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Musk & Spending Bill, Presidential Pardons and Fabuloso

Plus: This Glow-in-the-Dark Bike Path Is Real, But That Viral Image Isn't What You Think

Author

Izz LaMagdeleine
December 21, 2024

SATURDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

A large white building is shown from a distance. It appears to be around sunset.

Musk Falsely Claimed Spending Bill Included 40% Salary Increase for Congress. Here's the Real Number

In December, the U.S. budget bill came knocking again. As the deadline loomed, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson met with members of his party as well as Democratic lawmakers to craft the massive bill to keep the government running for a few more months. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump voiced his disapproval late on Dec. 18, influencing lawmakers to kill the bill.

According to some social media users, including Elon Musk, the bipartisan spending bill contained a provision to raise salaries for members of Congress by 40%. That was not true. In reality, the proposed salary increase was much lower. Snopes reporter Jack Izzo has the details, including the correct figure.

A white man wearing a blue suit looks toward the camera.

Biden's Critics Claim He's Issued More Pardons Than Any Other President. Here Are the Numbers

Jimmy Carter's pardon for the more than 200,000 Vietnam War draft dodgers is a difficult record to beat.

A white man wearing a blue suit stands behind a podium. Another white man stands near him.

The Truth About RFK Jr.'s History of Heroin Addiction

President-elect Donald Trump's health secretary nominee is known for his anti-vaccination views.

Two images from a TikTok post claims that a tunnel was uncovered beneath Brian Thompson's home.

These Videos Don't Show 'Hidden Tunnel' Under UnitedHealthcare CEO's Home

AI accelerated an unfounded online rumor following the December fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Rows of Fabuloso are shown on grocery store shelves.

Fabuloso Recalled Due to Harmful Bacteria? Here Are the Facts

In December, social media users recirculated Fabuloso recall information from February 2023.

Staff Pick

Two bike lanes are shown. The one on the left shows a blue path with a bike on it, while the one on the right lights up.

This Glow-in-the-Dark Bike Path Is Real, But That Viral Image Isn't What You Think

Social media users said the unique cycle path is solar-powered and located in Poland.