Fake news is nothing new. But bogus stories can reach more people more quickly via social media than what good old-fashioned viral emails could accomplish in years past.
How to Spot Fake News
Mailbag: Electoral College
This week, a reader sent us a letter about the history of the Electoral College and the three-fifths compromise.
‘Broke’ and Because of ACA?
House Speaker Paul Ryan falsely claimed that “because of Obamacare, Medicare is going broke.” The law actually improved Medicare’s financing, and the program isn’t going “broke.”
Could Electoral College Elect Clinton?
Q: Can the Electoral College elect Hillary Clinton on Dec. 19?
A: Yes, it may be constitutionally possible; but no, it will not happen, according to election experts.
Trump Repeats ‘Criminal Alien’ Claim
President-elect Donald Trump repeated an exaggerated claim that there are “probably 2 million” or “even 3 million” criminals living illegally in the U.S. One estimate puts the figure at about 820,000.
Nov. 12: Popular Vote, Former Presidents Act, PACs
Giuliani on Prosecuting Hillary Clinton
In making the case for prosecuting Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani falsely claimed that Martha Stewart was prosecuted “for one count of lying to the FBI.” Stewart was convicted on four counts of obstructing justice and lying to investigators.
No ‘First Grandma’ Pension
Q: Will Marian Robinson, Barack Obama’s mother-in-law, receive a $160,000 government pension for babysitting her granddaughters during Obama’s time as president?
A: No. That false rumor originated from a fake news website.
The 2016 FactCheck Awards
We highlight some TV ads that made us laugh out loud and either shake our heads or scratch them.
Popular Vote and the Electoral College
Two of our most popular stories on our website right now aren’t about presidential nominees Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.