Thursday, June 11, 2026

The World Cup is here

The global soccer tournament kicks off tonight. ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Thu Jun 11 2026

 

Nicole Fallert
Newsletter Writer & SEO Editor

Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Here’s what’s to know this morning:

Bill Gates testified about his Epstein ties.
Inflation hit a three-year high. Trump says he "loves" it.
Feds will abruptly dismantle the system monitoring climate change and our oceans.

Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Thursday, from the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup to a historic NBA Finals comeback.

The World Cup opens today

The biggest tournament in the history of soccer, uniting 48 nations for 104 matches across three host countries, begins Thursday in Mexico City. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a trilogy of opening ceremonies, each reflecting the diversity of its host nation.

The tournament opens with a star-studded lineup: The ceremony featuring performances by Shakira and Burna Boy will precede the first game of the tournament, with Mexico facing South Africa. Los Angeles hosts the U.S. men's national team opener against Paraguay on Friday.

Has the U.S. already lost? The U.S. men’s national team could make a historically deep run. But the Trump administration's immigration crackdown (some fans have been denied entry to the country), war in Iranian players' home country and high ticket prices could overshadow America's legacy as host, our columnists write.

⚽ Follow today's World Cup happenings LIVE with USA TODAY. Get the latest news, results and behind-the-scenes info from the 2026 World Cup with USA TODAY's  Extra Time newsletter.

More news to know now

Inflation hit a three-year high. Consumer prices rose 0.5% from April to May, with coffee prices up 17.5% from a year ago. Trump says he "loves" it.
The cost of deserting Pride Month: When brands pull back, that’s a red flag for LGBTQ+ shoppers. According to new data, 42% of LGBTQ+ consumers said they trust companies less and 38% look for another brand when brands cut support for Pride Month.
Unusual earthquakes are rattling Earth. Two strong, back-to-back earthquakes struck around the world on Monday, reigniting worries that more serious temblors could be on the way.

NBA FInals

Knicks make a swift combeback

Nba Finals San Antonio Spurs At New York Knicks

Ben Stiller, Alana Haim, Taylor Swift, and Este Haim react in the first quarter during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Jun 10, 2026 in New York, New York.

Geoff Burke, Imagn Images

Last night saw the largest comeback in NBA Finals history as the New York Knicks bolted back from a 29-point deficit in Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs, bringing them one step closer to their first championship since 1973. Madison Square Garden erupted with joy. Did Taylor Swift bring the good luck?

Health & Wellness

Why your younger cousin is 'tanmaxxing'

It seems the summer of “tanmaxxing” is upon us, and some young people are going to extreme lengths to chase bronzed skin. TikTok’s For You Page is full of young “tanfluencers” using apps to track UV-index windows, documenting their sun exposure and trying “tanning pills.”  While having a summery glow has long been an American beauty standard, experts are concerned the viral trend is setting back efforts to inform young people about sun safety.

Before you go

Bad Bunny had a meet-up with the pope.
Catch up on "Love Island."
Here's how to plan a summer Route 66 road trip.

Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.

TOP STORIES

Moran's Pub in South Milwaukee will host four block parties during USA World Cup matches. The bar will air all World Cup games inside.

Across the USA, there are great bars where soccer fans gather to watch the World Cup. We curated a list.

Camp East Montana, an ICE immigration detention center in Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, is seen on Oct. 1, 2025. The facility was set to hold up to 5,000 adults scheduled for deportation.
 

An El Paso ICE facility's troubles include deaths, security issues

 

El Paso's Camp East Montana ICE facility wasted millions and faced deaths due to being rushed into operation, a federal watchdog report found.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 27, 2026.
 

US aims to 'negotiate with bombs' as Iran peace talks stall

 

The U.S. launched a new barrage of strikes on Iran. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the bombs were necessary to get the deal Trump wants from Iran.

Purchasing airfare can sometimes feel more like a carnival game than a monetary transaction.
 

The mistake I made after booking a flight – and you might too

 

Even airline experts struggle to predict ticket prices. Here’s how travelers can improve their odds of finding a deal.

Close-up of deep-fried chicken pieces in boiling oil.
 

New poll says this fried chicken chain is the best. See rankings

 

In a poll released this week by YouGov, this popular restaurant was ranked as America’s favorite fast-food chain for fried chicken.

Parker Mead, right, stands next to his father JD Mead after signing his offer letter to play Marvel Rivals at New Mexico State University.
 

How Parker Mead turned passion into a college esports commitment

 

JD Mead brought esports to Portales High School. Now, Parker Mead is heading to New Mexico State on scholarship.

June 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels catcher Colin Hynek (23) celebrates with pitcher Walker McDuffie (40) in the ninth inning against the USC Trojans at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
 

College World Series predictions: Expert picks for CWS winner

 

We asked beat writers of College World Series teams for predictions for the CWS championship series and national champion. Here's who they picked.

USA TODAY's The Excerpt podcast
 

Podcast: Forget night clubs. Morning raves are where it's at.

 

USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt, brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week.

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