Fact-Checking Governor Parson | Conspiracy Theories

Segment 1, beginning at 1:00: In his announcement ending the federal payments, Gov. Parson stated, “It’s time that we end these programs that have ultimately incentivized people to stay out of the workforce.”

Republican governors in a number of states are making the same claim that people in their states are not looking for employment because of the additional funds from the federal government. The co-author of a 2020 study reveals that the data refutes those claims when it comes to unemployment payments and job seeking.

• Jason Faberman, Senior Economist and Economic Advisor. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, co-author of “How Do Unemployment Benefits Relate to Job Search Behavior?”

Segment 2, beginning at 28:16: How what once existed on the fringe of popular culture has become a tool for the political mainstream.

Just a few decades ago, conspiracy theories meant aliens visiting our planet or Bigfoot sightings in the Northwest. Today it could mean fake news scandals accelerated by social media and championed by commentators like Alex Jones or groups like QAnon resulting in politically motivated action.

• Geoff Dancy, associate professor of political science, Tulane University

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