How a 33-year-old progressive pulled off a huge political victory in New York

Summary

Apple News Today: Detailed Summary of "How a 33-Year-Old Progressive Pulled Off a Huge Political Victory in New York"

Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu

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1. Political Turmoil: US-Iran Conflict Escalates

Shemitah Basu opens the episode by discussing a sudden and intense escalation in the US-Iran conflict that unfolded over a mere 72 hours:

• Rapid Developments: Initially, the White House anticipated a two-week deliberation before President Trump would decide on supporting Israel's military actions against Iran. However, events accelerated swiftly.

• Military Actions: By Sunday, the US had launched bombings against Iran, which retaliated by attacking US military bases. President Trump declared Iran's nuclear weapons program destroyed, contradicting his Director of National Intelligence's assessment that Iran was not currently developing nuclear weapons.

• Ceasefire Chaos: On Monday, amidst growing concerns from lawmakers about further escalation, a sudden ceasefire was announced, surprising many in Washington. Nevertheless, President Trump expressed frustration the following day, as bombings appeared to continue despite the ceasefire.

  Trump (02:11): "I think the really interesting in the wake of this ceasefire has been how quickly he's looking to move on from it. He's, you know, at the NATO summit talking about how NATO's going to be increasing their defense spending."

• Leadership Shock: Key officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, were reportedly caught off guard by the ceasefire. Vance was preparing for a live appearance on Fox News when the announcement was made.

• Assessment of Nuclear Damage: Recent reports suggest that Iran's nuclear program has only been set back by a few months, contrary to Trump's claims of complete destruction. The UN nuclear watchdog highlights significant damage but calls for Iranian cooperation to verify the extent.

  Shemitah Basu (04:17): "This is an early incomplete report and Reuters does say it has a lot of caveats with a more refined assessment coming."

2. Historic Victory in New York City Mayoral Primary

The episode highlights a landmark political shift in New York City with the unlikely emergence of Zahran Mamdani:

• Zahran Mamdani's Rise: At 33 years old, Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and state assembly member, secured a decisive lead in the Democratic primary for NYC mayor, unseating long-time political figure Andrew Cuomo.

  Zahran Mamdani (05:33): "The words of Nelson Mandela, it always seems impossible until it is done, my friends, we have done it. I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City."

• Campaign Strategy: Mamdani's campaign was propelled by a robust social media presence, engaging nearly a million Instagram followers. His platform resonated with young voters through promises such as:

  • Raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030.
  • Making city buses fare-free.
  • Providing public childcare for children under six.
  • Establishing city-owned grocery stores offering wholesale prices.

• Endorsements and Support: His candidacy received significant backing from prominent Democratic socialists like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.

  Andrew Cuomo (05:54): "Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani's night and he put together a great campaign and he touched young people and inspired them."

• Implications for the Democratic Party: Mamdani's success signals a potential shift towards more progressive policies within the Democratic Party, challenging the traditional establishment and setting a precedent for future left-leaning candidates.

• Historic Milestones: Should Mamdani win the general election, he would become NYC's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in a century.

3. Controversial Overhaul of the CDC's Vaccine Committee by RFK Jr.

Shemitah Basu delves into the contentious changes made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the CDC's vaccine advisory committee:

• Complete Replacement: Kennedy replaced all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) with eight new members, sparking widespread concern among public health experts.

  Unnamed Expert (10:18): "The people who had been let go had an average of, I believe, 49 papers apiece on vaccination issues that they had published. The new appointees had an average of 11 papers."

• Criticism from the Medical Community: The American Medical Association expressed apprehension about the transparency and qualifications of the new appointees. Notably, some replacements, like Vicki Pebsworth from the National Vaccine Information Center, are associated with anti-vaccine sentiments.

  Unnamed Expert (10:35): "There's a nurse named Vicki Pebsworth who was a board member of an organization called the National Vaccine Information center... She believes that her child was vaccine injured."

• Potential Impact on Public Health: The drastic change in committee composition could undermine vaccine confidence and accessibility. Experts warn of a fragmented public health approach, where inconsistent recommendations might confuse both providers and the public.

  Unnamed Expert (11:39): "Without an ACIP recommendation, it becomes hard for doctors to know who to give a particular vaccine to and insurers don't have to cover it."

• Political Ramifications: The move appeared to contravene prior assurances to Republican Senate leader Bill Cassidy, who advocated for delaying the committee's meeting due to concerns over the new members' expertise.

4. Legal Proceedings: Sean "Diddy" Combs' Sex Trafficking Case

The podcast touches upon the ongoing legal saga involving music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs:

• Case Progression: Prosecutors have rested their case without any witness testimonies from Combs' defense, potentially leading to an earlier verdict.

• Charges and Accusations: Combs faces serious allegations including sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Four women have accused him of sexual abuse.

  Shemitah Basu (12:09): "Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution."

• Courtroom Expectations: With closing arguments slated for Thursday and Combs choosing not to testify, the trial's outcome remains uncertain, with potential life imprisonment on the line if convicted.

5. Severe Heat Wave Sweeps the East and Midwest Coasts

Shemitah Basu reports on the intense heat wave affecting over 160 million people across the East Coast and Midwest:

• Record Temperatures: New York City's Central Park reached 99°F, while Boston Airport hit a record 100°F. New Jersey experienced extreme heat during an open-air graduation ceremony, leading to medical emergencies and event cancellations.

  Helen Branswell (13:13): "I had an asthma-like little asthma attack... They canceled it."

• Health Emergencies: Dozens suffered from heat-related illnesses, necessitating ambulance interventions and the early termination of public events to ensure safety.

• Ongoing Weather Forecast: Temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s and low 100s, with some areas potentially experiencing "feels like" temperatures up to 115°F. Health experts advise staying indoors, hydrating adequately, and minimizing exposure to the sun.

6. Athletic Feat: Faith Kipyegon's Sub-Four-Minute Mile Attempt

The episode concludes with an inspiring story of athlete Faith Kipyegon striving to break new ground in middle-distance running:

• Athletic Ambition: At 31 years old, and already a three-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the mile (previous best of 4:07.64), Kipyegon aims to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.

  Zahran Mamdani (07:09): "Every politician says New York is the greatest city on the globe, but what’s good is that if no one can afford to live here?"

• Scientific Support: Recent studies suggest that with the aid of a pacer, Kipyegon could achieve this monumental goal without additional physical strain.

  Shemitah Basu (14:15): "Best scientists recently published a paper arguing that with a pacer in the front... she could do it without exerting any more energy."

• Personal Reflections and Promotion: Sponsored by Nike, the event in Paris features motivational advertisements highlighting Kipyegon's journey and determination.

  Helen Branswell (14:25): "I remember running barefoot to school as a little girl dreaming of one day I will be Olympic champion."

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and quotes from the "Apple News Today" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.

Transcript

[Shemitah Basu]

Good morning. It's Wednesday, June 25th. I'm Shemitah Basu. This is Apple News today. On today's show, a political earthquake in New York as a 33 year old Democratic socialist wins the mayoral primary. What to know about RFK Jr. S new appointees to the CDC's vaccine committee. And one of the fastest women in the world is trying to get a little bit faster. But first, let's turn to what we know and don't know about a dizzying 72 hours in the White House situation room as officials assess the conflict between Israel and Iran. It was only June 19, that's last Thursday, that CBS was telling viewers to expect an extended period of deliberation within.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

The next two weeks. That's when the White House says President Trump will make a decision on whether the US should join Israel in in its military operations against Iran.

[Shemitah Basu]

But things moved a lot quicker by that Sunday. The US had bombed Iran, Iran had bombed US Military bases, and President Trump had declared Iran's nuclear weapons program destroyed, dismissing his own Director of National Intelligence who had said that US Intelligence shows Iran isn't currently building a nuclear weapon. Then on Monday, as lawmakers began raising concerns about escalation, a ceasefire was announced, shocking much of Washington. Hours later, on Tuesday morning, Trump delivered an outburst at the two countries he had just congratulated for ending their conflict as bombings seemingly continued.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

You know what we have, we basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the they're doing. You understand that?

[Shemitah Basu]

For now, it appears that the ceasefire is holding as the administration looks to declare a big win.

[Megan Messerly]

I think one of the most remarkable things has been sort of the discipline, if that's the right word, that this White House has really had in the decisions it's made over the last 48, 72 hours with regard to Iran.

[Shemitah Basu]

That's Megan Messerly, White House reporter at Politico.

[Megan Messerly]

This decision making has been, you know, kept to a relatively small group of people. President Trump himself was responsible for communicating directly with Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU, Vice President J.D. vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who were involved in communicating with the Iranians both directly and indirectly.

[Shemitah Basu]

It appears many of Trump's own officials were taken by surprise by the ceasefire announcement as four way talks between Iran, Israel, US And Qatar gathered pace following Iran's weekend strike south of doha. Vice President J.D. vance was about to go live on Fox News when the announcement was made after and while he said he had just come from ceasefire discussions. He appeared to be hearing about the deal in real time. Messerly notes that on Tuesday, the President seemed keen to change the subject with reporters.

[Megan Messerly]

I think the really interesting in the wake of this ceasefire has been how quickly he's looking to move on from it. He's, you know, at the NATO summit talking about how NATO's going to be increasing their defense spending. He really has moved on very quickly from this, which I think signals a desire to declare victory and move on in case the victory ends up not being quite as victorious in the end. As more details emerge about the extent of the US strike on Iranian nuclear.

[Shemitah Basu]

Facilities, and that question, the extent to which Iran's nuclear capabilities have been set back will be key. Yesterday, US officials reportedly familiar with a preliminary classified report, briefed its conclusions to CNN and subsequently the New York Times and Reuters, namely that Iran's nuclear program has been set back by just a few months. The report was prepared by an intelligence agency within the Department of Defense. Trump hit back on social media denouncing CNN and the conclusions, reiterating that Iran's nuclear sites were completely destroyed. His Middle east envoy, Steve Witkoff gave his reaction on Fox News last night.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Leaking that type of information. Whatever the information, whatever side it comes out on is outrageous. It's, it's treasonous.

[Shemitah Basu]

This is an early incomplete report and Reuters does say it has a lot of caveats with a more refined assessment coming. But it's a sign that there remains a lot of ambiguity as to the long term status of Iran's program. The UN nuclear watchdog says the damage looked very significant, but called for Iran's cooperation to allow an inspector to visit facilities to get a more complete picture. Iran's willingness to collaborate with inspectors on that front looks far from certain. So it may be some time before we have a definitive answer as to what really took place over the past two weeks. Now onto stunning election results from New York City, where Zahran Mamdani, a 33 year old democratic socialist lawmaker, appears set to win the Democratic primary for mayor. Once a virtually unknown state assembly member with little experience in governing, Mamdani is now favorite to take control of the country's largest and wealthiest metropolis. He addressed the city last night in.

[Zahran Mamdani]

The words of Nelson Mandela, it always seems impossible until it is done, my friends, we have done it. I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City.

[Shemitah Basu]

While votes aren't expected to be fully tallied until next week, the tone was set when his opponent, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who's been leading the polls for months, conceded at around 10.30pm calling Mamdani to congratulate him. Tonight was Assemblyman Madani's night and he put together a great campaign and he touched young people and inspired them and.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Moved them and got them to come out and vote.

[Shemitah Basu]

Politico describes this as a humiliating defeat for Cuomo, a fixture in New York politics who tried to resurrect his career four years after resigning in disgrace following sexual harassment allegations. And it's a seismic shift in what normally would have been a sleepy reelection for incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who has said that he'll run as an independent in November despite public backlash against corruption charges that were dismissed by the Trump administration last month. With two of the established city heavyweights carrying significant baggage came an opening for someone new to break through. Mamdani ran a campaign fueled by a strong social media presence, with nearly a million followers on Instagram and videos like this that were shared widely among an energized base.

[Zahran Mamdani]

Every politician says New York is the.

[Helen Branswell]

Greatest city on the globe, but what.

[Zahran Mamdani]

Good is that if no one can afford to live here? City hall is engulfed in corruption. The cost of living is the real crisis.

[Shemitah Basu]

He's advocated for raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030, making city buses fare free, providing public child care for children under the age of six, and creating city owned grocery stores that buy and sell at wholesale prices. And he has said that he would pay for these proposals by raising the corporate tax rate and raising taxes on wealthy New Yorkers, although such a tax hike would need the governor's approval, and Governor Kathy Hochul has already said she wouldn't support the move. Mamdani has received a lot of attention for his vocal criticism of Israel's war on Gaza. Here's how he answered that on Stephen Colbert's show earlier this week.

[Zahran Mamdani]

Like all nations, I believe it has a right to exist and a responsibility also to uphold international law.

[Shemitah Basu]

He got a boost of endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, fellow Democratic socialists with big national name recognition. Lamdani's win could chart a path for other left wing Democrats, perhaps to the dismay of other factions of the party as they vie to control its future. In many ways, the race in New York City mirrors the larger conversation happening in the Democratic Party as it searches for a message that resonates with voters after losing the White House. For Democrats in New York, at least, the answer appears to be a rejection of the party establishment and an embrace of Mamdani's platform. If Mamdani goes on to win the general election in November, he would be the city's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in a century.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Foreign.

[Shemitah Basu]

Let'S turn now to the administration's vaccine policy. Beginning today, the committee that makes vaccine recommendations to the CDC is scheduled to meet in Atlanta, Georgia. Normally, this meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or acip, would not be very noteworthy. But this marks the first time that the group has met since Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Replaced all 17 members of the committee earlier this month. That move prompted a lot of concern from public health experts, and it seemed to go against a promise Kennedy had made to Republican Senate health committee leader Bill Cassidy, who said he received assurances that the vaccine panel would remain unchanged. Yesterday, Cassidy called for a delay of today's meeting due to the lack of experience of Kennedy's replacements. The 17 experts fired by Kennedy were replaced with eight new members, including scientists and physicians. Several of the individuals selected gained prominence after criticizing the government's COVID 19 response. In a statement, the American Medical association expressed concern about the transparency of the selection and vetting process. Helen Branswell, a senior writer for stat, told us that the new appointees stand in stark contrast to those who previously served on the committee.

[Unnamed Expert]

The people who had been let go had an average of, I believe, 49 papers apiece on vaccination issues that they had published. The new appointees had an average of 11 papers.

[Shemitah Basu]

She told us about one of Kennedy's picks.

[Unnamed Expert]

There's a nurse named Vicki Pebsworth who was a board member of an organization called the National Vaccine Information center, which sounds benign but was actually an anti vax group. She believes that her child was vaccine injured.

[Shemitah Basu]

Six former CDC vaccine advisory chairs wrote an article this week for STAT warning that the debate over vaccines is no longer just about whether they're safe. Now, they argue, it's about looking for ways to make them inaccessible. They're concerned the escalating distrust of science will derail the delicate vaccine infrastructure that protects millions of Americans. The way Brancwell put it to us is, she says, we could soon be in a choose your own adventure phase of public health. There are still other reputable groups of medical professionals out there that will continue to recommend vaccines, but many people may feel unsure of where to look beyond the CDC for guidance, and recommendations from this committee can have big ramifications for providers and insurance companies down the line.

[Unnamed Expert]

Without an ACIP recommendation, it becomes hard for doctors to know who to give a particular vaccine to and insurers don't have to cover it. So there's a very real chance that new vaccines that are brought to this market may have much lower uptake.

[Shemitah Basu]

Before we let you go, a few other stories we're following. Prosecutors rested their case against Sean Diddy Combs on Tuesday and the defense offered no witnesses of its own. Meaning we may get a verdict earlier than expected. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. Four women accused Combs of sexual abuse. Three women took the stand to testify against him. And Combs himself will not take the stand. Closing arguments are expected on Thursday, and Combs faces life in prison if convicted. Now to the ongoing heat wave, where there are heat warnings for parts of the east coast and large parts of the Midwest impacting more than 160 million people. New York Central park hit 99 degrees on Monday afternoon. It was 100 degrees at Boston Airport, a record. In New Jersey, families sat in the heat at an open air graduation ceremony. Dozens were treated by ambulances for heat related sickness and parts of the event were cut short. CBS was there.

[Helen Branswell]

I had an asthma like a little asthma attack and everything they put me in, they gave me the breathing machine. They wanted to take me. I don't want to go because I don't want to miss my son's graduation. They didn't call nobody else's name. They canceled it.

[Shemitah Basu]

Oh, no.

[Helen Branswell]

All they did was say congratulations to everybody. East I didn't even finish going through.

[Shemitah Basu]

Temperatures are set to continue in the 90s and low 1/ hundreds today. For some areas it'll feel as high as 115 degrees. Experts advise people in affected areas to stay inside if they can drink a lot of water and keep the curtains closed. And finally this week, Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes. The 31 year old Kenyon is a three time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in the mile, having completed it in the past in 4 minutes and 7.64 seconds. On Thursday, she'll attempt it again in Paris in the first of a three day running event being sponsored by Nike, which has been promoting the event with a set of ads starring Kip Yegon.

[Helen Branswell]

I remember running barefoot to school as a little girl dreaming of one day I will be Olympic champion.

[Zahran Mamdani]

We've never seen anybody win three in a row.

[Helen Branswell]

Why don't we achieve the impossible.

[Shemitah Basu]

To shave off the eight seconds she needs from her record, Best scientists recently published a paper arguing that with a pacer in the front literally pushing air molecules out of the way and a pacer in the back, she could do it without exerting any more energy. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the news app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next. Popular Mechanics delves into the story of The World War II era German V2 rocket, considered the world's first ballistic missile, the efforts to stop it, and the unsung female analysts that played a role. If you're listening in the podcast app, follow Apple News plus Narrated to find that story. And I'll be back with the news tomorrow.

[Unnamed Co-Host]

Sam.