JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 862

Chicago. The Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Mets 12-4 on Friday as Moisés Ballesteros, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ hit home runs, and then followed with a 4-2 victory on Saturday when pinch-hitter Carson Kelly delivered a tiebreaking three-run homer. Both games were reported in AP-style recaps and republished by multiple outlets.

The back-to-back losses extended the Mets' skid to nine games after Friday and to ten games following Saturday, leaving New York with a cumulative run deficit (56-16 after the first report, later reported as 60-18) and renewed scrutiny of starting pitching performances such as Kodai Senga's elevated ERA through four starts.

European officials are developing contingency plans in case a future Donald Trump administration significantly reduces or ends the U.S. role in NATO, according to recent reporting. Although Trump has previously threatened to leave the alliance, a formal U.S. withdrawal would face legal and political hurdles, including NATO’s one‑year notice requirement and a 2023 U.S. law requiring two‑thirds Senate approval. European leaders acknowledge they currently lack the capabilities to independently ensure continental defense, prompting accelerated defense spending and force modernization. Planning now focuses on reshaping NATO into a more European‑led structure, preserving existing command and deterrence frameworks even with a reduced U.S. role.

AUBURN, Ala. Auburn University's Board of Trustees on Friday approved a $323 million Jordan-Hare North Project, authorizing a seven-story multipurpose facility and plaza at the stadium's north end. The board approved a $305 million facility plus an $18 million plaza, and construction is scheduled to begin this summer with phased openings.

Auburn athletic director John Cohen said the project will serve the university and expand game-day and year-round student amenities; reporters noted plans for 3,000 premium seats, expanded dining including Shug's Food Hall, conference and retail spaces. University officials said portions should be available by fall 2028, with full completion expected in spring 2029.

Washington — Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met White House officials on Friday, April 17, to discuss the company's newly announced Mythos AI model, its cybersecurity applications, and Project Glasswing. The meeting included White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and other senior administration officials and followed Mythos's public unveiling on April 7 amid earlier tensions over military access to Anthropic models.

United States officials called the discussion productive and constructive, saying it focused on collaboration, technical evaluation periods for potential government use, and measures to balance innovation with safety. The White House signalled continued engagement with leading AI firms, and Anthropic said talks explored cybersecurity, America's AI leadership and safety, with follow-up dialogues expected this week.

NASHVILLE. Vanderbilt concluded spring practice this week and did not name a starting quarterback after the Black and Gold game on Saturday, head coach Clark Lea said, continuing an evaluation of true freshman Jared Curtis alongside seniors Blaze Berlowitz, Whit Muschamp and Jack Elliott as contenders to replace Diego Pavia.

Coaches said they will continue the competitive process through summer workouts and fall camp ahead of the Sept. 5 season opener against Austin Peay; Curtis, who flipped his commitment from Georgia in late 2025 and enrolled early, showcased arm talent and mobility in practices, but staff emphasized developmental needs and consistent operation mastery.

United States: Multiple motorcycle collisions this week resulted in fatalities and hospitalizations across several states. On April 18, 2026 around 6:30 p.m. in Howard County a 24-year-old motorcyclist struck an SUV that turned into his path and later died. In Lake County, an arrest was made April 17, 2026 connected to a November 2024 wrong-way crash that killed a 20-year-old motorcyclist.

Loveland authorities reported a separate crash just before 8 a.m. on Highway 402 in which a 23-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead and police said speed was a contributing factor; drugs and alcohol were not suspected. In Wilmington, a motorcyclist was hospitalized after hitting a light pole Saturday evening with non-life-threatening injuries; road closures and utility inspections followed while coroners and investigators continue their inquiries.

Houston — The Houston Texans signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a three-year, $150 million contract extension on Friday, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Anderson, the Texans' 2023 third-overall pick, has recorded 30 career sacks, won Defensive Rookie of the Year, and started every game last season.

The extension includes a no-trade clause and guarantees reported between $100 million and $134 million by different outlets; the Texans exercised Anderson's 2027 fifth-year option on April 8. The new deal keeps Anderson under contract through the 2029 season and follows a campaign in which he posted 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has become a central figure in efforts to mediate an end to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. After 21 hours of unsuccessful talks in Islamabad involving US vice-president JD Vance, Munir flew urgently to Tehran on Wednesday, where he was greeted by Iranian foreign minister and chief negotiator Abbas Araghchi. Munir delivered a new US proposal outlining a framework for fresh talks in Islamabad next week. Despite imposing a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump publicly praised Munir’s role, as Pakistan coordinates shuttle diplomacy largely from Rawalpindi.

Phoenix — The Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-96 Friday night at Mortgage Matchup Center as Jalen Green scored 36 and Devin Booker added 20 to secure the Western Conference play-in victory. Jordan Goodwin contributed 19 points, nine rebounds and six steals; the single-elimination result eliminated Golden State and finalized the No. 8 seed.

Phoenix advances to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round beginning Sunday in Oklahoma City, with Game 1 scheduled soon after the play-in. Stephen Curry was held to 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting, Brandin Podziemski led Golden State with 23 in defeat, and the Suns shift immediately into playoff preparation and scouting reports.

Washington — Actress Christina Applegate was reportedly admitted to a Los Angeles hospital in late March, U.S. outlets reported this week. TMZ said the 54-year-old, known for Married ... With Children and Dead to Me, has remained hospitalized for weeks while her representative declined to confirm the reason for the admission or her current medical status.

This week, representatives told media they would not comment on whether the hospitalization is related to Applegate’s June 2021 multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Podcast co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler had announced a short break for the MeSsy podcast on March 31 while both hosts toured for their books; outlets report no hospital statement and note ongoing privacy around treatment details.