Twin Tornadoes Combine to Devastate Nebraska

Here are the stories TIME is watching this Tuesday, June 17.

Days after saying the U.S. would not send troops to Iraq, President Obama announces 275 troops will be deployed to help defend the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The U.S. is also beginning talks with Iran about stopping the insurgents.

A town in northeastern Nebraska begins to pick up the pieces after two tornadoes combined and devastated the community while the rest of the state was battered by heavy winds and hail .

The U.S. defeats Ghana in their opening World Cup match thanks to a dramatic late goal by unlikely hero John Brooks.

And finally, you might want to stand up for this. A new study shows that sitting can increase your risk of cancer by as much as 66% .

The Brief is published daily on weekdays.