JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 913

Tucson, Arizona. Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's 'Today,' gave her first televised interview this week, saying her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was last seen Jan. 31 and has been missing since Feb. 1; family members described finding back doors propped open and raised abduction concerns.

Law enforcement calls the case an active kidnapping investigation; investigators and the FBI have reviewed surveillance footage and the family issued a renewed appeal on Mar 21 for any tips. This week authorities also warned the public about fraudulent fundraisers and said there have been no arrests to date.

United States census estimates show national population growth slowed to 0.5% between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, with the Census Bureau reporting reduced international migration and mixed metro outcomes: some smaller and Sun Belt metros grew while Los Angeles, San Diego and Miami declined this year.

Local jurisdictions this week reported varied impacts: Greenville metro surpassed one million residents, Des Moines and Baldwin counties recorded continued gains, and border cities such as Yuma and El Centro saw sharp slowdowns; officials and demographers say planning and services must adjust to these shifting population patterns.

HOUSTON -- The No. 2 Houston Cougars will host No. 3 Illinois in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 at Toyota Center on Thursday night, with tip scheduled for about 9:05 p.m. CT; the arena sits roughly two miles from Houston's campus, making it effectively local for the Cougars.

The proximity creates a near-home atmosphere expected to produce heavy Cougars attendance, while Illinois coach Brad Underwood said Wednesday he is unbothered; analysts this week highlighted matchup factors such as Illinois' scoring margin, Houston's defensive profile, key players, and preparations ahead of Thursday's game.

HOUSTON — Illinois defeated No. 2 seed Houston 65-55 Thursday night at the Toyota Center, advancing to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight after a 17-0 second-half run and balanced contributions from David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler.

The win, achieved with Illinois holding a rebounding edge and limiting Houston to about 34% shooting, sends the Illini to face No. 9 seed Iowa on Saturday; coaches cited defense and interior play as decisive elements.

Houston — Ninth-seeded Iowa defeated Nebraska 77-71 Thursday at the Toyota Center to reach the Elite Eight. Bennett Stirtz scored 20 points and Alvaro Folgueiras added 16, while coach Ben McCollum’s first-year program advanced after previously upsetting top-seeded Florida in the tournament’s second round.

The Hawkeyes (24-12) will play Illinois on Saturday for a Final Four berth; McCollum’s team became the lowest-seeded Big Ten program to reach a regional final since 1979. Players referenced heightened intensity following a sideline confrontation with Florida’s staff on Sunday, and the program gained national attention.

Indianapolis: Record-high temperatures are forecast for Thursday as a strong cold front approaches, with local and regional forecasts warning of strong to severe thunderstorms across parts of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan late Thursday into early Friday, concentrated from Thursday evening through the predawn hours.

Authorities and weather services caution residents about large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall; the Storm Prediction Center and local NWS outlets emphasize evening-to-overnight timing, localized flood potential, and a pronounced temperature drop into the 30s–40s on Friday as colder air arrives.

Washington, DC — On March 26 the White House said U.S. forces have conducted strikes on Iranian military and coastal facilities under Operation Epic Fury while backchannel talks with Tehran continue; officials declined to identify Iranian interlocutors and described the campaign as degrading Iran's missile and naval capabilities.

The administration said the campaign is designed to run four to six weeks and has reached about its 25th day, with spokespeople warning Iran against further resistance; President Trump has told advisors he seeks to end the conflict within weeks and U.S. officials briefed lawmakers on recent operations.

Washington — The White House announced Wednesday that President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing for a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14–15, after the meeting was postponed earlier in March due to U.S. and Israeli military operations related to the Iran conflict.

Officials said First Lady Melania Trump will accompany the president and that President Xi and his wife will make a reciprocal visit to Washington later this year; White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the dates while the Chinese embassy had no immediate comment this week.

United States — TSA screeners have worked without pay for more than 40 days amid a Department of Homeland Security funding impasse, producing airport checkpoint delays and long lines this week as travelers encounter extended wait times and frontline staff continue screening without compensation.

This week airports and executives, including Charleston International, urged Congress to resolve the standoff; lawmakers are negotiating funding while some officials propose expanding private screening, and reports cite at least 450 TSA departures and more than 50,000 agents affected as negotiations continue.

United States: Amazon launched its Big Spring Sale on March 25, 2026, offering nationwide discounts across Amazon devices, electronics, home goods and apparel; early price drops appeared before the official start and the promotional window runs through March 31 with rotating doorbusters and editor-picked offers.

Retailers, publishers and shoppers responded immediately: major outlets produced curated lists of standout offers (reporting 101+ to 135+ notable deals), Amazon added time-limited promotions and subscription trials such as three months of Music Unlimited through April 16, and journalists are updating live trackers this week.