Extra, Extra
New York’s State of Mind: “The national Democratic establishment on Tuesday night struggled to absorb the startling ascent of a democratic socialist in New York City who embraced a progressive economic agenda and diverged from the party’s dominant position on the Middle East.” NYT (Gift Article) on Zohran Mamdani’s big win in the NYC Mayoral primary. A New Political Star Emerges Out of a Fractured Democratic Party. This is as much a story about the establishment dems who poured money and endorsements on a deeply flawed, scandal ridden retread like Andrew Cuomo. OK, they didn’t want Mamdani. But Cuomo was the best they could do? Doesn’t bode well for the old guard.
+ Daddy’s War Bucks: “NATO allies promised to raise defense related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. For more than a decade that target was just 2%. Most European leaders were keen to avoid a rift with the US president – who in the past has raised doubts about America’s commitment to Nato allies.” Mark Rutte NATO’s secretary-general chimed in on Trump’s use of the F word earlier in the week. “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.” (This daddy just threw up in mouth a little.)
+ Fact(ory) Check: “The country is flooded with college graduates who can’t find jobs that match their education … and there are not enough skilled blue-collar workers to fill the positions that currently exist, let alone the jobs that will be created if more factories are built in the United States.” Why Factories Are Having Trouble Filling Nearly 400,000 Open Jobs.
+ Let Freedom Drain: “They are told that academic freedom still exists, but that their institutions are following directives from Hegseth that, at least on their face, seem aimed at ending academic freedom.” Tom Nichols in The Atlantic (Gift Article): A Military Ethics Professor Resigns in Protest.
+ June’s Hot August Nights: I am writing from the one sliver of America where it’s currently sweatshirt weather, so I’m no expert. But if you have an inkling that it’s too f—ing early to be this f—ing hot, you’re probably right. WaPo: June is the new July: Why intense summer heat is arriving earlier.
+ Balls Out: Wired: ‘Big Balls’ No Longer Works for the US Government.
+ Other Balls Out: “Chris Robinson has suffered an ‘equipment failure’ as he left it all out there on his way to win the 400m hurdles at the Golden Spike meet on Wednesday morning.” World champion’s wardrobe malfunction is stuff of nightmares. (He still won.) Defector probably has a more clear headline: Hurdler Wins 400-Meter Race Despite His Dick And Balls Falling Out Several Times.
