EU-Brazil Digital Deal: The European Union is signing a digital partnership with Brazil to boost cooperation on data, connectivity, cybersecurity and child protection, aiming to cut reliance on U.S. tech as Mercosur-EU trade deepens. Brazil Drug Crackdown: Brazil’s Federal Police launched Operation Balkans, targeting a transnational cocaine network moving shipments from South America to Europe via sea routes; accounts and assets tied to suspects were frozen. Tech & Chips: NVIDIA’s Latin America executive denied the region is a corridor for restricted chips into China amid renewed U.S.-China AI scrutiny. Climate Risk: El Niño has officially begun and is forecast to intensify into a very strong “Super” event, raising odds of extreme heat, floods, droughts and wildfires worldwide. Lithium Push: Anson Resources and POSCO signed a binding agreement for a DLE demonstration plant at Utah’s Green River project to validate commercial extraction. Cuba Sanctions: The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s state oil and gas firm Cupet, escalating energy tensions. Mexico World Cup Backdrop: Mexico’s World Cup opening is underway amid social tensions and protests, with Shakira headlining the ceremony. Chile Aquaculture Upgrade: AKVA said its low-emission farming projects in Chile are progressing, including solar-powered salmon cages. Fintech Hiring Tool: Vienna startup JobMetasearch launched an AI platform to help non-EU tech workers find visa-sponsored roles across Europe and tailor resumes. Argentina Auto Trade: Argentina is preparing to allow up to 10,000 U.S.-made vehicles a year duty-free, signaling a shift in its automotive import policy.