Get the USA TODAY app Flying spiders explained Start the day smarter ☀️ Honor all requests?
NEWS
5 Things to Know

Kamala Harris touts COVID-19 relief plan, March Madness surprises: 5 things to know Monday

Editors
USA TODAY

Vice President Harris visits Jacksonville

Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Jacksonville on Monday to tout the administration's $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus plan, according to an administration source. It will be her first visit since crisscrossing Florida last fall during the presidential campaign. Harris' stop in the Sunshine State is part of the administration's "Help is Here" tour to highlight what it says are the benefits of the American Rescue Plan that President Joe Biden signed into law on March 11. Last week, both Biden and Harris were on the road to praise the stimulus plan's assistance for American families.  

Prefer to listen? Check out the 5 things podcast: 

Oral Roberts busts brackets in NCAA tournament's surprising first weekend

No. 15 seed Oral Roberts has staked its claim as this year's most surprising NCAA men's basketball tournament Cinderella team after pulling off upsets of No. 2 seed Ohio State and No. 7 seed Florida over the weekend. However, the Golden Eagles weren't the only team to produce shocking results. Double-digit seeds Syracuse (No. 11) and Oregon State (No. 12) have raised eyebrows by punching their tickets to the Sweet 16, while No. 1 seed Illinois suffered an unexpected loss to No. 8 seed Loyola Chicago. The second round still may not be out of surprises with upset-minded teams like No. 13 seed Ohio and No. 14 seed Abilene Christian set to take the court on Monday, with a chance to advance to the Sweet 16.

House to hold hearing on D.C. statehood

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform will hold a hearing Monday on H.R. 51, the bill that would make Washington D.C. the 51st state. Advocates for statehood say the District of Columbia pays more in federal taxes than 21 states and more per capita than any state, despite its lack of representation in politics. The bill has over 220 House and 40 Senate co-sponsors in Congress. Nearly 20 former Democratic presidential candidates and leaders have endorsed passing D.C. statehood — including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Protesters on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Miami Beach's entertainment district under state of emergency due to spring breakers

Miami Beach has declared a state of emergency in its entertainment district due to an influx of spring breakers who have inundated the city. Restaurants, bars and businesses within the area must close by 8 p.m. Monday, according to directives from the city. The decision, officials say, is necessary to protect residents and spring breakers alike. Because most pandemic restrictions have been lifted in Florida, people are coming with an "anything goes" mentality, Mayor Dan Gelber previously told USA TODAY. The state of emergency is set to be lifted Tuesday.

Dr. Oz makes 'Jeopardy!' hosting debut

Dr. Mehmet Oz will start his two-week stint as guest host for "Jeopardy!" on Monday following the November death of beloved host Alex Trebek. Dr. Oz will follow in the footsteps of guest hosts Ken Jennings, Mike Richards and most recently Katie Couric, who ended her two-week run Friday. Some past and future hosts may be considered for the permanent slot, but the famous quiz show will take its time and may not replace Trebek until the show begins its 38th season in syndication in September. Future guest hosts include CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, "Today" host Savannah Guthrie and Mayim Bialik, who stars in the Fox sitcom "Call Me Kat."  

Featured Weekly Ad