Category Archives: Five Facts

Local, national, and global news that is easy to process.

Five Facts, Local

Avowed Neo-Nazi arrested for hate crime in Spokane

Five Fast Facts

  • Raymond Bryant, 44 years old, of the Spokane suburb Airway Heights was arrested on February 18 for painting swastikas on a Holocaust memorial and vandalism at the Spokane Synagogue Temple Beth Shalom
  • Bryant was well known by Temple security due to multiple interactions with him, threats against congregants, and continued harassment by him, and the hate group he is a member of
  • Bryant is a member of the anti-Semitic Group 14First Foundation which has taken responsibility for hate crimes, vandalism, and assaults on the Jewish population across the United States
  • Surveillance video caught Bryant painting the swastikas and other Nazi symbolism, along with his 2008 Nissan Altima with “88” and “White Pride” bumper stickers
  • Bryant is facing two felony charges with hate crime tags and bond was set at $2,000

SPOKANE, Wash. — The man arrested in connection to the anti-Semitic vandalism at a synagogue on Spokane’s South Hill is reportedly a member of a white supremacy group and previously harassed members at the temple, according to newly filed court documents.

Spokane police arrested 44-year-old Raymond Bryant on Thursday morning in connection to the vandalism at Temple Beth Shalom on the morning of Feb. 8. Bryant is facing charges of second-degree malicious mischief and malicious harassment, which are hate crimes, according to Washington law. Bryant appeared in court on Friday, during which he was given a $2,000 bond.

Keep reading at KREM 2

Five Facts, National

Conservative radio icon, Rush Limbaugh, has died

Five Fast Facts

  • Rush Limbaugh had his first national broadcast in 1988 on WABC in New York
  • His emergence on the airwaves heralded an age of hyperpartisan, insulting rhetoric divorced from balance becoming accepted in the mainstream
  • He revealed his lung cancer diagnosis in February 2020
  • Limbaugh struggled with opioid addiction and was arrested on drug charges before reaching a deal with prosecutors involving his continued rehab and $30,000 in payments to reimburse the costs of investigation
  • Racially charged commentary brought him much criticism over the course of his career, costing him jobs and prevented him from becoming a partial owner of the NFL franchise the St. Louis Rams

Rush Limbaugh, the conservative talk radio host known for his pomposity and hubris-filled rants, has died at the age of 70, reportedly from lung cancer. The radio host dropped out of college to pursue his radio career, eventually leading him to his national show on WABC in 1988.

His emergence in radio popularized hyperpartisanship, disrespect, personal insults, and general attacks as political discourse. During the course of his career, Limbaugh became well-known for using slurs against the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and BIPOC, often using incendiary phrases such as “feminazis.” Limbaugh was one of the original pundits who referred to democrats and others on the left as communists, wackos, liberal extremists, and radicals. His voiced opinions on race did cost him a short-lived role as an NFL commentator and derailed his bid to become an owner of the NFL’s St. Louis Rams.

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Rush Limbaugh, the talk radio host who ripped into liberals and laid waste to political correctness with a captivating brand of malice that made him one of the most powerful voices in politics, influencing the rightward push of American conservatism and the rise of Donald Trump, died Wednesday. He was 70.

Limbaugh said a year ago that he had lung cancer. His death was announced on his show by his wife, Kathryn.

Read more at ABC News

Five Facts, Local

Three arrested for murder of teen at Houghton Beach Park

Five Fast Facts

  • 18-year old Cyrus Mason was shot and killed in Kirkland’s Houghton Beach Park on September 16, 2020, during an attempt to buy a firearm
  • Three suspects were arrested this morning after a months-long investigation – two are juveniles and one is an adult
  • The adult is Jowayne C. Kaufman, who was booked into King County Jail at 8:25 AM this morning
  • Cyrus Mason had moved to the area from Idaho and was working on the Microsoft campus as a painter
  • Houghton Beach Park was a trouble spot over the summer of 2020, making the national news when a brawl broke out among teens and young adults flaunting COVID rules – the city responded by closing the park

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of a teenager at a Kirkland park last year, police say.

The three – two juvenile males and an adult male – were taken into custody early Wednesday after an investigation linked them to the killing of 18-year-old Cyrus Mason at Houghton Beach Park on Sept. 16, 2020.

Keep reading at KOMO 4

BIPOC, Five Facts, National

Black couple home appraisal low balled, believe race was a factor

Five Fast Facts

  • Paul Austin and Tenisha Tate Austin bought a home in Marin City, California in 2016
  • They did $400K in renovations and upgrades including adding a second floor and more than 1,000 feet of new living space
  • An appraiser valued the home after renovations at $989,000, which was below comparable homes in the neighborhood – the Austin’s felt the low appraisal was due to their race
  • A white friend agreed to be their stand-in during a second appraisal, including replacing family pictures and items in the home
  • The home appraised for $1,482,000 in the second visit – which can’t be accounted for changes in market conditions between the two appraisals

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – In the New Year, systemic racism has continued to force inequity in home ownership rates across the Bay Area, and Black families who are in a position to purchase a home often face discrimination.

It is no secret that home ownership is a proven pathway to building wealth in the United States. But in a competitive housing market with some of the most expensive homes in the country, it is tough for Black Bay Area residents to buy a home to start the process.

Keep reading at ABC 7

BIPOC, Editorial, Five Facts, Health and Lifestyle, LGBTQIA, Local, National, Weather

Malcontentment Happy Hour: February 15, 2021

Video

Our live webcast from the Seattle Anarchist Jurisdiction

The show from February 15, 2021, featured David Obelcz and our co-host Jennifer Smith.

  • Andy Finseth goes from Seattle Firefighter of the Year to an accused felon, and Dave Preston of Safe Seattle inserts himself into the story
  • Seattle has the biggest snowstorm since 1968, sort of
  • Malcontented Minutes
    • Rupaul’s Drag Race Sherry Pie, aka Joey Gugliemelli, embroiled in a catfishing scandal
    • UFC fighter Julian Marquez asks Miley Cyrus for a date in a cringeworthy way
    • A man hikes over 6 miles carrying a lost dog in the Irish wilderness
    • Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) threatens to block the Senate confirmation of Deb Halland to Secretary of the Interior
    • CDC study indicates ER visits for drug overdoses increased 45% from June 2019 to May 2020
    • Pioneering LGBTQIA+ artist who worked with Madonna, Chaka Khan, and Cyndi Lauper dies of leukemia
    • Dave Chappelle releases a video discussing the hypocrisy of Colin Kaepernick critics
    • A “war” over tips in Cinncinnati nets over $34,000 for restaurant workers
    • Animals at the Oregon Zoo relished playing in the snow
    • Six indigenous artists received $50K grants to support their “bold artistic vision” and protect native American artistry techniques
  • Tacoma “Love” update
  • COVID Five Fast Facts
  • Impeachment closure

BIPOC, Editorial, Five Facts, Health and Lifestyle, LGBTQIA, Local, National

Malcontentment Happy Hour: February 6, 2021

Video

Our live webcast from the Seattle Anarchist Jurisdiction

The show from February 6, 2021, featured David Obelcz and our co-host Jennifer Smith.

  • Olympia homeless protest and direct action leaves everyone unhappy
  • Malcontented Minutes – our new speed round of news
    • Jenoah Donald shot by Clark County Sheriffs
    • Seattle student helps seniors sign up for COVID vaccine
    • Florida man with Florida forehead tattoo arrested in Florida
    • Louisiana library turns down grant for program on Black history and civil rights
    • Police officer fired for taunting fellow officer over COVID fears
    • J Lo and A-Rod reality stars in reality drama
    • New York State repeals “walking while trans” law
    • Biden Administration signs memorandum to advance LGBTQIA rights globally
    • Man buys every tamale he can find in Chicago to give to homeless
    • Kansas City Chief’s mascot causes grumbles as Super Bowl arrives
  • COVID-19 Five Fast Facts
  • Reading recommendations for Black History Month
  • David and Jennifer provide their insurrection update
  • Commentary on transphobia in our community

Breaking News, Five Facts, Local, National

Local Proud Boy arrested for involvement in Capitol insurrection

Five Fast Facts

  • Ethan Nordean, also known as Rufio Panman, is a well known Proud Boy leader with local ties to the Puget Sound area – local photographer Nate Gowdy witnesses Nordean with the Proud Boys in Washington D.C. on January 6 and spoke with him
  • His family owns Wally’s Chowder House in Des Moines, Washington, and Wally’s Drive-In in Buckley, Washington – Ethan was fired from Wally’s in June 2020
  • Wally’s Chowder House has been used as a location for Proud Boy meetings but his parents have denounced Ethan’s connection to the Proud Boys
  • Des Moines, Washington Mayor Matt Pina has refused to remove Wally’s Chowder House from the Des Moines EATS Program, a city program that buys vouchers from local restaurants so seniors and veterans have meals during the COVID pandemic lockdown
  • Nordean has frequently been accompanied by Enrique Tarrio, Joe Biggs, Eddie Block, and Zach Rehl

The Justice Department says a member of the Proud Boys has been arrested in Washington state in connection with the breach of the nation’s Capitol. 

Ethan Nordean, also known as Rufio Panman, was due to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Wednesday afternoon, after he was charged in Washington, D.C.

Keep reading at KING 5

https://malcontentment.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Nate-Gowdy-Snippet.mp4
David obelcz interviews nate gowdy about his interaction with rufio panman during January 6, 2021, insurrection
BIPOC, Editorial, Five Facts, Health and Lifestyle, LGBTQIA, Local, National, Weather

Malcontentment Happy Hour: February 1, 2021

Video

Our live webcast from the Seattle Anarchist Jurisdiction

WARNING: This episode includes videos of police violence, child abuse, protest, and discusses domestic violence in detail – viewer discretion is advised.

The show from February 1, 2021, featured David Obelcz and our co-host Jennifer Smith.

  • Rochester, New York Police pepper-spray a handcuffed 9-year-old child – community outrage explodes as body camera video becomes available
  • Malcontented Minutes – our new speed round of news
    • The state of Texas has things go very wrong when they issue an Amber Alert for Chucky – yes the murderous horror movie doll Chucky
    • Redditors go after silver commodity trading as a new tactic in their fight against hedge funds
    • Missouri Museum of history launches an online exhibit of LGBTQIA history in the state of Missouri
    • Jason Raantz (Seattle) goes on a racist rant about how BLM education during Black History Month in Seattle schools is instilling the fear of police into a new generation of children
    • David Bell, a Black man, dies in a hospital parking lot in Missouri after emergency room physicians refuse to treat him on his third trip for breathing problems
    • President Biden replaces Andrew Jackson’s portrait with a Native American sculpture
    • The National Zoo in Washington D.C. releases a video of a panda playing in the snow
    • LGBTQ activist Carmen Vasquez, 72-years old, dies of COVID-19
    • Data breach exposes the private personal identification (PII) of 1.6 million Washingtonians who have applied for or received unemployment for almost all of 2020, including bank account numbers and ID information
    • Birth certificate controversy over Archie, the child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle explodes in tabloid press
  • Chad Wheeler domestic violence assault update as his victim faces him in court for the first time
  • COVID-19 Five Fast Facts
  • Reading recommendations for Black History Month
  • David and Jennifer provide their insurrection update

BIPOC, Editorial, Five Facts, Health and Lifestyle, LGBTQIA, Local, National

Malcontentment Happy Hour: January 28, 2021

Video

Our live webcast from the Seattle Anarchist Jurisdiction

WARNIING: This episode includes videos of violence, protest, and discusses domestic violence in detail – viewer discretion is advised.

Editor’s comment: At the start of the show we had a software issue that resulted in about 15 to 30 seconds of no audio. We thank you for your understanding.

The show from January 28, 2021, featured David Obelcz and our co-host Jennifer Smith.

  • Update on the Tacoma Police Department officer who drove through a group of people on Saturday with a new day-of video
  • Malcontented Minutes – our new speed round of news
    • The Echo Project is turning a former Klu Klux Klan museum into a place for BIPOC to meet and a history exhibit
    • Colleen Echohawk becomes the first prominent candidate to announce she is running for mayor of Seattle
    • Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, a key figure in the identification of AIDS, passed away
    • 14 states are looking to pass anti-LGBTQIA bills targeting the transgender community
    • Phil Collins (yes that Phil Collins) has turned into “Florida man” with a bizarre story about his ongoing divorce woes
    • Pam Anderson announces she is quitting the Internet (if a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it…)
    • Jason Collier, a former police chief is in hot water for falsifying multiple documents to keep multiple wives and girlfriends from knowing about his bizarre world
    • A man from Afghanistan is attacked by a racist at a Portland convenience store, forcing the terrified man to lock himself in the cooler as he waits for the police
    • The Chinook Nation is going to receive monetary compensation and could be taking the first steps to be recognized as sovereignty again by the federal government
    • In Portland, Oregon the lumber baron and the cattle baron make up after a spicy incident over the weekend
  • COVID-19 Five Fast Facts
  • Chad Wheeler a now-former player of the Seattle Seahawks was arrested after a violent domestic violence attack – the NFL and Seahawks reaction leaves a lot to be desired
  • David and Jennifer provide their insurrection update

Five Facts, National

Proud Boy leader Enrique Tarrio was former police informant

Five Fast Facts

  • 36-year old Enrique ‘Henry” Tarrio is the leader of the Proud Boys, an extreme right-wing group with militia ties
  • Tarrio was arrested in 2012 for the theft, relabeling, and resale of diabetes test kits
  • In 2014, according to federal court records, Tarrio was given a lesser sentence in exchange for providing state evidence
  • According to federal court records, Tarrio work as an informant led to 13 arrests on federal charges in two cases, including drug distribution and human trafficking – an FBI agent called Tarrio a “key component” in investigations involving marijuana, cocaine, and MDMA (ecstasy)
  • Tarrio claims he never was an informant, when confronted with the court records and transcripts he went on to say he does not “recall,” the events – Tarrio is not considered to be an informant now but there are questions about his close ties to various police agencies that are now a decade long

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group, has a past as an informer for federal and local law enforcement, repeatedly working undercover for investigators after he was arrested in 2012, according to a former prosecutor and a transcript of a 2014 federal court proceeding obtained by Reuters.

In the Miami hearing, a federal prosecutor, a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent and Tarrio’s own lawyer described his undercover work and said he had helped authorities prosecute more than a dozen people in various cases involving drugs, gambling and human smuggling.

Keep reading at Reuters