JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 937

Grand Forks, North Dakota — A multi-state storm produced high winds, heavy snow and travel disruptions this week. Meteorologists and the National Weather Service issued watches and advisories as gusts reached 89 mph in western North Dakota and 49 mph in Grand Forks on March 12–13, with localized accumulations near six inches. Forecasters warned of additional wind-driven snow and blizzard-like conditions across Colorado, Iowa, Wyoming and New Hampshire for Saturday into Sunday, with wind gusts forecast between 30–70 mph and snow totals varying by elevation. Officials advised caution and delayed openings. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Friday U.S. forces increased strikes against Iran, declaring plans to 'defeat, destroy, disable' Tehran's military capabilities and asserting Iran's new supreme leader is 'wounded and likely disfigured.' The Pentagon reported heaviest day of strikes and confirmed a KC-135 refueling tanker crash in western Iraq that killed six airmen, raising U.S. war deaths to 13. The State Department offered a $10 million Rewards for Justice bounty for Iran leaders' information, while President Trump solicited international support to secure Gulf shipping lanes as attacks continued. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Ludvig Aberg took a two-shot lead at The Players Championship on Friday while Scottie Scheffler rallied to post a bogey-free 5-under 67 on Saturday after narrowly making the cut, moving to 4-under through 54 holes and eight shots behind the leader. Aberg carded a 9-under 63 with two chip-ins and an eagle to reach 12-under through 36 holes. Xander Schauffele sat two shots behind Aberg after a 65. Tournament play continued into the weekend with leaders positioned for Sunday’s final round. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: President Donald Trump announced this week that U.S. forces struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island and urged other nations to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. He posted Saturday on Truth Social asserting that U.S. Central Command carried out large airstrikes that destroyed Iranian military installations while sparing oil infrastructure. He also claimed Iran's senior leaders were killed and said the United States would begin escorting tankers through the strait. Trump told Fox News Radio his priorities could change quickly. This reporting compiles official statements and media accounts. Based on 10 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. The Commerce Department reported Friday that U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 0.7% annual rate in the fourth quarter, revising down its initial 1.4% estimate. The agency reported a 16.7% plunge in federal spending tied to last fall’s 43-day government shutdown, which subtracted about 1.16 percentage points from growth. Consumer spending slowed to a 2% pace while business investment excluding housing rose 2.2%. For 2025, GDP expanded 2.1%. Officials said the figures derive from the agency’s second estimate, monthly employment reports and energy-price data. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington. The United States confirmed a KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury, killing four of six crew and prompting rescue operations for two survivors. U.S. officials confirmed the location near Turaibil crossing border. U.S. Central Command said a second KC-135 landed safely and that the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The military will withhold names until families are notified and has opened an investigation into the circumstances. The crash adds to aviation losses during operations that began on February 28. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles, Luka Dončić scored 51 points, added 10 rebounds and nine assists Thursday as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Chicago Bulls 142-130, marking Doncic’s first 50-point game with the Lakers and extending the team’s winning streak; LeBron James returned from a three-game absence. Coach JJ Redick kept Doncic in late to pursue the milestone, and teammates Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton contributed 30 and 23 points respectively. The victory moved the Lakers up in the Western Conference standings. The game increased playoff positioning implications and fan attention across national markets. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Kansas City The Big 12 Conference replaced an LED glass basketball court with a traditional hardwood surface late Thursday after players reported slipping and coaches raised safety concerns. Commissioner Brett Yormark said he consulted the coaches of the four semifinal teams and ordered the change to improve athlete comfort; workers began overnight installation ahead of Friday's semifinals. Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson slipped and strained his groin during a quarterfinal, prompting scrutiny. Several players also reported headaches and grip problems on the LED surface during earlier rounds this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Darryn Peterson scored 24 points as No. 14 Kansas defeated TCU 78-73 Thursday to reach the Big 12 semifinals. Kansas overcame a three-point halftime deficit and closed the game on a 19-12 run after Peterson converted 13 of 16 free throws. Flory Bidunga recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Bryson Tiller and Elmarko Jackson added 13 apiece. TCU's David Punch scored 24 in the loss. Kansas will face No. 5 Houston Friday in the semifinals. Game reporting relied on AP box scores, team statements and video sources. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke Wilt Chamberlain's 63-year record for consecutive 20-point games, scoring 35 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Boston Celtics 104-102 on Thursday night. Gilgeous-Alexander reached 21 points in the third quarter with a midrange jumper and finished with nine assists and six rebounds. Chet Holmgren sealed the victory with two late free throws. The streak, which began Nov. 1, 2024, extended to 127 games. Oklahoma City leads the league and Gilgeous-Alexander remains a leading MVP contender. The performance further solidified his status among elite NBA scorers. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.