Does a video show two towers crashing into each other during the Venezuela earthquakes on June 24, 2026? No, that's not true: An AI detection tool determined that the video was 98.6% "likely to be AI-generated" and appears to be a 3D physics simulation or computer-generated imagery (CGI) effect. In addition, the exaggerated physics of the two buildings leaning into…

Do real, clear images show a person wanted in connection to the "destruction" of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, known as the "Reflecting Pool Dipper"? No, that's not true: The images, while based on real footage, are enhanced with artificial intelligence, and therefore are not reliable in identifying the person in question. The real, blurry footage was posted online by…

Does a real image show Alyssa Thomas smiling as she fouls Caitlin Clark during a WNBA game on June 22, 2026? No, that's not true: No video or photographic evidence shows Thomas smiling while over Clark. The image also originated from a video the original poster labeled as AI-generated. The claim appeared in a post and image (archived here) by…

Does a real video show an angry group of Muslims in England shouting "Unclean" and defacing a butcher shop with graffiti? No, that's not true: The Hive Moderation AI-generated content detection tool determined with 75.9% confidence the video was AI-generated. Lead Stories visual analysis documented several visual glitches incompatible with reality and typical of AI-generated content. The graffiti lettering appearing…

Did the Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi speak at length about his emotions upon seeing a woman holding a "100 year old Messi fan" banner in the stands? No, that's not true: While a centenarian in the stands really did hold up a sign for him, the quotes attributed to Messi are made up. They were published by an X…

Did the WNBA say Caitlin Clark would get a technical foul for lifting her knee toward Alyssa Thomas during a game? No, that's not true: The WNBA did not release such a statement immediately after the game. There are no statements on any of the WNBA official social media accounts saying Clark would get a technical foul. No credible sports…

Did England football star Harry Kane say he lost control of his body during the Ghana World Cup match after a witch doctor's "curse"? No, that's not true: In post-match interviews, Kane never mentioned any physical problems, but instead discussed strategy and Ghana's strength as an opponent. There is no evidence that he said any of the words attributed to…

Does a photo show the police officer who reportedly shot a rabbi during a Montreal shooting in late June 2026, carrying a rifle and wearing a uniform? No, that's not true: The image displays multiple indicators of AI generation and also appears to be a parody of the Sam Hyde meme that often follows high-profile shootings. Additionally, the shooting victim…

Does a viral video of a littered sidewalk represent a typical street in Paris? Here's what we know: It does show a street in the French capital, but it's a rather remote location known for law enforcement raids against unauthorized flea market vendors. The video was first shared on social media shortly after a major cultural event that required additional…

Was Charlie Kirk, or a person strongly resembling him, pictured in a job recruiting ad printed on a McDonald's tray liner? No, that's not true: The McDonald's job recruiting tray liner is real, but the model in the original photo does not closely resemble Kirk. The photo of the McDonald's tray liner was later altered to resemble Kirk, and the…