THREAD: rural communities demand independence unitedhealthcare

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.

MEASLES OUTBREAK in Texas: Shocking Surge Raises Alarm

26 February 2025 — The MEASLES outbreak in rural West Texas has climbed to 124 confirmed cases across nine counties. The state health department announced this concerning rise on Tuesday. Currently, 18 people are hospitalized due to the outbreak.

Local health officials are stunned by the severity of the situation. One resident remarked, “I’ve never seen it this close, ever.” The outbreak’s impact has drawn national media attention as officials work hard to contain the crisis.

Concerns over vaccination rates and public health measures have been highlighted by this outbreak. Health authorities urge vaccinations and increased public awareness to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.

ALABAMA Fights BACK: Undercover Heroes Take on Fentanyl Crisis

10 November 2024 — A small city in Alabama is fighting back against a surge in drug activity, particularly involving FENTANYL. Local police officers, many of whom grew up in the community, are determined to reclaim their town from this crisis. Lou Valoze, a retired ATF agent, emphasized the personal stakes for these officers as they engage in undercover work to combat illegal drugs and trafficking.

Valoze is featured in a new Investigation Discovery series titled “Operation Undercover,” which showcases real-life police operations aimed at safeguarding communities nationwide. The show provides exclusive footage of stings targeting drug suppliers and traffickers. The first episode highlights Oxford, Alabama’s battle against fentanyl smuggling along Highway 20.

Fentanyl has become the primary drug of choice for smugglers due to its potency — 50 times stronger than heroin. This alarming trend has prompted intensified law enforcement efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and protect local residents from its devastating impact.

DEMOCRAT Calls for BIDEN to Resign Over Health Concerns

12 July 2024 — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) called for President Biden to step down and resign on Thursday. She cited concerns from her constituents about the President’s age and health. “I doubt the President’s judgement about his health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions,” she stated.

Perez emphasized that Americans deserve a president who is fit enough to lead. She urged Biden to put national interest first by resigning. “The crisis of confidence in the President’s leadership needs to come to an end,” she added.

Later in the day, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) also called for Biden’s resignation after a NATO press conference. Despite praising Biden’s record and accomplishments, Himes joined Perez in suggesting it was time for him to step down.

BRITISH FARMERS Revolt: Unfair Trade Deals and Deceptive Food Labels Undermine Local Agriculture

26 March 2024 — London’s streets echoed with the voices of British farmers, expressing their deep concerns over free trade agreements and deceptive food labels. They argue these deals, inked by Tory governments post-Brexit with nations such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand, are a blow to local farming.

The farmers highlight a stark contrast in standards between them and their international competitors. They are expected to adhere to stricter labour, environmental and health regulations which inadvertently allows foreign goods to undercut local produce prices. The issue is further amplified as European farmers gain access to UK markets thanks to generous government subsidies and the use of cheap migrant labour.

Adding insult to injury is a policy that allows foreign food repackaged in the UK to sport the British flag. This tactic muddies the waters for local farmers trying to set their products apart from overseas competition.

Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming voiced her frustration at the protest stating that UK farmers are “completely disadvantaged”. She accused the government of reneging on its 2019 promise for a beneficial deal with the EU for British agriculture.