Tuesday 13 October 2026 · Edition of the day

Current editionPast editions →

The Skeptic's Daily

The day's biggest stories, taken apart. For each one: what is actually established, what is only asserted, the questions worth asking — and a plausibility score for the central claim, given everything currently known.

Stories
1
Average plausibility
83%
How to read the score
It rates how well the core claim is evidenced — not how important the story is, nor whether it is good or bad news.
RegionAllGlobalAfricaNorth AmericaSouth AmericaAsia-PacificEuropeMiddle East
TopicAllPoliticsConflict & SecurityBusinessScienceHealth
01Conflict & SecurityNorth America

US execution livestream plan faces religious and radicalisation objections

The Homeland Security chief rejects concerns about martyrdom, while a US archbishop objects on religious grounds.

BBC News reports that Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin rejected concerns that livestreaming the execution of convicted killer Nidal Hasan could fuel radicalisation. Al Jazeera reports that Archbishop Timothy Broglio said Catholics in the US army should not participate in a firing squad and described the livestream plan as contrary to church teachings.

What holds up

  • ✓BBC and Al Jazeera both report a US plan to livestream an execution.
  • ✓The extracts identify separate responses from a government official and a religious leader.

What doesn't yet

  • ?Neither the prediction of radicalisation nor Mullin’s rejection of it is supported by evidence in the extracts.
  • ?No execution order, broadcast arrangements or confirmed timetable is provided.

Ask before you share

  • →What official documents establish the execution and broadcast arrangements?
  • →What evidence supports the competing assessments of radicalisation risk?

Sources & original reporting

  1. [1]BBC News · Published 12 Oct 2026 · bbc.co.uk
  2. [2]Al Jazeera · Published 12 Oct 2026 · aljazeera.com