THURSDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

Will telling 23andMe to delete personal data protect your genetic information? Not entirely

On Sunday, genetic testing company 23andMe announced it filed for bankruptcy — sparking a firestorm of articles and online posts advising consumers to delete their personal data in order to protect it from ending up in a new, unknown owner's hands.

State attorneys general issued alerts on social media and government websites calling on users to delete their private information. However, privacy and data experts said it is impossible to verify whether the company's data deletion process is secure — meaning that simply requesting that the company delete your account and destroy DNA samples doesn't mean your information is 100% protected in the case of a sale. Snopes reporter Grace Deng has the details.

Many Social Security recipients will have to confirm identity in person to receive benefits

Using phone services to verify identity will no longer be available beginning April 14.

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Trump's commerce secretary said he sold 1K 'gold card' visas in a day. Here's what we know

Trump previously posited that his "gold card" visas could make $50 trillion.

What we know about claim DOGE stopped payments to children whose parents died

Retired federal employees can choose a benefit that pays a percentage of their pension to a spouse, child or other close relative after their death.

What we know about U.S. military's anti-DEI removal of Emily Perez footage, photos

Perez was the first Black female officer to die in combat in Iraq in 2006.

Staff Pick

Yellowstone rumor claiming hundreds of bears blocked park entrance originated as satire

Facebook users shared a photo and story, claiming bears formed an "unprecedented blockade" at an entrance to Yellowstone National Park.