Dave Grohl has been attending therapy '6 days a week' since fathering child outside of his marriage

Dave Grohlis speaking out about his infidelity and mental health after announcing that he'dwelcomed a child out of wedlock in 2024.

TheFoo Fightersfrontman andNirvanadrummer, 57, toldThe Guardianthat he is currently attending "therapy six days a week" and has been for the last "70 weeks." He added, "I did the math the other day: over 430 sessions."

The experience has taught him to be more communicative "not only with others, but with myself," Grohl said. He also acknowledged that "there were so many things that led me to this therapy," not just his infidelity.

Still, when asked about his extramarital affair, the "Monkey Wrench" singer explained that the lyrics on the band's upcoming 12th studio album,Your Favorite Toy, say everything he wants to about the situation.

"I have to be perfectly honest. Writing songs and writing lyrics about these things is sometimes enough," Grohl said. "As far as having a deeper, longer conversation about them, I still do reserve a lot of this for my own personal life, as impersonal and public as it may seem."

He continued, "But I think that for many reasons, I wound up in a place that I needed to stop and sit with myself and re-evaluate myself. It's an ongoing process."

In his September 2024 statement, Grohl announced that he'd "become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage" and was "doing everything I can to regain [his family's] trust and earn their forgiveness."The rocker has been married to his second wife, Jordyn Blum, since 2003, and the pair share three daughters together: Violet, Harper, and Ophelia.

Grohl also opened up about how he handled the public's reaction to his announcement.

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"I had to turn everything off, one of those things being my concern for what other people think," he said. "Being able to shut off that part of yourself can be sometimes a very healthy exercise in considering life within your immediate radius. Not giving all of that so much currency within yourself that it can completely destroy yourself."

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Grohl also looked back at a period in his life over several years during which he spread himself thin crafting the 2014 HBO docuseriesSonic Highways, penning his 2021 memoirThe Storyteller, and performing around the world.

"I'm like, God, what was I trying to prove? There is such a thing as addiction to achievement, and it's dangerous," Grohl said. "You'll set a goal for yourself and you put everything you have into it; the world disappears. Then you achieve that finish line, and it feels good for 24 f---ing hours, and that feeling immediately goes away. And there's that hole again, there's that emptiness, and you're like, shit, I need to fill it up with something else."

When asked if that somehow contributed to his infidelity, Grohl responded, "No. I think that's how I ended up overextending myself and getting lost."

He continued, "I wasn't sitting with myself and really letting [feelings] go from my head into my heart. Getting to the point where I was just like, I need to stop, turn everything off and find my heart."

Foo Fighters' new albumYour Favorite Toyis out April 24.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

Dave Grohl has been attending therapy '6 days a week' since fathering child outside of his marriage

Dave Grohlis speaking out about his infidelity and mental health after announcing that he'dwelcomed a child out of w...

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'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast raised Taylor Frankie Paul concerns with ABC executives

Cast members from Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" told ABC executives at a meeting earlier this month they had concerns about continuing the show if "MomTok" founder Taylor Frankie Paul remained involved, according to audio obtained by NBC News.

The roughly 30-minute Zoom meeting came on March 7, followingan incidentinvolving Paul and her on-again-off-again partner, Dakota Mortensen. Aspokesperson for the Draper Police Department in Utahsaid earlier this week that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen from February.

During the call, stars from "Mormon Wives" voiced concerns over thefuture of their careers, the show's brand and the allegations surrounding Paul and Mortensen. They also brought up alleged abuse involving Paul, who has three children, one who she shares with Mortensen.

In 2023, Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child, according to Salt Lake County sheriff's records. The arrest stemmed from allegations of a separate domestic violence dispute with Mortensen in 2023, which was part of the storyline in Season One of "Mormon Wives." Court records indicate that Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, and the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice.

One cast member said they did not feel comfortable filming as long as Paul is being investigated.

"It's a dangerous situation, it's a sad situation, and we don't know how to navigate it, because Taylor is our friend," the cast member said to ABC brass at the virtual meeting.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, "the purpose of the March 7 zoom was to tell 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast that we care about their safety, and they should not feel pressured to do press or film the show."

"The production company engaged a seasoned law firm to conduct an investigation of the competing and conflicting allegations that Taylor and Dakota had toward one another," the source added, "and it would have been inappropriate to engage in a dialogue regarding an ongoing investigation."

There were three Disney executives at the meeting in March, including Rob Mills, the executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, the person who shared the recording said.

Cast members gave accounts of Paul's alleged behavior at the meeting, according to the audio. Mills said on the call, "I don't know a lot, nor do I want to know too much."

Mills could not speak about the investigation, the source with knowledge of the situation said.

"This is not me putting my head in the sand, but it's not me — you know, I don't want to inquire, because I don't know what that does," Mills later said.

Several cast members repeatedly referenced "distressing" and "upsetting" video recordings of Paul's alleged conduct, but did not detail the contents of them or play them on the call.

A cast member called it "concerning" that no one at Disney or Hulu seemed to want to know what is in the videos.

Hulu executives visited Utah to see "Mormon Wives" film during Season Five, and while there they "witnessed" discussions of domestic violence,NBC News previously reported.

On Thursday,TMZ published a videothat appears to be recorded by Mortensen and shows Paul pushing and kicking Mortensen as he repeatedly asks her to stop, saying, "let me go."

The recording, which does not capture what led up to the interaction, reportedly shows an incident for which Paul was arrested in 2023, according to TMZ.

Paul is also seen throwing three barstools at Mortensen. Shortly after the stool is thrown, her daughter, who was nearby on the sofa during the fight, can be heard crying.

"This is called physical abuse," Mortensen said in the video. When Paul begins hurling the stools at Mortensen, he can be heard saying, "Your daughter is right here."

The video ismentioned in the 2023 indictment against Paul, which notes that Mortensen had "redness and swelling around his eyes, swelling on his elbow, scratches on his fingers, and a laceration on his neck" from the incident. The indictment also notes that in the video, Paul's daughter is struck in the head while she was lying on the couch.

NBC News has not independently verified theTMZ videoand has not viewed the original full video.

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A spokesperson for Paul told NBC News on Thursday, after TMZ released the video, that the recording is the "latest installment of [Mortensen's] never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child."

At the meeting, one cast member asked Mills if he's "aware she's hurt a child?" He replied, "I don't think for us getting into it is right."

At the meeting, Mills stressed that the company is "never going to hide anything that is wrong for the sake of business."

He encouraged cast members to speak out about their concerns on the show, but declined to promise that what they said wouldn't be cut in edits.

The cast also expressed concern that Paul got paid more than them, which Mills denied.

Ultimately, the cast agreed to pause filming for "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" until legal action plays out, according to the audio recording.

Paul was set to take the spotlight as lead of ABC's "The Bachelorette" this season, but the networkpulled the plug onThursday.

"In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of 'The Bachelorette' at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family," Disney said in its statement regarding the decision.

There are no current public allegations against Mortensen.

Following news of the cancellation, a spokesperson for Paul said she's "gaining strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm."

"There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives," the spokesperson said. "Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."

Mills did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

Representatives for Disney declined to provide additional statements on the matter.

Several authorities have been reviewing the allegations.

The West Jordan Police Department in Utah confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that the department received a domestic violence allegation via phone call involving Paul, but declined to give details about the allegation or any potential charges. They also did not know the exact date or time of the reported incident.

A police department spokesperson said detectives are working on establishing the facts of the case.

The Draper Police Department in Utah told People earlier this week that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen and that "allegations have been made in both directions." The police spokesperson said that "contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th."

Reached by NBC News on Monday, the police department declined to confirm the reports of a domestic dispute, saying its practice is "not to release details related to active investigations."

On Thursday, Mortensen, through his attorney, filed for a protective order against Paul. The filing was sent back for a correction and an amended petition, Salt Lake County District Court records show.

During the meeting, Mills suggested "staying close" with the cast as the investigation unfolds to continue the conversation about the future of "Mormon Wives."

"I want this to continue, and I want everyone to continue really being successful, both with this show and and beyond it," Mills told those on the call, "But I think really, just navigating through this thing and taking care of each other is the most important thing right now."

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast raised Taylor Frankie Paul concerns with ABC executives

Cast members from Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" told ABC executives at a meeting earlier this ...

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AI NFL mock draft features head-scratching picks for Chiefs, Patriots

A month and a half after the Microsoft Copilot AI chatbot crafteda reasonable and well-constructed 2026 NFL mock draft, USA TODAY Sports decided to retry the experiment.

The main takeaway? NFL mock draft analysts won't need to worry about AI taking their jobs any time soon.

In the original experiment, Copilot successfully created a full, first-round mock in advance of Super Bowl 60 using just one prompt: "Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks?"

This time, Copilot struggled to interpret the prompt. This wasn't a major surprise – as some Large Language Models (LLMs) have trouble keeping up with the latest sports news and updates – but the errors in this iteration were more unorthodox than usual.

Originally, the chatbot produced a mock draft that not only featured an incorrect draft order, but also consisted entirely of players the AI had seemingly created itself. After several re-prompts, Copilot was able to use the correct draft order, but it struggled to keep track of which players were draft-eligible in 2026. That led to players already on NFL teams – like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbackWill Howard– being included in its mock draft.

After enough tinkering, Copilot finally produced a 2026 NFL mock draft featuring the correct draft order and only players eligible for this year's draft. The prompt utilized to create it was as follows:

• Can you create your own 2026 NFL mock draft for the first 32 picks using the official 2026 NFL Draft order, only players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft and without having the same prospect being selected twice within the mock?

Even so, Copilot's mock featured several head-scratching picks, including inexplicably mocking a quarterback to the New England Patriots at the end of Round 1.

Here's a summation of Microsoft Copilot's latest mock draft, along with a human assessment of how the AI chatbot fared in its mock drafting efforts.

OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

2026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades

OT Tytus Howard:Traded to Cleveland Browns(previous team: Houston Texans)

2026 NFL mock draft: First-round AI picks

1.Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiders are basically locked into taking Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Copilot praised his "NFL‑ready traits" while identifying him as the right fit in Las Vegas. So far, so good for the chatbot.

2.New York Jets: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

OK, this is the right range for Love, who Copilot called "elite" and an "explosive three‑down weapon." The only issue is the Jets don't really need a running back, as they franchise-taggedBreece Hallduring the offseason. It's hard to imagine the Jets using the No. 2 overall pick on one of the few positions at which they don't have a need. So, unless New York trades Love, this seems exceedingly unlikely.

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3.Arizona Cardinals: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Copilot forgot to include Bain in its last mock draft. This time, it has him going No. 3 overall, as "a disruptive defender with elite pressure numbers" who would provide a boost to Arizona's pass rush. Bain is a feasible selection, but seeing him go ahead of both Arvell Reese and David Bailey would be a surprise, especially considering the concerns about the Miami product's arm length.

4.Tennessee Titans: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Copilot identified linebacker as a "major defensive need" for the Titans and noted it likes Reese's "sideline‑to‑sideline range." Tennessee needs a long-term partner forCedric Gray, and off-ball linebacker was one of the few positions the team didn't address in free agency. Nice work, Copilot!

5.New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Back-to-back Ohio State players come off the board, as Copilot believes the Giants will be intrigued by Downs' "versatility, instincts, and physicality." John Harbaughhas always had strong safety play with the Ravens, and pairing Downs withJevon Hollandwouldgive the Giants one of the best safety tandems in the NFL.

6.Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

The Browns are actively rebuilding their offensive line, and Copilot is continuing that process with their first-round pick. The chatbot likes Mauigoa as a "massive, powerful" blocker who will help Cleveland become a ground-dominant team.

7.Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Copilot has the Commanders rolling with Styles over a top-end pass rusher like David Bailey. Why? The chatbot likes Styles' versatility, calling him "a modern chess piece" for Dan Quinn to use. Commanders general manager Adam Peters was part of the 49ers front office when they selectedFred Warner, so he knows the importance of having a top-end linebacker.

8.New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Copilot believes Tate will "fit perfectly" alongsideChris Olavethanks to his "separation skills and deep‑threat ability." It's hard to argue with that logic, and it would behoove the Saints to continue investing in their offensive weaponry aroundTyler Shough.

9.Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Copilot sees Tyson as a "legitimate WR1" and noted the Chiefs have been seeking such a player in recent seasons. Some may view Kansas City's tandem ofRashee RiceandXavier Worthyas good enough, but Rice isunder NFL investigation for domestic abuse allegations. The Chiefs will need to replace him if he is suspended again, so the chatbot's process in giving the team Tyson is sensible.

10.Cincinnati Bengals: DL Peter Woods, Clemson

Would the Bengals really go with Woods over David Bailey? Probably not, considering the team's need for edge rush depth and talent in addition toShemar StewartandBoye Mafe. Still, Copilot likes the idea of Cincinnati adding "youth and power" to its defensive line in Woods.

11.Miami Dolphins: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

This probably represents Bailey's floor, as he could go as early as the No. 2 overall pick come April. If he lasts this long, the Dolphins would love to add the productive pass-rusher, whom Copilot highlighted as a strong scheme fit for Jeff Hafley's defense.

12.Dallas Cowboys: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Copilot likes the idea of Dallas building up its secondary early in the 2026 NFL Draft. It believes the "physical" Delane is the perfect candidate to accomplish that goal with the No. 12 overall pick.

13.Los Angeles Rams(fromAtlanta): OT Spencer Fano, Utah

The Rams are well-positioned to take one of the best players available with the 13th selection after upgrading their cornerback room considerably during the offseason. Copilot called Fano a "technically refined, athletic tackle," and it's easy to see his potential positional versatility quickly turning him into an asset for Los Angeles.

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14.Baltimore Ravens: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

The Ravens still have a need on the edge across fromTrey Hendricksonafterbacking out of the Maxx Crosby trade. This may be on the earlier side for Parker, but Copilot called him "explosive, long and productive" while opining he will fit well into Jesse Minter's defense.

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15.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Makai Lemon, USC

Would this fit Lemon's draft range? Absolutely. However, it's hard to imagine the Buccaneers taking a first-round receiver even afterlosing Mike Evans to free agency. The team spent a first-round pick onEmeka Egbukalast season and also hasChris Godwin,Jalen McMillanandTez Johnsonon the roster. So, despite Copilot insisting Lemon would "immediately contribute" in Tampa Bay, this doesn't seem like the best fit.

16. New York Jets (fromIndianapolis): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Copilot likes the idea of the Jets selecting a "high‑upside quarterback" to pair withGeno Smithafter spending its first selection on a blue-chip player. This strategy is probably the only way the Jets can land both a blue-chip player and their quarterback of the future, so the AI chatbot deserves credit for following this approach.

17.Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

The Lions have a big need at left tackle after Dan Skipper retired andTaylor Decker demanded his release. Copilot saw that clearly and also noticed Freeling rising because of his "length and movement skills." If Freeling lasts this long, he would be a great fit in Detroit, as Dan Campbell and Hank Fraley can develop him into a strong starter. Well done, Copilot.

18.Minnesota Vikings: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Vikings need a cornerback and Copilot believes McCoy "fits Brian Flores' defensive style perfectly." McCoy didn't play in 2025 while recovering from a torn ACL, but he was one of college football's best cornerbacks the previous season.

19.Carolina Panthers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

The Panthers have spent back-to-back first-round picks on wide receivers (Xavier LegetteandTetairoa McMillan) in an effort to improveBryce Young's supporting cast. Boston may have "strong contested‑catch ability" and "add physicality" to Carolina's receiving corps, according to Copilot, but it's hard to imagine the team using yet another first-round asset on a wide-out.

20. Dallas Cowboys (fromGreen Bay): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

The Cowboys have spent three of their last four first-round picks on offensive linemen. Would they really do it again? Copilot thinks it's possible, but Dallas seems more likely to double-dip on defense with its two first-round picks.

21.Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Caleb Banks, Florida

Copilot believes Banks' "size and raw power" would make him a strong fit on Pittsburgh's interior defensive line.Cameron Heywardis turning 37 in May, so adding a long-term partner for 2025 first-round pickDerrick Harmonwould be a smart move.

22.Los Angeles Chargers: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Johnson performed well at San Diego State at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, but this is still probably a little early for him. The Chargers have bigger needs along the interior offensive line and at edge rusher, so this doesn't seem overly likely.

23.Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Eaglesbrought back Dallas Goedert on a one-year deal, but they could use a long-term successor for the 31-year-old. Copilot called Sadiq a "matchup weapon" and believes he will develop into a key target for the team. This is a good value pick; no notes.

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24. Cleveland Browns (fromJacksonville): OT Kaydn Proctor, Alabama

It may not be as likely for the Browns to double-dip along the offensive line in the first round after acquiring three potential starters during NFL free agency. Nonetheless, Copilot has Cleveland doing just that and targeting Proctor thanks to his "elite frame and raw strength." Proctor would certainly fill a big need at left tackle, but again, it isn't clear whether the team would draft two first-round tackles afterpaying trade acquisition Tytus Howardto be its right tackle.

25.Chicago Bears: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Copilot likes the idea of giving the Bears a replacement forDJ Moore. It views Cooper as a "strong route runner with reliable hands" and thinks he would pair well withRome OdunzeandLuther Burden III. That might be true, but the Bears have larger needs along the defensive front, so it's hard to imagine them spending another top-end resource on a receiver.

26.Buffalo Bills: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

The Bills brought in a couple of veteran safeties –C.J. Gardner-JohnsonandGeno Stone– in free agency but could use a long-term complement toCole Bishopat the position. Copilot likes Thieneman's "instincts and range," and this looks like a solid value with Thieneman getting first-round buzz after blowing up the 2026 NFL combine.

27.San Francisco 49ers: Edge Keldrick Faulk, Auburn

Copilot opined Faulk matches the prototype San Francisco tends to pursue while looking at edge defenders. The 49ers had a league-low 20 sacks last season so it makes sense for the team to target pass rush help, even after spending a 2025 first-round pick onMykel Williams.

28.Houston Texans: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Copilot wanted to give the Texans a "versatile second‑level weapon." Enter Hill, a do-it-all defender who totaled 249 tackles, 31.5 TFL, 17 sacks and three interceptions across 40 games played at Texas. This is about the top of Hill's potential draft range, but he interests the teams picking in the late first round.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

The Browns aren't the only team Copilot has double-dipping at a position in the first round. It also has the Chiefs taking two receivers, with Concepcion representing "a dynamic YAC specialist" to pair withPatrick Mahomes. As fun as it would be to see that partnership come to fruition, it is beyond improbable Kansas City will spend its top-two picks at receiver, especially considering how desperate the team is for cornerback help.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Austin Jacksonis under contract with the Dolphins for one more season, so bringing in competition and a potential long-term successor for him makes sense. Copilot sees Miller as a "sturdy right tackle" who could emerge as a plug-and-play starter for the rebuilding Dolphins.

31.New England Patriots: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Oh boy. Did Copilot not pay attention to the 2026 NFL season?Drake Mayefinished as the MVP runner-up in his sophomore campaign while the Patriots made it all the way to Super Bowl 60. New England has no need for help at quarterback, so adding Nussmeier in the first round would be nonsensical. This is easily Copilot's most egregious mock draft selection.

32.Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

At least Copilot is ending on a high note. Terrell – who it describes as a "twitchy, reactive cover corner" – could sneak into the top 20 if all goes well. Seattle would be ecstatic to land him here and help replaceRiq Woolen, who the team lost in free agency.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL mock draft 2026: Microsoft Copilot AI predicts entire first round

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

AI NFL mock draft features head-scratching picks for Chiefs, Patriots

A month and a half after the Microsoft Copilot AI chatbot crafteda reasonable and well-constructed 2026 NFL mock draft, ...

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Missouri State coach who recruited Madison Booker: 'She's as good as they come'

AUSTIN, TX — There aren't many people in women's basketball who don't know Madison Booker, the leading scorer on the No. 1 seedTexas Longhornswho was named the SEC Tournament MVP and an Associated Press All-American.

The head coach of Texas' first-round NCAA Tournament opponent, Missouri State's Beth Cunningham, might be more familiar with Booker than most.

When Cunningham was an assistant coach at Duke, she recruited Booker, who was then a five-star recruit in the class of 2023 at Germantown High in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Cunningham and Duke head coach Kara Lawson made a home visit to Booker and attempted to persuade her to go to Durham.

Booker ultimately chose the Longhorns instead, but she was left with a positive impression of Cunningham.

"She was a good coach," Booker said on Thursday. "I'm pretty sure throughout my (recruitment) process, that's when she did get the head coaching job at Missouri State. But I mean, we kind of vibed, honestly. Like I talked to her on the phone, talked to her in person too on my visit. But yeah, we vibed and I'm happy that she got a head coaching job here at Missouri State."

A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See best of March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities

A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's2026 NCAATournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

Cunningham also previously recruitedTexas sophomore guard Jordan Lee,who along with Booker helped take the Longhorns to the 2025 Final Four. Cunningham said it's been fun for her to watch them excel in college, even if it's not on her team.

"I could kind of go down through their list of All-Americans and players that they have and had some sort of relationship with several of them on the team," Cunningham said. "Always thought that Maddie had a ton of potential and would be an unbelievable college player and certainly, she's found a great place to do that and develop. Just her versatility and her confidence, she's as good as they come."

On Friday, they'll meet again on opposite sidelines when Booker, Lee and the top-seeded Longhorns host Cunningham and the 16-seed Lady Bears at Moody Center.

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It's Missouri State's first NCAA Tournament appearance under Cunningham, who in her fourth season led the Lady Bears (23-12) to the Conference USA Tournament title. Missouri State beat Stephen F. Austin, 85-75, in the NCAA Tournament play-in game to book a date with Texas.

Cunningham's previous March Madness matchup against Texas coach Vic Schaefer was a memorable one. Prior to Cunningham's stint at Duke, she was an associate head coach at Notre Dame under Muffet McGraw from 2012 to 2020.

In the 2018 national championship game, Arike Ogunbowale's buzzer-beater gave Notre Dame a 61-58 win over Schaefer's Mississippi State team.

"Certainly it's something that often jogs your memory, but we're two very different teams. It's not me against him," Cunningham said. "It's just interesting, though, that if you're in coaching long enough, sooner or later, your paths somehow usually cross again through your careers."

Missouri State's identity this season is predicated on defense and crashing the boards. Missouri State is 22-4 this season when grabbing more rebounds than its opponents, and outrebounded SFA 50-30.

The Lady Bears know they aren't favorites to win against Texas, but they've been in that position before. Missouri State was a No. 6 seed in its conference tournament and knocked off the top three seeds, becoming the lowest seed to win the CUSA Tournament.

"Underdogs for sure, but that's the way we like it," said Missouri State junior guard Kaemyn Bekemeier.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Texas' Vic Schaefer goes against coach who beat him in NCAA title game

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

Missouri State coach who recruited Madison Booker: 'She's as good as they come'

AUSTIN, TX — There aren't many people in women's basketball who don't know Madison Booker, the leading score...

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Why people are turning to salt rooms and halotherapy to unwind

The way to a healthier lifestyle might be... salty?

Salt rooms, also called salt caves, are spaces that boost breathing and alleviate stress by exposing our bodies to air containing naturally occurring minerals, according toMargaret Smiechowski, the owner ofSalt Cave Inc.andOceanair Himalayan Salt Cavein Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Breathing very small salt particles boosts our respiratory health, skin and overall wellness in a gentle session that lets us check out from our busy lives.

"The experience is simple, relaxing, and surprisingly powerful," she said. "Just breathing, resting, and allowing nature's oldest mineral to do its work."

The history of halotherapy

Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, isn't a new wellness trend, according to Smiechowski, who has been building salt rooms and salt caves across the United States for more than two decades. The practice has been ongoing for decades, originating in Eastern Europe as a natural method before studios and spas started advertising salt rooms.

The beginnings trace back toWieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Poland, which became a halotherapy destination in the 1800s after Feliks Boczkowski studied salt's beneficiary effects on miners, according to theSalt Therapy Association. The site is now ahealth resortmore than 400 feet underground people can visit to get treatments.

Modern salt rooms you may see at your local shopping center today attempt to recreate the conditions of natural subterreanean salt mines like Wieliczka, Smiechowski said. This is done by infusing air with microscopic particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt, which are small enough to enter your mouth or nose and fill your body with mineral-rich air.

Take halotherapy with a grain of salt, doctors say

Inhaling teeny salt particles can provide anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory method for a variety of health conditions, according to theSalt Therapy Association, an organization that promotes salt therapy. These include respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, colds, bronchitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis and ear infections, among others.

Halotherapy is also a service used for skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea. The salt normalizes pH levels and encourages reparative and regenerative cycles for our skin, as well as boosting skin growth and strength, according to theSalt Therapy Association.

It's important to remember that halotherapy is not a medical treatment, according toBruce A. Brod, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. So any potential benefits should be taken with a grain of salt.

"There's no scientific evidence or high-quality medical literature to support any benefit to skin health from salt rooms," Brod says. "I haven't had patients ask me about using salt rooms, but if someone did, I'd tell them that while the experience might feel relaxing, there is limited evidence on any particular health benefits to the skin."

He added that he is concerned salt exposure could interact negatively with our skin, irritating conditions or disturbing prescribed topical medications, curbing their effectiveness.

There is still much research to be done on the extent of benefits halotherapy provides, according to Laxminarayan Prahhakar, pulmonology fellow at Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

"There is inconsistent evidence but there is data that shows improved lung function, and mucus clearance for people with chronic respiratory diseases.," Prahhakar says. "Depending on their respiratory condition, they would require inhalers, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. These treatment options should be discussed with their healthcare provider."

But the risk of salt therapy remains extremely low, and at the bare minimum can be an enjoyable break from our busy routines. Zoning out amid the soft glow of the salt room can help reduce stress and boost mental health, Smiechowski says. The session can be a retreat for our minds and bodies.

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What to know about trying a salt room

There are two kinds of salt room to look for: "Active" salt rooms involve a halogenerator dispersing crushed pure sodium chloride into the air, according to theSalt Therapy Association. "Passive" salt rooms attempt to mimic a natural salt cave, stocking a room with types of salt such as Dead Sea, Himalayan and Rock Salt. The salt isn't pumped through the air, so it's not considered halotherapy. But "passive" salt therapy in a controlled climate does provide many of the same psychological benefits, according to the association.

You may see a crop of salt rooms popping up in your community, so Smiechowski advises to look out for a few key elements:

• Salt-covered walls throughout the room

• A professional halogen generator system, which propels the mini salt particles through the air.

• Proper humidity and climate control

• Clear information about how the therapy works

"If any of these elements are missing, the therapy may not be effective," she said.

The lack of standards for salt rooms is a concern for Brod, too, he says, especially if people have a health vulnerability that could be exacerbated by the wrong treatement.

"We just don't know and the research has not been done," he says. "I am not aware of any authoritative standards being set by medical regulatory agencies at the state or national level."

If you do visit one, Smiechowski says to prepare to get comfortable in the space, relax and breath in the air while reclining. You may not notice the salt, even if it's doing its job, she said.

"When guests leave the session, they shouldn't be covered in salt," Smiechowski said. "Instead, the experience is subtle. You might notice only a slight saltiness on your lips."

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Are salt rooms safe for kids?

Not only does breathing the air clear mucus and reduce airway inflammation for kids, but it can provide a tactile activity for young ones, Smiechowski said. The floor is typically laid with salt crystals, which kids can dig or play with as they breath in the healthy air.

"It is likely low risk ... but overall more research is needed," says Melanie Brown, medical director of Pediatric Palliative and Integrative Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "For children especially, we want to be careful not to substitute therapies like salt rooms for treatments that we know are effective. If a child has asthma or another chronic respiratory condition, evidence-based care and making a plan with your pediatrician or pulmonologist should always come first."

Brown says too look out for how salt rooms are maintained before taking kids.

"Parents should pay close attention to cleanliness, air quality and infection control when considering these spaces and always discuss any treatments with your medical care provider."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What is a salt room? Why people use halotherapy for health benefits

byAnio Baumeister

in

March 20, 2026

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