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Today’s top stories
Israel and Iran agreed yesterday to halt attacks against each other, only a few hours after they exchanged missile fire, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Despite this agreement, both nations specified conditions that might lead to future conflicts. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would continue operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran claimed its missile attacks on Israel, occurring Sunday night and Monday morning, were a response to Israel’s actions against Hezbollah. Iran’s military announced it would pause further actions for now, but warned of “much harsher and more forceful actions than before” if Israel persists with its operations in Lebanon.
A man looks at the wreckage of an Iranian missile that landed near the West Bank city of Jericho on Monday.
Mahmoud Illean/AP
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Mahmoud Illean/AP
- 🎧 Iran views Lebanon as a strategic leverage point against President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, NPR’s Greg Myre reports to Up First. Last week, Iran declared it would halt negotiations with the U.S. if Israel proceeded with threats to bomb Hezbollah in Beirut. Trump had a tense conversation with Netanyahu, urging him to refrain from such actions. When Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire yesterday, Trump once more intervened, advocating for de-escalation. Myre notes a growing divide between the two leaders concerning Lebanon. Netanyahu insists he will not tolerate attacks on northern Israel, while Trump advises against escalating tensions, as it complicates his attempts to negotiate with Iran. Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Iran within a few days, though he did not provide further details. Myre suggests Iran’s assertive action against Israel signals its confidence in its position, and given the aggressive daily rhetoric from Iranian officials, Iran may not be inclined to make the concessions Trump seeks.
Four states—Maine, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Nevada—are holding primaries today. Voters will decide on candidates for the U.S. Senate, House, governor, and other offices. In Maine, the Senate race is a focal point, with newcomer Graham Platner likely to become the Democratic nominee against longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner is facing allegations of past threatening behavior and inappropriate conduct early in his marriage, as reported by The New York Times. Meanwhile, in Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, may face a tough re-election battle. Attorney General Aaron Ford is considered a strong contender for the Democratic nomination, though it is not assured. In South Carolina, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, among a field of MAGA-aligned Republicans, stands out with Trump’s endorsement in the gubernatorial race. Key races to watch are being closely monitored.
Nithya Raman, a candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race, has secured enough votes to challenge incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November election. This result removes reality TV figure Spencer Pratt from the runoff. The announcement comes nearly a week after California’s Election Day. Trump has suggested the delay in declaring results indicates fraud, but local officials maintain they are prioritizing accessible voting.
- 🎧 Several factors contributed to the delayed results, but the primary reason is the timing of vote-by-mail returns, according to NPR’s Miles Parks. Processing these ballots is more complex than in-person ones, as it involves scanning bar codes, removing envelopes, and verifying signatures against records. This is a nationwide issue, but in California, about a quarter of voters submit their mail-in ballots on Election Day, causing officials to start processing millions of votes later. The president’s reaction mirrors his response in 2020, when his preferred candidate initially led in the general election but later fell behind as more mail-in votes were tallied. Parks notes that experts expect Trump to react similarly in November if outcomes do not favor him. The general election could be contentious if control of the House hinges on results from competitive districts in California, Parks adds.
Global conflicts have reached a peak unseen since World War II, according to a new study by Swedish university researchers. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program at Uppsala University, a leading resource on global violence, reported 65 active conflicts in 2025. State-on-state conflicts doubled from the previous year, totaling eight—the highest since 1946 when UCDP began collecting data. These wars include those between Russia and Ukraine, Iran and Israel, and disputes between India and Pakistan. The study also reveals a rise in fatalities to approximately 244,600 in 2025, the highest since 1994, up from 187,000 in 2024.
From the NPR Network
by Juliana Kim, general assignment reporter
To find the World Cup’s Cinderellas, we have to start with the group stage
Hi. I’m Juliana Kim, a reporter on the General Assignment desk and avid World Cup fan. So much so that in college, I quit my summer job in order to watch every match in the 2018 tournament on TV. Each Tuesday, for the next six weeks, I’ll be taking over this slice of the Up First newsletter to talk all things World Cup. To start, here’s some viewing advice: Don’t skip the opening rounds — a.k.a. the group stage — that kicks off June 11.
I’ll be the first to admit, in other sports, I only pay attention towards the end, like during the World Series, the Super Bowl and the current NBA finals. But this summer, 48 national teams — up from 32 — will compete in the most inclusive group stage ever. That means a lot more underdogs and a greater chance that a few might break through to make history. While for others, it’ll likely be the only chance to see them in action.
Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde and Curacao are making their World Cup debut. Meanwhile, Scotland, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand (just to name a few) have never made it past the group stage. The truth is only eight nations have ever won the World Cup in its nearly 100-year history. (None from Africa, Asia or North America.) But in soccer, a single goal can make all the difference. Sometimes it comes down to the final minute. And for some teams, simply making it to the Round of 32, which starts June 28, will be a tear-jerker.
So watch a few games. Root for more than one team. And follow along on our World Cup tab in the NPR App for more coverage from across the Network.
Video highlights
Click through to watch the latest video highlights from across the network on the NPR homepage!
Podcast highlights
Professional soccer in the U.S. once felt like an impossible dream.
But one Kansas City businessman, better known as the founder of the Chiefs, was a steadfast believer.
From the failed attempts at a national league, through the creation of MLS and the very first U.S. soccer stadium — Lamar Hunt was there. KCUR’s A People’s History of Kansas City took a look back at all it took to get the World Cup to Kansas City. Take a listen.
What to watch for this week
⚽ There are still tickets to the U.S. opening match between the U.S. and Paraguay in LA. So far, only Mexico’s opening match against South Africa on Thursday looks to be sold out. Experts agree on the reason. Meanwhile, Seattle’s offering over 1,400 free tickets for kids and their caregivers.
⚽ Game transportation could get weird. Cost is a big issue. Stadium workers in LA have authorized a strike ahead of the first game; Costs associated with getting to the stadium in New Jersey have led folks to explore peddle power, and Kansas City’s launched all-new shuttle service.
⚽ It’s an exciting time for Haitian soccer fans. After decades of rooting for soccer powerhouse Brazil, many Haitian fans have the chance to cheer on Haiti’s national team for the first time in 52 years. Plus, Massachusetts’ own Frantzdy Pierrot, who made the Haitian team, will get to play his first World Cup game at the Boston Stadium on June 13.
