Social Media Fact Check: April 17, 2021
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:
Oath Keeper is 1st suspect to plead guilty in Capitol riot
WASHINGTON — A member of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group and heavy metal guitarist on Friday became the first defendant to plead guilty to federal charges in connection with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
After outcry, WH says Biden will lift refugee cap in May
WASHINGTON — Facing swift blowback from allies and aid groups, the White House said President Joe Biden plans to lift his predecessor’s historically low cap on refugees by next month, after initially moving only to expand the eligibility criteria for resettlements.
In Brief: April 17, 2021
Interior head Haaland revokes Trump-era orders on energy
SpaceX picked for moonwalkers, on verge of 3rd crew launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA chose SpaceX on Friday to build the lunar lander that will eventually put the first woman and person of color on the moon.
Oahu red light camera program advances, 10 locations eyed
HONOLULU — Oahu will place red light cameras at 10 locations for at least two years starting this summer, the state Department of Transportation said.
In Brief: April 16, 2021
Video: Chicago boy wasn’t holding gun when shot by officer
Global warming’s extreme rains threaten Hawaii’s coral reefs
HONOLULU — As muddy rainwater surged from Hawaii’s steep seaside mountains and inundated residential communities last month, the damage caused by flooding was obvious — houses were destroyed and businesses swamped, landslides covered highways and raging rivers and streams were clogged with debris.
Coronavirus hug image named World Press Photo of the Year
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A photo symbolizing “love and compassion” of an 85-year-old Brazilian woman getting her first embrace in five months from a nurse through a transparent “hug curtain” was named the World Press Photo of the Year on Thursday.
US opens more distance in worldwide race against coronavirus
The United States opened more distance between itself and much of the rest of the world Thursday, nearing the 200 millionth vaccine administered in a race to protect the population against COVID-19, even as other countries, rich and poor, struggle with stubbornly high infection rates and deaths.
MLS season starts with hopes of returning to normalcy
Major League Soccer embarks on the 2021 season with a new labor agreement in hand, the return of two big stars, a new team in Austin, Texas, and lessons learned from 2020.
Equal pay bill passed by House but faces long odds in Senate
WASHINGTON — House Democrats approved legislation Thursday that they say would help close the gap between what men and women are paid in the workplace, though the measure faces little chance of overcoming Republican opposition in the Senate.
Island Life: A cactus staple
A stapeliad cactus, also called a starfish cactus, seen April 5 in Waikola Village. (Jan Abbott/Community contributor)
Jaylen Brown scores 40, Celtics beat Lakers 121-113
LOS ANGELES — Jaylen Brown scored four of his 40 points in the final minute, and the Boston Celtics blew most of a 27-point lead in the fourth quarter before holding on for their fifth straight victory, 121-113 over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
NFL inks sports bet deals with Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Once one of the staunchest opponents of allowing people to bet legally on its games, the NFL on Thursday announced deals with three major gambling companies to become official sports betting partners.
Honolulu police shoot, kill man who walked into a home
HONOLULU — For a second time in less than two weeks, Honolulu police have shot and killed someone.
Lawmakers move to delay pay raise amid pandemic
HONOLULU — State lawmakers moved this week to delay pay raises that were due to go in effect for themselves, the governor, cabinet officials and judges — citing lingering economic struggles due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pandemic-driven spring football requires virtual creativity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — William and Felicia Mosley found the perfect way for them to make the most of the four-hour drive from their Montgomery, Alabama, home to cheer on their son at Tennessee State.
In Brief: April 15, 2021
Months after hack, US poised to announce sanctions on Russia
Red Sox beat Twins 7-1 for twinbill sweep, 9th straight win
MINNEAPOLIS — Alex Verdugo had three hits, including a two-run single in a six-run fifth inning, and the Boston Red Sox extended their winning streak to nine games, beating the Minnesota Twins 7-1 to sweep Wednesday’s doubleheader.
