Political leaders and government officials like to make dramatic statements. Are they telling the truth?
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Moisture-Absorbent Tablet in Pregnancy Tests, Not ‘Hidden Plan B’ Pill
Pregnancy tests contain a desiccant tablet to absorb moisture and keep the test dry before use. But posts on social media falsely claim the tablet is a “hidden plan B” pill. Companies that produce pregnancy tests include a warning on their websites not to consume the desiccant tablets inside.
The post Moisture-Absorbent Tablet in Pregnancy Tests, Not ‘Hidden Plan B’ Pill appeared first on FactCheck.org.
FactChecking the State of the Union
Biden's address to Congress included claims that didn't tell the full story.
The post FactChecking the State of the Union appeared first on FactCheck.org.
COVID-19 Vaccines Can Slightly Alter Menstrual Cycle Temporarily, But Don’t Harm Fertility
Research suggests COVID-19 vaccination can cause changes in a person’s menstrual cycle. But the changes are small and short-lived -- and studies have shown there’s no effect on fertility. Yet people on social media are suggesting the cycle changes are evidence of harm.
The post COVID-19 Vaccines Can Slightly Alter Menstrual Cycle Temporarily, But Don’t Harm Fertility appeared first on FactCheck.org.
FBI Reimbursed Twitter for Providing User Information
In an email to a Twitter lawyer in February 2021, an unidentified Twitter employee wrote that the company had received over $3.4 million from the FBI since October 2019 as reimbursement for Twitter's processing of legal requests for user information. That is not evidence that the FBI paid Twitter to "censor" or "suppress" content.
The post FBI Reimbursed Twitter for Providing User Information appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Post Misstates Quote from Starbucks CEO on Marriage
Starbucks has a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage. But a post on social media twists a 2013 statement from its CEO at the time to falsely claim he said don't buy Starbucks coffee "if you support traditional marriage."
The post Post Misstates Quote from Starbucks CEO on Marriage appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Hannity’s Dubious Claim About Studies Showing ‘No Systemic Racism in Policing’
Discussing the fallout from the death of Tyre Nichols, Fox News' Sean Hannity said two academic studies found police officers are as or less likely to shoot Black suspects, showing, "There is no systemic racism in policing. It doesn't exist.” But that's not what the studies say.
The post Hannity’s Dubious Claim About Studies Showing ‘No Systemic Racism in Policing’ appeared first on FactCheck.org.
U.S. Spent Much More in Afghan War Than in Support for Ukraine So Far, Contrary to Online Claim
The U.S. spent more than $849 billion in the 20-year war in Afghanistan and has spent about $113 billion to support Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. But a video on social media falsely claims that the aid for Ukraine is "double the U.S. expenditure for its own war in Afghanistan."
The post U.S. Spent Much More in Afghan War Than in Support for Ukraine So Far, Contrary to Online Claim appeared first on FactCheck.org.
It’s Too Soon to Attribute the California Storms to Climate Change, Experts Say
The relentless storms that hit California from Dec. 27 to Jan. 16 caused extreme flooding and extensive damage, killing at least 22 people. Climate scientists told us it’s too soon to know whether climate change had a role in this particular event, and if so, to what degree.
The post It’s Too Soon to Attribute the California Storms to Climate Change, Experts Say appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Democrats Misleadingly Suggest Widespread GOP Support for FairTax Bill Unlikely to Become Law
Few Republican lawmakers have publicly supported the FairTax Act, but that hasn't stopped Democratic leaders from suggesting that the bill has wide support among congressional Republicans.
The post Democrats Misleadingly Suggest Widespread GOP Support for FairTax Bill Unlikely to Become Law appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Damar Hamlin Is Recovering and Has Appeared Publicly, Contrary to Online Claims
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest Jan. 2 on the football field after being hit in the chest during a tackle. Hamlin was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 11 and has made several public appearances since then. But posts on social media falsely claim Hamlin died.
The post Damar Hamlin Is Recovering and Has Appeared Publicly, Contrary to Online Claims appeared first on FactCheck.org.
Fact-checking President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address
Here's a roundup of 13 statements in Biden's State of the Union that were wrong or needed context.
Did McCarthy 'Shush' Marjorie Taylor Greene Multiple Times During 2023 SOTU?
Speaker McCarthy can be seen attempting to quell heckles from the GOP caucus at least three times during Biden's 2023 State of the Union address.
Does Photo Show DeSantis 'Grooming High School Girls with Alcohol as a Teacher'?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump shared the photo on Truth Social, and asked, "That's not Ron, is it? He would never do such a thing!"
Did Rushdie Say 'Peaceful Muslims Don’t Matter' Because He Was Attacked by 'Just One Muslim'?
Author Salman Rushdie was stabbed on stage in August 2022 and spent weeks in a hospital.
Did Pfizer Sponsor the 2023 Grammy Awards?
The company sponsored the entire ceremony, not any specific performance.
Is Jill Biden a Doctor?
It is not uncommon for those with doctoral degrees to use the title, “Dr.”
Did Obama Say 'Don't Underestimate Joe's Ability to F*ck Things Up'?
We looked for the origins of a quote that said former U.S. President Barack Obama purportedly warned about U.S. President Joe Biden's abilities.
Is This a Real Photograph of Bono, Paul McCartney, and Freddie Mercury Singing Together?
The singers came together for the Live Aid benefit concert in 1985.
Does Video Show Dog Howling Before Earthquake in Turkey?
"He tried to warn them of the danger about to come before the earthquake hit," the video's caption read.
Turkey Earthquake: Watch Out for Old, Unrelated Photos
A picture of a dog lying down on rubble next to a hand was shot years before the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in early February 2023.
