mad mitch
@maddiemitch.bsky.social
National Reporter for USA TODAY, covering Women & the Caregiver Economy • passionate about Taylor Swift, running, yoga, books & Chicago pizza • also a playwright & theatre artist • she/her
Hi there! I'm looking to talk with parents of adult children who still pay for their adult kids' big-ticket extra expenses (birthday parties, vacations, etc.). If you're interested in talking with me for this story, message me at memitchell@usatoday.com.
November 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Hi there! I'm looking to talk with parents of adult children who still pay for their adult kids' big-ticket extra expenses (birthday parties, vacations, etc.). If you're interested in talking with me for this story, message me at memitchell@usatoday.com.
Not everyone can recreate their childhood home like Chris Hemsworth did in his new film. But families can easily use reminiscence therapy with their loved ones who have dementia. Here's how: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Chris Hemsworth uses 'reminiscence therapy' to help his dad's Alzheimer's
What is reminiscence therapy? It's the approach Chris Hemsworth is using to fight his father's Alzheimer's disease in his new documentary.
www.usatoday.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Not everyone can recreate their childhood home like Chris Hemsworth did in his new film. But families can easily use reminiscence therapy with their loved ones who have dementia. Here's how: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Zohran Mamdani promised New Yorkers free child care. Is that even possible?
It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight. But "it seems, for the first time, that the political stars are almost in alignment," said Alyson Silkowski of @newamerica.org.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com
It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight. But "it seems, for the first time, that the political stars are almost in alignment," said Alyson Silkowski of @newamerica.org.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com
Mamdani says he'll bring free child care to NYC. It's not easy, but is it possible?
Zohran Mamdani, mayor-elect for New York City, campaigned for free child care. Experts say this dream is attainable within the next five years.
www.usatoday.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Zohran Mamdani promised New Yorkers free child care. Is that even possible?
It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight. But "it seems, for the first time, that the political stars are almost in alignment," said Alyson Silkowski of @newamerica.org.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com
It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight. But "it seems, for the first time, that the political stars are almost in alignment," said Alyson Silkowski of @newamerica.org.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com
It's World Kindness Day. I spoke with kindness experts (yes, those exist!) about how being kind and caring is good for you -- reducing stress, increasing happiness and collaboration and even leading to physical health benefits like better immunity.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
If you’re not nice, you shouldn't live here. This is the kindest neighborhood in America.
Residents of this California community have a kindness pledge. Here's why, and why being kind is good for you.
www.usatoday.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:48 PM
It's World Kindness Day. I spoke with kindness experts (yes, those exist!) about how being kind and caring is good for you -- reducing stress, increasing happiness and collaboration and even leading to physical health benefits like better immunity.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
A documentary following Chris Hemsworth on a road trip with his dad comes out Nov. 23.
His dad has Alzheimer's disease.
"I just find myself wanting to spend more time with him," Hemsworth said.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
His dad has Alzheimer's disease.
"I just find myself wanting to spend more time with him," Hemsworth said.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Chris Hemsworth, Alzheimer's and why Hollywood is suddenly obsessed with caregiving
A new documentary featuring Chris Hemsworth and his father will be available for streaming on Disney Plus and Hulu on Nov. 23.
www.usatoday.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:07 PM
A documentary following Chris Hemsworth on a road trip with his dad comes out Nov. 23.
His dad has Alzheimer's disease.
"I just find myself wanting to spend more time with him," Hemsworth said.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
His dad has Alzheimer's disease.
"I just find myself wanting to spend more time with him," Hemsworth said.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
"My father waited until 10 days before he died to tell me how he wanted to handle his end of life."
The sandwich generation is feeling financial & emotional strain as families have difficult conversations about care for aging parents.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
The sandwich generation is feeling financial & emotional strain as families have difficult conversations about care for aging parents.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Older Americans want to age at home. Their kids are suffering to help them.
New data shows 70% of caregivers don't want their aging parents to move in. But the financial tolls of caregiving often lead to just that.
www.usatoday.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:47 PM
"My father waited until 10 days before he died to tell me how he wanted to handle his end of life."
The sandwich generation is feeling financial & emotional strain as families have difficult conversations about care for aging parents.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
The sandwich generation is feeling financial & emotional strain as families have difficult conversations about care for aging parents.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Caregivers are in crisis. How bad it is depends on where you live.
"When financial strain hits 59% of family caregivers in Georgia compared to just 34% in Minnesota... it's clear that patchwork state solutions aren't enough." -Jason Resendez
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
"When financial strain hits 59% of family caregivers in Georgia compared to just 34% in Minnesota... it's clear that patchwork state solutions aren't enough." -Jason Resendez
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Caregivers are in crisis. How bad it is depends on where you live, new data shows.
Newly released data from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving shows state-by-state caregiving dilemmas.
www.usatoday.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Caregivers are in crisis. How bad it is depends on where you live.
"When financial strain hits 59% of family caregivers in Georgia compared to just 34% in Minnesota... it's clear that patchwork state solutions aren't enough." -Jason Resendez
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
"When financial strain hits 59% of family caregivers in Georgia compared to just 34% in Minnesota... it's clear that patchwork state solutions aren't enough." -Jason Resendez
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Kevin Tang is a 13-year-old scientist from California. When his grandmother fell 5 years ago, he got an idea.
His fall detection invention landed him $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Read about Kevin and his invention:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
His fall detection invention landed him $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Read about Kevin and his invention:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
A 13-year-old invented a new technology to help his family. It actually works.
Kevin Tang is an eighth-grader in California who won $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” for his science fair project.
www.usatoday.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Kevin Tang is a 13-year-old scientist from California. When his grandmother fell 5 years ago, he got an idea.
His fall detection invention landed him $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Read about Kevin and his invention:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
His fall detection invention landed him $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Read about Kevin and his invention:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Frankie Acevedo's 5-year-old wants to be near him all the time, whether he's in the kitchen, backyard or even in the bathroom.
Does that make his son a Velcro kid? Or is Frankie a Velcro parent?
And what if Frankie wants a moment to himself?
Read about it here:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
Does that make his son a Velcro kid? Or is Frankie a Velcro parent?
And what if Frankie wants a moment to himself?
Read about it here:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
Millennials might be raising 'Velcro kids.' What does that mean and is it a bad thing?
While the term "Velcro parents" isn't as established as other parenting styles, it is gaining traction on social media.
www.usatoday.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Frankie Acevedo's 5-year-old wants to be near him all the time, whether he's in the kitchen, backyard or even in the bathroom.
Does that make his son a Velcro kid? Or is Frankie a Velcro parent?
And what if Frankie wants a moment to himself?
Read about it here:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
Does that make his son a Velcro kid? Or is Frankie a Velcro parent?
And what if Frankie wants a moment to himself?
Read about it here:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
SAHMs and empty nesters are at a disadvantage in the job market.
"One of the biggest barriers is creating a resume. If you haven't been in the workforce for 20 years... it's like, 'Oh my God, how do I even get started on that?'" -Business strategist Scott Siff
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
"One of the biggest barriers is creating a resume. If you haven't been in the workforce for 20 years... it's like, 'Oh my God, how do I even get started on that?'" -Business strategist Scott Siff
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
She left the workforce for 11 years to raise her sons. Now, she’s a CEO.
Susan De Marco is CEO of Brand K Partners, an accounting solutions firm for nonprofits in New Jersey. Here's how she landed the gig.
www.usatoday.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:46 PM
SAHMs and empty nesters are at a disadvantage in the job market.
"One of the biggest barriers is creating a resume. If you haven't been in the workforce for 20 years... it's like, 'Oh my God, how do I even get started on that?'" -Business strategist Scott Siff
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
"One of the biggest barriers is creating a resume. If you haven't been in the workforce for 20 years... it's like, 'Oh my God, how do I even get started on that?'" -Business strategist Scott Siff
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
Emily Hausman was laid off while pregnant. She moved from NYC to her parents' place in Utah and had her son, Zeke.
Two months later, she found out she had cancer.
At first, she felt alone. But kind strangers restored her faith in humanity.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Two months later, she found out she had cancer.
At first, she felt alone. But kind strangers restored her faith in humanity.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
She was laid off while pregnant, then got cancer. Here's what restored her faith in humanity.
Emily Hausman is a "single mom by choice" who got laid off while pregnant. Now, she's battling cancer and turning to online strangers for support.
www.usatoday.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Emily Hausman was laid off while pregnant. She moved from NYC to her parents' place in Utah and had her son, Zeke.
Two months later, she found out she had cancer.
At first, she felt alone. But kind strangers restored her faith in humanity.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Two months later, she found out she had cancer.
At first, she felt alone. But kind strangers restored her faith in humanity.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Breast cancer is rising in younger women, leaving mothers juggling parenting and treatment. Here's what that looks like, and what doctors are worried about with younger cancer patients: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
These women thought motherhood was hard enough. Then they got cancer.
Breast cancer is becoming more common in younger women, leaving many mothers with devastating diagnoses.
www.usatoday.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Breast cancer is rising in younger women, leaving mothers juggling parenting and treatment. Here's what that looks like, and what doctors are worried about with younger cancer patients: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Some fans are upset that Taylor Swift is singing and talking about wanting to settle down. But since when did wanting to get married and have kids get so political? @nicolefallert.bsky.social and I get into it, here:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce and the problem with settling down
Fans have had mixed responses to Taylor Swift's comments on marriage. "Getting married and having children is now considered conservative?" one wondered.
www.usatoday.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Some fans are upset that Taylor Swift is singing and talking about wanting to settle down. But since when did wanting to get married and have kids get so political? @nicolefallert.bsky.social and I get into it, here:
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
It's me, hi. I'm writing about Taylor Swift again, it's me.
I thought "Eldest Daughter" would wreck me. Instead, it made me grateful for the love in my life.
www.usatoday.com/story/entert... via @usatoday.com
I thought "Eldest Daughter" would wreck me. Instead, it made me grateful for the love in my life.
www.usatoday.com/story/entert... via @usatoday.com
I thought Taylor Swift's 'Eldest Daughter' track would wreck me. It healed me instead.
Eldest daughters everywhere have been waiting for Taylor Swift's new track five to drop. Here's how this eldest daughter reacted.
www.usatoday.com
October 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
It's me, hi. I'm writing about Taylor Swift again, it's me.
I thought "Eldest Daughter" would wreck me. Instead, it made me grateful for the love in my life.
www.usatoday.com/story/entert... via @usatoday.com
I thought "Eldest Daughter" would wreck me. Instead, it made me grateful for the love in my life.
www.usatoday.com/story/entert... via @usatoday.com
Julian Furman, 43, said he sometimes wishes he didn't have autism "because then I wouldn't have a bunch of anxiety."
But he thinks autism "can be a good thing." People with autism have special abilities, he said.
"They can be smart."
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
But he thinks autism "can be a good thing." People with autism have special abilities, he said.
"They can be smart."
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
'It's a different way of being.' A cure for autism isn't what these families say they need
The Trump administration announced it found a cause of autism and made a treatment option available. Is that what families of people with autism want?
www.usatoday.com
September 24, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Julian Furman, 43, said he sometimes wishes he didn't have autism "because then I wouldn't have a bunch of anxiety."
But he thinks autism "can be a good thing." People with autism have special abilities, he said.
"They can be smart."
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
But he thinks autism "can be a good thing." People with autism have special abilities, he said.
"They can be smart."
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Jennifer Cortes is in the sandwich generation, caring for her 82-year-old father with vascular dementia. Even when respite care comes, Cortes said she can't relax but has to translate between Spanish and English for the home health aide.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
Her dad doesn’t speak English. Without the right care help, she can’t get a break.
Jennifer Cortes needs a break. But even when her dad's home health aide comes to offer her respite, Cortes needs to be around to translate.
www.usatoday.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Jennifer Cortes is in the sandwich generation, caring for her 82-year-old father with vascular dementia. Even when respite care comes, Cortes said she can't relax but has to translate between Spanish and English for the home health aide.
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com
New Mexico is the first state to offer free universal child care.
The state's child care assistance program will extend to all families on Nov. 1. How does it work? Who's paying for it? These questions and more, answered, in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
The state's child care assistance program will extend to all families on Nov. 1. How does it work? Who's paying for it? These questions and more, answered, in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
New Mexico is first state to offer free universal child care. Will others follow suit?
Universal child care is coming to New Mexico in November, marking the first state in America to guarantee free child care to every parent.
www.usatoday.com
September 16, 2025 at 7:01 PM
New Mexico is the first state to offer free universal child care.
The state's child care assistance program will extend to all families on Nov. 1. How does it work? Who's paying for it? These questions and more, answered, in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
The state's child care assistance program will extend to all families on Nov. 1. How does it work? Who's paying for it? These questions and more, answered, in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
Caregiving doesn't have to end your career.
Problem solving. Time management. Negotiation. Adaptability. Empathy. Compassion. Communication.
These are all skills caregivers have, and employers value, experts say.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
Problem solving. Time management. Negotiation. Adaptability. Empathy. Compassion. Communication.
These are all skills caregivers have, and employers value, experts say.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
Caregiving pulled these women out of the workforce, then gave them new careers
Many women find themselves sacrificing their careers for caregiving. But these women put their caregiving skills to use in new careers.
www.usatoday.com
September 12, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Caregiving doesn't have to end your career.
Problem solving. Time management. Negotiation. Adaptability. Empathy. Compassion. Communication.
These are all skills caregivers have, and employers value, experts say.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
Problem solving. Time management. Negotiation. Adaptability. Empathy. Compassion. Communication.
These are all skills caregivers have, and employers value, experts say.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
Reposted by mad mitch
"It's good that men are gaining; we want to see those wages go up. We know families need it. But we also can't be in the situation where we're seeing women being left further and further behind."
Was glad to chat with @maddiemitch.bsky.social about today's new #wagegap data. Read the whole piece!
Was glad to chat with @maddiemitch.bsky.social about today's new #wagegap data. Read the whole piece!
Some #breaking #genderwagegap news: It's getting wider.
New Census data shows the gender wage gap widened for the second year in a row. For every dollar a man makes in America, a woman made 84 cents in 2022, 83 cents in 2023 and 81 cents in 2024.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
New Census data shows the gender wage gap widened for the second year in a row. For every dollar a man makes in America, a woman made 84 cents in 2022, 83 cents in 2023 and 81 cents in 2024.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
How big is the gender wage gap now? What new Census data shows.
The female-to-male earnings ratio fell in 2024 to 80.9% from 82.7% in 2023. In 2022, the ratio was 84%.
www.usatoday.com
September 9, 2025 at 7:58 PM
"It's good that men are gaining; we want to see those wages go up. We know families need it. But we also can't be in the situation where we're seeing women being left further and further behind."
Was glad to chat with @maddiemitch.bsky.social about today's new #wagegap data. Read the whole piece!
Was glad to chat with @maddiemitch.bsky.social about today's new #wagegap data. Read the whole piece!
Some #breaking #genderwagegap news: It's getting wider.
New Census data shows the gender wage gap widened for the second year in a row. For every dollar a man makes in America, a woman made 84 cents in 2022, 83 cents in 2023 and 81 cents in 2024.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
New Census data shows the gender wage gap widened for the second year in a row. For every dollar a man makes in America, a woman made 84 cents in 2022, 83 cents in 2023 and 81 cents in 2024.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
How big is the gender wage gap now? What new Census data shows.
The female-to-male earnings ratio fell in 2024 to 80.9% from 82.7% in 2023. In 2022, the ratio was 84%.
www.usatoday.com
September 9, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Some #breaking #genderwagegap news: It's getting wider.
New Census data shows the gender wage gap widened for the second year in a row. For every dollar a man makes in America, a woman made 84 cents in 2022, 83 cents in 2023 and 81 cents in 2024.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
New Census data shows the gender wage gap widened for the second year in a row. For every dollar a man makes in America, a woman made 84 cents in 2022, 83 cents in 2023 and 81 cents in 2024.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
America's moms love their jobs. Why are so many leaving them?
I teamed up with @baileyschulz.bsky.social & @jguynn.bsky.social on this story about mothers with young children leaving the workforce. Here's why it's happening and why it matters:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
I teamed up with @baileyschulz.bsky.social & @jguynn.bsky.social on this story about mothers with young children leaving the workforce. Here's why it's happening and why it matters:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
They were told they could have it all. So why are so many moms leaving their jobs?
The penalty for motherhood? More women are leaving their jobs, undermining their careers and earning potential and spelling trouble for the economy.
www.usatoday.com
September 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
America's moms love their jobs. Why are so many leaving them?
I teamed up with @baileyschulz.bsky.social & @jguynn.bsky.social on this story about mothers with young children leaving the workforce. Here's why it's happening and why it matters:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
I teamed up with @baileyschulz.bsky.social & @jguynn.bsky.social on this story about mothers with young children leaving the workforce. Here's why it's happening and why it matters:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
Parents are spending more than they expected on their kids.
New data shows 77% of parents said that they felt pressure to keep up with other families by spending more than they should.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
New data shows 77% of parents said that they felt pressure to keep up with other families by spending more than they should.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
It's not just you. Over 80% of parents say the cost of raising kids is 'out of control'
A new survey from BMO Financial Group found that 83% of parents say that the cost of raising kids has “gotten out of control."
www.usatoday.com
September 4, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Parents are spending more than they expected on their kids.
New data shows 77% of parents said that they felt pressure to keep up with other families by spending more than they should.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
New data shows 77% of parents said that they felt pressure to keep up with other families by spending more than they should.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
“I do love parenting," @elissastrauss.bsky.social said. "But I feel like the second I say that out loud, I’m a trad wife.”
The "girl boss" and "trad wife" trends online can be damaging for moms, experts say. You can read all about it in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
The "girl boss" and "trad wife" trends online can be damaging for moms, experts say. You can read all about it in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
Parenting has become a world of 'trad wives' vs. 'girl bosses.' How did we get here?
Girl boss and trad wife tropes are all over TikTok, but many moms fall somewhere in the middle. Experts say this content can cause damage.
www.usatoday.com
September 2, 2025 at 8:52 PM
“I do love parenting," @elissastrauss.bsky.social said. "But I feel like the second I say that out loud, I’m a trad wife.”
The "girl boss" and "trad wife" trends online can be damaging for moms, experts say. You can read all about it in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
The "girl boss" and "trad wife" trends online can be damaging for moms, experts say. You can read all about it in my latest for @usatoday.com:
www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
Paying out of pocket. Amazon wish lists. Kristen Bell? How teachers buy school supplies
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
Paying out of pocket. Amazon wish lists. Kristen Bell? How teachers buy school supplies
Teachers spent, on average, $884 of their own money in the 2024-25 school year on cleaning supplies, prizes, snacks, decorations and more.
www.usatoday.com
August 30, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Paying out of pocket. Amazon wish lists. Kristen Bell? How teachers buy school supplies
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
1 in 10 Americans have a rare disease, and half of those patients are children. For parents of children with rare diseases, advocacy can be a full-time job, and the results are life or death.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:32 PM
1 in 10 Americans have a rare disease, and half of those patients are children. For parents of children with rare diseases, advocacy can be a full-time job, and the results are life or death.
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com