JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1086

Casper, Wyo. Forecasters warn that a shift to above-normal temperatures will arrive this week, accompanied by strong to damaging winds and rain or snow across the Northern Plains, Intermountain West and parts of the Midwest and Southeast. National Weather Service offices and local stations report gusts widely ranging from 25–75+ mph, high wind warnings in effect, and mountain areas facing heavier snow this week. Travel on interstates and exposed corridors is likely to be hazardous during peak gusts. Residents should monitor local advisories and prepare for intermittent precipitation and temperature swings. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

MEMPHIS, The University of Memphis hired Charles Huff as its new head football coach this week, replacing Ryan Silverfield who left for Arkansas on Nov. 30. Athletic director Ed Scott announced the hire Monday and Memphis scheduled a public introductory press event on Wednesday. Huff went 7-5 in his first season at Southern Miss after previous stops at Marshall; ESPN reported a five‑year contract. Huff will not coach Southern Miss in its upcoming bowl game. The hiring followed a roughly week‑long search and reports that Memphis prioritized experience and recent program turnaround. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

DENVER — Mountain areas received snowfall Saturday while Denver and plains stayed dry as temperatures warmed, officials reported. Ski resorts logged 5–10 inches with 5–10 inches expected through the day; winds gusted up to 55 mph. In Central Illinois, a fast-moving system prompted a First Alert Weather Day and a Winter Weather Advisory Saturday night into Sunday, bringing snow, freezing drizzle and ice glaze, with highest totals north of I-74. Indianapolis-area forecasts called for mixed precipitation north Sunday morning and a rain-snow system Tuesday night. Warming follows before colder air returns this weekend. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Firefighters across multiple states responded to residential and structural fires this weekend and early week, resulting in two fatalities, evacuations and damage. In Philadelphia and Manhattan, firefighters reported two men found dead after apartment blazes Saturday. Other incidents in Atlanta, Houston, Burlington, Milford, Indianapolis, Rochester, Whitehouse and Oklahoma City involved building, garage and vehicle fires with no reported injuries but at least one displacement and Red Cross assistance. Investigations are ongoing; causes cited include electrical issues, possible warming fires and undetermined origins. Authorities continue containment, safety checks and arson inquiries. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Indianapolis, Indiana defeated Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship on Saturday, securing the Hoosiers' first conference title in decades and likely earning the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Fernando Mendoza threw a key 17-yard touchdown to Elijah Sarratt and Indiana's defense held Ohio State scoreless late. Ohio State's missed field-goal attempt kept the margin at three points; the Buckeyes likely will drop in CFP rankings but still receive a first-round bye. Game statistics came from box-score reports. Indiana will play Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. High school and college basketball teams posted multiple weekend results across regional rounds. Lockport, Woodstock and other prep teams remained unbeaten in conference and nonconference play Friday and Saturday. Utah Valley, UMass and Navy secured college wins Saturday and Sunday, driven by key performances from Jackson Holcombe, Marcus Banks, and Austin Benigni. Individual players delivered career milestones and game-deciding scoring runs while teams executed decisive late-quarter runs and second-half surges. Coaches adjusted rotations and benches made notable contributions in multiple contests. Officials reported final scores and basic statistics after each game. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

Washington — President Donald Trump received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center on Friday, when FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented a medal, certificate and a gold trophy recognizing his role in promoting peace. Trump accepted the award on stage and reiterated claims of mediating ceasefires, including a May India-Pakistan assertion that India disputes. FIFA announced the annual prize in November, and Infantino has publicly supported Trump’s peace efforts, citing Gaza ceasefire mediation. Critics questioned FIFA’s neutrality and timing amid recent U.S. military actions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research documentation today.