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• The longtime pro also reflected on her favorite past partners, including JoJo Siwa, Adam Rippon and Joey Graziadei

• She credited her partners' enthusiasm and work ethic for their success on the show

Professional dancerJenna Johnsonhas spent over a decade lighting up the ballroom onDancing with the Stars.

Over the years, the 31-year-old has built a reputation for her energetic choreography and supportive coaching style. Along the way, she's also shared the experience with her husband, fellow proVal Chmerkovskiy, making the show both a career highlight and a family affair. While they've danced with many stars already, Johnson admits there are still a few dream contestants she'd love to see step onto the ballroom floor.

"I feel like I've been on theJason Kelcetrain for a minute," Johnson toldWoman's Worldin a recent interview. "I'm, like, 'How do we get him?' "

While the idea of watching the older Kelce brother trade his football gear for ballroom shoes is exciting, Johnson revealed that another celebrity has long topped her wish list. She admitted she has been "begging" forTaylor Lautnerto join the competition for years.

"I'm hoping one day he'll say yes. He could come in and do his backflips," Johnson joked. "His wife (also named Taylor Lautner)can come, too. They can be with me and Val. That would be iconic."

The pro dancer imagines the married duo joining her and Chmerkovskiy on the dance floor for a memorable season. For now, though, it's unclear which celebrities Johnson and her husband will be paired with when the ballroom lights turn on again.

During the conversation withWoman's World, Johnson also reflected on some of the standout celebrities she's partnered with over the years. Her time teaching stars on the show has included several memorable collaborations, but a few competitors remain especially meaningful to her.

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"JoJo SiwaandJoey Graziadeiare obviously two of my favorites. And then I have to throw inAdam Ripponin there as well," she said. "I think what made them so special for me as a partner was they were so open to the experience. They were incredible students, and so hungry to learn ballroom."

Johnson, who won the all-athlete Mirrorball Trophy with Rippon, an Olympic figure skater, during season 26 ofDancing with the Stars, told the outlet that enthusiasm and dedication make all the difference when it comes to helping a partner grow.

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She pointed to her more recent run with Graziadei on season 33 as another example of a contestant who fully embraced the learning process, committed to improving week after week, and alsowent home the winner.

"Even with Joey from two seasons ago, anything that I asked him to do or threw at him, he was, 'Okay, yeah, sure.' He was just so open and willing, and I think it showed so many different sides of him," Johnson shared withWoman's World.

"People just fell in love with him being so vulnerable to the experience," she added. "Obviously, work ethic is a huge thing, and they all had that mindset that's what makes a successful partner. I've been really lucky to have some great ones."

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His comments came just hours after President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he wasgiving Iranian leadership 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuzor risk strikes that "will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!"

Bessent defended Trump's rhetoric, saying it's "the only language the Iranians understand."

Earlier Sunday, a spokesperson for Iran's military command headquarters warned that if the U.S. strikes oil infrastructure, Tehran willrespond in kind with further escalation.

"If Iran's fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked, then fuel, energy, information technology systems and desalination infrastructure used by America and the regime in the region will be struck," Col. Ebrahim Zolfaqari said, according to the IRNA state news agency.

More news on the Iran war:

• A warning: Iranian missile strikes injured 115 people in Israel, officials said, puncturing air defenses in two towns close to a nuclear site.

• Price hikes: The war has already hit your gas budget. Here's what it's coming for next.

• Long-range attack: Iran fired missiles at remote U.K.-U.S. base, claiming long-range capabilities it previously denied.

• Energy crisis: The U.S. eased Iranian oil sanctions in a scramble to contain energy prices, handing Tehran a boost.

Robert Mueller, former special counsel who led Trump-Russia probe, dies at 81

Robert Mueller III, thelong-serving FBI director who later served as the special counseloverseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, died at 81.

Mueller took his post just days before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He worked under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who credit him with transforming the bureau in the wake of the tragedy.

A decorated Marine, Mueller became a frequent target of Trump's after his probe found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election in a sweeping and systematic fashion, including efforts to boost the now-president's campaign.

'Meet the Press'

Cuba's deputy foreign minister said Saturday that the nation's military ispreparing for "the possibility of military aggression" from the U.S.and that it would be "naive" for Cuba's leaders to ignore the possibility of conflict.

"Our military is always prepared, and in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression," Carlos Fernández de Cossío told NBC News' "Meet the Press" in an interview that aired Sunday.

Fernández de Cossío said the country's leaders "truly hope that it doesn't occur. We don't see why it would have to occur, and we find no justification whatsoever."

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The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba come as the island nation beganrestoring its energy systemSunday, a day after a nationwide collapse of the entire grid left millions of people in the dark for the third time this month.

Politics in brief

• ICE at airports: White House border czar Tom Homan said agents will assist with security at airports where lines have been particularly long because of TSA shortages and the partial government shutdown.

• 'Not a done deal': Virginia Democrats are starting to sweat over their redistricting referendum as they face challenges ahead of next month's special election.

• Trump administration sued: An Underground Railroad museum in New York is alleging the government canceled its grant on the basis of race.

• When seeing isn't believing: AI-generated campaign ads are stoking concerns of voter deception ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel has a new cause: Freeing kids from ICE detention

Rachel Accurso, the popular children's entertainer known as Ms. Rachel, has become a prominent voice speaking out on the plight of kids in war-torn Gaza and Sudan.

Now, she's embarking on a mission closer to home: working with lawyers and immigration rights activiststo close the family detention center in Dilley, Texas, and "make sure that kids and their parents are back in their communities where they belong," she told NBC News.

Last week, Accurso heard directly from children held there, including 9-year-old Deiver Henao Jimenez, who won his school spelling bee and is worried he'll miss New Mexico's state competition in May.

"We're just trying to get a child out of a jail to do a spelling bee," Accurso said. "I just never thought those words would go together."

Russia is killing Telegram, its most popular messaging app, despite fears of pushback

The Kremlin's tightening grip on Russian life has a new target: the country's most popular messaging app.

Ordinary Russians and even pro-Kremlin hawks have offered rare public pushback againstthe campaign to throttle Telegram, warning it could backfire, not just at home but for Russia's military in Ukraine.

The app is woven into the daily existence of those who support and oppose the government alike. But the Kremlin is instead pushing people to its new "national" messenger MAX, which many fear could be used to surveil them as part of a deepening crackdown on freedoms since the invasion of Ukraine.

"I can only assume that there is a lofty goal of making everything sovereign, but what's happening right now is just sabotage," said pro-Kremlin gamer and activist Grigory Korolyov, who uses the app to help fundraise for the Russian army.

Two jobs, $75,000 in student debt: How one Florida woman works to get by

Some days for Rachel Jordan start at 5 a.m. and don't end until midnight — sometimes for multiple days in a row.

"I'm just exhausted, honestly," she said.

The Florida resident, 43, is one of the millions of Americans whowork two jobs to get by as they try to pay down debtsthey incurred early in life. With about $75,000 in outstanding student loan debt, Jordan often works 70 hours a week, but worries she's still financially behind.

Notable quote

It just looked like a rock, and ain't no rocks got no business falling out of the sky.

Houston-area resident Sherrie James on a meteor fragment crashing into her home

A bright fireball that was spotted Saturday afternoon in the skies over southeastern Texas wasconfirmed to be a meteorthat likely broke apart over the Houston area, according to NASA.

In case you missed it

• The Guthrie family said they were "deeply grateful" for the Tucson community where their missing mother Nancy lived before her disappearance and suspected abduction seven weeks ago.

• The much anticipated opening of a new bar in Washington, D.C., by the prediction platform Polymarket was botched by a power outage.

• Chappell Roan addressed outrage from fans after Brazilian soccer player Jorginho Frello accused the pop star's security team of treating his 11-year-old daughter in a way that left her in tears and "extremely shaken."

• The first episode of "Saturday Night Live UK" aired, with reviewers calling it "shockingly competent."

• Jessi Pierce, a beloved National Hockey League reporter for the Minnesota Wild, died in a house fire along with her three young children. She was 37.

Much of the stateremains under a flood watchinto the evening of March 22, including Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island, according to the National Weather Service, following what authorities described as the worst flooding the state has seen in 20 years.

Excessive rain caused torrents of water to wash out homes, damage roads and threaten to bust through a dam, sparking an emergency evacuation of thousands in Oahu on March 20. TheHawaii Emergency Management Agencylater clarified that the 120-year-old dam had not failed but "is at imminent risk of failure."

Haleʻiwa and Waialua also saw evacuations on March 21 as an alert warned that all roads out are at risk of "imminent failure," though those alerts have since been lifted. Most recently, flash flood warnings were issued through the morning of March 22 in parts of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and are set to expire at 8:30 a.m. local time,according to the Honolulu National Weather Service office.

Additionally, the National Weather Service in Honoluluwarned of potential excessive rainfall and flash flooding later in the dayas the forecast showed possible heavy rain and showers continuing through March 22 into the work week, including in Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island.

"Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages," the weather service said. "Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain." The March 22 forecast includes rain showers and possibly a thunderstorm, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

A flooded neighborhood in Waialua on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii is seen during a crew flyover with a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in Kapolei, on March 20, 2026. Officials in Hawaii on March 20 ordered some 4,000 people living near an aging dam on the island of Oahu to evacuate the area immediately, following severe rains that have battered the region. The century-old Wahiawa dam, located in the north of Hawaii's third largest island, which is home to the state capital Honolulu, "is at imminent risk of failure," the local emergency management agency warned.

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See floodwaters overwhelm communities across Hawaii

A flooded neighborhood in Waialua on the north shore ofOahu, Hawaiiis seen during a crew flyover with a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in Kapolei, on March 20, 2026. Officials in Hawaii on March 20 ordered some 4,000 people living near an aging dam on the island of Oahu to evacuate the area immediately, following severe rains that have battered the region. The century-old Wahiawa dam, located in the north of Hawaii's third largest island, which is home to the state capital Honolulu, "is at imminent risk of failure," the local emergency management agency warned.

Worst flooding in 20 years hits Hawaii;Evacuations say 'LEAVE NOW'

Gov. Josh Green: 'Make sure your family has a plan'

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said there have been no deaths or people unaccounted for during the flooding, USA TODAY previously reported, but called it the worst the state has seen since the early 2000s. Some 200 people have been rescued from the flooding and about 10 presented at hospitals with hypothermia, he said.

"This is a major threat to our people and to our state," Green said at a news conference March 20.

Green said some areas of Hawaii received between 40 and 50 inches of rain in a March 21update posted to X, adding that while storms are moving away from Oahu and over to Maui, 4 to 12 inches of rain are expected and could produce flooding.

"Don't drive through heavy water, make sure that you're kind of laying low…everyone please be safe," Green warned in the post. "You've done a wonderful job. No loss of life so far, a few serious injuries, but don't take this storm lightly. There's still more storm force out there, though it does appear to finally be clearing somewhat on Oahu."

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Pictures:See floodwaters overwhelm communities across Hawaii

Hotels are also available at discounted rates for residents needing to move locations, Green added in asecond post on X, directing people to go toready.hawaii.govand call hotels directly to make reservations.

"Check on your neighbors and make sure your family has a plan," Green wrote. "We will continue to provide updates throughout the day. Stay safe and take care of one another."

March has seen series of severe storms in Hawaii

The flooding and rain are a result of a series of low pressure systems that have struck Hawaii throughout the month.

They're a winter phenomenon, often calledkona lows or kona storms, for the Hawaiian word "kona" for leeward. The winter storms typically impact the leeward side of the islands that are usually sheltered from tradewinds and intense rains, according to Steven Businger, a professor in the meteorology department at the University of Hawaii.

On average, one to two kona storms impact Hawaii during the November-to-March season, but it's very rare for two to form within the same month, let alone within a week, AccuWeather meteorologists said.

The first round of stormsimpacted the islands from March 10 to March 16, and brought local rainfall totals of over 4 feet. These storms have raised water levels, with one stream rising more than 10 feet,spiking fears about flooding and the structure of aging dams and reservoirsin the state.

Damage from the March flooding could total $1 billion, Green said. That includes damage to numerous homes, roads, schools, airports and a hospital on Maui, he said. Flooding from the most recent batch of storms have swept away a house in Mokuleia andclosed multiple roads in the state, part of a road in Makaha Valley on Oahu in both directions March 20 after part of it collapsed, sending vehicles over the edge, USA TODAY previously reported.

Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Flood watch extended for parts of Hawaii after historic storms, flooding

The new research, published March 18 in the journalCommunications Earth & Environment, has for the first time calculated the carbon dioxide emitted and sequestered due to engineering work done by beavers in suitable wetland areas.

"Our findings show that beavers don't just change landscapes: they fundamentally shift how carbon dioxide moves through them," said study lead authorJoshua Larsen, of the University of Birminghamin the U.K., in a statement.

By slowing water, trapping sediments, and expanding wetlands, the beavers turn streams into powerful carbon "sinks," which are a key part of the planet's carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas most responsible for human-caused global warming.

This first-of-its-kind study represents an important opportunity and breakthrough for future nature-based climate solutions across Europe, Larsen said.

What is a carbon sink and why they are important?

A carbon sink is any system that stores more carbon than it releases, according to study co-authorLukas Hallberg of the University of Birmingham. "So instead of carbon going into the atmosphere, it gets locked away in soils, sediments or vegetation."

"That matters because gases like carbon dioxide and methane drive climate warming. If we can store carbon in landscapes for long periods, it reduces how much ends up in the atmosphere. So carbon sinks act as a kind of natural buffer against climate change," Hallberg said in an email to USA TODAY.

Where was the study conducted?

Led by several European universities and numerous international partners, the study was conducted in a stream corridor in northern Switzerland, which has seen more than a decade of beaver activity.

Beavers are 'powerful agents of carbon capture and adsorption'

"Our research shows that beavers are powerful agents of carbon capture and adsorption," said study co-authorAnnegret Larsen, assistant professor in the soil geography and landscape group at Wageningen Universityin the Netherlands. "By reshaping waterways and creating rich wetland habitats, beavers physically change how carbon is stored across landscapes."

When scaled across all floodplain areas suitable for beaver recolonization in Switzerland, researchers estimate that beaver wetlands could offset 1.2–1.8% of the nation's annual carbon emissions: delivering climate benefits without active human intervention or financial cost, according to astatement from the University of Birmingham.

How were beavers chosen as a species to study?

"Beavers are a unique wildlife species that like no other animal have the capacity to reshape entire river valleys, in terms of hydrology and ecology," Hallberg told USA TODAY.

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Overall, according to the study, beavers are increasingly returning to rivers and other natural landscapes across Europe, following decades of collaborative conservation efforts.

"Their prolific damming activities are in many cases providing similar ecosystem benefits as we humans try with our engineering approaches (creating wetlands, floodplains, etc)," Hallberg said.

"The ongoing resurgence of beavers, especially in Europe, presents us with an opportunity to further assess how and where these environmental benefits can be realized or not, and to provide further decision-support for wildlife management."

Were the researchers surprised by the findings?

"Yes, we were very surprised," Hallberg said. He said that at the annual scale, "we knew the system might vary in being a source vs sink of carbon, but we did not appreciate the degree to which the water flow and extent controlled this, with wetter conditions making it more of a sink and drier more of a potential source."

"In terms of the long-term carbon storage, we were very surprised about the scale of this," he said. "We went to so much effort to make sure we could get as good as estimate as possible and wouldn't risk overstating the amount."

More:This endangered wildflower does something scientists didn't expect

Are there other examples of wildlife helping combat climate change?

Most natural carbon storage is driven by plants, so forests, peatlands and wetlands all store carbon because of plant growth and the build-up of organic material. In some cases, organisms like peat-forming moss actually build entire landscapes that store carbon over long timescales, Hallberg said.

"What makes beavers unusual is that, as an animal, they actively reshape the landscape in a similar way. By building dams, they create wetlands that trap and store carbon," he said.

"So they're a rare example of wildlife directly engineering new carbon storage, rather than just being part of the system," he concluded.

In an email to USA TODAY, study co-author Annegret Larsen provided additional perspective, noting that "ecosystem engineers (like beavers) are key to maintaining well-functioning ecosystems, thereby enhancing environmental resilience and supporting climate change mitigation.

"The beaver is a prominent example, but others exist. For instance, caddisfly larvae stabilize riverbeds, earthworms are essential for soil fertility, and burrowing animals enhance soil infiltration. The range of such ecosystem engineers is extensive."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Groundbreaking climate change study says beavers have big impact

NCAA NC State Michigan Basketball

Eventually, Michigan's star sophomores bounced back with fantastic performances.

Olson had all 27 of her points in the second half and Swords bounced back to score 26 and help the second-seeded Wolverines rout theshort-handedWolfpack92-63on Sunday and earn a spot in the women'sSweet 16.

"They're hard to contain for 40 minutes," N.C. State coach Wes Moore said.

The Wolverines (27-6) will play for at least another 40 minutes, facing the winner of third-seeded Louisville and sixth-seeded Alabama inthe NCAA TournamentFort Worth Regional semifinals.

"We're accomplishing the goals we set out to — and we're not done yet," Olson said.

Michigan's previous Sweet 16 appearances were in 2021 and 2022, when it reached the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.

"We're just really excited to be able to continue what coach (Kim Barnes Arico) has already created as a legacy here," Swords said.

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Olson, a third-teamAssociated Press All-America player, started 0 of 6 and was held scoreless until making two free throws with 5:59 left in the third quarter. She scored on a three-point play about a minute later and followed up with a pair of mid-range jumpers to suddenly give Michigan a 49-35 lead.

What clicked?

"Just having confidence in myself as well as my teammates having confidence in me and still getting the ball to me," Olson said. "But I think it was a collective effort of just people carrying the load in the first half, and that just shows how much depth we have on our team."

Swords, meanwhile, was held to two points in the opening quarter and the Wolfpack led by one point.

Then, she started making shots.

Swords scored seven in the opening two minutes of the second quarter as part of a 14-0 run that included forcing six turnovers to put the Wolverines ahead 26-13. In the second half, she scored 17 points and joined Olson in the 1,000-point club in just two seasons.

"They were face-guarding me really well at the beginning, but I wasn't mad about it because my other teammates got great shots off of it," said Swords, who became the youngest Canadian basketball player to compete in theOlympicsat 18 during the 2024 Paris Games.

AP March Madness bracket:https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracketand coverage:https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

The No. 2 seedCycloneswill take on No. 7 Kentucky on Sunday, March 22, and all eyes are on whether star forward Joshua Jefferson will be available against the Wildcats after suffering an injury in the first round. Jefferson hurt his left ankle early into the contest against Tennessee State, and wasn't able to return to the game.

It will be a key storyline with Iowa State trying to reach the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years. Here is the latest on Jefferson's status:

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.

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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.

Will Joshua Jefferson play vs Kentucky?

No, Jefferson will not play. He islisted as out for Iowa State's gamevs. Kentucky, per the NCAA injury report.

It's a tough break for the Cyclones as they hoped he would be able to suit up. A day prior, coach T.J. Otzelberger said it appeared unlikely he would be able to play. On Saturday, Jefferson in a boot and using a knee scooter.

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"We've got so much confidence in this group and guys that can step up on a given night. Obviously when you have a guy like Joshua out, it's going to be imperative that other guys step in," he said.

What happened to Joshua Jefferson?

Jefferson was injured less than three minutes into the first round game contest, appearing to twist his ankle as he landed after going for a layup. He was helped off the floor by support staff as he was unable to put any weight on his left foot.

He was later seen on crutches and didn't return to the game.

Jefferson is a major contributor for the Cyclones, averaging 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. He also has two triple doubles on the season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Joshua Jefferson injury update: Will Iowa State star play vs Kentucky?