NASA’s Climate Spiral
As much of the Northern Hemisphere endured a brutal heat wave, purported video of “NASA’s climate spiral” circulated on social media.
Fact Checks
GOP Lawmaker Attends Gay Son’s Wedding Days After Voting Against LGBTQ Marriage Protections
Several social media posts claimed that Glenn Thompson attended the wedding of his gay son three days after voting against same-sex marriage.
Can Self Driving Cars Be ‘Trapped’ By a Salt Circle?
A viral Facebook post asserted that self-driving cars can be “trapped” by a salt circle, coincidentally a common media trope for magic.
Live Monarch Foundation ‘Free Milkweed Seeds’
A viral post encouraged people to request free milkweed seeds from the Live Monarch Foundation, but the group relies on small donations when possible.
Did Ronald Reagan Lower the Top Tax Rate from 70 to 28 Percent and Introduce Income Tax on Social Security Benefits to Offset It?
A popular tweet claimed that the former president lowered the top tax rate from 70 percent to 28 percent, balancing it with a novel income tax on Social Security Benefits.
‘Store Clerk Passes Out, Gets Robbed’ Seattle Video
A years-old clip of a store clerk collapsing circulated as new on social media in July 2022.
‘Here’s to Politicians Using TikTok Properly’
Florida politician Ken Russell (D) received praise for leveraging the platform and garnering engagement without trying to frighten or alarm young voters in his district — and elsewhere.
Can Pregnant Women Get Divorced in Missouri?
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, social media posts indicated that divorces in Missouri are not granted if one of the spouses is pregnant.
‘Elderly Couple Accidentally Burns House Down During Sex Game Involving WW2 Flamethrower’
Be wary of “news screenshots” without a link to the underlying article.
EU Parliament Roe v. Wade Resolution Vote
In July 2022, the European Parliament voted to condemn the United States Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.