NPR is reporting that the United States launched another round of airstrikes on Iran this morning after President Trump said Iran was taking "too long to negotiate." It said the strikes targeted military facilities along Iran's coast and in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it retaliated with its own fire on 18 U.S. sites in the region, naming military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. So far, there have been no reports of damage or casualties. Efforts to negotiate an end to the war remain in limbo. NPR's Greg Myre told Up First it is difficult to make a definitive call on whether this escalation will lead to full-scale fighting. The president said there would be more attacks tonight if Iran does not agree to a deal.
NPR is reporting that rising gasoline prices, fueled by the U.S. war with Iran, have driven inflation to its highest level in over three years. It said a Labor Department report showed consumer prices in May were up 4.2% from a year ago, the largest annual increase since April 2023. NPR's Scott Horsley said Americans' wages have not kept pace with rising prices, increasing by only 3.4% over the last year. Horsley called this an unfortunate turn of events, as workers had seen real improvement in buying power for most of the last three years. The Federal Reserve typically addresses inflation by raising interest rates or keeping them high, but President Trump has been demanding lower interest rates. This presents a challenge for new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh ahead of his first rate-setting meeting next week. Horsley believes interest rates will likely remain elevated for an extended period.
NPR is reporting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off in hours, drawing billions of viewers. Mexico will compete against South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City. The lead-up has been marked by intense geopolitical tensions and protests in Mexico City, which could disrupt events. NPR's Eyder Peralta said those with grievances against the Mexican government, including electric company workers, sex workers, and families of missing persons, have taken to the streets. A major teachers' union has set up a protest camp, threatening to bring demonstrations to Estadio Azteca, the opening game venue. This World Cup also marks the first time a host country welcomes a team from a country with which they are at war, with Iran scheduled to play in Los Angeles next week. The U.S. refused entry to an Iraqi team photographer, held a star player in immigration for hours and denied access to a Somalian referee.
NPR is reporting that new student loan changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will take effect July 1. It said these adjustments include the end of the Biden-era Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, two new Republican-created repayment plans and stricter borrowing limits for some students. One significant change is an expansion of the traditional Pell Grant for low-income students to include short-term workforce training, helping workers gain skills through federal assistance for programs 8 to 15 weeks long. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program still exists, forgiving remaining student debt after 10 years for full-time public service workers making 120 qualifying monthly payments. Borrowers enrolled in SAVE should expect a notice from the U.S. Department of Education about switching plans, followed by a message from their loan servicer initiating a 90-day countdown. If no action is taken, the department will place borrowers in a less flexible repayment plan.