Cantor’s Exit Demands a New Wall Street Warrior

Here are the stories TIME is watching this Thursday, June 12.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria militant group inches closer to Baghdad, taking Iraqi cities along the way. Despite requests from the Iraqi government for U.S. airstrikes, Washington seems reluctant to get involved.

After Eric Cantor’s stunning defeat in the Virginia primary, Wall Street must find another political ally.

The World Cup begins today in Rio with Brazil’s squad taking on Croatia while social unrest bubbles around the country.

And finally, the only thing better than futbol is SPACE futbol. In honor of the World Cup, astronauts aboard the ISS kicked a soccer ball around in Zero-G.

The Brief is published daily on weekdays.