Seth Rich: How a young man's murder attracted conspiracy theories
- 21 April 2018
The unsolved death of a Democratic Party operative became political when conspiracy theories took off on social media. Now, nearly two years later, one simple question has been left unanswered: who killed Seth Rich?
In the early hours of 10 July 2016, Seth Rich was making his way home from a night out in Washington DC.
The 27-year-old was a digital campaigner with the Democratic Party and he lived in the Bloomingdale area of the city, home to many young politicos hoping to make it big in the nation's capital.
Seth was chatting to his girlfriend as he ambled the few miles home from his favourite bar. At 4:19 a.m. he told her he was almost at the door and had to go.
Second later, gunshots rang out. Seth was found lying on the ground a block from his apartment. He had two bullet holes in his back and his watch, wallet and phone were all found on him. There were signs of a struggle. Seth's hands and face showed bruising. He died shortly thereafter.
India rape crisis: Twitter users rally round hunger striker
- 20 April 2018
As India's rape crisis continues, a hashtag has emerged expressing support for a hunger striker demanding tougher penalties for rapists.
"#BetiKhatreMeinHai" which translates to "daughter in danger" is being used to rally support and draw attention to Swati Maliwal's protest.
No, the BBC is not reporting the end of the world
- 19 April 2018
A fictional video reporting the onset of thermonuclear war and featuring BBC News branding has been shared widely.
It is not real but alarmed viewers have contacted the BBC, apparently convinced it is true.
Syria war: The online activists pushing conspiracy theories
- 19 April 2018
As the investigation continues into another alleged chemical attack in Syria, one group of influential online activists is busy spreading their version of events.
Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are attempting to access the previously rebel-held town of Douma, where medical organisations and rescue workers say President Bashar al-Assad's forces dropped bombs filled with toxic chemicals in an attack on 7 April, killing more than 40 people.
Morrissey: Is it possible to separate art from artist?
- 18 April 2018
"Morrissey is definitely the worst person whose music I will listen to for ever."
So says a culture writer on Twitter in reference to recent comments made by the former Smiths singer on his website.
Exploring the life of a meme with American Chopper
- 17 April 2018
You may have seen a meme featuring two men furiously arguing and wondered what on earth it was all about.
The five-panel series of images known as the American Chopper meme uses stills taken from the reality television show of the same name to show a father and son having a melodramatic argument.
Is this 1921 cartoon the first ever meme?
- 16 April 2018
Is this 1921 cartoon the first recorded meme?
When this comic was posted to Twitter, it caused excitement as people began to wonder if it was the first meme - a format-dependent joke, typically of a picture with a caption or subtitle - ever published.
Why are polls and Facebook ads at odds in Ireland's abortion referendum?
- 14 April 2018
While opinion polls show a comfortable lead for the pro-choice side in an upcoming referendum on abortion in Ireland, one set of figures indicates pro-life paid adverts are gaining more traction on Facebook.
On 25 May, Ireland will vote on whether to keep the 8th amendment to the country's constitution, which states that the life of a mother and an unborn baby are equal. It's the basis for Irish laws which make abortion illegal in all but life-threatening cases.
The One Where Ross Got Mistaken for a Banker
- 13 April 2018
When the London Stock Exchange announced their next chief executive, many people on Twitter had to do a double take and asked if it was really him.
David Schwimmer will take up his new role on 1 August. People on Twitter had just one question - is it the David Schwimmer of Friends fame who has had a sudden career change and found himself a lucrative job in the City?
Saudi Arabia hosts its first ever women's cycle race
- 12 April 2018
Female riders have taken part in Saudi Arabia's first women's cycling race, surprising many people in the conservative nation and across social media.
Saudi women cyclists were able to compete in a race held in the city of Jeddah on Tuesday.