In Today’s Times:
- Concluding that President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has used chemical weapons against rebel forces, the Obama administration has decided to give small weapons and ammunition to the rebels, a move that has long been the goal of those promoting a more aggressive American response to the Syrian civil war, Mark Mazzetti, Michael R. Gordon and Mark Landler report.
- The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that human genes may not be patented, a decision that will affect the course of genetic research, Adam Liptak reports. The ruling is likely to reduce the cost of genetic testing for some health risks, including breast cancer.
- With hundreds of references to marriage in federal regulations on subjects like Social Security and immigration, the Obama administration faces the complicated, sensitive task of determining how vigorously to change that language should the Supreme Court overturn the ban on federal benefits for same-sex couples, Michael D. Shear reports.
- Democrats renewed their efforts to pass gun legislation on Thursday, engaging in delicate talks on a new background-check measure that advocates are hopeful could change some no votes to yes votes, Jonathan Weisman reports.
Washington Happenings:
- President Obama will host a Father’s Day luncheon at the White House on Friday for a group of fathers and their children. Later, he will honor the W.N.B.A.’s 2012 champions, the Indiana Fever.
- There will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. to commemorate the establishment of the Army in 1775 during the Revolutionary War.
