A bill would revoke custody from parents who refused gender-affirming care

If passed, it would change state custody statutes to include access to gender-affirming care as a consideration, giving Minnesota courts jurisdiction over certain cases. [...] At the hearing, several parents of trans youth spoke in support of the bill. Attorney Hao Nguyen, a Vietnamese immigrant and parent to a trans child, said Minnesota has a responsibility to be a leader when it comes to protecting gender-affirming care. [...] "HF 146 takes away custody from parents or guardians who deny their children access to gender-affirming health care," said Rebecca Delahunt, assistant director of public policy for the Minnesota Family Council.


claims that playwright William Shakespeare once stated, "Expectation is the root of all heartache."

Download Solution PDF'Expectation is the root of all heartache' is a quote by __________. [...] Download Solution PDF'Expectation is the root of all heartache' is a quote by William Shakespeare. - William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor of the Renaissance era.


claims that George Washington once said, "Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man."

President George Washington "The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways." [...] President George Washington "Agriculture…is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness." President Thomas Jefferson "…no other human occupation opens so wide a field for the profitable and agreeable combination of labor with cultivated thought, as agriculture."


Claims that Marilyn Monroe once stated, "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."

File:Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. - Marilyn Monroe - Flickr - Dr. Santulan Mahanta.jpg


FACT CHECK: Was An Italian Doctor Arrested For Murdering Over 3,000 Coronavirus Patients? An article shared on Facebook claims that Italian doctor Sergio Kerr was arrested for murdering more than 3,000 coronavirus patients. [...] "Italy arrest Doctor for intentionally killing over 3,000 coronavirus patients," reads the headline of the story from News NT, a self-described "breaking news" blog. The deaths purportedly occurred after Kerr ignored "the approved medical procedures for treating coronavirus patients," according to the article.


Claims President Lincoln once stated, "It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years."

The rhetorical technique of reversing word order in successive clauses is called antimetabole. In this case, "years in your life" was transformed into "life in your years", and the contrast between the two subphrases was highlighted. [...] At another he declared: "Don’t be afraid to live, to live hard and fast, because it is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that count." [...] It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts.


Blake Shelton canceled a $30 million contract with Country Music Television

On July 21, 2023, the Dunning-Kruger Times published an article positing that country singer Blake Shelton had backed out of a lucrative project with CMT because the network refused to play a music video by Jason Aldean: Blake Shelton Cancels $30 Million Project With CMT: "Jason Is My Friend" Country Music Television (CMT) is still paying the price for canceling Jason Aldean's video "Try That In a Small Town." In what may be the most crushing blow yet, country megastar Blake Shelton has announced that he's backing out of a $30 million project with the network.


claims that actor Tom Selleck "praised" Donald Trump in a "meeting" with Breitbart

Actor Tom Selleck is Red Pilled. [...] Hollywood legend Tom Selleck has praised Donald J. Trump as President of the United States. In a meeting with Breitbart News, the legendary American actor stated: "I’m completely sure that he is the best so far. [...] Hollywood legend Tom Selleck has praised Donald J. Trump as President of the United States.


purports to show President Joe Biden with a bruise on his forehead while meeting with NATO in Poland

A number of posts on social media claim that US President Joe Biden has been seen with a large bruise on his forehead, prompting some claims that he is unfit to lead the country. One Facebook user wrote: "Look at the bruise on Joe Biden's head. That wasn't there earlier. I bet you he fell in Poland. His doctor is lying about his health and should have his medical license [sic] revoked if he thinks Biden is ok. We are in such danger with Biden." But the mark on Mr Biden’s forehead isn’t a bruise. As a practising Catholic, the president marked Ash Wednesday (on 22 February this year) with a private Mass in his hotel room in Warsaw during his trip to Poland.


claims that fast food chain Chick-fil-A will now open on Sundays, but “only for black people.”

Chick-fil-A restaurants remain closed on Sundays. The claim originates from a satire website.


An African President shared is support for Trump after he was arrested

Historic Trump mugshot released after arrest in Atlanta, Georgia - Published [...] One of Mr Trump's co-defendants - the leader of Black Voices for Trump, Harrison Floyd - is being held in custody after turning himself in on Thursday without a bail agreement, court officials say.


Claims Winston Churchill said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Winston Churchill, a renowned British statesman and leader, once famously said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." This profound quote highlights the dual nature of courage as not only the ability to bravely express oneself but also the willingness to humble oneself and listen to others. In a world where speaking up is often celebrated, Churchill's words remind us of the equal significance of listening. To truly understand and connect with others, one must possess the courage to speak up for what they believe in, as well as the humility and open-mindedness to lend an ear and consider different perspectives.As we delve deeper into the complexities of courage and its role in communication, an unexpected philosophical concept emerges - the concept of the "Courageous Silence." This concept challenges the conventional notion of courage by emphasizing the power of silence and contemplation as a form of strength and courage in itself.


A post shared on Twitter claims ABC has canceled talk show "The View" due to low viewership. Canceled: ABC Removes "The View" From Its 2024 Roster: "Nobody Watches Anymore" [...] There is no evidence ABC has canceled "The View." The claim stems from a satirical website.


Chick-fil-A donated $1.8 million to Anti-LGBTQ groups after promising not to

FACT CHECK: Did Chick-fil-A Donate To Anti-LGBT Organizations After Promising Not To? A post shared on social media purports that the fast food chain Chick-fil-A has donated $1.8 million to anti-LGBT groups despite their previous claims to end donations to those organizations. [...] "After promising no to," the caption reads. "Chick-fil-A donates another $1.8 million to anti-LGBTQ groups."


Claims Thomas Paine said, "Give to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself."

Thomas Paine was a pamphleteer, controversialist and international revolutionary. His Common Sense (1776) was a central text behind the call for American independence from Britain; his Rights of Man (1791–2) was the most widely read pamphlet in the movement for reform in Britain in the 1790s and for the opening decades of the nineteenth century; he was active in the French Revolution and was a member of the French National Convention between 1792 and 1795; he is seen by many as a key figure in the emergence of claims for the state’s responsibilities for welfare and educational provision, and his Age of Reason provided a popular deist text that remained influential throughout the 19th century. In his own lifetime, and subsequently, he has been extensively vilified and often dismissed. Yet many of his ideas still command wide interest and enthusiasm in readers throughout the world. [...] - James, J. G., 1988, ‘Thomas Paine’s iron bridge work, 1785–1803’, Newcomen Society Transactions, 57: 189–221 - Kates, G., 1989, ‘From liberalism to radicalism: Tom Paine’s Rights of man’, Journal of the History of Ideas, 50: 569–87. [...] - Lamb, R., 2015, Thomas Paine and the Idea of Human Rights, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.


Claims that Albert Einstein once said, "Two things inspire me to awe – the starry heavens above and the moral universe within."

There is no evidence that this expression originated with Einstein.


Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy claimed in a July 12 interview that he voted for the first time in 2020.

In June, as the sun set on Dublin, Ohio, a well-to-do suburb of Columbus, several dozen people dressed in golf shirts and floral shifts filed into a small auditorium to listen to a talk by a new neighbor. Vivek Ramaswamy, a thirty-seven-year-old entrepreneur, had settled in the area with his wife and toddler son after making a large fortune as the founder of a biotech company. Now, thanks to dozens of appearances on Fox News to criticize "cultural totalitarianism" enforced by liberal élites, he was closing in on fame as a conservative pundit. In the past year, he had cast aspersions on Black Lives Matter and "the death of merit"; mask mandates and U.S.-border protection; public-school curricula and the actor Jussie Smollett. All the flame-throwing had established him, in the words of one anchor, as the network’s "woke and cancel-culture guru."


Former Republican Texas Representative Will Hurd claimed in an August 13 interview that 141 people drowned in the Rio Grande river in 2022.

A 32-year-old Mexican woman died painfully, hanging upside down, while attempting to rappel down the border wall near Douglas, Arizona on April 11. Mexican authorities recovered the body of a 52-year-old Nicaraguan man who drowned in the Rio Grande along with his adult son. Luis Alberto Jiménez and his son "are added to about 10 Nicaraguans who have perished in the Rio Grande’s waters during the first three months of 2022," reportsNicaragua Investiga. Agence France Presse profiled a swim instructor in Estelí, Nicaragua who is giving free lessons to people planning to migrate, so that they might avoid drowning in the Rio Grande. Most of his pupils are single mothers planning to flee with their children. [...] In a new book Will Hurd, who represented a west Texas border district in Congress, tells of taking other Republican representatives to visit the border: "Some were nervous when I took them into Mexico. Many were expecting the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, with shootouts in the streets like Black Hawk Down."


Italy has replaced Pride month with 'Family Pride Month'

From the outside, following its change of government and move to the far-right, Italy appears dramatically different to a year ago, putting extra emphasis on its second ever LGBT History Month, as Andrea Carlo reports. This month, Italy celebrates its second LGBT History Month, with a variety of events and seminars being held in its honour throughout the coming weeks. [...] Italy remains western Europe’s weakest link on LGBT issues – lacking same-sex marriage, for instance. Nevertheless, broader acceptance of the community has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade.


claims that author Charles Dickens once said, "Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it but to delight in it when it comes."

25 Quotes By Writer Charles Dickens Reminding You To Enjoy Every Second Of Your Life [...] Charles Dickens is one of those classic writers that you probably read when you were in school (think A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, or Great Expectations...) and then didn’t think too much of it after that. But you may be surprised to realize how many of his famous quotes and sayings made their way on to your computer screens, your Pinterest inspo boards and into your daily motivational routines. [...] As long as you always let yourself feel and enjoy, you’ll have a good life. So keep reading for some of Charles Dickens’ best quotes about life, love, and everything in between.


claims two pipeline workers in Chicago were purportedly given water bottles laced with fentanyl

July 21, 2023 – A flyer with SDG&E’s logo circulating on Facebook claims two workers for a local flagging company during extreme heat were given water bottles by a stranger. "Apparently, the water bottles were laced with Fentanyl. Sadly, one of the flaggers died and the other is in critical condition after ingesting the water," the flyer headlined "Non-SDG&E Contractor Incident Alert" states.


A post shared on Instagram claims to show a Ukrainian tank disguised as a house.

The house on wheels was created by a civilian. It was created before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.


FACT CHECK: ‘I Love When People Call Trump Stupid’ – Did Clint Eastwood Author This Statement About Trump? An image shared on Facebook more than 12,000 times claims actor Clint Eastwood authored a long statement in favor of President Donald Trump that starts by saying, "I love when people call Trump Stupid." [...] "I love when people call Trump Stupid," reads the beginning of Eastwood’s alleged statement. "You mean the multi-billionaire who kicked every Democrats (sic) butt, buried 16 career Republican politicians, and continues to make fools out of once reputable news organizations."


one of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s daughters sits on the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Nancy Pelosi is the 52nd Speaker of the House of Representatives, having made history in 2007 when she was elected the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Now in her third term as Speaker, Pelosi made history again in January 2019 when she regained her position second-in-line to the presidency, the first person to do so in more than 60 years. For 31 years, Speaker Pelosi has represented San Francisco, California’s 12th Congressional District, in Congress. She has led House Democrats for 16 years and previously served as House Democratic Whip. A distinguished record of legislative accomplishment, Pelosi has led the Congress in passing historic health insurance reform, key investments in college aid, clean energy and innovation, and initiatives to help small businesses and veterans. She has been a powerful voice for civil rights and human rights around the world for decades. Pelosi comes from a strong family tradition of public service in Baltimore.


purports to show former President Donald Trump dancing with a 13-year-old girl

CLAIM: An image shows former President Donald Trump dancing with a teenage girl at a party at Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. [...] Many are sharing an image that appears to show Trump dancing with a young girl at a party years earlier. Wearing a dark suit and tie, Trump appears to clutch the blonde-haired girl in a red dress as people mill around in the background. "Photo of Donald Trump at Epstein’s private island dancing with a 13 year old girl," the text superimposed over the photo reads, referring to the disgraced financier who killed himself in a New York City jail while facing federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges in 2019.


Claims that Winston Churchill once stated, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

- An optimist finds an opportunity in every difficulty; a pessimist finds a difficulty in every opportunity - A pessimist is one who sees a disaster in every opportunity. [...] "A pessimist," says the Rev. F. W. Cole, president of the Cardiff Free Church Council, "is a man who takes every opportunity of seeing a difficulty, but the optimist is he who sees in every difficulty an opportunity." [...] An optimist is one who sees an opportunity in every difficulty. A pessimist is one who sees a difficulty in every opportunity.


until the 1960s, Indigenous Australians were classified as animals under the Flora and Fauna Act

The Flora and Fauna Act did not exist, and there is no record of any other act legally classifying Indigenous Australians as animals. Experts said the claim is incorrect.


Claims that William Shakespeare said, "All glory comes from daring to begin."

Fake quotes have been in the news lately, from the Republican National Committee’s Abraham Lincoln flub to the bogus Winston Churchill quote about supporting funding for the arts during World War II. Such misattribution is familiar to Shakespeare enthusiasts. Every day, fake Shakespeare quotes are being shared on social media. Here are a few examples: [...] This is a quote from poet, author, and politician Eugene F. Ware, not Shakespeare. "All glory comes from daring to begin." – William Shakespeare — Great Minds Quotes (@GreatestQuotes) February 21, 2017 4. "But for those who love, time is eternal."


London Mayor said travel to minority House of worship are exempt from emissions-zone charge

If your vehicle doesn't meet the ULEZ emissions standards and isn't exempt, you need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone. This applies to cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes). Lorries, vans or specialist heavy vehicles (all over 3.5 tonnes) and buses, minibuses and coaches (all over 5 tonnes) do not need to pay the ULEZ charge. They will need to pay the LEZ charge if they do not meet the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) emissions standard.


purports Pope Francis said alcoholics, autistic and disabled people should be euthanized to 'fight climate change'

The claim stems from a July 28 article published on “The People’s Voice,” a website that is known for spreading “fake news.” There is no evidence Pope Francis made the purported remark.


purports to show the U.S. chasing a Canadian unidentified flying object (UFO) in order to shoot it down

A U.S. fighter jet shot down an unidentified object in the skies over Canada on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s orders Saturday, Canadian and U.S. officials confirmed. After U.S. and Canadian military aircraft were sent aloft, a U.S. F-22 shot down the object over the Yukon, Trudeau tweeted Saturday afternoon. [...] The object was shot down at 3:41 p.m. ET Saturday about 100 miles from the U.S.-Canada border and 40,000 feet aloft after crews in U.S. and Canadian aircraft put eyes on it, Anand said. She described the area as central Yukon.


Claims that Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference" Winston Churchill - PMID: 18243283 - DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2007.12.011 "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference" Winston Churchill


Karine Jean-Pierre left a press conference after being asked about classified documents

The claim: Video shows Karine Jean-Pierre abruptly ending press conference to avoid answering question Some social media users are sharing a video that appears to show White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre abruptly ending a press conference after a reporter asked a question critical of President Joe Biden's energy policies. [...] Based on our research, we rate ALTERED a video that appears to show Jean-Pierre abruptly ending a press conference to avoid answering a question. In the original exchange, Jean-Pierre responded to the question and didn't end the press conference until 10 minutes later.


The Progress Pride Flag has been updated to include an autism symbol

The Progress Pride flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, as well as the colors pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag. The Progress Pride flag was created in 2018 by Oregon-based designer Daniel Quasar, both genderqueer and non-binary, in response to Philly's updated pride flag. Quasar added a five-colored chevron to the classic Rainbow Flag to emphasize inclusion and progression. The flag's design combines the colors and stripes from Philly's version of the pride flag and the colors of the transgender pride flag. [...] A newer version of the progress pride flag (as seen in the second image below) represents those who are intersex, people of color, and people living with AIDS was designed in 2021 by Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK, who added a yellow triangle with a purple circle (the design of the Intersex Pride Flag) to the Progress Pride Flag.


purports Vivek Ramaswamy did not say he would pardon Hunter Biden if elected president

GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says he wouldn't pardon Hunter BidenVivek Ramaswamy sits for an interview with Brianne Pfannenstiel of the Des Moines Register and Dasha Burns of NBC News in the Register newsroom.


purports Donald Trump and Gen. James Mattis have recently sent troops to the U.S. border

In October, after the deaths of four American army soldiers in an ambush in Niger focused attention on a build-up of hundreds of American forces there, a deployment that began under Obama and expanded under Trump, Mattis testified that the administration had sent the troops to be trainers and advisers who would help that nation resist incursions by Islamic State fighters: "Why did President Obama send troops there? Why did President Trump send troops there? It’s because we sensed that as the physical caliphate is collapsing, the enemy is trying to move somewhere." Mattis added, "We’re trying to build up the internal defenses of another country so they can do this job on their own."


claims that George Eliot said, "It's never too late to be what you might have been."

In a recent issue of The New Yorker (February 14/21), Rebecca Mead, in an essay called "Middlemarch and Me," describes her efforts to track down the origin of a saying attributed to George Eliot: "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Mead first encountered the quotation on a refrigerator magnet, "set in sans-serif type on an aquamarine starburst background." But, Mead writes, "the sentence didn’t sound to me like anything George Eliot would say." Uh oh, I thought to myself. This is going to end badly. Not only will the quote certainly prove a fake but also Mead is going to be bewildered by the discovery. No professional action will be taken. [...] With so many texts online, it may be easier than ever for amateur misquotations to breed, but it is just as easy for professionals to set the record straight. In other words, Rebecca Mead, "It is never too late to be the Wikipedia editor that you might have been."


President Donald Trump said, "Immigrants, not Americans, must adapt… Take it or leave it."

In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. in 2001, opinion pieces expressing anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim viewpoints were rife on the internet, particularly one that eventually came to be attributed to Australia's then-prime minister Julia Gillard (and, much later, U.S. President Donald Trump): [...] Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT... I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.' [...] 'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'


Claims that 19th century writer Margaret Fuller once stated, "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."

Margaret Fuller, born on May 23, 1810, in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, was an American writer, journalist, critic, and women's rights advocate. She is well-known for her influential contributions to the feminist movement and her significant role in shaping American literature and intellectual thought in the 19th century. [...] Margaret Fuller's quote, "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader," encapsulates the profound potential that lies within the act of reading. By asserting that reading today can lead to leadership tomorrow, Fuller highlights the transformative power of knowledge and literature. She suggests that being an avid reader primes individuals to become informed and intelligent, fostering critical thinking and broadening their perspectives. Reading equips individuals with an array of ideas, insights, and historical knowledge that contribute to their personal growth and development. As a result, those who invest in reading become well-equipped to tackle complex challenges, make informed decisions, and influence others positively. Ultimately, Fuller's poignant quote serves as a reminder that reading isn't simply a leisure activity but a dynamic process that can shape individuals into the leaders of tomorrow.


claims the words "Hail Satan" printed on the bottom of an In-N-Out Burger soda cup

FACT CHECK: Did In-N-Out Burger Print ‘Hail Satan’ On Its Soda Cups? An image shared on Facebook purportedly shows the words "Hail Satan" printed on the bottom of an In-N-Out Burger soda cup. [...] The photo of the In-N-Out Burger cup with the words "Hail Satan" allegedly printed on the bottom has circulated online since at least 2010, with this particular post resharing it on Feb. 23. (RELATED: Did Burger King Admit To Using Horse Meat?)


Claim that Alexis de Tocqueville said, "The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money."

"The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money." – Quote often attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville.


President Joe Biden claimed in an Oct. 20 speech that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using drones and ammunition from Iran and North Korea.

Putin is using attack drones from Iran. While it has not been definitively proven that North Korea is supplying ammunition to Russia, experts and media outlets have said it is likely happening.


alleges that President Andrew Jackson once stated, "One man with courage makes a majority."

FACT CHECK: Did Andrew Jackson Say, ‘One Man With Courage Makes A Majority’? A Facebook post alleges that former President Andrew Jackson once said, "One man with courage makes a majority." [...] The misattribution likely stems from usage of a slight variation of the quote in James Parton’s 1860 three-volume biography titled "Life of Andrew Jackson," according to Feller. The saying – "desperate courage makes one a majority" – appears on the title page of each volume in quotation marks.


claims Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki purportedly said, 'Chicks who dig home runs aren't the ones who appeal to me'

September 17, 2010You don't have to be a fan of the Seattle Mariners to be a fan of Ichiro Suzuki. After all, Ichiro is approaching his record tenth 200-hit season, and also his 10th season leading the league in singles. No one else has more than four. [...] "Chicks who dig home runs aren’t the ones who appeal to me," he said. "I think there’s sexiness in infield hits because they require technique. I’d rather impress the chicks with my technique than with my brute strength. Then, every now and then, just to show I can do that, too, I might flirt a little by hitting one out." However, the appeal of Ichiro, and of the infield hit, has not been universally felt. Some, including former teammates, have called Ichiro "selfish." After all, he's been known to reach out of the zone for plenty of pitches, slapping them the other way for infield singles.


Joe Biden has called for a national draft

The Biden administration has asked the Supreme Court not to take up a lawsuit that calls the all-male military draft unconstitutional. The brief does not state whether President Biden thinks women should be included, nor does it defend the current system, which requires only men ages 18 to 26 to submit their information should a military draft be needed again. [...] Military leaders have said the same. But Congress has been reluctant. And the last time the Supreme Court considered the issue, it ruled that it was constitutional to require only men to register.


Claims American writer Henry David Thoreau said, "Be yourself- not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be."

This page contains quotations either misquoted or erroneously attributed to Henry D. Thoreau [...] The second half of this quotation is misattributed to Thoreau and may be a misquotation or misremembering of Oliver Wendell Holmes’ (1809-1894) "The Voiceless": [...] Be yourself, not your idea of what you think somebody else’s idea of yourself should be. – This quotation is spoken by the character of Thoreau in the 1970 play, The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, by Robert Edwin Lee and Jerome Lawrence, but does not appear in any of Thoreau’s writings.


Mel Gibson requests protection from Hollywood elites after Sound of Freedom

While Mel Gibson continues to be a controversial figure in Hollywood—he has hit headlines in the past for making racist, antisemitic and sexist comments—and is known for his commitment to the Catholic faith. [...] Perhaps in light of his documented devotion to his faith, claims have recently been shared that Gibson once accused members of a so-called Hollywood elite of torturing and murdering children, before drinking their blood in satanic rituals.


Claims that English author C.S. Lewis once stated, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

The Four Loves, chapter 5ALSO: Perelandra, chapter 11 #2: "You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream." [...] The Letters of C. S. Lewis to Arthur Greeves (2 November 1918). [...] Letters of C. S. Lewis (15 May 1952)


Stephen Hahn was arrested by the military

Fact Check: NO Evidence That Ex-FDA 'Commisioner' Stephen Hahn Was Arrested By Military Did the military arrest former FDA "Commisioner" Stephen Hahn? No, there's no evidence to substantiate that: The claim was reported on a website that is well-known for making up stories about public figures. The site posts a disclaimer warning readers that it contains "humor, parody, and satire." The headline on the story making the claim also misspelled commissioner as "commisioner."


purports to show British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak partying

The claim: A video claims to show Britain’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dancing at a party. [...] A video of a man dancing was shared Oct. 26, 2022, on Twitter, with the caption "Britain’s new Prime Minister." It claims that the man dancing in the video is Rishi Sunak, U.K.’s new Prime Minister. [...] - France 24, "Debunking claims that UK PM Rishi Sunak was filmed dancing in Ibiza," Oct. 28, 2022.


purports to show Donald Trump crying and talking about classified material at a recent event

A new report details a recording in which former President Donald Trump talks about the classified documents he transferred from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. [...] CNN has obtained a transcript of the recording, which showcases that Trump was aware that at least some of the documents in his possession were classified, and that he did not declassify them as president or on his way out of the White House — statements that directly contradict his public defenses for having the documents in his possession. [...] In the recording, Trump readily admits to those in the room that the documents he has on him are classified. "As president, I could have declassified, but now I can’t," he said, according to the transcript.


claims that author Isaac Asimov once stated, "Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in."

In 2002 a message posted to the Usenet newsgroup php.general implausibly ascribed the quotation to Isaac Asimov:[5]2002 October 20, Usenet discussion message, Newsgroup: php.general, From: Stephanie Sullivan @violetsky.net, Subject: Re: [PHP] Newbie NN4 help… (Google Groups Search; Accessed December 27, … Continue reading "Your assumptions are your windows on the world. [...] After all, as Alan Alda once said "Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in awhile, or the light won’t come in." [...] It’s time to heed the wisdom of Isaac Asimov: "Your assumptions are your windows on the world.


Pam Ayres wrote the poem "Let’s All Drink To Lockdown" about the coronavirus pandemic

An Evening with Poet Jan Beaumont Jan Beaumont was our guest speaker at our recent dinner meeting. Jan is the author of "Let’s All Drink to Lockdown" the poem that went viral around the world. Her fame with this poem spread such that she has undertaken interviews with the BBC, Australian and NZ radio networks. The poem was at some point wrongly attributed to well known funny English poet Pam Ayres. Jan was very philosophical about the mistake explaining that her main motivation in writing poetry is to make people smile. She has now added to the original poem and written and published over 300 all of which focus on the day-to-day activities in our lives. She shared her life experience and some of the poems in her presentation. She also bought some of her books along which members were keen to purchase.


claims that German philosopher Immanuel Kant once said, "Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."

Finally, Kant’s quote draws a line between science and wisdom, pointing out the nature of each as well as their repercussions. According to him, science is organized knowledge; wisdom is organized life. [...] But scientific knowledge alone does not lead to wisdom, according to Kant. Wisdom involves more than just intellectual understanding. It includes using your knowledge for practical purposes. [...] Ultimately, we’re taught by Kant to engage in critical self-reflection, align our actions with reason and morality, cultivate wisdom (that is, organize our lives around ethical principles), and strive for a society based on justice and compassion.


Flat Earth Society Claps Back at Elon Musk on Twitter In case you needed further evidence that we’re all living in the Upside-Down, on Tuesday, the Flat Earth Society earnestly answered a bizarre question Elon Musk tweeted earlier in the day. Somehow, the saga just gets weirder and weirder. To backtrack, Musk had had trolled Flat Earthers with a couple of tweets, most notably, one asking why there’s "no Flat Mars society." As Inverse pointed out Tuesday, there does seem to be a sect of Flat Earthers who also identify at Flat Marsers, but that’s beside the point.


claims Mitt Romney has purportedly threatened to leave the Republican Party and join the Democrats

Sen. Mitt Romney condemned baseless claims of election fraud as "stupidly self-defeating and despicable" on the heels of Tuesday’s midterm that left Republicans and Democrats waiting to see who will control Congress. [...] Romney listed several issues that need bipartisan attention including inflation, federal spending, the national debt, immigration and climate change. [...] "Excessive spending and the deficit have been the Republican Party’s bugaboo for years," Romney said. "But like the Democrats, we shy away from telling the American people the truth that the spending problem isn’t primarily due to the annual budget."


Kansas City Chiefs co-owner Clark Hunt told his players, coach and staff that he would "immediately fire" anyone who does not stand for the playing of the national anthem.

A fake letter from Kansas City owner Clark Hunt is circulating on social media, in which Hunt allegedly prohibited his players from protesting the national anthem. [...] You will stand, with your hand over your heart and with respect, when our Country's National Anthem is being played or you will no longer be a Kansas City Chief, a Coach for the Kansas City Chiefs or any association with the Chiefs Organization! I Will immediately fire you, no matter who you are!" You can make your political statements off the field, but when you're employed by me and I'm signing your check,


claims Nancy Pelosi purportedly made a comment about how the Democratic Party uses a tactic called the 'wrap-up smear'

Pelosi’s comments were directed at Republicans during a 2017 press briefing while she served as the House Minority Leader. Pelosi’s spokesperson confirmed she accused Republicans, not Democrats, of using the “wrap-up smear” tactic in an email to Check Your Fact.


a 1990s episode of "The Simpsons" predicted the death of George Floyd

As with every major world event recently, photos of George Floyd's killing that appear to be from the well-known American animated sitcom The Simpsons, have gone viral; suggesting that the show has predicted the event many years ago. [...] The Simpsons Predict Derek Chauvin Kneeling on George Floyd's Neck in 1990's Episode.https://t.co/A1hgaECCwP#JusticeforGeorgesFloyd #TheSimpsons pic.twitter.com/CsgULqIVbx — AldaRosa (@Aldarosa) June 1, 2020 [...] They predicted George Floyd’s death on the Simpsons...coincidence? pic.twitter.com/oOx4W9HhlJ — Heba A. ???? (@heebz101) June 1, 2020


purports Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert's net worth is 'over $12 million.'

The claim appears to have come from the website CAknowledge.com which, among other estimates, states that "Boebert owns over 5 real estate properties, 4 Cars, 1 Luxury Yacht: "Lauren Boebert's Assets also includes Cash reserves of over $16 Million. Lauren Boebert also owns an investment portfolio of 10 stocks that is valued at $15 Million." [...] Newsweek could not find evidence to support the claim that Lauren Boebert lives in a $12 million "luxury house" in Florida. In the financial disclosure report, her mortgage is listed as between $250,000 to $500,000. [...] According to financial disclosure reports and other documentation, Lauren Boebert does not have a net worth of $41 million. The claim appears to come from a website that also makes a number of other bogus claims about the net worth of other politicians and public figures.


Claims that Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci said, "I awoke, only to find that the rest of the world was still asleep."

This quote, "I awoke, only to see that the rest of the world is still asleep" is a profound statement about awareness, enlightenment, and understanding. In essence, it suggests that the speaker has experienced a kind of awakening, a new level of understanding or insight that others have not yet reached. It implies a sense of isolation, but also a sense of superiority or advancement. [...] The "rest of the world" that is "still asleep" suggests that most people are not yet aware of this insight or understanding. They are "asleep," metaphorically speaking, living their lives without this deeper understanding. This could be because they are ignorant, uninterested, or simply incapable of reaching the same level of understanding. [...] In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as a reminder to always be open to new ideas and experiences. It suggests that we should not be afraid to challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, and that we should always be striving to grow and improve as individuals. It also reminds us that we should not be discouraged if others do not understand or appreciate our growth. After all, we are "awake," and they are "still asleep.


claims that Bertrand Russell once stated, "War does not determine who is right - only who is left."

There is no evidence Russell said or wrote this expression.


Biden said that 21 million Americans are covered through the Affordable Care Act, an increase of 9 million since he took office.

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Record-Breaking 2024 Open Enrollment Period Under the Affordable Care Act Today, we broke another record when it comes to lowering costs and ensuring Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare: 21.3 million Americans have signed up for health coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. That means 9 million more people have gained coverage under the law – and peace of mind – since I took office. It’s no accident. My actions to protect the Affordable Care Act and lower premiums continue to make a big difference. And the American people have made it clear: they don’t want the Affordable Care Act weakened and repealed – they want it strengthened and protected. We need to build on the progress we’ve made by making lower premiums permanent. But Republicans in Congress have a different vision. Their recent budget would get rid of the improvements I signed into law, raising costs for millions of people. Over the last decade, extreme Republicans in Congress have blocked efforts to lower health care costs, and they’re still trying to end the Affordable Care Act, just as my predecessor tried and failed to do. Repealing the Affordable Care Act would throw these 21 million people off their coverage, and end Medicaid coverage for millions more. It would return to the days when insurance companies could rip Americans off by denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, charge women more than men, and make older adults pay astronomical health care premiums based on their age. We must not and will not go back.


claims Lewis Carroll once wrote, "You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants a magical solution to their problems, and everyone refuses to believe in magic."

The quote does not appear in any of Carroll’s works, nor in any film adaptations of his novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” It is actually a line from ABC’s television show “Once Upon a Time.”


30 Navy SEALs died when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on March 11

There is no record of 30 SEALs dying in a single incident in Afghanistan on March 11. The claim likely stemmed from an August 2011 helicopter crash that killed 30 members of the U.S. military.


Foods such as Pop-Tarts, cake mixes and ice cream contain antifreeze

No, there isn’t antifreeze in your Pop-Tarts, ice cream or cake mix [...] A May 17 Instagram reel called out Pop-Tarts, Blue Bunny and Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines cake mixes, Dunkin’ flavored iced teas and Fireball whisky, claiming these products "have antifreeze in them." [...] An Instagram reel claimed certain foods and drinks "have antifreeze in them" because they contain propylene glycol, an additive.


claims Ancient Greek philosopher Plato once stated, "Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

FACT CHECK: Did Plato Say, ‘Be Kind, Everyone You Meet Is Fighting A Hard Battle’? [...] Plato and other ancient philosophers are popular targets for spurious quotations, this case included. His work "Republic," which contains the well-known "Allegory of the Cave," is widely considered a classic of philosophy. The main character in Plato’s literature is typically Socrates. [...] "I’ve read a good bit of Plato in my time, but never encountered a quote like that from him," said Michael Russo, author of "Plato’s Republic: A Study Guide," in an email to the DCNF. Other experts did not recognize the saying either.


purports Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is enacting a bill that would require bloggers to register with the state

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has endorsed the bill, which includes several provisions outlined in his Stop W.O.K.E. Act, a purported ban on critical race theory that was introduced last month. (For the record, critical race theory is a college-level area of study and isn't taught in K-12 public schools.) [...] It seems DeSantis and Florida’s GOP-led Legislature are operating with a similar fear. They see the facade of white supremacy — weak as it is — crumbling under the weight of high school lesson plans and workplace trainings. And bills like SB 148 are sad attempts to piece that facade back together.


Sen. Josh Hawley shares proof of Chinese spying in hearing with FBI director Christopher Wray

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-dhs-fbi-heads-testify-before-senate-following-report-on-threat-of-domestic-extremists Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: DHS, FBI heads testify before Senate on China surveillance inside the U.S. Politics Nov 17, 2022 10:17 AM EDT During a Senate hearing on threats to the U.S. homeland, FBI Director Christopher Wray was quizzed about Chinese efforts to use their own police to surveil dissidents inside the United States. Watch the hearing in the player above. "It’s been reported that the Chinese Communist Party is operating police stations in the United States in an effort to surveil Chinese dissidents," said Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida. "Seems obvious the US shouldn’t allow its most significant geopolitical rival, an oppressive Communist regime, to establish police stations in the U.S.," Scott said. "What authority or jurisdiction does the CCP have in the U.S.?" "I’m very concerned about this," Wray said. "We are aware of the existence of these stations." "The reason this is so important is because we have seen a clear pattern of the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party, exporting their repression right here into the U.S," Wray said.


FACT CHECK: Did This Oxford University Student Become One Of The World’s Youngest PhDs? A post shared on Facebook, along with an accompanying video, claims an Oxford University student named Boston Regan has become one of the youngest PhD graduates in the world. [...] The video tells the story of an alleged Oxford University student who overcame panic attacks and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to become one of the world’s youngest PhD holders. (RELATED: Did An 11-Year-Old ‘Shark Tank’ Contestant Invent A Device To Give The World Free Wi-Fi?)


Claims that President Abraham Lincoln once stated, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

In life, we often focus on the thorns, the difficulties, the problems. We talk about the prickly part of our day and what went wrong. It makes for a more sensational story which will hold the interest of our listeners. But, like the prick of a thorn, we re-experience the negative emotions and feel the pain anew as we recount our tale of woe. Stress chemicals get a second run at coursing through our depleted bodies. [...] Dwell on the roses of your life, forsake the thorns. Count your blessings, not your woes. Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (5)5 Responses to ""We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." ~Abraham Lincoln"


White House Press Secretary said she was concerned about Brazil and China relationship

By — News Desk News Desk Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-white-house-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-holds-briefing-amid-inflation-bill-talks Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: White House reacts to China announcement that it’ll end contact with U.S. on major issues Politics Aug 5, 2022 1:57 PM EDT The White House has reacted to China’s Friday announcement that it was ending all contact with the United States on major issues — including crucial climate cooperation that led to the international 2015 Paris accord — as tensions and public rebukes ratcheted higher over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says China’s reaction is "fundamentally irresponsible." Watch the event in the video player above. "We’ll continue our efforts to keep open lines of communication with Beijing while defending our interests and values in the region," she said. China’s move to freeze key lines of communication adds to a rapid souring of relations from Pelosi’s visit and from the Chinese response with military exercises off Taiwan, including firing missiles that splashed down in surrounding waters.


Claims that President Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it."

The best way to predict the future is to create it. – Peter Drucker [...] The Future… Kind of scary sounding. Full of unknowns. Full of twists and turns. How can you possibly predict it? This quote says that the best way to know what is coming is to be an active participant. By creating your future, you are an active player in the events as they unfold. By knowing what you want, and what you are willing to do to get them, you can help to shape what the future holds.


claims shoppers wore Ku Klux Klan hoods at an Alabama mini mart purportedly owned by a family involved in a recent riverfront brawl

Today, the Ku Klux Klan is a small organization with only a few hundred members that lacks any significant social, political, or economic influence in Alabama. Numerous hate groups exist that have adopted some form of the Ku Klux Klan's name, but these groups operate independently with little knowledge of one another's activities. The Klan's decline however does not mean that support for white supremacist organizations in Alabama has disappeared. Many former Klansmen have joined a wide array of neo-Confederate organizations, such as the League of the South, headquartered in Killen, Lauderdale County. A number of white supremacist and fascist groups also exist in Alabama.


A video shared on Instagram purports over 1,000 children are still missing in Maui following the recent wildfire. [...] "Over 1000 children still ‘missing’ after the deadly Maui Fire," the Instagram video purports. The video has received over 700 likes as of writing. [...] Likewise, Check Your Fact did not find any recent credible news reports suggesting over 1,000 children are still missing as a result of the Maui wildfire. In addition, Hawaii Democratic Gov. Josh Green has not publicly commented on the claim via his website or verified social media accounts.


Cuban authorities found the S.S. Cotopaxi found fully intact and floating toward the island nation more than 90 years after its disappearance

In the Facebook post, a rusty, dilapidated ship can be seen sitting in a body of water with mountainous land in the background. Text in the image alleges the vessel was "last seen in 1925, and has mysteriously reappeared after disappearing 90 years ago, in the Bermuda Triangle." It goes on to claim the ship "remains intact, and afloat, and has NEVER been seen by any aircraft, or sea-going ships, in 9 decades..nor has she ever run aground." [...] Check Your Fact previously debunked the claim that Cuban authorities found the S.S. Cotopaxi fully intact and floating toward the island nation 90 years after its disappearance. That ship’s sunken remains were discovered in the 80s but took some three decades to be properly identified, according to Smithsonian Magazine.


Biden said he taught political theory at the University of Pennsylvania for 4 years

Joe Biden: "For four years, I was a full professor at the University of Pennsylvania." [...] Biden served as Benjamin Franklin Presidential Professor of the Practice at the University of Pennsylvania between his tenure as vice president and the start of his presidential campaign. However, the duration of the position was closer to two years than four, since he was on leave while running for president. Also, his duties might not conform to the full range of activities that the public might associate with the term "full professor," including teaching semester-long classes, conducting independent research, and handling administrative responsibilities. [...] Biden said, "For four years, I was a full professor at the University of Pennsylvania."


Claims that Hillary Clinton wrote, "I believe the primary role of the state is to teach, train and raise children. Parents have a secondary role."

Parents have a secondary role," the quote reads. [...] She does not say, however, that "parents have a secondary role," as Woods alleged. Paul Kengor, a professor of political science at Grove City College and a Ronald Reagan biographer, said there is a typical divide in how conservatives and liberals (such as Clinton) view child care. He said it was conceivable Clinton would support a primary role for the state due to her liberal persuasion.


Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on July 23 that Ukraine has taken back 50% of the territory it lost since February 2022.

Ukraine has seized back about 53% of its territory it initially lost when Russia invaded in February 2022, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).


Republican North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said during a July 9 interview that there were 110,000 overdose deaths in 2022.

FACT CHECK: Were There 110,000 Overdose Deaths In 2022? [...] There were an estimated 109,680 overdose deaths in 2022, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Burgum, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, discussed China, abortion and other subjects during a July 9 interview with NBC News’s Chuck Todd. During the interview, he claimed that 110,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2022.


Claims that Thomas Jefferson said, "Most bad government has grown out of too much government."

There is no record of Jefferson ever saying or writing this phrase. It is included in the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s list of spurious quotations.


purports Elon Musk published a 'Rest In Peace (RIP)' tweet for late financier Jeffrey Epstein

An advanced Twitter search does not generate the purported tweet from Musk. There is no evidence he made the purported remark.


purports to show Muslim refugees terrorizing New York

The original video, published via Instagram, shows chaos that ensued after Twitch streamer Kai Cenat hosted a giveaway in Union Square on Aug. 4. A spokesperson for the New York Police Department (NYPD)’s Deputy Commissioner, Public Information denied the claim in an email to Check Your Fact.


CNN published an article claiming Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy made "several unproven claims" in his impeachment inquiry announcement.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy floats an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says Republican lawmakers may consider an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden over unproven claims of financial misconduct, responding to enormous GOP pressure to demonstrate support for Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 presidential election. In remarks Tuesday at the Capitol, McCarthy said the questions House Republicans are raising about the Biden family finances need to be investigated. So far, he acknowledged, the House’s probes have not proven any wrongdoing, but an impeachment inquiry "allows Congress to get the information to be able to know the truth."


70,000 Americans have died from fentanyl overdoses

Canada and the U.S. suffer about 77,000 deaths a year from fentanyl. Europe doesn't come close. It's enforcement agencies are desperate to stop fentanyl crossing the Atlantic. (Photo: An example of the amount of fentanyl that can be deadly.)Photo by Jacquelyn Martin /THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Hardly a week goes by that we don’t hear new horrifying numbers about opioid deaths in North America, four of five of which are linked to fentanyl. Last year, 70,000 Americans died of overdoses from fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more powerful than heroin. The toll in Canada is comparable, at about 7,000 a year. In B.C., fentanyl-related deaths run at about 2,000, which is among the worst rates per capita on the continent.


Claims that novelist George Orwell once said, "People sleep peacefully in their Beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

"We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us." [...] - Alternative: "We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." [...] - Actual source: Quote Investigator found the earliest known appearance in a 1993 Washington Times essay by Richard Grenier: "As George Orwell pointed out, people sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." The absence of quotation marks indicates that Grenier was using his own words to convey his interpretation of Orwell's opinion, as seen in citations below.


purports to show Jeffrey Epstein and Ted Kaczynski at a boys summer camp together

The original photo, taken at Interlochen Arts Camp in 1967, has been uploaded to the image-sharing website Smug Mug. Although Epstein did attend the camp, according to the Daily Beast, Kaczynski was already in high school in 1958, a Wikipedia image shows.


purports Ghislaine Maxwell worked at Disney World in 1985

Maxwell was a prominent member of the London social scene in the 1980s.[27] She founded a women's club named after the original Kit-Cat Club[12][28] and was a director of Oxford United Football Club during her father's ownership.[29][30] She also worked at The European,[31] a publication her father had established. According to Tom Bower, writing for The Sunday Times, in 1986 Robert invited her to the naming in her honour of his new yacht the Lady Ghislaine, at a shipyard in the Netherlands.[32] She spent a large amount of time in the late 1980s aboard the yacht, which was equipped with a jacuzzi, sauna, gym and disco.[33] The Scotsman said Robert had also "tailor-made a New York company for her".[34] The company, which dealt in corporate gifts, was not profitable.[26][32][35]


Rapper Notorious B.I.G predicted Covid-19 pandemic in 1994

The claim is inaccurate. The video has been digitally altered.


Claims that George Washington once said, "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people’s liberty, teeth and keystone under independence."

The Daily Caller found no evidence that Washington ever made this statement.


claims Henry Ford once said, "If I asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses."

Why Henry Ford's Most Famous Quote Is Dead Wrong If Ford had asked people what they wanted, would they really have said 'faster horses?' [...] Henry Ford was one of the world's great innovators and a quotable gentleman at that, particularly in the realms of business and innovation. Perhaps the most famous quote attributed to Ford is this: "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." [...] In fact, customers would probably have told Ford exactly what they wanted -- specifically, a faster mode of transportation. They might not have mentioned the need for a combustion engine, but that's part of the art and science of understanding customer feedback.


a conference titled "The Elite Global Leaders Conference" will be held at the Vatican on Oct. 23 and will focus on "humanity-empowering technology."

FACT CHECK: Does This Picture Show An Advertisement For An ‘Elite Global Leaders’ Conference Being Held At The Vatican? An image shared on Instagram claims a conference titled the "Elite Global Leaders Conference" will be held at the Vatican on Oct. 23 and will focus on "humanity-empowering technology." [...] The image appears to show a poster advertising an upcoming conference being held at the Vatican titled "Elite Global Leaders Conference." The poster states the purported event is invitation only and will focus on "technology that empowers humanity," the keynote presentation allegedly being "The Code – Programming Our Future For Good." Circled in red are the names of the supposed conference’s two keynote speakers, David Fergusson and Carlos Moreira, authors of "The transHuman Code: How To Program Your Future."


Claims "Dumber and Dumber" actor Jim Carrey said, "Society is collapsing."

An article shared on Facebook claims actor Jim Carrey said, "Hollywood elites eat whole babies for Christmas." [...] In May, a 2018 article published by the website Jasper and Sardine has resurfaced in QAnon Facebook groups. The article alleges that Carrey, an actor known for roles in films such as "Dumb and Dumber" and "Bruce Almighty," told an audience during a question-and-answer session at a screening for the 2017 documentary "Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond" that "Hollywood elites eat whole babies for Christmas." [...] This is not the first time the "Dumb and Dumber" actor has been the subject of misattributed comments. In August 2019, Check Your Fact debunked a viral meme that claimed he said, "Society is collapsing."


FACT CHECK: Did Vladimir Putin Blame Americans For Interfering With Their Own Democracy? A video shared on Instagram purports to show Russian President Vladimir Putin telling Americans they interfere with their own democracy. [...] "You blame me for interfering with your democracy. But I don’t have to, you are doing it yourselves," Putin appears to say in English via the Instagram video, liked over 700 times. "Polling stations are closing. You don’t know who to trust, you are divided. There are strings we can pull, but we don’t have to. You are pulling them for us," he appears to continue.


purports CNN reported Liz Cheney endorsed Ron DeSantis for president

The claim neither appears on CNN’s website nor its verified social media accounts. A CNN spokesperson denied the outlet had reported that Cheney endorsed DeSantis in an email to Check Your Fact.


Claims that Benjamin Franklin once said, "A Nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved; it is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins."

There is no evidence that Franklin authored this saying. It was actually written by author Henry Stuber.


Claims a white Russian billionaire offered to pay $1 billion for NBA superstar LeBron James and tennis champion Serena Williams to have a child together

An image shared on Facebook more than 900 times claims a Russian billionaire offered NBA player LeBron James and tennis player Serena Williams a billion dollars to have a "super athlete" child together. [...] A widely-shared post purportedly shows a screen grab of a news article about a Russian billionaire, identified as both Vladist and Vladir Sugarin, who offered a billion dollars to James and Williams to have a "super athlete" child. The headline reads, "White Billionaire Offers $1 Billion to Breed Lebron (sic) & Serena." "LeBron makes hundreds of millions. Serena makes hundreds of millions," one post credits Sugarin with saying. "Their super baby will make billions."


Claims Socrates said, "When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers."

It appears that the widespread attribution to Socrates of the 'When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers' bit of wisdom only began after 2008, with the rise of quote-sharing via social media memes: 'When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser.' -Socrates. [...] So as far as we can tell, the phrase "when the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser" emerged roughly around 2008 and appears to have no traceable history prior to that. Despite its popularity on social media, no one has ever found a single direct link to any material attributed to Socrates matching the quote. Its abrupt appearance and lack of historical support suggests that Socrates' signature was tacked to the commentary to give it an air of ancient wisdom.


Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin fired two players for kneeling during national anthem

PITTSBURGH -- Players who choose to kneel during the national anthem will have the support of coach Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, the coach said on a video conference call Tuesday. [...] Like many NFL teams, Tomlin and the Steelers last navigated these discussions in 2017 when some players echoed quarterback Colin Kaepernick's 2016 actions by kneeling during the anthem to raise awareness of police brutality -- a move that was lambasted by President Donald Trump. In addition to saying in a speech that NFL owners should "get that son of a bitch off the field" if a player kneeled, he said they should fire or suspend players who protested the national anthem. That year, the Steelers stressed unity and wanted to stay in the locker room together during the national anthem at Chicago's Soldier Field in late September, and the typically football-focused Tomlin said his team "wouldn't play politics."


claims President Donald Trump volunteered his airline Tower Air to bring American soldiers home during Operation Desert Storm

The rumor emerged in a widely circulated open letter by a man named Ron Knouse arguing that Donald Trump’s airline, Trump Shuttle, provided free flights to veterans returning from Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s. In the letter, its author claims that Trump’s airline gave stranded soldiers free transport home, but that media outlets had failed to report on his good deed. [...] The planes waiting were from Tower Air. The owner of Tower Air had volunteered his planes and staff to bring soldiers home for the cost of fuel only. Happily, the young veteran got home just in time for Easter weekend in 1991, and spent that time emotionally healing with friends and family surrounding him. That Private was me. The Airline owner – Donald J Trump. That is why I will vote Trump. Loyalty for loyalty, respect for respect. Any questions? [...] Tower Air, on the other hand, contracted with the Department of Defense to provide charter flights around the time of the Gulf War, according to a New York Times report. But we weren’t able to find anything linking Trump to Tower Air. Zev Melamid, Mordechi Gill, Morris Nachtomi and Sam Fondlierprovid established the airline in 1982, Airline History records show. Tower Air provided passenger service from New York to Brussels and Tel Aviv, a line previously operated by Metro International Airways, according to the World Airline Directory.


purports U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger is allegedly 'missing in action' and hasn't been seen since Jan. 6, 2023

General (Retired)David H. Berger [...] General (Retired) David H. Berger served as the Commandant of the Marine Corps from July 11, 2019 to July 10, 2023. [...] General Berger’s staff and joint assignments include serving as Assistant Division Commander of 2d Marine Division; policy planner in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5; Chief of Staff for Kosovo Force (KFOR) Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo; and Director of Operations in Plans, Policies, and Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.


Former President Donald Trump claimed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis "sort of mandated" the COVID-19 vaccine.

Former President Donald Trump appeared to take a shot at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over his refusal to disclose whether he’s received a Covid-19 booster shot in a new interview with the far-right channel One America News. [...] DeSantis told Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo back in December that he had "done whatever I did, the normal shot" when asked if he received a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine. The rest of his response focused on his opposition to vaccine mandates as governor, saying the Covid-19 vaccine and subsequent booster shots should be "people’s individual decision." [...] "President Trump did not mention Governor DeSantis in that interview, so I wouldn’t want to make assumptions. Governor DeSantis has always been clear about his position on Covid-19 vaccination and boosters: the shots should be available to all but mandated for none, and the choice to get a vaccine or booster is an individual’s private medical decision," Pushaw said.


Claims that former South African President Nelson Mandela once stated, "Fools multiply when wise men are silent."

Fact Check: Did Mandela say 'Fools multiply when wise men are silent'? An American page recently shared a quote they claim to be from the late Nelson Mandela, saying that 'Fools multiply when wise men are silent'. Briefly.co.za has a look to see if there is any truth to this. [...] U.S. Democratic Voices recently shared a questionable Nelson Mandela quote, claiming that the late icon had said:


purports to show a mom remove an LGBTQ+ pride flag from a classroom

The school’s principal was ordered to remove the flags last month at the direction of administrators over Alpine School District — the largest school district in Utah — hoping to avoid becoming the focus of the latest cultural firestorm surrounding teachers. Recent outcry from conservative parents across the state and the country have labeled educators who support the LGBTQ+ community with rainbow flags as "groomers" and "pedophiles," suggesting the symbols are sexual and don’t belong in schools. [...] As soon as the parent pointed out the pride flag, the picture was removed. It was reposted by the school shortly later, cropped to remove the flag. It was deleted again when more parents commented that it still showed nine smaller pride flags — representing identities and intersections within the LGBTQ+ community — sitting in a neat line above the day’s lesson plan. Cutting those out wouldn’t be possible without also cropping the teacher and student. The photo wasn’t reposted. [...] But Brown said she and other students weren’t satisfied. Even the pride flags that had been in the classroom of the teacher who led the school’s gay-straight alliance club were removed. Some questioned how those weren’t considered educational, as they were directly related to a school-approved group, which 40 to 50 kids at Skyridge participate in.


Claims that author Ernest Hemingway once said, "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."

Although Hemingway’s achievement is certainly enviable, the desire to equal his literary greatness turns out to be a Faustian bargain: his genius could only be attained through a life of suffering. On more than one occasion he was asked to author a book on his approach to writing. Not surprisingly, he never agreed to write it."There is nothing to writing," he said."All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." Hemingway understood that good writing was not the product of a masterful technique. Instead, good writing is the expression of meaningful experiences. For Hemingway, these were experiences of pain expressed in the blunt language of reality. The cost of achieving such glory was the subjection of his soul to a lifetime of torture. Had his life been happy, his great writings would have never even been imagined. [...] So to my friend I must apologize: I should have told you the importance of not being Ernest. Whenever you have the choice, you ought to opt for happiness. A life nailed to Hemingway’s cross of self-loathing – however legendary – will simply bleed out.


purports CNBC published an article linking AMC Theatres to the recent Silicon Valley Bank collapse

AMC Theaters is the latest stock to have gotten caught in a meme wave. But this time, the company seems to be taking advantage of the ride. [...] BERAS: AMC Theatres, the largest movie theater chain in the country. She'd never bought stock, but she loves the movies. So Brooks picked up a hundred shares at just over $7 apiece. That's despite the fact that AMC Theatres had been pretty close to bankruptcy. For Brooks, it wasn't just about buying stocks in a company she believes she's saving.


purports the National Gallery in London is removing a famous painting because one of the figures resembles Russian President Vladimir Putin

No, London gallery isn’t removing painting for Putin likeness CLAIM: The National Gallery in London is removing a portrait by Jan van Eyck due to complaints that the painting resembles Russian President Vladimir Putin. [...] One Twitter post with more than 10,000 likes shared the image with a caption that reads: "BELIEVE IT OR NOT A London gallery wants to remove a painting by Jan van Eyck after frequent complaints from visitors about the likeness of the figure in the painting to Putin"


President Joe Biden claimed in a Sept. 11, 2023 speech that he was in New York City where the World Trade Center towers fell the day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden visited all three sites of the Sept. 11 attacks Saturday as the nation marked the 20th anniversary of that day. [...] Biden — who praised Bush's remarks about the nation's response to 9/11 as "a genuinely good speech about who we are" — was marking the milestone anniversary, his first as president, weeks after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan nearly two decades after the U.S. first knocked them from power in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. [...] At the 10-year mark, Obama also made stops at all three of the sites, speaking at ground zero. Biden, then vice president, spoke at the Pentagon of his empathy for those who lost loved ones that day.


purports Bill Gates turned off his Twitter comments after Elon Musk allegedly exposed him in the latest Twitter files

Twitter owner Elon Musk spoke out on Saturday evening about the so-called "Twitter Files," a long tweet thread posted by journalist Matt Taibbi, who had been provided with details about behind-the-scenes discussions on Twitter’s content moderation decision-making, including the call to suppress a 2020 New York Post story about Hunter Biden and his laptop. [...] Musk – who claims to have not read the released files himself – said the impetus for the original tweet thread was about what happened in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and "how much government influence was there." [...] Musk on Saturday also criticized the mainstream media for downplaying the "Twitter Files" release, while accusing news organizations – particularly the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post – of "setting agendas." In its coverage of the story, the Washington Post had concluded "it produced no smoking gun."


House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted, "I am disgusted with 'President' Trump allowing people to keep more of the money they earn."

By — Julia Griffin Julia Griffin By — Molly Finnegan Molly Finnegan Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-tweeted-a-misleading-video-of-nancy-pelosi-heres-the-real-thing Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump tweeted a misleading video of Nancy Pelosi. Here’s the real thing Politics Updated on May 25, 2019 3:13 PM EDT — Published on May 24, 2019 5:36 PM EDT President Donald Trump used Twitter on Thursday to spread an edited video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the latest development in an ongoing fight between the president and the California Democrat. In a tweet that Trump labeled "PELOSI STAMMERS THROUGH NEWS CONFERENCE," the president shared a clip from the Fox Business Network show "Lou Dobbs Tonight" in which moments from Pelosi’s weekly news conference on Thursday had been manipulated. In the edited video, Pelosi’s normal pauses and stutters have been edited together to make her appear to stumble over words like "custody" and "border." In one section (around 12:43), the doctored video repeats a moment three extra times when Pelosi says the words "there are three things." What did Nancy Pelosi actually say?


President Obama released 500,000 pedophiles from background check database

CLAIM: Former President Barack Obama removed 500,000 pedophiles from a background check database. [...] "Obama Removed 500,000 Pedophiles From Background Check Database," reads a headline shared in a screenshot on Instagram. [...] Instead, the story references a Washington Post report from 2017 that covered the fact that tens of thousands of names were removed from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS. That purge occurred during former President Donald Trump’s administration, though the Obama administration reportedly played a role.


Claims the WHO advised the public to not have unprotected sex with animals to prevent the coronavirus?

Avoid public displays of affection. [...] - Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant. [...] Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.


Public spending in Northern Ireland is 45% higher than it is in Ireland.

- Bill 1: Provisions included within Northern Ireland Budget (Anticipation and Adjustments) Bill 2017-19 that seek to ensure funding is available to the NI Civil Service for the remainder of 2017-18 and for the start of 2018-19 (45% of allocated funding), and thereby continue public service delivery in NI. But as the House of Commons Library Briefing Paper about the Bill states, the Bill ‘…does not constitute the setting of a budget for the Northern Ireland Assembly’. [...] Health Spending accounted for 48.2% of NI’s day-to-day spending in the 2017-18 baseline. The NI DoH Allocation of £5,306.2 million for 2018-19 represents 49.2% of the total NI Allocations – an increase of one percentage point. All other things being equal, it appears from the current proposals and the prior trend that Health will consume more than half of NI’s day-to-day spending from 2019 onwards. Education Spending accounted for 17.8% of NI’s day-to-day spending in the 2017-18 baseline. The NI DE Allocation of £1,859.4 million for 2018-19 represents 18.0% of the total proposed NI Allocations – an increase of one fifth of a percentage point compared to the baseline. In other words, there is only a very marginal increase in the relative priority afforded to DE as a proportion of the total funding allocated by the Secretary of State in her proposals.


Face coverings/masks became “mandatory” in shops in Northern Ireland as of 1 August 2020.

- ^ a b "Face masks could be mandatory in shops by 20 August". BBC News. 23 July 2020. [...] - ^ "NI public told to wear masks in shops". BBC News. 6 August 2020. [...] - ^ McCormack, Jayne (10 August 2020). "Face coverings now compulsory for NI shoppers". BBC News.


The Department of Health (England) needs the consent of families to release information of deceased relatives.

Guide to the legal framework that health professionals need to take account of in obtaining valid consent to examination, treatment or care. [...] Since 2001, the Department of Health guidance on consent has required NHS Trusts to adopt a model consent policy, model forms and information leaflets with the aim of ensuring that good practice in seeking consent was put in place throughout the NHS. The department has been considering the future role of its guidance and has been undertaking a review of consent in the NHS which will not only identify and evaluate the NHS approach to, and practice on, gaining consent but which will also evaluate the impact on practice of existing Department of Health guidance and forms. [...] As part of our review, we will evaluate the impact on practice of the Department of Health consent forms and consider the best approach to promoting quality consent processes (including documentation) in the future. In the interim, trusts are free to develop their own documentation, including their consent forms (using the DH model form if they so wish), to reflect the current legal position and reflect local practice as appropriate. These documents include some advice on how legal terminology has evolved since the forms were produced, which may help in this regard.


41% of those living with HIV in Northern Ireland are heterosexual.

A new report from the Public Health Agency (PHA) shows that there are 1,325 people in Northern Ireland living with HIV. The ‘HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2022’ report also shows that 76 new cases of HIV were diagnosed here in 2021, a 12% increase from 68 in 2020. [...] "Of the 76 new cases of HIV which were diagnosed, thirty-one (41%) occurred through gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Twenty-one (28%) new HIV diagnoses occurred through heterosexual transmission and fourteen (18%) new HIV diagnoses occurred through injecting drug use. [...] People with HIV have a near-normal life expectancy if diagnosed early and treated promptly. Once diagnosed, individuals are less likely to pass on their infection due to treatment and changing their behaviour. Of those on treatment in Northern Ireland, 97% had an undetectable viral load, and at this level a person living with HIV has effectively zero risk of sexually transmitting the virus to someone who does not have HIV.


Traditional herbal medicines are poorly or not regulated as licensed/registered medicines in quite a few countries, including the USA, and therefore are considered "food," precluding any high-level discussion on their potential contributions to human health. Consequently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers fraudulent to sell any herbal products with attached claims and has sent warning letters to companies offering herbal products such as teas, essential oils, and tinctures claiming to prevent, treat or cure the symptoms of COVID-19. It is also encouraging the public to report the unlawful sales of medicinal products on the Internet (FDA, 2020). The North American public is receiving advice on the use of herbal products from dedicated academic groups. One of them is the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine which recommends polyphenol-rich plants (chamomille, Chinese skullcap, licorice, onions, apples, tomatoes, oranges, nuts, berries, parsley, celery, turmeric root, and green tea) to reduce the risk of infection (Alschuler et al., 2020), but no detailed assessment is available.


One in four women in Northern Ireland have at some point in their lives have been a victim of domestic violence.

Approximately one in four women in Northern Ireland are estimated to have been victims of domestic violence.


Unionism was against the NI Protocol from day one

Many of those involved in taking legal action against the NI protocol have openly opposed the Belfast Agreement or, worse yet, called for the peace treaty to be scrapped entirely. Therein lies the looming red flag of duplicity and ulterior motives, flying higher than any union flag, and blanketing the citizens of this region in its stagnating shadow. [...] Political unionism uniting against the protocol leaves those within unionism who support the protocol with little political space to call home [...] Political unionism uniting against the protocol leaves those within unionism who support the protocol, or who voted against Brexit, with little political space to call home. Unionism no longer holds a majority in Northern Ireland. Opting for reruns of a tired Brexit game instead of seeking workable solutions to the protocol will only further shrink their base.


Seventy percent of people in Northern Ireland and the majority of its Assembly Members support marriage equality for LGBT couples.

There was hence large agreement that opening the institution of marriage to same-sex couples "signals clearly that same-sex couple relationships should be treated with fairness and dignity."139 [...] [S]i impone invece la risposta affermativa sia perché il diritto a contrarre matrimonio appartiene al novero dei diritti fondamentali, sia perché opinare diversamente comporterebbe negare il rispetto della dignità della persona e delle sue scelte di vita. [...] [T]o fully implement the rights granted under Article 2 and Article 3 of Directive 2004/38/EC not only to different sex spouses, but also to the registered partner, member of the household and the partner, including same-sex couples recognized by a Member State, irrespective of nationality and without prejudice to their non-recognition in civil law by another Member State, on the basis of the principles of mutual recognition, equality, non-discrimination, dignity, and private and family life.


Michael Davitt Gaelic Athletic Club offered as a coronavirus field hospital.

Michael Davitt (born March 25, 1846, Straide, County Mayo, Ire.—died May 31, 1906, Dublin) was the founder of the Irish Land League (1879), which organized resistance to absentee landlordism and sought to relieve the poverty of the tenant farmers by securing fixity of tenure, fair rent, and free sale of the tenant’s interest.


Workers have trapped their van inside bollards they are installing outside a hospital in Belfast.

In fact, installing bollards is a cost-effective way to balance security and appeal of workplaces. While considering bollards as safety equipment, people often ask a few common questions. Here are the answers to the four most common questions about bollards : [...] - Bollards can be installed to control traffic and prevent car ramming attacks. [...] - Bollards are recommended for commercial applications where the budget is a primary concern.


There is a new ‘Brothers-in-Arms’ mural in Belfast depicting a partnership between the UDA and the DUP.

Masked and armed UDA/UFF members at a show of strength in Belfast [...] A UDA/UFF mural in Bangor [...] A UDA/UFF South-East Antrim Brigade mural in Newtownabbey


By 2026, 96% of the projected population growth in Northern Ireland will be represented by people aged 65 and over.

This claim is accurate. NISRA has published a projection of an increased population of 77,587 people; the 65+ age profile will see the largest change.


A £400m pot left unallocated by Stormont is going to be used to cover ongoing spending by departments.

Two-year timetable for Stormont to repay £300m ‘overly punitive’, says economist [...] A two-year timetable for Stormont to repay an almost £300 million overspend is "overly punitive", a senior economist has said. [...] PA ReadyStormontRobert ChoteChris Heaton-HarrisNorthern IrelandWestminsterMPsUK GovernmentRebecca Black 1/1Two-year timetable for Stormont to repay £300m ‘overly punitive’, says economist


The economy in Derry/Londonderry has contracted 21% since the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2007.

Delivering Local Development in Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland [...] Derry-Londonderry has a challenging period ahead as it seeks to create 12 000 much needed jobs in the city over the next 10 years. It is now an outward-looking and learning city, seeking to learn from international best practice and in turn contribute to new thinking and understanding. Through One Plan – the Regeneration Plan for Derry Londonderry 2020 – the city can determine a different future: a stronger economy and equal society. Delivering Local Development in Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland: Inclusive Growth Through One Plan helps the city set out a path to reshape its future to ensure that the economy is able to generate sufficient, productive and sustainable employment, with opportunities for progression and accessibility for all.


The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are to pilot a Snapchat social media platform initiative to monitor social mitigation compliance in Northern Ireland.

The PSNI have no plans to introduce any monitoring scheme on any social media platform. Complaints about social mitigation compliance can be registered on the PSNI website. A claim was published on social media, that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is "to roll out a new ‘Snap-fish’ pilot scheme" on the Snapchat social media platform "to help catch individuals not adhering to social distancing, social bubbles and gathering more than six people" (often referred to as "social mitigation compliance"). [...] "The Police Service of Northern Ireland has no plans to introduce a ‘snap-fish’ scheme … nor indeed any new social media platforms around the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions."


A scone can equal a third of one’s recommended daily calories.

A large scone can equate to a third of recommended daily calories, a survey has shown. [...] "As scones tend to be a regular favourite for many across Northern Ireland, we felt it was important to raise awareness that this common snack can contain a greater number of calories than consumers may think. [...] - The range of calories varied widely from 154kcal to 756kcal - The portion sizes of scones ranged from 44g to 233g - The average scone provided 20g of sugar, which is the equivalent of five sugar cubes - The range of sugar per scone varied between 3.1g to 39.2g - Fruit scones generally provided higher sugar levels


For every child coming into school in Northern Ireland, they are getting much less than their counterparts in other regions of the United Kingdom.

- England and Northern Ireland score particularly badly on numeracy compared to other major economies. [...] England and Northern Ireland have one of the lowest levels of numeracy skills when compared to other OECD countries. 24% scored at or below the OECD's basic level of numeracy skills in tests conducted for its report on the 2013 skills outlook (confusingly, their basic level refers to a different Level 1 to the one above). [...] If you live in England and Northern Ireland, it's more likely that your social background will influence your literacy performance too, according to the report. Particularly so among young people.


A map shared on Twitter shows the amount of green space in Northern Ireland which is available to the public.

A map shared on Twitter claims to show all the greenspace in Northern Ireland currently available to the public. The GreenspaceNI map is a work in progress, and currently only features green areas at least two hectares in size. As things stand, the map – compiled from a host of sources – is the best-available representation of public-accessible natural space in NI.


There is 51% support for a united Ireland.

Attitudes towards a United Ireland are significantly different amongst age groups. Sub-samples of polls can only tell you much so the following numbers should be taken with a pinch of salt. In the latest Kantar poll, support for a United Ireland was 50% amongst 18-24 year olds and 42% amongst 25-34 year olds. Amongst the 55-64 category it was just 28% and 26% in the 65+ category. Furthermore, 23% of 18-24 year olds support neither option compared to 14% of the 65+ age group. This suggests there are more younger people open to the possibility of a United Ireland even if they do not not currently support it. Whilst the numbers can only be looked at more generally, it is clear that there is significant divergence between generations. [...] People often forget that it is not just Northern Ireland who would be voting in a border poll. Voters in the Republic of Ireland would also have to vote in favour in a poll of their own. It is fair to say that the vast majority of those from south of the border would support a United Ireland in principle. The most recent poll saw a the pro-United Ireland camp at 51%, the rejection camp at 27% and undecideds at 22%. Excluding the undecideds that leaves the result at 66%-34%.


Ireland has the fastest growing economy in the Eurozone.

Irish economy fastest-growing in eurozone as region’s GDP revised up to 0.3% Figures released today show that Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.3 per cent between July and September, with Cyprus and Malta growing by 1.3 per cent


If Ireland’s population density was the same as England, its population would be 35 million people.

The population density of England is around 433 people per km2. If the Republic of Ireland had that population density, around 30 million people would live there. However, Ireland can also refer to the island of Ireland – which would indeed have a population of around 35 million people.


The EU sends Northern Ireland €500 million a year

Together with the UK's financial commitment and additional national co-financing from Ireland and Northern Ireland, this will result in a total investment of €1.1 billion in peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland. Vice-President for Inter-institutional Relations and Foresight, Maroš Šefčovič, said: "The EU has proven time and again its commitment to the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement. Today is another concrete example of that support – together with the Irish and British governments, the new PEACE PLUS programme will provide around €1 billion to Northern Ireland and the border counties. Preserving the hard-earned gains of the peace process will always be of paramount importance to all Europeans." Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, added: "Since 1995, the EU has been committed to make a constructive contribution to the peace process. The new ambitious PEACE PLUS, the largest ever cross-border cooperation programme in the island, is built on the same principles of partnership that have made the past PEACE programmes effective instruments for cooperation and peace building. We invite partners in Ireland and Northern Ireland to continue their work to achieve our shared ambitions for reconciliation, peace and prosperity."


Northern Ireland eats more meat than in the rest of the UK.

NI red meat consumption stable, but concern for female groups [...] "It is also pleasing to see that red meat consumption in the UK is within the recommended guidelines, and we can focus on encouraging consumers to continue choosing Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb, as a world class product." COVID-19 brought about many lifestyle changes, with the NDNS report highlighting that since the start of the pandemic 59% of households reported that they had cooked at home more.


People in the RoI can expect to live a healthy life for almost a decade longer than those in NI - 69.4 years compared to 61 years.

Irish people are living longer, healthier lives, though access to healthcare remains an issue: Department of Health publishes Health in Ireland - Key Trends 2019 [...] Life expectancy in Ireland has increased by almost two and a half years since 2007, with male life expectancy consistently higher than the EU average throughout the last decade, and female life expectancy surpassing the EU average in 2017. [...] At 80.4 years, life expectancy for women in Ireland is 3.6 years longer than for men in 2017; however, this gap has narrowed from 5.3 in 1997 and is now at its lowest since the 1950s (Table 1.6).


More residents want peace walls to stay.

The Peace Wall – or should I say walls, since there are many of them? – has been in place since the late 1960s, when the Troubles first began. They were intended as temporary structures, but were later made permanent. They run all through Belfast, covering more than 13 miles of the city. The tallest stand more than 40 feet high, and many are lined with barbed wire at top; they looked like massive military barricades. Some have been decorated with murals, but many parts of the wall remain rather unsightly. [...] The Peace Walls separate the Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods of Belfast. In the event of a riot or a bombing, the few gates within the wall are designed to close, ostensibly to protect the people who live nearby. [...] After all, the Peace Walls were erected at the request of the people of Belfast. This was not something imposed upon them unfairly by the government; this was something that the community wanted. Those who live on the borders between the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods note how much safer they feel with the barriers in place (70% of them want to the walls to remain up, though among the rest of Northern Ireland, the walls are much less popular).


Over half of the residents in Fermanagh & Omagh District Council are living in poverty.

This claim is inaccurate. 25.1% of people in Fermanagh and Omagh lived in relative and/or absolute poverty, from 2012-15. The claim was corrected by the Fermanagh Herald on 6 February 2019.


62% of income received by farmers in Northern Ireland comes from the European Union.

This claim is accurate. The average payment received from the EU (£27,648) in 2016-17 represented 62.4% of total farm income (£44,305). This ratio fluctuates with market prices; it ranged between 52% and 71% during 2012-13 to 2016-17.


The Red Cross is refusing blood donations from anyone who has received a vaccination for COVID.

The claim is not accurate. The British Red Cross does not collect or supply blood in the UK. The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service states that you must wait for seven days after receiving your COVID vaccination before you can donate. In the US, such claims about their Red Cross have been found to be inaccurate. On Facebook, posts are being shared that claim the Red Cross is refusing blood donations from anyone who has received a vaccination for COVID-19. Furthermore, a post asks how this supposed policy will affect the availability of blood donations to the NHS. [...] Donating blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine


There is a greater chance of dying in a bus collision than by COVID-19.

Method: Our study therefore investigated the injury risk of public bus passengers involved in collision incidents and non-collision incidents comparatively, based on a police-reported dataset of 17,383 passengers injured on franchised public buses over a 10-year period in Hong Kong. A random parameters logistic model was established to estimate the likelihood of fatal and severe injuries to passengers as a function of various factors. Results: Our results indicated substantial inconsistences in the effects of risk factors between models of non-collision injuries and collision injuries. The severity of passenger injuries tended to increase significantly when non-collision incidents occurred due to excessive speed of bus drivers, on double-decker buses, in less urbanized areas, in winter, in heavy rains, during daytime, and at night without street lighting. Elderly female passengers were also found more likely to be fatally or severely injured in non-collision incidents if they lost their balance while boarding, alighting from, or standing on a bus. In comparison, the following factors were associated with a greater likelihood of fatal or severe injuries in collision incidents: elderly female passengers, standing passengers who lost balance, buses out of driver control, double-decker buses, collisions with vehicles or objects, and less urbanized areas. Practical Applications: Based on our comparative analysis, more targeted countermeasures, namely "4E" (engineering, enforcement, emergency, and education) and "3A" (awareness, appreciation, and assistance), were recommended to mitigate collision injuries and non-collision injuries to public bus passengers, respectively.