(New York, NY) – This Sunday, all eyes were on the Middle East as world leaders push for peace in the region. President Donald Trump announced a successful military operation against several of Iran’s nuclear sites. The competitive Democratic mayoral primary is nearing a close as early voting ends in the city and come Primary Day on Tuesday, temperatures will reach triple digits. To hear our full coverage on the news hour weekend edition, you can download the show as a podcast and listen anytime.
US Strikes Iran
On Saturday night, President Donald Trump addressed the nation to claim victory over Iran’s nuclear program. The administration has continually said that it does not want to see Iran expand or further develop their nuclear capabilities. Three different nuclear sites in Iran were destroyed according to Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Dan Caine. The sites were targeted with what’s known as “bunker-buster” bombs that are able to go deep underground. The reaction in Washington is largely split along party lines with the GOP backing the move and Democrats condemning the strikes. Meanwhile Iran’s foreign ministry said the United States has started a dangerous war and will face repercussions. The White House warned against retaliation and said there was no further military action planned.
Early Voting Ends
This Sunday marks the end of early voting, which has seen a major uptick in voters hitting the polls ahead of the actual primary day. There are several competitive local races on the ballot this year, between city council seats, Manhattan borough president race, and the city comptroller race. However most of the conversation has been around who will be one step closer to moving in to Gracie Mansion. The Democratic mayoral primary is a competitive field with some big names in city politics like City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, current comptroller Brad Lander and former comptroller Scott Stringer. The consistent leader in the polls has been former Governor Andrew Cuomo with Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani gaining momentum in second. The city will use rank choice voting. So far, more than 300,000 New Yorkers have cast their ballots, doubling the numbers from the 2021 race.
Heat Wave Kicks off Summer
The Summer solstice did not waste any time bringing the heat. An excessive heat warning is in effect over the tristate area, with the National Weather Service putting out an advisory through Wednesday. It is officially a heat wave once the temperature exceeds 90 degrees for three days straight. We are actually getting a bit more than 3 days with the sweltering heat that started in the weekend carrying over through Thursday. The last time the city hit a triple digit forecast – like it’s expected to on Tuesday – was over a decade ago on July 18, 2012. This will also break records for the earliest day on the calendar that the mercury levels hit the 100 mark. Officials are urging people to either stay at home if they have air conditioning or find their nearest cooling centers. In the city you can call 311 or find the closest location online. If you find yourself outside, you can also check out Cool It! NYC for the nearest spray shower or shady area.
