ACTUAL NEWS Briefing: June 11th 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- Jun 11
- 15 min read
QUICK HITS
Protest Briefing
Tensions remain high nationwide as protests continue, with several incidents involving law enforcement, protesters, and the press:
The estimated cost of the deployment for the National Guard and the Marines to LA is $134M
An Australian TV journalist was hit by a rubber bullet live on air, one of at least three reporters injured during the protests, including a New York Times correspondent.
In Santa Ana, California, officials confirmed that federal agents used tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets against protesters who had thrown bottles and rocks.
Demonstrations have spread to San Francisco, Dallas, and New York, remaining mostly peaceful with brief clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Union leader David Huerta was released from detention after his Friday arrest sparked nationwide protests by union members demanding his freedom.
Governor Newsom blamed Trump for inciting the protests. He positioned his criticism of the federal government as part of a broader national resistance, saying: “California may be first, but it clearly won’t end here. (…) Other states are next. Democracy is next.”
Last night, Los Angeles was quiet, with downtown streets deserted under curfew.
Trump claimed in the Oval Office: “By doing what I did, I stopped the violence in L.A.”
This social media post paints a different picture
President Trump threatened all who protest the military parade on Saturday with a "heavy force"
ICE Plans Tactical Deployments to Sanctuary Cities
MSNBC reports that ICE is preparing to send tactical units to five sanctuary cities governed by Democratic mayors. The cities on the list include Seattle, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Northern Virginia.
NOTE: The memorandum directing the National Guard does not mention California specifically. It also calls for a minimum of 2,000 troops (which is already 4,000 in California alone) and a minimum duration of 60 days. The same proclamation can be applied to any state. It simply delegates authority to Hegseth.
Immigration Enforcement Presence at FIFA Club World Cup Raises Concerns
At the start of the FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, attention is turning to U.S. immigration enforcement's presence. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE and CBP agents will be on site "for security". ICE also reminded non-U.S. citizens to carry proof of legal status while attending the event.
Russia-Ukraine Tensions Escalate
Russia has launched large-scale drone attacks on Ukraine for two consecutive nights, with the first wave—early Monday—marking the biggest drone barrage of the war so far. A Ukrainian military airfield in the west was damaged. In retaliation, Ukraine launched drone strikes that temporarily shut down flights at several major Russian airports, including those in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Ukraine reported Russia launched 479 drones and 20 missiles overnight into Monday, followed by another 315 drones the next night. Most were intercepted, but two civilians were killed in Odesa.
Meanwhile, the two countries completed a prisoner swap—an early step following Istanbul talks, though "major gaps" remain in their peace positions.
NATO chief Mark Rutte called for a 400% boost in air and missile defense production and expects significant defense spending increases at this month’s Netherlands summit.
Russia Issues New Ultimatum Over Ukraine War
Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, warned that the war in Ukraine will not end unless NATO withdraws its troops from the Baltic states. The statement came during an interview with Russia’s state-run Tass news agency and marks a sharp escalation in Moscow’s demands, tying peace to a broader rollback of Western military presence in Eastern Europe.
EU Unveils 18th Sanctions Package Targeting Russian Energy and Finance
Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia, which includes:
Targeting the Nord Stream pipelines
Lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel
Banning the use of Russian energy infrastructure
Expanding the blacklist to more Russian banks and shadow fleet vessels
Sanctions on Russia’s nuclear sector were excluded from this package.
In what seems to be an effort to prevent the U.S. from penalizing Russia for refusing a ceasefire, Tulsi Gabbard shared a strange video cautioning about a ‘nuclear holocaust’ and criticizing ‘political elite warmongers’ who recklessly stoke fear and tensions between nuclear nations.
U.S. and China Ease Export Tensions
The U.S. and China reached a framework agreement to lift mutual export restrictions, including China's limits on rare earths and magnets and recent U.S. controls on chip design software and Huawei chips, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang said both countries agreed to revert to the May 12 consensus, a prior partial step toward easing trade tensions.
However, if a broader deal isn’t reached by August 10, steep tariffs—ranging from 30–145% (U.S.) and 10–125% (China)—are set to be reinstated.
Today, President Trump tweeted the following:
NOTE: Let’s not forget that since the additional levies indirectly impact American importers and consumers, they aren’t truly tariffs but rather a tax on Americans. Framing this as a “win” is misleading.
Following Trump’s message, the Embassy of China in the U.S. shared the following statement
TODAY IN HISTORY
1184 B.C.E. – According to ancient legend and later interpretations of Homer’s Iliad, June 11 is sometimes cited as the traditional date when Greek forces sacked the city of Troy, ending the Trojan War.
1776 – The Continental Congress appointed a committee of five to write the Declaration of Independence. On June 11, Thomas Jefferson was selected to draft the document, which would be adopted on July 4.
1963 – In a defiant act against desegregation, Governor George Wallace stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama to block two Black students from entering. President John F. Kennedy federalized the National Guard to ensure their admission.
1963 – Later that evening, President John F. Kennedy delivered a historic televised address on civil rights, calling racial inequality “a moral crisis” and proposing legislation that would become the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
1987 – UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher secured a third consecutive term after her Conservative Party won the general election, making her the longest-serving British PM of the 20th century at that point.
2001 – Timothy McVeigh, the convicted bomber responsible for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, was executed by lethal injection. The attack killed 168 people and remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Marines Deployed to L.A.
President Trump deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles yesterday following ongoing protests, despite strong objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The state filed a lawsuit against the federal government earlier the same day over Trump’s prior National Guard deployment.
U.S. Port Imports Fall After Tariff Hike
Imports at several major U.S. ports dropped sharply in May following the imposition of 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, according to data from Descartes Datamyne.
U.S. Budget Deficit Shrinks, Customs Revenue Soars
The U.S. Treasury reported a $316 billion budget deficit for May, down 9% from last year.Customs receipts surged to a record $23 billion, driven by President Trump’s steep import tariffs.
Consumer Reports Opposes Proposed EV Fee Hike
Consumer Reports on Wednesday urged Republican lawmakers to drop a proposed $250 annual fee on electric vehicles. Senator Bernie Moreno has pushed to increase the fee to $500 for EVs and $250 for plug-in hybrids. Consumer Reports said the proposed structure would force EV owners to pay up to seven times more than gas car owners in federal taxes.
Trump Accepts Elon Musk’s Apology Over Social Media Posts
President Donald Trump spoke with Elon Musk on Monday, prior to the billionaire’s public expression of regret for controversial social media activity. The White House confirmed Trump appreciated the apology in a statement released Wednesday.
Trump at Fort Bragg, NC
Trump announced plans to restore the names of all Army bases that were previously named after Confederate generals.
He also announced that “people who burn an American flag would go to jail for one year.”
Secretary of Defense Hegseth spoke about “war fighting” and declared, “We don’t care about your woke garbage and your political correctness.”
RFK Jr. Fires CDC Vaccine Panel
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now overseeing the CDC under the Trump administration, dismissed a panel of vaccine experts who helped guide immunization policy—particularly for children.
NIH Pushback
In a sharply worded open letter, dozens of NIH employees accused the administration of undermining public health and the agency’s scientific mission, warning of increased risks to Americans’ well-being.
Gun Policy Lawsuit
A coalition of Democratic-led states sued the administration over its reversal of a Biden-era rule banning “bump stocks”—devices that can make semiautomatic rifles fire like machine guns.
New Hiring Requirements
Trump is requiring federal job applicants to write essays affirming their loyalty to administration policy—a first in U.S. history, according to experts. Read this again.
Smithsonian Dispute
The Smithsonian pushed back against Trump’s claim he had fired the National Portrait Gallery director, asserting it maintains authority over its own personnel decisions.
New York Advances Right-to-Die Bill
The New York State Senate passed legislation that would allow terminally ill individuals to end their lives on their own terms through medically assisted death. The bill now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul for approval. If signed, New York would join several other states in legalizing end-of-life options for patients facing terminal conditions.
Democratic Primary in New Jersey
Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot, won the Democratic primary for New Jersey governor. She will face Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker endorsed by Trump.
Southern Baptists’ Stance on Same-Sex Marriage
Southern Baptists, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, overwhelmingly supported an effort to overturn the legality of same-sex marriage.
FEMA to Be Phased Out
President Trump announced that FEMA will be phased out after this year’s hurricane season, promising a new approach to disaster response.
DEFENSE
More than half a million personnel are expected to serve in the Air Force and Space Force in 2026, according to the Trump administration's announcement last week—keeping force levels essentially steady as Airmen and Guardians take on an expanding array of global missions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first appearance on Capitol Hill to defend the upcoming Pentagon budget offered fresh insight into funding for the Air Force’s highest-priority acquisition programs, even as the department continues to withhold its full 2026 request from public view.
Meanwhile, the first cohort of instructor pilots training on one of the Air Force’s newest aircraft is logging significant flight hours in preparation to begin teaching their own students in the next fiscal year.
On the oversight front, a senior House Republican overseeing Pentagon spending voiced alarm over Hegseth’s recent decision to cut nearly half the staff at the Pentagon’s test oversight agency—particularly as the U.S. moves forward with major initiatives like the F-47 fighter and Golden Dome defense system.
Just one day before U.S. Marines were deployed to respond to protests in Los Angeles, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem formally requested that Hegseth authorize military detention and arrest of "lawbreakers"—a step one legal expert described as “a grave escalation.”
House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee is poised to increase funding for F-15EX Eagle II jet procurement in its draft fiscal year 2026 spending bill, according to documents released on June 9.
The Pentagon is scaling back by half its request to Congress for the U.S. Air Force's Lockheed Martin F-35 jets, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday. A U.S. Defense Department procurement request document sent to Capitol Hill this week asked for 24 of the planes, down from 48 that were forecast last year, the report said.
GLOBAL
Noem Criticizes Mexican President Over U.S. Protests
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday condemned Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for comments she said encouraged immigration-related protests in Los Angeles.“She should not be encouraging violent protests that are going on,” Noem said at the White House. “People are allowed to peacefully protest. But the violence we’re seeing is not acceptable—and it’s not going to happen in America." Sheinbaum, speaking Monday, criticized violent acts during the protests but urged U.S. authorities to uphold the rule of law in their migration enforcement.
Trump Administration Reviews AUKUS Submarine Pact
The Trump administration has launched a formal review of the AUKUS defense agreement signed under former President Joe Biden.The pact allows Australia to acquire conventionally armed nuclear submarines, and is valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, according to a U.S. defense official.
U.S. Pressures Mexico on Political Crime Links
The Trump administration is pushing Mexico to investigate politicians suspected of ties to organized crime. Officials are also pressing for the extradition of those facing potential criminal charges in the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter.
U.S. Urges Countries to Skip U.N. Two-State Conference
The Trump administration is discouraging global participation in a U.N. conference next week on a possible two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. A diplomatic cable reviewed by Reuters revealed the U.S. stance, with officials warning the gathering could "undermine current negotiations".
House Speaker Mike Johnson to Address Israeli Parliament
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson will travel to Israel and deliver remarks to the Knesset on June 22. “Our ties run deeper than military partnerships and trade agreements,” Johnson said in a statement Wednesday.
Trump Open to Renewing Talks with Kim Jong Un
The White House said Wednesday that President Donald Trump would be open to renewed communications with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Officials noted their previous relationship during Trump’s first term as a basis for potential engagement.
U.S. Prepares to Evacuate Embassy in Iraq
The United States is preparing to evacuate its embassy in Iraq due to rising regional security threats, three U.S. and two Iraqi sources said Wednesday. A U.S. official added that dependents of U.S. military personnel may also be relocated from Bahrain.
Trump Expresses Doubts on Iran Nuclear Deal
President Donald Trump said he is less confident Iran will agree to halt uranium enrichment as part of a future nuclear deal with Washington. The comment came during an interview released on Wednesday.
U.S. Still Dependent on Canadian Oil, Energy CEO Says
Despite President Trump’s mixed rhetoric on Canadian energy imports, the U.S. remains heavily reliant on Canadian oil, said Cenovus Energy’s CEO on Tuesday. Canada exports nearly 4 million barrels per day to the U.S., making it the fourth-largest global oil producer.
Top CFPB Official Resigns Over White House Interference
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s highest-ranking enforcement official resigned, saying recent White House actions have made her position “untenable,” according to an internal email seen by Reuters.
World Bank Predicts Slowest Global Growth Since the 1960s
The World Bank has lowered its global growth forecast to 2.3% for this year—the slowest since the 1960s—citing trade disputes and international tensions. Nearly 70% of economies saw reduced growth estimates, though a global recession is not yet expected. Chief Economist Indermit Gill warned that without quick action, living standards could suffer significantly.
U.S. Defense Depends on Chinese Metal
The U.S. military relies on samarium, a rare earth metal used in fighter jets and missiles—but China currently produces the world’s entire supply, raising major national security concerns.
Allies Sanction Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions yesterday on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, citing their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian communities, particularly in the West Bank. Israel’s foreign minister denounced the move as “unacceptable,” while the United States criticized the sanctions, arguing they "undermine efforts to reach a truce in Gaza".
Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Ship
Israel intercepted a ship carrying activists and humanitarian supplies bound for Gaza. Officials said passengers were then deported. The activists protested Israel’s land and sea blockade of the enclave, which Israel says is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling.
U.S. Shifts Stance on Palestinian Statehood
In a significant departure from previous policy, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the U.S. no longer fully supports an independent Palestinian state. He suggested any potential state might be located outside current Palestinian territories. The State Department declined to comment, while the White House referred to past Trump proposals, including a U.S.-controlled Gaza, and stated the president remains uncertain about the two-state solution.
High Seas Treaty Gains Momentum
Eighteen more countries ratified the High Seas Treaty yesterday at a UN oceans summit in France, bringing the total to 49. Just 11 more ratifications are needed for the marine biodiversity agreement to take effect. The treaty would regulate international waters, including activities like deep sea mining, and fund ocean protection.
Italy Citizenship Referendum Fails
A referendum to ease Italy’s citizenship process and improve labor rights failed due to low turnout—only about 30% voted, far below the threshold. PM Giorgia Meloni’s government had urged a boycott and is framing the outcome as support for its hardline immigration stance.
U.S. Sanctions ‘El Chapo’ Sons
The Treasury Department sanctioned two fugitive sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and their cartel faction, Los Chapitos. The U.S. is offering up to $10 million for information on either man. Mexico has not yet commented.
Taiwan Charges Suspected Spies
Taiwan indicted four people, including two former top aides, for allegedly spying for China. One worked in the president’s office; another with a former foreign minister. The charges underscore rising cross-strait tensions.
WHO Issues Mpox Warning
The World Health Organization reaffirmed that mpox remains a global public health emergency. Human-to-human transmission continues in nine African countries, with confirmed cases in 122 nations worldwide as of June 2, per the U.S. CDC.
Iran Cracks Down on Dogs
Iran’s Islamist authorities have intensified restrictions on pet ownership, particularly targeting dogs, which they label as “impure” and symbols of Western influence.
Pakistan Boosts Defense Budget
The Pakistani government will increase military spending by about 17% for fiscal year 2026, following a recent border clash with India. Despite the hike, the total remains below the 2022 defense spending peak, according to the finance ministry.
Austria School Shooting
A former student at a high school in Austria shot and killed 10 people on campus before apparently taking his own life.
Former President of Argentina Sentenced to Prison
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, former president of Argentina, was sentenced to prison for corruption and permanently barred from holding public office by the country’s Supreme Court.
Violence in Peru Escalates
Peru is facing a surge in gang-related violence, with criminal groups extorting businesses and attacking those who refuse to pay.
Suriname Tackles Pesticide Suicides
In response to high suicide rates in agricultural regions, Suriname is moving to limit access to lethal pesticides, a common method used in such areas across developing nations.
Zimbabwe Tightens Lithium Export Rules
Zimbabwe, Africa’s leading lithium producer, announced it will ban the export of lithium concentrates starting in 2027. The country has already prohibited lithium ore exports since 2022 in a push to boost domestic processing and value-added production. Lithium concentrates are an intermediate product used before the mineral is refined into battery-grade material.
TECH & BUSINESS HEADLINES
AI’s Impact on News Websites: Organic Search Traffic Plummets
Organic search traffic to major news sites like HuffPost and The Washington Post has dropped by about 50% over the past three years, a decline worsened by Google’s AI features that provide summarized answers with fewer links. Business Insider recently laid off 21% of its staff due to a 55% drop in search traffic, while The Atlantic’s CEO warned of near-zero Google traffic ahead. In response, media companies are shifting focus to newsletters, live events, and exploring ways to both compete with and collaborate on AI amid ongoing legal challenges.
Apple's WWDC 2025: Liquid Glass Redesign & Mixed AI Updates
Apple's WWDC 2025 opened with a major visual overhaul of its operating systems, introducing a design called Liquid Glass. Inspired by visionOS, this new interface offers a translucent look that adapts to light, dark, and movement, marking the most significant change since iOS 7. Apple also announced a shift in naming conventions for its software updates, aligning them with the year after their release (e.g., iOS 26 instead of iOS 19). However, Apple’s advancements in AI were met with mixed reactions. Although the company confirmed its AI improvements for Siri are still in progress, there were some promising updates: live translations for text and phone calls in real-time, and a new framework called Foundational Models for third-party developers, which allows offline AI integration. Despite these advancements, Apple's stock dropped after the keynote, reflecting some shareholder disappointment, though it rebounded slightly by the end of the day.
Meta Bets Big on Superintelligence
Meta has launched a new lab focused on creating “superintelligent” AI—technology that would surpass human cognitive abilities. The company is investing billions to stay competitive in the global AI arms race.
Warner Bros. Discovery Splits
In a major shake-up, Warner Bros. Discovery will divide into two separate companies, with one focused on cable networks and the other on its streaming business.
Paramount Workforce Reduction
Paramount cut 3.5% of its U.S. workforce yesterday amid ongoing layoffs as it awaits regulatory approval for its proposed merger with Skydance.
Khaby Lame Detained and Self-Deported
Khaby Lame, the Italian-Senegalese TikTok star with the most followers worldwide, was detained last week by ICE for allegedly overstaying his visa and subsequently self-deported.
Vanity Fair’s New Editor-in-Chief
Vanity Fair appointed Mark Guiducci, 36, former Vogue creative editorial director, as its new top editor.
OneTaste Leaders Convicted
Leaders of OneTaste, a company known for “orgasmic meditation” and accused by some of being a cult, were convicted on federal forced labor charges and now face up to 20 years in prison.
IN SPORTS
NBA Finals and Nationwide Legal Sports Betting
The NBA Finals are underway with the series tied at 1–1. For the first time ever, sports betting is legal in all 50 states, boosted by platforms like prediction market Kalshi. The next game is tonight at 8:30pm ET.
NHL: Stanley Cup Finals Heat Up
The Stanley Cup Finals are in full swing as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers. With FLA leading 2–1, fans are watching closely to see if Canada can secure its first Cup win in over 30 years. Next game is tomorrow at 8pm ET.
ESPN Extends Contract with Dick Vitale
ESPN announced a multiyear extension with beloved broadcaster Dick Vitale, who is now approaching an incredible 50 years with the network.
Soccer: U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Switzerland
The U.S. men’s national team suffered a 4–0 defeat to Switzerland, drawing boos at halftime. It’s the first time since 1980 that the team has trailed by four goals at the break.
NFL: Aaron Rodgers Debuts with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers made his debut as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback. A teammate said Rodgers assured the team he’s “fully committed from now on.”
TODAY'S NEWS IN ONE PIC
COMING UP
Poland holds a vote of confidence in Premier Donald Tusk’s government.
Sri Lanka’s president begins a state visit to Germany.
Tomorrow (Thursday), Hong Kong kicks off an international auto show.
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That's all for now. Thank you for reading. The next News Briefing will arrive on Friday.
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