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The United States men’s national team has confirmed a 26‑man roster and will face Senegal (Charlotte) and Germany (Chicago) as its last tune‑ups before the 2026 World Cup. With a mid‑cycle coaching change and a star striker in a prolonged scoring slump, the friendlies are a decisive laboratory for Mauricio Pochettino to lock in his starting XI and bench options. USMNT’s Final Warm‑up Schedule and Tactical Uncertainties Pochettino admitted he has a provisional XI in mind but remains open to adjustments after training sessions. The coach is unlikely to field a full‑strength side in both matches, preferring to experiment with formations that could shift between a 3‑2‑5 in possession and a 4‑4‑2 or 5‑3‑2 out of possession. Pulisic’s Goal Drought: Numbers That Matter Since 1 January, Christian Pulisic has taken 38 shots for Milan without scoring. In March friendlies he added 6 more attempts with no goal. He has logged 1,164 consecutive minutes for club and country – roughly 13 full matches – without finding the net. The striker’s dry spell is a focal point; a goal before the tournament could restore confidence and influence his role, potentially moving him from a half‑time substitute back to a starter. Defensive Options: Freeman’s Role and the Wing‑Back Conundrum The squad lists ten defenders, suggesting flexibility between a back‑four and a back‑three with wing‑backs. Alex Freeman emerges as a versatile option, having featured in all eight post‑Gold Cup friendlies and capable of operating as a traditional right‑back or a wide centre‑back in a three‑man defence. Freeman played all but three minutes of the US’s six‑match Gold Cup run. He started three of Villarreal’s final La Liga games at right‑back. His performance will determine whether he backs up Sergiño Dest or competes with Joe Scally for minutes. Bench Firepower: Reyna, Balogun and the Emerging Super‑Sub The expanded roster creates room for impact substitutes. Gio Reyna is the most obvious candidate, despite limited club minutes (520 Bundesliga minutes across 19 games for Borussia Mönchengladbach). His last season with over 625 league minutes was 2020‑21. Striker depth includes Folarin Balogun, who offers quick‑turn‑and‑shoot ability, and the contrasting styles of Ricardo Pepi (13 goals in 35 caps) and Haji Wright (7 goals in 20 caps). Both could earn bench minutes as tactical switches in the latter stages of matches. What the Friendlies Reveal About USMNT’s World Cup Prospects If Pulisic breaks his drought against Senegal, he may retain a starting spot, allowing Pochettino to rotate other attackers. Conversely, a strong showing from Reyna or Balogun could cement a super‑sub role that changes the team’s late‑game dynamics. Defensive clarity—whether the US adopts a three‑centre‑back system with wing‑backs or sticks to a traditional back‑four—will hinge on Freeman’s performances and Dest’s fitness. The outcomes of these two matches will shape the tactical blueprint for the group‑stage opener against Paraguay on 12 June.

Leïla Slimani’s Madrid Residency: Finding Light in Goya’s DarknessFrench-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani is currently in Madrid, utilizing the Museo del Prado as a sanctuary for her next literary work. Her deep dive into Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings reveals a writer obsessed with the darkness of the human condition.The Residency and the Black PaintingsSlimani is participating in Writing the Prado, a residency inviting international authors to produce new work inspired by the museum. She is particularly drawn to Goya’s later works, which depict violence, fate, and societal disillusionment. Slimani explains that Goya painted the future, seeing things others did not, and that his bleak outlook resonates with her own preoccupations.Location: Museo del Prado, MadridResidency: Writing the PradoPrimary Inspiration: Goya’s Black Paintings (e.g., Saturn Devouring His Son)The Cultural Impact of Literary PrestigeWhile the article focuses on a residency, Slimani’s career trajectory highlights the immense cultural capital of literary recognition. Her success is not just personal but systemic.Award: First Moroccan woman to win the Prix Goncourt (2016) for Lullaby.Role: Appointed by President Emmanuel Macron as a representative for promoting French language and Francophone culture.Her presence in Madrid as a cultural ambassador demonstrates how high-profile authors bridge the gap between national identity and global literature.The Intersection of Trauma and Artistic ExpressionSlimani’s work is driven by a formative family trauma: the arrest and imprisonment of her father on financial charges. She describes her early impulse to write as driven by anger and a desire for revenge.“Literature is probably the best way to give justice back to people who are not understood or listened to,” she says. Her ability to transform personal pain into universal empathy—allowing readers to feel tenderness for characters they might reject in real life—defines her impact on modern literature.The Future of Cross-Cultural Literary InspirationSlimani is currently working on a new project inspired by the Prado, signaling a continued evolution in her style. Her upcoming work, I’ll Take the Fire, focuses on her family history, suggesting that her future writing will continue to explore the tension between nostalgia and the necessity of moving forward.As she navigates the complexities of being a French-Moroccan writer, Slimani’s journey suggests a future where literature will increasingly serve as a tool for deconstructing rigid cultural identities and embracing the contradictions of the human experience.

The UN's Controversial Blacklist AdditionThe United Nations has confirmed placing Israel on a blacklist of countries suspected of committing sexual violence against civilians, with Russia also added to the list. The decision, part of a "conflict-related sexual violence" report released on Friday, has prompted Israel's foreign ministry to announce it will sever all ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.The UN cited "credible information" regarding sexual violence committed by Israeli security forces against Palestinian detainees in prisons and other detention centers, noting that UN inspectors had been denied access to these facilities. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon countered that the UN had been invited to check the allegations but chose not to come.Detailed Allegations Against Israeli ForcesThis year's UN report stated that in 2025, "the United Nations verified multiple incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, including as a form of torture, inflicted against 14 men, seven women, nine boys and one girl from the Gaza Strip and the [occupied] West Bank."The report detailed that 13 of these attacks occurred in 2024, with 18 more recorded in 2023 and 2024. The violations included "rape, including with objects, gang rape, attempted rape, physical violence to the genitals, instances of targeted shooting of the genitals, touching of breasts and genitals, strip and cavity searches conducted without apparent security justification, forced nudity and threats of rape."Rape and gang rape were perpetrated against nine victims, primarily Palestinians from Gaza, according to the report. The assaults occurred mainly during detention and interrogation at military camps, checkpoints, and during Israeli military operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Survivors included journalists and human rights defenders, with some violations being filmed or photographed.Russia's Addition to the BlacklistThe latest UN report also contains harrowing descriptions of abuses attributed to Russia's military, following "findings of continued patterns of sexual violence documented." The UN human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine had verified 310 cases of conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated by Russian armed and security forces.These cases included rape, gang rape, genital mutilation, electric shocks and beatings to the genitals, injuring 280 men, 26 women and four girls. The report's annex lists 77 parties deemed responsible for patterns of conflict-related sexual violence, including 62 non-state actors, with new additions including three non-state armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Global Surge in Conflict-Related Sexual ViolenceThe report reveals that nearly 10,000 cases of conflict-related sexual violence were recorded worldwide last year – more than double the previous year's figure. Pramila Patten, the UN official who authored the report, stated that this increase marks a "very disturbing trend" that represents only the "very tip of the iceberg.""This number can be attributed to the fact that we are going through a time when we have a record number of extremely violent conflicts, and the fact that perpetrators are feeling emboldened by a context of impunity, where this crime is almost cost-free," Patten explained.Diplomatic Fallout and Future ImplicationsBeing added to the UN blacklist does not automatically carry specific punitive measures such as sanctions, although public naming and shaming can cause significant reputational damage for the states involved. Those repeatedly listed are barred from UN peacekeeping operations.The UN official noted that she had made several requests for information on preventive measures implemented by Israel but "did not get any response on the substantive aspect." While Israel had extended an invitation for a visit, disagreements about the scope and related issues of access and cooperation ultimately led to its suspension due to Israel's war on Gaza.The addition of Israel and Russia to the blacklist comes at a time of heightened tensions between these nations and the United Nations, with the report likely to further strain diplomatic relations and potentially influence international policy decisions regarding these conflicts.

Global Study Quantifies Gender Attractiveness Gap Across AgesThe research team led by Dr Eugen Wassiliwizky at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics compiled the world’s largest dataset on facial attractiveness, drawing from 52 studies across 76 countries.Numbers Behind the Gap: 1.5 Million Ratings Reveal 60% Preference1.5 million attractiveness ratings17,000 distinct faces evaluated30,000 individual ratersAverage female face rated more attractive than 60% of male facesGap strongest in Western cultures, present across all sexual orientationsWhen participants rated themselves, the gender gap vanished, underscoring the role of external perception.Implications for Evolutionary Theory and Social PerceptionThe findings revive debate over Darwinian sexual selection. While Darwin noted male ornamentation in many species, he considered humans an exception where male competition dominated. This study suggests a universal bias toward rounder, more feminine facial structures, which may be linked to infant‑like features rather than purely cultural norms.Historical language—"the fairer sex", "le beau sexe"—reflects a long‑standing perception that the research now quantifies.Future Research Directions and Societal ShiftsAs the attractiveness gap diminishes after age 80, researchers hypothesize that facial structural differences shrink with age, reducing perceived bias. Ongoing work will explore:Neuro‑cognitive responses to facial roundness across agesCross‑cultural variations beyond the current datasetPotential impacts on age‑related social dynamics and media representationThe study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, calls for cautious interpretation but highlights a robust, global pattern that challenges purely cultural explanations.

The Timeless Allure of Tosca Gustav Mahler hated it, and its publisher was convinced it would be a commercial disaster. Critics complained it was mostly just 'noise' and predicted it would quickly be forgotten. But more than 125 years since Tosca's premiere in January 1900, Giacomo Puccini's fifth opera remains one of the most bankable in the business. The Opera's Turbulent Beginnings Puccini's work was initially met with skepticism. Mahler dismissed it as 'papal pageantry with continual chiming of bells.' The problem in 1900 was precisely that Puccini wove 'real-world' sounds of bells and screams, cannonfire and religious chant straight into his score. It was a groundbreaking example of an immersive soundscape, but for some, those sound effects were radically out of place in an operatic work of art. The Data Behind Tosca's Success Over 125 years since its premiere, Tosca remains a popular opera. It is known for its melodic appeal and gripping plot. The opera has been performed in numerous productions worldwide. The Impact of Tosca on Opera Tosca's enduring appeal lies in its combination of overwhelming melodic appeal and a sex-and-death nail-biter of a plot. US director Ted Huffman suggests that 'It's also a study of evil, which we find really entertaining in a horrible way.' The opera's themes of state violence and resistance are particularly relevant today. The Future of Tosca Productions Despite its popularity, there have been few bold reimaginings of Tosca. Most productions stick to the traditional setting in Rome. However, Huffman's new production at Glyndebourne, inspired by 1940s neorealist Italian film, offers a fresh take on the classic opera. The production explores realism and its relevance to today's world.

The Masterpiece of John Woo The title of this 1990 John Woo extravaganza might lead the uninitiated to expect a chillingly focused, targeted assassination. Actually, there are innumerable bullets and innumerable heads in this over-the-top gonzo spectacle. It is a crime thriller, a wartime action film set in Vietnam, but it offers something other than the usual Hollywood perspective; it is a parable of greed comparable to The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and even a kind of romantic melodrama. The Symbolic Bullet There is, however, one key bullet in a head, a literal bullet lodged in the skull of someone who achieves a macabre zombie-like semi-survival, the bullet being symbolic of the way violence takes root in the brain, dehumanising its victim. The final “boardroom” scene disclosing this image is toweringly mad and strange. Yet in this movie, as in so many other Woo films, we can see how the director counterintuitively uses sad music – harmonica, woodwind – over grisly, brutal action sequences, as if what he wants us to register is not the violence or the shock but just how poignantly futile and pathetic it all is. The Plot Unfolds The setting is – initially – late 60s Hong Kong; Tony Leung plays Ben, a young guy getting married to his sweetheart Jane (Fennie Yuen), and on hand are his buddies Frank (Jacky Cheung) and Paul (Waise Lee). This trio are involved in a gang war with a rival mob who corner Frank when he has gone to get cash from the local moneylender to pay for the wedding. The confrontation ends in violence and, simply to get away and avoid the heat – Woo has a cameo as a police inspector – the three guys accept a crooked job from a local gang boss smuggling contraband pharmaceuticals in Vietnam. The Climax In Saigon, all their plans explode in pure anarchy; they are at first arrested under suspicion of working for the Vietcong, then upgrade their strategy to cynical arms smuggling for the North Vietnamese, and stealing the gold belonging to the local wiseguy who was supposed to be distributing their drugs. They make contact with a worldly fixer called Luke (Simon Yam), who has a Catherine Deneuve poster in his apartment, and also gallantly undertake to rescue a Hong Kong singer Sally (Yolinda Yam), who has been trafficked to Vietnam to sell sex. They end up on the spectacular field of battle itself (with helicopters, explosions, burning villages), where Paul, increasingly obsessed with the gold, finds himself at a key moment at mortal risk of detection if he cannot keep the wounded Frank quiet, whose cries of pain might alert the enemy to their position. The Legacy It’s an extraordinary, uninhibited barnstormer from Woo, who takes us from regular, domestic crime to military chaos with confidence and sweep. One moment, in which someone stands in front of a tank, even appears to echo the Tiananmen Square protests. No one else could have made it. The Release Bullet in the Head is in UK cinemas from 1 June, and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray from 22 June.

The Rise of AI Psychosis in Corporate Decision MakingBox founder Aaron Levie has identified a troubling trend in corporate America: what he calls "AI psychosis," where executives and decision-makers become so enamored with artificial intelligence that they believe it can replace human jobs without understanding what those roles truly entail. This overenthusiasm for AI is leading to significant workforce reductions and a growing backlash from both employees and users.Workforce Reductions Fueled by AI AmbitionThe consequences of this AI psychosis are already becoming apparent in the tech industry. Productivity software company ClickUp recently cut 22% of its workforce, citing a shift toward AI agents. This move is part of a larger trend where tech layoffs in 2026 are already nearly matching the total number of layoffs seen throughout all of 2025. These cuts suggest that companies are prioritizing AI implementation over human talent, often without fully understanding the implications.User Backlash Against Forced AI IntegrationWhile companies push AI solutions, users are increasingly resisting. DuckDuckGo has seen a surge in installations from users who want Google to stop forcing AI into search results and simply provide traditional links. This user backlash highlights a disconnect between corporate AI strategies and actual consumer preferences, suggesting that not all AI implementations are welcome or beneficial.The Duality of AI AdoptionAs TechCrunch's Equity podcast hosts discuss, both the AI-pilled (those enthusiastically embracing AI) and the AI-skeptical (those questioning its implementation) may have valid points. The challenge lies in finding a balance where AI augments human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely, and where technology serves actual needs rather than being implemented for its own sake.Future of Work in an AI-Driven EconomyAs AI continues to evolve, companies must develop more nuanced approaches to workforce planning and technology implementation. The current trend of replacing human workers with AI agents may prove shortsighted if it leads to decreased product quality, poor user experience, and loss of institutional knowledge. The future likely lies in hybrid models where AI and humans collaborate, each bringing their unique strengths to the workplace.

The Lead: Trump's Decision Point on IranUnited States President Donald Trump has announced he is meeting in the Situation Room to make a "final determination" on a possible deal with Iran that could extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement comes amid deep mistrust between the two sides, with Iran's top negotiator emphasizing that Tehran will judge any agreement by actions rather than promises.The Proposed Deal: Conditions and ConcessionsIn his latest post on the Truth Social platform, Trump outlined numerous conditions for Tehran to accept, including: never developing a nuclear weapon, ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open in both directions without tolls, removing any remaining mines in the Strait, and allowing the US to unearth and destroy Iran's enriched uranium. Trump also noted that ships caught in the Strait due to the US naval blockade "may start the process of 'heading home!'" and that "no money will be exchanged until further notice."The Diplomatic Context: Uncertainty and Mixed SignalsUncertainty about the details of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has grown over the past week amid ongoing distrust between the US and Iran as they seek to end the three-month-long war. While White House sources indicated that the US and Iran had reached a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days, Trump has yet to sign off. Iranian state news outlet Fars reported that the agreement was in its final stages of ratification, but stressed there were no provisions about destroying Iran's nuclear materials in the MOU.The Iranian Position: Actions Over PromisesIran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized Tehran's position that "no action will be taken before the other side acts," stating that "guarantees and words, only actions are the criterion." He added that "the winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war the day after," highlighting the deep-seated mistrust that continues to plague negotiations between the two nations.The Regional Implications: Strait of Hormuz and BeyondThe potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz represents a significant development in the region, with arrangements potentially including monitoring and inspection of ships. This critical waterway is vital for global oil supplies, and its closure has had substantial economic impacts. Any agreement that successfully reopens the Strait would mark a major diplomatic achievement, though the long-term sustainability of such an agreement remains questionable given the history of mistrust between Washington and Tehran.The Path Forward: Final Decision and Implementation ChallengesAs Trump prepares to make his "final determination," the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this potential deal can move from tentative agreement to formal implementation. Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane noted that in the past, the Trump administration has indicated that a deal has been reached, only to later find out it has not. If this deal were to materialize, it would represent "the entire wishlist of what the US was demanding and none of the concessions that Iranian were asking for," suggesting significant challenges in achieving a balanced agreement that satisfies both sides.

The Making of a Coach: Mikel Arteta's Early Years Santi Cazorla recalls watching Mikel Arteta during their time at Arsenal, noting that Arteta would pause and rewind matches to analyze player positions and strategies. This behavior hinted at his future as a coach, and Cazorla joked that Arteta was the worst person to watch a match with because of his constant analysis. Arteta's Formative Experiences Born in Gipuzkoa, Spain, Arteta was known for his intelligence, character, and competitiveness from a young age. His teammates at Antiguoko, a youth club in San Sebastián, described him as 'alive' with a spark in his eyes. Arteta's ability to grasp concepts quickly and his determination to find solutions on the pitch set him apart. The Influence of La Masia At 14, Arteta began training at Athletic Club, where he was coached by José Luis Mendilibar. Mendilibar noted Arteta's exceptional intelligence on the pitch and his ability to explain his vision to others. This experience laid the groundwork for Arteta's future as a coach. Barcelona's La Masia: A Life-Changing Experience Arteta's time at Barcelona's La Masia, alongside future stars like Andrés Iniesta and Carles Puyol, was instrumental in shaping his football philosophy. The traditional Catalan farmhouse provided a unique environment where young players lived and trained together. Arteta's experiences and relationships during this period significantly influenced his approach to the game. Maturity and Adaptability Arteta's teammates and coaches highlight his maturity and adaptability as key factors in his success. Despite being a year younger than his peers, Arteta demonstrated a level of confidence and self-assurance on the pitch that impressed those around him. His ability to demand the ball and dictate play showcased his natural leadership qualities.