A Political Shock in New York, and Democrats Demand Details on Iran Strike

Summary

The Headlines: Episode Summary Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Will Jarvis
Produced by: The New York Times

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1. Historic Democratic Primary Victory in New York City

Key Highlights:

• Breakthrough Win: Zoran Mamdani, a 33-year-old progressive state lawmaker and Democratic socialist, achieved a landmark victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
• Political Upset: Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, previously considered the frontrunner, conceded the election, marking what a Democratic strategist described as "the biggest political upset in modern New York City history."
• Campaign Focus: Mamdani concentrated on affordability, advocating for ideas like free buses, rent freezes, and city-owned grocery stores, positioning himself as a new face for the Democratic Party.

Notable Quotes:

• Zoran Mamdani (00:31): "We have won from Jackson Heights to Port Richmond, we have won from Maspeth to Chinatown." (00:51)
• Emma Fitzsimmons, City Hall Bureau Chief (01:29): "He just kept hammering home these ideas and he ran this upbeat campaign. He had a lot of energy and charisma and he really attacked Andrew Cuomo as part of the politics of the past." (01:59)
• Political Analyst (02:35): "New York City's current mayor, Eric Adams, is running as an independent and Cuomo has not ruled out doing the same." (02:45)

Implications:

• Future Elections: If Mamdani's lead holds, he is likely to be the frontrunner in the general election scheduled for November, although the race remains tight.
• Party Dynamics: This victory showcases a significant shift towards the left wing of the Democratic Party amidst rising voter discontent nationwide.

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2. Controversial US Strikes on Iran and Political Fallout

Key Highlights:

• Pentagon Report Leak: A preliminary Pentagon assessment indicates that President Trump's recent US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were less effective than claimed, causing only moderate to severe damage rather than complete destruction.
• Defense of Actions: The White House has defended the strikes, asserting success and praising the fighter pilots involved.
• Congressional Backlash: Democratic lawmakers express outrage over the postponement of a classified briefing regarding the strikes, citing potential violations of the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump (Referenced) (02:56): Claimed that American forces had "obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities using... bunker buster bombs and missiles launched from a submarine."
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (04:25): "We have an administration that won't come forward and talk truthfully and honestly about matters of national security and potentially taking us into another war in the Middle East." (04:19)

Implications:

• National Security Concerns: Lawmakers demand transparency and adherence to legal obligations, questioning the justification and efficacy of the strikes.
• Political Tensions: The situation exacerbates existing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, raising fears of further conflict in the Middle East.

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3. NATO Meeting and President Trump's Participation

Key Highlights:

• NATO Summit Dynamics: Dutch Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomes President Trump to the NATO annual meeting, striving to reassure the alliance of America's commitment despite Trump's previous doubts.
• Military Spending Debate: Trump continues to press for NATO members to increase their military spending to 5% of their GDP, up from the current 2%, a demand met with mixed responses.
• Shift in Focus: The summit is expected to minimize discussions on the war in Ukraine to prevent tensions with Trump, who has expressed skepticism about ongoing support for Ukraine.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Cuomo (05:27): "Trump would not have been elected president of the United States, do you really think that it would be doable to reach this commitment of 5%?" (05:17)
• Political Analyst (05:48): "Mark Rutte... has been trying to get member countries on board with Trump's long-standing demand." (05:43)

Implications:

• Transatlantic Relations: Efforts by NATO leaders to maintain unity amidst Trump's contentious stance highlight the delicate balance of international alliances.
• Defense Funding Challenges: The push for increased military spending remains a divisive issue, potentially impacting NATO's collective defense capabilities.

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4. FICO's New Credit Scoring Metric Incorporates "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) Data

Key Highlights:

• Credit Score Evolution: FICO is set to include payment history from BNPL plans into its credit scores, a first for the major credit scoring agencies.
• Impact on Consumers: This change affects millions of Americans, as BNPL usage has surged from $2 billion in 2019 to over $100 billion by 2023.
• Financial Implications: While responsible use of BNPL can positively influence credit scores, failure to repay may harm consumers' creditworthiness.

Notable Quotes:

• Political Analyst (06:06): "The new calculations could hurt people who don't pay off their debt, but it would also give people who use the loans responsibly a way to boost their credit score." (07:01)

Implications:

• Consumer Behavior: The integration of BNPL data encourages responsible borrowing but also poses risks for those who may overextend financially.
• Credit Accessibility: Enhanced credit profiles for diligent borrowers could lead to better loan terms and financial opportunities.

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5. The New York Times’ "100 Best Films of the 21st Century" Poll

Key Highlights:

• Poll Results: The Times conducted a poll among over 500 filmmakers, stars, and Hollywood insiders to compile the list of the best films of the 21st century.
• Sequential Release: Starting with number 100, the list will be unveiled in groups of 20 films each day, culminating on Friday with the top picks.
• Initial Picks: The first set includes diverse selections such as "Superbad" (2007), "Gladiator," "Inside Llewyn Davis," "Fences," and "Oldboy."

Notable Quotes:

• Julianne Moore (07:53): "What kind of a stupid name is that? Fogle, what are you trying to be, an Irish RB singer?" (08:11) referring humorously to "Superbad."
• John Turturro (08:26): Praises "Oldboy" by saying, "It's romantic, it's disgusting, it's fun, it just grabs you." (08:30)

Implications:

• Cultural Reflection: The list offers a snapshot of influential and critically acclaimed films shaping contemporary cinema.
• Audience Engagement: By inviting listeners to submit their favorites, the Times fosters community participation and diverse perspectives in the cinematic discourse.

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6. Upcoming Topics Teaser

• Ceasefire Details: The next episode will delve into the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which appears stable one day after its announcement.
  Available on the New York Times Audio app and other podcast platforms.

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Conclusion:
Today's episode of The Headlines covered a range of significant topics, from a groundbreaking political victory in New York City to contentious international military actions and evolving financial credit systems. Additionally, the episode highlighted cultural discussions surrounding cinema. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed by accessing the New York Times Audio app for comprehensive news coverage.

Transcript

[MultiCare Representative]

For 140 years, MultiCare has been in Washington prioritizing long term solutions, partnering with local communities and expanding access to care. Together, we're building a healthier future. Learn [e-mail].

[Will Jarvis]

From the New York Times, it's the headlines. I'm Will Jarvis in for Tracy Mumford. Today's Wednesday, June 25th. Here's what we're covering.

[Zoran Mamdani]

Thank you my friends. Tonight we made history in New York City.

[Will Jarvis]

Zoran Mamdani, a 33 year old progressive state lawmaker, stunned the political establishment as he declared victory in the Democratic primary for mayor.

[Zoran Mamdani]

We have won from Jackson Heights to Port Richmond, we have won from Maspeth to Chinatown.

[Will Jarvis]

The final results are not in. But Mamdani's commanding lead dealt a definitive.

[Political Analyst]

Blow to the apparent frontrunner in the.

[Will Jarvis]

Race, former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

[Andrew Cuomo]

I called him, I congratulated him, I applaud him sincerely for his effort.

[Will Jarvis]

And Cuomo conceded the election overnight in what one Democratic strategist called the biggest political upset in modern New York City history. The race captured national attention. Mamdani is a Democratic socialist and his.

[Political Analyst]

Apparent victory came as Democrats around the country tried to fend off rising discontent from voters.

[Emma Fitzsimmons]

Most New Yorkers did not know Zoran Mamdani's name. Six months ago he was a little known state assembly member from Queens, but he focused on this message of affordability.

[Will Jarvis]

Emma Fitzsimmons is the City hall bureau chief for the Times. She says Tuesday's election was a battle.

[Political Analyst]

Between the Democratic Party's more traditional moderates.

[Will Jarvis]

Represented by Cuomo, and its left wing, which Mamdani championed.

[Emma Fitzsimmons]

He talked constantly about his proposals to make the city more affordable, free buses, rent freezes, city owned grocery stores. He just kept hammering home these ideas and he ran this upbeat campaign. He had a lot of energy and charisma and he really attacked Andrew Cuomo as part of the politics of the past. And he was sort of this happy warrior who would be the first Muslim mayor, but also made an argument for why he was the future of the Democratic Party.

[Will Jarvis]

The final results aren't expected until next.

[Political Analyst]

Tuesday when all the ranked choice votes are counted.

[Will Jarvis]

If Mamdani does officially win, he'll likely be the frontrunner for the general election in November. But it could be a tight race.

[Political Analyst]

New York City's current mayor, Eric Adams, is running as an independent and Cuomo.

[Will Jarvis]

Has not ruled out doing the same.

[Political Analyst]

The Times has learned that a preliminary.

[Will Jarvis]

Classified report from the Pentagon suggests President Trump overstated the success of the recent US Attacks on Iran over the weekend, the president claimed that American forces had, quote, obliterated Iran's nuclear facilities using so.

[Political Analyst]

Called bunker buster bombs and missiles launched from a submarine. But the early assessment from the Defense.

[Will Jarvis]

Intelligence Agency says that while the strikes caused moderate to severe damage, they didn't.

[Political Analyst]

Fully destroy the underground facilities they targeted.

[Will Jarvis]

Military experts have said it could take days or even weeks of repeated bombing to take out one of the facilities.

[Political Analyst]

Which was buried hundreds of feet under a mountain.

[Will Jarvis]

The report also says that before the strikes, Iran had been able to move.

[Political Analyst]

Much of its enriched uranium to other locations.

[Will Jarvis]

Overall, the analysis estimates that Iran's nuclear.

[Political Analyst]

Program was set back by less than six months.

[Will Jarvis]

Since he announced the COVID strikes, President.

[Political Analyst]

Trump has repeatedly complained to his advisers.

[Will Jarvis]

About news reports questioning how much damage was done.

[Political Analyst]

And the White House press secretary said.

[Will Jarvis]

The leaking of this alleged assessment is.

[Political Analyst]

A clear attempt to demean President Trump.

[Will Jarvis]

And discredit the brave fighter pilots who conducted a perfectly executed mission. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, why is the Trump administration playing political games on questions.

[Zoran Mamdani]

Of war and peace?

[Will Jarvis]

Outrage is growing among Democratic lawmakers after the White House postponed a classified briefing about the strikes.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

We have an administration that won't come forward and talk truthfully and honestly about matters of national security and potentially taking us into another war in the Middle East.

[Will Jarvis]

House and Senate lawmakers had been told they would be briefed yesterday by the CIA director and other officials about the aftermath of the attack. Those meetings have been pushed off until tomorrow and Friday, and Democratic leaders say.

[Political Analyst]

The administration is failing to meet its legal obligations. Under the War powers Resolution of 1973.

[Will Jarvis]

The President is required to notify Congress.

[Political Analyst]

Within 48 hours of any military action and provide a classified briefing. They've also questioned the president's justification for.

[Will Jarvis]

The strikes, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries saying he's seen no evidence the strikes were justified or that there was.

[Political Analyst]

Any imminent threat to the United States. This morning in the Netherlands, listen, if.

[Andrew Cuomo]

Trump would not have been elected president of the United States, do you really think that it would be doable to reach this commitment of 5%?

[Will Jarvis]

Today, the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, is welcoming President Trump to the group's annual meeting. He's been working to appease the American.

[Political Analyst]

Leader, who has long ceded doubt about his commitment to the transatlantic military alliance.

[Will Jarvis]

Ahead of the summit, Rutte sent Trump a series of fawning text messages praising his leadership that Trump then shared on social media. And the NATO leader has been trying.

[Political Analyst]

To get member countries on board with Trump's long standing demand that they raise military spending to 5% of their GDP, up from 2%.

[Will Jarvis]

Ruta suggested that could happen soon. Notably, discussions of the war in Ukraine, which have dominated other NATO summits, are expected to be sidelined in an effort to avoid any tensions with Trump, who.

[Political Analyst]

Has questioned America's support for the country. Trump is attending meetings this morning, followed.

[Will Jarvis]

By a press conference before flying back to Washington. He's expected to spend a total of.

[Political Analyst]

Less than 24 hours on the ground.

[Emma Fitzsimmons]

Foreign.

[Will Jarvis]

Be aware on Tuesday, FICO, one.

[Political Analyst]

Of the leading credit score companies in.

[Will Jarvis]

The US announced it's going to start.

[Political Analyst]

Incorporating a new metric into its scores.

[Will Jarvis]

Payment history from when consumers sign up for Buy Now Pay later plans, which currently don't show up on credit reports.

[Political Analyst]

The move could eventually affect millions of.

[Will Jarvis]

Americans, since FICO's scores are used by 90% of lenders in the U.S. and.

[Political Analyst]

It comes as Buy Now Pay later has become an increasingly popular way to.

[Will Jarvis]

Shop, not just for big ticket items like couches or TVs, but for everyday expenses like groceries and household utilities. In 2019, Americans purchased about $2 billion.

[Political Analyst]

In goods and services using pay later loans.

[Will Jarvis]

By 2023, that number shot up to over $100 billion. One financial analyst told the Times that while the new calculations could hurt people who don't pay off their debt, it would also give people who use the loans responsibly a way to boost their credit score. And finally this week, the Times is.

[Political Analyst]

Wading into a dangerously controversial debate. What are the 100 best films of the 21st century?

[Julianne Moore]

Okay, so what's it going to be?

[Will Jarvis]

My colleagues have compiled that list by.

[Political Analyst]

Polling more than 500 filmmakers, stars and other Hollywood insiders.

[Will Jarvis]

This week, they're unveiling 20 films each day, starting at number 100, the 2007 comedy Superbad.

[Zoran Mamdani]

I am McLovin.

[Julianne Moore]

What kind of a stupid name is that? Fogle, what are you trying to be, an Irish RB singer?

[Will Jarvis]

That movie was picked by Oscar winner.

[Political Analyst]

Julianne Moore, among others.

[Will Jarvis]

Directors Pedro Omodovar, Sofia Coppola and Barry Jenkins also weighed in, as well as actors like Brian Cox and John Turturro.

[Zoran Mamdani]

Are you not a deterrent? Are you not entertained?

[Will Jarvis]

The first 60 films have included everything from Gladiator to Inside Llewyn Davis, Francis Ha and the South Korean crime thriller Oldboy. In his ballot, Turturro praised that film, saying, quote, it's romantic, it's disgusting, it's.

[Political Analyst]

Fun, it's it just grabs you.

[Will Jarvis]

Of course, this is all incredibly subjective.

[Political Analyst]

Still no mention of Paddington 2, I see.

[Will Jarvis]

So if you take issue with the official list. You can submit your own [e-mail] the final 20 films, including the number one pick, will be released on Friday. Those are the headlines today on the daily details about the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which appears to be holding up one day after being announced. That's next in the New York Times audio app or listen wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Will Jarvis. We'll be back tomorrow.