Congress passes major housing bill. And, Mamdani-backed candidates sweep NYC primaries

Trump Meets Senate Republicans as Party Tensions Rise; Housing Bill Clears Congress; Mamdani-Endorsed Candidates Win New York Primaries

President Trump is scheduled to meet Senate Republicans for lunch today as divisions within the party continue. On June 23, four Senate Republicans joined Democrats to advance a war powers resolution urging withdrawal of U.S. troops from the conflict with Iran. The non-binding measure will not reach the White House. Trump has publicly criticized Senate Republican legislative plans in recent days and posted online about his dissatisfaction.

The disagreements center on the president’s support for the SAVE America Act, a strict voter identification measure. Trump has stated that Republicans cannot win future elections without the law, though Senate passage currently lacks sufficient support. He has also repeated prior claims regarding the 2020 election and criticized sitting members he views as insufficiently aligned. Some Republican senators, including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, have described greater freedom to act on certain measures after announcing their departures. Cassidy voted to advance the war powers resolution.

The House passed the 21st Century Road to Housing Act on June 23 by a 358-32 vote. The Senate had approved the measure on June 22 with comparable bipartisan margins. The legislation now proceeds to the president for signature. Realtor.com estimated a national shortage of more than 4 million housing units as of last year. The bill contains more than 40 provisions, including limits on purchases of single-family homes by large corporate investors. Firms would be restricted from acquiring more than 350 such properties. Additional sections aim to reduce federal regulatory steps for new construction and to encourage local governments to revise zoning and permitting rules. Mortgage rates and land acquisition costs remain separate factors affecting housing supply. Observers note that measurable increases in completed units will require time.

In New York’s June 23 primaries, the three congressional candidates endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani won their respective races. Mamdani supported candidates who have criticized Israeli policy and proposed expansive economic measures. Mamdani’s backers stated that the outcomes could raise participation among younger voters and that messages centered on corporate accountability and affordability have broad appeal. Some centrist Democrats have expressed concern that the party’s performance in competitive districts may depend on attracting moderate voters, and that stronger emphasis on certain economic positions could affect that effort.

Public discussion of the gut microbiome has increased interest in testing and dietary interventions. Researchers note that microbiome composition in healthy people varies with geography, diet, lifestyle, and genetics, and that no single measurement currently provides a comprehensive health indicator comparable to blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Industrialized living patterns, including antibiotic exposure and lower-fiber diets, have altered typical microbiome profiles relative to earlier populations. Increasing consumption of fiber from vegetables, fruits, and nuts is identified by multiple scientists as one evidence-supported step for supporting microbial diversity.

Skin-care guidance from dermatologists emphasizes three core practices. A mild, fragrance-free cleanser removes surface debris while preserving moisture. A moisturizer matched to skin type—dry, oily, combination, or sensitive—helps maintain the outer barrier. Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours outdoors, remains the measure with the strongest documented effect on long-term skin appearance and damage prevention. Other topical products may provide supplementary cosmetic effects but do not replace these steps.

DNA analysis has identified Continental Army soldier John Pumphrey, who enlisted in 1777, fought in several engagements, and was killed during the Revolutionary War; remains previously unidentified at the Battle of Camden site have been matched to living descendants. The Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana prisoner whose dreadlocks were cut by guards cannot pursue a claim under a federal statute protecting prisoners’ religious exercise. The Carnegie Hero Fund awarded its medal to Kelby Perren of Florida for actions that rescued his wife from an alligator attack in the St. Lucie River in 2025.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.