WEDNESDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

Senate Republicans to Pick New Majority Leader in Secret Vote — Which Is Not Unusual

It wasn't just the presidency at stake in the U.S. election — 34 seats in the Senate were up for grabs, too. Republicans flipped seats in Ohio, West Virginia, Montana and Pennsylvania, giving the party more than the 50 needed for a majority. As holders of the majority, Republican senators now have to vote on Mitch McConnell’s replacement. Republicans will decide their new leader on Nov. 13, in a secret ballot.

Some conservative social media pundits felt that the secret ballot was problematic, even "disgraceful.” Such posts appeared to assume party leaders are normally chosen via open ballot and the Republicans had simply chosen to conduct their vote secretly this time. However, that is not the case. It's normal for party leaders to be elected in secret. Snopes reporter Jack Izzo has the details.

Misleading Posts Say Hamas Called for 'Immediate End to War' with Israel After Trump's Election Win

Social media users began claiming Trump would end wars "within 24 hours of being elected."

FEMA Official Told Workers to Skip Homes With Pro-Trump Signs After Hurricane Milton

Relief workers were reportedly surveying hurricane damage in Florida.

Misleading Map Predicted Results If Only Women Voted in 2024 US Presidential Election

"This what it should've looked like for Kamala," one X user commented.

Jimmy Kimmel Announced He Is Canceling His Show After Trump's Inauguration?

He is "booking a one-way ticket to Canada," too, allegedly.

Staff Pick

Real Pic of 116-Year-Old Civil War Veteran on His Deathbed?

In the last months of his life, serious doubts were raised about the alleged soldier's age and the claim that he fought in the Civil War.