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Matt Painter says Miami, Ohio’s schedule was a matter of their decision.

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Matt Painter says Miami, Ohio’s schedule was a matter of their decision.

ST. LOUIS — Matt Painter did what Matt Painter does best and eloquently Friday night, very well and eloquently, giving perhaps the most thoughtful answer ever to a discussion of high importance responsibilities for medium needs. What made his comments so important was not just the message, but the person himself.

Travis Steele’s incredible undefeated regular season with Miami (Ohio) this winter reignited the annual debate about how mid-majors, striving for quality nonconference games, should use analytics to make or break their NCAA Tournament resumes. This event is held repeatedly every year, but this time it was especially heated. The reasons include 1) the extreme nature of Miami’s success, 2) the RedHawks’ pedestrian non-conference schedule, and 3) the broader question of whether the high majors have an obligation to give the mid-majors a chance to shore up their schedules.

opinion: March Madness in Miami (Ohio) is over, but it won’t be forgotten

Steele repeatedly suggested in the weeks leading up to Selection Sunday that the Redhawks would not be able to find a major program to schedule, making the case for the team not winning the MAC’s automatic bid. But Painter’s Purdue directly contradicts that.

“If he were in our shoes, he would do the same thing,” Painter said.

For Painter, when and how to speak was important. Purdue’s veteran coach was the perfect person to make his case in a debate that, like many modern sports, has quickly become too zero-sum. It’s not just what he said, it’s because he said it.

Especially because he’s right.

Purdue disputes scheduling controversy from Miami, Ohio

Miami’s case struggles to hold water precisely because of programs like the Painters-Purdue.

It’s not like the Redhawks can’t find a major-major opponent. The RedHawks faced Steele six times in his first three years at Oxford. This time, he was unable to find a suitable partner.

As a related example, Purdue played two MAC teams ranked in the KenPom Top 175 this season: Akron and Kent State. Indiana faced Miami home twice in the three seasons prior to this season. Kent State has prospects in both Auburn and Alabama in 2024-25, while Toledo State has faced Houston State, Purdue State and Michigan State all in the past two years.

Miami couldn’t find the top major team they wanted. miami. What Miami didn’t add was a mid-major team that had that potential.

Consider again their contemporaries. Toledo has final NCAA Tournament teams scheduled this year, Wright State and Troy. Ohio State added Illinois State University and St. Bonaventure. Akron played (and lost to) Yale and Murray State and is still ranked more than 20 points higher than Miami on KenPom.

To his credit, Steele also had Wright State scheduled to beat the Raiders in Dayton in December. As of Saturday afternoon, Miami was the only non-conference opponent this season to have played a better game than No. 243-ranked Pomeroy. Akron played four teams ranked comfortably higher than that. For Kent State University, that number was six.

“I’m going to do what’s best for my institution so I can get into the tournament and help seed,” Painter said. “We’ve played mid-major, but everyone plays mid-major. All high-majors play mid-major. They just say they don’t play.” theythat’s really a backhanded compliment. ”

A coach’s first loyalty is to the program.

Actually, this isn’t a criticism of Miami. It may seem so at first glance, but it is not.

Steele tried to put in a harder schedule — Matt Brown covered a number of high-majors approached by the Redhawks in his excellent Extra Points Newsletter — but presented him with options and ultimately decided otherwise.

It was the same choice as the team that told Miami no. And even though it could have been done differently, the RedHawks ended up fighting the computer.

“I didn’t set the NET rankings. The NET rankings set it for themselves,” Painter said. “But I’m going to go along with it. Well, I’m going to figure it out.”

This is where the discussion gets difficult. What duty of care does Purdue owe to Miami? Or Toledo, Illinois? Or Michigan or Kent State?

Yes, the environment is getting worse for mid-major coaches and programs. Not just in scheduling, but in the fundamental efforts of roster building, retention, development, and even survival. And yes, too many power conference coaches quickly become vulgar when they see top-major solutions on mid-major rosters.

But there is also the proverbial continental divide here, where the merits of the argument flow backwards from one direction to the other. Balancing on top of that is a delicate exercise.

The natural distillation of Painter’s position is correct. A coach must do what is best for his program.

Just because they don’t want to schedule Miami, especially in a season where the RedHawks exceeded expectations and had an extreme run that no one could have predicted, doesn’t make them the bad guys. It holds them accountable. And Miami’s own conference rivals showed it’s still possible to shore up their numbers in other ways.

“To do what’s best for NET, you need the wiring,” Painter says. “If you’re a mid-major player and you say something like that, and now you get a high-major job, you have to be careful. There you’re talking two-pronged.”

His argument goes both ways. By “bozos” (the word he used), Painter refers not only to mid-major coaches, but also to high-major colleagues whose schedules are so lenient that they realize they won’t have a chance come March.

That wasn’t the case for Steele’s team this year. Armed with the strength of a non-conference schedule that ranks No. 360 nationally, Miami enters the field this month at No. 68 as the lowest-ranked AT Large team in both KenPom and NET, then wins games once it gets there.

Schedules are shit.

Why was Matt Painter the right voice for this voice?

This is why Painter is the right person to convey this discussion.

He has been a mid-level coach. He built Purdue from the ground up after taking over from Gene Keady. His Boilermakers consistently pursue a tough non-conference schedule to the best of their ability and don’t shy away from taking on the best in the MAC. Now that his team is among the favorites to make the Final Four this year, he says:

That’s why it’s important to tell what he did. To another coach, the same argument might have sounded hollow or frivolous. The game was perfect for Painter, who sees the game from both sides and has genuine backup.

He also knows he’s not alone, which is why (intentionally or not) he spoke for more coaches than just himself.

“I know Michigan played good people. I know Michigan State played good people,” Painter said. “People who are moving their seed lines are looking at that. Some people are not.”

College basketball has many problems. Some were foreseeable. Some can be fixed.

This isn’t necessarily one of them, but mostly because Miami got the opportunity it deserved anyway. It didn’t matter who said no to the RedHawks, and it didn’t matter that they lost the first game of the MAC Tournament. They took an opportunity and did something with it.

Like many things in college basketball, scheduling is as much art as math. Painter is right. Especially in the age of analysis, it can be approached scientifically. But just as one data point doesn’t create a trend, one team’s experience doesn’t create a crisis.

Miami had a great season in 2026, with or without the help of the high majors. But the Redhawks were never required to do it, they were never stripped of it for some nefarious purpose, and Painter was right and in the right place.

John Calipari didn’t have to change his ways, he just changed his mood.

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John Calipari didn’t have to change his ways, he just changed his mood.

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  • John Calipari didn’t evolve after leaving Kentucky. He also joined forces with some great freshmen.
  • Arkansas will go as far as Darius Acuff to beat the Razorbacks.
  • Kentucky probably won’t admit it, but they might miss out on another Sweet 16-bound John Calipari.

John Calipari, that wise old dog. He just unleashed the oldest strategy in the book.

Calipari played in Kentucky’s final few games of the NCAA Tournament against the Possums. Jack Gaulke poked Cal with a stick, but he didn’t move. The Big Blue Nation captured Calipari in a car accident, put him in a box and happily shipped him off to Arkansas.

Enjoy your dead possum stew, Hoghead!

Today’s March Madness games: Breaking down Sunday’s NCAA Tournament bracket

March Madness conference transcript: The Big Ten led 11-2. How’s the SEC, Big 12 doing?

Calipari kept up the act and spent the first few months moving into his first season at Arkansas. When the Razorbacks lost six in a row in January 2025, Kentucky fans must have thought they had made Arkansas miserable with the Trojans.

Stick a fork in him, huh? Calipari is cooked crispy, right?

No, it’s just a veteran move. Never set the bar too high or too fast. Keep your expectations in check and step on the accelerator.

Well, look at Calipari. He’s putting the pedal to the metal for Arkansas’ second consecutive Sweet 16, setting a cruising 90-point pace at Hammer Lane.

Guys, this scoundrel has doped us with the ropes! He still has some punch left in him.

How John Calipari doubled down in Arkansas

Calipari hasn’t changed much either. During his down year at Kentucky, he ran into legitimate criticism for not leaning into the transfer portal enough, preferring instead to stick with the A-list freshman flow. Calipari’s one-and-done bonanza worked for Kentucky for a while, but in March his old team started winning and Calipari’s Cats took a hit from the 24-year-old sharpshooter who transferred from Division II to Oakland.

Surely, if Calipari is to revive his career, he’ll need to break away from his hyper-flamboyant ways, right?

“It’s going to be hard to change myself,” Calipari said of building his roster two weeks before leaving Kentucky for Arkansas.

Well, maybe he doesn’t need to change.

Calipari doubled up with more McDonald’s All-Americans in exchange for entering the transfer sweepstakes. Combine Calipari’s recruiting chops with Tyson Chickenman’s checkbook, and Arkansas’ roster quickly took on blue-chipper hues.

Calipari doesn’t mind a transfer because he acquired five-star teenagers Darius Eif Jr. and Malik Thomas.

Spread out the basketball, hey! watch them go.

Acuff scored 36 points in the second round against High Point. Thomas added 19.

Who needs a transfer when you have freshmen like these two?

Arkansas will go where Darius Acuff goes.

To be fair, Calipari cracked the door open for some transfers. His lineup features a healthy mix of young and old youngsters who have done a few laps around the schoolyard.

But make no mistake, this is Acuff’s team. This is an exhibition for new students.

“We put it in his hands, and I trust him and the team trusts him,” Calipari said on TNT after the second-round win over a reeling High Point team.

It’s a freshman year in college basketball, and while Duke’s Cameron Boozer is stealing a lot of the spotlight, there’s still no one better than Acuff. He’s also skyrocketing to NBA mock draft boards.

Acaf’s total points in the last 6 games are 36.24.30.24.37.28.

Mercy, he’s a good player and he should have played against High Point considering the Arkansas defense was napping.

Kentucky fans should be having flashbacks. Acuff is exactly the type of talent Calipari brings to Lexington, Kentucky. More studs are on the way. Calipari’s latest signing class includes three five-star recruits. And what about Kentucky? zero. Similarly, new employees are zero.

While Mark Pope is struggling with an expensive move and Kentucky’s second-year coach is trying to meet the relentless demands of college basketball’s most rabid fan base, Calipari is relieved of the pressures of his job at Kentucky and regaining his dignity at Arkansas.

Let’s be clear: Cats fans had every right to be angry with Calipari during the final years of his tenure. Especially in March, the standards were not met. But Pope’s team hasn’t shaken up much this season, and now Calipari looks rejuvenated off the mat and with an SEC rival. If you had to choose between Arkansas and Kentucky to reach the Elite Eight, a redshirt team with freshmen filling buckets seems like a smarter strategy.

Don’t confuse Arkansas or Calipari with an underdog story. The high point was Cinderella, not Arkansas. Underdogs don’t acquire players like Acaf. This roster doesn’t come from a bargain rack. Arkansas is fully committed to the Calipari era, and the Razorbacks need to win two more games to truly have a season worth celebrating.

The way the Razorbacks played after just winning the SEC Tournament, you wouldn’t want them in your area.

Apparently, Calipari didn’t have to change his ways. He needed a change of pace, and one of the better freshmen needed to play in March Madness like Acuff did against High Point.

Meanwhile, that possum Calipari has regained his bite.

Blake Topmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow at X @btoppmeyer.

Meet the therapy llamas who entertain travelers at U.S. airports

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Meet the therapy llamas who entertain travelers at U.S. airports

At Portland International Airport, therapy llamas and alpacas help travelers relax with monthly visits.

“Paw Sports on the Move” is a five-part series that introduces you to the animals that will make your trip even more special.

You’d never expect to see a sweater-clad llama striding through an airport terminal, but if you’re flying through Portland International Airport (PDX), it’s a real possibility.

Several llamas and alpacas from Mountain Peaks Therapy, a nonprofit organization based in Ridgefield, Wash., visit PDX about once a month to interact with visitors. You may be familiar with the dogs that work at airports to provide comfort to travelers, but since 2023, these camels have been part of PDX’s unique animal-assisted therapy program.

It was such a hit that people lined up to see the large mammal.

“PDX is known for doing things differently, and with their gentle natures and quirky personalities, our llamas and alpacas have achieved icon status at the airport and are beloved by all,” PDX spokeswoman Molly Prescott told USA TODAY. “There’s nothing like the joy and wonder on people’s faces when they meet a llama or alpaca for the first time.”

Can’t fly with your pet? A “flight nanny” might be the solution.

Trained therapy animals hang out at entrances and main terminals with their handlers by their side, welcoming attention and affection. It’s not just hard to miss them; Llamas and alpacas typically grow up to 6 feet tall and can weigh up to 450 pounds, in part because they wear playful costumes. Pirates and western cowboys are just some of the costume themes.

During the hour-and-a-half visit, passengers can pet and cuddle the llamas and alpacas. There’s also a chance to do carrot kissing, where you feed small carrots to the animals through your mouth or hand. Each camelid has its own trading card, and frequent fliers love to collect them.

“The goal of therapy is to reduce anxiety and relieve stress, so we’re always careful,” Mountain Peaks owner Lori Gregory said. “We have quite a few people who travel for reasons that aren’t fun, like going to see a loved one for the last time or going to a funeral. We always make sure to give them extra time with their animals and just express our love and care.”

encountered an avalanche Rescue dog protects skiers at Big Sky

fall in love with a llama

It all started with a llama named after Canadian pop star Shania Twain. Gregory and her family had just moved to rural Washington, and their new property had enough space to house several large animals. Daughter Shannon Joy initially wanted a horse, but the school’s program quickly changed her mind. Through the program, Joy learned about different animals, including borrowing a local llama, Shania, to show at the fair.

“We decided to take part in it to learn about these animals and just fell in love,” Gregory said.

In Gregory’s words, Shania’s kind nature brought a “whole new world” to the family. The idea of ​​seeing llamas roaming outside in the United States may seem exotic and strange to some, but llamas are one of the oldest domesticated animals in history. Llama shows are now held all over the United States, from California to Georgia.

You can also move abroad With your dog without getting on a plane

In 2002, the family purchased a young llama named Rojo. Gregory said his kind disposition made him stand out from other young llamas. Since llamas are herd animals, we also bought two more.

Rojo grew up to weigh nearly 350 to 400 pounds and “never outgrew his dog-like personality and friendly nature,” Gregory said. They took him to parades and fairs, and everyone was attracted to him. He also loved attention and enjoyed being cuddled and pet by everyone.

Story continues below.

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How two border collies help keep planes safe at a West Virginia airport

Meet Hercules and Ned, two border collies who keep smiling while keeping West Virginia’s busiest airport safe.

Not all llamas are like Shania or Rojo. By nature, llamas are smart, protective, and sometimes stubborn creatures, earning them a reputation for being mean creatures and spitting on people. Gregory says this depends not only on the llama’s natural attitude, but also on how the llama is raised and socialized. Its smaller cousin, the alpaca, is more timid and shy, but its independent nature makes it a great therapy animal.

“We try to educate a lot when we go out because people have so many misconceptions and put them all in the same basket,” Gregory said. “Oh, he doesn’t like being here. He’d rather be in the meadow. I said, well, some things have changed and he’s actually enjoying his new surroundings and he’s curious.”

That was confirmed in 2007 when Gregory witnessed a cordial interaction. A young boy in a wheelchair regains his strength after meeting Rojo at a trade fair. At this moment, she realized that Rojo could have a positive impact on others as a therapy animal.

Gregory and Joy, fresh out of high school, took Rojo to the now-defunct animal therapy program at Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in downtown Portland. He made history as the first Lama to graduate from the program.

Rojo’s new position was announced at a gala that year, and his popularity quickly exploded. He soon began making visits all over Portland, from charity events to nursing homes and schools.

Currently, the farm has six llamas and five alpacas, but not all of them are suitable for therapeutic visits. Mountain Peaks also owns a commercial branch that takes llamas to events such as weddings, with the proceeds helping to fund nonprofit organizations.

Bringing joy to the airport

In 2020, PDX celebrated the opening of its new concourse and invited Mountain Peaks Llamas to join in the festivities. Two llamas wearing costumes that read “I heart PDX” strutted through the airport, greeting travelers. They returned home for the holidays, and a video of Llama walking through the airport wearing a Christmas sweater went viral.

Now, they are regulars at the airport through an official partnership with PDX’s Animal Therapy Program. The program first started with dogs in 2019, and the llamas “added novelty and surprise,” according to the airport. “There’s nothing like a wagging tail and a friendly face to bring a little comfort and joy,” Prescott said. “Especially in a city like Portland, which is known for being animal-friendly.”

When llamas and their handlers arrive for special visits, they take advantage of valet parking, skip the security lines and get patted.

Time spent at the airport is valuable, even for non-travelers. Exposure to different environments at the airport helps train the animals. They also spend time with the airport staff themselves, who often have stressful jobs.

“I really appreciated the value of the airport,” Gregory said. “This is very unique and an effort to provide a great travel experience for people who use the airport, and I’m very impressed with everyone.”

You can work from anywhere until you file your state taxes. don’t pay twice

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You can work from anywhere until you file your state taxes. don’t pay twice

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Hate paying taxes? What if I have to pay twice?

Regulations usually prohibit Americans from doing such things, but it can still happen in some cases. The potential for double taxation typically arises when people live and work in different locations. For example, if you choose to work in a different state than your employer, although it is not required.

Even if you can avoid double taxation, sorting out the rules can be complicated and require additional tax returns. Each state has different rules, but states generally require you to pay taxes and file a return if you are a resident or nonresident earning income within the state. Unless your state has a reciprocity agreement with your home state or doesn’t impose income taxes. You may also be required to file a tax return in your employer’s state.

State taxes can be complicated, so before you commit to a work-from-anywhere lifestyle, understand what’s in store come tax season.

Don’t worry about these conditions

In states without income taxes, you may not have to file a state income tax return. they are:

  • alaska
  • florida
  • nevada
  • new hampshire
  • south dakota
  • tennessee
  • texas
  • wyoming
  • washington

What is a reciprocal tax agreement?

If you work in a state that has a reciprocal tax agreement with your home state, you won’t be taxed twice. As long as you complete and submit the exemption form for the state you work in to your employer, the state you work in doesn’t have to withhold taxes from your paycheck, you just need to file your return in the state you live in. Make sure your employer withholds taxes for your home state. “Failure to do so could result in underpayment penalties at tax time,” warns tax software company Intuit’s help site.

For example, if you live in Wisconsin but commute across the border to Illinois for work, you won’t pay Illinois taxes or file a tax return in that state. You only need to pay Wisconsin taxes and file state forms.

“If you do not file an exemption form in a state of non-residence, your employer may withhold taxes in that state,” filing software company TaxSlayer says on its website. In that case, you will likely need to file a non-resident return seeking a refund of the taxes withheld.

According to the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit research think tank, 16 states and the District of Columbia have reciprocal agreements.

What would happen without tax reciprocity?

If there is no reciprocity between the two states, some states allow a deduction for taxes paid in states where you do not reside and work. You must file income tax returns in both states to receive the credit. This means filing a residence state income tax form for your home state listing all sources of income and filing a nonresident tax return listing only your salary income.

Note:

  • Even if the state where you receive the credit has a lower tax rate than your home state, you may have to pay some of the residual tax.
  • Residence is also a prerequisite for receiving a loan, which can be tricky, warns Nathan Hagerman, a partner at Taft Law. Typically, a person will stay in the state for six months or more for purposes such as receiving mail, obtaining a driver’s license, voting in the state, buying a home in the state, and other purposes to make the state a permanent home.
  • Credit does not apply to local or county taxes.

Whose convenience is this?

A few states have an “employer’s convenience rule,” which means that if you work in another state for your own convenience (rather than the company’s obligation), you are liable to pay taxes in the state where your employer is based. Unless you live and work in a state that doesn’t have an income tax, you could be taxed twice on the same income.

Some states offer credits that can offset some or all of the taxes you owe to your employer’s state. For example, New Jersey offers tax credits to offset state taxes paid to New York by its residents due to its telecommuting accommodation provisions.

Which states have “employer convenience rules”?

Each state’s rules may vary slightly, but according to Northwestern Mutual, here are the rules to be aware of:

  • connecticut
  • Delaware
  • nebraska
  • new york
  • pennsylvania
  • new jersey

What if we split our time between many states?

Taxes can become more complicated if you stay in multiple states, and you may need to track time spent in each state.

More than half of the states with personal income taxes require employers to withhold taxes from nonresident employees’ paychecks from the first day they travel to the state for business purposes, although some states allow them to work there for more than 30 days the first time, according to the Mobile Workforce Coalition, a group of 280 organizations that advocates for simpler state income tax rules for nonresidents.

Athletes who regularly practice and play across state lines, as well as consultants and construction workers who may spend months at a time on projects in different cities, must pay income taxes in each state in which they earn income.

Medora Lee is USA TODAY’s money, markets and personal finance reporter. Please contact us at mjlee@usatoday.com. Subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.

President Trump to send ICE agents to assist TSA amid tensions at airports

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President Trump to send ICE agents to assist TSA amid tensions at airports

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President Donald Trump announced that starting Monday, March 23, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be sent to airports to support understaffed Transportation Security Administration personnel as the partial government shutdown continues.

The announcement came a day after the president first threatened to deploy federal immigration enforcement to deal with a growing crisis stemming from ongoing funding battles in Congress and exacerbated by an influx of spring break travelers.

“On Monday, ICE will be heading to the airport to support our amazing TSA agents who continue to do their jobs despite the fact that radical left Democrats, who are only focused on protecting hard-line criminals who entered our country illegally, are putting America at risk by withholding funds that were agreed upon long ago in contracts signed and sealed,” President Trump said in a social media post on Sunday, March 22.

more: Kinder, kinder ICE? Marin is conciliatory, but White House says it will stay the course

In his comments a day earlier, the president said he intended to have ICE agents arrest people who entered the United States without authorization, especially those from Somalia, which the president has repeatedly criticized. It is unclear whether Monday’s deployment will involve ICE officers simply assisting TSA officers in their assigned duties, or whether their duties will also include immigration control at airports.

Customs and Border Protection officers primarily manage immigration at airports.

more: What you need to know if you’re flying this weekend during the government shutdown

Recently, a shortage of TSA officers has resulted in longer wait times for travelers at airports across the country, especially at security checkpoints. Approximately 50,000 TSA airport security agents have been forced to work without pay over the past month due to the partial government shutdown.

more: President Trump says he will send ICE agents to airports if TSA funding is delayed

The shutdown began after Democrats denied funding to the Department of Homeland Security, which includes both TSA and ICE, and lasted until DHS changed its immigration enforcement policies in the wake of a violent crackdown in Minnesota. Republicans rejected a proposal from Democrats to pass funding only to DHS’s nonimmigrant enforcement division, which includes the TSA.

Kathryn Palmer is USA TODAY’s political reporter. She can be reached at the following address: kapalmer@usatoday.com And to X@Kathryn Purml. Sign up for her daily politics newsletter here.

‘Grandparents Happy Hour’ bill goes viral after testimony

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‘Grandparents Happy Hour’ bill goes viral after testimony

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Senior resident Anita LeBlanc wants to “cheer on” her friends with something stronger than grape juice.

LeBlanc is in the news for his testimony before a Minnesota House committee. The committee considered a so-called “Grandparents Happy Hour” bill that would allow group homes to serve alcohol to residents and guests.

“Just because we’re older and living in assisted living doesn’t mean we have less freedom than other people,” LeBlanc said in her March 17 testimony. “My friends and I, like many of you, love happy hour.”

A TikTok of LeBlanc’s testimony posted by local news network Fox 9 in Minneapolis has been viewed nearly 1 million times, and more than 103,000 Instagram users have liked a clip of LeBlanc’s testimony posted on the Washington Post’s Reel.

@fox9mn

A bill in the Minnesota House would allow nursing homes and assisted living facilities to host happy hours without a liquor license. Anita LeBlanc, who testified in favor of the bill, said she and her friends love happy hour, but don’t want to risk slipping on ice to buy a box of wine. Sen. John Hoffman (DFL Champlin) is sponsoring the bill.

♬ Original song – FOX9 | KMSP – FOX 9 | KMSP

In case you missed it: Older Americans want to age at home. their children suffer to help them

One user commented: “They’re not in jail. This is a retirement community. Let’s give them a drink.” Over 16,800 other Instagram users liked this comment.

“We get in the car at dawn for Anita and her box of wine!” another user wrote.

LeBlanc is a resident of Amira Choice, an assisted living facility in Champlin, Minnesota. He told the committee that the bill would legislate “what many people think is already allowed: happy hours in the places we call home.”

“You can have a drink together and celebrate the golden years of your life by remembering parts of your life, such as military service, raising a family, or the death of a friend,” she said.

If passed, the Minnesota House of Representatives says the bill would allow group homes, including nursing homes, residential care homes and assisted living facilities, to serve alcoholic beverages to residents and guests during activities and events as long as they are approved by the state.

Madeline Mitchell’s role covering women and the care economy for USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.

Contact Madeline at: memitchell@usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_ At X.

More Americans are expecting their IRS tax refund in 2026.

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More Americans are expecting their IRS tax refund in 2026.

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Nearly half of American taxpayers rely on IRS refunds to pay bills and get out of debt, a new study finds.

This is a good year for refunds. The IRS has refunded $161 billion to individual taxpayers through March 6th. That’s 11% more than the IRS refunded through the same week in 2025. The average refund amount was $3,676, which was also an increase from last year.

Thanks to President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, refunds are higher and taxes are lower this year, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.

Many Americans will count their tax refunds in 2026 as the single largest check they’ll ever deposit.

“It’s not very often that you get a large check in the mail,” said Matt Schultz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree.

And judging by a March 16 LendingTree survey, many of us are already mentally spending that money many times over.

Of the more than 1,500 taxpayers surveyed, 46% said they were counting on their refund in 2026. In the previous three surveys, only a small percentage of taxpayers said they relied on funds from the IRS.

In a volatile economy, taxpayers rely on IRS refunds

Refunds come at a dangerous time for American consumers. The stock market is falling. Gasoline prices have risen considerably. The job market appears to be tight.

“The reality in 2026 is that many people need a little help to make ends meet,” Schultz said.

But some Americans may be overly optimistic about their chances of receiving a refund. In a LendingTree survey conducted in early February, nearly nine in 10 filers said they expected to get one. The survey was conducted before most taxpayers filed their returns.

In fact, less than two-thirds of taxpayers receive a refund, according to 2025 IRS data.

Some specific demographic groups seem to expect a refund more than others.

  • 63% of parents with children under 18 rely on reimbursement, compared to 32% of parents with adult children.
  • 58% of Millennials expect a refund, compared to only 45% of Gen Xers.
  • 48% of men rely on refunds compared to 44% of women.

Roughly two in three taxpayers say their tax refund is important to their “overall financial health,” the survey found. One in three people said they were dependent on it.

How do taxpayers plan to use their refunds?

Rising prices have been a constant theme for consumers over the past five years. It’s no wonder, then, that many taxpayers plan to use their tax refunds to pay for everyday living expenses. Below is a list of the top 10 ways people plan to spend their checks.

  • Payment of daily living expenses (34%)
  • Pay off debt (34%)
  • Deposit in savings account/emergency fund (32%)
  • Save it for a big purchase (19%)
  • “I buy what I wanted” (18%)
  • Add to your retirement savings (15%)
  • Help support family (13%)
  • Take a vacation (13%)
  • Invest in stocks (11%)
  • Donate to charity (8%)

Where is my refund?

If you’re expecting a refund, you can track your progress at Where’s my refund? IRS website page. Tax authorities say they will be able to check the status of their refund 24 hours after filing their 2025 return electronically. If you file a paper return, wait four weeks.

If you file a paper return, it will take longer for your refund to arrive. According to the IRS, it typically takes three weeks after you file electronically and six weeks (or more) after the IRS receives your return by mail.

Another tip: If you receive your refund via direct deposit, you’ll receive it much faster.

Will President Trump’s face appear on the coin? He explained the controversial plan.

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Will President Trump’s face appear on the coin? He explained the controversial plan.

If produced, the coin would be the latest push by President Trump and his allies to feature his name and likeness on items of national significance.

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Two similar but very different coins that may feature President Donald Trump’s likeness are moving closer to reality amid swirling controversy.

One would be a huge gold collector’s item. The other would be a controversial temporary addition to the currency in circulation, aimed at celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.

On March 19, a U.S. Treasury Department advisory committee announced the design of a 24-carat gold commemorative coin to commemorate the 250th (half-quincentenary) anniversary of the founding of the United States. It features a portrait of Trump, but opponents say it is a move that defies tradition.

Also as part of the 500th anniversary, another $1 coin featuring President Trump’s face may enter circulation.

If produced, the coin would be the latest push by President Trump and his allies to put his name and likeness on important objects and buildings, from national park tickets and banners to the renamed Trump Kennedy Center for the Arts.

Here’s what we know about the two coins and the controversy they’ve caused.

Will Trump coins be in circulation?

The 24-karat gold commemorative coin is a collector’s item and will not go into circulation. The $1 coin could be circulated as legal tender.

The design for the $1 coin was voted on by the Fine Arts Committee in January.

The coins have not yet been manufactured or released, and the $1 coin in particular has faced opposition. Opponents say there are legal issues with coins used as currency depicting living people.

More coin controversy: The symbol of peace has been cut out of a U.S. dime. Is it a message from President Trump?

What is a Trump coin?

The proposed design for the commemorative gold coin features a portrait of Trump with his fist firmly pressed against a desk, a photo taken by the White House’s chief photographer and on display at the National Portrait Gallery. The president approved the design, said Megan Sullivan, acting director of the Mint’s Office of Design Management.

“His image is very strong, very tough,” said Chamberlain Harris, a member of the Fine Arts Commission.

The words “LIBERTY” and “1776-2026” are engraved on the surface of the gold coin. The Fine Arts Committee recommended a diameter of 3 inches, the largest size the U.S. Mint could produce.

The $1 coin design features President Trump’s profile, along with the word “LIBERTY” and dates from 1776 to 2026.

What is the price of Trump gold coins?

The Treasury Department does not disclose the price of the gold commemorative coins, but other collectible coins it sells can cost thousands of dollars.

Why is the coin controversial?

The $1 Trump coin that may be produced is even more controversial than the commemorative coin. But both coins have faced backlash for breaking long-standing coin-making norms about who appears on the coins.

Several Democratic lawmakers argued in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that President Trump’s $1 coin violates an 1886 law that requires currency and securities to display “only the likeness of a deceased individual.”

The administration said a 2020 law authorizing the creation of the 2026 Special Coin would give the U.S. Mint the ability to produce a $1 coin depicting President Trump.

During his lifetime, George Washington argued that it was “monarchical” to put your image on currency.

The only president to have been depicted on coins during his lifetime was Calvin Coolidge, who appeared on the $5 bill alongside Washington in 1926 to commemorate the nation’s 150th anniversary. This coin was unpopular and eventually most of the coins were melted down.

The Citizen Coin Advisory Committee, established in 2003 to advise the Secretary of the Treasury on coin themes and designs, specifically did not approve of the Trump coin design. This commission is separate from the Fine Arts Commission, which President Trump personally selected.

The Citizens’ Numismatic Advisory Committee refused to review the coin, saying it violated the nation’s founding principles. Donald Scarinci, chairman of the advisory committee, said the two proposals were “an abomination to the Declaration of Independence” and said it was a “huge irony” to celebrate the country’s departure from the British monarchy with presidential coins. Scarinci said these coins send a message that the sitting president is king.

The advisory committee also did not approve the design for a memorial district introduced as part of the semi-quincentenary. The commission approved a series of different designs, including images related to abolition, the civil rights movement, and women’s suffrage. They were canceled by Bessent.

Some seniors have medical care on hold as they wait for Medicare

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Some seniors have medical care on hold as they wait for Medicare

sam whitehead
| KFF Health News

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John Galvin knows he needs a colonoscopy. But he has not scheduled the procedure until December, when he turns 65 and becomes eligible for Medicare.

He was already thinking about delaying it, he said at the time, when his monthly Obamacare premium payments tripled this year to $2,460, about a third of his income. Additionally, with a $2,700 deductible, he would have to undergo most of the diagnostic tests himself, making the financial hit difficult to bear, he said.

“It would cost close to $3,000,” said Galvin, who lives in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Ms. Galvin recently retired as a director of a durable medical equipment company. “It has been postponed.”

Galvin said he and his wife, Nancy, are putting off expensive CT scans for a few years until they qualify for Medicare so they can cover the cost. The federal health program covers all Americans age 65 and older.

People in Affordable Care Act plans who are nearing retirement age experienced some of the biggest increases after enhanced federal aid expired at the end of December. People with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level ($86,560 for a family of two) have been receiving help paying for the plan since the Biden administration expanded subsidies during the coronavirus pandemic. Approximately half of ACA enrollees were adults between the ages of 50 and 64.

Without federal funding right now, some people in this age group say they’re wondering whether to delay treatment until they qualify for Medicare.

Delaying treatment can increase costs and health risks

Patient advocates, doctors and health policy researchers say this not only puts physical health at risk, but could simply shift costs, leaving taxpayers to spend even more money to fix health problems that worsen in the delay.

“There’s going to be a lot of unmet demand and unmet need,” said Jessica Schubel, a health policy consultant who worked in the Obama and Biden administrations. “Medicare will be spending a huge amount of money to cover and accommodate their care.”

more: In these five states, there are still penalties for not having health insurance.

The Affordable Care Act is an important source of health insurance for people ages 50 to 64, according to AARP, a lobby group representing seniors. Access to Obamacare plans would cut the uninsured rate in this age group by half. This led some people to retire early while maintaining their coverage.

It has also provided a safety net for small business owners and people with jobs that don’t offer health insurance. Last fall, the longest government shutdown in history occurred as Democratic efforts to expand subsidies failed. Republican lawmakers opposed to the extension argued that the aid would be directed toward insurance companies and encourage fraud and wasteful coverage.

Greg Keller, a Republican strategist with Atlas Strategy Group, said the issue will remain politically relevant, especially among older Americans who are more likely to turn out to vote in this year’s midterm elections.

“Is affordability an issue? Yes,” he said. “Are medical prices factored into that? Yes.”

A 2024 University of Michigan poll found that even before the subsidies expired, the cost of medical care, nursing homes, and prescription drugs were among the top health-related concerns for people 50 and older. Middle-aged adults with Obamacare plans are feeling the pinch of expiring subsidies. That’s because the ACA allows insurance companies to charge adults in their 60s, who typically use less health care, up to three times as much premiums as those in their 20s.

And many middle-aged adults are already enrolled in the lowest-cost plan available, leaving them without affordable options to turn to, said Matt McGaugh, a policy analyst at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

“This is very disastrous for older marketplace registrants,” he says.

People who earn a few dollars more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level currently earn too much to qualify for subsidies, and in some states their average premium payments would have been at least tripled.

Many people are experiencing rate increases of thousands of dollars a year, and their total premium payments amount to as much as a quarter of their income. John Ayanian, a primary care physician and health policy researcher at the University of Michigan, said he regularly speaks with older patients who are wondering how they can cover their medical costs. He said some people in their early 60s may opt out of ACA coverage because of rising premiums.

“It’s a gamble,” he added.

Marcy Heinbaugh might take that gamble. The 63-year-old social services worker in rural Illinois said his monthly premium payments more than doubled from about $1,100 to $2,333 on a plan with a $10,150 out-of-pocket maximum.

She said she knew she would be paying more, but she didn’t expect it to be this big. Now, several months later, she’s not sure if she’ll stick with that plan for the rest of the year. She said she might become uninsured.

“I cringe just thinking about it,” Heinbaugh said.

“An impossible choice”

Alan Weil, AARP’s senior vice president for public policy, said people want to buy their insurance on the marketplace, and many middle-aged adults can afford it with a little federal financial aid. People who opt out of insurance or delay care until they reach age 65 may save money now, but it could end up costing them, and taxpayers, more money down the road.

“As people approach retirement, the so-called savings associated with subsidy reductions are likely to end up increasing the cost of using Medicare,” Weil said.

Medicare enrollees are also not immune to rising costs. In January, for example, standard Medicare Part B premiums rose from $185 a month to nearly $203 a month.

Until Galvin enrolls in Medicare, he said he plans to use up his $30,000 retirement account to cover premium payments and deductibles for the marketplace plan.

A 2024 AARP survey found that one in five adults over age 50 has no retirement savings, and three in five worry they don’t have enough retirement savings to support themselves.

Health policy researchers said the expiration of these Obamacare subsidies will put additional financial pressure on Americans nearing retirement.

“People are being forced to make impossible choices,” said Natalie Keene, director of federal health advocacy for the national nonprofit Justice in Aging.

Are you struggling to pay for health insurance? Have you decided to forego coverage? click here Contact KFF Health News to share your story.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism on health issues and is one of our core operating programs. KFF — An independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Why does this congressman want to impeach AG Pam Bondi?

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Why does this congressman want to impeach AG Pam Bondi?

From the Epstein case file to prosecutorial integrity, Democratic Congresswoman Summer Lee said Attorney General Pam Bondi is damaging the Justice Department.

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The second-year member of Congress watched with growing concern as the Justice Department fired its top ethics official, expelled investigators into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and launched investigations into the president’s political rivals.

As the Justice Department’s transformation progressed, she came to the conclusion that the nation’s top law enforcement official was unfit for office.

“This is an administration that is out of control and completely lawless,” Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pennsylvania) told USA TODAY on March 18, explaining her decision the day before to introduce articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Lee’s impeachment proposal, drafted with the help of the anti-corruption nonprofit group People for Free Speech, points to investigations and prosecutions that he claims are evidence that the Justice Department is being politicized. These include charges filed at the president’s request against longtime critics of the president, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

A judge dismissed the charges in November.

“When you think about the authoritarianism that the Trump administration is actively promoting, this is ultimately what we’re going to focus on. These are acts that we’ll look back on in history and say that was a clear red flag,” she said.

Lee introduced an article co-sponsored by several other Democrats, including Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

She faces an uphill battle. A majority of the House, currently dominated by Republicans, would need to vote in favor of impeachment. Actual conviction in the Senate to remove Mr. Bondi from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

Observers may wonder why Lee went to the trouble of introducing this measure. But she says there is a growing sense of demand for accountability and it is important to apply more pressure.

The article essentially accuses Mr. Bondi of allowing President Donald Trump’s private law firm to serve his political interests and exact revenge.

“The most important message really is that the train is flying off the tracks right now,” she said.

The article also accuses Bondi of breaking the law by failing to turn over files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lee sees these parts of the article as a potential lever to win Republican support.

On March 4, the Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Bondi to testify about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein file.

“There’s a growing call for some accountability here, especially with regard to the handling of the Epstein file and parts of the Epstein investigation,” Lee said. “We’re going to have to build on that momentum.”

President Trump indicated earlier this month that he intends to maintain his position as attorney general.

President Trump said at a White House event celebrating the 2025 Major League Soccer champions on March 5 that Bondi was a “great person.” “And she’s proving how tough she is, and I think she’s going to really prove that over the next three years.”

The Department of Justice did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

“Attorney General Pam Bondi has worked tirelessly to successfully implement the President’s law and order agenda. Attorney General Bondi is doing an outstanding job,” White House press secretary Abigail Jackson told USA TODAY in a statement.

In early March, Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) filed her own article of impeachment against Bondi without a co-sponsor. Each of these articles accuses Mr. Bondi of using the Justice Department as a weapon against his political opponents and obstructing a congressional investigation into the Epstein family.

Politicization of the Department of Justice?

The article of impeachment lists various ways in which Mr. Lee alleges that Mr. Bondi abused his power by targeting Mr. Trump’s critics for investigation and prosecution.

This includes complying with President Trump’s request to appoint Lindsey Harrigan, an attorney with no experience as a prosecutor, as Virginia’s top prosecutor. Halligan then heeded Trump’s call for grand jury indictments against Comey and James. A judge later dismissed the charges.

The articles of impeachment also cite other investigations into people unfavorable to President Trump, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Chairman Lisa Cook, and six members of Congress who encouraged military personnel to disobey illegal orders.

“This is unacceptable in our political system,” Lee said. “This sets a precedent that our system, our institutions, our departments are all political footballs.”

In a March 11 court opinion, a federal judge blocked a subpoena that was part of a Justice Department investigation into Powell’s handling of building renovations, writing that the government had “essentially zero evidence to impugn Powell’s crimes. In fact, the justification was so tenuous and unsubstantiated that the court had no choice but to conclude that it was a pretext.”

The article also holds Bondi responsible for the department’s efforts to close investigations and dismiss charges and lawsuits against Trump allies or potential allies, including border czar Tom Homan, former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Trump campaign major donor Elon Musk.

“The Justice Department’s job is not to protect or in any way protect the president of the United States or protect his friends (in the Trump administration),” Lee said.

The White House has at times suggested that the Justice Department under President Joe Biden has been weaponized for political purposes and that the current administration is reversing that course.

But those charges against Trump were brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith, whose role was meant to establish more than usual independence from Justice Department leadership, and who was also appointed to handle the sensitive investigation into then-Democratic President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

Mr. Harrigan filed the lawsuit against Mr. Comey and Mr. James after former officials in charge of deciding whether to prosecute reportedly expressed skepticism about both cases.

Bondi accused of protecting Epstein’s associates

The articles of impeachment also target Bondi’s handling of the Epstein file, which has drawn criticism from both sides of Congress.

In March 2025, Ms. Bondi fueled expectations that the Justice Department would release damaging information against associates of Mr. Epstein, who died while awaiting trial in a Manhattan jail on sex trafficking charges.

But just four months later, Bondi’s Justice Department issued a memo saying that a systematic internal review of the files had uncovered no incriminating list of Epstein’s clients and that “further disclosure is not appropriate or warranted.”

Since then, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have accused the Justice Department of illegally withholding documents, first in the face of Congressional subpoenas and then in the face of the bipartisan Transparency Act.

Mr Bondi defended the department’s action, saying it was a huge undertaking to review and edit the files and missed legal deadlines to release the documents.

“Based on the law that was passed, we had 30 days to redact and release 3 million documents, which when stacked up would be the height of the Eiffel Tower,” Bondi told reporters on March 18.

Bondi’s attorney, Todd Blanche, said many documents were suppressed to protect the victim’s privacy as allowed by transparency laws. But he also said the Justice Department was withholding documents for reasons not permitted by law, including to shield internal Justice Department deliberations about Epstein.

Mr Lee criticized the Bondi Justice Department for not taking new action against Epstein associates, despite Britain making arrests based on the latest file disclosures. He said this shows that America’s elites enjoy protections that working-class Americans do not have.

“The American people are tired of seeing that two-tiered justice system,” Lee said.

“If we have any information about men who have abused women, we will prosecute them,” Blanche said on January 30.

“Attack comes from all angles”

Bondi is not the only senior Trump official accused of breaking the law and undermining ethical standards within the government. Congressional Democrats are also calling for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to violate people’s constitutional rights in their enforcement actions.

Judges may uphold claims that government officials have violated the law or even a direct court order.

For example, Patrick J. Shilts, a federal judge in Minnesota appointed by President George W. Bush, said in a Feb. 26 court order that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had violated the order in 210 cases in 143 separate cases, calling the “continued violations” of the order “beyond common sense.”

Lee believes the administration is showing a pattern of ignoring the checks and balances imposed by Congress and the court system under the Constitution.

“The attacks are coming from all angles,” Lee said. “And it is a fundamental and essential existential threat to our democracy and democratic institutions.”

Do you want to live abroad? These small towns have a high standard of living

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Do you want to live abroad? These small towns have a high standard of living

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Big cities like Paris or popular tourist spots like Thessaloniki may be better known, but when it comes to moving abroad, American expats may benefit from smaller, less obvious towns.

International Living recently released a report on 21 small towns where you can enjoy a “comfortable lifestyle” for just $2,000 a month. That may mean an improved quality of life defined by more walkable communities, access to attractions such as outdoor and cultural events, fresh food, and other perks.

“These small towns offer what people are increasingly seeking now,” Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of InternationalLiving.com, said in a release. “You don’t just save money; you gain a sense of community, a healthier pace of life, and more meaningful daily experiences.”

Consider Amarante (pictured above), a picturesque small town in northern Portugal that dates back to the 4th century BC.

Editors at International Living describe Amarante’s lifestyle as “deliberately slow.” Despite being smaller than destinations such as Lisbon, it still attracts tourists and is home to “top-notch” traditional restaurants and bakeries.

In the historic city center, you can find two- and three-bedroom rentals for as little as $1,000 per month, making the overall cost of living lower. Large homes and farms with land can be had for as little as $400,000.

If you read and loved A Year in Provence, Bormes Les Mimosas might be for you. It is named after the colorful flowers that bloom in winter and hosts a festival called Corso Fleuri every February.

Bormes-les-Mimosas also has beaches, wineries, and a medieval hilltop village.

International Living editors estimate that someone living in a modest two-bedroom apartment can expect to spend about $3,400.

You can also find the slow-paced lifestyle of a small town in Nafpaktos, Greece. Located on the Gulf of Corinth, it offers easy access to the beach and a wealth of ancient Venetian architecture.

Housing costs remain reasonable, with rental rates typically ranging from $405 to $809 per month. Monthly costs for a single resident average between $1,271 and $1,735.

According to the editors of International Living, the scenery here is like a “postcard” and there are festivals held throughout the year.

more: How to move to another country: what you need to know before exchanging nationalities

The small town of Aigues-Mortes was founded in the 13th century.th Centuries later, the medieval architecture still remains intact. International Living editors describe the city as chic, resembling some of the upscale small cities in California, with a walkable downtown filled with delicious eateries.

Aigues-Mortes is located in the south of France, but it’s not Provence, so prices are a little lower.

If you rent a modest two-bedroom apartment, you can expect to spend about $2,210 to $2,600 per month. Buying a home in a historic city center can be expensive. Expect to pay at least $231,000 for just 430 square feet, but International Living editors claim it’s the most beautiful place to live of all the options they cover.

If you’re yearning for a Caribbean lifestyle, Maya Beach on Belize’s Placencia Peninsula may be worth a visit. As it is located on a long and narrow peninsula, it is surrounded by water on both sides.

Maya Beach is quieter and cheaper than its tourist-heavy neighboring cities, but it’s home to Maya Bistro, one of the area’s most popular restaurants.

Rent is very reasonable, with International Living saying you can buy a one-bedroom cottage for about $800 a month, and a two-bedroom for about $1,400 a month.

San Ramon, Costa Rica, shown above, is full of beautiful natural scenery, lively restaurants, cultural attractions, and more.

International Living editors say San Ramon is one of the areas where daily necessities are “surprisingly easy to obtain” for expatriates. This includes access to health care, San Jose International Airport, and proximity to grocery stores and other shopping facilities.

One couple interviewed by International Living estimates they spend about $6,000 on living expenses, but believes it is possible to live modestly on a fraction of that. On the other hand, if you’re looking to buy a home, you can still find options for less than $150,000, even though larger, updated or rural properties will cost at least $300,000 and probably more.

Supreme Court launches President Trump-backed challenge to mail-in voting delays

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Supreme Court launches President Trump-backed challenge to mail-in voting delays

Republican efforts to restrict mail-in voting will be debated in a lawsuit over whether absentee ballots must be received (and not just postmarked) by Election Day.

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WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court will consider Republican efforts to restrict mail-in voting on March 23 when it hears a case with far-reaching implications for upcoming midterm elections over whether absentee ballots must be received (rather than just postmarked) by Election Day.

Voting by mail is down compared to its peak during the coronavirus pandemic. However, nearly 30% of voters will still vote by mail in the 2024 election, and many states have grace periods for mail-in voting.

President Donald Trump has long railed against mail-in voting, claiming it risks fraud and making baseless claims that he lost the 2020 election.

“Elections are never honest with mail-in voting. Everyone knows it, especially Democrats,” he wrote in Truth Social in August.

more: Eliminate mail-in voting? President Trump’s goal sparks debate, threatens lawsuits

Last year, President Trump signed an executive order overhauling elections, including eliminating the grace period for mail-in ballots received after Election Day. Some Republican-controlled states have changed their rules in response, and Democratic states have so far successfully challenged Trump’s orders in court.

In a separate legal challenge to the Mississippi law, the Trump administration is expected to join the Republican National Committee on March 23 in persuading the Supreme Court to prohibit states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day.

more: What is the SAVE Act and how does it affect voters?

The rejection rate for late-arriving ballots is low.

Daniel Thompson, a political scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and an expert on how election rules affect outcomes, doubts the incident will have a major impact on the outcome.

She said states without grace periods for mail-in ballots have the same rejection rates for late-arriving ballots as states with more lenient deadlines. Additionally, the overall rejection rate for late-arriving ballots in the 2020 election was less than 1%.

Still, the case (Watson v. Republican National Committee) could influence the public’s perception of election security, said Rick Hasen, an election expert and law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Mr. Watson falls within this broader pattern of lawsuits surrounding mail-in voting,” Hasen said in a webinar about the case. “I think they are meant to please Trump and make it seem like the election was fraudulent.”

But the case takes an unusual twist in that the law being challenged was passed by a Republican-led Legislature and is being defended by Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, a Republican.

“Mississippi’s policy choice to only require absentee ballots to be mailed in by Election Day may be opposed by reasonable people,” Fitch said in its Supreme Court filing. “But federal law gives Mississippi the authority to make that choice.”

more: In latest major election case, Supreme Court hears Republican challenge to mail-in voting

Most states have a grace period for at least some mail-in voting.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi amended its election law to allow absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they are received within five business days.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 29 states allow at least some late ballots cast by U.S. military personnel and Americans living overseas to be counted.

Fourteen states have extended the deadline for counting all mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, with Illinois up to two weeks.

Veterans and groups representing veterans worked with the state of Mississippi to defend the grace period.

“Because of Postal Service delays and states not counting ballots received by Election Day, people are being disenfranchised through no fault of their own,” said Marc Elias, a Democratic elections attorney who heads Veterans Voice and the Retired Americans Alliance.

Democrats are also more likely than Republicans to vote by mail, so Republicans are “trying to drive voters out of their districts who don’t want to participate,” Elias said.

more: Changes in postmarks could affect whether ballots or invoices are received by the deadline.

Republicans warn of fraud risks

Conservative groups support the Republican National Committee’s argument that strict deadlines are needed to prevent foul play.

“The longer an election is held, the greater the opportunity and risk of fraud,” a number of groups, including gun owners associations, said in a filing.

According to the MIT Election Data & Science Lab, documented cases of fraud related to mail-in voting are rare. A 2025 report from the Brookings Institution estimates that there will be about four incidents of fraud for every 10 million mail-in ballots.

But opponents argue that if votes counted after Election Day affect the outcome of a race, it could raise questions about the legitimacy of the election even if there was no fraud.

“It’s hard to blame Americans for these allegations when results are available quickly in some states, but it takes days to even know how many votes still need to be counted in others,” the Republican National Committee told the Supreme Court.

An incident that changes the definition of “election”

The legal arguments being waged by the RNC and the Department of Justice revolve around the definition of when an election took place, as federal law sets a specific date for U.S. elections.

According to Mississippi, an “election” occurs when voters choose a candidate.

“Voters make their choices by marking and submitting their ballots,” state attorneys said in written arguments. “Therefore, federal Election Day law only requires voters to cast their votes by Election Day.”

Republicans and the Trump administration counter that the election is the day a valid ballot must be received.

“Elections have consequences. Elections also have definitions,” the Justice Department said in its filing. “And since the dawn of America, Election Day has meant the day ballot boxes close and election officials must receive every ballot.”

Mississippi’s federal judges sided with the state, but the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, considered the most conservative appellate court in the country, sided with Republicans.

“Suspicion of fraud”

The Supreme Court touched on this issue in 2020 when it reversed a judge’s order requiring Wisconsin to count late-arriving mail-in ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a concurring opinion that one reason the justices erred was because they “failed to fully appreciate the significance of the election deadline.”

Kavanaugh said states that require ballots to be postmarked and received by Election Day “want to avoid the confusion and potential fraud that could occur if thousands of absentee ballots come in after Election Day and potentially overturn the election results.”

Comments in 2020 by conservative judges whose votes could be key to deciding cases suggest sympathy for policy concerns expressed by Republicans. But Kavanaugh has defended states’ right to require all states to receive ballots by Election Day, not that all states must do so.

A carve-out for military voters?

But another consideration for the judges is votes from U.S. military personnel. Justices may be reluctant to block practices that favor military personnel stationed far from home trying to vote.

Still, the high court could do the same as the appeals court and argue that military votes are different because Congress responded with a different law.

Lisa Dixon, executive director of the Election Confidence Center and a consultant to the Republican National Bar Association, said the result is “pretty plausible.”

“The court could certainly treat that as two different categories of ballots,” she said.

What the Iran War Means for Another ‘Big and Beautiful Bill’ Topic

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What the Iran War Means for Another ‘Big and Beautiful Bill’ Topic

Some Republicans in Congress had already floated the idea of ​​passing a major new tax and spending bill before the midterm elections. Now, it may be the only way for the Pentagon to get more military funding.

WASHINGTON – For weeks, speculation has been mounting on Capitol Hill about a second “big, beautiful bill” as some Republican lawmakers push for major new legislative reforms ahead of a midterm cycle in which they could lose full control of Congress.

The talks are starting to get more serious, with lawmakers acknowledging it may be the only way to pass up to $200 billion in additional defense spending for the escalating war with Iran.

But the path to winning war funding in Congress is likely to be tough, as Republicans cannot afford to lose a few votes, if any, in the already tight margins in the House and Senate. It also risks splintering the Republican Party, which is trying to project a unified party message as the November election approaches.

read more: President Trump says Republican congressman would have been ‘dead by June’ in awkward moment

While the politics surrounding Pentagon funding are complex, the legislative process is relatively simple. A simple majority vote in the Senate is all that is needed to pass massive tax and spending legislation through a process known as “reconciliation.”

That’s how the so-called “big, beautiful bill” — a behemoth that cut Medicaid, eliminated the tax on tips, and overhauled student loans — was signed into law last year. Virtually everything else would require 60 votes, which would require Democratic support.

Both strategies have advantages and disadvantages. In theory, calculations for adjustments are easier. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a hardline conservative, said it was a “better approach” than venturing into territory where he would need to lobby Democrats for votes.

He acknowledged that the bill could balloon quickly, complicating its feasibility before it reaches President Donald Trump’s desk.

“Obviously, there are a lot of questions that come with that in terms of what happens and what we do,” Roy told USA TODAY. “There are issues related to taxation and health care policy. Once we start down the path of reconciliation, everything begins to open up.”

Another potential reconciliation push was a hot topic of discussion at the recent House Republicans’ annual policy roundtable in Doral, Florida. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) told visiting reporters that another similar mega-building would be “not as big, but just as beautiful.”

A number of ideas were floated during lawmakers’ trip to the Sunshine State, but neither Republicans nor Democrats are yet fully sure what might end up in another settlement.

“Who knows?” Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, told USA TODAY.

She argued that Republicans “just continue to confront the government’s practices and circumvent the process.”

read more: President Trump may need billions of dollars for the Iran war. Congress is getting in the way.

MAGA, Senate Division

Two key Republican constituencies on Capitol Hill are already threatening the success of another reconciliation bill.

First, at least one anti-interventionist conservative is not happy with the prospect of spending more money to support conflicts overseas rather than solving problems at home.

“I’m tired of spending money on the industrial complex,” Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), an avid MAGA believer, told reporters last week. “There are people in Colorado who can’t afford to live there.”

Some realists in the Senate are also hesitant to fully support such a plan. Some Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, an ally of President Trump, have already said they are “open” to approving war spending through settlements, but others do not want to participate yet.

“Without context, there’s no way to know what’s actually in there and the likelihood of it actually going anywhere,” Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told USA TODAY.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who was a key vote on the “Big Beautiful Bill” last year, has become increasingly skeptical of the war effort. She specifically calls on the Trump administration to increase communication with lawmakers before considering approving additional Pentagon cash.

read more: Mukovsky is skeptical about war cost estimates

The White House “must make information available upon request,” she said. “Don’t take for granted that the role of Congress is basically just writing checks.”

Zachary Schermele is a Congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach me by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and on Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social..

Nancy Guthrie’s family asks neighbors for clues in new statement

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Nancy Guthrie’s family asks neighbors for clues in new statement

“Members of this community may have information that they don’t even realize is important,” the family said.

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Nancy Guthrie’s family has asked neighbors to search their minds and memories for possible clues about the kidnapping of Today host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, in a bid to purge them of any information that could help in the search for the missing 84-year-old.

“Members of this community may have information that they are not even aware is important,” the family said in a statement to local Arizona station KVOA – News 4 Tucson. “We hope people will explore their memories, especially around the key timelines of January 31st and early morning of February 1st, and late night of January 11th.”

“We implore this community to bring renewed attention to our mother’s case. Please draw on camera footage, diary notes, text messages, and observations and conversations that may have significance in retrospect,” the family implored. “It doesn’t matter how small it is. It might be the key.”

more: Katie Couric, Savannah Guthrie face heartbreak on ‘Today’ show

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31st after being dropped off at her home in Tucson. She was reported missing on February 1 after missing church, sparking an intense investigation into her disappearance.

“We miss our mother with every breath we take. We will not feel safe until she is home,” the statement continued. “We cannot grieve. We can only feel pain and wonder. We are focused on finding her and bringing her home. We want to celebrate her beautiful and brave life, but we cannot do that until she is taken to her final resting place.”

“Thank you for your continued prayers.”

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said in a March 13 update that investigators are continuing to analyze evidence, including “laboratory materials and camera images and video.”

“At this time, we will not comment on the details or status of this analysis,” sheriff’s spokeswoman Angelica Carrillo said in an update.

The sheriff’s office is working with the FBI to investigate DNA samples taken from Guthrie’s home and Tucson-area neighborhoods, a backpack carried by the suspect who “tampered with” her doorbell camera the night she disappeared, and a Wi-Fi jammer that may have been used to disrupt Guthrie’s internet service.

Powerball jackpot rises to $120 million for March 21 drawing

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Powerball jackpot rises to $120 million for March 21 drawing

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The Powerball jackpot has risen to $120 million ($54.4 million cash value) ahead of Saturday’s March 21 drawing, giving players another chance to win big.

Lottery officials say the jackpot has been won nearly 200 times since the game began in 1992, and tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only states not participating are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

Some states were luckier than others. Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have been at the top of the list of states that have produced the most Powerball jackpot winners over the years.

The most recent Powerball jackpot was won on Monday, March 2, when an Arkansas player matched all six numbers and won $251 million. Winners can choose between annuity payments over 30 years or a lump sum of approximately $118 million. No prizes have been claimed at this time.

Here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s drawing.

more: Which Powerball number should you choose?

What are the winning Powerball numbers for March 21st?

USA TODAY will publish the winning numbers at 10:59 p.m. ET after the lottery drawing.

Do I have to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball?

The short answer is no. You do not need to be a US citizen or resident to play Powerball. Anyone visiting any of the 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands may purchase lottery tickets from authorized and licensed retailers, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet the legal age requirements (usually 18 years old) at the time of purchase.

Top 10 Powerball Jackpots

  • $2.04 billion in California on November 7, 2022
  • December 24, 2025, $1.817 billion in Arkansas.
  • $1.787 billion in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025
  • $1.765 billion in California on October 11, 2023
  • January 13, 2016, $1.586 billion in California, Florida, and Tennessee
  • April 6, 2024, $1.326 billion in Oregon.
  • $1.08 billion in California on July 19, 2023
  • $842.4 million in Michigan on January 1, 2024
  • March 27, 2019, $768.4 million in Wisconsin
  • August 23, 2017, $758.7 million in Massachusetts

more: Which states have the most lottery winners? What you need to know.

How to play Powerball

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This can be done at a variety of locations, including local convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In some states, you can purchase Powerball tickets online depending on your local jurisdiction.

Once you have your ticket, you have to choose six numbers. Five of them are white balls numbered from 1 to 69. The red Powerball range is 1-26. You can also add a “Power Play” for $1, which increases your winnings on all non-jackpot prizes. “Power Play” multipliers can increase your winnings by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x.

A “Quick Pick” option is also available if you want the computer to select the numbers for you. To win the jackpot, players must match all five white balls with the red Powerball in any order.

Powerball drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. The winnings continue to increase even if no one wins the jackpot.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.

March Madness 2026 NCAA Tournament First Round Worst Moments

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March Madness 2026 NCAA Tournament First Round Worst Moments

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Follow all of Saturday’s NCAA Tournament second round games with live updates from USA TODAY Sports.

The NCAA Tournament brings joy to some people. For others, it brings ruin.

While High Point fans are enjoying the excitement as the Panthers defeated No. 5 seed Wisconsin in the first round to claim the first NCAA Tournament win in program history, others, including those at North Carolina, continue to search for answers after a 19-point loss to No. 11 VCU.

Must read: BYU envisioned success with AJ Divanza. It ended with Madness’ exit in early March.

Will the Tar Heels move on from Hubert Davis? If so, would North Carolina hire a non-family coach for the first time?

The NCAA Tournament is about give and take.

Here are the five worst moments from the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

North Carolina Collapse

The most obvious loser in the first round of the NCAA Tournament is the University of North Carolina, which went 1-1 in March Madness for the second straight season.

It’s been a tough year for the Tar Heels, one of the most iconic brands in college basketball. Davis led North Carolina State to an unlikely national championship runner-up finish as a first-year coach in 2021-22, but has since turned down an NIT invite, reached the Sweet 16 once and lost in the first round twice.

To make matters worse, the University of North Carolina was in control on March 19 against No. 11 seed VCU. The 19-point deficit was the sixth-largest in NCAA Tournament history, and the largest since Nevada’s comeback game against Cincinnati in 2022.

UNC was playing without star freshman Caleb Wilson, who is likely to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but excuses are starting to run out, especially considering the Tar Heels’ national championship-or-bust standards.

AJ Divanza’s career comes to an end

College basketball fans knew that after No. 6 seed BYU lost 79-71 to Texas in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, talented freshman AJ Divanza would be denied a spot, likely ending his college career.

DiVanza played his best ball of the season even as the Cougars lost Richie Sanders to a season-ending injury and limped into March Madness. The projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft scored 35 points against the Longhorns, 26 points against Houston in the Big 12 Tournament, and 27 points and 40 points against West Virginia and Kansas State, respectively.

BYU lost eight of its final 12 games of the regular season, despite DiVanza leading the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game. His career is likely over, and Cougars coach Kevin Young said after the game that it was clear he was a little different than the other players on the floor.

“There were moments in tonight’s game where it looked like he should have been on the floor for the Portland Trail Blazers,” Young said. “Look at what he can do on the court, like an NBA player.”

Joshua Jefferson leaves Iowa State game with injury

Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson, a second-team All-American this season, played just three minutes due to an injury in the Cyclones’ 108-74 first-round win over East Tennessee State.

The severity of this is unknown, but losing Jefferson would be a huge loss for Iowa State, a team capable of reaching the Final Four. Coach TJ Otzelberger said he sprained his ankle and X-rays were negative, but added that his condition for the second-round game against Kentucky is unknown.

“We’re going to continue to re-evaluate over the next day or two and see what the situation is when we get there on Sunday and then decide what time we’re going to play,” Otzelberger said.

Wisconsin withdraws again in first weekend

For the third consecutive season, Wisconsin failed to advance through the first weekend despite being the top seed in all three losses.

The Badgers lost to No. 12 seed High Point in the first round on March 19, their second loss to a No. 12 seed in three seasons, the first being a loss to James Madison in 2024. Last season, Wisconsin defeated No. 14 seed Montana in the first round, but lost to No. 6 seed BYU in the second round.

It was a string of unfortunate NCAA Tournament appearances for longtime coach Greg Gard. Gard hasn’t led Wisconsin to a Sweet 16 appearance since his first two seasons at the helm in 2016 and 2017, despite appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Despite making it to the Big Dance in six of the eight seasons in which he subsequently qualified.

Kevin Willard’s “Jokes”

Kevin Willard joked in an in-game interview with TNT’s Lauren Shehadi that he was going to fire his coaching staff after Villanova fell behind against No. 9 seed Utah State on March 20.

After Villanova’s eventual loss to the Aggies, he made the joke again in the postgame press conference, but had to clarify that it was a joke because his original intent was a little unclear.

Willard said after the game, “I’m kidding, God bless you.” “I don’t care. Welcome to my life. Just kidding.”

It was a strange order for the first-year Villanova coach, who led the Wildcats to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since reaching the Final Four in 2022.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ will not air. What comes next?

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Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ will not air. What comes next?

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in front of the cameraTaylor Frankie Paul dated 22 men and slowly said goodbye to each eligible bachelor one by one, handing her final rose to one man.

But in an unprecedented moment in Bachelor Nation history, fans won’t be able to watch any of it, as ABC canceled the 22nd season of “The Bachelorette” just days before its scheduled premiere on Sunday, March 22.

The Disney-owned network has suspended its investigation due to Utah State Police’s ongoing investigation into a “domestic assault” involving the “Mormon Wife Secrets” star and her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen. Both suspects have admitted the charges. The cancellation of the season on March 19 came after TMZ released a shocking video showing a violent altercation between Paul and Paul in 2023, in which he yells at Mortensen, punches, kicks and throws furniture, and a child can be heard crying.

What does the sudden cancellation mean for ABC, the show’s production company, the 22 Bachelorettes, and Paul himself? USA TODAY interviewed legal experts to discuss the possible legal ramifications and the likelihood that the public would know about them.

Could ABC sue for refunds on ‘The Bachelorette’?

The contract between ABC and production company Warner Horizon Unscripted Television is not publicly known, but it is not inconceivable that ABC could sue to recover some of its funding.

ABC won’t profit from the lost season of The Bachelorette and could argue that Warner Horizon Unscripted Television failed to conduct a proper background check when casting Paul (if that was part of the deal), said attorney Ashley DiFantrum of the Los Angeles law firm Kinsella Hawley Iser Kamp Steinsapir.

Paul was arrested on February 17, 2023, after Mortensen called him to report that he was hitting Paul in front of their two children. In March 2025, she was charged with several charges, including one felony count of aggravated assault, two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, and one misdemeanor count each of child abuse and criminal mischief. Paul confirmed that filming for his season of The Bachelorette was completed in December.

DiFantrum told USA TODAY that production companies typically sign contracts with cast members, showrunners, staff and vendors that often include “broad language” requiring parties to agree not to do anything that could cause reputational damage.

“I definitely expect there will be some issues between the production company and Taylor Frankie Paul when it comes to the morals clause. I don’t know what the actual contract is, but that’s what I would expect,” she said. “Because as broadly as they’re written, typically they almost certainly include something like this.”

Has there ever been a legal battle over the cancellation of a reality show?

The 2009 reality dating season “Megan Wants a Millionaire” was canceled after contestant Ryan Alexander Jenkins, who was wanted for the murder of his wife in Southern California, died by suicide before he could be arrested, Entertainment Weekly reported.

The show’s production company, 51 Minds, ended up paying VH1 $12 million for improper vetting of the Jenkins family, who were convicted of domestic violence in Canada.

Could ‘Bachelorette’ contestants file a lawsuit?

DiFantrum said it’s unlikely that the Bachelorette season 22 bachelorettes would sue over their episode not airing because reality TV contestants typically sign contracts that reserve the right for networks and production companies not to air their footage.

“Usually the contract says pretty clearly that this is the production company’s footage and they can do whatever they want with it, including never using it,” she said. “So I think it’s very rare for a contestant to be able to say, ‘Hey, I thought I was going to be in this,’ and win.

Could Taylor Frankie Paul sue or be sued?

Mr. Diphantorum also mentioned a hypothetical scenario of a lawsuit involving Paul as a plaintiff or defendant, but there is no strong indication that either is more likely.

“If she’s already been paid and the production company feels like she’s contractually obligated to pay back and she doesn’t want to pay back, that could be a lawsuit. … So theoretically anyone could sue,” Diphantorum said. “If she hasn’t been paid yet, or the company refuses to pay her, or believes she should be paid, she may become a plaintiff and sue the production company.”

However, Ms. Diphantorum, she thinks it is unlikely that Paul wants to be involved in a lawsuit at this time.

Can the lawsuit surrounding ‘The Bachelorette’ be resolved privately?

DiFantrum said the public could be unaware of the legal arguments surrounding the canceled season if the disagreements were “resolved without our knowledge.”

She mentioned that VH1 canceled Eve and Ocho in 2012 after filming the 11th episode just weeks before it aired. The series, which depicts the engagement of former NFL star Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Evelyn Lozada, was canceled after Johnson was arrested for a domestic violence incident involving Lozada and later sentenced to 30 days in jail for a probation violation.

ABC’s “Welcome to the Neighborhood” was another show that was shelved before it aired. According to The Spokesman-Review, the series was canceled in 2005 less than two weeks before its premiere due to outrage over its premise. The series followed diverse families competing to win homes near Austin, Texas, to impress three conservative white families and determine which contestants were “fit” to live in the neighborhood.

As it turns out, there have been no reports of lawsuits from either cancellation, Diphantorum said.

Was ABC the right decision to cancel the season?

Sara Schmidt, a crisis management expert and president of Interdependence PR, said ABC made the right decision to cancel Season 22 of The Bachelorette, even though the entire situation remains financially and optically damaging.

“Yes, they are shelling out millions of dollars, but Disney is a family-run company, and ‘The Bachelorette’ is a family-oriented show. If they had stayed the course, the backlash would have been swift and significant,” Schmidt said in a statement to USA TODAY. “This is a show that sells the fantasy of finding true love, emotional security, and romantic possibilities. Casting someone with a record of violence, domestic violence, and frankly poor romantic judgment undermines that premise.”

Schmidt called the entire situation a case study of what happens when a franchise “prioritizes controversy over credibility.” She said the worst-case scenario is that this is “the beginning of the end for Bachelor Nation,” but at the very least this situation will force an overhaul of the vetting of contestants, especially leads, which she said “should have happened years ago.”

“This is a classic case of desperate casting gone wrong,” Schmidt said. “In this case, they chose to acquire a high-profile reality star. On the one hand, it was a calculated risk, and on the other hand, it was a gamble on brand credibility.”

Who is Robert Mueller? The former FBI director who was an opponent of President Trump has died.

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Who is Robert Mueller? The former FBI director who was an opponent of President Trump has died.

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Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who served as special counsel in the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, died on March 21 at the age of 81, leaving behind a medal and a notable opponent.

Mueller, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021, died Saturday, his family confirmed in a statement obtained by USA TODAY, according to the New York Times.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Bob’s passing last night,” Mueller’s family said in a statement. The family did not disclose the cause of death, but asked for privacy to be respected.

Mr. Mueller is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Anne Cabell Standish, two daughters, and five grandchildren.

He earned the ire of President Donald Trump for his role as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. President Trump said on social media: “I’m glad he’s dead.”

Here’s what you need to know about Robert Mueller.

Who is Robert Mueller?

Mr. Mueller was born in New York City on August 7, 1944, grew up in suburban Philadelphia, graduated from Princeton University in 1966, and later earned a master’s degree in international relations from New York University, according to his biography on the FBI’s website.

After college, Moller enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as an officer for three years and led a rifle platoon in Vietnam. For his service, Moller received a Bronze Star, two Navy Commendation Medals, a Purple Heart (awarded to wounded or killed in action) and the Vietnam Cross of Valor, according to his biography.

After serving in the military, Mueller earned a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1973. Mueller then worked as a litigator in San Francisco until 1976, then worked for 12 years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California in San Francisco, and then as an assistant U.S. attorney in Boston.

Mueller worked between a Boston-based law firm and the U.S. Attorney’s Office before being appointed U.S. Attorney in San Francisco in 1998. He served in this position until September 4, 2001, when former President George W. Bush and the Senate unanimously confirmed him as the sixth FBI Director. He took office just one week before 9/11 and remained in office until his 12-year term ended on September 4, 2013.

Robert Mueller leads Russia collusion investigation

Mueller, who was appointed special counsel by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on May 17, 2017, was tasked with “overseeing the FBI’s previously identified investigation into the Russian government’s efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters,” according to a Justice Department news release.

The investigation culminated in Mueller’s final report in 2019, concluding that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help then-presidential candidate Trump. However, there was no evidence that Trump campaign officials colluded with the Russian government at the time.

President Trump will call the investigation a hoax regarding some of the accusations. He also criticized former President Barack Obama’s staff.

What was Robert Mueller’s cause of death?

In a statement, Mueller’s family did not specify the cause of death, but asked that their privacy be respected.

Muller died nearly five years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The New York Times reported that he learned of his diagnosis in the summer of 2021, citing a 2025 family statement obtained by the newspaper. The statement came just days before he was called to testify before a Congressional committee about the government’s response to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative brain disease that causes parts of the brain to deteriorate, causing slowed movements, tremors, and problems with balance.

Contributor: Aisha Bagchi, USA TODAY

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

What you need to know about Robert Mueller, former FBI director and President Trump’s enemy

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What you need to know about Robert Mueller, former FBI director and President Trump’s enemy

The former Marine overhauled the FBI after the 9/11 attacks, and supporters say he helped save it. Then he confronted Trump in the investigation of a lifetime.

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WASHINGTON – Former FBI Director Robert Mueller was considered a hero by many, including the Marines he commanded in combat in Vietnam and the FBI agents who worked for him after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

And ultimately, Mr. Mueller became a career-defining hero for those involved in the Justice Department’s political crimes investigation into associates of then-President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin over Russian interference in the 2016 election that brought Trump to power.

Mueller made many enemies along the way, especially Trump and his supporters, as he refused to say the then-president broke any laws during Russia’s election interference.

President Trump reacts to Mueller’s death. ‘I’m happy. ‘

Here are five things you need to know about Mueller, who died on March 21 at the age of 81 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

From the Ivy League to the jungles of Vietnam

Before leading the FBI, Mr. Mueller served as a Marine officer in Vietnam, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for bravery.

Unlike many enlistees, Mr. Mueller graduated from Ivy League Princeton University in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and later earned a master’s degree in international relations from New York University. Garrett Graff, author of “The Threat Matrix: Inside Robert Mueller’s FBI and the War on Global Terror,” said he spent a year recovering from a knee injury so he could serve in some of the bloodiest combat zones during the war..”

In April 1969, after more than 33,000 Americans were killed in Vietnam, Mueller once again led his troops into combat, engaging the enemy in close quarters combat.

more: Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who investigated President Trump, dies at age 81

“The impending gunfire was so intense,” Graf wrote in a 2018 WIRED article. “The stress of the moment was all-consuming, and the adrenaline was so intense that Mueller did not immediately realize when he was shot.”

“During the fight, he looked down and noticed an AK-47 bullet had passed cleanly through his thigh,” Graf wrote. “Müller kept fighting.”

“I consider myself very lucky to have gotten out of Vietnam,” Mueller said in a speech years later. “There were a lot of people who didn’t. And maybe because I survived Vietnam, I always felt like I had to contribute.”

Leads the FBI, which is on the verge of extinction after 9/11.

After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Mueller began his career as a federal prosecutor, handling cases including murder, organized crime, terrorism and public corruption. President George W. Bush nominated Mueller, then described as a conservative Republican, to head the FBI on July 5, 2001.

He was sworn into office on September 4, 2001, just one week after al-Qaeda suicide hijack attacks on New York and Washington killed about 3,000 people in New York and the Pentagon.

The FBI faced intense criticism in Congress and elsewhere for failing to detect or stop the plot. In response, Mr. Mueller is widely credited with leading sweeping reforms that saved the bureau from being stripped of many of its key functions.

He did this by moving the organization from a traditional crime-fighting agency to a counter-terrorism and intelligence-driven operation.

more: Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, special counsel in the Trump-Russia probe, dies at 81

“Some in Congress wanted to create a domestic intelligence agency separate from the FBI, modeled after Britain’s MI5, and just want it to function as a domestic law enforcement agency with no intelligence or national security responsibilities,” Javed Ali, a former FBI official, told USA TODAY on March 21.

Ali said his position as the FBI’s senior counterterrorism analyst from 2007 to 2010 was “a direct result of the changes that Mueller brought to the FBI.”

threatens to quit over secret domestic surveillance program

Mr. Mueller’s surveillance standoff with the Bush administration over secret surveillance programs nearly led to his resignation, but his reputation for independence was highlighted.

On March 10, 2004, while Bush Attorney General John Ashcroft was in a Washington, D.C., hospital for gallbladder surgery, then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey received a call that two White House staffers were about to visit an unconscious Ashcroft to update him on a controversial warrantless wiretapping program that the Justice Department believed was unconstitutional.

When Mr. Ashcroft refused to sign, and the White House renewed the program anyway, Mr. Mueller and Mr. Comey both threatened to resign. After meeting with both parties at the White House, Mr. Bush supported changes to the program to meet privacy concerns.

Clashes with Trump over Trump-Russia investigation

Long after retiring from government service, Mueller was recalled to investigate whether Russia, perhaps with the help of then-candidate Trump and his political team, interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump defeat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Mr. Mueller served as special counsel in the investigation that began in May 2017, assembling a high-powered team of prosecutors and investigators and writing an extensive report detailing the findings of the investigation, which angered President Trump.

By June 2017, Mr. Mueller’s team was personally investigating Mr. Trump for obstruction of justice in connection with the case. washington post It was reported at the time. Four months later, Mueller filed charges against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and campaign co-chairman Rick Gates, including charges of conspiracy against the United States.

The Mueller report ultimately revealed that Russia had launched “multiple coordinated efforts” to interfere with the election and detailed numerous embarrassing details about the conduct of Mr. Trump and his allies.

Thirty-four people were indicted in the investigation, including six former Trump advisers, 26 Russians, a California man and a London-based lawyer. Seven people, including five of President Trump’s six former advisers, have pleaded guilty.

Mueller also said that although the Justice Department’s Office of the General Counsel prohibits prosecuting a sitting president, “If I had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, I would have said so.”

Mr. Mueller said, adding that the investigation was effectively hampered by a longstanding Justice Department policy barring criminal prosecution of sitting presidents.

Damaging testimony surrounding the Mueller report

In a career-defining moment, Mr. Mueller was brought before Congress to testify about his report and whether it exonerated Mr. Trump.

In dramatic but often interrupted testimony on July 24, 2019, Mueller refused to say that was the case and confirmed his view that the president could be indicted after leaving office.

Mr. Mueller, consistent with his decades as a stalwart lawmaker, responded with many one-word answers. This frustrated Republicans and Democrats alike. But he denied claims that his investigation was a “witch hunt” or that it completely exonerated the president, as Trump and his Republican allies have claimed.

Critics were relentless, calling Mueller’s testimony “excruciatingly awkward,” “confused,” “difficult” and a “stammering, stuttering mess.”

But, former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti wrote, “History will show that he had one big goal and accomplished it with flying colors.”

“Mr. Mueller’s meek and thorough response to his high-stakes investigation was an objective lesson in professionalism,” Mariotti wrote in Politico.

President Trump has claimed that Mueller’s investigation into his first White House campaign and ties to Moscow is a fabrication. A federal prosecutor in South Florida, appointed by President Trump, is currently leading the investigation into the matter, and has subpoenaed Comey and others as part of that investigation.

Trump says he’s ‘glad’ after Robert Mueller’s death

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Trump says he’s ‘glad’ after Robert Mueller’s death

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As farewells and condolences begin to circulate in the wake of Robert Mueller’s death, the former special counsel has received no sympathy from President Donald Trump, who led the investigation.

Mueller, who served as special counsel in the investigation into possible Russian government interference in favor of Trump in the 2016 presidential election, died at age 81 after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as FBI director from September 4, 2001 to September 4, 2013.

Mueller’s death was first reported by MS Now on March 21, but on Saturday afternoon, President Donald Trump appeared to confirm it with a post on Truth Social: “Robert Mueller has passed away. Thank goodness he’s dead. He can’t hurt innocent people anymore! President Donald J. Trump.”

The feud between Mr. Trump and Mr. Mueller stems from the former FBI director’s involvement in the investigation and the final report in 2019, which concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to aid Mr. Trump. However, there was no evidence that Trump campaign officials colluded with the Russian government at the time.

President Trump says an investigation into ties between his first White House campaign and Moscow is a hoax. The president, along with other Republicans, continues to hold former President Barack Obama’s staff responsible for the “Russia collusion hoax.”

President Obama’s press secretary, Patrick Rodenbush, responded to President Trump’s claims, telling the BBC and the New York Times in 2025, “Out of respect for the office of the president, our office typically does not respond respectfully to the nonsense and misinformation that continues to flow out of this White House.”

“But these claims are outrageous enough and have merit. These bizarre claims are ridiculous and a weak attempt to distract.”

more: ‘Hard cookie’ Trump reacts to Chuck Norris’ death

Mueller continued to defend Russia collusion investigation

Before Mueller’s death, he continued to defend his two-year investigation into collusion between Russia and President Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, writing in a 2020 Washington Post op-ed that “the work of the special counsel’s office — its reports, indictments, guilty pleas, and convictions — should speak for itself.”

Mueller also disputed claims by Trump and others that the investigation was “illegal” and that the special counsel’s “motives were inappropriate.”

“Russia’s actions posed a threat to American democracy, and it was important that they be investigated and understood,” Mueller wrote. “By the end of 2016, the FBI had evidence that Russians had signaled to Trump campaign advisers that they could help the campaign by anonymously releasing information damaging to Democratic candidates.”

In addition to defending the investigation, he also disputed claims by longtime Republican strategist and Trump ally Roger Stone that he was a “victim of my office.” Stone was convicted in 2019 of seven felonies related to the 2016 Russia investigation, including obstructing Congressional investigations, making false statements and witness tampering. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison, but was later granted clemency.

“In Mr. Stone’s case, as in all of our cases, we made every decision based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law,” Mueller said in an op-ed. “The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity. Any claims to the contrary are false.”

Muller diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021

In a statement obtained by USA TODAY, Mueller’s family said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Bob’s passing last night. His family asks that their privacy be respected.”

Muller’s death came nearly five years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The New York Times reported that he learned of his diagnosis in the summer of 2021, citing a 2025 family statement obtained by the newspaper. The statement came just days before he was called to testify before a Congressional committee about the government’s response to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative brain disease that causes parts of the brain to deteriorate, causing slowed movements, tremors, and problems with balance.

“He retired from practicing law at the end of that year,” the statement said, according to the Times. “He taught at his alma mater’s law school in the fall of 2021 and 2022, retiring at the end of 2022. His family requests that their privacy be respected.”

Contributed by Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy & Aysha Bagchi USA TODAY

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