Elon Musk becomes world's first trillionaire as SpaceX shares soar

Elon Musk becomes world's first trillionaire as SpaceX shares soar

Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire after his company SpaceX debuted on the Nasdaq stock market in New York. Shares jumped more than 25% over their initial offer price, valuing the rocket, satellite, and AI firm at more than two trillion dollars. Also on the programme: One of the world's best-known artists David Hockney has died aged 88; and the English miners who took football to Mexico. (Photo: SpaceX company leadership ring the opening bell to celebrate during SpaceX's initial public offering (IPO) at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City, US, June 12, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Brendan McDermid)

SpaceX offers its shares for public purchase

SpaceX shares have begun trading on the US stock exchange, marking what could be the largest initial public offering in history. If share sales reach the company's suggested price of $135 (£100), it will set founder Elon Musk on track to be the world's first trillionaire. Also in the programme: We pay tribute to David Hockney, one of the UK's most important and influential artists, who has died at the age of 88; Iran and the US both suggest they're close to a deal to end the conflict between them; and the biggest sporting show in the world comes to Canada - but are Canadians buying the World Cup hype? (Photo shows SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on a live feed projected onto the Nasdaq MarketSit in New York City, on 12 June 2026. Credit: Jeenah Moon/Reuters)

World Cup starts in Mexico City

Football fans have filled the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for the start of the World Cup. After the opening ceremony, Mexico takes on South Africa in the first of 104 matches in the expanded tournament. 48 nations are competing for football's ultimate prize. The co-hosts Canada and the United States will hold their own opening ceremonies before their first group matches on Friday and Saturday. Also in the programme: Pope Leo urges world leaders to treat migrants more humanely; and drama in the world of chess as Russia is suspended - we'll hear from the governing body's president, who is himself Russian. (Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - Mexico v South Africa - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - June 11, 2026. A performer during the opening ceremony before the match. Credit: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)

Trump says US will hit Iran 'very hard tonight'

The US military has struck another commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of violating its blockade of Iranian ports. It's the third ship to be targeted by American missiles this week. All had Indian crews. On Wednesday three Indian seafarers were killed when their vessel was hit off the coast of Oman. Also in the programme: Britain's defence minister has resigned, accusing the prime minister Keir Starmer of failing to deliver on commitments to boost military spending; the Pope's visit to the Spanish islands where many African immigrants have sought sanctuary; and Mexico take on South Africa today in the first game of the tournament at World Cup 2026. (Photo credit: EPA)

Ukraine steps up its aerial campaign

Experts say that recent advances in drone technology, including the AI-enabled Hornet system, have allowed Ukraine to attack Russian targets travelling to the front lines at greater distances and with increased accuracy. Also on the programme: an Israeli airstrike hits the centre of Sidon in Lebanon, we hear from the local MP; violent unrest continues in Northern Ireland over immigration; and the conductor Marin Allsop leads a musical tribute to Barcelona's Sagrada Familia church and its famous architect Antoni Gaudi. (Photo: Firefighters extinguish a fire at a historic museum following a drone attack by Ukraine in Sevastopol, Crimea. Credit: Government of Sevastopol via Reuters)