A viral social media post falsely alleged that former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines had successfully settled a multi-year legal battle with the NCAA. WASHINGTON, DC: A widely shared post on X falsely asserted that Riley Gaines had reached a settlement with the NCAA, which allegedly reinstated her as the sole finisher in a championship race … Read more
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK — Amid ongoing debate and controversy surrounding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed wealth tax, social media users began sharing a rumor that veteran Hollywood actor Kurt Russell had launched a formal lawsuit to block the legislation. The viral post quickly drew praise from fans applauding the actor, while … Read more
President Trump orders the easternmost Great Lake to be officially designated as “Lake America” WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump’s recent directive to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” has triggered widespread online discussions regarding the true history of the body of water. Amid debates over the origins of the name “Ontario” and its ties … Read more
Following an incident where he was found unconscious at his Washington residence, Senator Mitch McConnell was promptly admitted to the hospital. WASHINGTON, DC: Amid a 75-day public absence by Senator Mitch McConnell, a social media clip recently gained traction, alleging that the Kentucky Republican remained frozen in his Senate seat for nearly 20 hours straight. … Read more
A viral social media claim suggested that Donald Trump promised a sudden drop in food costs simply by renaming more things ‘America.’ WASHINGTON, DC: As the Trump administration faces mounting scrutiny over inflation and surging gas prices, a post making rounds on social media alleged that President Donald Trump claimed grocery prices would plummet once … Read more
Certain social media posts alleged that Parton collaborated with PJ Library, an international initiative delivering complimentary books to Jewish youths, including those in Israel. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Following reports of iconic singer Dolly Parton’s passing at the age of 80 in August 2026, many admirers have looked back on her philanthropic endeavors through the Imagination Library. … Read more
Claim: A circulating video authentically captured a Target commercial featuring a controversial costume that critics argued echoed racist blackface and minstrel aesthetics. Rating: Following Target’s decision in August 2026 to pull a specific costume from its inventory due to intense backlash regarding racist minstrel and blackface imagery, a video began spreading across social media platforms. … Read more
Recent reports highlighting an increase in U.S. measles cases are frequently tied to discussions surrounding eroding public trust in immunizations. While researchers are careful to distinguish between correlation (where two trends are associated) and causation (where one directly triggers the other), data indicates a clear behavioral link in the United States: parents who harbor doubts … Read more
Claim: North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un honored legendary country music artist Dolly Parton at the peak of Mount Paektu in August 2026. Rating: The rumor that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered a special tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton atop Mount Paektu emerged following Parton’s passing in August 2026. The … Read more
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate, has attributed domestic measles flare-ups to illegal immigration. Appearing on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on August 23, host Margaret Brennan pointed out that Florida’s immunization levels currently fall short of the threshold required for measles herd immunity. She then asked Donalds whether he would advise … Read more