Ernst doubles down on Medicaid comment with sarcastic video ‘apology’

New Yorkers are sweating it out—literally—as they vote in the city’s mayoral primary today. With temperatures soaring, voters are choosing the Democratic nominee for November’s general election. NBC’s Vaughn Hillyard breaks down the key candidates and explains how ranked-choice voting (a system where voters pick their top five candidates in order) could shake up the race.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another election—it’s a test of how NYC handles ranked-choice voting for the first time in a mayoral race, which could lead to surprises (and maybe some drama) when results roll in. Plus, the heat adds a layer of real-world struggle to the process, reminding us how everyday challenges intersect with democracy. Whoever wins will shape the city’s recovery from the pandemic, so even if you’re not a New Yorker, it’s a glimpse into how big cities are navigating post-crisis leadership.

Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama aide, didn’t hold back in criticizing the Democratic establishment’s lingering support for ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. On his podcast, Pfeiffer called it "insane" to consider Cuomo—embroiled in scandals—a better choice than a democratic socialist, especially as NYC’s mayoral race heats up. He slammed the party’s backing of Cuomo as "unforgivable," hinting at deeper rifts within the Democrats over progressive vs. establishment loyalties.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Cuomo—it’s a snapshot of the Democratic Party’s internal tug-of-war. Pfeiffer’s blunt take reflects growing frustration among progressives with the old guard clinging to scandal-tainted figures instead of embracing newer, left-leaning voices. For voters, it’s a reminder that the party’s unity is still messy, and these clashes could shape everything from local races to the 2024 landscape.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran seems to be holding—for now—after a chaotic day that saw former US President Donald Trump erupt in anger over initial violations. At one point, Trump even called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, demanding he dial back an airstrike. It’s a tense situation, but for the moment, both sides are stepping back from the brink.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another ceasefire update—it’s a glimpse into how volatile the Israel-Iran standoff really is, especially with outside figures like Trump still wielding influence. If a single phone call can shift military actions, it shows how precarious the peace is and why the world should be paying attention. One wrong move could reignite the whole conflict.

Hundreds of international doctors set to begin medical residencies at U.S. hospitals are stuck in bureaucratic limbo, waiting for their visas just days before their start dates. These physicians, many of whom are filling critical gaps in the healthcare system, face uncertainty and potential delays in their careers—and for hospitals, it’s a staffing headache at the worst possible time.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about real people and real consequences. These doctors are often tapped to work in underserved areas or high-demand specialties, so delays could strain hospitals already struggling with shortages. Plus, it’s a frustrating reminder of how visa backlogs can disrupt lives and essential services. For anyone who’s dealt with immigration red tape, this story hits close to home.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) just called out Boeing for cutting corners on safety, blaming the company’s weak oversight and reliance on untrained workers for that terrifying midair door plug blowout earlier this year. Basically, investigators say Boeing skipped basic checks that could’ve prevented the incident.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one faulty door—it’s another red flag about Boeing’s safety culture after years of scrutiny. For travelers, it raises fresh doubts about whether the company (and regulators) are doing enough to prevent disasters. For Boeing, it’s more reputational damage they can’t afford.