We are monitoring social media, national and international media, and fact-checking websites in order to share the Fake News making the rounds each week.
The world of news is complex – and false stories and images are often widely shared on social media. Blasting News’s editorial team spots the most popular hoaxes and misleading information every week to help you discern truth from falsehood. Here is some of the most popular Fake News of the week from around the world. Don't be fooled!
Please send us fake news tips or claims to check at this email: factcheck@blastingnews.com or at this BlueSky account @bnfactcheck.bsky.social: Read this page for our submission guidelines.
1. No, Biden administration didn't cut the flow of fentanyl by a half as Kamala Harris suggested
The Lie: In an interview with 60 minutes aired on October 7th, the presidential candidate Kamala Harris said that her administration “cut the flow of fentanyl by a half.”
The Truth:
- The amount of fentanyl seized by border officials has doubled from 11,200 pounds in 2021 to nearly 22,000 pounds in 2024. However, experts argue that increased seizures are more likely a proxy for higher supply rather than a sign of reduced availability.
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that no field office observed a decrease in fentanyl availability or price, both indicators of reduced supply. This aligns with expert opinions that greater seizures typically reflect increased trafficking.
Links:
Kamala Harris interview with 60 minutes:
DEA data:
https://archive.ph/6VqGh
2. It’s false that the Biden administration gives only $750 to the victims of hurricanes
The Lie: “They’re offering them $750 to people whose homes have been washed away.
And yet we send tens of billions of dollars to foreign countries that most people have never heard of."
The Truth:
- The $750 figure relates specifically to FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance programme, which addresses immediate necessities like food, water, and emergency supplies.
- Beyond the $750 programme, FEMA reported over $45 million in flexible funding provided to Hurricane Helene survivors by October 4, alongside extensive resources, including 11.5 million meals, 3.32 million gallons of water, 150 generators, and 400,000 tarps.
- Rapid Assistance: Within 24 hours of activation, FEMA distributed over $1 million in aid to more than 1,400 households in North Carolina to address urgent needs caused by the disaster.
Links:
FEMA fact sheet (archive):
Trump remarks (archive):
