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Yemen’s Houthis claimed to target two vessels in the Red Sea
Today's Headlines
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Page 3: Non-WoT
17 19:57 swksvolFF [269] 
7 20:43 Canuckistan sniper [154] 
7 16:14 Glenmore [150] 
3 10:38 Skidmark [75] 
8 15:51 Vinegar+Greque3942 [103] 
8 16:17 Glenmore [149] 
4 16:06 Besoeker [81] 
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6 14:15 NoMoreBS [116] 
6 14:58 Rex Mundi [123] 
Page 1: WoT Operations
5 20:08 swksvolFF [88]
3 14:33 alanc [65]
2 11:55 M. Murcek [115]
8 20:12 Ulolurong Bonaparte7637 [204]
2 01:09 Grom the Reflective [83]
3 08:33 alanc [112]
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5 16:12 Richard+Aubrey [103]
4 12:43 Grom the Reflective [63]
1 10:07 ed in texas [41]
1 07:15 Skidmark [33]
10 20:25 swksvolFF [214]
1 10:34 Skidmark [36]
Page 4: Opinion
4 15:05 Super Hose [105]
2 15:38 M. Murcek [47]
5 16:10 Besoeker [139]
8 16:42 M. Murcek [155]
3 16:25 Glenmore [73]
1 21:38 Lord Garth [70]
4 19:28 NN2N1 [77]
7 17:58 swksvolFF [139]
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Page 6: Politix
10 13:34 Throlush Dark Lord of the Nebraskans2736 [194]
3 14:31 Rex Mundi [88]
3 13:01 Rex Mundi [116]
4 08:45 Super Hose [112]
7 20:04 swksvolFF [117]
1 08:41 Super Hose [53]
15 14:28 Rex Mundi [187]
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3 14:38 NoMoreBS [80]
2 18:17 Lord Garth [72]
1 08:28 Super Hose [43]
2 09:47 Raj [50]
-Lurid Crime Tales-
Los Angeles police find 2,800 stolen Lego sets
Because 2799 simply isn’t enough.
[BBC] Two people were arrested in California as part of a suspected Lego theft ring after police found more than 2,800 stolen sets.

Police said Friday they found boxes of Lego stacked to the ceiling inside a man's home in Long Beach, just south of Los Angeles.

The toys ranged in price from $20 to over $1,000 (£16 to over £786).

Richard Siegel, 71, and Blanca Gudino, 39, were arrested in connection with a series of organised retail thefts that stem back several months, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Authorities started investigating in December after a store reported a series of thefts. The store's loss prevention personnel identified Gudino as a suspect, police said.

Officers said they observed Ms Gudino taking items from the same retailer in multiple areas this week, then give Mr Siegel the sets at his Long Beach home.

Detectives searched the home Wednesday and found more than 2,800 boxes of Lego. While officers searched, police said potential buyers of the toys arrived at the home "lured by advertisements placed by Siegel on internet sales sites".

It was not clear whether Mr Siegel and Ms Gudino had lawyers.

Los Angeles Police Department Lego sets are stacked in multiple piles inside a Los Angeles police station.Los Angeles Police Department

Los Angeles police used a box truck to remove Lego sets from a home in Long Beach, California

Photos from the investigation show Lego sets meticulously organised in a home, with the boxes covering artwork on the walls and a fireplace.

The Lego included popular sets from the Star Wars franchise like the Millennium Falcon, which go for nearly $850 online (£668), and R2-D2, which are priced from $100 to $200 online (£79 to £157). There were also sets from the Lord of the Rings and Back to the Future franchises.

Siegel faces a charge of organized retail theft and Gudino is facing a charge of grand theft.

Expensive Lego sets have become a popular target for thieves, especially as the sets have expanded from a child's toy to a popular hobby for adults.

Thefts have been chronicled by local media in places like Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Florida.

In April, four suspects were arrested after authorities found about $300,000 in stolen Lego merchandise, according to the California Highway Patrol. The suspects are accused of stealing Lego sets for cars, motorcycles, Star Wars items and Minecraft products to resell them.

Also in southern California this year, more than $100,000 worth of Lego was stolen from retailer Bricks & Minifigs, a speciality store that sells new and used Lego, according to BBC news partner CBS News.

Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [116 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
What about arresting the mobs that raid & loot stores? Instead, of watching it happen?

Posted by: NN2N1 || 06/09/2024 6:48 Comments || Top||

#2  When seconds count...
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 7:56 Comments || Top||

#3  So they can get to work on the next Lego movie.
Posted by: ed in texas || 06/09/2024 9:53 Comments || Top||

#4  Since Legos are a rich white kid toy, shouldn't this have been a feeb "domestic hate group" crackdown operation?
Posted by: M. Murcek || 06/09/2024 10:56 Comments || Top||

#5  Thought it might be a Bee article playing on that one department putting lego heads on suspects' faces.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/09/2024 12:54 Comments || Top||

#6  A single Lego Roman Legionary figure goes for $40.00 on Amazon...noting they only have three in stock!
Posted by: NoMoreBS || 06/09/2024 14:15 Comments || Top||


Schoolgirl goes missing after bully makes her lick bathroom floor
[Daily Mail, where America gets its news]
  • Cape Cod girl, 15, vanished after cruel school bully was filmed slapping her, dragging her by hair and making her lick bathroom floor

  • Aliyah Konton, 15, disappeared days after the attack at Mashpee High School

A Massachusetts high school is in turmoil after a student went missing days after receiving a savage beating from another girl who made her lick the bathroom floor.

A gloating friend of the bully filmed the attack on Aliyah Konton at Mashpee High School before ensuring that the humiliating footage went viral on Snapchat.

The 15-year-old had only recently moved to the school in Cape Cod and was trying to 'fit in' according to a classmate.

A school resource officer alerted police after discovering the video on May 25, but parents were kept in the dark about the attack until Aliyah disappeared eight days later.

'The lack of communication and the complete lack of accountability and consequences of perpetrators in the school system are beyond disgraceful,' wrote a mother of three children at the school.

Eight days later an 'intense search using multiple local, state and federal resources' was underway after Aliyah disappeared from her Mashpee home, news of the attack was released, and parents reacted with fury to what they had just discovered.

A day later two boys visiting Planet Fitness in nearby Barnstable saw a girl they thought they recognized from police missing posters and told the manager. He rang police and the missing girl was finally rescued.

Mashpee police announced that a 13-year-old girl, who they did not identify, is now facing seven counts of assault and battery in Falmouth District Court's juvenile division.

Mashpee schools superintendent Patricia DeBoer refused to speak to reporters at a school committee meeting that evening.
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [123 views] Top|| File under: Mob Rule

#1  This is very sad. It is so tough being a teen. Now how much worse is it when socials give you instant unwanted fame.

The beating heals
It is the digital granite that is forever

I reckon all school kids should just be banned from all social media end of story

It really is the devil

Exhibit a: facebook

Post a pic of your happy birthday party. Everyone you didnt in ite is angry snd jealous
Post a pic of your successes. Everyone hates you. Post a pic of something unflattering. Everyone can use it against you forever even if you delete
AI scrapes it for facial recognition and cognitive profiling, files kept by security state

Nothing good about it!
Posted by: Anon1 || 06/09/2024 3:16 Comments || Top||

#2  I notice that the bully is younger and half the size of the bullied - is that a black/white thing?
Posted by: Grom the Reflective || 06/09/2024 3:22 Comments || Top||

#3  Bullied Cape Cod Girl Went Missing After Viral Attack at School
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 7:40 Comments || Top||

#4  "and the missing girl was finally rescued"
So the missing girl isn't missing anymore.
Posted by: ed in texas || 06/09/2024 8:11 Comments || Top||

#5 
So the school hid the assault from the parents to likely conceal the crime and protect it image.

Does anyone else see a stampeed of lawyers coming?
Posted by: NN2N1 || 06/09/2024 12:46 Comments || Top||

#6  Been this way since 60s/70s. I defended myself against a smaller black kid and was immediately scooded by teacher to pick on someone my own size. Rules are rules - know your place.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 06/09/2024 14:58 Comments || Top||


-Great Cultural Revolution
Probably shouldn't have chosen the bear...
[LATimes] Killer bear: Woman's death inside her home marks California's first fatal black bear attack

A 71-year-old woman who was found dead inside her Sierra County home last November had been mauled by a black bear, the first such fatal attack in California history.

Patrice Miller's body was discovered inside her Downieville home on Nov. 8, 2023, by Sierra County Sheriff's Office deputies who had been summoned to conduct a welfare check. Deputies discovered a grisly scene with evidence that a bear had been inside, likely for several days, feeding on the woman's remains, authorities said.

Initially, investigators thought she had died prior to the bear's entry. However, an autopsy report completed last month revealed that Miller was killed when the animal swiped or bit her neck, Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher told KCRA-TV.

"Black bears are not dangerous animals, but if they associate our homes or cabins or campgrounds as an easy source of food they lose their natural fear of people and their actions get bolder and bolder," said Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. "This is the most extreme example we've seen in state history."

Miller's death is the first known fatal attack by a black bear in California. Grizzly bears, which are featured on the state flag and are known to be more aggressive than black bears, haven't been seen in California in 100 years. Reports of black bear attacks in California are rare and have never resulted in a human death until now.

Downieville is a small mountain community, with a population of about 300 people, on the banks of the Yuba River. It has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and anglers.

The bear, which was not in the home when authorities arrived, was trapped near the residence after Miller's death. The bear, a male, was euthanized and DNA analysis confirmed the animal was the one that had attacked Miller, Tira said.

Authorities said Miller had been having an issue with bears on the property prior to her death. She'd feed her cats on the front porch and had trash on the property.

Miller's daughter told officials that "bears were constantly trying to get in through broken windows and that her mother had physically hit one to keep it from entering her residence." Her mother even nicknamed one of the bears that was a "frequent visitor to the residence, and a nuisance," according to a Sheriff's Office report.

California is home to an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 black bears that reside predominately in forest or mountain regions across the state. Adult females can weigh between 100 and 300 pounds and adult males typically weigh between 150 and 400 pounds with some upwards of 500 pounds.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [52 views] Top|| File under:


-Short Attention Span Theater-
Rose Unplugged: American Arrested in Turks & Caicos Speaks Out, Issues Warning to Travelers (AUDIO)
[Gateway] GOP Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA) joined Rose Unplugged to issue a warning after an American citizen was detained in Turks and Caicos because he had ammunition in his luggage.

Bryan Hagerich, who was arrested in February, was facing 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition. He reportedly forgot he had hunting ammo in his travel bag when he arrived in Turks and Caicos, a Caribbean island with very strict gun laws.

Hagerich, a father of two, returned to the US late last month after a judge sentenced him to a suspended one-year sentence and a $6,700 fine.

Bryan Hagerich and Rep. Reschenthaler spoke with Rose Unplugged about the State Department’s lack of urgency and warned other Americans who may want to travel to Turks and Caicos.

Rep. Reschenthaler said there is an "anti-American sentiment" on the island.
Emphasis added
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/09/2024 03:54 || Comments || Link || [154 views] Top|| File under:

#1  and yet our feckless State Dept doesn't issue travel advisories or ban travel to T & C.


also, check your damn bags for loose ammo
Posted by: Frank G || 06/09/2024 9:16 Comments || Top||

#2  got detained by the Royal Mounted Police once for loose .22 rounds, canadian folk cannot handle seeing deadly bullets
Posted by: 746 || 06/09/2024 14:18 Comments || Top||

#3  I'd be concerned about being stopped by the enforcers of the Peoples Democratic Republic of California and New York.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/09/2024 15:46 Comments || Top||

#4  746 - they get upset by a spent .22 shell.
Posted by: Glenmore || 06/09/2024 16:12 Comments || Top||

#5  I don't understand. I read about how hard the Canadian Men were in training for WWI and WWII, and then I read this. What happened? All the soft men weasel their way into government?
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/09/2024 18:09 Comments || Top||

#6  To a much greater extent than even in the US, the Canadian population is concentrated in blue metropolitan areas that dictate politically to the sparsely populated rural areas where all the country's natural resources and practical need for firearms for survival are found.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 06/09/2024 18:19 Comments || Top||

#7  We have our ways. Do not inquire too closely, grasshopper.
Posted by: Canuckistan sniper || 06/09/2024 20:43 Comments || Top||


A self-described ‘s** poster' launched a Trump conviction conspiracy theory with one Facebook message
See also here.
[Independent] Commenter who triggered inquiry described himself as a “professional” internet troll

On Friday evening, Justice Juan Merchan, the judge who oversaw Donald Trump’s hush money trial in New York, sent a letter to prosecutors and the former president’s legal team alerting them to a strange, post-verdict development in the case. The court noted that it had become aware of a comment on the New York Courts’ Facebook page from a user named Michael Anderson, who claimed, prior to the guilty verdict being announced, “My cousin is a juror and says Trump is getting convicted.”

The post was made one day before the historic verdict that saw Trump convicted of 34 felonies.

His post helped launch a new wave of conspiracy theories online with some right-wing posters claiming that the Trump trial was rigged and that the former president already faced a verdict before the jury announced its decision. Some were even demanding a mistrial be called.

Others simply labeled him a “troll.”

Facebook user “Michael Anderson” made the alarming post. But, the account is lightly used with only four public posts visible. Two of which are repost of recipes. That was until Friday, when posted a few times after his connection to the Trump Trial was revealed.

On his page, Anderson describes himself as a “transabled & a professional shit poster.”

In one of the few messages on the page, posted Friday, the account’s owner elaborates on sh**posting, defining such messages as “intentionally designed to derail discussions or cause the biggest reaction with the least effort,” and tells readers, “Take it easy… I’m a professional shitposter.”

After Anderson’s post was brought to light,c onservatives played into the repeated claims from Donald Trump and his allies that the case against him in New York was an unethical and crooked process from the beginning.
News alert: It was
“Uh oh! It looks like there was juror misconduct in the #TrumpTrial! We knew these jurors would not be able to avoid telling their friends and relatives that were going to get Trump,” lawyer and Townhall columnist Phil Holloway wrote on X. “It’s time for a mistrial “with prejudice” and no retrial! But will Merchan do the right thing?”

“If true, this is likely headed to a mistrial because a juror isn’t allowed to discuss the case with family or friends like this,” added filmmaker and activist Robby Starbuck. “Big deal.”

Others downplayed the significance, pointing to the likelihood that the post was meant to be a joke.

“Assuming this is the same “Michael Anderson,” I don’t think that the post is real. It also looks like it was made on (a post posted on) May 20th. Trump’s verdict didn’t come in until ten days later on May 30th,” MSNBC legal correspondent Katie Phang wrote on X. “Plus, the poster’s FB profile says: ‘a professional s*** poster’.”

Journalist and conspiracy researcher Mike Rothschild called the whole situation an “avoidable mess,” because the story of the comment reached the masses—and the conspiracy mill—before it was investigated.

“Despite the ‘Michael Anderson’ Facebook post pretty clearly being fake, Trump world is demanding the case be declared a mistrial,” he wrote on X. “All because Merchan’s office emailed the attorneys about the post before they looked into whether it was real. What an avoidable mess.”

Social media posts have played a part in this case before.

The ongoing gag order against Trump in the hush money case was expanded in April, after the former president claimed Merchan’s daughter, a Democratic political consultant, is paid to “Get Trump,” and falsely accused her of posting a photo showing him in jail.
Posted by: Anon1 || 06/09/2024 03:08 || Comments || Link || [150 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I recall savvy Rantburgers noting this FB post story about the juror being too good to be true maybe 2 days ago?

Time to the big reveal less than 48 hours

Good going rantburg!
Posted by: Anon1 || 06/09/2024 3:10 Comments || Top||

#2  Grom called it yesterday. Thank you for finding us proof, Anon1.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/09/2024 4:15 Comments || Top||

#3 

Whether this was started by a $hit Poster, or Liberal Media orchestrated use of reverse Psychology for political cover.

I'll stand by my original comment made yesterday.


"Just confirming what a majority of the US Citizens knew on either political side.

It was a preordained verdict, before the trial even started."
Posted by: NN2N1 || 06/09/2024 6:19 Comments || Top||

#4  Grom called it yesterday.

Good shot, Grom!
Posted by: SteveS || 06/09/2024 9:50 Comments || Top||

#5  Because we all want one.
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 13:14 Comments || Top||

#6  Somehow nobody seems to notice that the post doesn't say "is a juror in this case".

Millions of cousins may be jurors.
Posted by: European Conservative || 06/09/2024 13:46 Comments || Top||

#7  A 'fake, but accurate' moment?
Posted by: Glenmore || 06/09/2024 16:14 Comments || Top||


American Airlines Threatened With Travel Ban From NAACP After Passengers Removed For Body Odor
[American Greatness] American Airlines is under fire from the NAACP after 8 black men were removed from a flight in May following a complaint about body odor.

Last month three of those passengers filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, after alleging that airline personnel removed them and the other black male passenger from a flight from California to New York. A flight attendant had complained about body odor, though none of the passengers removed were accused of being the source of that odor.

A tweet shared by Collin Rugg alleges that the men who filed that discrimination lawsuit don’t even know one another....

After American Airlines offered to book new flights for the men
[so they could get kicked off that plane, too?]
but when no other flights were available at that late hour, they were all allowed back on the plane.

In 2017, the NAACP issued a travel advisory for the airline after what it described as "disrespectful, discriminatory or unsafe conditions" when booking or boarding with the airline. American Airlines responded by creating a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) panel and the NAACP lifted the ban in 2018....

Posted by: DooDahMan || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [149 views] Top|| File under:

#1 

Serious...
Is stinking like a pile of $hit in a crowded air seal compartment a right now?

What about the health and welfare of the other 100++ passengers? We have all bumped into the person that had to have bathed in perfume, walking around in Wall World or worse at a restaurant.

And it is not just so-called minorities that stink to hi-heaven, either.


Butt ☺ ! Now with that stated.
Anyone else noticed the abundance of TV /Streaming Body Odor commercials seem to be predominantly geared to certain demographics.





Posted by: NN2N1 || 06/09/2024 6:31 Comments || Top||

#2  "A flight attendant had complained about body odor, though none of the passengers removed were accused of being the source of that odor."

So, like, what was the problem then?
Posted by: DooDahMan || 06/09/2024 8:53 Comments || Top||

#3  Flight attendant didn't speak jive?
Posted by: Frank G || 06/09/2024 9:03 Comments || Top||

#4  "My mamma didn't raise no dummy. I dug her rap, sheeeeiiiit!"
Posted by: Raj || 06/09/2024 9:33 Comments || Top||

#5  I traded a seat so a man could fly with his wife.
I found her seat was in the tail of the plane where a 3 seat row turn to 2. Right next to the rear galley.

My 400 lb seatmate used two belt extenders and rolls of fat flowed over the armrest, and me.
The stews would not let me use one of their jump seats but they did offer me a personal drink service.

Now that flight was a gasper.
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 10:54 Comments || Top||

#6 
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 13:25 Comments || Top||

#7  the men who filed that discrimination lawsuit don’t even know one another....

After American Airlines offered to book new flights for the men

Puts 10 more chips down on The Migrants' Flight.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/09/2024 13:40 Comments || Top||

#8  offered to book new flights for the men

Up to that point I was ready to make American my 'go to' airline...
Posted by: Glenmore || 06/09/2024 16:17 Comments || Top||


Africa Subsaharan
Zakharova said the West must pay for centuries of destruction of Africa
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.
[Regnum] Western countries must compensate Africa for centuries of exploitation and plunder of its resources, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Izvestia on June 8 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

The West should pay special attention to Africa, not as a “campaign”, as is happening now, but deep awareness and repentance for the crimes that have been committed is necessary, Zakharova noted.
Any repentance from Russia for the countries they damaged during the Soviet years, or that imperial Russia exploited during the centuries of expansion? No? Then do, please, halt dem Mund, du Arschloch.
“These were the years of extermination of the population, these were centuries when the life of a person of a different skin color, of a different race was valued less than a glass of water. This issue needs to be raised at full scale,” said the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is necessary to discuss how the West should compensate Africa for centuries of exploitation, destruction of its population and plunder of resources, but the West does not pay its debts, does not return the loot and does not admit guilt, Zakharova said.

Talk about the equality of countries in the West in many ways remains just talk, but different times have come in the world, and, in particular, within the framework of the BRICS organization, African countries can receive true equality, added the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As Regnum reported, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on the sidelines of SPIEF on June 8: African countries feel that Russia has returned to the continent and are in solidarity with the foreign policy of the Russian Federation. Russia has no intention of dominating other countries, and this is important for Africa, the politician noted.

Earlier, in his speech at the SPIEF plenary session, the President of Zimbabwe said that his country perceives Russia as a global ally. Mnangagwa also announced Zimbabwe's intention to join the BRICS organization.

The collective West continues to behave like a hegemon, Mnangagwa also noted. There is a need for a redistribution of power between states, as well as the emergence of multiple centers of economic growth, he said.

In turn, President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with Mnangagwa, noted that the positions of Russia and Zimbabwe on key aspects of the agenda coincide, and relations with the African continent are one of the priority areas for Russia.

Posted by: badanov || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [103 views] Top|| File under:

#1  And the Muslim world must pay for centuries of the slave trade.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/09/2024 8:05 Comments || Top||

#2  There should be an international holiday where we can all come together across the globe and bitch about history for a day and then shut up; a sort of a Festivus for wanking over historical grievances.
Posted by: SteveS || 06/09/2024 10:23 Comments || Top||

#3  P2k, don't forget about the African tribes that captured and sold the slaves. Make them pay reparations.
Posted by: AlmostAnonymous5839 || 06/09/2024 10:45 Comments || Top||

#4  The epitome of 'empty-headed blonde'.

We're fortunate Nikki Haley has dark hair.
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 10:45 Comments || Top||

#5  The epitome of 'empty-headed blonde'.

I dunno. She seems reasonably intelligent for a spokes-droid, certainly compared to some of our DEI hires which is admittedly a low, low bar.

This is just a media campaign at the SPIEF. The Russians are stirring the pot and scoring some points with the Africans.
(note: the confluence of "stirring the pot" and "Africans" is in no way meant to suggest cannibalism)
Posted by: SteveS || 06/09/2024 11:13 Comments || Top||

#6  Ms Zakharova has dark hair, too, Skidmark. That blonde looks like it came out of a bottle.
Posted by: trailing wife || 06/09/2024 11:15 Comments || Top||

#7  ^ Meow! ;-)
Posted by: Frank G || 06/09/2024 11:29 Comments || Top||

#8  Anywho lets themselves be exploited for centuries deserves it.
Posted by: Vinegar+Greque3942 || 06/09/2024 15:51 Comments || Top||


Failed 'coup plotters' go on trial in DR Congo
More on this story from yesterday.
[BBC] The trial of 51 individuals, including three Americans, accused of attempting to overthrow the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo last month, has begun.

The hearing is being broadcast live on national TV and radio from N’dolo military prison in the capital, Kinshasa.

The defendants were ushered into the military court wearing blue-and-yellow shirts, marking their first appearance in public since the failed coup.

Arrested during attacks on the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi, they face multiple charges, including financing terrorism, murder and attempted assassination.

They have not yet been asked to plead in the case, which is being held under a marquee in the grounds of the jail.

The US State Department says it has not been given access to its citizens in custody.

FAMILY BAFFLED BY US MAN'S LINK TO FAILED CONGOLESE COUP
Six people were killed during the attempted coup on 19 May, including the suspected leader of the plot Christian Malanga.

The rest of the defendants were detained after the attack on the Palais de la Nation and the home of Vital Kamerhe, who is the parliamentary speaker.

Local media reports said the assailants were members of the New Zaire Movement linked to Malanga, a formerly exiled DR Congo politician who had acquired US citizenship.

His son Marcel Malanga is among the US nationals who were arrested.

Another is 21-year-old Tyler Thompson, whose family told the BBC this week they had "zero idea" how he had become entangled in the plan.

Videos taken in Kinshasa after the incident show Mr Thompson being hit with the butt of a rifle and repeatedly struck in the head by Congolese security forces.

Other individuals of different nationalities were also involved and are on trial, according to army spokesman General Sylvain Ekenge.

One is a Congolese man who holds Belgian nationality and there is also a Canadian citizen originally from DR Congo.

According to the AFP news agency, there is also an investigation into the conduct of the soldiers who foiled the coup for allegedly committing executions after the operation.

President Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term in disputed elections last year in December. He won about 78% of the vote.

Nearly 20 people were killed in election-related violence in the run-up to the vote.

DR Congo is a country with vast mineral wealth and a huge population, but despite this, life has not improved for most people, with conflict, corruption and poor governance persisting.

Much of the country's natural resources lie in the east where violence still rages despite Mr Tshisekedi's attempts to deal with the situation by imposing a state of siege, ceasefire deals and bringing in regional troops.
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [27 views] Top|| File under:


Economy
Economist Kevin Cockrane - 'Prices Are Never Going Down'
[American Thinker] Inflation is like the weather. To paraphrase Mark Twain, "everybody talks about it, but nobody does anything about it." Biden tells us he’s fighting inflation, and it seems as if we hear every day in the news about the Fed leaving interest rates unchanged to fight inflation. But prices are still high and rising. The latest numbers just released show that prices year to date are still rising faster than expected.

It’s true that two years ago, inflation peaked at around 9%, and today, it’s hovering in the mid-3s. So why haven’t prices come down? It’s a common misconception, often fueled by the crowd on the left alleging corporate greed, but inflation isn’t the price level — it’s the rate of increase in prices. A reduction from 9% to 3% doesn’t mean that prices should come down 6%; it means that now they will go up at 3%. Corporations may be greedy, but that has nothing to do with the inflation rate. The government, on the other hand, plays a significant role in managing inflation and deflation through its monetary and fiscal policies.

Prices going down — deflation — on the other hand, is a different story. When prices actually decline, corporations often resort to cost-cutting measures, usually at the expense of wages and benefits. And if the dollars in your pocket are worth more because of deflation, your loans or debts become more costly in real terms. This is why most economists agree that deflation is not a good thing.

Think of deflation this way: if an apple costs $1, and you borrow $1 from someone, promising to pay it back in a year with no interest, if prices are stable, you’ll pay back $1 — exactly one apple. But if, because of deflation, apples at year-end cost only 95 cents, and since you owe $1, you are essentially paying back 1.05 apples. In real terms, your borrowed apple costs more than one apple when you pay it back because of deflation.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/09/2024 04:06 || Comments || Link || [269 views] Top|| File under:

#1 

Between Shrinkflation, and the 21++% general inflationary norm across the US Economy. More and more US Citizens are filing bankruptcy.



But then the DC Swamp gave:
* $$$ Billions to ILLEGALS entering the US, Clothed, housed, care for and feed Millions of illegals that steal US Jobs. All while homeless US citizens and US Veterans cannot get 1/4 of the same treatments.


* Donated $$$ Billions to Ukraine and other countries,

* $$$ Billions went to wallet filling projects,

* $$$ Billions went to setting and maintaining the Welfare Plantations for votes.


Something is not right when DC elected persons suddenly increase their wealth 3 to 5x's between elections. Or their families suddenly find $ Million Dollar Board of Director positions.

But then with all that DC & State Level Swamp $$$$ waste.
US retirees and disabled were screwed over. Like that joke of the 2023 3.2% COLA. By the same DC Swamp that is constantly milking us for more tax $$$$ to give to others.

BTW: ALERT: Reports of a $600 payment increase in June are FALSE:

There will be NO COAL increase until maybe in January 2025.

Posted by: NN2N1 || 06/09/2024 6:10 Comments || Top||

#2  Price hikes and boycotts: Is trouble brewing at Starbucks?
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 7:27 Comments || Top||

#3  The govt likes to maintain inflation at a level equal to the prime interest rate it pays on securities, so it essentially borrows money for free.
Your needs don't factor into the equation.
Posted by: ed in texas || 06/09/2024 10:03 Comments || Top||

#4 
Corporate greed example given:
Family member runs a bread route.
According to his route book.
The number loafs sold are down, but his route is showing a better profit margine due the price increases.
Posted by: NN2N1 || 06/09/2024 10:29 Comments || Top||

#5  Japan had about 20 years of almost zero inflation (some years with actual deflation) beginning in 1998.

Several factors involved. Real estate crash. Population began to decline. Auto market transition.
Posted by: Lord Garth || 06/09/2024 12:23 Comments || Top||

#6  They also had (or have) yield curve controls and, IIRC, negative interest rates to "stimulate the economy" (just the the ECB). How did that work out?
Posted by: DooDahMan || 06/09/2024 12:25 Comments || Top||

#7  Japan ended its zero and/or negative interest rate era earlier in 2024. This era lasted about 8 years. Their version of the federal funds rate is now below 1% but positive.

A lot of factors influence the economy of Japan, some external (like the price of oil) and some internal (like their version of a Value Added Tax) and some that are a hybrid of internal and external factors (like the response to Covid).

IMO, the interesting thing about Japan is that per capital GDP increased by over 200% between 1985 and 1995 (led by manufacturing including autos and electronics) and has basically fluctuated between 1995 and the present.

Posted by: Lord Garth || 06/09/2024 12:56 Comments || Top||

#8  Not too long ago, the diesel pumps stopped at $100 during a 'fill-up'. Don't know what the top end is now.
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 13:13 Comments || Top||

#9  Remove all the obstruction and red tape and let the energy people 'drill baby drill' and prices will drop.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/09/2024 15:43 Comments || Top||

#10  ^ The very next day.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/09/2024 16:05 Comments || Top||

#11  Pardon me if prices going down is bad because corporate would have to lower wages to match lower prices doesn't make me cry.

Watermelon, small bottle of lime juice: $11
8 Pack paper towels, box tall kitchen bags: $55
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/09/2024 17:52 Comments || Top||

#12  ^ Yes, the price of paper towels has skyrocketed. I've noticed few gas stations no provide paper towels at the pump. Many of the windshield wash buckets are dry and brushless. When I was a kid pumping gas, you damn well better not forget to clean the windows....and no stress. "High Tes" gas was .28 cents per gallon. Somehow Stardard Oil and Texaco made money.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/09/2024 18:26 Comments || Top||

#13  .....no streaks.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/09/2024 18:27 Comments || Top||

#14  #12 -
I worked a Sinclair/Fina gas station and walked the mile to get to work. Pumped Reg at 16.9cents back in 1969-70. I heard rumors Premium at Sunoco was called 220 or 260 and was for the Muscle cars at 30+cents.

BTW: I usually made even money picking up soda bottles for the 2 cent deposit walking to and from work to buy my work snack ... and RC and a Moon pie or a honey bun.
Posted by: NN2N1 || 06/09/2024 18:44 Comments || Top||

#15  Today's silver market @ 29.23 a ounce

dime - $2.11
quarter - $5.28
half dollar - $10.57

Fiat money is worth less the more they print (or create with a push of keyboard key)
Posted by: Procopius2k || 06/09/2024 18:51 Comments || Top||

#16  ^I worked at C&S Supertte on Hwy 78 just into Gwinnett County 1977-80. Checked the tire and oil on every customer and we had a bait house. Spent a lot of time with Phil Knuxsie Kneikro gathering crickets and red wigglers for him to fish Yellow River

And my senior pranks at Parkview were epic, I could release 10,000 crickets for noting
Posted by: Beavis || 06/09/2024 18:53 Comments || Top||

#17  You know how they purposed flour sacks back in the Great Depression days to be clothing material, need to do the same thing with the dollar, make them absorbent and washable.

Dad, I spilled my drink! Grabs dollars out of the wallet to wipe it up.

What is your level of concern right now, ks? I could do local stats like food pantry and children take home care packages subscription has tripled, articles like this (why is it everytime inflation pops off experts are like 'reducing prices is bad too'?).

Mine is, the grocery store is ultra stocked on TP from every brand in their catalog.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 06/09/2024 19:57 Comments || Top||


Ay Pee Touts Growth and Economic Health
[Dallas Morning News] US hiring and wage growth picked up last month in sign of sustained economic health

America’s employers added a strong 272,000 jobs in May, accelerating from April and a sign that companies are still confident enough in the economy to keep hiring despite persistently high interest rates.

Last month’s sizable job gain suggests that the economy is still growing steadily, propelled by consumer spending on travel, entertainment and other services. U.S. airports, for example, reported near-record traffic over the Memorial Day weekend.

Friday’s report from the government did include some signs of a potential slowdown. The unemployment rate, for instance, edged up for a second straight month, to a still-low 4%, from 3.9%, ending a 27-month streak of unemployment below 4%.

President Biden pointed to Friday’s jobs report as a sign of the economy’s robust health. He also charged that Republicans would worsen inflation by cutting health care subsidies and widening the deficit through tax cuts.
If they could get those issues through the (D) Senate.
Posted by: Bobby || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [81 views] Top|| File under: Commies

#1  Yeah, now pull the other one.
Posted by: ed in texas || 06/09/2024 9:58 Comments || Top||

#2  the employer numbers for March and April were lowered a bit so the 272k isn't as hot as it would be at first glance

also, the Leading economic index declined in April and is significantly below where it was last year

retail sales are still strong but building permits are down and household debt is up enough to worry about how much longer retail sales can be solid
Posted by: Lord Garth || 06/09/2024 12:39 Comments || Top||

#3  Nobody is buying it.
Posted by: Super Hose || 06/09/2024 15:42 Comments || Top||

#4  Election year propaganda.
Posted by: Besoeker || 06/09/2024 16:06 Comments || Top||


Science & Technology
SpaceX wants to build 1 Starship megarocket a day with new Starfactory
[Space.com]
Posted by: 3dc || 06/09/2024 00:00 || Comments || Link || [75 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I realize the factory location is convenient for the launch site, but that's not the place I would have chosen. Too many tropical storms. But I suppose that's the case of any launch site.
Posted by: ed in texas || 06/09/2024 8:23 Comments || Top||

#2  They plan for 2 launch sites at the Cape too.

They can even send boosters and rockets to the Cape via Space from TX Launch Sites . Just saying...

Static fires at the old gun range (now test site) right on the Rio Grande. Actual launch from the current tower on the Gulf at Boca Chica and a second tower and a 2nd launch site has already started construction there.
Posted by: 3dc || 06/09/2024 9:15 Comments || Top||

#3  Waiting for Biden/et al to give it to the cartels.
Kinda like the Jimmy Carter Panama canal give away.
Posted by: Skidmark || 06/09/2024 10:38 Comments || Top||



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