Should you start taking your allergy medicine before spring begins? Is honey an effective remedy for symptoms? We VERIFY answers to common questions about spring all
No, the Biden administration is not banning gas cars in the U.S.
The EPA proposed a rule that would require up to two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric by 2032. But the agency is not banning all gas cars.
Migrants traveling to the U.S. border have been given maps by the Red Cross
A U.S. border map pictured in a viral meme was distributed as part of a safety pamphlet. The Red Cross tells VERIFY they 'neither prevent nor encourage migration.'
VERIFY This | Fact-checking the SOTU, ATF gun rule change and adult measles booster
In this week's episode, we verify claims from Biden's SOTU address, look at a viral claim that the ATF is changing its gun rules and if adults need a measles booster
What we can VERIFY about claims of pesticides in oats
A study found oat products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats had traces of a chemical that may affect fertility in animals. But the levels were far below EPA limits.
Fact-checking Biden White House migrant flights claims
VERIFY readers asked if claims that Biden has secretly flown 325,000 migrants into the U.S. are true. These programs have existed for years and aren’t a secret.
No, the president can’t completely close the border via executive order
Trump and other U.S. lawmakers claim Biden could close the border with an executive order. But experts say the president can’t shut down the border to everyone.
iPhone's Journal app will not reveal your name and location to strangers
A new iPhone feature can suggest journaling topics based on nearby people who are in your contact list. It does not share your name or location with those people.
What would happen if President Biden or Donald Trump were unable to complete their campaign run?
Right now the leading candidates for president in both parties...are older than 75. So what happens if they die mid-campaign... or their age forces them to drop out?
ATF has not updated its policy to allow ‘illegal’ immigrants to buy guns in the U.S.
A viral video falsely claims ATF has updated its background check policy with an exemption that allows “illegal” immigrants to buy guns. Here are the facts.
Government doesn't send checks to forgive student debt
A VERIFY reader asked if borrowers receive a check when the government forgives their student loans. It doesn’t. Here’s how student loan relief is issued.
Amid an uptick in measles outbreaks, some people claim adults born before 1989 need an MMR booster. The recommendation changed that year from one to two shots.
Yes, fuel efficiency is worse with E15 gasoline, but the difference is small
The EPA approved year-round sales of higher ethanol E15 gasoline in 8 states. E15 could decrease your gas mileage, but the difference is small for most drivers.
VERIFY This | Trump GoFundMe, Leap year facts and IVF illegal in Alabama?
In this week's episode, we verify if Trump can crowdfund to pay off his fines, share some fun leap year facts and clarify some facts about the Alabama ruling on IVF
This viral post falsely claims ‘illegal migration’ has grown tenfold in seven years
A viral post misleadingly claims that “illegal” immigration grew tenfold over a seven-year period from 2017 to 2023. Here's what the federal data actually show.
Walmart weighted grocery class action lawsuit settlement is real
Eligible customers must file a claim before June for the $45 million settlement, which involves products like produce and meat that are sold by weight.
Leap Year origins trace back to Roman dictator Julius Caesar
2024 is a leap year, which means this year there will be a Feb. 29. We are VERIFYING facts about leap day, including whether Julius Caesar started it and if it
In 2025, Wendy's plans to implement dynamic pricing
Wendy’s clarified that it has “no plans” to raise prices during peak hours after its CEO said the company would test a dynamic pricing model at its restaurants.
A total solar eclipse will sweep across North America on April 8, 2024. Looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Here are tips on how to protect them.
VERIFY This | Super Bowl parade shooter, Biden 'did that' meme & No-fly pet list?
In this week's episode, we verify if a viral pic identified the Super Bowl parade shooter, fact-check a meme about Biden and migrants & if there is a pet no-fly list
Airlines can deny a pet from boarding at their discretion. However, there is not a no-fly list maintained by the FAA, despite claims from unhappy travelers.
Text messages that claim to be giveaway from YouTuber MrBeast are scams
YouTuber MrBeast says that posts using his name and image for giveaways are scams. The fake messages and posts online actually seek to steal your money.
VERIFY This | Fact-checking the SOTU, ATF gun rule change and adult measles booster
In this week's episode, we verify claims from Biden's SOTU address, look at a viral claim that the ATF is changing its gun rules and if adults need a measles booster
VERIFY This | Trump GoFundMe, Leap year facts and IVF illegal in Alabama?
In this week's episode, we verify if Trump can crowdfund to pay off his fines, share some fun leap year facts and clarify some facts about the Alabama ruling on IVF
VERIFY This | Super Bowl parade shooter, Biden 'did that' meme & No-fly pet list?
In this week's episode, we verify if a viral pic identified the Super Bowl parade shooter, fact-check a meme about Biden and migrants & if there is a pet no-fly list
VERIFY This | Old tax laws, new romance scams and debit cards for migrants?
In this week's episode, we look into claims that people say they owe more taxes due to a law, explain a new romance scam and if NY migrants are getting debit cards.
VERIFY This | Tanks at the border, heart attack cure and is MSG unhealthy?
In this week's episode, we verify if a video claiming to show tanks at the border is real, if a viral elbow hack can cure heart attacks and whether MSG is unhealthy.
VERIFY This | Texas border ruling, Dems & the GOP primary and file taxes for free?
In this week's episode, we verify if Texas is defying an order from the Supreme Court about the border, can Dems vote in a GOP primary & can you file taxes for free
VERIFY This | AI & the election, overdraft fees cap and Eiffel Tower on fire?
In this week's episode, we do a deep dive into the use of AI during the elections and fact check a viral video showing the Eiffel Tower on fire, plus lots more.
VERIFY This | POTUS eligibility, Houthi missile video and home heating tips
In this episode, we look into claims that Nikki Haley could be ineligible to run for president & we fact check a video claiming to be from the Houthi missile attack.
In this week's episode we breakdown what's going on with the Boeing 737 Max 9 grounding, we verify claims made during the GOP debate and also about EV tax credits.
VERIFY This | Tsunami damage, T-Mobile fines and Mickey Mouse copyright
In this week's episode we fact check images claiming to be from the Japan tsunami, if T-Mobile is fining users for texts and details about the Mickey Mouse copyright
VERIFY This | Colorado ballots & Trump, Catholic Church shift and Holiday hacks
In this week's episode, we verify how Colorado's ruling could affect Trump in other states, if the Catholic Church has changed its stance on same-sex marriage & more
VERIFY This | GOP debate, 'White lung syndrome' and Zelenskyy yachts?
In this week's episode, we verify claims from the GOP debate and look into viral posts about 'white lung syndrome' and if Zelenskyy bought yachts with aid money.
VERIFY This | Mystery dog illness, Chinese biolabs & iPhone NameDrop warning
In this week’s episode, we look into claims of a mystery illness among dogs, verify if there’s a secret biolab in California and warnings about iPhone's NameDrop.
VERIFY This | New tax bracket, AI in political ads and Thanksgiving guide
In this week's episode, we verify how the new tax brackets can affect you, whether politicians can use AI in their ads and tips to help have a smooth Thanksgiving.
VERIFY This | Fact checking fake images, deepfakes and book fair backlash
In this week's episode, we fact check viral pics and a deepfake about the Israel-Hamas war, including one about Bella Hadid. As well as posts about Medicare and more
VERIFY This | Global gas supply, straightener ban & Halloween myths
In this week's episode, we verify if the global gas supply is being threatened, whether there's a ban on hair straighteners and demystify some Halloween myths.
VERIFY This | Hamas camps, U.S. draft & T-Mobile price hike?
In this week's episode, we verify if Hamas has training camps in Mexico, if the U.S. draft is being reinstated and whether T-Mobile is hiking its price...plus more.
Verify This | Fact checking Israel-Hamas war claims, expired COVID-19 tests and perfume chain text
In this week's episode, we verify a video claiming to show the start of the Israel-Hamas war, if the government is
mailing expired COVID-19 tests and lots more
VERIFY This | Congress pay raise, menthol ban and lottery payments
In this week's episode, we verify if Congress gave themselves a raise, if menthol cigarettes will be banned and can lottery payments still be made if the winner dies
VERIFY This | Shutdown, strikes and Summer effect on fall colors
In this episode, we look into the effects of a government shutdown on employees & veterans, the truth behind vaccines & autism and impact of summer on fall colors.
VERIFY This | Hunter Biden's laptop, vaccines and death disclosures?
In this episode we answer questions about the investigation surrounding Hunter Biden's laptop, if you need a prescription to get the RSV vaccine and lots more
VERIFY This | Vaccines, border wall and Morocco baby miracle
In this episode, we VERIFY if a new COVID-19 vaccine is free, if the border walls were welded open and the truth behind a viral video of a baby rescued from rubble.
VERIFY This | Student loans, Medicare prices and 'Biden Beer Ban?'
In this week's episode, we look into SAVE student loan plan, VERIFY if seniors could see lower medication costs and if the White House will limit beer consumption
Verify This | Trump's bond, health alerts and end of credit card rewards?
In this week's episode we look at Trump's bond conditions, if the CDC sent out a new COVID-19 health alert and whether a new bill would end credit card rewards.
VERIFY This | Wildfires, tropical storms & the sweet myths of 'sugar highs'
This week, Ariane Datil looks into viral images surrounding Tropical Storm Hilary and the Maui wildfires. Plus, are 'sugar highs' real or a sweetened myth?
VERIFY This | Pardon, packages and Parent Plus Loan forgiveness
In this week's episode we look at Trump pardon scenarios, if it's legal to keep packages you get that you didn't order and an update on Parent Plus Loan forgiveness
VERIFY This | Aliens, amendments & rubbing alcohol for wounds?
In this week's episode, we verify if the 14th Amendment could prevent Trump from taking office and if the U.S. government admitted that aliens are real.
VERIFY This | Banning bulbs & getting passport for free in U.S.?
In this week's episode, Brandon Lewis verifies whether there's really a ban on incandescent light bulbs and who can get a passport for free in the United States.
VERIFY This: Schools & kitty litter, Google settlement, energy saving hack, alien sighting and cold water laundry
Fact-checking claims that have to deal with Google owing you money, an alien sighting in Las Vegas, best temperature to wash clothes, an energy saving hack and more.
VERIFY This: Student loan payments, Trump Bucks currency, Arizona voting machines, Waffle House index and Amazon return fee
Fact-checking claims such as when student loan payments could restart, Arizona banning electronic voting machines, FEMA using Waffle House, a new Amazon fee and more
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month | Expert Interview with Quanah Matheson
Quanah Matheson delves into the history behind Native American Heritage month and culture, language, traditions and complex history of Native Americans.
Exploring the truth behind the Salem witch trials | Expert Interview with Emerson Baker, Ph.D.
In this expert interview, Emerson Baker delves into the history behind the Salem witch trials and the truth behind the myth of witches being burned at the stake.
Can Trump pardon himself from federal chargers? | Expert Interview with criminal attorney Matthew Mangino
Matthew Mangino is an attorney at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George. He explains the issue of former President Trump’s attempts to pardon himself from federal charges
Wasps and Gasoline, Mosquitoes and Malaria and other Insect Claims | Expert Interview with Jonathon Larson
All the insect claims you've been curious about lately - expert entomologist answers questions on many of the recent viral claims about insects that sting and bite
History of Orca encounters | Expert Interview with Hanne Strager
More than 500 encounters between orcas and boats have been reported since 2020. Marine biologist Hanne Strager shares why she thinks they are becoming more frequent
Effect of the bird flu on rising egg prices | Expert Interview with Bernt Nelson
People have been having complaints about the rising cost of eggs. VERIFY expert Bernt Nelson explains how the current bird flu outbreak is contributing this.
VERIFY spoke with cardiologist Payal Kohli, M.D. to clear up misinformation about the correlation between the COVID vaccine, athletes & cardiac arrest.
Understanding whether poinsettias and mistletoe are toxic to household pets | Expert Interview with Tina Wismer, D.V.M.
Tina Wismer, D.V.M. of the ASPCA breaks down whether poinsettias and mistletoe are toxic to household pets and what to do if one of your pets eats them.
Election Safeguards | Expert Interview with Cynthia Paes
VERIFY met up with San Diego County registrar of voters, Cynthia Paes to understand what safeguards are in place to make sure the election is run safely.
People with Blue Eyes are Genetically Related | Expert Interview with Mark Shriver, Ph.D.
Anthropologist and geneticist Mark Shriver, Ph.D. talks with VERIFY about the genetics of people with blue eyes and explains how they are genetically related.
Using hydrogen peroxide to clean your ears | Expert Interview with Douglas Hildrew, M.D.
Otolaryngologist Douglas Hildrew, M.D. talks about the pros and cons of using hydrogen peroxide to clean your ears. Along with the best way to use q-tips.
Cold Temps effects on the range of electric vehicles | Expert Interview with Mark Ehsani
Did you know cold weather can affect the range of an electric vehicle? Electrical Engineering professor Mark Ehsani spoke with VERIFY about this interesting question
Effects of cold weather on electric vehicles | Expert Interview with Gil Tal, Ph.D.
A VERIFY viewer wondered if batteries in electric cars drain faster when it’s cold out. EV specialist Gil Tal, Ph.D. breaksdown how cold weather effects the range of
Effect of Student Debt Relief on Taxpayers | Expert Interview with Andrew Lautz
President Biden's student loan forgiveness program is great news for students. But how will it effect taxpayers. Andrew Lautz of the National Taxpayers Union Foundat
Teacher Funding - paying for supplies with their own money | Expert Interview with Juan Brizuela
Classroom supplies can get expensive especially when teachers have to pay for them on their own. DonorsChoose Manager Juan Brizuela chat with VERIFY about the issue
Understanding the Student Loan Forgiveness Plan | Expert Interview with Betsy Mayotte
Student loan expert, Betsy Mayotte, speaks with VERIFY about Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. She talks on who is affected and about Pell grants.
Mpox and chickenpox | Expert Interview with Mark Slifka, Ph.D.
Immunologist Mark Slifka, Ph.D., talks about chickenpox and mpox. As well as mortality rate, people who could be most at risk and the greatest risk of exposure.
Effects of Long Covid | Expert Interview with Sheldon Campbell, M.D.
Dr. Sheldon Campbell speaks about how long COVID can affect those who have it, as well as how it can affect testing. He also shares his thoughts on monkeypox
In 2025, Wendy's plans to implement dynamic pricing
Wendy’s clarified that it has “no plans” to raise prices during peak hours after its CEO said the company would test a dynamic pricing model at its restaurants.
Text messages that claim to be giveaway from YouTuber MrBeast are scams
YouTuber MrBeast says that posts using his name and image for giveaways are scams. The fake messages and posts online actually seek to steal your money.
AMC, the movie theater company, settled a class action lawsuit for $8.3 million. Subscribers of streaming services like Acorn, Shudder and HIDIVE can file claims.
No, the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doesn’t have built-in tax increases for 2023
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a tax reform law signed by Trump, does not include yearly income-based tax increases like viral social media posts suggest.
Yes, the Allianz Global Assistance travel protection class action lawsuit settlement is real
Only California and Washington residents who purchased travel and event ticket insurance plans from Allianz are eligible to submit a claim form. Here’s how.
People are starting to receive checks in the mail for Apple's “batterygate” settlement that alleged software updates were hurting performance in iPhones.
No, Chick-fil-A doesn’t charge more for drive-thru orders than inside the restaurant
Chick-fil-A does not charge more for drive-thru orders over inside orders like a viral post claims. VERIFY found that prices are the same for both ordering options.
What you should know about the EV tax credit changes in 2024
The rules for clean vehicle tax credits changed on Jan. 1, 2024. Here’s what we can VERIFY about which EVs are eligible for the credit in the new year.
No, the federal minimum wage is not scheduled to increase in 2024
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 isn’t increasing in 2024. But Arizona, California, New York and other U.S. states are increasing their minimum wages as of Jan. 1.
Bankruptcy doesn’t prevent Giuliani from paying civil damages
Giuliani filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay election workers over $1 million for defamation. He will likely still have to pay, despite Chapter 11 filing
Verifying a claim that Scrooge paid his employee more than minimum wage
Bob Cratchit, Ebenezer Scrooge’s underpaid and overworked employee in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, made 15 shillings a week. Here’s how much that is today.
IRS changed tax rules for payment apps like Venmo and CashApp
The IRS has updated its reporting guidelines a few times over the last couple of years. And a few days ago… they did it again. Here's what you need to know.
George Santos not eligible for pension after one term
Facing criminal charges and ethics violations, Santos says he won’t seek reelection, meaning he’ll be unable to collect congressional retirement benefits.
Emails about a Shutterfly class action lawsuit settlement are real
Eligible customers who used the photo service between April 1, 2018, through Aug. 25, 2023, could receive a $25 voucher as part of a class action settlement.
Most small business owners will have to give the federal government more personal info in 2024
A viral video claims the government is launching surveillance of small businesses. Here are the facts about new beneficial ownership reporting requirements.
There is no spending allowance from a free health insurance plan
The ACA marketplace’s open enrollment season is also open season for scammers, who look to prey on people overwhelmed by the health insurance marketplace.
Yes, Social Security can require recipients to return overpaid benefits
Social Security sends overpayment notices to people who receive more in benefits than they should have been paid. This is more common within the SSI program.
No, the shutdown deal did not include a pay raise for Congress
The 45-day spending agreement to avoid a government shutdown was amended to specifically prevent members of Congress from receiving cost-of-living increases.
We VERIFY if post offices, airports, national parks and museums will remain open or closed during a government shutdown, and whether you can get a passport.
No, the Biden administration is not banning gas cars in the U.S.
The EPA proposed a rule that would require up to two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric by 2032. But the agency is not banning all gas cars.
What we can VERIFY about claims of pesticides in oats
A study found oat products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats had traces of a chemical that may affect fertility in animals. But the levels were far below EPA limits.
Yes, fuel efficiency is worse with E15 gasoline, but the difference is small
The EPA approved year-round sales of higher ethanol E15 gasoline in 8 states. E15 could decrease your gas mileage, but the difference is small for most drivers.
This viral post falsely claims ‘illegal migration’ has grown tenfold in seven years
A viral post misleadingly claims that “illegal” immigration grew tenfold over a seven-year period from 2017 to 2023. Here's what the federal data actually show.
A total solar eclipse will sweep across North America on April 8, 2024. Looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Here are tips on how to protect them.
A picture of a migrant caravan wasn't taken during Biden's presidency
A photo shared by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) appearing to show a migrant caravan includes an “I Did That” Biden meme. But the photo predates Biden’s presidency.
Info about a national security threat obtained by the intelligence committee, reportedly about Russian space nukes, could be declassified. We VERIFY how.
Alaskapox, which was identified in 2015, is a rare orthopoxvirus related to smallpox. An elderly man in Alaska is the first reported person to die of the virus.
Romance scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites, apps and social media to trick people into sending them money after gaining their affection and trust.
No, the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doesn’t have built-in tax increases for 2023
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a tax reform law signed by Trump, does not include yearly income-based tax increases like viral social media posts suggest.
Nevada’s Republican presidential primary winner won’t get any delegates
Nevada is holding both a Republican primary and a caucus. But only the caucus, which former President Trump is registered as a candidate for, actually counts.
This video does not show tanks at the Texas border
Online posts falsely claim a video shows tanks in Texas amid the state’s border clash with the Biden administration. The video was actually taken in Chile.
Texas not defying Supreme Court order at US-Mexico border
Viral social media posts claim Texas is violating federal law by continuing to lay razor wire along the Rio Grande in open defiance of a recent Supreme Court order.
Several VERIFY readers asked if Trump can run for and serve two more terms if he is reelected as president in 2024. He can’t due to term limits in the Constitution.
No, the federal minimum wage is not scheduled to increase in 2024
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 isn’t increasing in 2024. But Arizona, California, New York and other U.S. states are increasing their minimum wages as of Jan. 1.
Bankruptcy doesn’t prevent Giuliani from paying civil damages
Giuliani filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay election workers over $1 million for defamation. He will likely still have to pay, despite Chapter 11 filing
Yes, you can bring homemade holiday foods on a plane
Christmas travel 2023: You can bring food on plane – cooked or uncooked hams, cookies, pies, stuffing as carry-on. Gravy, cranberry sauce in a checked bag.
People who enter the U.S. illegally are not being given $5,000 gift cards
A VERIFY reader asked if migrants receive gift cards, cell phones and plane tickets, as U.S. Senate candidate Mark Lamb claims. Here’s why those claims are false.
Yes, discounted shipping partner websites like Pirate Ship and Shippo are legit
Pirate Ship and Shippo are legitimate websites that partner with the USPS to offer shipping services at discounted rates. Here’s how you can save money.
Text messages that claim to be giveaway from YouTuber MrBeast are scams
YouTuber MrBeast says that posts using his name and image for giveaways are scams. The fake messages and posts online actually seek to steal your money.
Romance scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites, apps and social media to trick people into sending them money after gaining their affection and trust.
Some Google search ads can be used by scammers to redirect to scam sites
Scammers can disguise malicious links within ads at the top of Google search results, even though it violates the company’s rules. Here’s what to look out for.
There is no spending allowance from a free health insurance plan
The ACA marketplace’s open enrollment season is also open season for scammers, who look to prey on people overwhelmed by the health insurance marketplace.
Chain messages warning of WhatsApp cyberattacks linked to Israel-Hamas war images are a hoax
A viral chain message warning about a cyberattack linked to Israel-Hamas war images on WhatsApp is a hoax. Similar hoaxes have spread online prior to the war.
Viral facebook posts about Amber Alert for girl named Bella Heather are fake
Facebook posts about missing 5-year-old Bella Heather are fake. The identical text seen in the posts, fake image and spam-like nature are telltale signs of a bait-an
Some sites advertising Bed Bath and Beyond sales are scams
In April, Bed, Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy and closed hundreds of stores. Scammers have since been using store branding to steal your personal information.
No, the IRS is not sending emails to taxpayers about a third round of economic impact payments
The IRS is not sending emails to taxpayers about a third round of economic impact payments because it does not initiate contact via email. This is a phishing scam.
No, power tool liquidation sale posts on Facebook aren’t legit
Facebook posts advertising cheap, liquidation sales of DEWALT and Milwaukee Tool sets are a scam. Home Depot and Lowes value them at hundreds of dollars.
Yes, thieves can steal your money by rewriting checks left in your mailbox
Check washing, when someone steals checks from the mail and erases everything but your signature to get a blank check, has become a popular form of fraud.
Yes, this GoFundMe is really associated with Damar Hamlin
Fans have raised millions in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's toy drive after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a football game against the Bengals.
3 immediate steps to protect yourself after falling victim to a scam
Scammers can call, email or send text messages to get money or personal information. If you gave them your credit card, bank, or other info, here is how to lock your
How to spot mobile payment app scams on Zelle, Venmo, PayPal and Cash App
Mobile peer-to-peer payment app scams are on the rise as more Americans use contactless payment options. Here are a few ways to identify and avoid payment app scams.
Scammers claiming to offer student loan forgiveness are on the rise following Biden’s student debt relief announcement. Here are 3 ways to spot these scams.
The FTC settlement with On Point Global is real and not a scam
On Point Global is obligated to give consumers refunds after it settled with the FTC. Some consumers were mailed postcards to inform them of their eligibility.
A VERIFY viewer recently received an email claiming he was a winner of the “Facebook lottery promotion.” This is one of the most common scams on Facebook.
Should you start taking your allergy medicine before spring begins? Is honey an effective remedy for symptoms? We VERIFY answers to common questions about spring all
What we can VERIFY about claims of pesticides in oats
A study found oat products like Cheerios and Quaker Oats had traces of a chemical that may affect fertility in animals. But the levels were far below EPA limits.
Amid an uptick in measles outbreaks, some people claim adults born before 1989 need an MMR booster. The recommendation changed that year from one to two shots.
A total solar eclipse will sweep across North America on April 8, 2024. Looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes. Here are tips on how to protect them.
Alaskapox, which was identified in 2015, is a rare orthopoxvirus related to smallpox. An elderly man in Alaska is the first reported person to die of the virus.
There is no evidence of a new illness causing lingering coughs in the U.S.
Do you have a hacking cough that’s been hanging on for weeks? Here’s what to know about viruses that can cause a lingering cough and when to see a doctor.
No, Tyson Foods did not announce a plan to add insects to food for people
Tyson Foods and Protix, an insect protein company, entered into a partnership to build an insect ingredient facility in the U.S. to produce animal feed and pet food.
No, the average body temperature is not 98.6 degrees
Studies have found the average body temperature is actually below 98.6 degrees. A normal temperature also varies based on factors like your age and health.
No, drinking alcohol doesn’t help you stay warm in cold weather
Drinking an alcoholic beverage does not help keep you warm when it’s cold outside. It actually cools you down instead. This widely held belief is a myth.
It’s a myth that cold or rainy weather can cause a cold. Instead, colds are minor infections of the nose and throat caused by more than 200 different viruses.
There is an increased risk of getting a heart attack if you shovel snow
Snow shoveling can put strain on anyone’s heart, but people with health conditions or those who don’t exercise regularly are especially at risk of a heart attack.
The respiratory dog illness is not spreading to cats or humans
Experts say they haven’t seen cases of the potentially fatal dog illness spreading to other species, and in general dog illnesses rarely spread to humans or cats.
There is no spending allowance from a free health insurance plan
The ACA marketplace’s open enrollment season is also open season for scammers, who look to prey on people overwhelmed by the health insurance marketplace.
There’s no evidence cranberry juice can treat a UTI, but it could help prevent one
Studies show a substance in cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder and causing a UTI. There’s no evidence cranberry can treat one.
There is a proposal to ban chemical hair straighteners with formaldehyde
The Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule that would ban formaldehyde as an ingredient in chemical hair straightening and smoothing products sold in the U.S.
A new California law doesn’t ban Skittles. Here’s what the California Food Safety Act says about red dye No. 3, brominated vegetable oil and titanium dioxide.
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot together
October is the ‘sweet spot’ for getting flu shots, and for many people it can be convenient to combine their flu and COVID vaccines into one appointment.
No, people affected by Camp Lejeune's toxic water don’t need a lawyer to file a compensation claim
The PACT Act allows people who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 to seek financial compensation. Here’s how.
Florida Surgeon General’s claim that the updated COVID vaccines weren’t clinically tested, including on humans, is misleading
The Florida Surgeon General misleadingly claimed there are no human trials for the new mRNA COVID XBB boosters. Here’s how the manufacturers tested them.
No, the Biden administration is not banning gas cars in the U.S.
The EPA proposed a rule that would require up to two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric by 2032. But the agency is not banning all gas cars.
Migrants traveling to the U.S. border have been given maps by the Red Cross
A U.S. border map pictured in a viral meme was distributed as part of a safety pamphlet. The Red Cross tells VERIFY they 'neither prevent nor encourage migration.'
No, the president can’t completely close the border via executive order
Trump and other U.S. lawmakers claim Biden could close the border with an executive order. But experts say the president can’t shut down the border to everyone.
iPhone's Journal app will not reveal your name and location to strangers
A new iPhone feature can suggest journaling topics based on nearby people who are in your contact list. It does not share your name or location with those people.
ATF has not updated its policy to allow ‘illegal’ immigrants to buy guns in the U.S.
A viral video falsely claims ATF has updated its background check policy with an exemption that allows “illegal” immigrants to buy guns. Here are the facts.
Amid an uptick in measles outbreaks, some people claim adults born before 1989 need an MMR booster. The recommendation changed that year from one to two shots.
This viral post falsely claims ‘illegal migration’ has grown tenfold in seven years
A viral post misleadingly claims that “illegal” immigration grew tenfold over a seven-year period from 2017 to 2023. Here's what the federal data actually show.
In 2025, Wendy's plans to implement dynamic pricing
Wendy’s clarified that it has “no plans” to raise prices during peak hours after its CEO said the company would test a dynamic pricing model at its restaurants.
Text messages that claim to be giveaway from YouTuber MrBeast are scams
YouTuber MrBeast says that posts using his name and image for giveaways are scams. The fake messages and posts online actually seek to steal your money.
EO 9066 not from Biden, offered no gift cards to migrants
IMMIGRATION
No, Biden didn't sign an executive order that gives gift cards to migrants entering the U.S. illegally
Executive Order 9066 was issued 82 years ago by Pr
Posts claiming an immigrant named 'Sahil Omar' was behind the Kansas City parade shooting are false
Posts falsely claim a 44-year-old immigrant was behind the Kansas City Super Bowl parade shooting and other crimes. There’s no evidence Sahil Omar exists.
No, George Washington Carver didn’t invent peanut butter
George Washington Carver, an agricultural scientist known as “The Peanut Man,” did not invent peanut butter, although he is often credited with creating it.
A picture of a migrant caravan wasn't taken during Biden's presidency
A photo shared by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) appearing to show a migrant caravan includes an “I Did That” Biden meme. But the photo predates Biden’s presidency.
Alaskapox, which was identified in 2015, is a rare orthopoxvirus related to smallpox. An elderly man in Alaska is the first reported person to die of the virus.
Romance scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites, apps and social media to trick people into sending them money after gaining their affection and trust.
Yes, some car manufacturers are selling cars without AM radio
People on social media have expressed outrage over the removal of broadcast AM radio from cars, claiming that it’s an effort to silence conservative talk shows.
No, the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doesn’t have built-in tax increases for 2023
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a tax reform law signed by Trump, does not include yearly income-based tax increases like viral social media posts suggest.
A viral video claims eating leftover rice can cause food poisoning. But we can VERIFY rice refrigerated within two hours of cooking is perfectly safe to eat.
This video does not show tanks at the Texas border
Online posts falsely claim a video shows tanks in Texas amid the state’s border clash with the Biden administration. The video was actually taken in Chile.
No, the Eiffel Tower did not recently catch on fire
A viral TikTok video has spawned rumors that the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, caught fire, but that’s not true. The flames in that video were made with CGI.
No, Chick-fil-A doesn’t charge more for drive-thru orders than inside the restaurant
Chick-fil-A does not charge more for drive-thru orders over inside orders like a viral post claims. VERIFY found that prices are the same for both ordering options.
Space heaters plugged into extension cords or power strips can be a fire hazard
Safety experts say it’s unsafe to plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. It’s not safe to leave a space heater on overnight, either.
Facebook messages warning businesses their page will be deleted are a scam
Messages to Facebook business page administrators claim the page will be deleted due to trademark infringement. The messages contain suspicious links and are a scam.