Jan 13 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in

the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories

and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- The U.S. government has extended until June a deadline for

Nippon Steel ( NISTF ) to drop its planned acquisition of U.S.

Steel.

- Stephen Miran, the U.S. President-elect's choice to chair

his Council of Economic Advisers, has written that the U.S.

could be better off with average tariffs of around 20% and as

high as 50%, compared with the current 2%.

- Australia's Insignia Financial ( IOOFF ) said that Bain

Capital has matched a $1.8 billion takeover offer by CC

Capital Partners, intensifying a tussle for control of the

wealth manager.

- Pete Hegseth's performance to be closely watched in what

is expected to be a contentious confirmation hearing Tuesday for

the defense secretary nominee.

- First responders in fire-ravaged Los Angeles communities

have had to fend off looters as well as flames, with the number

of arrests jumping to nearly 30 by Sunday.

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)