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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Phony Yearbook Photo

Phony Yearbook Photo

Q: Is David Hogg pictured in a California school yearbook?

A: No. That’s a yearbook photo from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, where Hogg is a student.

No Federal Ban on Smoking in Cars with Children

No Federal Ban on Smoking in Cars with Children

Q: Did a law go into effect Jan. 30 banning “anyone” from smoking in a car “as long as there are children in the vehicle”?

A: No. There is no federal prohibition, although several state and local governments previously had enacted such bans.

No ‘Crisis Actors’ in Parkland, Florida

No ‘Crisis Actors’ in Parkland, Florida

Q: Are the students who survived the Florida school shooting really “crisis actors”?

A: No. Conspiracy theories have been spreading online to undercut students advocating stricter gun control.

Made-up Michelle Obama Quote

Made-up Michelle Obama Quote

Q: Did Michelle Obama say that the school shooting in Florida was President Donald Trump’s fault?

A: No. That claim is circulating on dubious websites. The former first lady hasn’t said anything like that publicly.

Horner Hoax Remix

Horner Hoax Remix

Q: Was a teen sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing a refugee who raped his sister?

A: No. That is a made-up headline on an old internet hoax story.

Philip Morris Not Selling Marijuana Cigarettes

Philip Morris Not Selling Marijuana Cigarettes

Q: Are Philip Morris “Marlboro M” brand marijuana cigarettes now for sale in four U.S. states?

A: No. That claim comes from a 2014 satirical story. It has recently resurfaced without the satire label.

No Black Lives Matter Embezzlement Scandal

No Black Lives Matter Embezzlement Scandal

Q: Was a Black Lives Matter activist sued after stealing millions of dollars in donations?

A: No. That scandal was made up by a website that calls itself satirical.