The Excerpt

• Trump gets his peace prize at FIFA 2026 World Cup draw

  The much-anticipated draw for the 2026 World Cup took place at the Kennedy Center in DC on Friday. Did Team USA end up with a favorable grouping? A total of 48 teams, drawn into 12 groups of four nations each, will compete in Canada, the US and Mexico for the World Cup soccer title next year, representing a significant expansion from 2022 which had only 32 teams. What role will the groupings play in positioning the various teams in the tournament? Managing Editor for USA TODAY’s Pro Soccer Wire Seth Vertelney joins The Excerpt to discuss all things World Cup. Plus, USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers walks us through the latest from the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup and the political backdrop to the games. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 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.

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• Now just plain Andrew. The former Prince’s fall from grace.

  As Prince Andrew loses his titles and royal privileges, new questions are rising about accountability, secrecy, and the future of the monarchy. Historian Andrew Lownie joins us to unpack the Epstein files, the palace response, and how this scandal could shape the reigns of both King Charles and Prince William. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 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.

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• A US-backed peace plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine stalls

  A leaked Trump administration plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine has triggered debate among U.S. allies and sharp pushback from Kyiv. As negotiations continue in Moscow and European capitals, critics say the revised proposal still favors Kremlin demands and risks locking in territorial losses for Ukraine. USA TODAY White House correspondent Francesca Chambers explains what’s changed in the peace plan, where talks stand and whether either side is any closer to a deal.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. 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.

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• US military strikes against Venezuelan vessels face legal and operational scrutiny

  There have been 21 U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan vessels since September, with a total of 83 casualties, all without Congressional approval or oversight. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has recently cautioned airlines to avoid Venezuelan airspace, encouraged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to flee and said land strikes could “start very soon.” Is all of this really about combatting the drug trade or could the primary motivation even be more simply to get rid of Maduro? USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer joins The Excerpt to break down this fast-evolving and complex story.Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 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.

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• Inside the dismantling of the Education Department

  The Trump administration has begun carving up the Education Department, signing six new agreements that shift major K-12 and higher ed programs to other federal agencies. USA TODAY Congress reporter Zach Schermele explains why these moves are happening now, how they build on a Supreme Court decision that allowed an earlier transfer to the Labor Department and what’s at stake for school districts that rely on Title I funding and federal oversight. He also breaks down concerns around special education, the future of student loan services, and whether these changes could widen disparities the department was created to fix.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at [email protected]. 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.

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