THREAD: gender wage gap

Rural Seniors STRUGGLE as SOCIAL Security Rules Shift

22 March 2025 — Veronica Taylor, a 73-year-old from rural West Virginia, faces challenges with new Social Security rules. She lacks internet skills and transportation, making it hard to access her benefits.

The Trump administration wants to streamline processes and cut fraud by requiring online or in-person identity checks for Social Security recipients. This change could be tough for people like Taylor.

Mary Weaver, visiting the McDowell County Senior Center, shares worries about these changes starting on March 31. Seniors in remote areas might struggle without proper support systems.

DEMOCRATS BLOCK Bill to Protect Women’s Sports: Heated Debate Ensues

09 March 2025 — Democrats in the Senate recently blocked a bill aimed at banning biological men from competing in women’s sports. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act faced a filibuster, despite its clear language stating that sex should be recognized based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

During a heated exchange, Leland Vittert questioned how Democrats can claim to represent American values while opposing such measures. Jennifer McClellan argued against the bill, suggesting it would lead to invasive practices like checking children’s physical characteristics to enforce compliance. Vittert dismissed this as a “false talking point,” emphasizing that birth certificates already indicate sex.

McClellan maintained her stance, insisting that enforcement would require intrusive actions, which she believes are unacceptable. This debate highlights ongoing tensions between protecting women’s sports and addressing concerns about privacy and discrimination.

The issue remains contentious as both sides grapple with balancing fairness in sports with individual rights and freedoms. Conservatives argue for clear definitions based on biology, while opponents raise concerns about potential overreach and privacy violations.

UK DEFENSE SPENDING Hike: Resignation Shocks Politics

01 March 2025 — Anneliese Dodds resigned from her roles as international development minister and minister for women. She disagreed with the cuts to overseas aid. Dodds shared her resignation letter online, voicing concerns over reducing the aid budget. While she understood the need for more defense spending, she criticized how much aid was being cut.

Keir Starmer plans to raise U.K. defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, up from 2.3%. This boost will come by cutting the aid budget from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3%. Starmer called this decision “very difficult and painful,” signaling a new era of insecurity in Europe that needs a strong response.

Dodds argued that these deep cuts would hurt vulnerable populations and harm the U.K.'s global reputation. She pointed out that supporting Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, vaccinations, climate projects, and rules-based systems would be impossible with less funding. Aid agencies agreed, warning about negative effects on global poverty efforts and Britain’s influence abroad.

Despite initial doubts due to Starmer’s meeting with President Trump in Washington, Dodds decided to resign after his return from the trip. Her exit highlights tensions within Starmer’s Cabinet over balancing defense priorities with humanitarian commitments.

UK INFLATION SURGE: What It Means for Your Wallet

27 February 2025 — The United Kingdom is facing a jump in inflation, hitting a 10-month high. This spike raises concerns for the Bank of England as it works to maintain economic stability. The increase could impact future monetary policies and interest rates.

BRITISH MUSICIANS SILENCE AI with BOLD Protest

British musicians are making a statement against artificial intelligence by releasing a silent album. They oppose AI using their work without permission. This protest highlights growing tensions between artists and tech companies over intellectual property rights.

UK HALTS RWANDA AID Amid CONGO Violence Concerns

The UK has stopped some financial aid to Rwanda due to violence in eastern Congo. This decision reflects worries about regional stability and human rights issues, showing the UK’s cautious approach to foreign aid during geopolitical tensions.

Iran has accused a detained British couple of spying, increasing diplomatic tension between the two nations. This claim could complicate already strained relations and affect future diplomatic talks as both countries handle this sensitive issue carefully.

LIV Golf’s MONEY Woes: Is a PGA Merger the Only Hope?

24 February 2025 — LIV Golf is facing serious financial trouble. Losses in its UK branch have jumped from $244 million to $394 million in 2023. This big spike has people wondering if a merger with the PGA Tour might be on the horizon.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is still a key lifeline for LIV Golf during these tough times. Without this support, the league could struggle to become profitable and sustainable.

These money problems raise questions about LIV Golf’s future in pro golf. Will it need major changes or a merger to keep going? The coming months are crucial for its survival and growth in the sport.

TRUMP vs Mills: FIERY Showdown Over Transgender Sports

23 February 2025 — President Donald TRUMP and Democratic Governor Janet Mills had a heated exchange at the White House over transgender women in sports. This meeting showed the growing divide between Republicans and Democrats on this hot-button issue.

The debate mirrors ongoing national talks about fairness and inclusivity in sports. Both sides stand firm, with Republicans stressing fairness for biological women, while Democrats push for transgender rights.

FOX News reported that this confrontation highlights political tensions surrounding gender identity today. The clash is part of wider debates on laws affecting transgender athletes across the nation.

WOMAN’S Shocking WIG Scam Rocks UK Citizenship Tests

14 February 2025 — A WOMAN used wigs and disguises to impersonate at least 14 people in British citizenship tests, raising concerns about the process’s integrity. Authorities uncovered the scheme after spotting suspicious patterns among test-takers.

Investigations revealed her use of various disguises to avoid detection while pretending to be multiple candidates. This scandal highlights weaknesses in the system meant to assess eligibility for British citizenship.

Officials have promised stricter measures to prevent future fraud. The case has sparked media attention and debates on UK immigration policies, with ongoing investigations aiming to catch all involved parties.

COSTCO STRIKE Threat: What It Means for Shoppers and Workers

27 January 2025 — A potential STRIKE at Costco looms as the union representing thousands of workers votes to authorize action. This decision comes amid ongoing talks over pay and working conditions, highlighting tensions between management and labor. If unresolved, this could significantly impact Costco’s operations soon.

Elon Musk stays in the spotlight with his involvement in DOGE, a cryptocurrency dividing investor opinions. Some see it as promising, while others doubt its long-term viability. Musk’s influence keeps DOGE relevant despite fluctuating interest and value.

Netflix plans more price hikes, raising concerns about keeping subscribers amid fierce competition. As streaming services battle for dominance, Netflix’s pricing strategy could affect its subscriber base and market position. Consumers are watching closely how these changes will impact their viewing options and costs.

In pharmaceuticals, speculation surrounds the next big drug after Ozempic’s success in diabetes management. New developments suggest another breakthrough may be near, potentially transforming treatment options worldwide. The medical community eagerly awaits what could be another game-changing advancement in healthcare innovation.

BLAKE LIVELY’S Shocking Lawsuit: Hollywood Drama Heats UP

25 January 2025 — Justin Baldoni’s wife, Emily, has spoken out for the first time since Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against her husband. In a birthday message to Justin, Emily addressed the ongoing legal battle. Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation related to their work on "It Ends With Us.

Blake Lively’s legal team claims that Baldoni’s actions are part of an “abuser playbook,” alleging he launched a smear campaign against her. They stress that sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal everywhere. Court documents with these allegations are available on The New York Times’ website.

Legal expert Gregory Doll predicts this battle will escalate before any settlement is reached between the parties involved. He notes the heated exchanges between both camps since Lively initiated legal action against Baldoni. This case highlights ongoing challenges in addressing misconduct allegations within Hollywood and other industries.

TRUMP STRIKES Back: DEI Initiatives Face Shocking Cuts

23 January 2025 — The TRUMP administration has taken a bold step against federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) offices. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that employees in these offices will be placed on paid administrative leave immediately. This move aligns with President Trump’s broader agenda to reshape federal policies and reduce what he sees as politically motivated initiatives.

In another major development, the Pentagon is deploying 1,500 active-duty troops to secure the US-Mexico border. This action underscores the administration’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration and boosting national security. The deployment marks a significant shift in immigration policy after Trump’s election victory, signaling a tougher approach to border control.

Meanwhile, President Trump signed his first piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration — the Laken Riley Act. Named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant, this law highlights the administration’s focus on tightening immigration laws and ensuring public safety. The act received bipartisan support in Congress, showing changing political dynamics around immigration issues.

Additionally, far-right leaders Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes have spoken out after receiving clemency from Trump for their roles in the January 6 riot. They expressed hopes that Trump would seek retribution for their prosecutions, adding another layer of controversy to his early days back in office as he sets an

CHINA’S Record Trade Surplus Sparks Global Alarm

14 January 2025 — In December 2024, CHINA reached a record trade surplus of $104.8 billion. This was due to a surge in exports before President-elect Donald Trump could impose tariffs. The New York Times reported that China’s export boom is causing friction with many trade partners, not just the United States. Several nations are now erecting tariff barriers against Chinese products to protect their markets.

China’s export success has been an economic boon, creating millions of jobs in sectors like manufacturing and engineering. The nation dominates industries such as solar panels and is becoming self-sufficient in areas like commercial jets. However, China still struggles with energy independence outside solar power.

The automobile industry showcases China’s manufacturing strength, evolving from a major importer to the world’s largest car exporter in two decades. Critics argue that China’s overcapacity and government subsidies distort global auto markets by flooding them with cheap vehicles amid declining local demand.

While record exports might seem beneficial for China, they could lead to financial strain if companies face bankruptcy due to low prices and excess inventory as tariff barriers persist globally. The auto industry may have peaked, facing strong resistance from politically influential foreign markets protecting their own electric vehicle sectors through tariffs and subsidies.

ILLEGAL MIGRANT Surge: Labour’s Broken Promises Exposed

02 December 2024 — Since Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party took power on July 4th, over 20,110 ILLEGAL migrants have crossed the Channel into Britain. This figure marks a 15% increase compared to the same period last year under Tory leadership. The Home Office attributes this rise to favorable weather conditions rather than policy changes.

Leaked analysis suggests October and November saw the calmest Channel days since tracking began in 2018, facilitating crossings. During these months, 6,288 migrants arrived compared to just 768 last year. Despite weather explanations, the surge challenges Starmer’s government as he promised to combat illegal migration by targeting human trafficking networks legally.

The government plans to introduce new measures against illegal crossings but won’t include returning migrants to France, where international law suggests they should stay. This ongoing crisis strains public resources and highlights broader migration issues as legal net migration approaches one million annually in Britain.

BRAVE Israeli Woman EXPOSES Hamas’ Horrific Crimes at UN

24 October 2024 — Amit Soussana, the first Israeli woman to speak openly about sexual violence by Hamas, addressed the United Nations. She was taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. Her testimony coincided with the 15th anniversary of the U.N.'s mandate on sexual violence in conflicts.

Soussana described her life before as simple and private. She worked as an attorney and lived quietly in a kibbutz. Everything changed when Hamas terrorists invaded her home during Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday. She vividly recalled missiles launching and gunfire approaching before being forcibly taken to Gaza by armed men.

For 55 days, she endured horrific experiences until her release in late November 2023 through a hostage deal with Hamas. Soussana’s account highlights systematic sexual violence committed by Hamas during their October assault on Israel. Her courage aims to bring international attention to these atrocities at the U.N event.

COLD-BLOODED Killer Still Roams Free: 16 Years of Heartbreak in Tinley Park

20 October 2024 — On February 2, 2008, a man pretending to be a delivery driver entered a Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park, Illinois. Armed with a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun, he forced six women into a back room. After tying their hands with duct tape and assaulting one woman, he shot all six victims.

Amazingly, one woman survived and gave police a description of the suspect. Despite thousands of leads over the past 16 years, authorities have yet to catch him. The suspect is described as a Black man between 25 and 35 years old at the time of the crime, standing just over six feet tall with corn-rowed hair and green beads on one braid.

Grainy surveillance footage showed two dark vehicles near the scene during the murders. However, it is unclear if either vehicle was used by the attacker. The tragic event claimed five lives: Jennifer Bishop, Carrie Chiuso, Rhoda McFarland, Sarah Szafranski, and Connie Woolfolk.

The Tinley Park Police continue to seek justice for these victims while urging anyone with information to come forward. This cold-blooded case remains unsolved despite extensive efforts by law enforcement agencies for more than a decade.

CENSUS DATA Flawed: Transgender Numbers Grossly Inflated, ONS Admits

14 September 2024 — The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has admitted potential bias in the 2021 Census regarding transgender identification. Deputy Director Mary Gregory stated that the question might have led to an overestimation of trans-identified individuals.

Gregory highlighted that people with lower English proficiency may have mistakenly identified as transgender. This error could significantly affect areas with higher non-English-speaking populations.

Oxford University analysis supports this claim, showing non-native speakers were ten times more likely to be listed under “unspecified gender.” Although they make up only 10% of adults, they account for 29% of those listed as transgender.

The accuracy of these figures is crucial for government resource allocation. The 2021 Census was the first to include a question about gender identity, making these findings particularly significant.

LABOUR PARTY’S Economic Plan Under Fire: Will It Really Work?

22 July 2024 — Britain’s new Treasury chief, Rachel Reeves, vows to run the economy with “iron discipline.” She hinted at above-inflation pay raises for public sector workers to end ongoing strikes.

The Labour Party, elected two weeks ago, faces pressure to increase salaries and welfare without raising taxes or public borrowing. Reeves criticized the previous Conservative government for high taxes and debt.

Labour won a landslide victory on promises of economic growth, housebuilding, green energy projects, and improved public services. The electorate seeks relief from high living costs and past economic mismanagement.

Inflation has dropped to 2%, but strikes by hospital doctors strain the National Health Service. Other public-sector workers like nurses and teachers have also demanded higher pay through walkouts over the past year.

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR: Civilian Casualties Plummet Amid NEW IDF Strategy

07 June 2024 — An Associated Press analysis reveals a sharp decline in the proportion of Palestinian women and children killed in the Israel-Hamas war. This trend aligns with Israel’s changing battlefield tactics, contradicting Gaza Health Ministry’s public statements. In October, civilian casualties were above 60%, but by April, they had dropped below 40%.

The U.N. and much of the media overlooked this shift for months, while the Hamas-linked Health Ministry did not correct the record. Israel continues to face international criticism over civilian casualties in Gaza amid an ongoing conflict that shows no signs of ending soon.

Gabriel Epstein from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy noted that this decline is due to changes in Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) actions. Despite recent airstrikes killing dozens of civilians, Epstein emphasized that these facts should inform public debate on the issue.

Israel initially responded to Hamas’ October attack with intense aerial bombardment aimed at destroying Hamas positions in Gaza. This strategy paved the way for ground troops supported by tanks and artillery to enter densely populated areas, leading to high initial civilian casualties.

DOCTOR Under FIRE: The Dangerous Backlash After Exposing Transgender Treatment Risks

21 April 2024 — Dr. Hillary Cass, former head of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, faces threats following her critical review on transgender medicine for children. She now avoids public transport based on security advice. This intense backlash arose after her findings questioned the safety of gender identity interventions.

Dr. Cass has publicly criticized the spread of “misinformation” regarding her report, particularly pointing out Labour MP Dawn Butler’s inaccurate statements in Parliament. Butler wrongly claimed that over 100 studies were left out of the review, a statement Dr. Cass dismissed as completely unrelated to her research or any associated papers.

The physician condemned attempts to discredit her work as “unforgivable,” accusing detractors of jeopardizing children’s health by ignoring scientific concerns about transgender treatments for minors. Her report has ignited a heated debate amidst ongoing discussions concerning healthcare practices in this field.

SHOCKING Truth Revealed: MAJORITY of Americans Support Border Wall, New Poll Discloses

30 January 2024 — A recent poll surveying 40,513 U.S. adults has revealed a surprising fact: half of the respondents are in favor of building a border wall. This majority includes not only typical conservative demographics but also groups such as black and Hispanic Americans, women, and independents.

The data shows that 45% of black Americans polled support the idea of a wall, compared to just 30% who oppose it. Hispanic support for the wall is at 42%, marginally outnumbering those against it at 40%. These figures could potentially cause concern for Democrats who have traditionally relied on these demographics for support.

The poll also reveals significant backing from women and independents. Among female respondents, supporters outnumber opponents by nine points (45-36). Independents show an even stronger pro-wall sentiment with an eleven-point lead (44-33). Support appears to be widespread across all regional demographics — even in the traditionally Democrat-leaning Northeast where backing stands at a surprising 49%.

Leading this wave of support is the South with over half (51%) favoring border wall construction. These findings could be game-changers in political strategies as they indicate broad-based endorsement for what has been primarily seen as a MAGA Republican priority.

UAW STRIKE Ends: Ford’s Unprecedented 30% PAY Rise Could Shake Up Detroit Automakers

26 October 2023 — The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford. This development could signal the end of the nearly six-week-long strikes that have rocked Detroit automakers. However, this four-year deal still needs approval from Ford’s 57,000 union members.

The agreement could shape future negotiations with General Motors and Stellantis, where strikes are ongoing. UAW has urged all Ford workers to resume work, hoping to pressure GM and Stellantis into bargaining. More details on how this strategy will be implemented are expected soon.

In a video address, UAW President Shawn Fain announced that Ford offered a wage increase of 50% more than before the strike started on September 15th. UAW Vice President Chuck Browning, who served as the chief negotiator with Ford, disclosed that workers would see an overall wage increase of 25%. This would push the total pay rise over 30%, resulting in top-tier assembly plant workers earning above $40 per hour by contract’s end.

Before this agreement, all three automakers had suggested a pay rise of just 23%. Under the new deal, assembly workers will receive an immediate raise of 11% upon ratification — nearly matching all wage increases since 2007.