Daily Briefing: What NYC means for Democrats
Good morning!🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert. Moaning about the heat is the best way to cope.
Here is Wednesday's news:
- Zohran Mamdani slayed New York political juggernaut Andrew Cuomo.
- A ceasefire is in place, but Iran's nuclear program may have survived.
- Meet the women getting a 400% pay raise.
Mamdani delivers NYC primary plot twist
Zohran Mamdani, 33, just upset mainstream Democratic politics. The Democratic Socialist state Assembly member defied expectations and took a commanding lead in Tuesday's New York City mayoral primary.
The race served as a bellwether for the larger Democratic Party. The coalition seeking to repel former Gov. Andrew Cuomo framed the choice facing New Yorkers as one between an older, moderate political establishment and a youthful, progressive vision for the party that lost the White House in November.
- While the outcome won't be official until the instant runoff conducted with ballots that rank up to five choices is announced in July, Cuomo conceded the nomination less than 90 minutes after polls closed at 9 p.m.
- Rank-choice race: The subsequent instant runoff, in which other candidates' supporters will be redistributed to Mamdani or Cuomo based on who they ranked lower on their ballot, is expected to only increase Mamdani's lead.
- Sweating at the polls: The Big Apple's Democrats voted despite smothering summer heat.
Did US strikes destroy Iran's nuclear program?
A Pentagon intelligence assessment now says U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities did not reach deep enough to destroy the underground installations and likely only delayed Iran's nuclear program by a few months. President Donald Trump said Wednesday the intelligence was inconclusive.
Read more about the news in the Middle East from Paste BN:
- A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains in place Wednesday (and Trump dropped a verbal f-bomb Tuesday after the nations accused one anther of violating the truce).
- Iran approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas route.
- Some Americans are worried about threats of violence.
- ICE arrested 11 Iranians in the U.S. as Middle East tensions flared, feds say.
- Take a a new look at Iran — through its movies.
🤳News got you feeling overwhelmed? Make boundaries for scrolling.
More news to know now
- Trump's "big, beautiful bill" is shrinking in the Senate.
- Nearly 150 people reported needle stabbings during a music festival.
- Home prices and rents keep rising.
- A DoorDash executive was among victims identified in a fatal Lake Tahoe accident.
- Is the U.S. South LGBTQ friendly?
What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.
SCOTUS runs the gamut with immigration, pornography, religion and health care
Supreme Court decisions coming as soon as Thursday will resolve whether President Donald Trump can enforce his changes to birthright citizenship while his new policy is being litigated. The ruling could make it harder for judges to block any of the president’s policies. The justices will also issue decisions on how states can keep minors from accessing online pornography and on defunding Planned Parenthood. Other rulings will determine if health insurers have to cover certain medicines and services, like HIV-preventive medication, and whether a federal program that subsidizes phone and internet services through carrier fees is constitutional. Here’s a look at what’s still to come.
What is 'Alligator Alcatraz'?
A new migrant detention facility officials are calling "Alligator Alcatraz" is slated to open in Florida's Everglades next month, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The federal government on June 23 approved a proposal to open a 5,000-bed detention facility on 39-square miles of land in the Everglades, Uthmeier said in an interview posted on X. Uthmeier said he believes the facility will house both detained migrants from Florida as well as from other states around the country. Meanwhile, local advocates are calling out concerns about potential impact on the surrounding environment and community.
Today's talkers
- Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez reportedly had to move their wedding venue amid ongoing protests.
- Joe Rogan raves about testosterone supplements. But do they reduce sperm count?
- Taylor Swift hilariously photo-bombed Travis Kelce at the Tight End University party.
- Soccer in Atlanta: Here's how to buy PSG vs. Inter Miami CF FIFA Club World Cup tickets.
- Read how this author writes bad guys.
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are getting a 400% pay raise
This year, the world-famous Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are seeing additional pay coming their way — to the tune of a 400% raise. It's been a long battle for raises from cheerleaders, some of whom make only $15, who have cited concerns dealing with financial stress in recent years. Veterans and rookies are on different pay scales, with the former earning more money with more experience. The El Paso Times, part of the Paste BN Network, noted that "a veteran will see her pay increase from a reported $15 per hour to $60 per hour, and there will be many appearances by the team outside of game days." Even though they received an increase in compensation, the group still does not receive health insurance from the team.
Photo of the day: Cool off, Cincinnati!
Facing the high-octane New York Yankees, Cincinnati sealed victory in sweltering heat Tuesday night with a 5-4 Reds win in 11 innings. Reds top prospect Chase Burns made big-league history and struck out the first five batters he faced (including Aaron Judge). Here is the full Major League Baseball schedule for Wednesday and how to watch.
Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at Paste BN, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.