THREAD: twitter verification

ROSIE O’Donnell’S Wild Election Theory: Claims Musk Controlled Votes

23 March 2025 — Rosie O’Donnell stirred controversy in her first Irish TV appearance, sharing a wild theory about the U.S. election on The Late Late Show. She claimed Elon Musk, because of his control over the platform formerly known as Twitter, might have swayed election results nationwide.

O’Donnell questioned how a president could win every swing state while linked with Musk, whom she believes “owns and runs the internet.” She demanded an investigation into what she sees as irregularities during America’s election night.

In March, O’Donnell revealed her move to Ireland due to dissatisfaction with U.S. politics and Donald Trump’s influence. In an online video message, she encouraged Americans to think about political events and hoped for positive change.

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.

TRUMP and ZELENSKYY’S Hopeful Ceasefire Call: A Step Toward Peace

20 March 2025 — President Donald TRUMP and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a “very good” phone call about a preliminary agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump shared the news on Truth Social, highlighting that Russia and Ukraine’s requests align well. He stated, "We are very much on track.

Zelenskyy described the call as “positive, very substantive, and frank,” thanking Trump for productive teamwork in Jeddah. The Ukrainian leader is hopeful about achieving lasting peace with American leadership, believing cooperation with the U.S. could end the war this year.

Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days. However, this does not include frontlines or civilian areas as initially hoped by Trump’s administration. Ceasefire talks continue as both nations strive for a peaceful resolution under U.S. guidance.

DIGITAL NEWS Chaos: How Tech Issues Leave Readers Frustrated

06 March 2025 — In today’s digital world, TECHNICAL difficulties can block access to important news. Recently, users struggled to get the latest updates.

These disruptions reveal weaknesses in our digital systems and raise questions about their reliability. Such problems affect how fast and accurately people get vital news.

For those wanting timely information, these barriers are annoying and inconvenient.

Building strong systems is key to keeping public trust in online news platforms.

TRUMP’S Bold SSA Shakeup: What It Means for Americans

03 March 2025 — The Social Security Administration (SSA) is reshaping its Office of Analytics, Review, and Oversight (OARO) into existing divisions. This move aims to streamline management and boost data sharing. The SSA wants to improve fraud detection and tackle waste more effectively.

Additionally, the SSA will end agreements with the Retirement and Disability Research Consortium (RDRC), saving about $15 million in 2025. These changes align with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which focuses on modernizing federal technology. However, there’s no direct confirmation that DOGE influenced these specific changes at the SSA.

Acting Social Security Commissioner Lee Dudek says these adjustments are crucial for maintaining program integrity. Democratic senators Ron Wyden and Chuck Schumer raised concerns about the removal of former Acting Commissioner Michelle King, claiming she was ousted for resisting data access pressures.

Future plans regarding further cuts by DOGE at the SSA remain unclear, sparking ongoing discussions among stakeholders. This reflects broader efforts under Trump’s administration to enhance efficiency in social services through governmental reforms.

SCOTUS DECISION Rocks TikTok: What It Means for America

18 January 2025 — The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the TikTok divest-or-ban law, dismissing claims of First Amendment violations. This decision requires ByteDance to sell its U.S. stake in TikTok by January 19 or face a nationwide ban. The ruling could change the social media landscape and has ignited debates on national security and data privacy concerns.

Legal experts are now exploring how this decision will affect freedom of expression for users. The ruling raises questions about balancing national security with constitutional rights, a topic that remains contentious among stakeholders.

Concerns are growing over how this could impact American users and businesses that rely on TikTok for communication and marketing purposes. As discussions continue, many eagerly await ByteDance’s next move in response to this landmark Supreme Court decision.

SUPREME COURT’S Bold Move: TikTok BAN to Stand in the USA

18 January 2025 — The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld a federal law banning TikTok unless its China-based parent company sells it. This decision will take effect on Sunday. TikTok’s CEO expressed gratitude towards President-elect Donald Trump for his efforts to keep the app available in the U.S.

ISRAEL’s BRAVE CEASEFIRE: Hostage DEAL with Hamas APPROVED

Israel’s Cabinet has approved a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal with Hamas, set to begin on Sunday. The agreement includes releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, starting with three women hostages. Additionally, Egypt will facilitate the entry of 600 aid lorries per day during the ceasefire period.

CALIFORNIA RECOVERS: Evacuation ORDERS LIFTED After Battery Plant FIRE

Authorities have lifted evacuation orders following a fire at Vistra Power Plant in Moss Landing, California. The incident forced evacuations and road closures in Monterey County on Thursday, but some roads remain closed as safety assessments continue.

A gunman shot dead two judges in Tehran, raising immediate concerns about judicial safety in Iran’s capital city. The attack highlights vulnerabilities faced by judges involved in politically sensitive cases within the country’s judicial system

SUPREME COURT’S Bold Move to Protect America from China-Owned Apps

17 January 2025 — The U.S. SUPREME COURT has upheld a law allowing the government to ban TikTok unless it’s sold by its Chinese parent company. This decision addresses concerns over data privacy and national security linked to the popular app. Millions of American users are affected as lawmakers push for tougher rules on foreign-owned social media platforms.

The law emerged from fears that China could access sensitive personal data of American users through TikTok. Supporters see this ruling as a win for privacy and security, while critics worry about job losses and restricted free speech. The decision aligns with increased scrutiny on foreign tech companies in the U.S.

TikTok has been urged to consider selling or restructuring to ease these concerns, which could impact other tech firms with foreign connections. This ruling may lead to big changes in how tech companies are owned and operate under U.S. laws, sparking talks about future compliance strategies within the industry.

CHINA’S SHOCKING TikTok Move: Will Musk Take Over?

15 January 2025 — Chinese officials are thinking about selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk. This idea comes as the app faces a possible ban in the United States. The talks highlight ongoing worries about national security risks linked to TikTok, owned by ByteDance.

The potential sale of TikTok’s US operations shows the tension between the United States and China over data privacy issues. Regulatory scrutiny is growing, with technology and foreign investments at the heart of these global challenges.

Elon Musk’s involvement could change how TikTok operates in America if a sale happens. This development marks an important moment in US-China relations regarding technology and data privacy concerns.

LABOUR PARTY’S AI Video Scandal Sparks Outrage

08 January 2025 — The UK Labour Party is under fire for sharing an A.I.-generated video with inappropriate content. The video, meant to promote safety and positive change, featured explicit lyrics from a Brazilian song.

These lyrics were particularly unsuitable given the ongoing scandals involving young girls in the UK. After users pointed out the offensive content, the video was swiftly deleted.

A government spokesman admitted to the blunder, explaining it was an attempt to follow a viral trend but acknowledged translation issues. They apologized for the oversight and removed the post.

BOURBON STREET Horror: 10 Lives Lost in New Year’s Tragedy

01 January 2025 — A driver crashed into a crowd on New Year’s Day in New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, killing 10 people before police shot him dead. This incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about public safety during large celebrations. Witnesses described panic as the vehicle hit pedestrians, with emergency services responding quickly.

Authorities are investigating, with initial reports suggesting the driver may have been drunk. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle sped up without warning, causing many casualties. Law enforcement’s quick response led to a shootout that ended the driver’s life, though it’s unclear if he was armed.

City officials expressed condolences and promised a thorough investigation is underway. Mayor LaToya Cantrell noted the tragedy’s impact on New Orleans and emphasized efforts to ensure safety for all residents and visitors. The NOPD plans to hold a press conference for more details as investigations continue.

Community organizations are supporting affected families while discussions about improving security at major events are expected to prevent future tragedies. This incident has overshadowed New Year’s celebrations and reignited debates on public safety in urban areas during large gatherings.

BRITISH AUTHORITIES Brace for Violence Amid Unrest

01 January 2025 — British authorities are on high alert as anti-immigrant violence rises. Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls for vigilance and unity to manage the situation.

The unrest comes from far-right demonstrations, raising concerns about public safety and social harmony. Authorities have increased police presence in affected areas to prevent more incidents.

Prime Minister Starmer urges communities to work together to keep peace amid growing tensions. The government is focused on ensuring stability and protecting citizens during this challenging time.

TOMMY ROBINSON Arrest Shocks Supporters: UK’S Anti-Terror LAW In Action

25 October 2024 — Tommy Robinson, legally known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested in Folkstone, Kent on Friday. He is charged with not providing his mobile phone PIN under the Terrorism Act 2000. This law lets authorities demand access to electronic devices from travelers at British ports to check for potential terrorism links.

Robinson’s spokesman confirmed he will remain in custody until his court appearance on Monday at Woolwich Crown Court. Although bailed on the terrorism charge, he stays detained for allegedly breaching a High Court order by showing a self-made documentary earlier this year. The film was screened at a London rally and shared on his X account, formerly Twitter.

Robinson’s arrest happens just before a planned march by his supporters in London. The Metropolitan Police have announced increased security due to multiple protests and counter-protests set for the same day. Authorities are gearing up for possible unrest as tensions rise among demonstrators and counter-demonstrators alike.

METROPOLITAN POLICE Scandal: Officer’s Alleged Extremist Links Exposed

19 October 2024 — Ruby Begum, a 29-year-old police officer of Bangladeshi heritage, is facing a misconduct hearing for allegedly breaking professional standards. The hearing will examine claims that Begum posted “discriminatory and/or offensive comments” on Twitter and possibly misled the vetting process when joining the Metropolitan Police in 2016.

The allegations suggest she failed to disclose ties with a female Jihadi in Syria and showed an interest in extremist teachings. Once praised as a role model during anti-lockdown protests, Begum was put on restricted duties in 2021 and fully suspended by 2022.

Begum’s controversial tweets include remarks about Israel, non-Muslims, and historical events like the September 11th attacks. While some messages were posted before her police service, others continued until at least 2019.

This case is embarrassing for London’s Metropolitan Police as it exposes potential failures in their recruitment process amid other recent scandals involving officers within their ranks.

TIKTOK On The BRINK: Biden’s Bold Move to Ban or Force Sale of Chinese App

02 May 2024 — TikTok and Universal Music Group have just renewed their partnership. This deal brings UMG’s music back to TikTok after a short break. The agreement includes better promotion strategies and new AI protections. Universal CEO Lucian Grainge said the deal will help artists and creators on the platform.

President Joe Biden has signed a new law that gives TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This decision is due to worries from both political sides about national security and protecting American youth from foreign influence.

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, announced plans to fight this law in U.S courts, claiming it supports their constitutional rights. Yet, ByteDance would rather close TikTok in the U.S than sell it if they lose their legal battle.

This conflict shows the ongoing struggle between TikTok’s business goals and America’s national security needs. It points out big worries about data privacy and foreign influence in American digital spaces by China’s tech sector.

MEDIA BIAS Outrage: Olbermann Cancels NYT Subscription Over Biden Coverage

28 April 2024 — Keith Olbermann, a well-known media personality, has publicly ended his subscription to The New York Times. He claims the newspaper’s publisher, A.G. Sulzberger, shows a bias against President Joe Biden. Olbermann announced his decision on social media, reaching nearly a million followers.

Olbermann argues that Sulzberger’s personal dislike for Biden is harming democracy. He believes this bias is why the Times has been particularly critical of Biden’s age and his administration’s actions, especially noting the president’s limited interviews with the paper.

Furthermore, Olbermann challenges the accuracy of reports from Politico regarding tension between the White House and The New York Times. His bold move to cancel his subscription and voice criticism underscores significant concerns about fairness in political journalism today.

This incident sparks broader discussions on media integrity and bias in political reporting among conservatives who value journalistic accountability and transparency in news coverage.

NYT SUBSCRIPTION Dropped: Keith Olbermann Slams Biden Coverage

28 April 2024 — Keith Olbermann, once a prominent face on SportsCenter, has publicly ended his subscription to the New York Times. He pointed out what he sees as biased reporting on President Biden. Olbermann announced his decision to his nearly one million social media followers.

Olbermann directly accused A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the Times, of holding a personal grudge against President Biden. He believes this resentment influences the newspaper’s focus on Biden’s age and results in unduly negative coverage.

The root of this issue appears in a Politico piece discussing tension between the White House and the New York Times. Olbermann suggests that Sulzberger’s dissatisfaction with Biden’s limited interactions with the press is prompting harsher scrutiny from reporters at the Times.

However, skepticism surrounds Olbermann’s assertion that he has been a subscriber since 1969 — a claim that would mean he started his subscription at age ten — raising questions about his accuracy and reliability in this controversy.

TIKTOK’S SHADOW BAN: Suppressing Content Critical of Chinese Communist Party?

28 December 2023 — A recent investigation by Rutgers University’s Network Contagion Research Institute has unveiled unsettling details about TikTok’s content guidelines. The popular social media platform, notorious for its data collection and sharing with its parent company in China, now stands accused of stifling content that criticizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The research team found a stark contrast in the number of posts featuring contentious hashtags such as China’s conflict with India over Kashmir, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and the Uyghur genocide on TikTok compared to other platforms like Instagram. For instance, there were 206 Instagram posts tagged #HongKongProtests for every single one on TikTok. Similar ratios were observed for #StandWithKashmir, #FreeUyghurs, and #DalaiLama.

The report suggests that there is a high likelihood that TikTok either boosts or suppresses content depending on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests. This is worrisome since many Generation Z users rely on TikTok as their primary news source — interestingly enough, this is also the only generation reported not to take pride in being American.

TikTok cannot deny these findings as they mirror the methodology used by them last month to prove their platform was not biased against Israel. This revelation raises serious questions about

PLUS-SIZED Traveler Sparks Controversy with Airplane Seat Hack

20 December 2023 — Kirsty Leanne, a UK-based traveler known for her plus-size, has stirred a heated debate on social media with her travel advice. She is recognized for sharing her experiences as a plus-sized voyager and recently offered tips on securing an extra airplane seat without cost.

Leanne’s guidance to her 130,000 TikTok followers was straightforward: inquire with the flight attendant at the gate about any available double seats. While this strategy may not always prove successful, particularly on fully booked flights, she maintains it’s worth an attempt.

Despite amassing over 4.6 million likes on her account, this specific tip has elicited criticism. The online discussion persists as users evaluate both the ethical implications and practicality of Leanne’s travel hack.

Ricky Vaughn’s TWISTED TALE: The Shocking Misinformation Campaign in the 2016 Election

19 October 2023 — Douglass Mackey, widely recognized as “Ricky Vaughn,” was handed a seven-month prison sentence this Wednesday. His crime? Deliberately misleading Hillary Clinton’s supporters into believing they could cast their votes in the 2016 presidential election via text messages or social media posts.

Mackey faced prosecution under the Ku Klux Klan Act, a law enacted during the Reconstruction era to combat KKK efforts aimed at hindering newly freed Blacks from voting. Despite his attempts to overturn the verdict or secure a new trial, U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly dismissed Mackey’s bid prior to his sentencing.

In 2015, Mackey assumed the alias “Ricky Vaughn” and started posting on Twitter. He quickly amassed a following of 51,000 and became one of the most influential voices discussing the 2016 presidential election according to an M.I.T list. Federal prosecutors in New York argued that Mackey aimed to create hashtags that would stir up as much chaos as possible by generating controversy targeted at Hillary Clinton.

On November 1, 2016, at precisely 5:30 p.m., Mackey unleashed his first tweet falsely asserting that people could register their vote by texting from their phones. This marked the start of a series of additional misleading tweets