Journal de La Reyna (World News Today)

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Liam Payne Passed Away!

Liam Payne died in a fall.

Former One Direction frontman dies from a fall in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

English singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said.

Foul play?

Buenos Aires police said in a statement that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina’s capital, resulting in “extremely serious injuries.” Medics confirmed his death on the spot, the statement said.

Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said in a statement to The Associated Press that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police rushed to the hotel in response to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, he said, warning of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

The hotel manager can be heard on a 911 call obtained by the AP saying they had “a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol ... He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” The manager’s voice became more anxious as the call went on, noting the room had a balcony.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel that authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting an autopsy.

Payne had been vocal about struggling with alcoholism, posting a video in July 2023 to his YouTube channel where he said he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment. Representatives for Payne did not immediately return emails and calls.

Dozens of One Direction fans flocked from across Buenos Aires to the Casa Sur Hotel after the news broke, forming lines that spilled into the cordoned-off street outside the hotel where police stood sentinel. Forensic investigators were seen exiting the hotel, from where Payne’s body was removed around three hours after the fall. Young women filming with their cellphones expressed shock and heartbreak as a makeshift memorial with rows of candles and bouquets quickly grew outside the hotel.

“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” 21-year-old Isabella Milesi told the AP.

Payne was one of five members of One Direction, which formed when they each auditioned for the British singing competition series “The X Factor” in 2010, two years after Payne’s first attempt to get on the show. At 16 the second time around, Payne sang Michael Bublé’s version of “Cry Me a River,” appearing nervous at the start but warming up with the audience’s cheers and applause.

After each singer failed to make it through the competition as solo acts, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges combined Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson into what would become one of the most successful boy bands — even though they lost the competition.

Each member had their own persona, with Payne — who hailed from Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands region of England — being known as the responsible one. The band became known for their pop sound and romantic hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” Payne had prominent solos on songs including “Stole My Heart” and “Change Your Ticket,” co-writing several of the band’s hits. They had six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts by the time they disbanded in 2016 and a highly loyal fan base, known as “Directioners,” many of whom were teen girls.

“I’ve always loved One Direction since I was little,” said 18-year-old Juana Relh, another fan outside Payne’s hotel. “To see that he died and that there will never be another reunion of the boys is unbelievable, it kills me.”

With his meteoric rise to fame, Payne had said that it took some time to adjust to the public eye.

“I don’t think you can ever deal with that, it’s all a bit crazy for us to see that people get in that sort of state of mind about us and what we do,” he said in a 2013 interview with the AP after recounting an experience where a fan was in a state of shock upon meeting him.

After the group’s dissolution, Payne — like each of his erstwhile bandmates — pursued a solo career, shifting toward EDM and hip-hop. His 2017 single “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10, and stayed on the charts for several months. He put out an album “LP1” in 2019, and his last release — a single called “Teardrops” — was released in March.

Payne had a 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, with his former girlfriend, the musician Cheryl who was known as Cheryl Cole when she performed with Girls Aloud. She was an “X Factor” judge during One Direction’s season, although their relationship began years later. Payne was previously engaged to Maya Henry, from August 2020 to early 2022. Henry released a novel earlier this year that she said was based on their relationship.

In addition to his son, he is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

You can get help if you, loved one or friend are dealing with drug abuse.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Trump Country!

This is what voting for Trump offers.

There is a video that is circulating on TikTok and X of a Black man being accosted by a bunch of white people in a Sarasota, Florida neighborhood. One of the people pulled out a firearm when he refused to answer their questions.

This what Black MAGAland is voting for. More chaos.

It's easy to grift off the tragedy of Black men. It's easy for MAGAland to exploit the criminality of Black men, the Black fatherless homes, the Barack Obama "did nothing for Blacks" mantra, the "Kamala Harris ain't Black" mantra and the Democrat plantation talking point.

Election is less than three weeks away.

Vote.

Vote like your life defends on it.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Tim Walz.

Yeah, Israel is the biggest issue I have with her and President Joe Biden but given that former president Donald J. Trump and Ohio senator J.D. Vance have no plans. Only grievances and distractions. It is time to move past the Trump MAGAland noise.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made the dog whistle remarks about looting after a hurricane. He said that looting will not be tolerated in an open carry state.

He was signaling that Blacks would loot after a hurricane. It is quite clear that DeSantis wanted to keep the "law and order" mantra up.

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton destroyed Florida neighborhoods. The estimated amount of death for both storms is 1,600.

A Sarasota mother’s viral video has sparked outrage after she alleged a group of older white men racially profiled and followed her Black son just one day after Hurricane Milton made landfall. The video has been shared widely on TikTok and Facebook, now with more than 3 million views.

Responses from residents concerned about the incident have continued to grow since the video was first posted by the young man's mother, Whitney Portela.

In the one-minute video clip, Portela's son, a Black man, can be seen being followed down a street in a neighborhood by at least three men — at least one of the men had been following Portela's son in a vehicle for several minutes, she says in her Facebook post.

The Facebook video has surpassed 10,000 views in 24 hours grabbing the attention of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

The agency posted on Facebook on Tuesday evening that it was investigating the complaint filed by the young man's mother.

"The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a video circulating on various social media platforms of an incident that occurred in the Skye Ranch neighborhood on Thursday, Oct. 10. Detectives have been assigned and are actively locating and interviewing witnesses in what appears to be an altercation involving neighbors and a male subject who was recording himself as he was walking. The Sheriff’s Office takes these matters seriously and will fully investigate any allegations of criminal activity," the SCSO post reads.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

October Surprise: Kamala Brings The Black Men A Plan!

Vice President Kamala Harris released her plan to help Black men. She also goes to Roland Martin, All The Smoke and The Breakfast Club to detail her proposals.

Even the Detroit rapper/activist Icewear Vezzo appeared at The Breakfast Club town hall.

He is a supporter of former president Donald J. Trump.

The Democratic nominee is trying to court Black men to Support her.

Former president Barack Obama told a real truth. Some of the brothas are willing to support a man who is the very definition of white privilege. A man who is a convicted felon. A man who will sell gold tennis shoes, NFTs, bibles and his image of him pumping his fist after he was grazed in his ear. A man who bases his whole campaign on gaslighting, racial politics, grievances and political revenge.

The highly anticipated town hall with Biden critic Charlamagne tha God.

Harris is an African American vice president. She is also the first woman to hold this title.

Harris is the first African American, Asian American, woman, person of color to be the vice president. She is the second woman and first woman of color to be the presidential nominee. If elected, she will be the first woman and second African American president.

Harris released her plan to help Black America (Black men)

Providing 1 million loans that are fully forgivable of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs and others who have historically faced barriers to starting a new business or growing an existing business, in partnership with trusted organizations like mission-driven lenders and banks with a proven commitment to their communities.
Harris is proposing a new partnership between the Small Business Administration andtrusted partners on the ground to provide loans that are forgivable of up to $20,000 to entrepreneurs who have a good idea but don’t have the resources, connections, or access to capital to get their business off the ground, as well as entrepreneurs locating in underserved communities. This will help Black men and other Americans start or grow a business in their community when they don’t have the startup capital.
Expanding access to bank accounts and lending to help Black men build wealth.
Enabling Black men who hold digital assets to benefit from financial innovation.
Breaking down unfair and unnecessary barriers to employment for Black men.
Enabling Black men and other workers to profit when company executives profit.
Expanding pathways for Black men to good-paying jobs, whether or not they have a college degree.
Providing more pathways for Black men to become teachers and school leaders.
Invest in grant programs for mentorship and leadership development.
Providing financial support to financially stressed farmers and ranchers—including Black farmers and ranchers.
Providing Black men and their families with reliable, low-cost internet access.
Relieving the burden of medical debt, so Black men can take advantage of opportunities to build wealth and start businesses.
Revitalizing competition in food and groceries and enacting the first-ever federal ban on corporate price-gouging—benefitting Black families.
Lowering rent.
More than tripling the number of new first-time Black homeowners each year by the end of her first term through her housing plan.
Fighting to end racial bias in home appraisals that have lowered home values for Black men and Black Americans.
Helping reduce costs for Black men with children through tax cuts and affordable child care.
Helping Black men provide care for their aging parents.
Cutting taxes for Black men in lower-wage jobs by increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit maximum to $1,500.
Launch a National Health Equity Initiative for Black Men.
Increase investments in HBCU and MSI medical schools and health care programs.
Protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act.
Keep health insurance premiums down.
Protect access to clean air and clean water.
Break down unjust legal barriers that hold Black men and other Americans back by legalizing marijuana nationally.
Build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Invest in proven Community Violence Intervention programs.
Protect the right to vote.

Harris announced a plan on Monday to give Black men more economic opportunities and other chances to thrive as she works to energize a key voting bloc that has Democrats concerned about a lack of enthusiasm.

Harris’ plan includes providing forgivable business loans for Black entrepreneurs, creating more apprenticeships and studying sickle cell and other diseases that disproportionately affect African American men.

Harris already has said she supports legalizing marijuana and her plan calls for working to ensure that Black men have opportunities to participate as a “national cannabis industry takes shape.” She also is calling for better regulating cryptocurrency to protect Black men and others who invest in digital assets.

The vice president’s “opportunity agenda for Black men” is meant to invigorate African American males at a moment when there are fears some may sit out the election rather than vote for Harris or her opponent, Trump.

The vice president unveiled the plan as she visited Erie, Pennsylvania, where she stopped by LegendErie Records and Coffee House, a Black-owned small business, for a conversation with Black men from the area.

The business, opened just five weeks ago, is the project of Ishmael and Allana Trainor, a married couple of Erie natives who returned to their hometown after living for years in Arizona.

Later, Harris held a campaign rally in the northwest Pennsylvania city, where she pilloried Trump for suggesting in a weekend Fox News interview that the U.S. military may need to be deployed to quell an “enemy from within” if Election Day is disturbed by agitators.

Her push comes after former President Barack Obama suggested last week that some Black men “aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president.”

The Harris campaign also has been working to increase support among other male voting blocs, including Hispanics, by founding the group “Hombres con Harris,” Spanish for “Men with Harris.” The latest policy rollout is notable because it comes with the stated purpose of motivating Black men to vote mere weeks before Election Day.

As her campaign has done with the “Hombres” group, Harris’ team plans to organize gender-specific gatherings. Those include “Black Men Huddle Up” events in battleground states featuring African American male celebrities for things like watch parties for NFL and NCAA football games. The campaign says it also plans new testimonial ads in battleground states that feature local Black male voices.

Cedric Richmond, co-chair of the Harris campaign and a former Louisiana congressman who is Black, said Harris wants to build an economy “where Black men are equipped with the tools to thrive: to buy a home, provide for our families, start a business and build wealth.”

Vice President Kamala Harris with Roland Martin, Fat Joe and DL Hughley.

Black Americans strongly supported Joe Biden when he beat Trump in 2020. Harris advisers say they are less worried about losing large percentages of Black male support to the former president than that some will choose not to turn out at all.

Trump, too, has stepped up efforts to win over Black and Hispanic voters of both genders. He has held roundtables with Black entrepreneurs in swing states and will sit for a townhall sponsored by Spanish-language Univision this week. He also has sought to openly stoke racial divisions, repeatedly suggesting that immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally are taking jobs from Black and Hispanic Americans.

Harris’ new round of proposals includes a promise that, if elected, she will help distribute 1 million loans of up to $20,000 that can be fully forgivable to Black entrepreneurs and others who have strong ideas to start businesses. The loans would come via new partnerships between the Small Business Administration and community leaders and banks “with a proven commitment to their communities,” her campaign says.

The vice president also wants to offer federal incentives to encourage more African American men to train to be teachers, citing statistics that Black males made up only a bit more than 1% of the nation’s public school teaching ranks in 2020-21, according to data from the National Teacher and Principal Survey.

Harris also is pledging to expand existing federal programs that forgive some educational loans for public service to further encourage more Black male teachers. She also wants to use organizations like the National Urban League, local governments and the private sector to expand apprenticeships and credentialing opportunities in Black communities.

The vice president’s advisers have been urging her to talk more about cryptocurrency as a way to appeal to male voters. Her campaign said that as president, Harris will back a regulatory framework meant to better protect investors in cryptocurrency and other digital assets, which are popular with Black men.

Harris also promised to create a national initiative to better fund efforts to detect, research and combat sickle cell disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, mental health challenges and other health issues that disproportionately affect Black men.

A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found about 7 in 10 Black voters had a favorable view of Harris and preferred her leadership to that of Trump on major policy issues including the economy, health care, abortion, immigration and the war between Israel and Hamas. There was little difference in support for Harris between Black men and Black women.

October Surprise: The Town Hall That Wasn't!

It's almost over.

Why is South Dakota governor Kristi Noem in Pennsylvania?

Shouldn't she be spending her time trying to work on the drought and her broken relationship with the tribal communities?

Former president Donald J. Trump had a town hall that didn't last more than 30 minutes.

The motherfucker couldn't answer questions without pivoting to his biggest grievances.

The Republicans sunk the James Lankford bill to combat immigration. Lankford, the Republican senator from Oklahoma was censured for this.

Trump's town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles outside Philadelphia, was abruptly cut short on Monday evening after two attendees needed medical attention, and then took an unusual turn after they were taken from the venue.

Trump was fielding questions from voters, with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem moderating, when a man in the crowd apparently fainted about 30 minutes into the session.

"That looks a little bit bad," Trump said as a stretcher was brought into the site.

While the man was being treated, the Q&A stopped, and during the pause, Trump asked his staff backstage to "work quickly" and play "Ave Maria" — one of his favorite songs. The crowd also sang "God Bless America" a capella.

Soon after the man was taken out of the venue, Trump began answering a question on immigration when another medical incident interrupted the town hall.

"Ave Maria" came back on as event staffers made their way to the individual. Trump then requested a different version of "Ave Maria," sung by Luciano Pavarotti, a favorite artist of his.

The former president then decided to preempt the remainder of the town hall.

"Let's not do any more questions. Let's just listen to music," Trump said, offering as an explanation for the change in plans, "Who the hell wants to hear questions, right?"

Several songs off of the former president's playlist played for the next 40 minutes, including "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown as Trump and Noem stood on stage, and Trump swayed to the music while Noem smiled and clapped.

"An American Trilogy" by Elvis Presley and "Nothing Compares 2 U," by the late Sinead O'Connor — two of his favorite songs — filled the room as Trump and Noem periodically half-danced and listened to the playlist. A panel of supporters that was also standing behind them on stage. O'Connor's estate previously requested that Trump stop playing the song at his campaign events.

The Trump campaign Twitter account said that the former president "turned this town hall into a concert."

"Something very special is happening in Pennsylvania right now at the Trump townhall," Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in a post on X. "@realDonaldTrump is unlike any politician in history, and it's great."

Trump departed the stage to "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses and glad-handed with voters who stayed throughout the duration of Trump's playlist as "Memory" from the musical "Cats" played.

Harris' campaign account posted on social media about the town hall that the former president "acted confused when asked if they should end the event and play a walk off song" and showed video from the event. Harris posted on X, "Hope he's okay."

Monday's town hall comes on the heels of Trump's refusal over the weekend to release his medical records after Vice President Kamala Harris released hers. After the town hall, Trump posted on Truth Social about Harris' medical records, writing, "As to her completely desperate request for my Medical Statements, she is dying to see my Cholesterol (which is 180!), I have already provided them, many times, including quite recently, and they were flawless."

Trump is set to return to the campaign trail on Tuesday, with stops in Chicago and the crucial battleground state of Georgia.

Israel Losing Big Time!

Gazans film Israel committing a brutal attack on civilians near a hospital. The world sees it but fails to reign in on it.

After two destructive hurricanes, many Americans are starting to realize that giving billions to Israel and Ukraine is no longer acceptable. Its facing backlash.

The Israeli regime is involved in five conflicts within a year. The regime has no interest in rescuing the IDF soldiers (and settlers) who were captured in Gaza.

Matter of fact, it's been a fucking year..... those "hostages" or perhaps settlers are dead. Dead. Dead.

It wasn't the fault of Hamas. It was fucking Israel's fault. They abandoned them.

Israel has no intention to stop this chaos. They are dictating what they are doing despite the U.S. and the West's demands.

These motherfuckers have clearly advocated since February 2023 for the complete annihilation of the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

It is time for the U.S. to end it is special relationship from the apartheid ethnostate of Israel.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will end this term with the legacy of blood on their hands. Biden, 81 has been very stubborn on the issue.

His departure from the reelection was a benefit and a shock. Trailing against former president Donald J. Trump, Biden faced a backlash for his support of Israel. He left the race to Harris and it gave Democrats some hope. But along comes Israel and the race is still close. I mean she is tied to a convicted felon, sexual predator and failed president.

Why the election is so close is because of Biden's stance on Israel!

Harris is running in his place and has over $1 billion in campaign contributions.

Trump has only $700 million and his campaign is bleeding cash. The junk food media is starting to get tired of the same old rhetoric. But since he isn't the president and his stance on Israel is no better than Biden or Harris, the voters are placing the blame on the Democrats.

Israel dropped bombs on people in tents sleeping burning them alive. It happened near the al Asqa Hospital and it was reported that 60 people died.

Hezbollah dropped a kamikaze drone on a military barracks killing four. Numbers are disputed.

Israel is on the verge of a civil war.

The U.S. once again threatens to withhold aid if Israel doesn't listen to Biden.

The Sunday letter, jointly written by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, is addressed to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer. It marks a significant new step by the US to try to compel Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

They write that the U.S. has deep concerns about the situation and ask for “urgent and sustained actions by your government this month to reverse this trajectory.”

Since this Spring, the amount of aid delivered to Gaza has dropped more than 50% and the quantity delivered in September “was the lowest of any month during the past year,” they added.

The deadline falls after the U.S. presidential election on November 5.

Despite the stern warning, however, the U.S. has continued to provide military assistance to Israel, including an advanced air defense system and US troops which began to arrive in the country on Monday.

Future US aid could be at risk, however. The letter, dated October 13, notes that the US State and Defense departments, under US law, “must continually assess” Israel’s adherence to its assurances made earlier this year that it would not restrict aid flows into the enclave.

The US’ list of demands is extensive. Israel must allow at least 350 trucks a day to enter Gaza through all four major crossings, the letter says, in addition to opening a fifth crossing. Israel must also over the next month implement humanitarian pauses across Gaza as necessary to enable humanitarian activities, including vaccinations and aid distribution for at least the next four months.

The US is also demanding that Israel allow people in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone inside Gaza to move inland before winter and enhance security for humanitarian convoys and movements.

Israel must also take action to ensure that the Jordan Armed forces corridors are functioning at “full and continuous capacity.”

The letter closes by calling for a new channel between the US and Israeli governments to “raise and discuss civilian harm incidents,” with the first meeting to be held at the end of the month.

Israel’s military operations in northern Gaza have intensified in recent weeks, and the Israeli military has called on civilians there to evacuate to the south, where more than one million displaced Palestinians are already sheltering. The UN World Food Programme warned last weekend that Israeli military operations are having a “disastrous impact” on food security for Palestinian families.

Future U.S. aid could be at risk, however. The letter, dated October 13, notes that the U.S. State and Defense departments, under U.S. law, “must continually assess” Israel’s adherence to its assurances made earlier this year that it would not restrict aid flows into the enclave.

The IDF is exhausted and soon they could revolt against Netanyahu.

The U.S. list of demands is extensive. Israel must allow at least 350 trucks a day to enter Gaza through all four major crossings, the letter says, in addition to opening a fifth crossing. Israel must also over the next month implement humanitarian pauses across Gaza as necessary to enable humanitarian activities, including vaccinations and aid distribution for at least the next four months.

The U.S. is also demanding that Israel allow people in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone inside Gaza to move inland before winter and enhance security for humanitarian convoys and movements.

Israel must also take action to ensure that the Jordan Armed forces corridors are functioning at “full and continuous capacity.”

The letter closes by calling for a new channel between the U.S. and Israeli governments to “raise and discuss civilian harm incidents,” with the first meeting to be held at the end of the month.

Monday, October 14, 2024

Wanda Smith Passed Away!

Media personality Wanda Smith passed away a few days after her birthday.

An Atlanta based comedian and radio personality has passed away.

Wanda Smith passed away at the age of 58, days after her birthday. The media personality was a staple of V-103 FM with Frank Ski, one of the seven Atlanta hip-hop/R&B stations.

Rick Caffey, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for V-103, confirmed her death with condolences on the station’s Instagram account.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our cherished Wanda Smith, who brought so much joy to V-103 and the Atlanta community. Our deepest prayers and condolences go out to her family,” he captioned a photo of her smiling.

Highlighting her time at the station — where she notably went viral in 2018 for her interview with Katt Williams — he added, “In her role at V-103, dating back to 1997, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care servicing the Atlanta community. Wanda’s impact touched lives beyond making us laugh… Many times she championed efforts behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of those who were without.

Ed Gordon, Frank Ski and Wanda Smith.

Caffey concluded, “Rest in peace Wanda, as you take your place amongst the stars. We Will Miss You.”

The coveted media personality held down her part as co-host of Frank & Wanda in the Morning, alongside Frank Ski since 1998, before walking in 2019.

In addition to her radio career, Smith also added acting to her resume with Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail and Madea’s Witness Protection films. She also was widely known as a comedian with contributions to shows like HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and BET’s Comicview.

Staying true to her ATL hometown, she was also a regular performer at the Atlanta Comedy Theater.

Wanda Smith is survived by her husband, LaMorris Sellers, and their three children. Her cause of her death has not been disclosed.

Lilly Ledbetter Passed Away!

Lilly Ledbetter has passed away.

The woman responsible for former president Barack Obama's monumental equal pay law has passed away.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as well as Obama were notified of her passing.

Lily Ledbetter was an American activist who was the plaintiff in the United States Supreme Court case Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. regarding employment discrimination. Two years after the Supreme Court decided that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not allow employers to be sued for pay discrimination more than 180 days after an employee's first paycheck, the United States Congress passed a fair pay act in her name to remedy this issue, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. She has since become a women's equality activist, public speaker, and author. In 2011, Ledbetter was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. She was 86 years old.

She was born in Jacksonville, Alabama.

In 1979, Lilly Ledbetter was hired by Goodyear, working as a supervisor. After working for Goodyear for nineteen years, Ledbetter received an anonymous note revealing that she was making thousands less per year than the men in her position. Only as she neared retirement did she learn she was being paid significantly less than male colleagues with similar seniority and experience. This letter led her to file a sex discrimination case against Goodyear for paying her significantly less than her male counterparts. She successfully sued Goodyear but the judgment was reversed on appeal by the Eleventh Circuit. The lawsuit eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ruled against her because she did not file suit 180 days from the date of the discriminatory policy that led to her reduced paycheck, though the paycheck itself was issued during the 180-day period. The Supreme Court did not consider the issue of whether a plaintiff's late discovery of a discriminatory action would excuse a failure to file within the 180-day period because her attorneys conceded it would have made no difference in her case.

Ledbetter was hoping to see the day a woman would become president.

She endorsed Harris in July. Previously endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016 bid.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 is a landmark federal statute in the United States that was the first bill signed into law by Obama on January 29, 2009.

The act amends Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and states that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay discrimination resets with each new paycheck affected by that discriminatory action. The law directly addressed Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007), a U.S. Supreme Court decision that the statute of limitations for presenting an equal-pay lawsuit begins on the date that the employer makes the initial discriminatory wage decision, not at the date of the most recent paycheck.

On January 29, 2009, nine days after he took office, Obama signed the bill into law. It was the first act he signed as president, and it fulfilled his campaign pledge to nullify Ledbetter v. Goodyear. However, by signing it only two days after it was passed by the House, he incurred criticism by newspapers, such as the St. Petersburg Times which mentioned his campaign promise to give the public five days of notice to comment on legislation before he signed it. The White House through a spokesman answered that they would be "implementing this policy in full soon", and that, currently they were "working through implementation procedures and some initial issues with the congressional calendar".

Former president Donald J. Trump, the so called protector of women had rolled back some of the regulations provided by the law.

In 2017, the Trump administration announced it was ending an Obama-era rule that required businesses with over 100 employees to collect wage data by gender, race, and ethnicity.

Israel Attacking UN Peacekeepers!

Israel has threatened attacks on peacekeepers.

Israel is the aggressor and the victim at the same time.

The regime invaded Gaza, the West Bank, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon.

The regime has dispatched AIPAC to take on U.S. lawmakers who oppose Israel.

The regime has dispatched the Anti-Defamation League to silence protesters, get Americans fired from their jobs, slander critics of Israel and promote talking points to the junk food media. They have weaponized antisemitism to a point to now it being regarded as a "false flag" and "silencing technique."

The regime has openly demand for the U.S. to kick NATO member Turkey out.

The regime has killed Americans, Canadians, British, Egyptians, German, Turkish and Irish citizens without punishment.

The regime has made up countless stories to justify its invasions.

The regime has committed war crimes without any punishment.

President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron, President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Secretary General António Guterres: Israel is not listening to you nor is interested in stopping their invasion. Why are you still giving cover to this?

The United Nations is being hammered for not doing enough to stop Israel.

The United States is losing credibility because we supply over 80% of the arms to Israel. We are cheering the International Criminal Court's decision to arrest Russian Federation leader Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine but threaten to punish the court for arresting Israeli regime leader Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. is still vetoing ceasefire proposals and giving cover to atrocities.

Netanyahu bans U.N. Secretary General and threatens military force on peacekeepers.

It has become clear that Biden will harm Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden's refusal to listen to Arab American voters, parroting Israeli propaganda, blaming Iran for all the chaos, vetoing all ceasefire proposals at the UN and continuing to give weapons to Israel has turned off voters. It is clear that former president Donald J. Trump violated the Logan Act by engaging with the Israelis. He has told Israeli leaders that if they continue the war, the Democrats will not vote and it gives him an opportunity to retake the White House. He already is peeling off Arab American voters. Trump strongly supports the invasion and is willing to allow Israel to invade Iran.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Butch Ware cannot stop the genocide either.

They have no active representation and they literally have no idea on how government works, the unfortunate situation of Congress not willing to abide by a Green Party presidency. About 95% of Congress supports Israel. Stein and Ware refuse to acknowledge the war in Ukraine.

The Israeli regime has openly threatened U.N. Peacekeepers and the Secretary General. In a long winded presser, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accused the UN and its aid workers of aiding with terrorists.

He also demand that the U.N. Peacekeepers leave Lebanon.

The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon was created in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops after Israel invaded and occupied southern Lebanon. Israel invaded again in 1982, and it wasn’t until 2000 that it withdrew.

In the absence of an agreed-upon border, the U.N. drew up a boundary between Lebanon and Israel known as the Blue Line, which UNIFIL monitors and patrols.

Hezbollah used a kamakizee drone to strike an IDF barracks.

The United Nations expanded UNIFIL’s mission following the monthlong 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border to monitor the cessation of hostilities and patrol a buffer zone along the border.

The force currently has around 10,000 peacekeepers in southern Lebanon drawn from around 50 countries. They patrol, monitor and report violations of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 fighting. The force also provides support to local communities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called on residents of more than 20 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes amid its operations against the Hezbollah militant group.

"The Army does not intend to harm you. For your safety, you must evacuate your homes and relocate to the north of the Awali River," the IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The Awali River is located some 55 kilometers (34.2 miles) south of the capital, Beirut, and some 83 kilometers north of Lebanon's border with Israel.

Civil war in Israel is coming.

There are claims that Hamas was going to destroy skyscrapers in Tel Aviv.

Obviously, I find it hard to believe given that Israel has the capability to blow up electronic devices in Lebanon. They had percussion attacks in Iran and Lebanon on Hezbollah and Hamas officials.

International criticism is growing after Israeli forces have repeatedly fired on U.N. peacekeepers since the start of its ground operation in Lebanon. Five peacekeepers have been wounded in attacks that struck their positions in recent days, most of them blamed on Israeli forces.

Israel continues its genocide in Gaza.

As Israel escalates its ground invasion against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, the 10,000-strong peacekeeping force is increasingly in the crosshairs.

Relations have worsened between Israel and the United Nations over the way Israel has conducted its war in Gaza. In an unprecedented move, Israel earlier this month said the U.N. secretary-general was persona non grata in Israel.

The regime literally barred Guterres from entering Israel.

Israel also has accused staff from the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees, called UNRWA — the key provider of assistance in Gaza, of being Hamas members and participating in the Oct. 7 attacks and has curtailed their activities.

The U.N.’s internal watchdog has been investigating those Israeli allegations. UNRWA said Monday that a top Hamas commander killed in Lebanon was an employee who had been suspended since allegations of his ties to the militant group emerged in March.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has accused Israel of trying to destroy its operations. The agency provides education, health care, food and other services to several million Palestinians and their families.

Guterres also has accused Israel of “collective punishment” of Palestinians in its nearly yearlong military response to the Hamas attacks in Gaza, saying he has not seen so much death and destruction during his seven years as secretary-general.

Dujarric said that in his 24 years at the U.N., there have been U.N. staff declared persona non grata by a country but that he didn’t know of a secretary-general being banned.