US News Live: Brazilian meat giant JBS expects shares to begin trading on NYSE Friday

Republican lawmakers in the USA have voiced their support for Israel's recent overnight attack on Iran, which reportedly targeted Iran's nuclear program and military leadership, The Hill said in a report. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was among those reacting, stating "Game on. Pray for Israel" on social media, with similar messages of support posted by other Republican legislators.

Brazilian meat giant JBS expects its shares to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Friday, a long-held ambition for the 72-year-old company, AP said in a report. JBS, one of the world's largest meat companies, derives half of its annual revenue from the USA, where it is the leading beef producer and the second-largest producer of poultry and pork. The move follows an approval last month from JBS's minority shareholders for the company's plan to list its shares in both Sao Paulo and New York.

Virginia Democrats will participate in primary elections on Tuesday to select their nominee for lieutenant governor from a crowded six-way field and to decide a contested nomination for state attorney general, AP says in a report. Concurrently, voters across Virginia will choose nominees for the state House of Delegates, with the winners of these primaries advancing to the general election in November.

An American National Election Study indicates a significant realignment among immigrants regarding immigration issues in the USA, Fox News said in a report. The study shows that the GOP now holds a 15-point advantage in support for its immigration policies among this demographic, a notable reversal compared to sentiment in 2020.

Indonesia will no longer send a delegation to the USA for tariff negotiations because its proposal to Washington has already been deemed sufficient, according to the senior Indonesian minister leading the talks, Bloomberg said in a report.

South Africa is suing for damages after its embassy in Washington D.C. was inundated by storm water and raw sewage, rendering it partially inoperable and disrupting diplomatic work, Bloomberg said in a report. The incident presents an additional challenge for South African diplomats as they work to repair frayed relations with the administration of President Donald Trump.

Omnicom Group Inc. and Interpublic Group have discussed with US antitrust officials the possibility of committing not to withhold online advertising for political reasons, a potential condition for securing approval to form the world’s biggest advertising agency, according to a report in Bloomberg. These discussions indicate a move by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to potentially consider political neutrality as a factor in merger approvals within the advertising sector.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is advocating for the United States to provide Israel with all necessary resources, including military aid, intelligence, and weaponry, to support Israel in the context of potential actions involving Iran, Fox News said in a report.

Akazawa, identified as Japan’s top trade negotiator, expects an impending trade deal with the USA to shield Japan from higher auto tariffs, Bloomberg said in a report. This anticipation holds even if US President Donald Trump opts to raise such levies on other nations, with the negotiator's outlook reportedly tied to the progress of bilateral trade discussions, particularly concerning the automotive sector.

A report details which states in the USA have residents who spend the highest proportion of their income on fast food, The Hill said in a report. The analysis indicates that the financial impact of fast food consumption varies significantly across the country, with individuals in certain states allocating a larger percentage of their earnings to these purchases. This highlights how fast food expenses can constitute a considerable portion of household budgets, particularly in areas where such spending represents a significant share of overall income.

Christian music star Michael Tait, known for DC Talk and Newsboys, has been accused of sexually assaulting three men, two of whom allege Tait drugged them in the early 2000s, according to a report in The Guardian. The investigation also details allegations from four other men of inappropriate behavior, including unwanted touching and sexual advances by Tait. These accusations surface days after Tait posted on Instagram admitting to leading a "double life" for 20 years, involving alcohol and cocaine abuse, and, in his words, at times "touched men in an unwanted sensual way." Tait's hit song "God’s Not Dead" with Newsboys became an anthem for current President Donald Trump’s Maga movement.

Researchers estimate that 84 million adults in the USA have prediabetes, a condition for which interventions are now at the forefront of treatment discussions, The Hill said in a report. The article highlights this significant prevalence in the USA and the current focus on addressing prediabetes.

President Donald Trump has warned Iran to make a deal or face 'even more brutal' attacks, CNN says in a report. This warning pertains to US efforts to secure a new, more comprehensive agreement with Iran, intended to supersede the former Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The proposed deal aims for stricter and more enduring limitations on Iran's nuclear program, alongside constraints on its ballistic missile development and regional activities. While President Trump did not specify the nature of the 'even more brutal' attacks, the statement implies potential military actions more severe than previous US responses.

New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen, representing San Francisco, established a new T20 record by hitting 19 sixes during the opening match of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season against Washington, Al Jazeera said in a report. This performance, which occurred in the USA-based professional league on June 13, 2025, surpassed the previous record for the most sixes in a T20 innings, formerly held by Chris Gayle.

The US Open at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, is distinguished by the unusual feature of the six-lane Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and an adjacent railroad track carving through the world-famous golf course, effectively dividing it, AP said in a report. Despite this seemingly jarring overhead view, the expressway is reportedly not a significant distraction at ground level and cannot be seen from many parts of Oakmont's layout, with Oakmont historian David Moore noting that the road's noise is also not very noticeable.

The Trump administration is considering funding cuts that could eliminate the US Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division (NSNSD), an office within the National Park Service tasked with mitigating noise and light pollution in the nation's parks, The Guardian says in a report. Advocates highlight the division's crucial work in preserving natural darkness and quiet, which benefits wildlife, including insects like fireflies, and enhances the visitor experience. The NSNSD has previously led successful initiatives such as reducing light pollution at the Grand Canyon and curbing snowmobile noise near Old Faithful.

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) is set to compete against Chelsea in its first Club World Cup match on Monday in Atlanta, a game goalkeeper Hugo Lloris anticipates as a meeting with a familiar opponent from his past tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report in The Guardian. The tournament represents a significant highlight in Lloris's career in the United States, which began last year, and marks LAFC's most important opportunity on the international stage.

Safety claims made by John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager who had flagged safety lapses in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner program, are resurfacing after a recent Air India crash, NDTV says in a report. Barnett died in 2024 under circumstances described by the source as mysterious, while he was reportedly in a deposition related to his lawsuit against Boeing concerning these safety issues. The renewed attention on his past warnings comes amid increased scrutiny of Boeing's manufacturing quality and safety protocols by US authorities, following multiple recent incidents involving its aircraft.

US politicians have offered varied responses following Israel's attacks on Iran, with Republican figures described as 'hawks' defending Israel, while Democratic lawmakers are reportedly split, with some criticizing the actions and others expressing support for the US ally, Al Jazeera said in a report. The differing reactions highlight distinct approaches within the US political sphere regarding the ally's actions in the region.

There is an unexpected increase in the number of individuals filing for Social Security benefits, and according to some who are claiming early, concerns regarding the future direction under the current Trump administration have prompted them to move up their timelines for application, NPR says in a report. This trend indicates that anxieties about potential future policies are influencing some individuals' decisions regarding their retirement benefits.

Healthcare churn, where individuals frequently change their insurance plans, is a significant problem in the US, as per a report in NPR. The report investigates the reasons behind the high rate at which Americans switch healthcare plans and details the substantial negative consequences, which include both considerable financial burdens and adverse effects on individuals' health.

The USA Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision that lowers the legal standard for families to sue schools over inadequate accommodations for students with disabilities under federal law, The Washington Post said in a report. Siding with a family, the justices determined that the previous requirements for demonstrating a school's shortcomings, particularly concerning the ability to recover expert costs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), were overly burdensome. This ruling clarifies the path for families seeking legal recourse when they believe schools are failing to meet their obligations.

An arrest warrant has been issued in Miami-Dade County for former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown on a charge of attempted murder with a firearm, following a May 16th incident outside a celebrity boxing event in Miami, according to a report in The Guardian. The warrant, signed on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, alleges that Brown punched a man during an altercation, then took a firearm from a security officer and fired two shots while chasing the individual. The alleged victim informed police that one bullet might have grazed his neck. Brown, who was not arrested at the time of the incident, now faces a felony charge which includes conditions of a $10,000 bond and house arrest if he is taken into custody.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, recognized as one of the world's most active, erupted on June 12, 2025, with molten lava fountaining into the air, BBC said in a report. The event marks the 25th time the volcano has erupted since December 23, 2024.

Senate Republicans have incorporated a provision into a policy bill aimed at reviving and broadening the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which compensates individuals who suffered serious illnesses from government-caused nuclear contamination, The New York Times said in a report. This legislative move, long championed by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), would expand the existing law, first passed in 1990, to provide aid to those affected by historical nuclear weapons testing and uranium mining activities. The inclusion of the expanded fund in the policy bill addresses long-standing efforts to support affected communities.

The US Homeland Security Secretary pledged on Thursday to continue the Trump administration's immigration crackdown despite ongoing waves of unrest across the United States, AP said in a report. This commitment comes as thousands of National Guard troops were placed on standby in Texas in case of further disturbances, and as cities nationwide experience protests against President Donald Trump, with hundreds reportedly arrested during demonstrations in Los Angeles.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) engaged in a contentious exchange with New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on Thursday, criticizing the governor over recent crimes in New York committed by migrants residing in the country illegally, The Hill said in a report. Stefanik reportedly referenced an executive order related to immigration signed by Hochul and several recent criminal incidents during the exchange.

To supplement AI training data beyond internet content, Harvard University is making a collection of nearly one million books, some dating to the 15th century and in 254 languages, available to AI researchers starting Thursday, AP said in a report. Boston Public Library also intends to release its archives of old newspapers and government documents, as tech companies increasingly turn to library stacks for older, diverse knowledge to teach AI systems about humanity.

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed from a press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 12, 2025, which was held by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and pertained to Homeland Security issues, The Hill said in a report. Video footage of the incident, reportedly shared by a Fox News reporter, shows multiple men restraining Senator Padilla and escorting him out of the room.

President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling him a 'numbskull,' and suggested he might intervene to 'force something' on the Federal Reserve, The Hill said in a report. Trump, who made the comments while speaking to lawmakers and attendees at a bill signing, was reportedly short on details regarding what such intervention might entail.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated on Thursday that it will provide security for the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup, describing this as a routine part of its operations for major sporting events like the Super Bowl, AP said in a report. The agency's statement, made in response to questions regarding its presence amid President Donald Trump's immigration policies, emphasized that its "mission remains unchanged" and it is "committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure the FIFA Club World Cup 26 is safe for everyone involved."

A federal judge in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Thursday denied Tennessee point guard Zakai Zeigler's request for a preliminary injunction that sought to allow him to play a fifth season of Division I basketball in five years, AP said in a report. U.S. District Judge Katherine A. Crytzer, after listening to arguments in a hearing on June 6, issued her denial, stating that Zeigler had not sufficiently demonstrated he was likely to succeed on his argument that the NCAA preventing his fifth season of play was unwarranted.

In New York, a lawyer for Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Marc Agnifilo, lodged a complaint on Thursday regarding the increasing secrecy in Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, AP said in a report. The protest came after Combs and the public were excluded from an hour-long private meeting where lawyers and Judge Arun Subramanian discussed whether another famous rapper's name, connected to a hotel room 'event' in January, could be disclosed.

Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, posted a criticism of the U.S. ambassador to NATO in a social media reply, which he later deleted, The New York Times said in a report. The critical comment was reportedly made in response to a routine social media post by the ambassador concerning meetings with foreign diplomats.

American soccer star Christian Pulisic has stated that criticism questioning his commitment to the U.S. national team is "way out of line," AP says in a report. Pulisic, who decided to skip the CONCACAF Gold Cup, revealed during an interview on CBS Sports that he had offered to participate in friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland. However, he said U.S. coaches turned down this offer because they preferred to use a single roster for all games during that period. Pulisic made these comments to former U.S. players Tony Meola, Jimmy Conrad, and Charlie Davis, emphasizing that while his performances can be discussed, his dedication to the national team should not be questioned.

Popular online services worldwide, including Spotify and Discord, experienced disruptions on Thursday due to ongoing issues at Google Cloud, affecting tens of thousands of users, AP said in a report. Outage reports, tracked by Downdetector, peaked in the afternoon Eastern Standard Time, though some users later reported restored access, and Google Cloud acknowledged the issues. In the USA, this event underscores the significant reliance on major technology companies, fueling existing political debates regarding market power and potential regulation. The outage also brings renewed focus to the resilience of critical digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, concerns already prominent among USA policymakers, and highlights the dependencies of recent USA government initiatives aimed at improving digital infrastructure and broadband access.

After missing the cut in two consecutive major tournaments, Brooks Koepka expressed significant frustration, stating his performance "drove me nuts" and left him unhappy and irritated for months, AP says in a report. Koepka is now in early contention at the U.S. Open in Oakmont, Pa., following a 2-under 68 in the first round on Thursday.

Washington D.C. is forecast to experience rain and thunderstorms on Saturday, which could affect a military parade and daylong festivities planned to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, The Hill said in a report. The celebrations, which also coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, are scheduled to take place primarily on the National Mall and will include a fitness event.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken new measures to further restrict the area available to helicopters around Reagan National Airport, according to a report in The New York Times. This action aims to reduce the risk of midair collisions, following a fatal incident in January 2025 where a military helicopter collided with a commercial flight, resulting in the deaths of all individuals on both aircraft.

Troy Fitrell, who serves as President Donald Trump's top diplomat in Africa and the Senior Bureau Official for the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, is scheduled to retire in mid-July, The Hill said in a report. Jonathan Pratt, who currently holds the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary within the Bureau of African Affairs, will assume Fitrell's role. This personnel change marks a transition in the leadership of the US State Department's key bureau focused on Africa.

President Donald Trump issued an order on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to merge U.S. federal wildland firefighting operations into a single program, despite warnings from former officials that such a reorganization could be costly and heighten the risk of catastrophic wildfires, AP said in a report. The directive seeks to centralize firefighting responsibilities currently divided among five agencies and two Cabinet departments. President Trump's proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes the creation of a new Federal Wildland Fire Service under the U.S. Interior Department, which would involve shifting thousands of personnel from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

California's top insurance regulator initiated an investigation on Thursday into State Farm concerning the company's management of claims related to the Los Angeles-area wildfires that occurred in January, AP said in a report. This action follows complaints from survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires, who allege that State Farm, the state's largest home insurer, has been delaying and improperly handling claims for damage to their homes and potential smoke contamination. The wildfires in January resulted in the destruction of thousands of buildings around Los Angeles and caused 30 fatalities.

The United States government has transferred another dozen migrants to its facilities at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, an operation involving approximately 540 Defense Department employees and 130 Homeland Security workers, The New York Times said in a report. This transfer occurs amid sustained high levels of migrant arrivals at the U.S. southern border and reflects a practice the U.S. has employed in the past for managing migrant flows, particularly during periods of large-scale maritime migration.

Democratic Representative John Mannion of New York reportedly erupted on the House floor on Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2025, directing multiple f-bombs at fellow New York Republican Representative Mike Lawler, The Hill said in a report. The outburst was an apparent expression of outrage over an incident earlier that day involving Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California and law enforcement, and some of the confrontation was picked up by House cameras.

California Governor Newsom announced that the use of the National Guard for ICE raids in Los Angeles will end "tomorrow at noon," amidst ongoing protests and heightened tensions in the city where over 2,000 federal troops have been deployed to protect immigration enforcement officials, according to a report in The Guardian. A judge has also temporarily barred President Donald Trump from deploying federal troops to Los Angeles for these operations, an order which the President has appealed. In relation to these events, Governor Newsom called President Donald Trump a "stone cold liar," and separately, Senator Alex Padilla was reportedly forcibly removed from a Kristi Noem press event in Los Angeles.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on June 12, 2025, to nullify Washington D.C.'s 'sanctuary city' law, the Washington Post said in a report. According to D.C. officials, the city already complies with federal immigration law, and they contend that the bill, therefore, would not substantially alter current municipal practices. The legislation has now been sent to the Senate for its consideration.

The Rowena fire in Oregon had expanded to 3,500 acres by Thursday, June 12, 2025, and remained 0% contained, leading to the destruction of multiple homes, according to a report in The Guardian. Due to the blaze, officials issued evacuation orders for hundreds of homes in the Columbia River Gorge area and temporarily closed a section of an interstate highway, viewing the incident as an early warning for the upcoming fire season.

President Donald Trump has withdrawn from an agreement with Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest designed to protect salmon, according to a report in The New York Times. This 10-year truce, previously brokered by the former Biden administration, had aimed to resolve an extended legal battle concerning dams that hindered fish from spawning.

Full-time dentist and part-time amateur golfer Matt Vogt, a Pittsburgh-area native, had the honor of taking the opening shot at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, on Thursday morning, marking a significant moment in his "dream-like week" which culminated in a challenging start to the national championship, AP said in a report. Vogt's participation was a homecoming of sorts, as he once caddied at Oakmont, which is hosting the U.S. Open for the 10th time. His experience leading up to and beginning the tournament was described as feeling like "a trip to the dentist's office," suggesting a tough outing for the amateur.

A mistrial was declared on one rape charge in Harvey Weinstein's trial in the USA due to a juror failing to return to the jury room, BBC says in a report. This development occurred while Weinstein had already been found guilty of one sexual assault count during the current trial. An earlier conviction against Weinstein had previously been overturned.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has launched an investigation into Ed Martin, according to a report in The Hill. Martin currently serves as both the pardon attorney and the head of the new Weaponization Working Group. Durbin's stated reasons for the investigation include concerns over Martin’s “disgraceful tenure” in a previous role and his “stated threats to abuse his positions at DOJ”.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson characterized federal immigration enforcement (ICE) raids as "terrorism" and asserted that "Trump's America," referring to the administration of current President Donald Trump, seems like a scenario "if the Confederacy won," Fox News said in a report. Mayor Johnson also called on House Speaker Mike Johnson to speak out against these immigration enforcement measures, while simultaneously defending his own administration's controversial immigration policies in Chicago.

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) has denied claims made by the Trump administration that he lunged at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, The Hill said in a report. Padilla told CNN on Thursday night that he "wasn't lunging at her or anybody, and yes, I identified myself," following the incident where he was forcibly removed from the presser and placed in handcuffs.

Shares of US-based fintech payment group Chime significantly increased during their market debut on June 12, 2025, an event described by the source as an 'explosive start', Financial Times said in a report. This strong performance is viewed as an indication that the Initial Public Offering (IPO) market in the USA may be starting to improve.

J.J. Spaun shot a bogey-free 4-under 66 to take a one-shot lead after Thursday's first round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont, AP said in a report. The day included Patrick Reed scoring an albatross on the par-5 fourth hole from 286 yards, which is only the fourth such instance recorded in U.S. Open history since 1983, though Reed later finished with a triple bogey. Shane Lowry also achieved a notable feat by making the first U.S. Open eagle on Oakmont's par-4 third hole.

A significant disagreement has emerged among Senate Republicans in the USA regarding border security spending, Fox News says in a report. Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham is pushing forward with a $150 billion plan aimed at bolstering border security, stating the proposal is 'fully justified' and has the endorsement of President Donald Trump. However, this initiative faces opposition from within the party, notably from Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Rand Paul, who has raised concerns about the substantial cost of the plan.

Pentagon official Hegseth reportedly acknowledged during a hotly combative congressional hearing on Thursday, June 12, 2025, that the Pentagon has developed contingency plans for the potential use of force in Greenland and Panama if necessary, AP says in a report. Hegseth, however, refused to answer repeated questions from Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee regarding his use of the Signal messaging app to discuss military operations. This led to heated exchanges and raised questions about whether any details Hegseth may have shared were classified.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an annual order on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to honor the victims of the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, without directly referencing LGBTQ or Hispanic people, The Hill said in a report. The news outlet characterized this as a substantial omission and noted that it echoes recent actions by President Donald Trump’s administration concerning diversity and inclusion. The Pulse shooting was a past event that occurred in 2016.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is continuing his nationwide "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, with upcoming stops planned in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, The Hill said in a report. The tour is described as an effort to defeat oligarchy and authoritarianism in America.

Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, carded a 3-over 73 during Thursday's round at the U.S. Open in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, placing him seven shots behind the leader, AP said in a report. Scheffler described his 5 1/2-hour round as one where he struggled to create sufficient opportunities for birdie putts, stating, “I've probably got to give myself a few more looks.”

Boca Juniors defender Ayrton Costa will miss the Club World Cup after the United States denied him an entry visa, the Argentine soccer team confirmed on Thursday, AP said in a report. Costa had not traveled with his teammates to Miami on Sunday as his visa application was still under review at the U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires. Despite this, he was initially included on the team's roster for the tournament. Boca Juniors did not disclose the reasons for the player's visa denial.

Sen. Josh Hawley expanded his investigation on Thursday into alleged financial support for anti-ICE riots, threatening subpoenas against three left-wing organizations, Fox News said in a report. This development indicates an escalation of the senator's inquiry into the funding of groups purportedly involved in activities described by the probe as riots targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell modestly for the second straight week, inching back to 6.84% from 6.85% last week, AP said in a report. Home borrowing costs remain elevated, though this week's rate is lower than the 6.95% average a year ago. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, often used for refinancing, also declined to 5.97% from 5.99% last week, and below the 6.17% average from a year prior, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a major US life sciences group, intends to sell portions of its diagnostics business for around $4 billion, as per a report in Financial Times. This divestiture is reportedly part of a strategy to shed lower-growth assets, a trend seen among other life sciences companies. Such a significant transaction in the healthcare sector is likely to be monitored by US regulatory agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) for its potential impact on the market, although divestitures typically face less scrutiny than acquisitions. The decision may also reflect ongoing debates in the USA regarding healthcare costs and reimbursement rates from programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which can influence the growth potential of diagnostics businesses.

President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he may increase tariffs on automobile imports “in the not-too-distant future,” The Hill said in a report. Trump asserted that to 'further defend our autoworkers,' he had 'imposed this 25 percent tariff on all foreign automobiles,' claiming this action led to surging investment in American manufacturing, and added he 'might go up with that tariff.'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has promised a "zero tolerance policy" against unruly protesters, The New York Times said in a report. Additionally, one sheriff in Florida reportedly stated that officers would kill protesters who throw bricks or point weapons at deputies.

Protesters have returned to the streets in Chicago, with demonstrations largely centered on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and US foreign policy concerning the region, The New York Times said in a report. A significant focus of the protests is reported to be the political and military support for Israel by the former Biden administration. These demonstrations in Chicago follow recent similar campus protests across the USA and are also shaped by local city ordinances on public assembly.

China's antitrust regulator has postponed its approval for the $35 billion merger between United States technology companies Synopsys and Ansys, Financial Times said in a report. This delay occurs amid the ongoing trade war under President Donald Trump and heightened US-China geopolitical tensions, which impact strategically important sectors like semiconductor technology. Synopsys provides Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software, and Ansys offers simulation software, both critical for chip design and development.

State Freedom Caucus co-founder Robert May faces a 10-count federal indictment for allegedly sharing child sexual abuse videos, Fox News said in a report. The indictment specifies that a username themed after former US President Joe Biden was allegedly used in connection with the distribution. Following the charges, the South Carolina Freedom Caucus has called for May's resignation.

Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, was set to arrive in Washington on Thursday for a visit extending until June 18, with discussions anticipated on crypto, China, and critical minerals, South China Morning Post said in a report. General Munir is also expected to attend the US Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations in the nation's capital on June 14, a day that coincides with US President Donald Trump’s birthday. The visit occurs three weeks after a flare-up between Pakistan and India.

Meta is investing $14.3 billion in artificial intelligence company Scale and is recruiting Scale's CEO, Alexandr Wang, to join a new team at Meta focused on developing "superintelligence," AP said in a report. This strategic partnership and investment, announced Thursday, signals an effort by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to bolster AI initiatives at the parent company of Facebook and Instagram amidst competition from other tech giants like Google and OpenAI.

President Trump has renewed calls for one-year jail sentences for individuals who burn American flags, stating he is collaborating with Congress to enact such legislation, Fox News said in a report. This proposal directly challenges existing legal precedent, as flag burning is currently recognized as a form of speech protected under the U.S. Constitution.

The USA Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling on Thursday siding with a teenage girl with a rare form of epilepsy, a decision that could make it easier for families to pursue legal action regarding educational access, AP said in a report. The girl's family argued that her Minnesota school district did not provide sufficient accommodations for her learning needs, including adequate instruction in the evening when her seizures are less frequent; lower courts had previously ruled against the family's discrimination claim.

Over a dozen virtual private network (VPN) apps available on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store have undisclosed connections to Chinese companies, potentially putting US user browsing data at risk of exposure to the Chinese government, The Hill said in a report detailing findings from the Tech Transparency Project. The watchdog group identified thirteen such apps on Apple’s platform and eleven on Google’s, raising concerns about the security of personal data and potential access by foreign entities.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration launched a lawsuit against New York State on Thursday, June 12, 2025, over its "Protect Our Courts Act," Fox News said in a report. The federal agency asserts that the New York law, which prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making civil immigration arrests inside state courthouses without a judicial warrant or court order, "purposefully shields dangerous aliens" and obstructs federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) characterized the incident involving Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who was forcibly removed and handcuffed after interrupting a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, as “shocking at every level,” The Hill said in a report. Murkowski stated, after viewing a clip of the event, that it was "horrible" and "shocking."

Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt headlines a group of four women, including Olympic silver medalist Lucía “Jami” Yepez Guzman, Audrey Jimenez, and Zeltin Hernandez Guerra, who have signed with the new Real American Freestyle wrestling company, AP said in a report. The company announced the signings on Thursday, June 12, 2025, noting these athletes will anchor its women’s division. Hildebrandt won her Olympic gold in the 50-kilogram wrestling final against Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba in Paris last year.

Kseniia Petrova was released on bail in Boston on Thursday after being charged with smuggling frog embryos into the United States, AP said in a report. Petrova, who had been in federal custody since February, was reportedly returning from a vacation in France where she had visited a lab specializing in splicing superfine sections of frog embryos and obtained a package of samples for research; she was subsequently questioned about these samples by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist state lawmaker, became a central target for attacks from other Democratic primary hopefuls during a debate on Thursday, AP said in a report. Mamdani's increasing prominence in the crowded field, having risen from relative obscurity to become a top contender, prompted these jabs from competitors.

Fox News host Pete Hegseth was questioned by Representative Seth Moulton about his accountability in relation to a Signal chat that allegedly involved the potential disclosure of classified information, specifically F-18 launch times for US strikes against Houthi targets, Fox News said in a report. This questioning comes as a Department of Defense Inspector General (DOD IG) report on the matter is expected.

Canadian politician Charlie Angus, a member of Canada's New Democrat Party, strongly criticized US President Donald Trump on June 12, 2025, ahead of a G7 visit, calling him a 'gangster president,' The Hill said in a report. Angus's condemnation pertained to actions from President Trump's first term (2017-2021), specifically citing the deployment of soldiers to protests in Los Angeles and removals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which Angus characterized as 'full on police state tyranny.'

The CIA has released nearly 1,500 pages of previously classified documents related to Robert F. Kennedy, AP said in a report. These files reveal that Kennedy met with the CIA following a 1955 tour of the Soviet Union, before he became Attorney General or a U.S. Senator, to relay his observations to the spy agency as a voluntary informant. The declassified collection also includes memos detailing the agency's investigation into his 1968 assassination.

Missouri is activating its National Guard in what its governor describes as a "proactive approach" ahead of anticipated protests, The New York Times said in a report. This decision follows Texas, which mobilized its National Guard earlier in the week for similar reasons.

Mourners are paying respects to former U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel as his body lies in state at New York City Hall on Thursday, an honor bestowed upon a select group of political figures, AP said in a report. The Harlem Democrat, who died on May 26 at the age of 94, served nearly five decades on Capitol Hill and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. His funeral is scheduled for Friday.

American-based Time magazine is preparing to launch a French edition by the end of 2025, which will operate as a quarterly publication, Le Monde said in a report. This new venture aimed at the French-speaking market will offer a mix of content, including articles created specifically for France and selected pieces from the original US edition of the magazine, which is recognized for its covers and its annual "Person of the Year" designation.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found that a Republican policy bill, described as carrying President Donald Trump’s agenda, would lead to wealthier Americans receiving more benefits, while the poorest individuals would lose out entirely, New York Times said in a report. The CBO's findings detail the distributional impact of the measure on different income groups.

Federal authorities arrested a man in East Los Angeles on Thursday, June 12, 2025, who is accused of distributing face shields to individuals described as 'suspected rioters' during an immigration protest, The Hill said in a report. This arrest has subsequently triggered a backlash from local residents.

Mi Hyang Lee of South Korea holds a one-shot lead after shooting an 8-under 64 in the first round of the Meijer LPGA Classic in Belmont, Michigan, on Thursday, AP said in a report. Lee's performance included playing a six-hole stretch in 6 under. Grace Kim of Australia is in second place, one stroke behind, after previously losing in a playoff for this event a year ago. Two strokes behind Lee at 66 are fellow Australian Karis Davidson, Akie Iwai of Japan, and Sofia Garcia of Paraguay. This tournament is the final event before the major KPMG Women’s PGA Championship scheduled for next week.

Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri was confirmed on Thursday to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency he once sought to abolish, AP said in a report. The Senate confirmed Long in a 53-44 vote, providing the agency, described as beleaguered and facing massive staffing cuts that threaten next year’s tax filing season, with a permanent commissioner after months of acting leaders. Democrats had expressed concerns about the Republican's past work for a firm that pitched a fraud-ridden coronavirus pandemic-era tax break and about campaign contributions he received.

President Donald Trump's legal team has seemingly moderated its public assertions regarding large-scale deportations when presenting arguments in a court setting, as per a report in Washington Post. This adjustment in legal positioning contrasts with the broader and more aggressive deportation plans previously articulated by the Trump administration in public statements. The court filings or statements indicate a more constrained approach compared to the widely publicized rhetoric concerning immigration enforcement.

On June 12, 2025, US Representative Hakeem Jeffries displayed a stuffed Elmo doll during a speech on the House floor, accusing the Republican party of effectively 'killing off Elmo' by proposing a $9 billion spending cut bill that he asserted would target Sesame Street, Fox News said in a report. Jeffries waved the Elmo doll as he voiced his opposition to the proposed legislation.

Noah Wyle, known for his television role as an emergency room physician, visited the US Capitol to meet with lawmakers and discuss legislative solutions for the challenges facing real-life healthcare workers, The Hill said in a report. His advocacy focuses on addressing issues such as burnout and mental health crises prevalent in the healthcare profession.

The US Supreme Court is tracking several significant cases for its 2024-2025 term, which typically runs from October 2024 through late June or early July 2025, The Washington Post said in a report. Key issues under review include federal regulations on 'ghost guns,' particularly concerning the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) efforts to classify their component kits as firearms. Other major cases involve the legality of state-level restrictions on medical care for transgender minors and the parameters for public funding of religious schools, which could further define the constitutional balance between church and state.

Democrats in the USA are voicing criticism against the latest Republican-led effort in Congress to regulate college sports, contending it would be a setback for athletes, AP says in a report. They argue that the draft legislation, under consideration by three House committees, aims to roll back freedoms athletes have secured through years of legal battles with the NCAA. This legislative proposal seeks to create a national standard for name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments for college athletes and to provide the NCAA with protection against future lawsuits, a move that comes after a federal court ruling last week that is expected to prompt changes in college sports.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to approve legislation aimed at rescinding $1.1 billion in federal funding previously appropriated for public broadcasting, specifically targeting advance appropriations for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, NPR said in a report. The bill passed in a narrow, largely party-line vote and will next be considered by the Senate.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo admitted he saw a report detailing COVID-19 nursing home deaths and stated he might have altered it, an admission made prior to the second New York City mayoral debate, Fox News said in a report. This development pertains to the period when his administration faced criticism and investigations, notably highlighted by a January 2021 New York Attorney General's report, regarding the undercounting of such fatalities by excluding residents who died in hospitals, a controversy that was a factor in his August 2021 resignation.

More than 1,000 people have been arrested in the USA over the past week amid nationwide civil unrest sparked by immigration sweeps in Los Angeles that subsequently spread to other cities, The New York Times said in a report. The protests are directed against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

Mourners are paying respects to former U.S. Representative Charles Rangel as his body lies in state Thursday, June 12, 2025, at New York City Hall, an honor bestowed to a short list of political figures, including former U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, AP says in a report. The outspoken, gravel-voiced Harlem Democrat died on May 26 at age 94. Rangel spent nearly five decades on Capitol Hill, was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and his funeral is set to take place on Friday.

Players competing in the US Open at Oakmont are contending with extremely challenging conditions due to the course's notoriously deep and thick rough, AP says in a report. Gary Woodland, who won the U.S. Open in 2019, illustrated this difficulty when his drive on the 12th hole landed in the rough and became deeply buried; however, a rules official determined the ball was not embedded in the turf itself but merely caught within the dense rough, denying him a free drop and forcing him to play the ball as it lay.

Michael Madigan, recognized as the longest-serving legislative leader in US history and former Illinois House speaker, is expected to be sentenced in U.S. District Court on Friday, June 13, 2025, following federal corruption convictions, AP said in a report. Madigan was convicted in February 2025 on 10 of 23 counts related to a scheme where he allegedly pushed legislation in exchange for jobs and contracts for his associates.