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The Plan Switzerland has qualified for the World Cup for the sixth time in a row and will head to the US west coast with high expectations. Coach Murat Yakin has set ambitious goals, stating, "We want to play the best World Cup seen from a Swiss team." Switzerland's World Cup History Switzerland has never advanced past the quarter-finals at the World Cup, with their last appearance at that stage being in 1954 on home soil. They have typically been eliminated in the last 16, as seen in their 2022 loss to Portugal. Group B Fixtures 13 June v Qatar, San Francisco (noon local, 8pm BST) 18 June v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Los Angeles (noon local, 8pm BST) 24 June v Canada, Vancouver (noon local, 8pm BST) The Coach: Murat Yakin Murat Yakin's appointment as coach in August 2021 was a surprise, given he was managing second-tier FC Schaffhausen at the time. Despite some challenges, he extended his contract to 2028 after a positive Euro 2024. Star Player: Granit Xhaka At 33, Granit Xhaka remains Switzerland's most important player, dictating the tempo of the game and ensuring a balance between defense and attack. This could be his last World Cup, but he may continue his international career afterward. One to Watch: Johan Manzambi Johan Manzambi, a Geneva-born midfielder, has impressed with his performances at Freiburg. Europe's top clubs are monitoring him, and he could become one of the most expensive Swiss transfers after the World Cup. Unsung Hero: Remo Freuler Remo Freuler, a midfielder from Zurich, has worked hard to reach the top. He complements Xhaka well in midfield, excelling in running capacity, one-on-one situations, and footballing intelligence.

The LeadThe Guatemalan government has firmly denied reports that it agreed to permit United States military strikes against drug traffickers within its borders, while simultaneously confirming its request for security cooperation with Washington. This clarification comes amid growing concerns about US military operations in Latin America and the complex relationship between regional governments and Washington's anti-drug policies.The Government's Position on Military Operations"There is no agreement authorising foreign military operations by any country within national territory," the government of President Bernardo Arevalo stated in a formal release on Thursday. This denial directly responds to a New York Times report citing unnamed sources who claimed Arevalo had agreed to US military action in Guatemala.Accompanying the government statement was a note from a letter by Guatemala's Defense Minister Henry Saenz to his US counterpart Pete Hegseth, dated May 28. The letter reveals that Guatemala "desires to lead, with US assistance, active military operations" against drug groups identified as "designated terrorist organisations" (DTOs) by Washington."In accordance with existing bilateral agreements and arrangements, such combined Guatemala-led operations would further bilateral interests in defeating DTOs and advancing regional and hemispheric security," Saenz wrote in the document.The Regional Context of US Anti-Drug OperationsThe Guatemalan clarification emerges against a backdrop of increasingly assertive US anti-drug policies in Latin America. Under President Donald Trump, the United States has demonstrated a willingness to use military force in the region, including conducting air strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.These operations have resulted in at least 194 deaths and drawn criticism from rights advocates who characterize them as extrajudicial killings. The US has also taken more direct action, including the abduction of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in January, whom it accused of drug trafficking.Following Maduro's removal, his vice president Delcy Rodriguez has improved relations with Washington and allowed greater foreign involvement in Venezuela's oil sector, though the US continues to exert control over the country's oil exports.The Impact on US-Latin America RelationsMany countries in Central and South America have struggled to contain gang violence related to the drug trade, creating a complex security landscape. In January, Guatemala's Arevalo declared a 30-day state of emergency after suspected gang members killed at least 10 police officers, highlighting the severity of the security challenges.Latin American leaders have consistently demonstrated a nuanced approach to US involvement - wary of direct military intervention but open to intelligence sharing and security cooperation. This delicate balance reflects both the genuine security needs of these nations and the historical sensitivities surrounding US intervention in the region.President Arevalo, elected in 2023 on an anticorruption platform, appears to be navigating this complex terrain carefully, seeking assistance while maintaining sovereignty over military operations within Guatemala.Future Outlook for Regional Security CooperationThe situation in Guatemala suggests a likely continuation of this pattern of conditional cooperation. Regional governments will likely continue to seek US assistance in combating drug trafficking and organized crime while resisting direct military operations on their soil.The coming months may see increased diplomatic efforts to define the boundaries of security cooperation, with Guatemala potentially serving as a model for other nations seeking to balance security needs with sovereignty concerns.As the US continues its anti-drug operations in Latin America, the region's response will likely shape the future of hemispheric security policies and determine whether cooperation can be achieved without compromising national sovereignty.

Researchers from Stanford, Oxford and UC San Diego have demonstrated a proof‑of‑concept wearable ultrasound patch that can monitor a baby’s heart rate and blood flow continuously, aiming to reduce false alarms and missed complications in pregnancy.A Patch That Turns Ultrasound Into a Wearable SensorThe device, dubbed UPatch, adheres to the abdomen and remains operational for hours, capturing real‑time images of the foetus and umbilical cord. Unlike intermittent hospital scans, the patch records a continuous stream of data, allowing clinicians to establish a personal baseline for each pregnancy and spot deviations instantly.Trial Results Show Near‑Parity With Conventional ScansIn a study published in Nature Biotechnology, the team evaluated the patch in two cohorts:62 pregnant participants – single‑time‑point blood‑flow measurements from UPatch matched those from standard handheld ultrasound.52 women – continuous monitoring revealed dynamic fluctuations in fetal blood flow that brief scans would miss.A pre‑eclamptic case where UPatch detected severe intra‑uterine growth restriction, prompting a timely caesarean delivery and preventing stillbirth.Lead author Tom Park highlighted that the technology captures transient changes without over‑diagnosing, addressing a key limitation of current intermittent methods.Potential Shift in Prenatal Care and Global HealthSenior author Prof Sheng Xu emphasized that continuous monitoring could become a routine part of prenatal visits, especially in low‑resource settings where access to skilled sonographers is limited. Dr Antoniya Georgieva noted the broader impact: reducing stillbirth rates, providing richer data for research, and enabling earlier interventions for conditions like pre‑eclampsia.Roadmap Toward a Fully Wireless Home‑Use SystemThe current prototype is tethered to external electronics for placement, but the team is already engineering a wireless version that patients could wear during daily activities and at home. Their long‑term vision is a seamless, battery‑efficient system that integrates with tele‑health platforms, delivering real‑time alerts to clinicians wherever the mother is.

Lead: NASA’s New Moon‑Base MilestoneNASA revealed that Blue Origin will conduct the first uncrewed lunar lander mission in a series of three scheduled for 2026, marking the agency’s initial move toward a $20 bn moon base. The decision, announced by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, places Bezos’s company ahead of SpaceX for this critical early contract.Blue Origin Secures First Uncrewed Moon Base MissionThe award designates Blue Origin’s Endurance cryogenic cargo lander to deliver scientific payloads to the Shackleton‑de Gerlache Ridge at the lunar south pole. The mission, targeted for launch as early as fall 2026, will be the first privately funded lunar lander flight in history.Contract awarded to Blue Origin over competing bids.Mission to test critical capabilities for future human‑landing systems.Part of a broader NASA roadmap that includes more than a dozen additional lunar missions through the decade.Financial Terms and Timeline of the 2026 Lunar MissionsNASA has allocated $230.4 million for each of the first two moon‑base missions, with the agency covering the majority of operational costs.Funding per mission: $230.4 million.2026 schedule: Three uncrewed missions, followed by “more than a dozen” missions in subsequent years.Related contracts: Smaller awards to Lunar Outpost, Firefly Aerospace, and other private firms supporting lunar‑to‑Mars projects.Strategic Implications for U.S. Lunar Ambitions and Private Space CompetitionThe selection underscores the Trump administration’s push to accelerate the Artemis program and establish a permanent lunar presence ahead of China. By leveraging private industry, NASA aims to lower taxpayer costs, stimulate a space‑economy job market, and maintain U.S. leadership in deep‑space exploration.Creates a direct competitive dynamic between Blue Origin and SpaceX for future crewed lander contracts (Artemis III, Artemis IV).Supports the “blueprint for an enduring lunar presence” with a target of operational capability by 2029‑2032.Aligns with national space policy goals of a “golden age of exploration” and a semi‑permanent lunar settlement.What Lies Ahead for NASA’s Moon Base and Commercial Lander DevelopmentFollowing the 2026 uncrewed flights, NASA will evaluate the performance of both Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander and SpaceX’s Starship HLS during the Artemis III test mission in low‑Earth orbit. Successful demonstrations are expected to pave the way for crewed landings on Artemis IV (planned for 2028) and the eventual construction of Moon Base One.Industry observers anticipate that continued private‑sector involvement will accelerate technology maturation, reduce launch costs, and expand the commercial market for lunar payload services, setting the stage for a sustained human presence on the Moon.

A rapid expansion of data‑centres around Santiago’s Quilicura wetland is siphoning billions of litres of water, turning one of Chile’s largest swamps into a dry plain and intensifying a 15‑year mega‑drought. The Wetland’s Vanishing: On‑the‑Ground Observations in Quilicura Rodrigo Vallejos, a final‑year law student, first noticed the change five years ago when the once‑lush Quilicura wetland – spanning 468.4 hectares (about 1,200 acres) – began to dry out. He now works with the activist group Resistencia Socioambiental de Quilicura, documenting how the area, once a key urban biodiversity zone, is turning into “a wetland without water.” Water Consumption Numbers: Billions of Litres Drained Annually Experts estimate that the largest data‑centres in the district – operated by Google, Microsoft, Brazilian Ascenty and Chilean Sonda – consume roughly 1.5 bn litres of water each year. The scale is illustrated by the following figures: 33 data‑centres are currently operating, with 34 more planned. Google’s water rights allow extraction of up to 50 litres per second, equivalent to the annual use of 8,500 Chilean households. Water‑based cooling systems dominate, using far more water than air‑cooled alternatives. Ecological and Social Fallout: Why Chile’s Tech Push Risks a Mega‑Drought Crisis The water draw aggravates a national mega‑drought that has persisted for over 15 years. Climate scientist Pablo Sarricolea warns that by 2070 precipitation could fall sharply while average temperatures rise from 15.6 °C to 17.4 °C, increasing evaporation and further stressing water supplies. Residents also point to limited job creation and the lack of transparent reporting on water extraction. Company statements differ: Microsoft claims its Chilean sites rely on air‑based cooling, reducing water use, while Ascenty argues its water consumption equals that of only 16 households. Nonetheless, activists argue that prioritising water for tech firms over local communities raises ethical concerns. Looking Ahead: Relocation, Regulation, and the Future of Chile’s Data‑Centre Strategy Chile’s national data‑centre plan, launched under former President Gabriel Boric, aims to position the country as Latin America’s tech hub. Experts suggest a shift to water‑rich southern regions to balance growth with ecological limits. Stronger industry regulation, transparent water‑use reporting, and investment in air‑cooled or renewable‑energy‑based cooling could mitigate the crisis. Without such measures, the Quilicura wetland may become a stark symbol of how unchecked digital infrastructure can deepen climate vulnerability in already water‑scarce regions.

Sonny Rollins' Enduring Legacy: 10 Essential Recordings Sonny Rollins, a jazz icon, has left an indelible mark on the music world. With a career spanning over seven decades, Rollins has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz, showcasing his mastery and innovation. Here are 10 of his greatest recordings: Tenor Madness (released on Craft/OJC, 1956) A 30-year-old Sonny Rollins had already made his unique mark with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk by the time this 1956 session was cut. Hooking up with his contemporary and admirer John Coltrane happened by chance on the two-tenor blues chase of this album's title. Saxophone Colossus (Prestige, 1957) This writer's first connection with Sonny Rollins' music was occasioned not by music but words: poetic New Yorker writer Whitney Balliett's evocative review of Sonny Rollins' 1957 Saxophone Colossus. Rollins was partnered on this classic set by pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, and bebop-pioneering drummer Max Roach. Way Out West (Contemporary, 1957) When UK jazz musician Courtney Pine was blossoming as a teenage saxophonist in the early 80s, he would recall that Sonny Rollins' 1957 recording Way Out West was a key inspiration. The format was a Rollins favourite in his own early years – the demanding setup of a sax improviser with just bass and drums in support. A Night at the Village Vanguard (Blue Note, 1957) Rollins' live recordings are not as abundant as his genius in open situations deserves, but this music from New York's Village Vanguard makes up a lot of the ground. Freed from the march of chords by the absence of a pianist, he's in storming form in the company of rock-solid bassist Wilbur Ware and soon to be legendary Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones. Freedom Suite (Riverside, 1958) Rollins was never a natural composer – like Miles Davis, he preferred tunes that could be sketched on the back of envelopes. But Freedom Suite was an interesting departure for him, occasioned by the political climate of US race relations and civil rights in the late 1950s. The Bridge (RCA, 1962) Rollins took a creative break between 1959 and 1961, and his return came with The Bridge, named after the eccentric refuge he found: practising alone on New York's Williamsburg Bridge with only passing trains for company. Live at Ronnie Scott's (Gearbox Records; recorded January 1965) Rollins' visits as a solo performer to London's Ronnie Scott's club in the late 50s and early 60s introduced his mesmerising magic to UK audiences, and also helped to galvanise the local scene's confidence at a time when European jazz became increasingly emancipated from the US. Sunny Days, Starry Nights (Milestone, 1984) From the 1980s onwards, Rollins settled into a concert groove that was predictable – by his exacting improvisational standards – and frequently dazzling for audiences new to him. Sunny Days, Starry Nights showcased him with partners who would regularly join him on stage for the rest of his life. This Is What I Do (Milestone, 2000) The best and most affectionately closeup manifestation of Sonny Rollins' genius as he hit his 70s. The saxophonist's later-life partners are present, and so is one of contemporary jazz's greatest drums pioneers in Jack DeJohnette. Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert (Milestone; recorded 2001) Sonny Rollins and his wife, Lucille, lived close to the World Trade Center, witnessed the buildings' collapse on 9/11, and had to evacuate their apartment shortly afterwards. Four days later, the saxophonist performed and recorded this evocative session with his regular sidemen at the Berklee School of Music in Boston.

The Lead 'Fairyland' offers a glorious wallow in nostalgia for those familiar with the Bay Area in the 1970s and 80s, with grainy archive footage of San Francisco Gay Freedom parades and sushi at a book launch. But at its core, the film tells the story of a new kind of family. Queer Parenting in 1970s San Francisco The film centers around Steve (Scoot McNairy), a gay father raising his young daughter Alysia (Nessa Dougherty, then Coda's Emilia Jones as a teen) in San Francisco. After his wife, Alysia's mother, is killed in a car accident, Steve is faced with the challenge of parenting alone. He turns down an offer from his ultra-straight mother-in-law (Geena Davis) to raise the little girl. Parenting Techniques and Resilience Steve's parenting techniques are sometimes selfish and neglectful, but he loves Alysia deeply. He encourages her independence, teaching her to navigate the city and take care of herself. The film draws comparisons to Marielle Heller's adaptation of The Diary of a Teenage Girl, but Alysia turns out to be more resilient and independent. The Impact of the AIDS Epidemic The film's second half covers the later 80s, as the AIDS epidemic takes a devastating toll on the community. The cast, including McNairy and Jones, deliver excellent performances. Writer-director Andrew Durham adapts Alysia Abbott's memoir with sensitivity and discretion. The Future of Queer Representation 'Fairyland' is a significant contribution to queer representation in film. With its release in UK cinemas on May 29, it promises to resonate with audiences and spark important conversations about family, love, and identity.

The Erosion of the Quad's Cohesion The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue alliance, or Quad, has been struggling to define its purpose in recent months. The grouping, which consists of India, Japan, Australia, and the US, was formed to counterbalance China's rise in the Asia Pacific region. However, under US President Donald Trump's second term, the coalition has sputtered, say analysts, with Washington pivoting away from the region as its top priority back to the Western Hemisphere and the Middle East. Uneven Alignment and Structural Problems The Quad's cohesion has waxed and waned amid shifting US priorities. A planned leader-level Quad meeting in New Delhi last year failed to materialise amid diplomatic tensions and competing priorities. The grouping has pursued low-risk initiatives such as vaccines, critical technologies, supply chains, and maritime domain awareness, but these are seen as second-order achievements. As US Forces Leave Asia, Fears Grow Within the Quad The redeployment of US forces and warships from the Asia Pacific to the Middle East has further deepened unease within the bloc. When Washington moved troops from Japan to the Middle East, Tokyo saw it as a removal of a direct check on Chinese power at a time when Beijing is conducting large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. Anxiety Over Abandonment Fuels Deeper Asia Pacific Hedging For Japan, the optics of the Trump-Xi summit were alarming. Tokyo has responded by doubling down on ramping up its own security, with a defence budget up 9.4 percent for fiscal 2026, hitting 2 percent of GDP two years ahead of schedule. Beijing sees the same hedging dynamic playing out across other Quad members, with India, Australia, and Japan each recalculating their position.

The Lead: DOJ Takes Legal Action Against Four StatesThe Department of Justice announced Thursday that it is suing Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington for denying ICE agents confidential licence plates, a tool the administration says is essential for agent safety and operational effectiveness.The Lawsuit Over ICE Undercover PlatesThe complaint argues that refusing the plates violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and hampers federal immigration enforcement. The states counter that ICE should not operate in secrecy without state oversight.States sued: Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, WashingtonAgency involved: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Legal basis cited: Supremacy Clause of the U.S. ConstitutionKey officials: Donald Trump (President), Todd Blanche (Acting Attorney General), Maura Healey (Massachusetts Governor)Legal Stakes and Potential CostsWhile the filings contain no monetary damages, the lawsuits could generate significant legal expenses for the states and set precedents that affect future federal‑state collaborations. The litigation also raises questions about the cost of maintaining separate vehicle registration systems.Implications for Federal‑State Relations and Immigration EnforcementThe case highlights a growing clash between the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration agenda and state sanctuary laws. Critics argue that confidential plates enable unchecked enforcement, while the administration claims they protect agents from targeted harassment.Watchdog groups warn that masking vehicle identities could reduce accountability, whereas federal officials contend that secrecy is vital to prevent agents from being tracked and evaded.What the Courts May Decide and Next MovesLegal analysts expect a protracted battle over the Supremacy Clause versus state authority over motor vehicle registration. A ruling in favor of the federal government could compel states to issue undercover plates nationwide; a decision for the states could reinforce sanctuary protections and limit ICE’s operational flexibility.Both sides have signaled readiness to appeal, suggesting the dispute will continue to shape the national conversation on immigration enforcement and the balance of power between Washington and state capitals.