Fighting disinformation: Can You Believe It?

Can You Believe It? is an initiative dedicated to uncovering how disinformation reaches consumers and providing tools to help our audience fight its spread. Are you seeing disinformation in your social media feeds? Share with us by emailing tell@mpr.org.

From 4chan to international politics, a bug-eating conspiracy theory goes mainstream
The conspiracy theory alleges that a shadowy global elite conspires to control the world's population, in part by forcing them to eat insects. It's being cited by politicians in several countries.
An activist group is spreading misinformation to stop solar projects in rural America
An NPR/Floodlight investigation found that a longtime Republican insider is stoking solar opposition by spreading bad information about health and environmental risks. Her influence is growing.
Right-wing 'zombie' papers attack Illinois Democrats ahead of elections
Printed newspapers sent out across Illinois push Republican talking points against Democrats just in time for election season. They're taking advantage of the erosion of local news.
Voting officials: Misinformation fueling election skepticism
Across Minnesota, county officials are encountering people questioning the results of the 2020 election and demanding changes to the voting process, even though there is no proof of widespread fraud or other problems. 
Fox producer's warning against Jeanine Pirro surfaces in Dominion defamation suit
Jeanine Pirro, Tucker Carlson and others are being grilled under oath in a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News for spreading lies about a voting tech company's role in the 2020 elections.