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Americans expect tariffs to hurt America and the world – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 12,466
edited 6:38AM in General
Americans expect tariffs to hurt America and the world – politicalbetting.com

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  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,529
    FPT:

    Good morning, everyone.

    F1: rumours that Horner could be booted from Red Bull if the team's performance doesn't rapidly improve.

    And it sounds like MBS is trying to alter the FIA structure more so it's even worse for accountability.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 121,921
    Macron open to deploying French nuclear weapons in Europe

    French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he was open to discussing the potential deployment of his country's nuclear weapons elsewhere in Europe.

    The comments came in an interview with French broadcaster TF1 on Tuesday evening.

    Macron noted that the United States already stations nuclear-armed aircraft in Europe.

    "The Americans have the bombs on planes in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Turkey," Macron said. "We are ready to open this discussion."

    "I will define the framework in a very specific way in the weeks and months to come," he said.


    https://www.dw.com/en/macron-open-to-deploying-french-nuclear-weapons-in-europe/a-72534138
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,315
    The majority of Americans are right.
  • RochdalePioneersRochdalePioneers Posts: 30,020

    FPT:

    Good morning, everyone.

    F1: rumours that Horner could be booted from Red Bull if the team's performance doesn't rapidly improve.

    And it sounds like MBS is trying to alter the FIA structure more so it's even worse for accountability.

    Horny has been the team principal for 20 years already...
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 121,921
    Canada and The UK are going to become republics thanks to Trump.

    "It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty."

    In an exclusive interview with Sky's @skynewsSam, Mark Carney says Canadians weren't impressed' by the second UK state visit for Trump


    https://x.com/SkyNews/status/1922534408436728268
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 62,880
    FPT

    This is a public forum - so I have to be careful what I say - but I've been shocked in the last week by looking at the set-up of two major government programmes.

    On both there is a huge central overhead of checkers, assurers, reporters and monitors but it isn't actually clear why the client organisation exists or what risks they're supposed to be controlling. They have struggled to recruit for client roles (the Prime Minister salary cap is part of it, but they also don't really know what skills they need) so lots are backfilled with consultants. Meanwhile, they try and shunt all risk and liability - which they don't really understand - onto the supply chain which they either can't take, so refuse the work or do so out of desperation, because they need the work, and then go bankrupt the first time it's drawn upon. They jump straight to putting a spade in the ground without taking the time (it can take up to 2 years or more to set a major programme up for success) to design the organisation and the delivery model properly, and run straight into a brick wall.

    A surprisingly large number of people are OK with that, and believe it's important. Hard truths are not welcomed and most people invest 90%+ of their time and energy in defending their turf and not doing what's necessary to get the job done well. Because it requires hard work, a bit of moral courage, and making some decisions.

    It says everything about our process culture.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,576
  • RochdalePioneersRochdalePioneers Posts: 30,020

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,315

    Canada and The UK are going to become republics thanks to Trump.

    "It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty."

    In an exclusive interview with Sky's @skynewsSam, Mark Carney says Canadians weren't impressed' by the second UK state visit for Trump


    https://x.com/SkyNews/status/1922534408436728268

    The timing of it was poor given the threats to Canada’s sovereignty at the time. They had a right to be narked.

    Sucking up to the mad emperor has a price.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 6:48AM
    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 6:51AM

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 51,399
    edited 6:50AM
    That Americans narrowly believe the tariffs will help US manufacturing, despite its many imported inputs and integrated supply chains, suggest there is some way to go before they reach reality checkpoint,, however.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 5,379
    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 59,804

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    Buttigieg has been almost ubiquitous on Fox News: he's their go do Democrat, and he always turns up, and he's always polite, and he often lands a few punches.

    There is probably no other Democrat where older Republicans are more likely to say "well, he may be a Democrat, but he's a nice clean cut young man, and a veteran too."

  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 59,804
    nico67 said:

    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
    @Roger 2008, is that you?
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 5,379
    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
    @Roger 2008, is that you?
    Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a gay candidate.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 51,399
    edited 6:56AM
    rcs1000 said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    Buttigieg has been almost ubiquitous on Fox News: he's their go do Democrat, and he always turns up, and he's always polite, and he often lands a few punches.

    There is probably no other Democrat where older Republicans are more likely to say "well, he may be a Democrat, but he's a nice clean cut young man, and a veteran too."

    Nice to see someone who can go to the toilet (lavatory, loo, restroom, etc. according to preference) unaided finally get into the frame, though?
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 59,804

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 6:54AM
    rcs1000 said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    Buttigieg has been almost ubiquitous on Fox News: he's their go do Democrat, and he always turns up, and he's always polite, and he often lands a few punches.

    There is probably no other Democrat where older Republicans are more likely to say "well, he may be a Democrat, but he's a nice clean cut young man, and a veteran too."

    I am sure he is a nice bloke. But his political record is mayor of nowheresville and then a total shitshow in his government job. Now of course Trump, but he was able to sell the outside the swamp, mega mogul at the right time when enough people in the US were sick of the people in suits that sound good on telly.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,315
    rcs1000 said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    Buttigieg has been almost ubiquitous on Fox News: he's their go do Democrat, and he always turns up, and he's always polite, and he often lands a few punches.

    There is probably no other Democrat where older Republicans are more likely to say "well, he may be a Democrat, but he's a nice clean cut young man, and a veteran too."

    And a Rhodes scholar. And articulate. He would be an excellent candidate. Assuming that there’s an actual election, of course.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 59,804
    nico67 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
    @Roger 2008, is that you?
    Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a gay candidate.
    "Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a black candidate."
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 45,504

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    His record in government was *not* 'crap'.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 59,804

    rcs1000 said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    Buttigieg has been almost ubiquitous on Fox News: he's their go do Democrat, and he always turns up, and he's always polite, and he often lands a few punches.

    There is probably no other Democrat where older Republicans are more likely to say "well, he may be a Democrat, but he's a nice clean cut young man, and a veteran too."

    I am sure he is a nice bloke. But his political record is mayor of nowheresville and then a total shitshow in his government job. Now of course Trump, but he was able to sell the outside the swamp, mega mogul at the right time when enough people in the US were sick of the people in suits that sound good on telly.
    That description fits Obama almost perfectly: he was an "community organizer"! What does that even mean?

    Charisma matters far more than accomplishments. Otherwise we'd have had President Hickenlooper.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 5,379
    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
    @Roger 2008, is that you?
    Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a gay candidate.
    "Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a black candidate."
    It’s quite different . I don’t care about someone’s sexuality . I’d vote for Pete but I’m not the audience that swings US elections .
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 6:55AM
    rcs1000 said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
    Actually, CNN had on a Democrat leaning legal scholar on at the time (trying to remember the name) and they said they could be in real trouble here.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,315

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    His record in government was *not* 'crap'.
    He did more for American infrastructure than anyone had done for a very long time. The speed the Baltimore bridge was sorted out was impressive.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 30,554
    Criminals to be released after a third of prison sentence
    Inmates will be able to earn freedom through work, training or education and by demonstrating good behaviour

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/13/criminals-release-third-of-prison-sentence/ (£££)

    #IsGaryLinekerWritingTelegraphHeadlines? #AccidentalAntiSemitism
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969

    Criminals to be released after a third of prison sentence
    Inmates will be able to earn freedom through work, training or education and by demonstrating good behaviour

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/13/criminals-release-third-of-prison-sentence/ (£££)

    #IsGaryLinekerWritingTelegraphHeadlines? #AccidentalAntiSemitism

    I presume this is Mr Invisible Timpson plan?
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 59,804

    rcs1000 said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
    Actually, CNN had on a Democrat leaning legal scholar on at the time (trying to remember the name) and they said they could be in real trouble here.
    On the other hand, Paul Dugan - who was both (a) a backer of Trump, and (b) US Solictor General under George W Bush - was on Fox News this evening saying Stump v. Sparkman, Bradley v. Fisher and Mireles v. Waco all point to the fact that the only way to "discipline" a judge is via the judicial process rather than the criminal process.
  • TimSTimS Posts: 15,255

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    His record in government was *not* 'crap'.
    I’d be grateful if people could resolve this one. I’ve heard the “his record in government was crap” but it’s not clear if that’s just received wisdom emanating from Republicans or based on a balanced appraisal of his performance.
  • RochdalePioneersRochdalePioneers Posts: 30,020
    rcs1000 said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
    The case is hugely strategic. Can the FBI / federal government swoop into state courts and seize suspects from their custody? Can they arrest judges in their own courtroom?

    MAGA used to support states rights. Now apparently the preference is states no rights.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 54,562
    rcs1000 said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    Buttigieg has been almost ubiquitous on Fox News: he's their go do Democrat, and he always turns up, and he's always polite, and he often lands a few punches.

    There is probably no other Democrat where older Republicans are more likely to say "well, he may be a Democrat, but he's a nice clean cut young man, and a veteran too."

    I can think of a few.
  • isamisam Posts: 41,602
    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 18,577

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    Depending on what happens between now and 2028, a nice mayor from a small town might be just what America needs. Maybe even wants.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 65,241
    Good morning

    My dear wife received a text from a south coast job centre reminding here of her UC appointment for today

    At first, we thought it was a scam, but a family member contacted the job centre who apologised and said the wrong mobile number had been inputted into the system but thanked us for contacting them

    Maybe easily done, but it is amusing that my wife should receive an invitation to consider UC but also at 85 bought it to my attention concerned she was being scammed
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 59,804

    rcs1000 said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
    The case is hugely strategic. Can the FBI / federal government swoop into state courts and seize suspects from their custody? Can they arrest judges in their own courtroom?

    MAGA used to support states rights. Now apparently the preference is states no rights.
    Yes, the government can swoop in and grab people.

    But the bar for prosecuting Judges for actions in their courtroom is incredibly high.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 30,554

    Criminals to be released after a third of prison sentence
    Inmates will be able to earn freedom through work, training or education and by demonstrating good behaviour

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/13/criminals-release-third-of-prison-sentence/ (£££)

    #IsGaryLinekerWritingTelegraphHeadlines? #AccidentalAntiSemitism

    I presume this is Mr Invisible Timpson plan?
    Texas via David Gauke apparently.

    Try this gift link. I do not know if it works once or for everyone.
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/010fa6cc9fd6ebb9
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,315
    rcs1000 said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
    The initial suggestion was that she had allowed the defendant to leave via the back door allowing him to evade Federal Officers waiting for him. That would, in the UK , be a potential attempt to pervert the course of justice. But now the suggestion is that he left by the main door and the officers missed him.

    Which rather raises the question of what she was supposed to do when it had been determined he was entitled to his liberty. The closer it gets to a judicial act on her part the more she is protected.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 18,577

    rcs1000 said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
    The case is hugely strategic. Can the FBI / federal government swoop into state courts and seize suspects from their custody? Can they arrest judges in their own courtroom?

    MAGA used to support states rights. Now apparently the preference is states no rights.
    That was when MAGA didn't control the Federal government.
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 4,596
    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Perhaps it's cheaper because of family?

    It does happen. Not everyone is driven by the bottom line.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 30,554

    Good morning

    My dear wife received a text from a south coast job centre reminding here of her UC appointment for today

    At first, we thought it was a scam, but a family member contacted the job centre who apologised and said the wrong mobile number had been inputted into the system but thanked us for contacting them

    Maybe easily done, but it is amusing that my wife should receive an invitation to consider UC but also at 85 bought it to my attention concerned she was being scammed

    Too obvious for the JobCentre to send a test message when first taking the number, one imagines. Meanwhile, some poor sod on the south coast is at risk of losing UC unless there is a backup communications channel.

    Well done to Mrs NW on spotting the scam risk.
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 62,880
    The Times interesting on the emerging UK-EU deal in agriculture this morning. Those we were lobbying against Brexit and any divergence 6 years ago are now arguing for maintaining our sovereignty:

    Critics say EU demands for the UK to wait for the bloc to authorise gene-editing technology could leave the UK in the “slow lane” of a multibillion-pound industry. Professor Mario Caccamo, chief executive of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, said: “We are concerned that ministers will be forced to sacrifice new scientific advances in order to agree a deal with the EU. In this country the legislation is already in place and ready to be used. In Europe they are at best two years away, and in the worst-case scenario it could take another decade.” Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, said farmers wanted an improved trading relationship with the EU but not “at the cost of being able to make our own production choices”.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,315

    Good morning

    My dear wife received a text from a south coast job centre reminding here of her UC appointment for today

    At first, we thought it was a scam, but a family member contacted the job centre who apologised and said the wrong mobile number had been inputted into the system but thanked us for contacting them

    Maybe easily done, but it is amusing that my wife should receive an invitation to consider UC but also at 85 bought it to my attention concerned she was being scammed

    Maybe there is hope for this government after all. If we stop all this retirement crap and get 85 year olds back to work the books might just balance.
  • isamisam Posts: 41,602

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Perhaps it's cheaper because of family?

    It does happen. Not everyone is driven by the bottom line.
    Mortgage paid off so it’s just a nominal bit of pocket money I suppose
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 16,479

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Perhaps it's cheaper because of family?

    It does happen. Not everyone is driven by the bottom line.
    Am I meant to be upset about this? I'm struggling to see how it reflects badly on Starmer to be renting his place to a family member for less than market rent. Given that he doesn't know when he will need it back, and above all need to avoid any problems with the arrangement that the press could blow out of all proportion, this seems like an entirely sensible arrangement. Charge enough to cover the mortgage and running repairs, but don't seek to make a profit when the taxpayer is covering his living expenses. Good on him for helping his family, as well.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,576
    edited 7:17AM
    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    That's part of the Starmer enigma, like the field he bought for his mothers donkeys. When left to his own devices he is a nice guy and supportive of his family. Yet he acts like a tosser in his PM role. I think it is imposter syndrome.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,576

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    That's as maybe, but it does have betting implications.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 7:20AM

    rcs1000 said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    We did this at the time. That was based on a tweet by a far from impartial person which was selective. The doesn't stand up, well we now have a grand jury of 20 people who having vetted the same paperwork and indicted on the basis of that evidence.

    I am not saying I agree or there might have been some keystone cop action, but it has taken a further step now.
    It's irrelevant, because the Supreme Court has ruled on several occasions that Judges have almost complete immunity in their courtroom.

    She can be indited, and she can be prosecuted, but even if there is a conviction, the appeals court will simply throw it out.
    The case is hugely strategic. Can the FBI / federal government swoop into state courts and seize suspects from their custody? Can they arrest judges in their own courtroom?

    MAGA used to support states rights. Now apparently the preference is states no rights.
    But they didn't. They told the judge they were here to arrest a suspect that was going to be attending court, various court officials challenged their right to be there at all, they presented the required paperwork and it was agreed that yes they had the right to be there, but only in the public hallway, and they waited outside for the court proceeding to finish.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 7:23AM
    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    That's as maybe, but it does have betting implications.
    That was my point. More a warning of we have seen exactly this kind of scenario before with Beto. He looked good on paper, he sounded right, he was massively hyped and the next great thing.

    Gavin Newsom seems to be also angling for running.

    We have also seen how brutal the Democratic party can be if candidates the management don't approve of start to gain traction.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 30,554
    'Boil tap water' alert after bacteria discovery
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewd24kjg2go

    Yorkshire.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 27,105
    Good morning everyone.

    An interview by the Daily T podcast with Ed Davey. An interesting choice from both sides.

    Much about immigration and social care.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoN0MTJC5ss
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 7:25AM
    MattW said:

    Good morning everyone.

    An interview by the Daily T podcast with Ed Davey. An interesting choice from both sides.

    Much about immigration and social care.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoN0MTJC5ss

    No knife juggling, fire eating...at least tell me at the end he rode out of the studio on a motorbike and jumped 10 cars in the car park?
  • TazTaz Posts: 18,096
    edited 7:27AM
    Labour deputy leader in Hartlepool quits party. Something to do with Labour supposedly being hostile to ‘non binary’ people and ‘trans rights’.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgnlzgl77no
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 45,504
    TimS said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    His record in government was *not* 'crap'.
    I’d be grateful if people could resolve this one. I’ve heard the “his record in government was crap” but it’s not clear if that’s just received wisdom emanating from Republicans or based on a balanced appraisal of his performance.
    Transport and infrastructure is one of those briefs that concerns us all directly, but we rarely think about them - until they go wrong. Projects often take much longer than one term to create or take effect, meaning that they pass through two or more administrations - with all the political issues that causes. There are rarely immediate positive effects to decisions.

    Personally, I'd argue that he was a reasonable (at worst) secretary of Transport. Certainly not 'crap', as was claimed - which probably comes from detractors because of his prominence as a Dem.
  • TimSTimS Posts: 15,255

    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    That's as maybe, but it does have betting implications.
    That was my point. More a warning of we have seen exactly this kind of scenario before with Beto. He looked good on paper, he sounded right, he was massively hyped and the next great thing.

    Gavin Newsom seems to be also angling for running.

    We have also seen how brutal the Democratic party can be if candidates the management don't approve of start to gain traction.
    Beto was quite a new face though. More scope to soar then crash in public perception. Buttigieg has been around for a while and is practically a fixture.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 65,816

    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    That's as maybe, but it does have betting implications.
    That was my point. More a warning of we have seen exactly this kind of scenario before with Beto. He looked good on paper, he sounded right, he was massively hyped and the next great thing.

    Gavin Newsom seems to be also angling for running.

    We have also seen how brutal the Democratic party can be if candidates the management don't approve of start to gain traction.
    Mayor Pete won Iowa in the primaries. If it wasn't for the delayed count he would have had all the momentum going into the next race (NH I think?). Instead, we only found out days later iirc.

    He should run.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 54,562

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Perhaps it's cheaper because of family?

    It does happen. Not everyone is driven by the bottom line.
    I used to “rent” my old flat to my sisters-in-law for £0.

    They were studying at the time, supported by the family.

    Sounds like Starmer is asking his sister-in-law to cover the bills for the property.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 7:34AM
    Starmer renting his house to his sister in law isn't remotely interesting. The interesting bit of the story is where do his family actually live on the other hand as it was presumed that is where they were still living as there aren't seen in Downing Street very often. Is it also not a bit weird that Starmer leaves the family car at a house he doesn't live in.
  • TimSTimS Posts: 15,255
    edited 7:30AM

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Perhaps it's cheaper because of family?

    It does happen. Not everyone is driven by the bottom line.
    I used to “rent” my old flat to my sisters-in-law for £0.

    They were studying at the time, supported by the family.

    Sounds like Starmer is asking his sister-in-law to cover the bills for the property.
    Lots of that goes on. I have a neighbour’s son staying in my house in France and covering the bills, plus doing a few odd jobs.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 51,576
    Scientists have cracked alchemy at last: CERN has turned lead into gold.

    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/large-hadron-collider-lead-gold-b2749928.html
  • JohnLilburneJohnLilburne Posts: 6,658

    Good morning

    My dear wife received a text from a south coast job centre reminding here of her UC appointment for today

    At first, we thought it was a scam, but a family member contacted the job centre who apologised and said the wrong mobile number had been inputted into the system but thanked us for contacting them

    Maybe easily done, but it is amusing that my wife should receive an invitation to consider UC but also at 85 bought it to my attention concerned she was being scammed

    Too obvious for the JobCentre to send a test message when first taking the number, one imagines. Meanwhile, some poor sod on the south coast is at risk of losing UC unless there is a backup communications channel.

    Well done to Mrs NW on spotting the scam risk.
    Normally you enter your own number in your UC account so someone has probably entered the wrong number themselves.

    There is a system to send ad hoc text messages, but it is not normally used for UC as the system sends them automatically (and you can choose whether you want texts or emails)
  • isamisam Posts: 41,602

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Perhaps it's cheaper because of family?

    It does happen. Not everyone is driven by the bottom line.
    Am I meant to be upset about this? I'm struggling to see how it reflects badly on Starmer to be renting his place to a family member for less than market rent. Given that he doesn't know when he will need it back, and above all need to avoid any problems with the arrangement that the press could blow out of all proportion, this seems like an entirely sensible arrangement. Charge enough to cover the mortgage and running repairs, but don't seek to make a profit when the taxpayer is covering his living expenses. Good on him for helping his family, as well.
    No, you’re not meant to be upset by it. At ease
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,968
    edited 7:34AM
    Taz said:

    Labour deputy leader in Hartlepool quits party. Something to do with Labour supposedly being hostile to ‘non binary’ people and ‘trans rights’.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgnlzgl77no

    Good summary, except the report doesn't say anything about Labour being hostile and doesn't use one of the phrases you've put in inverted commas as though you were quoting.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 77,272

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    I predict the case will be dragged out as long as the administration can manage, for maximum publicity, and eventually dismissed.

    It will, of course, have something of an intimidatory effect.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    Nigelb said:

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    I predict the case will be dragged out as long as the administration can manage, for maximum publicity, and eventually dismissed.

    It will, of course, have something of an intimidatory effect.
    I believe exactly the same happen in a couple of similar cases in 2019.
  • TazTaz Posts: 18,096
    edited 7:39AM
    Chris said:

    Taz said:

    Labour deputy leader in Hartlepool quits party. Something to do with Labour supposedly being hostile to ‘non binary’ people and ‘trans rights’.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgnlzgl77no

    Good summary, except the report doesn't say anything about Labour being hostile and doesn't use one of the phrases you've put in inverted commas as though you were quoting.
    If I was quoting I’d have used a quotation mark.

    As for Labour being hostile it may not use that word but that’s certainly the implication from this councillor and how he sees them.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 43,579
    TimS said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    His record in government was *not* 'crap'.
    I’d be grateful if people could resolve this one. I’ve heard the “his record in government was crap” but it’s not clear if that’s just received wisdom emanating from Republicans or based on a balanced appraisal of his performance.
    I think the record of the PB ‘I’m unaligned and it’s a total coincidence that almost all my criticism of pols is of lefties’ guys speaks for itself.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 77,272

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Perhaps it's cheaper because of family?

    It does happen. Not everyone is driven by the bottom line.
    Am I meant to be upset about this? I'm struggling to see how it reflects badly on Starmer to be renting his place to a family member for less than market rent. Given that he doesn't know when he will need it back, and above all need to avoid any problems with the arrangement that the press could blow out of all proportion, this seems like an entirely sensible arrangement. Charge enough to cover the mortgage and running repairs, but don't seek to make a profit when the taxpayer is covering his living expenses. Good on him for helping his family, as well.
    While I think Starmer is fairly crap, the apparent readiness to spin the most inconsequential stories about him in a negative frame is notable.

    The reality is that's he's just rather boring.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 77,272

    'Boil tap water' alert after bacteria discovery
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewd24kjg2go

    Yorkshire.

    A small bit of Yorkshire - "High Bentham, Low Bentham and Burton in Lonsdale".
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 43,579
    I imagine it's top requirement for the job description of Israeli government spokesmen that they should be total ****s committed to destroying any remaining shreds of sympathy for the state of Israel and its politicians. They've certainly found the cream of the crop in that regard over recent years.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 7:48AM
    TimS said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    His record in government was *not* 'crap'.
    I’d be grateful if people could resolve this one. I’ve heard the “his record in government was crap” but it’s not clear if that’s just received wisdom emanating from Republicans or based on a balanced appraisal of his performance.
    The roll out of electric charging and rural broadband were two massively funded schemes which were made very little progress during his time in office e.g.

    "While appearing on CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday (in 2024), host Margaret Brennan asked Buttigieg, "The Federal Highway Administration says only seven or eight charging stations have been produced with a $7.5 billion investment that taxpayers made back in 2021. Why isn't that happening more quickly?""
  • vikvik Posts: 355
    edited 7:48AM
    The SNP appear to be getting slightly nervous about Reform & the Hamilton byelection:

    "Stop Farage, vote for a better future.
    This election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is an opportunity to stop Farage in Scotland.
    His Reform party is gaining support down south, but we can take the wind out of his sails with a victory here.
    The SNP is stepping in where Labour have let you down and, crucially, offering hope for a better future."


    https://www.snp.org/stop-farage-vote-for-a-better-future/
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 77,272
    Your daily grift news.

    A tiny Chinese company owned by same people that own TikTok just bought $300,000,000 of $TRUMP Coin.

    Now why do you think they did that?

    https://x.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1922461410015019248
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,514

    MattW said:

    Good morning everyone.

    An interview by the Daily T podcast with Ed Davey. An interesting choice from both sides.

    Much about immigration and social care.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoN0MTJC5ss

    No knife juggling, fire eating...at least tell me at the end he rode out of the studio on a motorbike and jumped 10 cars in the car park?
    He saves that for Party events....
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 121,921

    Starmer renting his house to his sister in law isn't remotely interesting. The interesting bit of the story is where do his family actually live on the other hand as it was presumed that is where they were still living as there aren't seen in Downing Street very often. Is it also not a bit weird that Starmer leaves the family car at a house he doesn't live in.

    He sold that car to the neighbour a while back.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 24,559
    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 7:59AM
    Nigelb said:

    Your daily grift news.

    A tiny Chinese company owned by same people that own TikTok just bought $300,000,000 of $TRUMP Coin.

    Now why do you think they did that?

    https://x.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1922461410015019248

    I just looked at the article, it doesn't say anything about the same people as ByteDance, it says they produce content for TikTok, which half of bloody world does these days. However....

    In its financial disclosures, the company has noted that its subsidiary, Shanghai Xianzhui, might be influenced by demands from the Chinese government, though that is not unusual wording for a Chinese company.

    Now about those China tariffs being reduced.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 77,272

    Foxy said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    That's as maybe, but it does have betting implications.
    That was my point. More a warning of we have seen exactly this kind of scenario before with Beto. He looked good on paper, he sounded right, he was massively hyped and the next great thing.

    Gavin Newsom seems to be also angling for running.

    We have also seen how brutal the Democratic party can be if candidates the management don't approve of start to gain traction.
    Mayor Pete won Iowa in the primaries. If it wasn't for the delayed count he would have had all the momentum going into the next race (NH I think?). Instead, we only found out days later iirc.

    He should run.
    Like every Dem contender, he is running.
    They just haven't annnounce yet.

    Yes, I'm pissed about the jumbo jet too. But this is actually the most important story today.
    https://x.com/PeteButtigieg/status/1922474861147873742
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 7:55AM

    Starmer renting his house to his sister in law isn't remotely interesting. The interesting bit of the story is where do his family actually live on the other hand as it was presumed that is where they were still living as there aren't seen in Downing Street very often. Is it also not a bit weird that Starmer leaves the family car at a house he doesn't live in.

    He sold that car to the neighbour a while back.
    That makes more sense. It was reported by the media as his car, not his former car, in the way the flat was.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 24,559
    edited 7:56AM
    Nigelb said:

    Your daily grift news.

    A tiny Chinese company owned by same people that own TikTok just bought $300,000,000 of $TRUMP Coin.

    Now why do you think they did that?

    https://x.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1922461410015019248

    It is a brilliant con. A lot of his voters own Trumpcoin too, so get a tiny share of the bribe as well!
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,739
    edited 8:00AM
    nico67 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
    @Roger 2008, is that you?
    Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a gay candidate.
    If Trump withdraws or snuffs it, and Vance is the candidate opposite Buttigieg, then they will be voting for one gay candidate or another.

    Whether they'll admit it is another question.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 27,105

    Federal grand jury indicts Wisconsin judge over alleged Ice obstruction

    A federal grand jury has indicted a Wisconsin judge who was arrested by the FBI last month on allegations that she helped an undocumented immigrant avoid federal authorities.

    Prosecutors charged Dugan in April with concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstruction. In the federal criminal justice system, prosecutors can initiate charges against a defendant directly by filing a complaint or present evidence to a grand jury and let that body decide whether to issue charges.

    A grand jury still reviews charges brought by complaint to determine whether enough probable cause exists to continue the case as a check on prosecutors’ power. If the grand jury determines there’s probable cause, it issues a written statement of the charges known as an indictment. That’s what happened in Dugan’s case.

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/13/federal-grand-jury-indicts-wisconsin-judge-hannah-dugan

    This has got the potential to be an entertaining trial. The "she helped the felon to escape bit" doesn't stand up. Based on the FBI's own submitted paperwork, the exit from the jury room - where she dismissed the guy they wanted - was out into the main corridor. Where the FBI agents were. As the person they wanted walked straight past them.

    There was only a foot chase because they were too stupid to realise their suspect was right in front of them...
    I'm with Rochdale on this one. This has the feel of an impending faceplant.

    There was another incident last week, when the Mayor of Newark was arrested by Trump's ICE goons for no reason whatsoever. Trump's minions (Leavitt, Habba etc) wound up the bullshit firehouse, but they seem to be backing down on that one - having been jumped on by a Judge.

    https://usaherald.com/federal-judge-issues-stern-warning-to-alina-habba-and-ice-after-newark-mayors-arrest-signals-sharp-reproach-over-public-comments/
    (IMO the framing as Judiciary vs Federal Prosecutors is off here; it's Judiciary vs Trump's placemen.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,739

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
    They're not anxious to speak to him because he's such a boring speaker. His interview left them all in a deep korma.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 65,816
    ydoethur said:

    nico67 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
    @Roger 2008, is that you?
    Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a gay candidate.
    If Trump withdraws or snuffs it, and Vance is the candidate opposite Buttigieg, then they will be voting for one gay candidate or another.

    Whether they'll admit it is another question.
    Pretty sure Pete will admit it to be honest.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,739
    edited 8:03AM

    ydoethur said:

    nico67 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    nico67 said:

    Foxy said:
    I like him but let’s be blunt a gay candidate isn’t going to win the Presidency. It might be sad but that’s the reality .
    @Roger 2008, is that you?
    Whether we like it or not the swing states aren’t going to vote for a gay candidate.
    If Trump withdraws or snuffs it, and Vance is the candidate opposite Buttigieg, then they will be voting for one gay candidate or another.

    Whether they'll admit it is another question.
    Pretty sure Pete will admit it to be honest.
    It wasn't his voters I was thinking of!
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 83,969
    edited 8:03AM

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
    To be honest Starmer renting to a family member at a reduced rent is simply not a story, as many families would do the same in similar circumstances

    There is a lot to critise Starmer for but this is not one of them

    I understand his family are terrified of this turn of events and the country, no matter of the politics, should unequivocally condemn these attacks and the threat to our democracy

    With these threats why would anyone want to stand for public office?
    Any attacks on politicians should be treated extremely harshly. Unfortunately we recently seen the opposite with people having a pop at Farage given slaps on the wrist. Where as the bloke who "egged" Jezza went to jail and rightly so.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 43,579
    vik said:

    The SNP appear to be getting slightly nervous about Reform & the Hamilton byelection:

    "Stop Farage, vote for a better future.
    This election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is an opportunity to stop Farage in Scotland.
    His Reform party is gaining support down south, but we can take the wind out of his sails with a victory here.
    The SNP is stepping in where Labour have let you down and, crucially, offering hope for a better future."


    https://www.snp.org/stop-farage-vote-for-a-better-future/

    Pretty sure the SNP are v. grateful for Reform stirring the Unionist pot and will highlight their presence as much as possible. The SLab candidate is a Rangers fanboi (seats in the directors' box etc), the SCon is Orange Lodge and Reform is of course the Union Bears with a rosette. The Predator v Alien v some crap Dr Who monster from the 60s will be great craic.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 127,536
    The 30 to 40% who think the tariffs will be good for the US economy and manufacturing are now Trump and the GOP's core vote
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 24,559
    ydoethur said:

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
    They're not anxious to speak to him because he's such a boring speaker. His interview left them all in a deep korma.
    Perhaps it is chance for them to curry favour now he is PM and get back in his good books?
  • isamisam Posts: 41,602
    edited 8:06AM

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
    To be honest Starmer renting to a family member at a reduced rent is simply not a story, as many families would do the same in similar circumstances

    There is a lot to critise Starmer for but this is not one of them

    I understand his family are terrified of this turn of events and the country, no matter of the politics, should unequivocally condemn these attacks and the threat to our democracy

    With these threats why would anyone want to stand for public office?
    Jesus I didn’t say he’d done anything bad. Starmer supporters are so paranoid!

    It’s terrible what’s happened this week, could have been another Jo Cox or David Amess.

  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,739

    ydoethur said:

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
    They're not anxious to speak to him because he's such a boring speaker. His interview left them all in a deep korma.
    Perhaps it is chance for them to curry favour now he is PM and get back in his good books?
    Naan of your sauce.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 65,816
    HYUFD said:

    The 30 to 40% who think the tariffs will be good for the US economy and manufacturing are now Trump and the GOP's core vote

    It doesn't matter what they think in the end. The real world will intervene and this will play out as it will play out.

    As it happens the real world has already forced Trump to become Mr McBlinky.
  • pm215pm215 Posts: 1,267

    TimS said:

    Foxy said:
    He strikes me as another Beto. He is going to get hyped up and up and up, but his record in government was crap and his claim to fame is he was nice mayor of a small town in Indiana.
    His record in government was *not* 'crap'.
    I’d be grateful if people could resolve this one. I’ve heard the “his record in government was crap” but it’s not clear if that’s just received wisdom emanating from Republicans or based on a balanced appraisal of his performance.
    The roll out of electric charging and rural broadband were two massively funded schemes which were made very little progress during his time in office e.g.

    "While appearing on CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday (in 2024), host Margaret Brennan asked Buttigieg, "The Federal Highway Administration says only seven or eight charging stations have been produced with a $7.5 billion investment that taxpayers made back in 2021. Why isn't that happening more quickly?""
    On the other hand, actually building infrastructure in the US appears to be impossibly difficult, so "not much got actually built" is probably the median outcome you get from almost all politicians. I think that's more of a large systemic problem than a Buttigieg problem (though if he had been able to tackle it that would have been a massive plus point for him, since I think it's one of the main things Democrats need to show they can fix rather than make worse).
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 24,559
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
    They're not anxious to speak to him because he's such a boring speaker. His interview left them all in a deep korma.
    Perhaps it is chance for them to curry favour now he is PM and get back in his good books?
    Naan of your sauce.
    With you around I doubt we will ever run out of paneer.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 15,056
    Nigelb said:

    'Boil tap water' alert after bacteria discovery
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewd24kjg2go

    Yorkshire.

    A small bit of Yorkshire - "High Bentham, Low Bentham and Burton in Lonsdale".
    Some very nice bits of Yorkshire, those, bacteria aside. Much overlooked. In the hinterland of Lancaster, and in neither the Dales nor the Lakes, so not much visited by tourists - but landscape of this quality would be a National Park elsewhere. Good cycling country.
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 16,479

    Starmer renting his house to his sister in law isn't remotely interesting. The interesting bit of the story is where do his family actually live on the other hand as it was presumed that is where they were still living as there aren't seen in Downing Street very often. Is it also not a bit weird that Starmer leaves the family car at a house he doesn't live in.

    Not really, he probably can't drive it much for security reasons but will have residents' parking outside his house.
    I am not the #1 Starmer fan but he seems completely honest and reasonable in all his personal and financial dealings, in contrast to at least one of his recent predecessors.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 73,739

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    isam said:

    Starmer is renting his 4-bed house in Kentish Town to his sister in law for less than £10,000 a year. Very generous, market rate must be almost that per month I’d guess

    Shocking! Has anyone informed the Durham constabulary yet?
    They're not anxious to speak to him because he's such a boring speaker. His interview left them all in a deep korma.
    Perhaps it is chance for them to curry favour now he is PM and get back in his good books?
    Naan of your sauce.
    With you around I doubt we will ever run out of paneer.
    When a man see a chance to pun, a man go for it.
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