//DISPATCH
EVENING EDITION
Friday, June 12, 2026, 17:55 CT

S&P 500 CLOSE
7,431.46
+0.50%
DOW CLOSE
51,202.26
+0.70%
NASDAQ CLOSE
25,888.84
+0.31%
CRWD
682.80
-1.26%
AMZN
238.55
-1.23%

SpaceX IPO marks historic $2 trillion valuation and first trillionaire

SpaceX debuted on the Nasdaq on Friday as the largest IPO in history, raising approximately $75 billion and making Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. NPR reports the stock rose 19 percent on its first day, while the New York Times highlights the company's journey from a failed venture to a dominant space and satellite leader. The New York Times also notes the company's expansion into artificial intelligence and social networking.


U.S.

Judge allows UFC event to proceed at White House

A federal judge declined a last-minute request to block a UFC event on the White House South Lawn scheduled for President Trump's birthday. The New York Times reports that the ruling noted insufficient evidence of harm to the plaintiffs. Axios highlights the event as a centerpiece of the nation's 250th anniversary and a symbol of the political alliance between Trump and UFC CEO Dana White.

Key U.S. FISA surveillance power faces expiration after Congress fails to renew

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire after a congressional deadlock. While some officials warn of a national security catastrophe, the New York Times reports that legal certifications could allow surveillance to continue through March 2027. However, there are concerns that technology companies might resist data sharing without an active law.

Court Upholds Order to Remove Trump's Name from Kennedy Center

D.C. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper denied President Trump's request to pause a court order removing his name from the Kennedy Center. The judge noted the center has already taken steps toward complying with the May 29 injunction. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees has voted to appeal the ruling before the Friday deadline.

WORLD

US and Iran reach preliminary agreement to end regional war

The United States, Iran, and Pakistan report that a memorandum of understanding is nearing completion to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. While the New York Times notes the deal paves the way for future nuclear negotiations, the Wall Street Journal highlights that the agreement's success depends on Iran's commitment to destroy enriched uranium stockpiles.

Iconic British Artist David Hockney Dies at 88

David Hockney passed away peacefully at his London home on June 11, 2026. The New York Times highlighted his role in reviving figurative art, while the BBC noted widespread tributes from figures like King Charles. His prolific career spanned decades and included famous works of California landscapes and digital iPad portraits.

China Detains American Scholar Min Zin on Espionage Suspicions

China has placed U.S. citizen and Myanmar-born journalist Min Zin under criminal detention for suspected espionage and endangering national security. The Wall Street Journal reports the arrest occurs amid heightened tensions following a recent summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping. The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the detention and is working to provide consular assistance.

Russian Army Advances Toward Ukrainian City of Druzhkivka

The Wall Street Journal reports that residents of Druzhkivka face increasing pressure as Russian forces move closer to the industrial city. Many inhabitants struggle with the decision to evacuate while facing poverty and intensifying artillery strikes.

BUSINESS

Justice Department will not challenge Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger

The Justice Department will not challenge the $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. While this clears a major regulatory hurdle, some state attorneys general may still pursue legal challenges. The New York Times reports that the deal has raised concerns regarding reduced competition for creative talent and scripts.

Roku explores strategic options including potential company sale

Roku Inc is exploring several strategic options, including a full sale of the company, according to sources familiar with the matter. The streaming platform has held discussions with at least one U.S. media company about a potential combination. Other explored options include a private investment in public equity transaction.


TECH

SpaceX IPO launches at $135, making Elon Musk first trillionaire

SpaceX shares rose as much as 19% during their first day of trading on the Nasdaq. The Verge highlights Musk's immense wealth and personal controversies, while TechCrunch focuses on the massive windfalls for venture capital firms and employees.

Google sues Chinese network using Gemini AI for phishing scams

Google has filed a lawsuit against Outsider Enterprise, a Chinese group allegedly using Gemini to automate phishing-as-a-service via Telegram. The company claims the network used AI-generated templates to target Android users with millions of fraudulent text messages. Google is also working with law enforcement and mobile carriers to disrupt the operation.

FISA surveillance law expires as Congress fails to pass extension

Section 702 of FISA expires at midnight following a failed congressional extension. While some lawmakers warn of risks to American lives, Ars Technica reports that existing certifications allow surveillance to continue until March 2027. The Cato Institute and the Brennan Center note that other authorities like Executive Order 12333 remain active.

Jeff Bezos' Prometheus startup secures $12 billion for physical AI

Jeff Bezos and Vik Bajaj have raised $12 billion for their startup Prometheus to develop artificial general engineers for the physical world. The company plans to use the funds for intensive compute requirements. Ars Technica reports the startup aims to accelerate technological invention through advanced tools for robotics and manufacturing.

ShinyHunters exploits critical PeopleSoft vulnerability to target hundreds of organizations

The ransomware group ShinyHunters exploited a critical server-side request forgery vulnerability in Oracle's PeopleSoft software to target approximately 100 organizations. Ars Technica reports that the group has stolen gigabytes of data, including student records from the University of Nottingham. Google's Mandiant notes that the group had been exploiting the flaw for over two weeks before it was identified.

Protests Block $130 Billion in Data Center Projects in Early 2026

Data Center Watch reports that at least 75 projects worth $130 billion were blocked or delayed in the first quarter of 2026. Ars Technica notes that expanding community opposition is reshaping regulation and elections through a shared political playbook. While some outlets highlight the economic benefits of data centers, others focus on growing concerns regarding water rights and environmental reviews.

Ukraine tested fully autonomous drones in battlefield experiment

A Ukrainian drone manufacturer revealed a past test where quadcopters used AI to attack targets without human intervention. While the experiment reportedly killed Russian soldiers, the Ukrainian government maintains a policy banning AI in the final stage of target interception.

Apple updates Siri with improved AI capabilities

The Verge reports that a new version of Siri has been released with functional AI improvements. While not described as bleeding edge, the updated assistant demonstrates much higher utility than previous versions.

Oracle warns of critical vulnerability exploited to breach 100+ companies

Oracle issued a security advisory regarding a critical zero-day vulnerability in its PeopleSoft software that allows unauthenticated access via the internet. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for breaching over 100 organizations, primarily in higher education, using this flaw. Mandiant confirmed that some targeted entities experienced data theft resulting in stolen information being published online.

Chinese Drivers Use Plastic Heads to Bypass Tesla Safety Monitors

Wired reports that Tesla owners in China are using miniature celebrity figurines and screens to trick in-cabin cameras into detecting attentive drivers. These DIY gadgets allow drivers to bypass safety guardrails meant to prevent distracted driving while using Autopilot. The practice emerged following a software update that activated driver monitoring via the vehicle's internal camera.