The Excerpt

We’re now six months into the US-Israeli War in Iran, a war with seemingly no end in sight. It’s cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and the lives of 18 servicemen. Does President Donald Trump have an exit strategy? USA TODAY Bureau Chief Susan Page breaks down where we are at the half year mark.
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Dolly Parton was more than a country music legend. She was a songwriter, storyteller, philanthropist and cultural force whose work helped people feel seen. From timeless songs like "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" to her commitment to childhood literacy and disaster relief, her influence reached far beyond entertainment. USA TODAY National Music Reporter Melissa Ruggieri joins The Excerpt to reflect on the legacy of Dolly Parton.
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For months, sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln remained at sea as their expected return home was pushed further and further back. Their families watched graduations, weddings and other milestones pass without them, while hearing accounts of supply shortages, broken facilities and difficult conditions aboard the carrier. Now, as the Lincoln finally begins its return, USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Chris Quintana joins The Excerpt to explain what families say sailors endured, what the Navy has said in response and why lawmakers are questioning whether the military is prepared to support crews through deployments this long.
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At Camp Simcha in New York’s Catskill Mountains, children with cancer, chronic illnesses and complex disabilities receive round-the-clock medical care while swimming, climbing, making friends and gaining independence. USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporter Rachel Hale explains how the camp gives kids experiences that can otherwise feel out of reach — and offers their parents a rare break from full-time caregiving.
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For years, Republicans have had a lock on those who base their vote on their religious preferences and values, something that has only grown with the rise of the evangelical right, but this year an unusually high number of Democratic candidates in red states are sharing their faith in an effort to connect with voters in the midterm elections. Will it work? USA TODAY Senior National Politics Reporter Sarah D. Wire joins The Excerpt to share her reporting.
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