Political leaders and government officials like to make dramatic statements. Are they telling the truth?
Latest Updates
COVID-19 Surges Among Unvaccinated in Florida, Contrary to Baseless Claims
Florida health officials have reported a 60% rise in COVID-19 cases, and hospitals are reporting that 95% of COVID-19 patients are not fully vaccinated. But a Facebook post makes the baseless claims that Florida's numbers are not going up, and that all COVID-19 patients recently admitted to a Palm Beach County hospital had been vaccinated.
The post COVID-19 Surges Among Unvaccinated in Florida, Contrary to Baseless Claims appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Vaccines Remain Largely Effective Against Delta Variant, Counter to Claims From Fox News Guest
Multiple studies show the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines continue to be effective against the delta variant of the coronavirus, even if the potency of the vaccines is somewhat reduced. But a guest on Fox News falsely claimed the delta variant “really is not responsive at all, or protected at all by the vaccines” and there is “no clinical reason to go get vaccinated.”
The post Vaccines Remain Largely Effective Against Delta Variant, Counter to Claims From Fox News Guest appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Old Photo of Biden Motorcade Misrepresented Online
Viral social media posts are purporting a photo — which shows a motorcade being met by a swarm of flags supporting former President Donald Trump — captures President Joe Biden’s July 28 visit to Pennsylvania. While some Trump supporters did protest Biden’s visit, the photo cited is actually from October 2020.
The post Old Photo of Biden Motorcade Misrepresented Online appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Viral Claim Gets Biden’s COVID-19 Travel and Immigration Policies Wrong
The Biden administration hasn't introduced COVID-19 travel restrictions on Americans going to Mexico since the delta variant became dominant in the U.S., and it is enforcing immigration laws at the border. But a meme falsely claiming the opposite is circulating online.
The post Viral Claim Gets Biden’s COVID-19 Travel and Immigration Policies Wrong appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Republicans’ Shaky, No Evidence Attempt to Cast Blame on Pelosi for Jan. 6
House Republicans have sought to change the narrative on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by pro-Trump protesters, claiming that Speaker Nancy Pelosi is "ultimately responsible for the breakdown of security at the Capitol." But their arguments overstate the role of the House speaker in overseeing the security of the Capitol and rely on speculation.
The post Republicans’ Shaky, No Evidence Attempt to Cast Blame on Pelosi for Jan. 6 appeared first on FactCheck.org.
A Guide to the CDC’s Updated Mask Recommendations
Citing new data on the delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that fully vaccinated people wear face masks indoors in some parts of the country.
The post A Guide to the CDC’s Updated Mask Recommendations appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Flawed Variant Information Fuels Baseless COVID-19 Theory
A conspiracy theory online baselessly suggests that the World Health Organization and other groups preplanned the variants of the novel coronavirus -- citing a dubious timeline. But the timeline doesn't square with the reality of when variants have been identified and designated thus far.
The post Flawed Variant Information Fuels Baseless COVID-19 Theory appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Posts Baselessly Link COVID-19 Tests to Vaccine Conspiracy Theory
The COVID-19 vaccines currently in use must be administered via injection. But Instagram posts baselessly suggest that Bill Gates and George Soros will use COVID-19 tests to secretly vaccinate people who haven't yet received the shots. There is no evidence for that conspiracy theory, and scientists say trying to administer a vaccine with a swab would likely not be effective.
The post Posts Baselessly Link COVID-19 Tests to Vaccine Conspiracy Theory appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Video Twists Advice on Delta Variant and Vaccination
An epidemiologist recommended that people get the COVID-19 vaccine because some evidence suggests an unvaccinated person who gets the delta variant is "twice as likely to require hospital treatment" than someone infected with the alpha variant. But a Facebook video twists that advice to claim that he said vaccinated people would be twice as likely to be hospitalized.
The post Video Twists Advice on Delta Variant and Vaccination appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Viral Posts Misrepresent CDC Announcement on COVID-19 PCR Test
Scientists consider polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests a highly reliable tool for diagnosing COVID-19. But social media posts are misrepresenting a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcement regarding the eventual discontinuation of its own test, falsely claiming the government has conceded that PCR tests aren't reliable.
The post Viral Posts Misrepresent CDC Announcement on COVID-19 PCR Test appeared first on FactCheck.org.
San Francisco DA claims ‘vast majority’ of Americans have had family behind bars
The rate is actually 45 percent, according to a national study from 2019.
Bob Odenkirk Says He Had a Small Heart Attack, Will Be Back
The "Better Call Saul" actor took to Twitter to make his first public statement since collapsing in New Mexico.
Justice Says IRS Must Give Trump Tax Returns to Congress
The Justice Department, in a reversal, says the Treasury Department must provide the House Ways and Means Committee former President Donald Trump’s tax returns, apparently ending a long legal showdown over the records.
Study: Vaccinated People Can Carry As Much Virus As Others
In another dispiriting setback for the nation’s efforts to stamp out the coronavirus, scientists concluded that vaccinated people who got so-called breakthrough infections carried about the same amount of the coronavirus as those who did not get the shots.
No, Converse Didn’t Replace Its ‘All-Star’ Logo with a Satanic Symbol
The shoes were part of a brand collaboration.
Does This Photo Show a ‘Real-Life’ Spongebob and Patrick?
The duo was reportedly photographed at a depth of over 6,000 feet.
Yes, a Child in Colorado Died from the Plague
Health officials advise the public to “know the symptoms to stay safe.”
Lloyd Austin Wears Face Shield in Philippines, Angering Uninformed Critics
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's sarcastic remarks about Austin's "COVID theatre" lit up the internet.
Explainer: How ‘the Twisties’ Stopped Simone Biles Cold
Maybe Simone Biles made soaring through the air look too easy.
Alaska Native Artist Creates Stamp for Postal Service
Alaska Native artist Rico Worl said he jumped at the chance to create for the U.S. Postal Service a stamp he hopes will be a gateway for people to learn about his Tlingit culture.
