JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 93

The Green Bay Packers announced that veteran linebacker Kristian Welch has been promoted from the practice squad to the 53‑man roster, following the season‑ending Achilles injury to Edgerrin Cooper. Welch, who has spent parts of the last several seasons on special teams, is expected to provide depth and experience at the linebacker position. The move comes as the team evaluates its defensive lineup for the remainder of the season and prepares for the upcoming playoff push.

Cooper’s injury, sustained during a game against the Lions, forced the Packers to seek immediate reinforcement. Welch’s promotion is part of a broader strategy to maintain defensive stability while the coaching staff explores long‑term solutions for the linebacker corps.

The decision underscores the organization’s commitment to roster flexibility and player development, ensuring that the team remains competitive despite unforeseen setbacks.

The United States Senate unanimously approved the bipartisan Chiricahua National Park Act on Wednesday, successfully advancing legislation to redesignate Arizona's Chiricahua National Monument as the nation's sixty-fourth national park and Arizona's fourth. Spearheaded by lawmakers including Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego alongside Representative Juan Ciscomani, the bill now awaits the president's signature. Conservationists, local municipal leaders, and regional partnerships celebrated the milestone, emphasizing its potential to preserve the area's rich ecological diversity and historical heritage while boosting sustainable tourism in Cochise County. At the same time, regional stakeholders have voiced important considerations regarding necessary infrastructure improvements, funding provisions, and managing future visitor capacities to protect the pristine landscape.

Residents in the southern Lebanese village of West Zawtar face ongoing military pressure, including active surveillance drones, explosions, and engineering bulldozers operated by surrounding Israeli forces. Promoted as a US-backed 'model town' and pilot zone to reestablish Lebanese state control, the area struggles with severe infrastructure deficits. Returning families live in partial ruins without reliable electricity or water, while newly delivered prefabricated houses remain largely unoccupied due to a lack of basic utilities and ongoing security risks.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore, BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li stated that geopolitics represents the single biggest challenge to the electric vehicle giant's global expansion efforts. Li noted that corporate investments require certainty and visibility, whereas geopolitical dynamics remain highly unpredictable and opaque. She confirmed that BYD has chosen to hold off on selling passenger cars in the United States for now due to complex regulatory and political conditions lacking stability. Furthermore, Li highlighted that Nvidia remains a strong technology chip partner, and BYD currently has no plans for joint ventures with other Chinese competitors given its diversified leadership across multiple technology and manufacturing sectors.

Donald Trump told a Texas rally that the United States would not allow Iran to strike Los Angeles or San Diego. He reiterated his earlier comments that the conflict would end soon and that the U.S. would prevent any Iranian attack on the West Coast. Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the former accusing Iran of threatening U.S. cities. The former president’s statements have drawn criticism from some lawmakers who say they are reckless and could inflame the situation. Meanwhile, the U.S. military continues to monitor Iranian missile activity and prepares defensive measures for coastal cities.

Butterfly Effect, the parent company of AI startup Manus, completed a funding round of more than $500 million as the firm resumed independent operations after unwinding Meta's $2 billion-plus acquisition. The round was co-led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital, with existing investors Tencent, Sequoia China, and ZhenFund participating. Manus develops general-purpose AI agents that can autonomously carry out tasks such as research and automation with minimal human input. In April, Beijing ordered Meta to unwind its acquisition of Manus amid tightening scrutiny of US investment in Chinese startups developing advanced AI technologies. Manus stated it would resume operating as an independent company after separating from Meta. Reports indicate Manus's annualised revenue run rate surged significantly following strong market demand, with the firm looking toward independent growth and future public offerings.

Andy Pages, the Cuban outfielder nicknamed "Big Dog," delivered a two‑run single in the seventh inning that broke a tie against the Atlanta Braves. The hit gave Los Angeles a 3‑1 advantage that the bullpen preserved, securing a four‑game sweep of the National League Division Series. Pages’ performance, his first in a postseason series, marked a dramatic return to the spotlight after a modest rookie season in 2024. The Dodgers now face the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series, with the team’s defense and pitching staff poised to carry the momentum forward. The game, played on ten‑seventh‑2026, highlighted Pages’ growing role as a clutch performer. His RBI single, followed by four relievers closing out the game, underscored the Dodgers’ depth and resilience. Fans and analysts alike noted the synergy between Pages’ offensive spark and the bullpen’s composure, a combination that could

Episode three of Survivor fifty-one delivered massive chaos as castaway Rob Antonson voluntarily exited the game following a medical evaluation for a perceived leg injury, while Patt Cannaday was voted out six to five in a tense tribal council. The episode featured high-stakes tribe swaps, stolen advantages, and strategic shake-ups across the competing tribes. Rob's departure shocked his tribe members, who expressed frustration over his abrupt exit given the competitive opportunity. Meanwhile, strategic maneuvering by players like Brady and Maggie shifted the power dynamics, culminating in Patt's elimination and leaving seventeen castaways remaining in the competition.

The Atlanta Dream secured a thrilling one hundred one to ninety-eight overtime victory against the New York Liberty to claim a commanding two to zero series lead. Standout performances highlighted the matchup, with Reese contributing twenty-three points and Naz Hillmon sinking a crucial go-ahead basket during the overtime period. The hard-fought contest showcased intense playoff intensity as Atlanta capitalized on key defensive stops and clutch execution. New York mounted a fierce comeback late in regulation to force the extra session, but the Dream maintained composure under pressure. The victory puts Atlanta in a strong position heading into the next phase of the postseason series.

The Philadelphia Eagles traded two‑time Pro Bowl center Cameron Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2027 fifth‑round pick, a 2028 second‑round selection, and a 2027 seventh‑rounder.

Jurgens, who joined the Eagles after being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, had been a cornerstone of the offensive line, starting every game in his rookie season. The trade follows a four‑year contract extension signed before the 2025 season, which secured $16 million in guaranteed money for the player.

Baltimore’s acquisition aims to bolster its interior line depth, while Philadelphia seeks to rebuild around younger talent and future draft capital. Analysts view the deal as a strategic move for both franchises, balancing immediate needs with long‑term roster construction.