INSIDER
Texas voters cannot switch political parties in primary runoff elections
Read full article: Texas voters cannot switch political parties in primary runoff electionsThough you can vote in either party's primary election, election law states you have to stick with that party when you vote in the runoff.
The Farmers’ Almanac calls for an ‘unseasonably cold’ winter. Should you believe this?
Read full article: The Farmers’ Almanac calls for an ‘unseasonably cold’ winter. Should you believe this?What exactly is the Farmers’ Almanac? What’s its track record for long-term forecasting? And what’s in store for this winter?
Will Texas students be required to get COVID vaccinations to attend school?
Read full article: Will Texas students be required to get COVID vaccinations to attend school?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not mandate immunization requirements for vaccines in schools despite recent reports that suggest otherwise.
The Farmers’ Almanac calls for a ‘chillier’ than normal winter. Should you believe this?
Read full article: The Farmers’ Almanac calls for a ‘chillier’ than normal winter. Should you believe this?What exactly is the Farmers’ Almanac? What’s its track record for long-term forecasting? And what’s in store for this winter?
TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 reinfection happening sooner in many cases with new subvariants, doctor says
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 reinfection happening sooner in many cases with new subvariants, doctor saysThe primary COVID-19 strain right now is BA.5, an Omicron subvariant present in 88% of current cases -- the most infectious strain yet. KSAT viewers sent in questions asking about how soon you can be reinfected with COVID-19.
TRUST INDEX: Which expiration date should you use on the COVID-19 home tests?
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: Which expiration date should you use on the COVID-19 home tests?When you open an at home COVID-19 test kit, there are several components inside: the swab, the solution, and the test strip. A KSAT viewer brought it to our attention that there are different expiration dates on each piece.
Greg Abbott defends century-old law that allowed 18-year-olds to buy muskets in wake of Uvalde shooting
Read full article: Greg Abbott defends century-old law that allowed 18-year-olds to buy muskets in wake of Uvalde shootingThe rise in mass shootings and victims per mass shooting happened when the federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.
Gov. Abbott attributes mass shootings to mental health issues a month after cutting $211 million from mental health commission
Read full article: Gov. Abbott attributes mass shootings to mental health issues a month after cutting $211 million from mental health commissionAbbott diverted the funds to add to his effort to send National Guard to the Texas-Mexico border, currently known as Operation Lone Star.
What is a special session and why are some Texas lawmakers urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call one?
Read full article: What is a special session and why are some Texas lawmakers urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call one?The only way laws can be changed in Texas right now is through a special legislative session. The only person with the authority to call a special session is Gov. Greg Abbott.
TRUST INDEX: Comirnaty vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are the same shot with different names
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: Comirnaty vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are the same shot with different namesThe latest question into the KSAT Trust Index has to do with the COVID-19 vaccines that have now been fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which include the Pfizer and Moderna shots.
TRUST INDEX: Are federal dollars funding clean crack pipes for people with addiction?
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: Are federal dollars funding clean crack pipes for people with addiction?While some safe smoke kits do include drug pipes as a way to reduce harm, HHS issued a statement this week saying “no federal funding will be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of grantees to put pipes in safe smoking kits.”
TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 infection can cause infertility, erectile dysfunction in men, studies show
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: COVID-19 infection can cause infertility, erectile dysfunction in men, studies showThe KSAT Trust Index team was asked to verify the claim that getting COVID could affect a man's sexual health, so we dove into some recent studies to find out.
TRUST INDEX: If you’ve had COVID from multiple variants, you should still get the vaccine
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: If you’ve had COVID from multiple variants, you should still get the vaccineThe KSAT Trust Index team answers the viewer question: "If I got COVID from the Delta and Omicron variants, should I still get vaccinated?"
Your questions answered about differences, effectiveness of N95, K95, surgical and cloth masks
Read full article: Your questions answered about differences, effectiveness of N95, K95, surgical and cloth masksUniversity Health Epidemiologist Dr. Jason Bowling answered some frequently asked questions about the effectiveness of different kinds of masks.
Texas GOP candidate falsely claims school cafeteria tables are being lowered for ‘furries’
Read full article: Texas GOP candidate falsely claims school cafeteria tables are being lowered for ‘furries’A shocking claim made by a Texas GOP candidate on social media has turned out to be categorically false.
You can wear your N95 mask more than once. Here’s how health experts say to do it safely.
Read full article: You can wear your N95 mask more than once. Here’s how health experts say to do it safely.The CDC has outlined some guidelines about reusing masks in emergency situations. It’s directed at medical professionals, but some of the advice can also be applied for home use.
TRUST INDEX: You can be infected with a COVID variant more than once
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: You can be infected with a COVID variant more than onceWith new COVID variants and constant recommendation updates, it can be tough to wade through the information, so our KSAT Trust Index team is doing your fact checking for you.
Which tests work best? Doctors address COVID-19 testing questions amid surging omicron cases in Bexar County
Read full article: Which tests work best? Doctors address COVID-19 testing questions amid surging omicron cases in Bexar CountyDoctors weigh in on the different COVID-19 tests and their ability to detect all variants.
Data: The number of migrants apprehended at U.S.-Mexico border in 2021 was highest in 20 years
Read full article: Data: The number of migrants apprehended at U.S.-Mexico border in 2021 was highest in 20 yearsFrom October 2020 through September 2021, agents encountered roughly 1,733,652 million migrants, surpassing fiscal year 2000, when 1,643,679 border encounters were logged.
Data: Apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border could reach 20-year high
Read full article: Data: Apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border could reach 20-year highIn March, Border Patrol agents encountered more migrants in a single month than they have since 2006, according to the latest numbers provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Donald Trump claims US left $85 billion of military equipment behind. Officials say those figures are inflated
Read full article: Donald Trump claims US left $85 billion of military equipment behind. Officials say those figures are inflatedAs the U.S. completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, many social media users had viral posts claiming the Taliban’s arsenal was worth as much as $85 billion, suggesting they had taken over U.S. military equipment.
Contrary to viral claims, military did not leave service dogs behind in Afghanistan
Read full article: Contrary to viral claims, military did not leave service dogs behind in AfghanistanA viral photo on Twitter led to a misleading claim that the U.S. military left service dogs in Kabul while evacuating Afghanistan.
Tweet falsely claims video shows Taliban hanging someone from helicopter
Read full article: Tweet falsely claims video shows Taliban hanging someone from helicopterPhotos and videos went viral on social media this week, showing what appeared to be a man dangling from a helicopter in Afghanistan. Several pundits, and even Sen. Ted Cruz, claimed it showed a man being hanged by the Taliban.
Trust Index: No, San Antonio is not forcing people into quarantine detention centers
Read full article: Trust Index: No, San Antonio is not forcing people into quarantine detention centersA Facebook post incorrectly claimed that city officials have forced people into quarantine centers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texans are calling poison control in record numbers after ingesting horse and cow dewormer
Read full article: Texans are calling poison control in record numbers after ingesting horse and cow dewormerPeople are taking horse and cow dewormer as a way to prevent and treat COVID-19 despite doctors and other health officials strongly advising against it.
San Antonio health professionals debunk 3 myths about COVID-19 and kids
Read full article: San Antonio health professionals debunk 3 myths about COVID-19 and kidsAs COVID-19 surges amid a continuous mask mandate feud, parents and others are sharing why they support or don’t support masks in area schools.
This video circulating on Twitter is not Kabul airport chaos, but video from Dallas Cowboys game
Read full article: This video circulating on Twitter is not Kabul airport chaos, but video from Dallas Cowboys gameThere is a video circulating on Twitter is not Kabul airport chaos, but video from Dallas Cowboys game.
Are the cardboard beds in the Olympic Village really ‘anti-sex’?
Read full article: Are the cardboard beds in the Olympic Village really ‘anti-sex’?Beds made out of cardboard may sound like they’d be flimsy and less than comfortable, but they serve a surprisingly sustainable purpose and Olympic officials think they’re good enough for the world’s best athletes.
4 truths about the Texas-Mexico border ahead of Greg Abbott, Donald Trump visit on Wednesday
Read full article: 4 truths about the Texas-Mexico border ahead of Greg Abbott, Donald Trump visit on WednesdayGov. Greg Abbott will visit the Texas border with former President Donald Trump. Here's what you need to know.
TRUST INDEX: Web article falsely claims ‘third wave’ of COVID-19 will be dominated by vaccinated people
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: Web article falsely claims ‘third wave’ of COVID-19 will be dominated by vaccinated peopleThe article claims that the next big wave of COVID-19 infections is already hitting some parts of the U.S. As part of our Trust Index initiative, KSAT spoke with San Antonio doctors, who explained why the report is inaccurate.
No, Joe Biden did not propose restricting meat consumption to 4 pounds or less per year
Read full article: No, Joe Biden did not propose restricting meat consumption to 4 pounds or less per yearContrary to what some politicians are saying, Joe Biden's climate plan does not include a mandatory limit on red meat.
TRUST INDEX: A pair of popular memes make unfounded claims about border situation
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: A pair of popular memes make unfounded claims about border situationWith an increase in media coverage and attention to the rise in migrant crossings into the United States, the use of social media and memes has also increased, many of which, mischaracterize what’s happening on the border.
TRUST INDEX: When is Tax Day? Viral meme, IRS extensions confuse taxpayers
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: When is Tax Day? Viral meme, IRS extensions confuse taxpayersThe meme, posted in 2018, not only gets the deadline wrong for the year it was posted, but it recently went viral, leading many on social media to believe the meme refers to this year’s tax returns.
Data: The number of migrants apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border in March is highest in 15 years
Read full article: Data: The number of migrants apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border in March is highest in 15 yearsIn March, Border Patrol agents encountered more migrants in a single month than they have since 2006, according to the latest numbers provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Data: How the latest spike in migrants at U.S.-Mexico border compares to past years
Read full article: Data: How the latest spike in migrants at U.S.-Mexico border compares to past yearsThe numbers are clear: federal immigration and border agents are dealing with a massive influx of migrants crossing into the United States through the country’s southwest land border. According to the latest data available from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol agents logged 100,441 apprehensions in February along the U.S.-Mexico border. AdThe spike in migrants entering federal custody at the border has led to an outcry from Republican leaders like Texas Gov. Even still, the 2019 and 2021 numbers have been eclipsed in 2007 and before that. We have no illusions about how hard it is, and we know it will take time.”Read more on our Border page or Data page:
San Antonio archbishop reinforces church’s position regarding Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Read full article: San Antonio archbishop reinforces church’s position regarding Johnson & Johnson vaccineSan Antonio Archdiocese Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller has reinforced the church’s position regarding all three vaccines. AdThe archbishop said it was concerning that Johnson and Johnson used “some remote cells of abortion tissue” to produce the vaccine, but he understood none of the those cells are in the vaccine itself. “That is in the vaccine, not the cells,” Berggren said. She said fetal cell lines have been used for years. “There are many vaccines and drug products that we wouldn’t have today had these cell lines not been used,” Berggren said.
No, Biden did not prohibit Texas power plants from operating at maximum capacity before winter disaster
Read full article: No, Biden did not prohibit Texas power plants from operating at maximum capacity before winter disasterOne claim making the rounds on social media alleged the Biden administration played a role in throttling power production in the name of protecting the environment. After digging into the evidence behind these claims, KSAT’s Trust Index team has determined those social media posts are not true. “It looks like the Biden administration pretty much gave ERCOT what it asked for,” said Dr. Daniel Cohan, Associate Professor of civil and environmental engineering for Rice University. While it’s not ideal to have power generators exceed environmental limits, Cohan said it was necessary during this emergency. “And so the Biden administration gave them everything they asked for to be able to keep those power plants running.”AdCohan thinks the social media claims suggesting the Biden administration somehow throttled power production are off-base.
Trust Index: SAWS ‘will not’ shut off water to city amid winter storm
Read full article: Trust Index: SAWS ‘will not’ shut off water to city amid winter stormSAWS is not going to shut the water off to the city. SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Water System officials said Tuesday that rumors about the utility shutting off water to residents is not true. ‼️First, let us correct a rumor: SAWS is NOT going to shut water off to the city. Leave cabinet doors open under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate over the pipes. Note: Once warmer weather has returned, it’s important to check the plumbing in areas that might have frozen.
6 myths about the COVID-19 vaccine that aren’t supported by science
Read full article: 6 myths about the COVID-19 vaccine that aren’t supported by scienceSAN ANTONIO – We are a year into the coronavirus pandemic and nearly two months into the release of COVID-19 vaccines that have been issued to all 50 states. Because the vaccines use a technology called messenger RNA, or mRNA, there’s confusion and misinformation about what the vaccine does after it’s injected into your arm. Posts claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women and sterilization in men appear to be targeting those who are pregnant, looking to conceive, or planning a family in the future. It will not turn into COVID-19 infection,” said Dr. Jason Bowling, lead hospital epidemiologist at University Health System. An unfounded social media theory gained traction online claiming that there are microchips and tracking devices in the COVID-19 vaccine.
Trust Index: COVID-19 vaccine does not alter DNA, medical experts say
Read full article: Trust Index: COVID-19 vaccine does not alter DNA, medical experts saySAN ANTONIO – Like so many other internet claims on the COVID-19 vaccine, the claim that the injection will alter your DNA has been widely shared and discussed on social media. Two medical experts, Dr. Bryan Alsip, chief medical officer at University Health System, and Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio, have said this claim is NOT TRUE . “The mRNA does not enter the nucleus of our cells. The mRNA does not change a person’s DNA through this process. Some San Antonio teachers, school employees to get COVID-19 vaccine this week through University Health
Doctors address false claim that COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility, sterilization
Read full article: Doctors address false claim that COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility, sterilizationSAN ANTONIO – Like many social media posts about the COVID-19 vaccine, misinformation about the effects of the vaccine can be found all over social media. Posts claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women and sterilization in men appear to be targeting those who are pregnant, looking to conceive, or planning a family in the future. “So the short answer is, it does not cause infertility,” said Dr. Patrick Ramsey, Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine for University Health System. KSAT is labeling the claim that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility and sterilization as NOT TRUE. Medical experts say anyone who is pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant should talk to their individuals providers when assessing if the COVID-19 vaccine is right for them.
Trust Index: No, there is not fetal tissue in the COVID-19 vaccines
Read full article: Trust Index: No, there is not fetal tissue in the COVID-19 vaccinesSAN ANTONIO – It is perhaps one of the most asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine: Do the COVID-19 vaccines contain fetal tissue from aborted fetuses? To clarify this even further, Dr. Bryan Alsip, Chief Medical Officer at University Health, explained the difference between fetal tissue and fetal cell lines—something social media posts often confuse. “Fetal cell lines mimic human tissue, human cells,” Alsip said. Earlier this week Pope Frances said getting the COVID-19 vaccine is an “ethical duty.” Reports indicate Pope Frances received his first dose of the vaccine on Wednesday. Related: Trust Index: Does the COVID-19 vaccine contain a tracking device?
Trust Index: Does the COVID-19 vaccine contain a tracking device?
Read full article: Trust Index: Does the COVID-19 vaccine contain a tracking device?According to local medical experts, the claims- which are predominately found on social media- can cause confusion as individuals make decisions on whether or not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Recently, an unfounded social media theory gained traction online that claims that there are microchips and tracking devices in the COVID-19 vaccine. The KSAT Trust Index team took a closer look at this claim and determined that it’s not true. Dr. Larry Schlesinger, President and CEO of Texas Biomedical Research Institute, recently told KSAT that misinformation regarding the vaccine was problematic especially in the age of social media. KSAT’s Isis Romero spoke with local experts including Ruth Berggren with UT Health who said “in terms of tracking who has had the vaccine, we have these other right?
Trust Index: No evidence Antifa was involved in deadly US Capitol siege
Read full article: Trust Index: No evidence Antifa was involved in deadly US Capitol siegeDespite social media claims, there's no evidence Antifa was involved in the deadly riot on the US Capitol. These are not Trump supporters. pic.twitter.com/ptcNp2lzrG — Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) January 6, 2021After reviewing media accounts of the siege, we’ve determined that the claim is false. According to the claims, Antifa donned Trump-themed gear and stormed the Capitol as part of a false flag operation. Other false claims also indicated that Antifa protestors were “escorted” into the Capitol by police to cause the disruption.
Is deworming drug Ivermectin deemed a safe, effective treatment for COVID-19 right now?
Read full article: Is deworming drug Ivermectin deemed a safe, effective treatment for COVID-19 right now?There’s a question circulating right now around the country: Is the de-worming drug Ivermectin safe and effective to use as a COVID-19 treatment? We ran the question through our KSAT Trust Index, where our teams consult with doctors, researchers and experts about debated topics like this. Bowling said without finishing current clinical trials specific to COVID-19, there’s no way to determine safe doses, possible side effects, and of course, effectiveness. For that reason, combined with lack of FDA approval or emergency use authorization, the statement that ‘Ivermectin is deemed a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 right now’, is being labeled Not True on our KSAT Trust Index. If you have a picture, video, post or claim you want us to check out, submit it on the KSAT Trust Index website.
Trust Index: Posts falsely claim that Tennessee nurse died after getting COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Trust Index: Posts falsely claim that Tennessee nurse died after getting COVID-19 vaccineAs the COVID-19 vaccine gets distributed to frontline health care workers across the country, misleading posts about the vaccine are on the rise. One post that has gone viral on social media claims that a Tennessee nurse died shortly after she was vaccinated. The nurse did pass out after getting her shot, she confirmed during an interview with WRCB TV, but said it was due to her medical condition, not the vaccine. The Chattanooga hospital, CHI Memorial, issued a press release to provide more details about the condition. “The fainting episode is not an adverse reaction to the vaccine, but related to her condition,” said Dr. Jesse L. Tucker, CHI Memorial critical care physician.
Trust Index: The biggest claims we fact-checked in 2020
Read full article: Trust Index: The biggest claims we fact-checked in 2020Here are the biggest claims we looked into in 2020. From politician claims to social media rumors that spread like wildfire, KSAT’s Trust Index was there to find the truth behind the allegations. With misinformation on the rise, the Trust Index team was established to verify claims that could be false or misleading. Here are the biggest claims we checked in 2020:With COVID-19 vaccines now being administered to frontline health care workers across the country, there have been questions and misconceptions floating around social media about the vaccine. Social media was filled with questionable claims on how COVID-19 cases are counted, both locally and across the state of Texas.
COVID-19 vaccine: Fact vs. Fiction
Read full article: COVID-19 vaccine: Fact vs. FictionFACT #1: The COVID-19 vaccine does not and cannot cause COVID-19. FACT #2: The mRNA (messenger RNA) used to create the vaccine does not alter your cells or your DNA. It’s important you complete both of those so you can get the full protection of the vaccine,” Bowling said. The approved Pfizer vaccine is already being used all over the country, including in San Antonio. “Very important that if you get the Pfizer vaccine to start off with, you finish with the Pfizer vaccine.
Trust Index: A trending meme is inaccurate, but COVID-19 is killing an historic number of people
Read full article: Trust Index: A trending meme is inaccurate, but COVID-19 is killing an historic number of peopleDaily COVID-19 deaths in December are listed on a trending social media graphic showing the 10 deadliest days in U.S. history. RELATED: The chilling story behind the ‘Deadliest Days in American history’ meme (CNET)RELATED: Did 4 of the deadliest days in U.S. history occur in December 2020? (Snopes)Recent daily COVID-19 death totals are among the worst in U.S. history, but the graphic leaves out other terrible days, including the entire Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918. 1, though we couldn’t find daily death totals. The meme shows daily COVID-19 fatalities for several days in early December rival these historic tragedies.
5 tips for navigating the post-Election Day vote count
Read full article: 5 tips for navigating the post-Election Day vote countHere are five tips for navigating what could be a deeply confusing and anxious period:Even after states declare, keep in mind that the race isn’t over. You can share any election-related posts you’re seeing with the Trust Index fact-checking team and we’ll get to work on it. Use the Trust Index form to send it to trained fact-checkers for review and possible debunking on a newscast or online. They also helped created Trust Index, our fact-checking team. The Trust Index team fact checks questionable information circulating on social media and in our communities.
5 ways you can help fight misinformation on Election Day
Read full article: 5 ways you can help fight misinformation on Election DayAs Election Day finally arrives it is going to be easy to feel overwhelmed by the volume of information being aimed at every single voter in the country. As polls open here are five things to watch for on Election Day 2020:Many, many reports, photos, and videos of long lines. You can also share what you are seeing with the Trust Index team and we’ll get to work on it. Use the Trust Index form to send it to trained fact-checkers for review and possible debunking on a newscast or online. The Trust Index team fact checks questionable information circulating on social media and in our communities.
How Trust Index team will sift through fact and fiction on Election Day
Read full article: How Trust Index team will sift through fact and fiction on Election DayYou’ve seen the Trust Index fact check dubious claims before, but on Election Day, the team will be monitoring for misinformation in real-time. Fergus Bell and Tom Trewinnard, the founders of Fathm, helped KSAT establish the Trust Index earlier this year. The two will be on hand throughout the election to monitor the misinformation surrounding the 2020 election. So far, the bulk of misinformation in this presidential election has come from claims over mail-in voting. Viewers who are unsure about a claim can flag the Trust Index team to check it out.
COVID-19 not ‘gone’ in Texas despite President Trump’s debate claim
Read full article: COVID-19 not ‘gone’ in Texas despite President Trump’s debate claimDuring Thursday night’s debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, the president pointed to Texas as an example of fighting the spread of COVID-19. “There was a very big spike in Texas, it’s now gone,” Trump said when asked about his response to the pandemic. Texas has come a long way from a COVID-19 surge in the summer, where case numbers and hospitalizations skyrocketed. On Thursday, 4,931 COVID-19 hospitalizations were reported in Texas. COVID-19 hospitalizations have jumped 55% since Oct. 1.
TRUST INDEX: Are the text messages recruiting people for COVID-19 case studies legitimate?
Read full article: TRUST INDEX: Are the text messages recruiting people for COVID-19 case studies legitimate?SAN ANTONIO – Two people who received these text messages asking them to participate in a COVID-19 case study for a hefty compensation asked the KSAT Trust Index Team to see if real companies are recruiting study participants by text. To determine the legitimacy of the texts, KSAT’s Trust Index Team cast a wide web, reaching out to hospital systems, research centers and consumer watchdogs. Never click on unknown/unsolicited links.”Baptist Health System:“These are likely to be illegitimate and could be phishing attacks by cyber criminals. Never give out that information to someone you don’t know.”------------Dr. Berggren wants the public to be aware of the many legitimate studies currently being conducted by researchers working to defeat COVID-19. In terms of recruitment for COVID-19 studies, KSAT is marking this “Be Careful” on the Trust Index.
Disneyland is not moving to Texas from California despite rumor
Read full article: Disneyland is not moving to Texas from California despite rumorTexas The rumors about Disneyland leaving California for Texas are not true despite a rumor that has gained traction online. A satirical website called UncleWalts.com reported on Aug. 31 that the theme park would be relocating to Texas and noted that the new location would be revealed soon. The terms of use on the website clearly state that the website is satirical and has no basis in fact. UncleWalts.com also reported that SeaWorld San Diego would be relocating to San Antonio on Sunday - another fictitious rumor. Check out these 18 places to fish near San Antonio.
Help fight misinformation. Send questionable social media posts to the Trust Index fact-checking team
Read full article: Help fight misinformation. Send questionable social media posts to the Trust Index fact-checking team“Is that accurate?” It’s a question we’re all asking about social media posts and online reports a lot these days. The Trust Index team is here to help.
AP Fact Check: Trump distorts record; Black Lives Matter falsely accused
Read full article: AP Fact Check: Trump distorts record; Black Lives Matter falsely accusedWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump claimed accomplishments he didn’t earn on the pandemic, energy and veterans at a Republican convention finale that also heard Black Lives Matter baselessly accused of coordinating violent protests across the country. His shutdown would inflict unthinkable and lasting harm on our nation’s children, families, and citizens of all backgrounds.”THE FACTS: That’s false. You haven’t seen that in a long time.”THE FACTS: Trump seems to be taking credit for lower prices that were the byproduct of a pandemic that has killed more than 180,000 Americans. There’s no evidence that Black Lives Matter or antifa, or any political group for that matter, is infiltrating racial injustice protests with violence. Cotton also played into the convention’s pattern of attributing every questionable action of President Barack Obama’s administration to Biden personally.
As election nears, watch out for pink slime local news sites in San Antonio
Read full article: As election nears, watch out for pink slime local news sites in San AntonioA report recently published by the Columbia Journalism Review exposed a network of pink slime news sites, which have grown from roughly 450 sites in December 2019 to more than 1,200 in 2020. In Texas, the network of pink slime sites goes back to a company named Metric Media. Theyve created websites in the San Antonio area that include:SanAntonioCorridorNews.comSanAntonioStandard.comSouthSanAntonioNews.comNorthSanAntonioNews.comHillCountryChronicle.comThough the website names are different, they look identical. In total, Metric Media created 56 pink slime news sites in Texas. While the pink slime sites sometime pull stories from legitimate news sites, experts say its important to make sure the information isnt manipulated in some way.
AP FACT CHECK: Kamala Harris meets constitutional requirements to serve as VP
Read full article: AP FACT CHECK: Kamala Harris meets constitutional requirements to serve as VPCHICAGO (AP) — False claims that Kamala Harris is not legally eligible to serve as U.S. vice president or president have been circulating in social media posts since 2019, when she first launched her Democratic primary campaign. ... It’s not something that we will be pursuing.” Asked point blank if Harris is eligible, Trump replied: “I just told you. I have not got into it in great detail.”A look at the claim:THE CLAIM: Harris is ineligible to serve as vice president or president because her mother is from India and her father is from Jamaica. Trump said Thursday that he “heard” the California senator doesn’t meet the requirements, adding, “I have no if idea that’s right.”THE FACTS: That’s false. Harris was born on Oct. 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, according to a copy of her birth certificate, obtained by The Associated Press.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump muddies facts on mail ballots, Harris
Read full article: AP FACT CHECK: Trump muddies facts on mail ballots, HarrisWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is muddying the facts about mail-in voting and vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Mail-in ballots are cast in the same way as absentee mail ballots, with the same level of scrutiny such as signature verification in many states. That means they can use mail-in ballots for any reason, regardless of whether a person is out of town or working. Five of those states relied on mail-in ballots even before the coronavirus pandemic raised concerns about voting in person. THE FACTS: Harris, a senator from California, is without question eligible.
AP FACT CHECK: Michelle Obama and the kids in ‘cages’ -- what’s true?
Read full article: AP FACT CHECK: Michelle Obama and the kids in ‘cages’ -- what’s true?WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama assailed President Donald Trump on Monday for ripping migrant children from their parents and throwing them into cages, picking up on a frequent and distorted point made widely by Democrats. She’s right that Trump’s now-suspended policy at the U.S.-Mexico border separated thousands of children from their families in ways that had not been done before. At the height of the controversy over Trump’s zero-tolerance policy at the border, photos that circulated online of children in the enclosures generated great anger. But prominent Democrats have continued to cite cages for children as a distinctive cruelty of Trump. The Obama administration separated migrant children from families under certain limited circumstances, like when the child’s safety appeared at risk or when the parent had a serious criminal history.
Hey, Siri, whats the definition of a demon?
Read full article: Hey, Siri, whats the definition of a demon?SAN ANTONIO Apples voice assistant, Siri, is giving users a surprising definition to the following prompt: Hey, Siri, Whats the definition of a demon?You may have seen people on social media posting about their search for the word demon using Google or Siri, only to come across a definition for police officer. To see the definition yourself on an iPhone, Apple users must make sure to have the voice assistant feature turned on. From there, simply say, Hey, Siri to activate the voice assistant feature on Apple products and ask the question, What is the definition of a demon? when Siri prompts you to ask a question. We searched on Dictionary.com to see if the website also listed the word demon as the definition for police officer. In case anyones interested - if you type demon into google translate the first definition provided of demon is a police officer.
Texas Education Agency employees not working from home while requiring teachers to return to classrooms
Read full article: Texas Education Agency employees not working from home while requiring teachers to return to classroomsSAN ANTONIO – Rumors circulating in recent weeks about Texas Education Agency employees working from home in the fall are unfounded, according to a spokesperson at the agency. The agency’s website states that “TEA will maintain limited skeleton crews at the William B. Travis building and Moody Bank building,” due to concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic. As has been planned for many weeks, all TEA staff have the ability to return to the building on a voluntary basis this month. “That is why the guidance laid out today will provide flexibility to both parents and districts to make decisions based on the ever-changing conditions of this public health crisis. Masks will be mandatory in many Texas schools when they reopen this fall, TEA says
Do certain blood types make you more susceptible to COVID-19?
Read full article: Do certain blood types make you more susceptible to COVID-19?One of those factors may be blood type. No, entire households are not included in COVID-19 count in San AntonioWhen viewers asked KSAT whether blood types are a factor in determining a person’s risk for getting COVID-19, we ran it through the KSAT Trust Index. “They found there was some association, increased risk of respiratory failure if you have Type-A blood type. There’s still work to do, which is why we’re labeling this “Be Careful” on our KSAT Trust Index. “So by no means, if you have a certain blood type, don’t feel that you’re protected.
No, entire households are not included in COVID-19 count in San Antonio
Read full article: No, entire households are not included in COVID-19 count in San AntonioSAN ANTONIO It seems that misinformation about COVID-19 is spreading on social media almost as fast as the virus itself. As COVID-19 cases surge in Bexar County and around Texas, some are questioning how the cases are counted by state and local health departments. A spokesperson for the local health department said they are not counting entire households of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Prior to the new guidance, county and state numbers included just confirmed cases based upon laboratory test results. Bexar County officials say they do not keep track of antibody test numbers and are not required to report them to the state at this time.
It’s all about size! Why experts say it’s false to say masks don’t filter out coronavirus because odors can get in
Read full article: It’s all about size! Why experts say it’s false to say masks don’t filter out coronavirus because odors can get inSome posts circulating online are claiming that since you can smell things like food or smoke through a cloth mask, the covering will not filter the coronavirus. We ran it through our KSAT Trust Index, and experts say that's false.
Those face mask exemption cards are fake, feds warn
Read full article: Those face mask exemption cards are fake, feds warnFake face mask exemption postings, cards and flyers have been popping up on the internet and it was enough for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an alert. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website posted the DOJ alert last week after laminated cards were distributed by the Freedom to Breathe Agency, according to CNN. The laminated cards feature a DOJ seal and reference the ADA, but neither department has endorsed them, according to the alert. Health experts have said that covering your nose and mouth can help prevent potentially infected individuals from spreading the virus to others. A timeline on the ever-changing guidelines on face masks during COVID-19 pandemic
Introducing Trust Index: Our commitment to fighting misinformation with journalism, facts
Read full article: Introducing Trust Index: Our commitment to fighting misinformation with journalism, factsTrust Index is Graham Media Group’s initiative to combat misinformation and provide viewers and readers fact-checked information to share with others. All sources are disclosed in a Trust Index story on our website. Each Trust Index story receives one of three labels:Trust Index badges include: "It's True," "Be Careful," and "Not True." The designated label is assigned after a claim of information is reviewed through the Trust Index process established in our newsrooms. You can email the Trust Index team at: trustindex@grahammedia.com.
Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19
Read full article: Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19Published: June 1, 2020, 2:30 pmLocal doctors say the myth is false and stress that it’s more important than ever to get flu shot
Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19
Read full article: Trust Index: The flu shot does not increase your risk of getting COVID-19SAN ANTONIO Its a claim thats been circulating for weeks: getting the flu shot will increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Two renowned local doctors gave the same definitive answer and then explained why it's never been more important to get the flu shot. The flu shot will help prevent you from getting the flu," said Dr. Ruth Berggren with UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine. That message comes alongside an important reminder: the flu shot does not give you the flu. Read our latest Trust Index stories:Trust Index: Do vitamin deficiencies make you more susceptible to COVID-19?
Simple, effective ways to make your Facebook conversations more civil
Read full article: Simple, effective ways to make your Facebook conversations more civilAnyone else finding themselves spending more time than usual on social media, considering the coronavirus pandemic? But like most things, Facebook is whatever you want to make it. You don’t have to give up on social media in general, or even Facebook in particular. The social media giants say they’re working hard behind the scenes to remove bot accounts and build a better platform. In the meantime, here are some simple yet effective things you can do to make your own Facebook interactions less contentious and more civil.
Trust Index: No, you don’t have to repay stimulus check
Read full article: Trust Index: No, you don’t have to repay stimulus checkSeveral videos circulating on social media claim that you’ll eventually have to pay it back next year. KSAT’s Trust Index verification team reviewed the claim and determined this is not true. Trust Index: Not TrueYou will not have to pay back the stimulus check. The Associated Press confirmed with the IRS and Department of Treasury you do not have to repay the stimulus check. Share it with our Trust Index team and we’ll review.
See a questionable claim on social media? Share it with the Trust Index fact-checking team
Read full article: See a questionable claim on social media? Share it with the Trust Index fact-checking team“Is that accurate?” It’s a question we’re all asking about social media posts and online reports a lot these days. The Trust Index team is here to help.