National News

• Iranian drones have launched attacks on Bahrain and a ship in the strait following recent U.S. airstrikes. • Separately, the U.S. is reflecting on the legacy of voting rights laws as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. • Family members of those who died fighting for equal voting rights express anger and sadness over a series of Supreme Court rulings, including one in April, that have effectively dismantled these protections.

• OpenAI and Anthropic have restricted the release of new AI models to a select group of Trump-approved customers. • This limitation follows a request from President Donald Trump's administration to vet AI products for potential cybersecurity risks. • Separately, President Trump threatened a 100% tariff on all goods from any country that imposes specific taxes on U.S. products.

• Venezuelans are conducting their own search operations for missing persons as the death toll continues to rise following a recent earthquake. • In San Mateo County, a pilot program to restrict e-bike usage by age is moving forward, while other local legislative efforts have stalled in committee. • MidPen Housing has proposed a new 100% affordable housing development in San Carlos, which would be the tallest building in the city.

• A court ruling on Thursday dealt another blow to Donald Trump's voter suppression efforts leading up to the November midterm elections. • The decision follows a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing where Postmaster General David Steiner was questioned by Democrats regarding the handling of absentee ballots. • Senator Gary Peters of Michigan specifically challenged Steiner on whether the Postal Service would continue mailing ballots if a state refused to share its voter list with the federal government.

• Venezuela's health minister reported that catastrophic earthquakes have caused approximately 235 deaths and 4,300 injuries. • In the U.S., the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge reached a new three-year high in May, driven largely by peaking gas prices. • This surge in inflation is significant as rising living costs may create political challenges for President Donald Trump and his party.

• Ukraine has launched drone strikes deep inside Crimea, marking an escalation in its efforts to target Russian military infrastructure. • Diplomatic efforts regarding the Iran nuclear deal remain uncertain, with key details and the future of the agreement still described as blurry. • These developments highlight the ongoing volatility in global security, specifically regarding the conflict in Ukraine and nuclear non-proliferation.

California governor calls for national tax on super-wealthy and suggests the US should own a stake in AI companiesUS politics live – latest updatesCalifornia’s governor, Gavin Newsom, called for a national “billionaires tax” on Friday as he fights a ballot measure targeting the ultra-wealthy in his home state.Newsom, who is expected to run for president in 2028, published his proposal the day after California officials certified a ballot proposal to levy a one-time 5% tax on residents worth more than $1bn. The proposal, called the California Billionaire Tax Act, was brought by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) and would fund the state’s healthcare, education and food assistance programs. Continue reading...

• Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, resulting in at least 164 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries. • The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge reached a new three-year high in May, primarily driven by peaking gas prices. • Rising costs for semiconductors and computer equipment, fueled by the AI buildout, contributed significantly to the inflation spike.

• The Japan Creator Support Fund held a progress report meeting highlighting the international success of Japan's next generation of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and game developers. • The initiative has fostered collaborations and co-productions across 23 countries and regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, China, and Thailand. • These efforts have resulted in tangible global outcomes such as awards, nominations, and expanded opportunities for overseas performances and international events.

• A series of oil tankers successfully navigated a new shipping route near Oman's shores in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. • The route was promoted by Oman and a U.N. maritime agency to ensure safer passage for vessels. • This development is critical as it provides an alternative path amid ongoing threats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard against ships in the strait.

• Conservative outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, a businessman and lawyer endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has won Colombia’s presidential election. • Progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda conceded the race after results showed de la Espriella winning by a narrow margin of 1 percentage point, or approximately 251,000 votes. • The victory is widely interpreted as a public indictment of the administration of outgoing President Gustavo Petro.

• The U.S. and Iran are currently in a dispute regarding whether Tehran has formally agreed to allow nuclear inspections. • Primary elections are underway across the U.S., with voters in Maryland, New York, South Carolina, and Utah casting ballots on Tuesday to determine nominees for congressional and gubernatorial seats. • These primaries serve as the critical first step toward the November midterm elections, which will decide control of both chambers of Congress and various state offices.

• JD Vance stated that recent discussions with Iranian officials in Switzerland have established a "good foundation" for a potential deal to end the ongoing war. • The talks represent a diplomatic effort to stabilize regional tensions through direct engagement between the U.S. and Iran. • This development is significant as it signals a potential shift toward a negotiated settlement to prevent further escalation of conflict.

• JD Vance is currently meeting with top Iranian officials in Switzerland to engage in diplomatic discussions. • Simultaneously, Donald Trump is issuing threats against Tehran from a distance, creating a dual-track approach of diplomacy and pressure. • This development highlights the tension between direct negotiation efforts and the aggressive rhetoric characteristic of Trump's foreign policy.

• High-level negotiations between the US and Iran in Switzerland aimed at ending the war in Lebanon have concluded. • While Iran reported "major progress" toward a permanent ceasefire, the talks were complicated by threats made by Donald Trump. • Technical, lower-level discussions are scheduled to continue for the remainder of the week to finalize details.

• Residents and fans in Taylor Swift's coastal beach town are interpreting minor clues as evidence of a secret wedding. • The speculation has intensified as observers scrutinize the singer's movements and surroundings for hints of a marriage. • This phenomenon highlights the extreme level of public scrutiny and "easter egg" hunting associated with Swift's personal life.

• JD Vance has met with top Iranian officials in an effort to restart diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran. • In the UK, newly elected lawmaker Burnham is positioned to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid growing discontent over public services and economic growth. • Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated on Sunday that Starmer is currently reflecting on his precarious political situation.

• Diplomatic negotiations have reportedly regressed following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reversing previous progress. • While the MoU was initially viewed as a breakthrough for broader cooperation, talks have since stalled due to unresolved key issues. • The reversal is significant as it raises fresh concerns among officials and observers regarding the viability of the diplomatic process.

• Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation and a breach of its interim agreement with the United States. • The Iranian joint military command attributed the closure to recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon and actions by the U.S. • While an Iranian negotiating team is traveling to Switzerland for talks, officials suggest that little progress may be achieved during the meetings.

• Former Labour Deputy Leader Harriet Harman suggested a "collective movement" is underway within the UK's Labour Party to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. • Andy Burnham, the 56-year-old politician known as the "King of the North," decisively won the Makerfield seat in northwestern England, defeating Reform UK's Rob Kenyon. • This victory solidifies Burnham's position as the primary contender to lead both the Labour Party and the country.

• The U.S. and Iran are negotiating a deal aimed at easing tensions and managing regional conflicts, with both nations seeking strategic stability. • Key details involve potential sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program and a reduction in regional proxy activities. • This agreement matters as it could prevent a direct military confrontation between the two powers and stabilize global oil markets.

• The U.S. and Iran have signed an initial agreement to end their war, ease economic sanctions, and reopen the strait while nuclear negotiations continue. • Following the announcement, Asian stock markets surged, with benchmarks in Japan and South Korea reaching new record highs, while oil prices declined. • This rally occurs as Wall Street experienced a retreat on Wednesday due to investor concerns that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates to combat inflation.

• The United States and Iran have signed an initial agreement to end their conflict, ease economic sanctions, and reopen the strait while nuclear negotiations continue. • In Georgia, Republican legislative leaders have rejected Governor Brian Kemp's call to redraw congressional and state legislative districts for the 2028 elections. • These developments highlight a significant shift in international diplomacy regarding Iran and a political stalemate within Georgia's GOP leadership over redistricting.

• Senior U.S. officials have provided journalists with a memorandum detailing current diplomatic engagements and discussions with Iran. • In Georgia, Republican legislative leaders have rejected Governor Brian Kemp's call to redraw congressional and state legislative districts for the 2028 elections. • This decision prevents a special session focused on redistricting, maintaining the current electoral maps despite the governor's request.

• Senior U.S. officials have provided journalists with a memorandum detailing current diplomatic engagements and discussions with Iran. • In Georgia, Republican legislative leaders have rejected Governor Brian Kemp's request to redraw congressional and state legislative districts for the 2028 elections. • This decision prevents a special session from being used to implement redistricting, maintaining the current electoral maps for the upcoming cycle.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that any tentative deal to end the war with the United States must include Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanon. • Araghchi asserted that the continued Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon would constitute a violation of the proposed agreement. • This demand creates a significant diplomatic hurdle, as Israel has already rejected the condition of withdrawing from the region.

Tender documents show plans for store beyond the range of Chinese missiles, report says. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGood morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it’ll be Nick Visser with the main action.The US military is planning a permanent war-ready weapons stockpile for its Marine Corps in Victoria beyond the range of most Chinese missiles, tender documents show according to reports this morning. Continue reading...

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that any tentative deal to end the war with the United States must include Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanon. • Araghchi asserted that the continued Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon would constitute a violation of the proposed agreement. • The demand creates a significant diplomatic hurdle, as Israel has already rejected the condition of withdrawing from the region.