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The Lead Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has denounced the US decision to designate two Brazilian criminal networks as 'terrorists', warning that the label could hinder local law enforcement efforts. Pushback against 'terrorist' label The condemnation came in a message posted to Lula's social media platforms on Friday, in response to an announcement by the administration of US President Donald Trump. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that he had designated Brazil's two largest criminal groups — the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the Comando Vermelho (CV) — 'specially designated global terrorists'. He also outlined plans to add the two groups to the list of 'foreign terrorist organisations', effective June 5. The Data Analysis The 'terrorist' designations freeze all US-based assets connected to the targeted groups, but they can also be used to penalise anyone who offers 'material support or resources' to them. Experts warn that such restrictions could potentially affect financial institutions and even the victims of such groups, including businesses and individuals who might be forced to pay extortion. The Impact Analysis Lula has also expressed concern that the 'terrorist' label could pave the way for US military intervention, a fear he reiterated in Friday's statement. 'We remain fully prepared to develop joint solutions that yield mutual benefits for all nations involved,' Lula wrote. 'However, we will not tolerate the imposition of arbitrary measures from abroad, nor will we accept their use as a pretext to undermine our sovereignty or our economy. Unilateral, non-negotiated measures can undermine the fight against criminals and trigger actions that endanger the lives of people who have absolutely no connection to crime.' The Prediction Security is expected to be a dominant issue in October's presidential race, and this week's 'terrorist' designations are likely to put Lula in an awkward position, forcing him to condemn the label without downplaying the extent of the violence. Lula has attempted to brush off right-wing criticism that he has been lax on crime, pointing to his government's recent $11bn investment in the 'Brazil Against Organized Crime' programme.

A Historic Comeback at Roland GarrosJoão Fonseca, the 19‑year‑old Brazilian prodigy, delivered a career‑defining victory over 39‑year‑old Novak Djokovic at the French Open, winning 4‑6, 4‑6, 6‑3, 7‑5, 7‑5 after 4 hr 53 min.Fonseca Overturns Two‑Set Deficit to Defeat DjokovicAfter falling behind 4‑6, 4‑6, Fonseca rallied with precise serving and powerful forehands, seizing control in the third set and maintaining momentum through the fourth and fifth sets.First two sets: Djokovic leads 4‑6, 4‑6.Third set: Fonseca wins 6‑3.Fourth set: Fonseca wins 7‑5.Fifth set: Fonseca clinches 7‑5.Match duration: 4 hr 53 min.Match Statistics Highlight Endurance and UpsetKey figures from the match underscore the physical toll on Djokovic and the resilience of Fonseca:Age gap: 20 years.Grand Slam titles for Djokovic: 24.Only second time Djokovic lost after leading by two sets; first was 2010 French Open quarter‑final vs Jürgen Melzer.Fonseca served multiple aces in the final game to close the match.Implications for Brazilian Tennis and the ATP LandscapeThe win fuels Brazil’s hopes of a new champion following the legacy of three‑time Roland Garros winner Gustavo Kuerten and energises a passionate fanbase that filled the stadium in Brazilian colors.Increased media attention on Fonseca’s “nuclear forehand”.Potential rise in sponsorship and endorsement opportunities for the young Brazilian.Signals a possible shift in the ATP hierarchy as veteran players face emerging talent.What Lies Ahead for Fonseca and DjokovicAnalysts anticipate Fonseca will carry momentum into the next rounds, while Djokovic will need to assess his physical condition after the grueling match and consider adjustments for the remainder of the season.

The Development Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israeli forces have crossed into Lebanon, specifically crossing the Litani River. This move has significant implications for the region, potentially escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Background and Implications The Litani River is a significant geographical and political boundary in southern Lebanon. Israeli military actions in this area could lead to increased conflict and instability in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with potential diplomatic repercussions. Regional Impact This development could have far-reaching consequences for Middle East peace dynamics. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing concerns about military escalation and humanitarian impacts on local populations. Future Outlook As the situation continues to unfold, diplomatic efforts are likely to intensify to prevent further escalation. The international community will be watching closely for any signs of de-escalation or additional military actions.

The British Solving Championship: An Opportunity for Chess Enthusiasts This week’s puzzle is a chance to enter an annual national competition in which Guardian readers ­traditionally perform well and in ­considerable numbers. White in the diagram, ­playing as usual up the board, is to play and checkmate in two moves, against any black defence. The Event Details The puzzle is the first stage of the annual Winton British Solving Championship, organised by the British Chess Problem Society and sponsored by the investment ­managers ­Winton. This competition is only open to ­British ­residents and entry is free. To take part, simply send White’s first move by post to Nigel Dennis, Boundary House, 230 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1QY, or by email to [email protected]. Entry Requirements and Deadline All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 31 July 2026. Entrants must provide their name and home address. Juniors under 18 on 31 August 2025 must also give their date of birth. The Competition Structure The best 15-20 players from the postal round, plus the best juniors, will be invited to the final at Harrow school on Saturday 13 February 2027, where the prize money is expected to be at least £1,600. The winner of the final will have the right to represent Great Britain at the 2027 world ­solving championships, an event where GB are often medal contenders. A Note on Chess and Professionals Back in the 1950s most top English players were amateurs, often civil servants or teachers, who competed in tournaments during their vacations. After the 1970s Fischer boom and English successes brought an influx of sponsors, chess professionals could earn a decent living, but the tide turned again during the 1990s. The breakup of the Soviet Union brought harder international competition, while Nigel Short’s world title defeat and the move to screen rather than print marketing drove sponsors away. A New Grandmaster: Harry Grieve Harry Grieve became England’s latest grandmaster on Tuesday when the 25-year-old, who was British champion in 2022 and helped CSC/Kingston finish second in this season’s UK 4NCL League, won first prize in Budapest with a 7/9 total.

The Return of a Shakespearean Legend Kenneth Branagh is said to have played 35 Shakespearean parts, and his return to the Royal Shakespeare Company after more than 30 years is an event in itself. In this production of The Tempest, Branagh takes on the role of Prospero, Shakespeare's magician, deposed duke, and tyrant occupier. A Stormy Beginning Branagh's Prospero initially follows in the vein of his fast and feverish King Lear, performed in the West End in 2023. He seems to be speeding through the part rather than inhabiting it, too puckish, almost larky, rather underwhelming. However, the show itself casts its spell through its enchanting sights, sounds, and ensemble accomplishments. A Visual and Musical Feast Richard Eyre, directing his first Shakespeare play at Stratford, does a stupendous job of bringing an overt sense of performance to the production. The set design by Bob Crowley is enthralling, almost Disney-like with its sparkly, floaty elements, casting spells over the audience with its visual thrills and beautifully choreographed movement. A Strong Ensemble Cast The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Amara Okereke as Ariel being a delight, with her beautiful movement and song. The scenes featuring Caliban (Ashley Zhangazha), Stephano (Guy Henry), and Trinculo (Keir Charles) as they plot rebellion, wink toward a music hall comedy sketch. A Deeper Exploration As Branagh slows down, the production takes on deeper, more plaintive shades, and the audience feels the emotional hit when Prospero declares that the rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance. Caliban is wordlessly habilitated back into his rightful role as ruler of the island in this ending, giving power to Prospero's transformation. A Must-See Production The production runs at the Royal Shakespeare theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until 20 June. It is a must-see for fans of Shakespeare, theatre, and Kenneth Branagh, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

The LeadSimon Rogers, Google's data editor, presents a fascinating exploration of human curiosity through the lens of search queries in his book 'What We Ask Google.' The compilation of anonymized search data from 2004 to the present offers a unique mirror into our collective concerns, from parenting questions to existential queries, though the review suggests the book presents a somewhat rose-tinted view of technology's role in our lives.The Book OverviewRogers, a former Guardian journalist who joined Google in 2015, organizes the search data into themed chapters that blend statistics with personal anecdotes. The book traces search trends back to 2004, when internet access was limited to less than half of UK households. Rogers posits that our search queries reveal something 'real and deep and meaningful about who we are as humans,' arguing that even brief searches indicate genuine care and concern.The Data InsightsThe book reveals intriguing patterns in human search behavior. Parenting-related queries like 'Why do babies get hiccups?' and 'How to tell kids about divorce?' appear frequently. Notably, in early 2023, searches for 'take care of parents' surpassed 'take care of kids,' reflecting the demographic pressures on the sandwich generation. The data also highlights geographical peculiarities, such as Austrians, Nigerians, and Canadians most frequently asking about back pain at night, and Americans in Kansas struggling to spell 'chaos' while their Missouri neighbors are stumped by 'unconscious.'The Critical PerspectiveThe review identifies significant limitations in Rogers' approach. As a 'company man' who joined Google from Twitter, the book presents an overly optimistic view of the internet and Google's role in society. There's minimal acknowledgment of the AI revolution's impact on search behavior and its consequences for content creators. The book also avoids addressing darker aspects of human nature reflected in search histories, political influences like Donald Trump, and how big tech may actually amplify parenting anxieties rather than alleviate them.The Cultural ImpactDespite its limitations, the book offers a diverting window into collective curiosity. It demonstrates how our search habits reflect societal concerns, from the practical ('How to fold a burrito') to the profound ('How often can you donate plasma?'). The reviewer notes that Rogers interprets this latter query as evidence of altruism rather than recognizing it as a symptom of US healthcare inequities. The book ultimately serves as an interesting, if selective, cultural artifact that captures our digital age's peculiarities and preoccupations, even if it doesn't fully confront the complexities of our relationship with technology.

The Escalating Cost of Russia's War in UkraineEvidence of Russia's poor performance in its war in Ukraine, both militarily and economically, has been mounting over the past week. The US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has confirmed earlier assessments that Russia has lost territory it previously occupied in Ukraine, while Ukraine has managed to reclaim approximately 400 square kilometers in and around Dnipropetrovsk – more territory than at any time since late 2022.Russia's Military Setbacks and Economic StrainRussia has still made a net territorial gain in 2026, but its advance is slowing down dramatically. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, Russia advanced by a net 104 sq km between January 1 and May 26, 2026, compared to its seizure of 1,619 sq km during the same period last year.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian casualties had increased to 145,000 this year, of which 86,000 were killed and 59,000 troops seriously wounded. Ukraine's Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, highlighted that this meant 179 Russian losses per square kilometre of advance, compared to 67 last year – a rate higher than what Russia is currently able to replace through recruitment.Russia's war is also becoming increasingly difficult to finance. Having exceeded its entire 2026 budget deficit allowance by April, and depleted its foreign exchange reserves, Russia has been drawing down gold reserves at an unprecedented pace. According to its Central Bank, Russia has sold 27.9 tonnes of its gold reserves this year, worth more than $4bn, leaving reserves at their lowest since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.Shifting Battlefield Dynamics and StrategiesThe DIA attributed Ukraine's territorial gains to Russia losing access to Starlink satellite services used for targeting and counter-battery fire. Ukraine attributes its success to its strategy of interdicting Russian logistics through mid-range drone and artillery strikes, which Fedorov described as a programme called "Logistical Lockdown" designed "to scale up middle-strike and systematically destroy Russian capabilities at the operational depth."This Ukrainian tactic has prevented reinforcements of men and equipment from reaching the frontlines, diminishing Russia's superiority in depth of resources and mass. The effectiveness of this strategy was demonstrated when Kherson occupation governor Vladimir Saldo restricted movement along the M-14 highway connecting Mariupol, Berdyansk and Melitopol, due to the number of vehicles being struck there.On the defensive front, Ukraine received a significant boost when Sweden announced it would donate 16 Gripen warplanes to Ukraine, which would also purchase an additional 20 through the EU's Ukraine Support Loan in a deal worth $2.9bn. Zelenskyy noted that "Gripen fighters with appropriate weapons, in particular Meteor missiles, which destroy targets at a distance of more than 200 kilometres, will help us push back Russian aircraft" against the approximately 3,000 Russian glide bombs dropped weekly.Simultaneously, Ukraine continued its long-range strikes on the Russian oil economy, which funds the war. On May 23-24, Ukraine struck oil depots and terminals at Novorossiysk and Tamanneftegaz on the Black Sea, as well as military and industrial sites including the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm and the Taganrog Airbase in Rostov.Russia's Response and Escalation TacticsIn response to Ukrainian advances, Russia pursued its own aerial tactic of striking Kyiv through massive combined attacks of drones and missiles. On May 24, Russia launched 600 long-range drones and 90 missiles against Kyiv and surrounding areas, including 36 ballistic missiles. Ukraine managed to shoot down 91 percent of the drones and 81 percent of the cruise missiles, though those that hit damaged government buildings, museums, and a market, injuring at least 87 people and killing two.Russia framed these attacks as retaliation for what it described as a terror attack on a college in occupied Luhansk, which it claimed killed six students and injured 39. Ukraine's General Staff countered that it was a strike on a centre for Advanced Unmanned Technologies run by Rubikon, Russia's unmanned systems force.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, that Russia would begin striking "military sites" in Kyiv in retaliation, warning foreign citizens, including diplomats, to leave. Moscow specifically mentioned using its newest Oreshnik intermediate range missile in the attacks, which it has also forward-positioned in Belarus.Future Outlook of the ConflictThe current trajectory suggests that Ukraine's strategy of targeted strikes on Russian logistics and supply lines, combined with enhanced air defense capabilities from international partners, will continue to challenge Russia's military advances. However, Russia's demonstrated willingness to escalate attacks on urban centers and its deployment of advanced weaponry indicate that the conflict may enter a more intense phase.As Russia depletes its financial resources and struggles to replace casualties, its ability to sustain current operations may diminish. Conversely, Ukraine's increasing success in securing international military support and refining its asymmetric tactics could shift the balance further in its favor, though the long-term outcome remains uncertain as both sides adapt their strategies.

Why a Living AI Glossary Matters NowArtificial intelligence is reshaping every industry, but its rapid evolution has spawned a parallel explosion of terminology that can leave even seasoned technologists feeling insecure. TechCrunch’s new glossary aims to provide a single, regularly‑updated reference that translates the most common AI buzzwords into plain language.Key Definitions from AGI to RLHFThe article walks readers through a spectrum of concepts, including:Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – AI that outperforms humans on most economically valuable tasks, as defined by OpenAI and Google DeepMind.AI Agent – An autonomous tool that can perform multi‑step tasks such as expense filing, ticket booking, or code maintenance.API Endpoints – “Buttons” that let software components interact, enabling agents to automate third‑party services.Chain‑of‑Thought Reasoning – A technique that breaks problems into intermediate steps to improve accuracy.Compute – The hardware (GPUs, CPUs, TPUs) that powers AI model training and inference.Deep Learning – Multi‑layered neural networks that learn features directly from data.Diffusion – The process behind many generative AI models that learns to reverse noise‑added data.Distillation – A teacher‑student method for creating smaller, faster models like GPT‑4 Turbo.Fine‑Tuning – Adding task‑specific data to a pre‑trained model to improve performance.GAN – Generative Adversarial Networks that pit a generator against a discriminator to produce realistic outputs.Hallucination – When models generate inaccurate or fabricated information.Inference – Running a trained model to make predictions, often accelerated by specialized hardware.LLM – Large Language Models that power assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama.Memory Cache (KV Caching) – An optimization that stores intermediate calculations to speed up inference.Open Source vs. Closed Source – The debate over publicly available model code (e.g., Meta’s Llama) versus proprietary systems (e.g., OpenAI’s GPT).Parallelization – Executing many calculations simultaneously, a cornerstone of modern AI hardware.RAMageddon – The current shortage of memory chips driven by AI data‑center demand.Recursive Self‑Improvement (RSI) – Models that can redesign themselves, a potential step toward singularity.Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) – Training models with reward signals to improve helpfulness and safety.Tokens & Throughput – The basic units of text processing that determine cost and performance.Quantifying the AI Vocabulary ExplosionThe glossary covers more than 30 distinct terms, each accompanied by concise explanations and links to deeper resources. By cataloguing this breadth, the piece highlights how quickly the AI lexicon has expanded within just a few years of mainstream adoption.Implications for Developers, Investors, and the PublicUnderstanding this terminology is no longer optional. For developers, clear definitions accelerate product building and reduce miscommunication when integrating APIs or deploying agents. Investors gain a sharper lens for evaluating startup pitches that hinge on concepts like fine‑tuning or distillation. Meanwhile, the broader public can better assess claims about “AGI” or “hallucinations,” mitigating hype‑driven misinformation.Future of AI Terminology and Industry AdoptionTechCrunch positions the glossary as a “living document,” promising regular updates as new techniques (e.g., emerging diffusion variants or next‑gen RLHF methods) appear. As AI systems become more autonomous and specialized, the vocabulary will continue to evolve, making ongoing education essential for anyone interacting with the technology.

The LeadIsraeli fighter jets conducted strikes on a village in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions in the already volatile region. The attack comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza, raising concerns about potential wider regional conflict.South Lebanon Village Targeted in AirstrikesThe Israeli military operation targeted a specific location in southern Lebanon, though details about the exact nature of the target remain unclear. Local reports indicate damage to infrastructure in the village, though there has been no immediate confirmation of casualties from official sources. The strikes represent a significant escalation in cross-border tensions between Israel and Lebanon.Regional Implications of Escalating ViolenceThe attack in south Lebanon occurs against a backdrop of heightened military activity along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group with close ties to Iran, has expressed solidarity with Palestinian groups in Gaza. This latest development could potentially draw Lebanon more directly into the ongoing conflict, threatening to expand beyond the current Gaza theater. Regional powers including the United States, Iran, and Turkey are closely monitoring the situation.Path to Escalation or De-escalation?Looking ahead, the situation remains highly fluid. If Israel perceives increased threat from Lebanon, it may conduct further military operations. Conversely, diplomatic channels involving international mediators could be activated to prevent full-scale conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this incident represents a temporary escalation or the beginning of a wider regional confrontation.