“Budapest Pride Defies Orban with Massive Celebration of Solidarity”

**Thousands Defy Orban’s Ban at Record-Breaking Budapest Pride**

Over 100,000 people flooded Budapest’s streets for Pride, defying Viktor Orban’s controversial ban in a vibrant show of solidarity. Banners mocking Hungary’s PM and calls for human rights turned the march into a powerful protest. Mayor Gergely Karacsony hailed the event as a triumph over government repression, declaring, “They have no power over us!”

**Budapest Pride Becomes Massive Protest Against Orban’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

Budapest’s Pride parade swelled to historic numbers as crowds danced across the Danube, openly challenging Orban’s restrictive policies. Slogans like “I’m so bored of Fascism” and satirical Orban-themed T-shirts dominated the march. Finnish MEP Li Andersson joined, calling it a fight for fundamental rights, not just LGBTQ+ visibility.

**Orban’s Pride Ban Backfires as Budapest Hosts Largest LGBTQ+ March Yet**

A sea of rainbow flags filled Budapest as up to 200,000 attendees made this year’s Pride the biggest ever, despite Orban’s attempted ban. Mayor Karacsony mocked the government’s failed crackdown, while police stood by helplessly. The event became a defiant celebration of freedom against Hungary’s tightening authoritarian grip.

**Hungary’s LGBTQ+ Community Stages Peaceful Revolt at Budapest Pride**

Budapest Pride transformed into a mass protest as Hungarians rejected Orban’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws with humor and defiance. Glamorous Orban caricatures and bold slogans highlighted the march’s political edge. With minimal police interference, the event sent a clear message: resistance to oppression is growing.

White Collar Workers Face Pay Stagnation and Shrinking Job Opportunities

**White-collar workers face shrinking job opportunities and stagnant wages**
Job postings for office roles have declined faster than blue-collar positions, with wages plateauing after years of growth. Business and IT roles like sales reps and software developers are seeing the sharpest drops.

**AI and hiring cuts squeeze white-collar workers as blue-collar demand rises**
While white-collar job postings shrink, blue-collar wages continue climbing—though still lag behind office salaries. AI threatens entry-level roles, while trade jobs attract career switchers seeking stability.

**Tech layoffs and AI fears make Gen Z’s job hunt even harder**
Recent grads face a tough tech job market with hiring freezes and AI reshaping roles. Meanwhile, recruiters and account managers are among the few white-collar positions seeing growth.

**C-suite salaries surge as middle managers get squeezed**
Executive pay has jumped nearly 27% since 2023, widening the gap with mid-level roles. Companies are cutting middle management while blue-collar workers benefit from labor shortages.

Nintendo Switch 2 Setup Guide What You Need to Know Before Playing

**Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: What You Need to Know Before Setting Up**

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, but before you dive into Hyrule at 60fps, there are a few setup quirks to tackle. From system transfers to display settings, here’s how to avoid common pitfalls and optimize your experience.

**System Transfer First, Dock Later**
If upgrading from the original Switch, complete the system transfer before docking—skipping this step forces a factory reset later. Ensure both consoles are charged and close together for a smooth 5-minute data transfer.

**4K or 120Hz? Pick One**
The Switch 2 supports 4K at 60Hz *or* 120Hz at 1080p/1440p—but not both. With only a few games (like *Metroid Prime 4*) confirmed for 120Hz, most players won’t miss out.

**Fix Game Access Without Your Old Switch**
Can’t transfer data? Unlink your old console via Nintendo’s website to re-download purchases on the Switch 2. Navigate to *accounts.nintendo.com* > *Game Systems* > *Unlink* to restore your library.

**Pro Tip: Enable Auto-Uploads**
The Switch Online app now auto-syncs screenshots—but you must enable it in the *Album* app’s *Upload Settings*. No more manual transfers for sharing your gameplay wins.

**Controller Compatibility Simplified**
Only new Joy-Cons attach physically, but original Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers work wirelessly. For wired Pro Controller use, enable *Wired Communication* in settings. Third-party controllers? Check for firmware updates first.

Smooth out these early hiccups, and your Switch 2 will be ready for marathon gaming sessions—no stapled receipts or UPS disasters required. 🎮✨

Tragedy Strikes as Congressional Intern Killed by Stray Bullet in DC Shooting

**Federal Agencies Assist in Investigation of DC Shooting That Killed Congressional Intern**
The FBI and ATF are helping DC police investigate the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a congressional intern struck by a stray bullet near 7th and M Street. Police confirm the shooting was targeted, but the victim was not the intended target. Two others were injured, including a 16-year-old believed to be involved in the altercation. Authorities have recovered the suspect vehicle and are enhancing surveillance footage to identify the shooter.

**Congressional Intern Killed in DC Shooting Was Not Intended Target, Police Say**
A tragic shooting in Washington, DC, claimed the life of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old intern for Rep. Ron Estes. Police say he was an innocent bystander caught in crossfire between two groups near the Mount Vernon Square Metro station. Investigators are working with federal agencies to analyze ballistics and enhance video evidence. The suspect vehicle, a black Acura, has been recovered in a nearby jurisdiction.

**DC Police Seek Suspect in Fatal Shooting of UMass Student Near Convention Center**
Authorities are searching for a suspect in the killing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts student interning in Congress. The shooting occurred Monday night near 7th and M Street, where two others were also wounded. Police believe the gunfire stemmed from an altercation between two groups. FBI and ATF are assisting with video enhancement and ballistic analysis in the ongoing investigation.

**Grainy Surveillance Footage Hampers Investigation Into DC Intern’s Shooting Death**
DC Police Chief Pamela Smith says federal agencies are helping enhance “grainy” surveillance footage from the shooting that killed congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. The 21-year-old was struck by a stray bullet during a targeted attack near the Convention Center Metro station. A 16-year-old suspect and a woman were also injured in the incident. Investigators have recovered the suspect vehicle but are still searching for the shooter.

**California’s New AI Policy Aims to Balance Innovation and Risk**

**California Proposes New AI Governance Plan After Vetoing Strict Regulations**

California has unveiled a new AI governance framework after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1047, which sought strict oversight for large AI models. The report, led by top AI researchers, calls for transparency, third-party evaluations, and safeguards to balance innovation with risk mitigation. With AI capabilities rapidly evolving, the plan aims to prevent irreversible harms while avoiding stifling tech development.

**AI Risks Demand Third-Party Oversight, Says California’s New Report**

A new California report warns that powerful AI models could cause “severe and irreversible harms” without proper safeguards. The study recommends independent risk assessments, whistleblower protections, and public transparency to counter industry opacity. As federal AI regulation stalls, California could lead state-level efforts to harmonize policies and prevent catastrophic risks.

**Tech Giants Resist Transparency as California Pushes AI Safeguards**

Despite calls for accountability, major AI firms remain reluctant to grant third-party evaluators full access to test model risks. California’s new report highlights the need for independent scrutiny, citing gaps in self-regulation by companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. The proposal aims to protect whistleblowers and mandate disclosures to ensure AI safety without hindering innovation.

**AI Policy Shift: California Charts Middle Path Between Innovation and Safety**

After rejecting strict AI regulations last year, California has proposed a balanced governance model emphasizing transparency and third-party audits. The report warns of AI’s potential weaponization but stresses avoiding heavy-handed rules that could stifle progress. With federal regulation uncertain, the state may set a precedent for managing AI risks responsibly.

Blockchain Tokenization Meets Reality as SEC Reinforces Financial Rules

**SEC Warns: Tokenized Assets Still Bound by Old Rules**

Blockchain may revolutionize finance, but the SEC isn’t letting tokenized securities bypass regulation. Commissioner Hester Peirce clarified that digital tokens representing stocks or bonds must follow traditional securities laws—no exceptions.

**Tokenization Hype Meets Regulatory Reality**

While BlackRock and JPMorgan explore tokenizing real-world assets, the SEC warns that blockchain doesn’t erase investor protections. Peirce stressed that even on-chain securities must comply with decades-old disclosure and trading rules.

**Crypto’s Next Challenge: Compliance**

The SEC acknowledges tokenization’s potential but insists innovation must align with legal safeguards. Peirce urged firms to engage regulators early—signaling that finance’s blockchain future must be both groundbreaking and accountable.

**California Proposes New AI Governance Plan After Vetoing Strict Regulations**

**California AI Report Calls for Transparency and Third-Party Oversight**

A new California report proposes stricter oversight for AI models, urging transparency and independent risk assessments to prevent irreversible harms. The study, led by top AI researchers, warns that unchecked AI advancements could pose severe threats in fields like biotech and finance. While federal efforts push for a moratorium on AI regulation, California aims to set a precedent with balanced policies. The report highlights the need for whistleblower protections and public disclosures to hold tech giants accountable.

**Tech Giants vs. AI Regulation: California Seeks Middle Ground**

After vetoing strict AI legislation last year, California has unveiled a new framework to govern AI development without stifling innovation. The report emphasizes third-party evaluations to assess risks, countering industry opacity around safety testing. Leading AI companies, including OpenAI and Google, face calls for greater transparency as concerns grow over AI’s potential misuse. Researchers argue self-regulation isn’t enough—independent scrutiny is vital to mitigate catastrophic risks.

**AI Whistleblowers and the Fight for Accountability**

A major California AI report warns that powerful models could cause irreversible harm without proper safeguards, pushing for stronger oversight. The study recommends third-party risk assessments, whistleblower protections, and public disclosures to ensure accountability. Despite industry resistance, researchers say independent evaluations are critical to understanding AI’s real-world dangers. The findings come as federal lawmakers debate a potential 10-year ban on state-level AI regulations.

**California’s AI Policy Shift: Balancing Innovation and Safety**

California’s new AI report calls for a balanced approach to governing cutting-edge models, prioritizing both innovation and public safety. Researchers highlight gaps in transparency, urging mandatory risk assessments and independent evaluations. The proposal challenges tech giants to open their AI systems to scrutiny—or face stricter regulations. As AI capabilities advance rapidly, the state aims to set a national standard for responsible AI development.

Global Perspectives on Key Allies

**Who Do Countries See as Their Top Ally? U.S. Leads, China Gains Ground**

The U.S. is the most frequently named top ally worldwide, but China is gaining influence in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Meanwhile, Europeans often cite neighboring EU nations, while Americans and Canadians prioritize each other. In Asia-Pacific nations like Japan and South Korea, the U.S. dominates as the preferred ally.

**Europe’s Allies: Neighbors vs. the U.S.**

Most Europeans view neighboring countries as key allies, though the U.S. remains a strong contender. Germany is the top pick for 54% of Dutch adults, while Hungary splits between the EU (24%) and the U.S. (23%). Right-leaning Europeans are far more likely than left-leaning respondents to favor the U.S. as an ally.

**Israel, Turkey & Asia-Pacific: Stark Contrasts in Alliances**

A staggering 95% of Israelis name the U.S. as their top ally—the highest rate globally. Meanwhile, Turkey’s strongest ally is Azerbaijan (42%), with fewer than 10% choosing the U.S. In Asia-Pacific, South Korea (89%) and Japan (78%) overwhelmingly favor the U.S., while Indonesia leans toward China (27%).

**Africa & Latin America: U.S. vs. China Rivalry**

China rivals the U.S. as a top ally in sub-Saharan Africa, with 45% of South Africans naming China first. In Latin America, the U.S. leads but faces competition, especially in Brazil and Argentina. Ideological divides also shape views, with right-leaning individuals more likely to favor the U.S. worldwide.

**Why the Dollar Is Struggling at the Start of the Year**

**Why is the dollar off to a weak start this year?**

The U.S. dollar is experiencing its worst yearly start in decades, with experts pointing to President Trump’s trade policies as a key factor. Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff warns that tariffs and market instability are making the dollar less attractive globally. A weaker dollar raises costs for American travelers and imports, while fueling concerns over the nation’s growing debt. Could this mark a historic shift in the dollar’s dominance?

**The Forgotten Power of Home Economics**

**”Adulting” skills like budgeting and parenting used to be taught in Home Ec—here’s why this feminist-founded field still matters today.**

**From interior design to child development, Home Economics was never just about cooking—it shaped careers, families, and even prisons.**

**Why do we mock “women’s work” when skills like financial planning and childcare are expensive to outsource? Home Economics holds the answer.**

**Land-grant universities like Cornell revolutionized Home Ec—turning sewing and cooking into science-backed fields like nutrition and human development.**