Supreme Court told Trump administration officials to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia, the case could soon be back at the Supreme Court's doorstep. The Trump administration says it does not need to even request his release from El Salvador because of how the court worded its decision. As of this morning, Abrego Garcia remains in custody in El Salvador.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Well, it really does seem like in this moment, Will, some even supporters of Trump within the military also feel abandoned and cheated. Can you talk through some of those tensions and issues?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
You know, researchers in Veterans Group warn the risk of another attack like Oklahoma City, potentially from a disgruntled veteran, is higher than it's been in a while, Will. I guess considering some of what we've been talking about, what are some of their specific fears?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
And Will, what do we hear from the Hegseth or Trump perspectives on all this?
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
Great piece, Will. Folks can find the full version with a link in today's show notes. Will Carlos covers extremism and emerging issues for USA Today. Thank you, Will. Thanks, man. What role does humor play in making the world make sense? My colleague Dana Taylor spoke with author Christine Wentz about her new book, Funny Because It's True, How the Onion Created Modern American News Satire.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
You can read more with a link in today's show notes. The Supreme Court earlier today paused the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan men in immigration custody after their lawyers said they were at imminent risk of removal without the judicial review previously mandated by the court.
The Excerpt
Kilmar Abrego Garcia tells senator of traumatizing stay in El Salvador prison
You can find their conversation tomorrow morning, beginning at 5 a.m. Eastern Time, right here on this feed. And thanks for listening to The Excerpt. You can get the podcast wherever you get your pods. If you're on a smart speaker, just ask for The Excerpt. I'm Taylor Wilson. I'll be back Monday with more of the excerpt from USA Today.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Strong words. In terms of the response on the day from the Trump administration, what did we hear from their lawyers?
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
And at some point, at any point, Michael, could the courts force them to unseal more of those documents? What's next on that point?
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
You know, Kilmar was last seen in April when Senator Chris Van Hollen met with him in Central America. We all saw photos of this meeting. Do we have any sense on how he's been doing since then, Michael?
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
All right. Michael Collins is a reporter with USA Today. Thank you, Michael.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Moody's has downgraded the nation's credit rating a notch, leaving the US government without a top grade among any of the major rating agencies. Moody's cited rising debt and interest payment ratios that are significantly higher than similarly rated sovereign countries.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
The agency also noted the latest tax bill draft from the GOP would add about $4 trillion to the federal primary deficit over the next decade, and said it does not believe the proposal would result in material multi-year reductions in mandatory spending and deficits. For U.S. consumers, lower ratings could lead to higher borrowing costs. You can read more with a link in today's show notes.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
And the popularity of self-driving robo-taxis is taking off. The Supreme Court yesterday continued to block the Trump administration from using a 1798 wartime law to deport a group of Venezuelan migrants who said they had not been given a real chance to fight their removal. In an unsigned opinion, the court said the migrants have not had enough time or information to protect their rights.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Rome this weekend for tomorrow's inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV. Vance will be watching with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, their wives, and other world leaders. For Trump and his team, the trip also could set the tone for the administration's relationship with the Vatican, which was strained under Pope Francis.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
something Duke theology professor Peter Casarella called a difference of principles. They, for instance, repeatedly clashed over immigration. Francis became pope in 2013 and spoke out when Trump was first running for president in 2016 and pledged to build a wall on the southern border.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Francis said at the time that a person who only thinks about building walls wherever they may be and not about building bridges is not a Christian. Trump said that for a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful. Francis this year also criticized Trump's mass deportation plan, and Francis was a strong advocate for tackling climate change, which Trump has called a hoax.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Whether his relationship with Leo will be different remains to be seen, but the new pope seems to share at least some of Francis' views. Leo said the dignity of migrants should be respected in his first address to world diplomats yesterday. Leo also shared criticism of Vance and Trump on social media prior to becoming pope.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Fertility care coverage and childcare benefits are among the most expensive for companies, but they're also some of the most sought after perks for millennials who represent the largest segment of the US workforce and employers are noticing.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Maven Clinic, a virtual clinic for women's and family health, recently surveyed more than 1,500 human resources leaders and nearly 4,000 full-time employees and found 69% of employees have taken, considered, or might take a new job for better reproductive and family benefits. The same percentage of employers plan to increase their family health benefits vendors in the next two to three years.
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Gallagher, an insurance and employee benefits consulting company, produced similar findings in its own report when 63% of the nearly 700 employees surveyed said they would change jobs for better benefits. You can read more about this conversation in today's show notes. popularity of self-driving robo-taxis is exploding in some U.S. cities.
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
I spoke with USA Today national correspondent Elizabeth Weiss for more. Thanks for hopping on, Beth. Happy to be here. So I think depending on where you live, you might have seen these already. But for folks, especially in parts of the eastern U.S. where these maybe haven't rolled out yet, what are these driverless robo-taxis?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
All right. So have consumers been quick or slow to latch on to these, Beth?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
And the court said that's particularly important because the administration asserts in another case that it's not able to bring back a man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. That man, Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, was at the heart of a hearing yesterday where a federal judge scolded the Trump administration.
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Good morning, I'm Taylor Wilson, and today is Saturday, May 17th, 2025. This is The Excerpt. Today, taking a look at the high court's latest moves around the Trump administration and immigration, while we check in on what might be next for Kilmar Abrego-Garcia. Plus, what will this administration's relationship be like with Pope Leo XIV?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
And you spoke with some folks who talked about the usefulness, right, Beth, of these services for their lifestyles. Just specifically, what were some of the things you heard from them?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
You mentioned like this clunky early rollout, right? And the issues with fire trucks. What are some of the downsides at this point still?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
I do just want to mention drivers themselves here for a second. I mean, folks who drive for a living, be it in cabs or these ride share services like Uber. I can't imagine that the shift is necessarily landing well with them, though. I guess we're also still in a moment where both driver and driverless services can coexist. Right. Do you hear anything from that side of the coin?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
I spoke with USA Today reporter Michael Collins for more on that hearing and what might happen next. Thanks for joining me, Michael. Thanks for having me. So what did we formally hear from this federal judge in this hearing?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
In terms of the what's next, I guess it is just a matter of getting to more cities at this point, right?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
Elizabeth Weiss is a national correspondent with USA Today. Thank you, Beth.
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
And tomorrow morning, the pro-natalism movement encourages people to have more kids. But could incentives like a baby bonus also be used to influence American culture?
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Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
That's Karen Guzzo, a sociologist at the University of North Carolina. She spoke with my colleague Dana Taylor about pronatalism and how it might reshape the country. You can hear that conversation right here, beginning at 5 a.m. Eastern Time. Thanks for listening to The Excerpt. You can get the podcast wherever you get your audio. And if you're on a smart speaker, just ask for The Excerpt.
The Excerpt
Supreme Court continues to block deportations under wartime law
As always, if you have any comments or concerns, you can email us at podcasts at usatoday.com. I'm Taylor Wilson. I'll be back Monday with more of The Excerpt from USA Today.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Wow. So in terms of Abrego Garcia and just his current situation at the time that we're talking, Gabby, where do things stand and what did a judge demand yesterday after the Supreme Court earlier in the week instructed government attorneys to begin the process of bringing him back home?
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
OK, so considering some of that strong language, really demanding language from the judge, what are we hearing from the Trump administration afterwards? And how are Abrego Garcia's lawyers or family responding to all this?
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
You know, curiously, the White House is prepared to host Salvador and President Nayib Bukele on Monday. I'd imagine, Gabby, this and the general use of El Salvador's SICOT prison may come up during this meeting. Is that a fair expectation? And just put this meeting in context for us, if you would.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
A federal judge yesterday ordered the Trump administration to provide immediate information on the whereabouts of a Maryland man who the Supreme Court this week said must be returned after being wrongfully deported to El Salvador. I spoke with Gabrielle Banks, an editor on USA Today's politics team, for more. Gabrielle, thank you so much for hopping on the show today. You're welcome.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
You know, this case we've been talking a lot about here on the show. Why has this particular case grabbed so much of the public's attention, Gabby?
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Lots still to come on this crucial story. Gabrielle Banks is an editor on USA Today's politics team. Thanks, Gabby.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
A federal judge yesterday refused to limit the Trump administration's immigration enforcement activities in places of worship. The move rules against a group of 27 religious organizations that had sued the administration over its decision to drop a previous policy against enforcement in sensitive locations.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
A judge appointed by President Trump during his first term found that the organizations likely did not have standing to bring the case because their claims that they faced harm were speculative.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
The group sued the Department of Homeland Security and other immigration enforcement agencies in February, arguing that the administration's policy change violated their right to religious freedom under federal law and the First Amendment.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Meanwhile, 19 Democratic state attorneys general are asking a federal judge to stop the Trump administration from canceling hundreds of international student visas, a move that sent shockwaves through the collegiate community. though there's been no comprehensive accounting of how many students have seen their visas revoked.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
In some cases, weeks before graduation, Trump officials say they have been in part targeting students they accuse of harboring ill will toward the United States. And in a high-profile case, a U.S.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
immigration judge ruled yesterday that Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported, allowing Trump's administration to proceed with its effort to remove the Columbia University student from the country. Elon Musk this week seemed to give dramatically lower estimated savings for the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, than he had previously touted.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
I spoke with USA Today White House correspondent Joey Garrison to learn more. Hi, Joey. Always a pleasure. Hey, thanks for having me on. So Joey, what's this new savings projection from Elon Musk? And I guess how does it differ from previous numbers we've heard him toss out there?
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Gabby, you attended this hearing yesterday, Friday. Paint the picture for us. Where were you and what was the scene or the mood like around the courthouse?
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Good morning, I'm Taylor Wilson and today is Saturday, April 12th, 2025. This is The Exit. Today, what's next for the Maryland man wrongly deported to Central America? Plus we look into some other late week immigration rulings and Elon Musk lowers Doge's projected savings.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Has anything tangible, I guess, Joey, happened in recent weeks for him to alter this outlook, alter this number so significantly?
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
How is Trump viewing Musk and Doge efforts at this point? And are there any signs of that alliance splitting, I guess, or not so much? Are they as close as they've been?
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Joey Garrison covers the White House for USA Today. Great insight as always, Joey. Thanks so much. Thanks for having me on. The Trump administration is considering a budget proposal that would cut funding for Head Start, a program created during Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty that offers childcare and preschool education to low-income families.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
That's according to an official familiar with the plan, an exclusive USA Today reporting. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the plan publicly, said the White House's fiscal year 2026 funding blueprint does not allocate any money toward Head Start and lists it among many programs to be eliminated. The White House declined to address allegations that Head Start was endangered.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
The National Head Start Association warned yesterday that a proposal to eliminate funding would be catastrophic. The group's executive director said more than a million parents who rely on the program would not be able to go to work. You can read more with a link in today's show notes.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
A Butler, Pennsylvania man has been arrested and charged with making online death threats against President Trump, Elon Musk, and immigration and customs enforcement agents. The Justice Department yesterday announced that 32-year-old Sean Monper made the statements earlier this year in YouTube videos under the name Mr. Satan. According to a statement from acting U.S.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Attorney Troy Rivetti, Monper obtained a firearms permit shortly after Trump's inauguration and made comments on YouTube in February that he had bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Over two weeks in March, Monper allegedly said he was going to do a mass shooting and that he'd been buying one gun a month since the election, in addition to ammunition and body armor. Butler, Pennsylvania was also the site last year of an attempted assassination on Trump at an outdoor rally. And happy Passover. The Jewish holiday begins at sunset.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Scientists recently had the opportunity to, for the first time, explore an area of water that had long been hidden beneath an ice sheet. What they soon discovered was that it was teeming with life.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Jodica Vermani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, joins my colleague Dana Taylor to share this remarkable discovery. You can catch the episode right here beginning at 5 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow. And if you like YouTube for podcasts, you're going to want to watch this episode since we've got video of the creatures at the top. There's a link in today's show notes.
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Judge demands daily updates on return plan for man wrongly deported
Thanks for listening to The Excerpt. You can get the podcast wherever you get your audio. And if you're on a smart speaker, just ask for The Excerpt. I'm Taylor Wilson, and I'll be back Monday with more of The Excerpt from USA Today.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
A writ of habeas corpus is used in federal courts under civil law to challenge a person's detention, commonly used by people imprisoned who are challenging the conviction that led to their prison sentence. You can read more about the potential stakes behind Miller's comments with a link in today's show notes.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Some legal experts worry that recent deportations of people facing criminal charges are creating a two-tiered system of justice. I spoke with USA Today national correspondent Trevor Hughes for more. Trevor, thanks for hopping on, sir. Yeah, good to be here.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
So you know, Trevor, across the country, we're seeing an uptick in immigration agents deporting criminal suspects instead of keeping them in custody, as you write. What are you hearing specifically on this?
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
The federal Lake and Riley Act requires ICE to detain people living illegally in the U.S. once they've been accused of or charged with certain crimes. Trevor, what role is that playing in all this?
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Speaking after talks with Chinese officials in Geneva, Treasury Secretary Scott Besson told reporters the two sides had agreed on a 90-day pause on measures and that tariffs would come down by over 100 percentage points to 10 percent. The Geneva meetings were the first of their kind between senior U.S.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
And I mean, on that point, have we heard from immigration officials at all in terms of how they view some of these tensions and issues?
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
President Trump said he will sign an executive order that institutes a new policy for drug pricing, reviving a plan from his first term that he said will reduce prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices almost immediately by 30 to 80%.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
The order, which Trump plans to sign this morning, is expected to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt the policy, which would set prescription drug prices to match those of comparable countries. Full details of the order were unclear, including which insurance programs and drugs would fall under the initiative.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
During his first term, Trump pushed a so-called most favored nation rule that would have applied to Medicare payments, but was later rescinded by the Biden administration. You can read more with a link in today's show notes. We'll see opening statements today in the trial of Sean Diddy Combs.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
He faces allegations that he ran a criminal enterprise that involved kidnapping, forced labor, and sex trafficking. I caught up with USA Today Justice Department correspondent Aisha Bagchi for more and a look at Diddy's lawyer strategy in an eerily similar case involving a sex cult. A warning, some of the following may not be suitable for all listeners.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Aisha, thank you so much for joining me today.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Who is lawyer Mark Agnifilo? And I guess just what's his background? Let's start there.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
and Chinese economic officials since President Trump returned to power and launched his slew of global tariffs. Since taking office in January, Trump has pushed the tariffs paid by U.S. importers for goods from China to 145 percent. In addition to those he imposed on many Chinese goods during his first term and duties put in by the Biden administration.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
We mentioned that self-help guru, Keith Ranieri, and in a similar sex trafficking case. What happened there and what was at stake in that trial?
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Good morning, I'm Taylor Wilson, and today is Monday, May 12th, 2025. This is The Excerpt. Today, a new deal on tariffs for the U.S. and China. Plus, what a wave of recent deportations of people facing criminal charges might mean for justice. And the trial of Sean Diddy Combs is set for opening statements. The U.S. and China have reached a deal to slash tariffs.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Considering some of the similarities across the cases, do we expect he and his legal team to argue using, I guess, similar tactics to what we've seen previously?
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
All right, opening arguments set for today. Aisha Bakshi covers the Justice Department for USA Today. Thank you, Aisha.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Pope Leo XIV gave his first Sunday address yesterday. Dear brothers and sisters, have a good Sunday. He addressed a crowd tens of thousands deep in St. Peter's Square, warning an Italian of a piecemeal Third World War. Leo said he welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
China had responded by putting export curbs on some rare earth elements and raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 percent. All eyes will be on the markets today and the rest of the week to see how they respond to the latest news.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
And on Russia's war in Ukraine, he appealed for negotiations to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace, adding that he carries in his heart the suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine. The Pope also said he was profoundly saddened by the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
And he pleaded for an end to the fighting in Gaza. And coming up later today, giving moms their due on a new episode of Forum with host Michael McCarter.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
You can find more opinions on usatoday.com slash forum. Thanks for listening to The Excerpt. You can get the podcast wherever you get your pods. And if you're on a smart speaker, just ask for The Excerpt. If you have any comments or concerns, you can always email us at podcasts at usatoday.com. I'm Taylor Wilson. I'll be back tomorrow with more of The Excerpt from USA Today.
The Excerpt
US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to the president, while answering a question about illegal immigration, told reporters on Friday that the Trump administration is actively looking at suspending the constitutional right that allows people to challenge in court their detention.
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US and China reach deal to slash trade tariffs
Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said the Constitution says the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in a time of invasion. Habeas corpus, Latin for you have the body, is used to determine if the government's detention of someone imprisoned is legal, according to Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute.