NPR News: 06-24-2026 3PM EDT

Nora Raum· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rom. Primary night in New York marked the first major test for Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Democratic socialism. It was widely successful. As NPR's Elena Moore reports, all three of Mamdani's endorsed candidates for Congress won their matchups.

Speaker 20:19

Mamdani broke with Democratic leaders in three key House races, throwing support behind leftist candidates who openly criticize Israel and push for liberal economic policies. And in the end, two of those challengers ousted sitting incumbents. Strategist and mayoral advisor Morris Katz says it's a move that shows the mayor's goal of rejecting establishment politics.

Morris Katz· Soundbite0:39

Very often, politicians who have the power and the popularity that the mayor does right now are far more concerned with protecting it than using it. His decision to use it not just paid off last night, but is part of the reason people love him.

Speaker 20:53

These districts heavily favor Democrats, meaning Mamdani's endorsed candidates are expected to win their general election matchups in the fall. Elena Moore, NPR News.

Nora Raum· Host1:02

A day after the Senate passed a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military action against Iran, the Pentagon is asking Congress for another eighty billion dollars to pay for operations in the region. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports.

Quil Lawrence1:17

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is lobbying senators to provide eighty billion dollars, mostly to pay for months of war and the thousands of cruise missiles, drones, and interceptors expanded after the US and Israel launched