Zohran Mamdani Just Crashed the Party

What's Happening

Politics

Zohran Mamdani Just Crashed the Party

What's going on: If you’ve seen this photo of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) looking bedraggled while clutching a Saratoga Spring Water bottle, you probably know why: He just conceded New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary to Zohran Mamdani — a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman with endorsements from AOC and Emily Ratajkowski. Mamdani’s campaign energized many (particularly the young and very online) with a platform focused on affordability — including rent freezes, free buses, no-cost childcare, and city-run grocery stores. Critics called his proposals unrealistic. Meanwhile, the business sector wasn’t thrilled with the outcome of the race — nor were many in the Jewish community, particularly after Mamdani declined to denounce the phrase “Globalize the intifada.” As for Cuomo, he might not be out of the general election just yet.

What it means: Some analysts say the race was more than a rebuke of Cuomo — a 67-year-old establishment candidate who’s been accused of multiple instances of sexual harassment (he’s denied wrongdoing). They see it as a signal: Democratic voters are increasingly turning away from the old guard in favor of younger, more progressive politicians. Mamdani’s buzzy campaign has many wondering if his playbook could work for Democrats more broadly (assuming someone shows the DNC how to use a ring light). Others argue the party has never fully embraced candidates that far left (see: Bernie Sanders), and that it would be better off courting more centrist and independent voters. Whatever takeaway Democrats choose (which may hinge on whether Mamdani wins the general), one thing’s for sure — his name recognition is no longer at 1%. 

Related: Who’s Rama Duwaji? The Animator and Illustrator Who Met Mamdani on Hinge (AP) 

International

NATO Rolled Out the Red Carpet for "Daddy" 

What's going on: Everyone knows being a suck-up can work — depending on who you’re dealing with. And it seems NATO’s chief is putting that theory to the test with President Donald Trump. Since the annual summit kicked off, the military alliance’s Secretary General Mark Rutte has raised eyebrows for how he’s referred to Trump. After the president’s outburst at Israel and Iran for continuing strikes despite a ceasefire, Rutte offered this gem: “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.” (Who do you think texted Alex Cooper first?) He’s also called Trump “Mr. President” and “dear Donald.” Flattery will get you everywhere… right? But let’s go ahead and retire the phrase “daddy” when we’re talking about world leaders.

What it means: Some experts say Rutte’s charm offensive is all about keeping Trump on NATO’s good side. And honestly, the alliance has reason to be nervous. The president’s long accused other countries of freeloading off US defense spending and insists NATO relies more on America than the other way around. He’s also signaled he might not honor the alliance’s core principle: If one member is attacked, everyone steps in. So what’s NATO to do — especially during a time of uncertainty in the Middle East and rising threats from Russia and China? So far, all members (except one in particular) have agreed to boost defense spending, pledging a larger slice of their GDP — basically bowing to Trump’s demand. Whether that’s enough to earn his support? Still anyone’s guess.

Related: Trump Says US and Iran Will Hold Meeting Next Week (Axios)

Culture

Venice Braces for Impact

What's going on: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez touched down in Venice yesterday ahead of what might be the most extravagant wedding the Floating City has ever seen. After a helicopter ride to his support yacht (yes, that’s a thing) — and a foam party (for billionaires who apparently miss Ibiza 2006) — the couple kicked off a multi-day celebration described as fit for royalty (though the look of the invitation might say otherwise). The guest list includes Kim Kardashian, Mick Jagger, Leonardo DiCaprio, and multiple Trumps. According to the BBC, five luxury hotels are booked solid. The local airport is bracing for a logjam of private planes. And security? That’s apparently in the hands of ex-US Marines. Protesters have plastered the city with “No Space for Bezos” posters, and Greenpeace activists unfurled a massive banner that read: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more taxes.”

What it means: As The New York Times put it, this glittering billionaire bash feels like a final insult to a city already hollowed out by cruise ships, Airbnbs, and a steady stream of souvenir-buying day-trippers. The weekend has become a flashpoint for European frustration with billionaire excess, overtourism, and the disconnect between American-style spectacle and cities literally sinking under the weight of it. Activists say the ultra-rich treat cultural heritage sites like playgrounds, and Venice like an Instagrammable prop. The couple donated €1 million to help protect the city’s lagoon, but to many, that’s a rounding error, not reparations. Oh, and in lieu of gifts, they’re requesting donations toward Venice preservation efforts. Love may be in the air — but so is everything that makes locals want to throw themselves into the canal.

Related: Inside the Bidding War for Princess Diana’s Things (NYT Gift Link)

Settle This

One game show contestant won it all after correctly answering a question… that was about her great-great-great aunt. Some are calling foul, but which show had this plot twist?

Extra Credit

Eat

Apologies to strawberry shortcake, but there is a time and place for a baking project — and, if we’re being honest, rarely is it the case. Perhaps that explains why we’re evangelists of Bake With Zoha’s Easy Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake. Perfect for peak strawberry season, the fixation-worthy recipe is exceptionally simple to make (there’s no roasting, layering, or fancy stand mixer required), and the delightfully light and fluffy cake tastes like actual strawberries (a surprisingly tricky feat). Top it with tangy cream-cheese frosting and fresh strawberry slices, then eat it barefoot on a porch — or anywhere, really — for maximum enjoyment.

Game Time

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.