5 Things

US-born extremism is on the rise and spreading beyond our borders. The US-based Active Club network is now taking root across the globe. Active Clubs are one of the latest iterations of extremist groups, blending physical training such as mixed martial arts with fascism. What led to the creation of these clubs that use something as innocuous as fitness as a recruitment tool for teaching hate? Heidi Beirich, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss her research into the Active Club network.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the latest from Capitol Hill where the possibility of a government shutdown looms.President Donald Trump has created new immigration fees, including a "gold card" for foreigners to pay $1 million to remain in the country permanently.The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices gives new guidance on the MMRV vaccine for young children, while falling short of clear recommendations on eligibility for COVID-19 shots.USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins talks about some concerns from the right amid efforts to shut down and seek retribution against those who have mocked Charlie Kirk’s death or have been openly critical of his hardline political views.Charlie Kirk will be remembered Sunday in Arizona.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Donald Trump says negative coverage of him by television networks should be grounds for the Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licenses.Tennessean First Amendment Reporter Angele Latham takes a closer look at the conversation about hate speech and free speech.Late-night hosts and comedians speak out after Jimmy Kimmel's sidelining.USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran breaks down new data about immigrants in solitary confinement.Clayton Kershaw has announced his retirement after the 2025 season.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From “follow the science” during COVID to universities accused of activism, the gap between experts and the public is widening. Roger Pielke Jr. explains why expertise doesn’t just mean a PhD, how media silos deepen divides, and why experts must serve all Americans—not just those who share their politics.* Please note, this interview was recorded on 8/19/25Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Rachel Barber puts the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut in context.President Donald Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday, when they're expected to mark a $205 billion package of U.S. investment into Britain.USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zachary Schermele breaks down dramatic testimony from ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez.Three law enforcement officers were killed and two were injured in a Pennsylvania shooting.Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show has been suspended indefinitely following the host's comments on the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Generative AI is now widely used to make artwork, music and even film – valuable cultural contributions that used to be exclusively the province of the creative class. Could AI-generated art start displacing human creators? And what about AI’s cultural influence on society writ large? Is AI generated art in the beginning of an artistic revolution or the stuff of a dystopian nightmare? Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor of Information Studies at UCLA, director of the UC Center for Global Digital Culture, and host of the Utopias podcast, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to unpack the many ethical and societal issues at play here. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to court documents, the 22-year-old had been planning the attack for a week.USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses how lawmakers grilled FBI Director Kash Patel over the investigation into Kirk's killing.The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has state terrorism charges dismissed in court.The United States will soon announce a buyer for TikTok, according to President Donald Trump.USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt talks about the legacy of Robert Redford, who has died at 89.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X that "Gaza is burning."USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson has the latest after President Donald Trump said the U.S. military conducted a second strike on what he described as "violent drug trafficking cartels" from Venezuela.Trump officials vow a crackdown on left-leaning groups they contend are promoting political violence.USA TODAY Trending Reporter Greta Cross discusses the apparent framework deal reached between the U.S. and China over the future of TikTok.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox gave some of the latest details on the Utah shooter during his appearances on Sunday news shows.USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down why American farmers are feeling squeezed.A steady ocean pattern has failed for the first time ever observed.USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard wonders what's up with the semicolon.It was one of the most unpredictable Emmy Awards in years. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@USATODAY.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking before thousands at Utah Valley College. His death marks a new and unsettling chapter in America’s history of political violence. From lawmakers targeted in their homes to assassination attempts on presidential candidates, the toll is rising — and the nation is on edge. USA TODAY National Reporter Will Carless joins The Excerpt from Utah to unpack what we know about the Kirk shooting, why attacks on political figures are escalating, and whether the country is entering a dangerous cycle of retaliation and unrest.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@USATODAY.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.