While AI music generators haven’t taken over the charts, disturbingly realistic AI songs are subtly infiltrating listeners’ experiences. These tracks are often hidden in playlists alongside authentic music, created by AI artists with fabricated online presences. The Velvet Sundown, a band with hundreds of thousands of streams and a likely ChatGPT-generated bio, exemplifies this trend, with their music appearing in popular playlists and even Spotify’s Discover Weekly. The anonymity surrounding artists like The Velvet Sundown raises concerns about the financial impact on genuine musicians.
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The G-7 nations have agreed to exempt US multinational companies from the global minimum tax, a move that aligns with the interests of President Trump’s government. This “side-by-side” solution allows US companies to be taxed only at home, on both domestic and foreign profits. The agreement was facilitated by proposed changes to the US international tax system, as part of Trump’s domestic policy bill. Ultimately, the OECD will determine the final exemption.
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Following his primary victory, Zohran Mamdani returned to the campaign trail, making an appearance at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN). Mamdani emphasized the need for an affordable city, citing issues such as rent, childcare, and groceries. Despite some support for Andrew Cuomo in the surrounding area, Mamdani aimed to win over more voters, with the crowd expressing interest in his policies while seeking concrete implementation plans. The event marked his second visit to the NAN, aiming to address critical issues within the community.
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Pope Leo XIV, speaking at the Vatican, expressed solidarity with Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims, acknowledging their country’s suffering due to the ongoing war with Russia. The pope, who met with Ukrainian President Zelensky at his inauguration, offered prayers for the victims, prisoners, and families impacted by the conflict. He also offered a special blessing to mothers of soldiers killed in the war and called for a just and lasting peace, even offering the Vatican as a venue for peace talks. This stance, in contrast to some past remarks from his predecessor, has been welcomed by Ukraine.
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Louisiana hospitals are sounding the alarm, and the message they’re sending to House Speaker Mike Johnson is clear: a looming “megabill” threatens to unleash devastation across the state’s healthcare landscape. It’s a stark warning, painted with the colors of potential hospital closures, restricted access to care, and the erosion of a system already struggling to stay afloat. The implications are chilling, and the stakes are undeniably high.
The core of the concern seems to revolve around the financial impact of the proposed legislation. Many Louisiana hospitals, especially those serving rural and underserved communities, depend heavily on Medicaid funding to survive. This isn’t just about profits; it’s about keeping the doors open and providing essential services to the people who need them most.… Continue reading
Protests erupted outside an airstrip in the Florida Everglades as construction began on an immigrant detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” fueled by concerns from environmentalists, Native Americans, and human rights advocates. The state government fast-tracked the project under emergency powers, which allowed it to sidestep certain purchasing laws. Critics argue the location threatens the sensitive ecosystem and encroaches on ancestral lands, while also raising concerns about the inhumane housing of immigrants. Despite these objections, the state aims to have 5,000 immigration detention beds in operation by early July.
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Poland responded to attacks in neighboring Ukraine by scrambling jets and activating its air defense systems. Ukraine utilized its full defense capabilities, including F-16 fighter jets, to counter the Russian assault. President Zelenskyy announced the death of an F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, who had downed seven aerial targets before his jet was damaged. The attacks, consisting of missiles, drones, and bombs, have increased significantly, prompting renewed calls for international support to protect Ukraine and pressure Russia to end the war.
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Trump megabill narrowly advances in Senate despite GOP defections, showcasing the persistent challenges faced by those reliant on essential programs. Two Republican Senators, Rand Paul and Thom Tillis, initially voted against advancing the package, highlighting concerns over the debt ceiling and the potential impact on state Medicaid funding. Specifically, Senator Tillis cited a potential $38.9 trillion hit to his state’s Medicaid funding, demonstrating the considerable stakes involved for individual states. However, despite these defections, the bill managed to move forward, reflecting the narrow margins often seen in the Senate.
Senators like Murkowski, who was rumored to caucus with Democrats, ultimately voted in favor of advancing the megabill, despite the expressed concerns.… Continue reading
Despite a government ban and warnings of legal consequences, a record number of people, potentially over 180,000, marched in Budapest Pride, defying Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The demonstration, marking the 30th anniversary of Budapest Pride, was organized by the city’s mayor as a municipal event after the government banned it. Participants, including families and international campaigners, viewed the march as a symbol of broader discontent with the government’s actions and a stand for democratic rights. Concerns regarding the use of facial recognition software by the government to identify attendees added to the tension surrounding the event.
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Despite recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi believes Iran could resume enriched uranium production within months. Following US and Israeli strikes on key sites, the extent of the damage is unknown, and the whereabouts of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile remains uncertain. Grossi has been denied access to the damaged sites, as Iranian lawmakers suspended cooperation with the IAEA. Though the US government supports the IAEA’s efforts, there is conflicting information regarding whether or not the uranium stockpile was moved.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood