Severe heat baked the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, while heat warnings and advisories spread across the U.S.

USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Karissa Waddick discusses how Democratic candidates are approaching transgender issues in 2024.

Are the economy and job growth slowing? Not based on sales of worker uniform patches.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks about millionaires next door.

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Over two years into Russia’s war in Ukraine have left the country and its soldiers running short of ammunition, weapons, manpower, money and worst of all, morale. A particularly troubling recent quote from a Ukrainian soldier on the frontlines by Reuters was: “worse than hell.” Russian drone and artillery relentlessly target Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. Ukrainian military leaders openly admit that the situation on the eastern front is decidedly worse in recent months. Russia, meanwhile, has executed a savage onslaught on Ukraine. Can U.S. and European support help turn things around for Ukraine? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison joins The Excerpt to unpack significant new developments.

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The Supreme Court has upheld a law banning domestic abusers from owning guns.

USA TODAY Election Reporting Fellow Melissa Cruz breaks down how Georgia is mandating election training for police.

Iowa's Board of Education has approved rules that require educators to tell parents and caregivers if their child asks to use different pronouns.

USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Kathleen Wong discusses how little vacation Americans take compared with other countries.

Is this the summer of rock?

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