Fact Checks

Did NY Times Publish What Some Said Was a 'Swastika-Shaped' Crossword Puzzle?

Written by: Jordan Liles

Dec. 19, 2022

The puzzle's designer said that he was simply going for a "fun whirlpool shape."

Did Joe Biden Award His Uncle a Purple Heart During Vice Presidency?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Dec. 19, 2022

Once again, the president stands accused of getting his facts wrong.

No, Musk Didn't Tweet That Banning Reporters Is 'Pretty Innocuous'

Written by: David Emery

Dec. 18, 2022

A fake tweet compared "banning reporters I don't like" to journalists being murdered in other co ...

Is This a Real Photo of a Lighthouse with a Massive Wave Hitting It?

Written by: Bethania Palma

Dec. 18, 2022

Lighthouses off the Brittany coast in France often get a lashing from the sea.

Yes, LA County Granted a Young Girl's Request for a Unicorn License

Written by: David Emery

Dec. 17, 2022

"Dear LA County," the request began. "I would like your approval if I can have a unicorn in my b ...

Do Airplane Toilets Dump Waste While in Flight?

Written by: Alex Kasprak

Dec. 17, 2022

And are we really talking about a constant rain of atmospheric feces?

Fake Map Image Says Musk's Jet Was Flown to Jeffrey Epstein's Island

Written by: Jordan Liles

Dec. 16, 2022

An image of a flight path was shared on Twitter that claimed Elon Musk's jet had made numerous t ...

Did Elon Musk Once Say He Hoped Even His 'Worst Critics' Remain on Twitter?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Dec. 16, 2022 (Updated: Dec. 19, 2022)

In December 2022, Twitter banned the accounts of several top journalists.

Is This a Real 'Toilet Mask' or 'Face Glove' from Late 19th Century?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Dec. 16, 2022

It appears to be an early iteration of what skin care enthusiasts now know as a facial mask.

Katie Porter Did Not Say Pedophilia Isn't a Crime, as Claimed in False Tweet

Written by: Jordan Liles

Dec. 15, 2022

A context box generated by Twitter said, "This clip has been taken out of context & misrepresent ...

Was Elon Musk Fired from PayPal?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Dec. 15, 2022

“It’s not a good idea to leave the office when a lot of major things are underway,” he once said.

Is Trump Selling Digital Trading Cards Featuring Himself in Superhero Garb?

Written by: Alex Kasprak

Dec. 15, 2022

"Very much like a baseball card, but hopefully much more exciting."

Was Jim Carrey Trained by a CIA Torture Expert on Surviving Grinch's Makeup?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Dec. 15, 2022

The comedic actor described the makeup like being “buried alive.”

Does a Singapore Train Have Windows that Automatically Blind Near Residential Blocks?

Written by: Alex Kasprak

Dec. 14, 2022

A video that frequently goes viral shows the privacy-saving technology in action.

Did a 'Bunker Boys' Vietnam Vet Group Write a Letter to Brittney Griner?

Written by: Jordan Liles

Dec. 14, 2022

A message board post provided a clue that appeared to lead to answers.

No, Sean Combs Wasn't Arrested for the Murder of Tupac Shakur

Written by: David Mikkelson

Sept. 17, 2014 (Updated: Dec. 14, 2022)

Rumor: Sean Combs (Puff Daddy) was arrested for the murder of Tupac Shakur.

Are Mosaics of Cats Discovered in Pompeii, Italy, Real?

Written by: Nur Ibrahim

Dec. 14, 2022 (Updated: Dec. 15, 2022)

Or are they just very creative artificial renderings?

Does Ivory Soap Float Because of a Manufacturing Error?

Written by: Barbara Mikkelson

Nov. 10, 2000 (Updated: Dec. 14, 2022)

The origins and history of Ivory Soap.

Did Australia Enact a 'Social Credit System' for Internet Access?

Written by: Alex Kasprak

Dec. 13, 2022

The claims went viral in December 2022, but stem from an out-of-date television news segment tha ...

FedEx Scam Claims 'Your Package Is Held in Our Warehouse' in Fake 'Delivery Notification' Email

Written by: Jordan Liles

Dec. 13, 2022 (Updated: Dec. 14, 2022)

If you receive an email or text message about an unexpected package delivery, read it carefully ...