Weekend Open Thread

Good Morning.

I hope that you are enjoying this weekend with family and friends.

We loved you, DollyđŸ˜ȘđŸ˜Ș

Posted in Weekend Open Thread | Tagged , | 1 Comment

ALERT!! IF You Live In TEXAS, or Know Someone Who Lives in TEXAS

VOTER SUPPRESSION ALERT!!

The New Republic
@newrepublic
23h

OVER 1.2M people in Texas have had their voter registrations suspended—many might not even know about it.
https://x.com/AmeriCactus/status/2093312932147044563

WE ARE LESS THAN 80 DAYS OUT FROM ELECTION DAY.
THIS CAN’T BE INTERPRETED AS ANYTHING OTHER THAN VOTER SUPPRESSION!

AmeriCactus
@AmeriCactus

🚹 If your Texas registration shows as suspended (also called suspense), you are still registered. It usually just means the county is not sure of your current address.

Check your status on the Secretary of State lookup, then update your address by October 5. You’ll typically need your driver’s license or ID, Social Security number, and VUID from your voter card. You can also do it by mail or in person at your county elections office.

If you don’t update in time, you can still vote in the same county by filling out a statement of residence at the polls. That form updates your record and should take you off the list. If you have moved to a different county, ask for a provisional or limited ballot and follow the clerk’s instructions.
7:21 AM · Aug 28, 2026
https://x.com/AmeriCactus/status/2093312932147044563

Posted in 2026 Elections, Breaking News, Elections, Voter Disenfranchisement, Voter Suppression, Voting Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Open Thread | The Armed Forces Disrespects Yet Another Black Veteran Hero


Exclusive: Navy weighs renaming carrier slated to honor Black war hero, potentially switching it to Trump
By Haley Britzky, Pamela Brown

The US Navy is working to rename an aircraft carrier under construction that was set to honor a Black sailor hailed for his heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, three sources familiar with internal discussions told CNN.

During President Donald Trump’s first term, the Navy announced that the Ford-class carrier would be called the USS Doris Miller, recognizing an enlisted sailor who helped defend US forces from Japan’s attack.

It’s unclear what the Navy is seeking to change the name of the carrier to, though two of the sources said there have been internal conversations about renaming it to honor Trump. It would be an unprecedented move to name an aircraft carrier after a sitting president.

Completely outrageous.

OSINTdefender
@sentdefender

The U.S. Navy is in the process of renaming the the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), named for Messman Second Class Doris Miller, an African American Sailor who received the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, according to an exclusive report by CNN.

Currently, it is unclear what the Navy is seeking to change the name of the carrier to, though two of the sources said there have been internal conversations about renaming it to honor President Donald J. Trump. In what would be an unprecedented move to name an aircraft carrier after a sitting President of the United States.
https://x.com/sentdefender/status/2090699290436100560

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Posted in Armed Services, Black History, Open Thread, Politics, Racism, U.S. Military | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Legend..Icon…Dolly Parton Dead at 80

This just HURTS.

Dolly Parton, country music icon, dies at 80
Her death came after in May 2026 she announced she was canceling a Las Vegas show and said she’d been undergoing treatment for kidney stones for several years.

By Corky Siemaszko
Aug. 25, 2026, 1:00 PM CDT / Updated Aug. 25, 2026, 1:03 PM CDT

Dolly Parton, who rose from a loving if impoverished upbringing in the mountains of East Tennessee to become the “Queen of Country” music, a Hollywood star and a beloved American icon, has died, her family announced on Tuesday.

Parton was 80.

Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced the news in a video posted on her Instagram.

“My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said in a video.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it til now,” he added.

Her death came after Parton suddenly announced in May 2026 that she was canceling a Las Vegas show and said she’d been undergoing treatment for kidney stones for several years.

“Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,” Parton said in a statement. “But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”

During her more than 60-year career, Parton sold more than 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards, making her one of the best-selling musical performers of all time.

Parton also became a star on the silver screen, gaining a whole new audience and critical acclaim when she brought her Southern charm to movies like “9 to 5” (she wrote and sang the theme song), “Steel Magnolias” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Bedecked in blonde bouffant hairdos and never without her makeup, Parton also became one of the nation’s best known brands who parried questions about her hourglass figure and augmented breasts with her signature self-deprecating wit.

“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” Parton once said.

Parton was also a shrewd businesswoman who amassed an estimated $650 million fortune and maintained creative control in the cutthroat and male-dominated music industry. She presided over an entertainment empire that included the Dollywood theme park. And she was a devoted philanthropist who launched the Dollywood Foundation to provide poverty relief and fund educational programs in her native East Tennessee.
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Posted in Breaking News, Country Music, Current Events, Open Thread | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Open Thread | I Didn’t Fear My Food When Biden was President

I know some people say that this is a hint for people to start growing their own food. And, if you like to garden, fine. But, what about those of us who don’t want to garden? Who just want to be able to go to the grocery store and be pretty certain that when we buy food..IT WON’T MAKE US SICK OR TRY TO KILL US!

I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.

“Four more major lawsuits and recalls just came out after the salmonella outbreak”

UH UH UH

Headquarters
@HQNewsNow

The following foods have now been recalled:

—Frozen blueberries, possible E. coli contamination
—Iceberg lettuce, possible Cyclospora contamination
—Shell eggs, Salmonella contamination
—Mixed berries, possible E. coli contamination
—Pistachio nut butter, Salmonella contamination
—Green powder supplements, Salmonella contamination
—Jalapeño-containing dips, salsa and guacamole products, Salmonella contamination
—Soup kits, Listeria contamination
—Salad dressings, Salmonella contamination
—Granola, Salmonella contamination
—Dog food, Salmonella contamination
—Jalapeño peppers, Salmonella contamination
—Pizza cheese bread products, Salmonella contamination (July)
—Dried herring fish, Botulism risk (July)
—Requeson cheese, Listeria contamination (July)
—Soft ricotta cheese, Listeria contamination (July)
—Infant formula, Botulism risk (July)
—Multiple cheese varieties, Listeria contamination (July)
—Cottage cheese and ricotta products, Listeria contamination (July)
—Organic moringa capsules and powder, Salmonella contamination (July)
—Smoked whole herring, Botulism risk (June)
—Enoki mushrooms, Listeria contamination (June)
—Parmesan ranch seasoning, Salmonella contamination (June)
—Cheese and garlic croutons, Salmonella contamination (June)
—Tahina, Salmonella contamination (June)
—Specialty beverages, Salmonella contamination (June)
—Multiple green superfood supplements, Salmonella contamination (June)
—Powdered beverage mixes, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Infant formula, Bacillus cereus toxin contamination (May)
—Potato chips, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Pork rinds and seasoning products, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Snack mixes, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Sour cream and onion cheese curds, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Flavored popcorn seasoning, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Coleslaw products, microorganism growth risk (May)
—Pita chips, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Chocolate bars, Salmonella contamination (May)
—White cheddar seasoning, Salmonella contamination (May)
—Kippered herring, Botulism risk (May)
—Peeled garlic, Botulism risk (April)
—Raw milk cheddar cheese, E. coli contamination (April)
—Brain tonic supplements, Botulism risk (April)
—Dried croaker fish, risk of harmful bacteria and toxins (March)
—Salmon products, Listeria contamination (March)
—Cream cheese and tofu spreads, Listeria contamination (March)
—Chicken dog treats, Salmonella contamination (March)
—Yellowfin tuna, Clostridium botulinum contamination (February)
—Organic chia seeds, Salmonella contamination (February)
—Green superfood supplements, Salmonella contamination (February)
—Tamales, potential Listeria contamination (January)
—Shrimp paste, lead contamination risk (January)
—Chocolate bars, Salmonella contamination (January)
—Sea Moss Gel Superfood, Botulism risk (January)
—Cheese products, potential Listeria contamination (January)
7:05 PM · Aug 18, 2026
https://x.com/HQNewsNow/status/2089866189715468630

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Posted in Breaking News, Current Events, Food Safety, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Weekend Open Thread

Good Morning.

I hope that you are enjoying this weekend with family and friends.


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Posted in Weekend Open Thread | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Open Thread | Yes, ‘ Establishment’ IS a Slur. It’s Most Definitely Meant As One.

Loved this post from over at The Establishment Bar.

Why Yes, “Establishment” *Is* a Slur
Posted by Proud Establishment Dem
August 17, 2026

Hats off to “moderate” David Crowley for saying out loud what we’ve known forever. From The Wisconsin Examiner:

After getting back into the race, Crowley faced accusations of being the “establishment” candidate who was chosen to defeat the democratic socialist candidate, Francesca Hong. He called that accusation a “slur.”

As he accepted the nomination, Crowley thanked Evers “for his friendship, his leadership and his belief that Wisconsin works best when working people come together to solve problems.” He also sought to put to bed the narrative that had surrounded the race as he thanked his primary opponents. He said that Hong’s campaign “reminded people across Wisconsin that there are no long shots when it comes to believing in a better future and fighting to expand opportunities to every family” and said he looks forward to earning the support of Hong voters. The narrative that the primary was ​​”a battle between the left and the center, between progressive and the establishment, between insiders and outsiders” was inaccurate, Crowley said.

“When I traveled across Wisconsin, I didn’t meet people who introduced themselves that way. I met parents wondering how they afford childcare. I met workers who want wages that keep up with the costs of living. I met farmers trying to preserve family traditions. I met small business owners trying to keep their doors open, and I met seniors who deserve security and dignity after a lifetime of work. We may not agree on every policy, we may not use the same labels, but we all want safe communities, strong schools, affordable health care, good-paying jobs, and a brighter future for all of our children.”

Crowley said Democrats must now unite around keeping “MAGA extremism” out of Wisconsin and called Tiffany the “real threat.”

And just like that, David Crowley has given the Normie Democrats the blueprint for this election cycle.

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Posted in 2026 Elections, Democratic Party, Elections, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Open Thread | Black Cambridge Professor, Jason Arday, Dead at 41 by Suicide Pushed by Racist Media Hounding

He was hounded to his grave by the racist British Media.

Data Investigation
Jason Arday told the press he was at the limits of what anyone should endure. It answered with 188 more articles. He is dead at 41.
Published 14th August 2026, last updated 16th August 2026

On 5 August 2026 Jason Arday resigned from Cambridge, writing that he had reached “the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure”. On 14 August he was found dead at his home in Battersea. Nobody knows yet how he died, and this page does not claim to. It counts what he was under: every article the national press published about him, outlet by outlet, day by day, from the first Telegraph report to the evening of his death.

249
articles in 22 days
every one listed below

188
in his last nine days
after “the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure”

44
from one outlet alone
The Times, obituary included

1
national article for the control case
adjudicated plagiarism, same university

More

Jason Arday’s Death and the Age of Digital Racial Terror
What Jason Arday’s death by media mob says about the old machinery of anti-Black terror in the algorithmic age.
Karen Attiah
Aug 15, 2026

………………………
But the midlife reflections will have to wait. Because yet another Black intellectual has been destroyed by white institutions.

The world is waking up to the news of the death of 41-year-old Black sociologist Jason Arday, who was once celebrated as the youngest Black academic at Cambridge. In the last several weeks, after allegations of plagiarism, the British media whipped itself into a frenzy of digital bloodlust, focusing on Arday at a velocity amplified by social media algorithms. I remember wondering why my social media feeds, all the way in the United States, were suddenly filled with posts about a British academic I had never heard of.

The allegations trace back to Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday’s doctorate, previously investigated plagiarism claims, and did not uphold them. The latest campaign was reignited in part by Nathan Cofnas, a prominent anti-DEI academic who published his accusations under the headline “DEI Fraud and Cover-Up at Cambridge.”

Arday resigned on August 5th from his dream position at Cambridge, citing that “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary” had taken a “profound toll” on him.

Nine days later, he was dead.

We still don’t know the official details of Arday’s death.

His family said in a statement: “Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him
“The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentleman and who always wanted to see the best in everyone.”

According to Newscord, the British media wrote 249 articles in 22 days—188 of those coming in the last days of his life, after he requested to be left alone.

Across the pond, the Telegraph in particular sent a phalanx of writers, editors, and political commentators against Arday, flooding the pages with disparaging articles. In three weeks, the Telegraph published at least a dozen adverse articles and commentaries about Arday. On July 24th, a Telegraph associate editor called Arday “Cambridge’s diversity poster boy” in an article. Annabel Durham called Jason Arday a symptom of “academia’s moral disease” in an August 3rd piece. “A PhD is no longer a sign of brilliance – take it from Dr Arday” reads a headline from a piece from Daniel Sokol in The Telegraph in the hours before Arday’s death. And Stephen Daisely, a day after Arday’s resignation, wrote an article on August 6th with the headline, ‘Jason Arday is proof you reap what you sow”.

And now Arday is dead.

At least nine of the twelve stories were published between August 2 and August 14—less than two weeks. Several appeared after he resigned, a sign that his stepping down was not enough to satiate their bloodlust.

Glad people are just placing the blame where it belongs.

Continue reading

Posted in Academia, Open Thread, Politics, Racial Politics, Racism in Academia | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Open Thread | Two Black Mayors Out There Doing The Work And Getting Results

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social

Follow
Two Black mayors took cities that the country loves to write off and made them measurably safer. That’s not a fluke. That’s a blueprint.

Chicago and Baltimore just posted numbers that should be front-page news. They’re not. We need to talk about why.

đŸ§”
http://www.theroot.com/opinion-blac…

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson just wrapped up three years in office during which homicides hit their lowest point in 60 years. Robberies are down 36%. Carjackings have been cut in half. Under Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, the homicide clearance rate hit 77%, (cont.)

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
the best it’s been in over a decade. How did he do it? Johnson didn’t just add police. He doubled the number of mental health crisis responders and expanded youth summer employment, making a direct investment in curing the root causes of crime – instead of just putting bandages on its symptoms.

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
In Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott — a man who grew up being handcuffed by police for what he calls “breathing while Black” — delivered the largest year-over-year homicide drop ever recorded in that city – 133 homicides in 2025, (cont.)

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
the fewest in nearly 50 years. That was the culmination of three straight years of double-digit declines. His Group Violence Reduction Strategy, built in partnership with State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, gives people at the highest risk a real choice: job training and mentorship, or accountability.

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
Two of our cities. Black mayors. Historic turnarounds. So why haven’t we heard about this the same way we’d hear about a single carjacking or robbery? We already know the answer.

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
The research supports what we already feel in our bones. Gallup calls it “local positivity bias” — national media highlights the rare and the violent while burying the actual trend line. Studies show suspects who look like us get news coverage far outpacing our actual share of crime (cont.)

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
and arrests, and that heavy news coverage alone increases negative associations of Black people, no matter what a viewer believed walking in.

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
That’s not accidental storytelling. That’s intentional indoctrination. Bad news about our people and our cities has been profitable for decades. Good news about our leadership solving the problem doesn’t fit that narrative, so it doesn’t make the cut.

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
But the numbers don’t need network ratings to be true. Two Black mayors, backed by Black leadership and community partners who never stopped showing up, took cities the country loves to write off and made them measurably safer. That’s not a fluke. (cont.)

RoseMarie
@rosesbloom24.bsky.social
· 2h
That’s a blueprint. And it deserves the same headlines as every story that tried to convince us that these cities – and our people inhabiting them – were beyond saving.
https://bsky.app/profile/rosesbloom24.bsky.social/post/3msycvlabx426

THANK YOU FOR THIS INFORMATIVE THREAD

Posted in Black Mayors, Chicago, Open Thread, Politics, Urban America | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 49 Comments

Weekend Open Thread

Good Morning.

I hope that you are enjoying this weekend with family and friends.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined Michelle Obama on her podcast.

Posted in Supreme Court, Weekend Open Thread | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment