Hurricane Helene conspiracy theories about lithium mining, weather control spread widely
CBSN
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, false rumors about the federal response have spread rapidly on social media. More extreme conspiracy theories have also taken root, including claims that politicians manipulated the weather to target Republican areas and that the government is trying to seize land in North Carolina to mine lithium.
The false claims have been amplified by high-profile politicians and social media influencers with large followings. Despite gaining millions of views online, these claims have been debunked by officials and experts, who stress that the government response remains focused on recovery efforts in the hardest-hit regions. Here are two fact checks about the main claims.
Child care in the U.S. today can cost more than families pay for rent, a mortgage or college tuition
The soaring cost of child care in the U.S. can now exceed what families pay for housing or college.
Mexico suggests it could retaliate with tariffs after Trump threat: "There is no subordination here"
President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Tuesday that Mexico could retaliate ———with tariffs of its own, after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% import duties on Mexican goods if the country doesn't stop the flow of drugs and migrants across the border.
A special agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been charged with sexually assaulting two women, according to police and court records. The agent, Eduardo Valdivia, was previously acquitted of attempted murder for shooting a man on a Metro subway train near Washington, D.C., four years ago. He was arrested in Maryland on Monday.