Balloon Juice - Open Threads Archives

Fireworks Friday Morning Open Thread

by Anne Laurie| July 4, 202511:14 am| 154 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Republican Venality, Show Us on the Doll Where the Invisible Hand Touched You

Who are you gonna believe — me, or your lying ~~eyes~~ paystub?

NEWSNATION: It's estimated that more than 32k of your constituents will lose access to healthcare, nearly 19k will lose food stamps. If that's true, how is this bill good for your constituents?
MIKE LAWLER: Those numbers aren't true … Dems are putting out numbers they're making up out of thin air

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) July 3, 2025 at 7:41 PM

===

A. People will experience the effects
B. Even without this bill Repubs were screwed; remember, they were slaughtered in 2018, & 2022 they had the worst midterm of a party not in the White House since 1934
C. It’s easier to convince ppl they’re being screwed than that they’re being helped…/1

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— Dana Houle (@danahoule.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:13 AM

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D. Midterms are generally more about turnout than persuasion. People whose local hospital or grandma’s nursing home are closing may not vote Dem but they may not come out to vote Repub either
E. There’s actually paid media; by spending $ on ads Dems can circumvent the press

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— Dana Houle (@danahoule.bsky.social) July 4, 2025 at 2:18 AM

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Fireworks Friday Morning Open ThreadPost + Comments (154)

Independence Day

by WaterGirl| July 4, 20259:42 am| 90 Comments

This post is in: Breathtaking Criminality and Lawlessness, Grieving for Our Country, Open Threads

Posted with great sadness

h/t Jackie

The dog in the sidebar has his eyes covered. We can’t cover ours.

Independence DayPost + Comments (90)

A nation conceived in Liberty

by David Anderson| July 4, 20258:00 am| 123 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

A nation conceived in LibertyPost + Comments (123)

War for Ukraine Day 1,225: Another Long Night of Russian Ballistic Missile and Drone Strikes on Ukrainian Civilian Targets

by Adam L Silverman| July 3, 202510:14 pm| 26 Comments

This post is in: China, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine

(Image by NEIVANMADE)

The cost:

Our dear Plast friend, Roman “Orlyk” Oryshchenko, officer, commander of a company in the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade “Chorni Zaporozhtsi” has fallen in action. He was always so positive, bright and determined, ready to share his experience and mentor others. This is such a tragic loss.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:36 AM

At 3;50 AM local time in Ukraine/8:50 PM EDT, about 2/3rds of Ukraine is under air raid alert for ballistic missile and drone strikes.

Kyiv right now ‼️

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:11 PM

Families with small children are hiding in basements and metro stations. Russia is trying to get them even there

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM

Kyiv right now.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM

It’s only 1am and it’s already easily top 5 of the worst nighttime air attacks

— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:20 PM

Explosions just don’t stop and the sky is red and my heart starts skipping beats and I don’t fucking know anymore

— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:22 PM

This has been going on for at least the past seven hours:

As more Russian Shaheds make it to Kyiv and air defense shakes the night ahead of a possible missile attack, I can’t stop thinking: there was a choice. Give Ukraine what it needs to stop this. Instead, they’re twisting Ukraine’s arm and emboldening Russia.

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— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 2:58 PM

President Zelenskyy surprised a young Danish man today:

President #Zelenskyy awarded Jens Fogh Thomsen, an 11-year-old from #Denmark, the Future of #Ukraine Award for his volunteer efforts.

Jens raised over 34,000 Danish kroner by selling handmade Easter decorations to buy school supplies for Ukrainian children affected by the war.

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— Eugene McParland 🇺🇦 (@eugenemcparland.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 11:41 AM

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Presents “Future of Ukraine” Award to 11-Year-Old Danish Volunteer Jens Fogh Thomsen

3 July 2025 – 18:12

In Denmark, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the “Future of Ukraine” award to 11-year-old volunteer Jens Fogh Thomsen for supporting Ukrainian children.

“I am deeply grateful to you on behalf of all our people – especially the children of Ukraine. You know that they are now under Russian attacks and trying to survive. After all, they love Ukraine, and they have friends like you. You are a great friend of Ukraine. Thank you for the backpacks, for raising funds to help Ukrainian children. All our children are proud to have such friends from Denmark. We would be happy to welcome you and your parents to Ukraine,” the Head of State said.

Jens began helping Ukraine last year after seeing news reports about Ukrainian children who had lost their homes due to Russian aggression. Since then, he has been handcrafting Easter decorations – blue and yellow beaded chicks. Through their sale, Jens has raised over 34,000 Danish kroner, which he used to purchase school backpacks and supplies for Ukrainian children affected by the war.

The “Future of Ukraine” award is a new presidential distinction established by President Zelenskyy by decree on May 29 of this year. The very next day, he issued the first decree awarding 24 children. Jens Fogh Thomsen became the first foreigner to receive this award.

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address to the gala dinner of the EU Council from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

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President’s Address to the Participants of the Gala Dinner Marking the Start of Denmark’s Presidency of the EU Council

3 July 2025 – 22:36

Thank you very much!

Your Majesties, thank you so much!

And dear Mette, my friend, thank you so much for the invitation to such a beautiful city!

Such a strong people – thank you for your support! Thanks!

And, of course, dear Ursula, dear António, all our friends, colleagues!

Once again, congratulations to Denmark – our close friend – and to you personally, Mette, along with your team, as Denmark begins its Presidency of the EU Council. We can be confident – this will be a time of strong and principled decisions. And that means – a time of predictability. Predictability has become a rare thing these days. But Denmark is the country that leaves no room for doubt. It’s a country, and a people, we can rely on. Denmark brings a sense of predictability. You keep your promises, and together we achieve meaningful results. Thank you for that. And I also want to thank our friends leading the EU institutions – António and Ursula. Even on such symbolic days like the start of the Presidency, we don’t stop at symbolism – we make real decisions. It’s important. We talked about how important it is to close the gaps in defense funding. We’re working to get real results from our joint defense programs. And we’re getting things ready so the EU can keep its promises. Ukraine is ready – ready to open the accession clusters, ready to move forward with the negotiations, and ready for decisions that benefit both sides. Thank you for your support.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We in Ukraine created a special national award – for children. I told this story today to Mette. It’s for boys and girls who have shown bravery during Russian attacks, or helped in other dangerous situations, volunteered, or shown civic leadership. The award is called “The Future of Ukraine,” and truly our future depends on whether we can raise children who care, who are not indifferent to others, who are willing to help. As this visit began, I had the honor of presenting this award to a boy who lives here in Denmark. He’s a Danish citizen. His name is Jens, and he’s just 11 years old – like my son. He’s 11, but his kindness and care have already made a difference – and inspired many adults. Jens made Easter crafts in blue and yellow – Ukraine’s national colors – sold them, and bought backpacks to send to Ukrainian children who need – really need – help. It was deeply moving. But if you think about it, this was also deeply political: wanting to help, to support others, to not stay on the sidelines in a time of war – that’s a powerful message in itself. And this is exactly the kind of message that lies at the heart of the European Union, at the heart of our unity.

We are united. And we work together. And our Europe needs the EU – for mutual support, for shared protection, and for the very values shown by Jens, by you, and by millions of Europeans every day: compassion, sincerity, and the will to help someone in need – even if that person is far from your home. And we must not forget this. All our European institutions, all our agreements, all our cooperation and joint work for security – it’s all built around this idea – that Europeans care for one another and act like human beings in the fullest sense of the word.

This is why we need the European Union.

And this is why we must defend Europe – not only from outside enemies, but also from those inside who try to replace solidarity with division, and compassion with a cold disregard for anyone but themselves.

Dear friends,

The next 6 months of Denmark’s EU Presidency will go by fast – time always flies. The most important thing is that we achieve what we all truly want.

First, we need to protect the EU from those who are trying to break it apart – often for personal and corrupt reasons. The EU must stay strong, because it gives strength to every European nation in global competition. And the EU must keep its promises – especially when it comes to enlargement. And I hope that during Denmark’s Presidency, the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine will move forward, and the clusters will finally be opened.

Second, we all understand that Russia is not just some dangerous neighbor, that much is obvious. It’s something more deliberate – an anti-European project. Everyone in Europe can clearly see this – Russia invests in everything that goes against our European way of life. That’s why we must not let them win – not in this war, and not in any part of our future. We need biting sanctions against Russia. We need steady defense support for Ukraine. We need to build up Europe’s own defense industry – so that Russia cannot outmatch us in any area. All of this is vital for keeping Europe safe. And we have to keep putting pressure on Russia – to make them stop the war, respect their neighbors, and choose peace. As long as Russia gets a high price for its oil – it keeps fighting. That’s why we need a strict price cap. As long as Russia finds ways to buy parts and equipment for weapons – it keeps killing. That’s why we need a full stop to all supplies to Russia of anything that is – or could be – used for making weapons. It is high time we established an efficient international platform to control dual-use exports – and it could be one of achievements of the Danish Presidency, we can work on it together. And we need to cut off Putin and his buddies from money. As long as Russian banks can still operate in Europe and other key parts of the world – Russia keeps ignoring diplomacy. We must push it back toward diplomacy.

Third – even if it’s not easy – we must do everything we can to keep cooperation between Europe and the United States strong. Yes, Europe should rely more on itself – especially when it comes to defense and protecting our people. But it’s always better to be in an alliance than in disagreement. So the next 6 months should bring real progress – to protect our partnerships and make our cooperation stronger.

No matter what anyone says, Europe is and will stay one of the world’s strongest players and a leader in human rights. Europe must also become a global leader in technology – especially in defense technologies. That’s a key goal. And most importantly, Europe must be a continent of peace. Let’s use the next 6 months to make the right decisions – especially for that.

Thank you!

Glory to Ukraine!

Here’s his joint presser with a bunch of EU officials:

And remarks about a joint venture with the US to produce drones:

Georgia:

Marching through Tbilisi streets on day 218 of daily, nationwide protests in Georgia. 🇬🇪

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 11:10 AM

This potentially very important development is happening at the moment in Tbilisi👇🏻

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 11:43 AM

🔴 21-year-old Giorgi Mindadze has been sentenced to 5 years in prison by Judge Nino Galustashvili.

⭕️He was convicted of “attacking a police officer”.

#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia

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— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) July 3, 2025 at 8:52 AM

Nani Tsulaia, the mother of 21-year-old regime prisoner Giorgi Mindadze who was sentenced to 5 years today.

She calmed people and call for resourcefulness, believing in our victory.

A true Georgian lady, the one we learn in school from history and legends.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 10:37 AM

‪And it’s her birthday too… ‬

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 1:10 PM

The Georgian Dream’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reiterates that the democratic leaders are in jail for not recognizing the legitimacy of the Parliament.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 4:36 PM

The PRC:

China’s foreign minister tells EU that Beijing cannot afford Russia to lose in Ukraine, media reports #Ukraine

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— AmplifyUkraine 🔱🇺🇦 (@amplifyukraine.eu) July 3, 2025 at 7:09 PM

From The Kyiv Independent:

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas on July 3 that the country cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine amid fears the U.S. would shift focus towards Beijing, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing sources familiar with the conversation.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, Wang’s reported comments suggest that Russia’s war in Ukraine may serve China’s strategic needs as focus is deviated away from Beijing’s mounting preparation to launch its own eventual invasion into Taiwan.

China has been a key ally to Russia during its full-scale war, helping Moscow evade Western sanctions and becoming the leading source of dual-use goods fueling the Russian defense industry.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has not managed to broker a promised ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, has long viewed China as the United States’ main adversary and is predominantly focused on relations between the two nations.

In June, Bloomberg reportedTrump is pulling back from pressuring China over its support for Russia’s war effort, instead prioritizing other aspects of the U.S.-China relationship. The publication reported that the administration lowered the issue of Russia’s war against Ukraine on its list of foreign policy priorities and is focusing on bilateral issues with Beijing, though they noted Trump could still shift course.

The frankness of Wang’s reported admission was greeted with surprise by EU official, according to Hong Kong-based SCMP, amid China’s past public statements in favor of a peace deal. Two sources familiar with the meeting told SCMP that they believed Wang was providing Kallas with a lesson in realpolitik during the four-hour encounter.

Wang on July 3 again reportedly rejected Western accusations that it was providing funding and weaponry to support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

Wang’s comments come amid waning support from Kyiv’s main military backer, the United States. On July 1, the U.S. Defense Department paused shipments of key weapons systems to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense missiles and precision-guided munitions.

I’m really not sure what to make of this. At one level, sure it makes some strategic sense from the PRC’s perspective, but at the same time it clearly misreads Trump who could care less what happens to Ukraine and the Ukrainians. Frankly, I’m not completely unconvinced that Trump doesn’t want to see Putin win because he’s a AA authoritarian. Which is an authoritarian that punches down on those weaker than him while sucking up to those more powerful like Putin and Xi.

This type of statement also goes against everything I know about how Chinese officials communicate. Senior Chinese officials DO NOT make direct statements like this. Some of this is cultural as China is a high context communication culture, but some of it is also how PRC officials strategically communicate. If direct statements need to be made, they’re made by junior personnel, which makes them very easy to disavow or ignore.

The US:

“We had a call [with Putin]… we spoke about Ukraine, and im not happy about that… we didn’t make any progress…”

So?? Push! Make him listen, for goddess’s sake, you have all the cards!

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 5:49 PM

Who could’ve ever imagined such a thing?

From France24 republished by Yahoo News:

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told his US counterpart Donald Trump that Moscow would not give up on its war aims in Ukraine during a lengthy phone call – their sixth publicly disclosed chat this year – that also touched on Iran and the Middle East.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump in a phone call on Thursday that Moscow wants a negotiated end to the Ukraine war but will not step back from its original goals, a Kremlin aide said.

In a wide-ranging conversation that also covered Iran and the Middle East, Trump “again raised the issue of an early end to military action” in Ukraine, the aide, Yuri Ushakov, told reporters.

“Vladimir Putin, for his part, noted that we continue to seek a political and negotiated solution to the conflict,” Ushakov said.

Putin briefed Trump on the implementation of agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine last month to exchange prisoners-of-war and dead soldiers, Ushakov said, and told him that Moscow was ready to continue negotiations with Kyiv.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

Here’s the confirmation of the US cutting Ukraine off:

Per reporting by my colleague @olliecarroll.bsky.social, US has cancelled 8,000-ish 155mm shells for Ukraine. That is 20% of current MONTHLY production. How that would have materially affected US readiness is hard to see. That’s before getting onto 25 Stingers & 92 AIM-7, which are being phased out

— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:17 AM

President Zelenskyy is going to talk to Trump about this tomorrow:

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to discuss the abrupt halt in some key US weapons deliveries to Kyiv in a call on Friday, according to people familiar with the planning, who said the Ukrainian president will also raise potential future arms sales.
www.ft.com/content/edac…

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) July 3, 2025 at 6:36 AM

I would not expect a reversal of the US decision.

Germany:

BILD reports, citing government circles, that the German government is currently trying to obtain approval from the US government for the procurement of two MIM-104 Patriot fire units, which Germany would finance for #Ukraine.

1/2

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— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua.org) July 3, 2025 at 1:14 PM

According to BILD information, the Ukrainian government had approached the German government with the request because they could not make any progress in the US themselves.

2/2

— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua.org) July 3, 2025 at 1:14 PM

Via X (Twitter), one of the co-authors also makes it clear that the deal proposed by the German government also involves hundreds of missiles, which are also to be purchased at the German government’s expense for Ukraine.

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— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua.org) July 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM

I am neither surprised by this, nor am I surprised that the Trump administration put the breaks on once it sussed out this purchase was by Germany on behalf of Ukraine. Again, my professional assessment is that Trump falls somewhere between not caring what happens to Ukraine to actively wanting Putin to win.

Sweden:

Sweden to provide Ukraine with over 10 new Archer artillery guns, long-range strike weapons #Ukraine

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— AmplifyUkraine 🔱🇺🇦 (@amplifyukraine.eu) July 3, 2025 at 8:54 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Ukraine has developed a multifunctional UAV called “POP Fly,” which serves as an analogue to the Switchblade.

The reconnaissance version has a range of 100–120 km, while the strike version ranges from 50–100 km depending on the warhead (2.5–5 kg).
militarnyi.com/uk/news/ukra…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 10:27 AM

Kyiv:

Russia’s air attack is ongoing. It’s been hours of air defense fire, explosions and the whirring of Russian drones in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Trump said he “didn’t make any progress with [Putin] today at all” — and that is apparent as much as ever now.

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) July 3, 2025 at 7:03 PM

At least six huge, building-shaking explosions in Kyiv just after the Ukrainian Air Force warned of incoming Russian ballistic missiles. Hell here tonight. Putin must absolutely feel he can attack with impunity. He just spoke to Trump by phone hours ago.

— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) July 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM

And the Trump admin halted air defense missiles this week. No threat of new sanctions because, to paraphrase Secretary of State Rubio, it would close the door to negotiations. Well, Putin reiterated earlier he wasn’t negotiating; he said he would continue to wage his war. He is proving that tonight.

— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) July 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM

Reports that eight ballistic missiles were just fired by Russia at Kyiv – I heard six airbursts, which were probably interceptions. Threat now of more ballistic missile launches from Russia’s Voronezh Oblast.

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 7:40 PM

Another big bang in Kyiv, and another. Blast waves set off car alarms and even wafted my dressing gown…

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 8:02 PM

Russian/Iranian drones swarming around Kyiv just now – never known it so bad. They seem to be circling around the city and then coming in to attack.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:06 PM

Just heard a drone come in for a dive, then an explosion – not too close but it doesn’t seem it was shot down.

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:08 PM

Another sound of a diving drone – the Russians have attached sirens to them to instill terror like Stuka dive bombers – and an explosion. Not close, but not far enough! More anti-aircraft gunfire – Kyiv’s defenders hard at work. Another siren, and another blast.

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:20 PM

Hearing this sound VERY regularly here in Kyiv tonight.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:33 PM

Hearing so many of these dive-bomb attacks I’ve lost count. What I’m not hearing so much of is anti-aircraft fire, unfortunately.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 7:03 PM

Poltava:

Two people reported dead and at least 11 injured in russian drone attack on Poltava this morning.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 6:41 AM

Poltava: Emergency teams have concluded rescue efforts at the sites of this morning’s Russian attack.

The enemy strike killed 2, injured 47, while emergency workers successfully rescued 10 people.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 10:04 AM

Poltava earlier this morning. Three russian drones strike one after another.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 3:05 AM

Donetsk:

Over the past 24 hours, six people were killed and 12 injured in russian attacks across Donetsk Oblast. 82 civilian sites were damaged, including 24 homes.

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— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 3:16 AM

Russian occupied Luhansk:

Russian sources write that the mayor of Lugansk appointed by the Russians was blown up. The explosion occurred on Tarasa Shevchenko Street in Luhansk.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 8:26 AM

/2. Video from the place where the Russian-appointed mayor of Lugansk was reportedly blown up.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 8:28 AM

/3. Manolis Vasilyevich Pilavov Luhansk mayor from 2014 to 2023. He was charged by the SBU Investigation Department in the Luhansk region under Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for participation in an illegal armed formation.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 8:48 AM

Russian occupied Crimea:

Launched from uncrewed surface vehicles, FPV drones and copters with payload drop capabilities destroyed three Russian radar stations in Crimea, as stated by Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:55 AM

💥Ukrainian heavy drones launched from the marine drones bombard Russian radar systems in Crimea!

Strikes were carried out on the components of the Russian “Nebo-M” radar system:
• RLM-M 55Zh6M “Nebo-M”
• RLM-D 55Zh6M “Nebo-M”
• Radar Command Post (KU RLS) 55Zh6M “Nebo-M”

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:38 AM

/2. One of the heavy drones launched from an unmanned marine platform found by Russians in Crimea. After takeoff, the drones go on a one-way mission and do not return. According to Russians, drones also self-destruct approximately 15 minutes after falling.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:46 AM

/3. Location in Crimea where components of the Russian Nebo-M radar system were targeted (45.3474031, 32.4985225)

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:53 AM

The Kursk cross border offensive:

Russian media confirm the death of Guard Major General, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, former commander of the 155th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces Mikhail Gudkov, as well as his close comrade, Russian Navy officer Lieutenant Colonel Nariman Shikhaliyev.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 5:55 AM

/2. As its now claimed by Russian sources, 4 HIMARS missiles were fired at the Russian base in Korenevo, Kursk Region. Various Russian sources report from 10 to more than 20 Russians killed in the attack, many of whom were officers.

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 5:55 AM

Yelets, Russia:

Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed a successful strike on JSC “Energia” in Yelets, Russia. The facility produces batteries and modules for Iskander-M missiles, Kh-35U cruise missiles, and other specialized systems.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:34 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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War for Ukraine Day 1,225: Another Long Night of Russian Ballistic Missile and Drone Strikes on Ukrainian Civilian TargetsPost + Comments (26)

A Day of Blissful Ignorance

by WaterGirl| July 3, 202510:07 pm| 75 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

Today I worked for five hours for clients and then gardened for three. And watched an episode of Cold Case while I was chilling after gardening.

Blissful ignorance, fun while it lasted.

Am I the only person who eats completely differently in the summer?

In the summer, I’m happy with good ciabatta, toasted with cheddar cheese, and grilled zucchini from the garden. Or a few tortilla chips with melted cheddar, spicy salsa, half of a ripe avocado and fresh tomatoes from the garden. Or a bowl of soup.

Good summer tomatoes are SO GOOD.

Dinner was 10 or so pecans (from the farmer’s market, best pecan growers in Illinois, they crack the shells so they are easy to open, but stay really fresh) and Skylar Rae cherries.

And homemade popsicles. This week I made sour cherry-white peach-lemon popsicles. Next up, I am going to try to make lemonade popsicles. Wish me luck.

The old saying “even the worst sex I ever had was still pretty good” works for homemade popsicles, too. And maybe for pizza.

Bonus picture of Henry and some of his friends. I think we need a medicinal full-size picture after the news today.

I’ll leave you with a question. Henry. As cute as Cole playing Lawrence of Arabia, or cuter?

Oh, and Cold Case. Every episode, so well done. Puts a lot of shows to shame. And the music sticks with me. I was surprised to see two Indigo Girls songs in an episode.

And the booms have started. Didn’t expect that since it’s only Thursday, but I guess tomorrow is the 4th.

Totally open thread.

A Day of Blissful IgnorancePost + Comments (75)

Open Thread: The Deluge Begins

by Anne Laurie| July 3, 20254:05 pm| 113 Comments

This post is in: C.R.E.A.M., Grieving for Our Country, Open Threads, Show Us on the Doll Where the Invisible Hand Touched You

I mean this has nothing to do with a bill that's not even passed yet, but now every organization has a ready made excuse to shutter any rural health center.

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 10:05 AM

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Yeah man that sucks. https://t.co/UqPMQ99urB pic.twitter.com/8UxCFPqod8

— NickFrank40 (@NickyFrank30) July 3, 2025

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The reason why I don't quite get what the GOP is doing is that people receiving Medicaid are a very slightly GOP leaning (R +2 or so) group.
If one assumes lower participation amongst medicaid users, you're still probably looking at 5-7m of your own voters you're fucking.

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 3:04 PM

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I keep getting some combination of this post despite multiple explanations about it. So again:
Hospitals operationalize Medicaid finances far into the future. Budget cuts, layoffs, project cancellations, closures, etc. will begin -immediately.-

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 3:29 PM

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It takes around 2 years to secure requisite permits, etc. to build new facilities. Depending on the expected cut of the expected budget that came from Medicaid, these new facilities will likely just cancel, regardless of where they are in the process.

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 3:31 PM

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The other thing is basically every industry group has indicated that this is going to put on the edge hospitals over the edge, and now they have a ready made excuse to shutter facilities.

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 3:32 PM

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I'm pretty sure that the GOP is just smoking Malthus and has decided that the way to solve the deficit is grinding the poors into food cubes.
Also, no more rural areas.

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM

Open Thread: The Deluge BeginsPost + Comments (113)

Open Thread: Let the Record Show…

by Anne Laurie| July 3, 202510:58 am| 263 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Republican Venality, Trumpery

Jeffries: "Every single one of the signatories voted for a House bill that undermined the clean energy economy, noted that it would hurt their own constituents, voted for the bill anyway, and the begged the Senate to make it different. That's not how we should be legislating in the US House."

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) July 3, 2025 at 9:59 AM

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Jeffries says he "still has a lot to say" (it's pretty clear he's going for the record for longest Magic Minute speech)

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) July 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM

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But the NYTimes genuinely admires the Felon-in-Office’s savvy…

As Shawn McCreesh and Tyler Pager report, House Republican holdouts were apparently swayed to support President Trump’s tax and spending bill by signed merch and photographs with the president.

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— David Gura (@davidgura.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 8:03 AM

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It's a sacrifice I'm sure they'd make again.

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM

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More seriously: I'd guess they actually didn't have the votes and it was pretty unsure, but the entire thing became necessary as various reps realized there wasn't an alternative.
Long term, this probably breaks the current caucus. It's already forced multiple retirements.

— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 10:02 AM

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Trump can't even remember what's in the bill these maroons think he's gonna remember what they want him to impound

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— Schnorkles O'Bork (@schnorkles.bsky.social) July 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM

Open Thread: Let the Record Show…Post + Comments (263)

NotMax on Wednesday Morning Open Thread (Nov 12, 2025 @ 7:40am)

Suzanne on Wednesday Morning Open Thread (Nov 12, 2025 @ 7:39am)

Bionic Space Jellyfish on Wednesday Morning Open Thread (Nov 12, 2025 @ 7:39am)

Paul in KY on Tuesday Morning Open Thread: One Must Imagine Sisyphus Happy (Nov 12, 2025 @ 7:37am)

Tony Jay on Wednesday Morning Open Thread (Nov 12, 2025 @ 7:36am)

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

They love authoritarianism, but only when they get to be the authoritarians.

I really should read my own blog.

Optimism opens the door to great things.

SCOTUS: It’s not “bribery” unless it comes from the Bribery region of France. Otherwise, it’s merely “sparkling malfeasance”.

It’s the corruption, stupid.

This country desperately needs a functioning fourth estate.

We still have time to mess this up!

They don’t have outfits that big. nor codpieces that small.

Too often we confuse noise with substance. too often we confuse setbacks with defeat.

We do not need to pander to people who do not like what we stand for.

I don’t recall signing up for living in a dystopian sci-fi novel.

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

We know you aren’t a Democrat but since you seem confused let me help you.

I’d hate to be the candidate who lost to this guy.

Our messy unity will be our strength.

The most dangerous place for a black man in America is in a white man’s imagination.

Let the trolls come, and then ignore them. that’s the worst thing you can do to a troll.

We can’t confuse what’s necessary to win elections with the policies that we want to implement when we do.

It’s always darkest before the other shoe drops.

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

They think we are photo bombing their nice little lives.

“Perhaps I should have considered other options.” (head-desk)

A norm that restrains only one side really is not a norm – it is a trap.