British photojournalist Nick Stern was seriously wounded while covering protests in Los Angeles, struck by a rubber bullet that tore a 5cm hole in his leg. “Whatever it was that hit me actually perforated the skin,” Stern said from his hospital bed. “I’ve been hit before, but this was different.” He was visibly marked as press and standing “in the middle of the road.” Stern questioned if he was targeted or if it was “bad training.” The protests, sparked by outrage over ICE raids and police conduct, have spread across LA. Officials urge calm, warning against violence and fearmongering. (PC: AP)

  Nine News has issued an official statement after its U.S. correspondent, Lauren Tomasi, was shot with a rubber bullet while reporting live from violent anti-immigration riots in Los Angeles. The incident occurred as LAPD forces moved to disperse demonstrators protesting recent federal immigration crackdowns. In the live broadcast, Tomasi was visibly struck in the leg but continued coverage, assuring viewers of her condition. Nine News confirmed both she and her cameraman are safe. Australian officials are demanding explanations from U.S. authorities as concerns grow over journalist safety during civil unrest.    

Brianna Lafferty, a 33‑year‑old Colorado woman with myoclonus dystonia, was clinically dead for eight minutes when her body shut down. During that time, she “felt fully alive” separated from her physical self, yet more conscious than ever. She heard a voice ask if she was ready, then entered a “timeless realm” filled with peace, clarity, love, and beings that felt familiar. In that realm, thought manifested instantly, negativity transformed, and she sensed universal intelligence and numeric order. The ordeal reshaped her outlook: fear and worldly pursuits lost significance, and she returned with a renewed mission. Although her recovery was grueling relearning to walk and talk, undergoing experimental brain surgery she views her suffering as meaningful, though she fears enduring another near‑death experience. (PC: The Tribune)

Israel diverted the flotilla yacht Madleen, carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists aboard a Gaza-bound humanitarian mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, to the port of Ashdod on June 8 , 2025. Israeli authorities released footage showing passengers safe and unharmed, stating aid from the crew would be transferred to Gaza via official channels. The coalition decried the interception as an unlawful boarding and “kidnap,” accusing Israel of seizing charitable supplies such as baby formula, medical kits, and diapers. The operation followed a drone attack on a prior flotilla vessel in May and comes amid a contentious naval blockade initiated October 2023. (PC: The Times)

US President Trump federalized approximately 2,000 California National Guard troops under Title 10 to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests over federal immigration raids, marking the first deployment without state approval since 1965. Protests entered a third night, with demonstrators blocking the 101 Freeway, setting Waymo cars ablaze, and clashing with police through concrete, bottles, tear‑gas, and flash‑bangs. California Governor Gavin Newsom, joined by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and national Democrats, decried the move as “inflammatory” and unlawful, warning it erodes state sovereignty. Defense Secretary Hegseth, citing threats to federal assets, threatened to activate active‑duty Marines if unrest persists. (PC: AP & Reuters)

Gunfire broke out near U.S.-Israeli backed aid hubs in Gaza, killing at least 12 Palestinians, according to local sources, while Israel claims it only fired warning shots. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was established to replace UN aid delivery but has faced chaos and operational delays. Israel is also accused of supporting an armed Palestinian group, “Popular Forces,” allegedly involved in looting aid convoys under Israeli protection. UN agencies report widespread theft and a failing aid system. With over 54,800 Palestinians dead and 90% displaced, famine and disaster loom large in Gaza. (PC: CNN)

An Australian 9 News correspondent, Lauren Tomasi, was struck by a rubber bullet while covering protests in Los Angeles, thankfully only sustaining minor injuries . In Australia, heavy snowfall stranded vehicles and hikers in the Victorian Alps—rescuers saved 13 drivers and two hikers at Mount Hotham and Kosciuszko National Park . A humpback whale entangled in rope off NSW is being tracked amid rough seas . Media upheaval continues as Network 10’s “The Project” ends June 27 after 16 years . Additionally: Sarah Snook wins a Tony Award; Queensland politicians push for lobbying reforms; and Queensland’s State of Origin captain was dropped. (PC: 9News)

On June 9, 2025, the Israeli navy intercepted the British-flagged yacht Madleen, carrying humanitarian aid—baby formula, rice, medical supplies—and 12 activists including Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan, in international waters 160 nautical miles from Gaza . Activists allege a forcible boarding, drone surveillance, irritant substances, phone jamming, and seizure of the vessel and volunteers—labeling it “illegal detention” or “kidnapping” . Israel claims the ship posed a security threat, redirected it to Ashdod, and assured safe treatment for passengers, stating aid would be transferred through official channels . The incident echoes the 2010 flotilla raid and has drawn strong global attention. (PC: The Indian Express)  

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 12,700 Nepalese nationals—a designation first granted in June 2015 following the catastrophic earthquake. Secretary Kristi Noem concluded that Nepal's substantial recovery and enhanced disaster preparedness no longer justify the designation. The current TPS will expire on June 24, 2025, with a 60-day transition period ending August 5, 2025. Nationals without permanent U.S. residency (about 7,000 individuals) must either adjust their immigration status or prepare to depart the U.S., or face deportation. Roughly 5,500 TPS holders have already secured green cards. The termination aligns with President Trump’s broader migration agenda, which also targets TPS protections for Venezuelans, Haitians, Afghans, and others. (PC: Reuters)

FBI Director Kash Patel issued a stark warning on X after anti‑ICE protests erupted in Los Angeles following immigration raids: “Hit a cop, you’re going to jail…Doesn’t matter where you came from … If local police won’t back our thin blue line, we @FBI will.” His message triggered an online backlash, with critics highlighting alleged hypocrisy given the pardons granted to around 1,500 January 6 rioters, including those who assaulted officers. One user snapped, “Unless you're doing it for Trump.” Patel distanced himself from the pardons during his confirmation, affirming he “does not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement”. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the tough stance, labelling the protests a national security threat. (PC: AP)