Today’s News: SpaceX IPO, Trump’s Birthday and El Niño Season | National News

President Donald Trump’s birthday weekend is set to take over Washington, D.C., with large crowds and a full slate of programming expected, including a UFC event at the White House. At the same time, eyes will be on the U.S.-Iran conflict amid shifting signals from Trump and Tehran.

Meanwhile, investors are watching SpaceX’s potential record-setting IPO, Team USA is preparing for its first World Cup match as the tournament captures worldwide attention and climate officials are monitoring a strengthening El Niño pattern that could shape weather risks in the months ahead.

Here are five stories worth following:

“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, and we’re going to be subject to finalization of documents, which should get done over the next few days,” President Trump said at the White House on Thursday.

What we’re watching: SpaceX is preparing for what could become the largest IPO in history today, with the company reportedly aiming to raise about $75 billion, more than double the previous record IPO haul. At the estimated share price of $135, that would put SpaceX’s market value at $1.77 trillion, making it one of the world’s most valuable companies. Investors are closely watching demand for shares as the company brings its major businesses — including Falcon rockets, Starlink satellite internet and future AI-related projects — into public markets for the first time.

Why it matters: The IPO is a major test for investor interest around potential high-growth technology and space companies. While supporters – and CEO Elon Musk – point to SpaceX’s dominance in commercial launches and the growing customer base for Starlink, its satellite internet network, critics have questioned the high valuation for a company losing billions of dollars a year that is pushing unproven space-based AI infrastructure. The debut could influence the broader market and the next wave of major tech IPOs.

What we’re watching: President Trump’s birthday weekend eventsincluding a UFC event planned at the White House on Sunday, are set to begin tomorrow. Other events include a performance by Zac Brown Band, a death-defying display of legendary stuntman Travis Pastrana doing a backflip on a dirt bike and a 10-minute fireworks display finale. The celebrations will take place in areas including the South Lawn and the Ellipse and 125,000 guests are expected to attend, and another 75,000 people requested tickets, with cost estimates as high as $60 million. Washington, D.C. locals and visitors to Washington have been warned to expect road closures, including of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, and other disruptions through Monday morning due to the large crowds, security and event logistics.

Why it matters: The weekend has drawn broader attention because of the scale of the event, the federal coordination involved and ongoing debate over the use of federal spaces for the celebration. Watchdog group the Public Integrity Project on Saturday filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the Trump administration’s plans for Sunday’s UFC and the broader celebrations. The plaintiffs argue that federal officials unlawfully allowed iconic public spaces — including the White House South Lawn and areas around the Lincoln Memorial — and taxpayer money to be used for what they characterize as a “deeply corrupt,” private, for-profit event benefiting Trump, the UFC and related business partners.

What we’re watching: The U.S. Men’s National Team begins its World Cup run tonight at 9 p.m. EDT with its opening group-stage match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The U.S. enters the tournament as one of the host nations alongside Mexico and Canada, with a roster featuring key players including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams as the team looks to make a deep run on home soil.

Why it matters: The match is a major test of whether the U.S. can turn growing interest in soccer into a breakthrough international performance. With the World Cup expanded and hosted across North America, the team’s results could shape the future of the sport in the U.S., while fans and organizers continue watching the broader issues surrounding travel, ticket prices and the logistics of hosting a global event.

What we’re watching: A new El Niño pattern has officially formed in the tropical Pacific Ocean, NOAA forecasters announced yesterday, with the climate pattern expected to strengthen and intensify through the coming months. Forecasters are predicting a 63% chance that sea surface temperatures will exceed 2.0°C, which could increase the potential for severe weather in the Pacific. Scientists are watching whether this event could become one of the strongest El Niño periods on record.

Why it matters: El Niño can shift weather patterns around the world, affecting temperatures, rainfall, storms and agriculture. In the U.S., it could influence hurricane activity, winter weather, and flooding risks — while globally, changes in heat and precipitation could affect food supplies, energy demand and disaster preparedness.

What we’re watching: The U.S.-Iran crisis is entering another critical stage after President Trump announced yesterday that he had canceled planned U.S. strikes against Iran following what he described as progress in high-level negotiations. Trump said discussions over a potential agreement had advanced, while also saying a U.S. naval blockade would remain in place until a final deal is completed. “The documents are in pretty final shape,” Trump said in comments at the White House. Iran has not fully confirmed Trump’s claims.

Why it matters: Trump has repeatedly claimed that a peace deal with Iran was imminent, only for talks to stall. The situation could determine whether the conflict moves toward a ceasefire or another round of escalation. Any breakdown in talks could affect global energy markets, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. military involvement in the Middle East.