Fact Checks

The Legend of the 'Unsolvable Math Problem'

Written by: David Mikkelson

Dec. 3, 1996

A student mistook examples of unsolved math problems for a homework assignment and solved them.

The KitchenAid Stand Mixer Recall Rumor Is False

Written by: Jordan Liles

Jan. 24, 2023 (Updated: Jan. 25, 2023)

Much like the email forwards of the late 1990s and early 2000s, we don't recommend placing blind ...

Did Denzel Washington Say, 'Just Because You Don't Share It on Social Media Doesn't Mean You Are Not Up to Big Things'?

Written by: Jordan Liles

April 19, 2022

We looked for the origins of a quote about social media that's been credited to the actor in twe ...

In January 2023, YouTube Videos Falsely Claimed Tina Turner Died

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Jan. 24, 2023

The videos circulated for months before her actual death in May 2023.

Did Damar Hamlin Die from the COVID Vaccine and a 'Body Double' Take His Place?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Jan. 24, 2023

Conspiracy theories swirled around Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's first public appearance a ...

Is Walt Disney Replacing Ben Franklin on the $100 Bill?

Written by: Jordan Liles

Jan. 24, 2023

According to a report, the bill change was happening "in celebration of the 100th anniversary of ...

Should a Bottle Always Be Put on Tires When Parked?

Written by: Jordan Liles

Nov. 10, 2021

We tracked down the origins of the rumor that was displayed in online advertisements.

Do COVID-19 Vaccines Make You Infertile?

Written by: Jessica Lee

Sept. 18, 2021

Here are the facts behind claims of impotency, placenta issues, and swollen testicles.

Was Robin Williams Considered for the Role of Jack Torrance in 'The Shining'?

Written by: David Emery

Jan. 20, 2023 (Updated: Jan. 23, 2023)

Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film "The Shining" starred Jack Nicholson as the menacing Jack Torrance.

Did Nancy Pelosi Seek an Exorcism at Her House After Attack on Husband?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Jan. 23, 2023

Paul Pelosi was attacked in the home by a hammer-wielding man in October 2022.

Did Thomas Edison's Mother Lie About a Letter Expelling Him from School?

Written by: Alex Kasprak

Dec. 1, 2016

A heartwarming anecdote tells of the future inventor's mother fibbing to her son about his expul ...

Did US House Republicans End a Capitol Hill Smoking Ban?

Written by: Alex Kasprak

Jan. 23, 2023

The House side of the Capitol reportedly reeks of cigar smoke now. Is this the result of a polic ...

Did Boebert Say Mass Shootings Are 'Small Price To Pay' for 2nd Amendment?

Written by: Alex Kasprak

Jan. 23, 2023

This is not the first time "Captain Obvious" has been fact-checked.

Jaden Smith Is Not Dead, Despite Viral Facebook Death Hoax

Written by: Jordan Liles

Jan. 23, 2023

Google users looked for answers after Facebook posts falsely claimed that actor Will Smith had a ...

Does Meme Show the 'Very Moment' Yoko Ono Began 'Screeching' Near John Lennon and Chuck Berry?

Written by: Jordan Liles

Jan. 22, 2023

John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Chuck Berry all appeared on "The Mike Douglas Show" in 1972.

Did Kamala Harris Omit Right to 'Life' When Referencing the Declaration of Independence?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Jan. 23, 2023

The vice president was commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

Was Pro Power Saver Endorsed by Elon Musk and Tesla?

Written by: Jordan Liles

Jan. 23, 2023

An online article claimed, "Elon Musk's new electricity saving invention has residents saving up ...

Radiohead Fans Left Red-Faced After Applauding Tuning Session?

Written by: Dan Evon

June 26, 2017

A flower shop’s tweet made the hoax go viral.

Did a Burglar Sue a Homeowner After Being Raped by German Shepherds While Stuck in a Dog Door?

Written by: Jordan Liles

Jan. 23, 2023

According to the story, the burglar sued for $850,000 in damages. But did this really happen?

Is This Video of a 'Praying Hands' Cloud Formation Real?

Written by: David Emery

Jan. 22, 2023

Photoshop works in mysterious ways.