Baltimore has spent decades trying — and often failing — to solve one of its most stubborn problems: thousands of vacant homes hollowing out neighborhoods and fueling cycles of crime, poverty and disinvestment. Now city leaders say the stars may finally be aligned. In pockets of Baltimore, new housing is going up, crime has fallen, and officials are rolling out the most ambitious revitalization effort in a generation. But not every neighborhood is seeing change, and residents in some areas say they’re still being asked to wait. USA TODAY housing reporter Andrea Riquier joins The Excerpt to break down Baltimore’s “go hard, but intentional” strategy, the risks if private and philanthropic funding falls short, and what signs to watch in 2026 to know whether this renaissance is real — or could stall like past efforts. She also explains what Baltimore’s approach could mean for other cities struggling with urban blight.

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Tributes to the beloved Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have poured in since their tragic deaths on Sunday sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Their son Nick Reiner was taken into police custody that same day and is now facing two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murder, among other charges. Reiner, whose career spanned more than five decades, was most known for his work on "All in the Family," "The Princess Bride," and "When Harry Met Sally” - all iconic productions that were defining cultural moments for Hollywood. What will his legacy be? USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss how Hollywood and America will remember the famed director.

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Masked ICE agents have become the face of President Donald Trump’s nationwide deportation campaign, as viral videos of violent arrests captivate audiences on social media. But who are they and what motivates them to do the work? USA TODAY Masked ICE agents have become the face of President Donald Trump’s nationwide deportation campaign, as viral videos of violent arrests captivate audiences on social media. But who are they and what motivates them to do the work? USA TODAY National Correspondents Lauren Villagran and Trevor Hughes join The Excerpt to share their reporting.

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In 2007, she became the first woman to hold the position of Speaker of the House. She led Democrats in the House for two decades and was crucial in passing the signature legislation of Obamacare. Now after nearly four decades of service, Nancy Pelosi, Democratic representative of California, has announced she will be stepping down in January 2027. What will her legacy be? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page sat down in an exclusive with Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi to get her take.

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2025 showcased A-list movie stars, long-awaited finales and a K-Pop smash that no one saw coming. From “Sinners” to “Wicked: For Good,” “One Battle After Another” to “KPop Demon Hunters,” Hollywood had lots to smile about this year. Which movies had movie lovers pumping their fists, and which films failed to connect? USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joins The Excerpt to share his insights on the fast-moving world of film.

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From romantasy fever to dystopian deep dives, 2025 delivered a year of midnight book parties, big feelings, bold worlds and stories that became cultural touchstones. USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins The Excerpt to break down the genres that dominated the year, the titles readers couldn’t stop talking about and what our favorite books reveal about us in 2025.

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After losing all 3 branches of power in 2024, progressive Democrats are hungry for the opportunity to reshape the party along ideological, generational and other factional lines in 2026. Fueled by an increasing anger among Democratic voters and a splintered Republican base, the possibility of a Democratic-controlled house looks increasingly likely for 2027. How might that thwart the success of President Donald Trump’s second half agenda? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to talk about the new political calculus in Washington.

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Last Friday, Centers for Disease Control vaccine advisers changed the recommendation of a routine hepatitis B shot for all newborns, a change widely viewed as a victory for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Now, health experts warn the change could undo decades of public health improvements, and parents are left with unclear guidance. USA TODAY Consumer Health Reporter Ken Alltucker joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to look at how this decision will affect children and families across the country.

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