June 23, 2025

Good morning.

It was a monumental weekend for US-Middle East relations, and we unpack that below. But first, a few things to watch this week. The NATO summit starts Tuesday in the Netherlands against the backdrop of US strikes on Iran and Russia’s war in Ukraine. (It sounds like President Donald Trump wants one thing from the summit, and he’s likely to get it.) Back in the US, New York holds its Democratic mayoral primary, with implications far beyond the Empire State. And much of the country will face a multi-day heatwave. So, here’s how to stay safe outdoors — because as we saw over the weekend, even elite athletes aren’t immune. I’ll be avoiding my oven at all costs and making some of these no-cook recipes (on tonight’s menu: the cucumber-avocado salad, and fingers crossed my kids eat it). Now, let’s get to the news…

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

International

The US Hit Iran… Now What?

What's going on: The world is on edge after US forces struck three Iranian nuclear facilities in the dead of night on Saturday. The mission, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” was a coordinated strike by American B-2 bombers, submarine-launched missiles, and even some decoy planes. It lasted just 30 minutes. President Donald Trump said the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” including the heavily fortified site Fordo. But Pentagon officials said it’s too soon to know if Iran’s nuclear abilities are still intact. Iran brushed off claims of a major blow, per the BBC. (But there are satellite images of the strikes.) According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump hoped the sudden attack would catch Tehran off guard, but unnamed Israeli officials told The New York Times that it appears Iran moved uranium and equipment ahead of the attack. As for Tehran, it’s weighing its next moves, but an Iranian state media commentator said: “Every American citizen or military personnel in the region is now a target.”

What it means: The American attack marks a massive escalation in the fight between Israel and Iran. It’s the first time the US has directly struck Iranian territory — a red line past presidents have avoided since the Carter era. While the White House maintains the US hasn’t entered a war with Iran, Trump warned that more strikes could come and declared Iran “must make peace now.” Analysts, meanwhile, say the operation could motivate Iran to speed up its development of nuclear weapons. There are also concerns that the attack diminished any hope of diplomacy, despite Vice President JD Vance’s claims that the strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear arsenal, not the country itself. As some Republicans rally behind the president, others, along with Democrats, call Trump’s actions unconstitutional and say they risk dragging the US into a war it doesn't want.

Related: Iran Is Threatening To Block the Strait of Hormuz, Potentially Affecting Gas Prices (CBS)

Health

RFK Jr. Sets His Sights on Big Pharma

What's going on: You might not know it, but Big Pharma is shelling out big for TV ads. In 2024, drug companies collectively spent $5.15 billion to get in front of viewers’ eyeballs. Bloomberg reports that the Trump administration is weighing two policies that could shake up how drug companies reach consumers in the US — only one of two countries in the world that allow direct drug ads. One would force commercials to list every side effect — no more breezing through them at the very end (as if the announcer could talk any faster). The other would scrap the tax break that lets drugmakers write off ad costs. The policies are still in the works and come as the Trump admin tackles prescription drug prices.

What it means: Legal experts say drugmakers — who have plenty of cash — are likely to sue if the government clips their ad wings. It would be a major win for Kennedy, who often blasts Big Pharma and blames direct-to-consumer ads for America’s dependency on prescription drugs. Supporters say stricter rules could make safety info clearer and give cheaper generics a fighting chance. Analysts note that TV spots often push pricey brand-name drugs when cheaper options exist. But it’s not just Big Pharma pushing back — major networks aren’t thrilled either. They’ve long relied on pharma ad money to keep the lights on. 

Related: RFK Jr. Fired the Vaccine Advisory Panel. People Are Forming Their Own (NBC)

US News

Tesla Rolls Out Robotaxis… with Training Wheels 

What's going on: Tesla’s robotaxis have finally hit the road in Austin — years after Elon Musk first promised fully autonomous vehicles. Sunday’s invite-only pilot launched with just 10 to 20 Model Ys, chauffeuring a handpicked group of Tesla influencers. Each ride included a Tesla employee sitting shotgun (less robot fun and more driver’s license test proctor energy). Tesla says the move is for safety, which seems wise given its autopilot crash safety record. During the demo, the robotaxis avoided bad weather and tricky intersections, making the rollout seem more like a tightly controlled preview than a real debut. Still, Tesla claims 1,000 robotaxis will cruise Austin “within a few months” — if the timeline sticks, of course.

What it means: This launch isn’t just about tech — it’s about rebuilding trust. Tesla’s stock has plummeted this year, SpaceX’s latest rocket exploded (yes, another), and some Tesla owners have resorted to apology bumper stickers. But after a 2023 fatal crash forced GM to shut down their robotaxi, regulators are taking a harder look at the industry across the board. Texas passed a new autonomous-vehicle law just two days before the rollout — it takes effect in September, though lawmakers still urged Tesla to delay their launch. And with Waymo, Zoox, and Volkswagen already operating in Austin, Tesla may be late to the party — but Musk’s still hoping the brand can steer itself back into good favor and open a new revenue stream.

Related: Can Electric Vehicles Make People More Carsick? (The Guardian)

Settle This

Which major grocery store announced that it's shutting down dozens of locations across the country?

Extra Credit

Watch

You know the name. You know the voice. Now learn more about the woman behind the trailblazing legacy. In Tell Me Everything, Emmy-winning filmmaker Jackie Jesko traces the life and game-changing career of Barbara Walters — the woman who turned interviews into must-watch TV. The “raw” and “deeply personal” feature-length Hulu documentary dives into Walters’s history-making moments (like becoming the first female anchor of a network evening newscast), her sit-downs with everyone from Monica Lewinsky to Lady Gaga, and the power struggles behind the scenes — including a rivalry with colleague Diane Sawyer.

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.