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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Despite a government ban and police orders, approximately 100,000 individuals participated in Budapest Pride, marking the largest LGBTQ+ event in Hungary’s history. The march, a direct response to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s policies, was outlawed by a law passed in March that targeted events promoting homosexuality to minors. Facing potential fines and police surveillance, participants marched through the city center, with the event serving as a protest against the crackdown on democratic processes and a defense of LGBTQ+ rights.
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Budapest Pride Parade Was Bigger Than Ever, Despite Orban’s Ban, and it’s amazing to think about the resilience and the defiance on display. It’s truly a testament to the human spirit, the sheer grit of people who refuse to be silenced or intimidated. One can’t help but feel a swell of admiration for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, who, against all odds, showed up and made their voices heard, loud and clear. It’s a powerful symbol of resistance against oppressive policies, a beacon of hope in a time when freedom seems to be under constant threat. The sheer volume of participation is incredible.… Continue reading
Murkowski votes to advance GOP megabill after early misgivings over Medicaid, SNAP cuts, and it seems, the inevitable disappointment is here. It’s like watching a movie where you already know the ending. Despite expressing initial concerns about the bill, particularly regarding potential cuts to Medicaid and SNAP programs, Senator Murkowski cast her vote to move it forward. The recurring theme here, it seems, is that her “misgivings” often don’t translate into a vote that aligns with those concerns.
The bill itself, as many have noted, carries a significant price tag, potentially adding billions to the national debt. Some suggest this very fact is appealing to Republicans.… Continue reading
Amidst the debate on the Republican budget reconciliation package, Senator Mike Lee has reintroduced a proposal to sell off public lands, despite previous blocks from the Senate Parliamentarian. Critics like Senator Ron Wyden and the Sierra Club argue that this move, which could be voted on as early as Saturday, aims to benefit the wealthy at the expense of public lands. Although Lee’s amended proposal narrows the scope, reducing the acreage for sale, it is still facing strong opposition from Democrats, environmental groups, and even some Republicans who view it as a “poison pill.” The proposed legislation includes new fees for renewable energy projects and reduced royalty rates for fossil fuels.
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King Charles is preparing to host Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit in September, despite some tension between the palace and Downing Street regarding the visit’s timing. The King and Prince William plan to utilize private meetings to discuss key issues such as climate change and Trump’s stance on Canada. David Lammy is lobbying for JD Vance to join the trip, breaking with tradition. Although the King’s role is largely ceremonial, he will likely attempt to use his diplomatic experience to advocate for Britain’s interests.
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On June 28, Ukrainian Defense Forces, in collaboration with other units, struck Russian ammunition depots in the Bryansk region. The targeted facility was the 1060th Material and Technical Support Center, formerly the 120th Arsenal. Confirmed damage and fire at the site were reported by the General Staff, with results still being assessed. This attack followed a previous strike on June 26 by Ukrainian drones, hitting fuel and lubricant storage depots of the 1061st Material and Technical Support Center in Bryansk, resulting in multiple explosions and a fire.
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A leaked document from Matt Gaetz’s laptop reveals a potential contract with marijuana company Trulieve, offering over $2 million in exchange for his “administration-related guidance” and Trumpworld connections. The contract, as suggested by the image, outlines fees for legal representation, consulting, and achieving “exclusive policy remedies,” potentially linked to the reclassification or legalization of marijuana, which Gaetz has previously supported. Gaetz, who was once considered for Attorney General under Trump, has been a vocal advocate for cannabis reform and has previously worked with Trump. The revelation highlights the financial opportunities available to those connected to the former president, especially given Trump’s stance on marijuana.
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Utah Senator Mike Lee withdrew his proposal to sell millions of acres of public land due to insurmountable opposition. The provision, a part of the federal budget bill, would have facilitated the sale of BLM land in 11 Western states to offset tax cuts and royalty rebates. Widespread criticism from conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and even members of his own party, along with concerns about foreign interests potentially acquiring the land, led to the bill’s demise. Senate leadership removed the land-sale language to ensure the budget bill’s passage, which included tax cuts and cuts to social programs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood