Actually, the chance of Solomon's Ethiopian son steeling the Ark without as much as a pursuit or effort to reclaim it is a bit of a stretch. Solomon was VERY powerful and had vast military and spy organizations.
As for the articles with the Aug 14 date, they were misquoting Dr. Jones. There is a correction of those statements on Dr. Jones website at http://www.vendyljones.org.il/, and more info on the dig at http://www.vendyljones.org.il/Excavations.htm.
Personally, I am not sure it is time for the Ark to be found. However, Dr. Jones has found the other items that the copper scrolls report to have been hidden along with the Ark. May be another Capone's Vault, but I will definitely be checking the progress.
I don't necessarily think that Solomon's son Menelik actually took the Ark if and when he went to visit the kingdom of his mother. I think that possibly some other Hebrew prophet or levite transported the Ark to Ethiopia to protect the Ark from invaders.
Well, August 14th has come and gone. Any word on this?
Nevermind. Your links needed fixin' and I saw the September listing.
Thanks.