An old PETA video that’s resurfaced online alleges that Butterball employees abused turkeys. But those turkeys aren’t recalled ahead of Thanksgiving 2024.
Italian village is offering $1 homes to Americans after election
Ollolai, the Italian village courting Americans, is one of many Italian villages to offer people from around the world $1 homes over the past few years.
Social Security cannot be changed unilaterally by the president
VERIFY readers asked if the president can change Social Security. Its tax rate and benefits are set by law, so it would take an act of Congress to change them.
Some black plastic items are made from recycled electronics
Items made from black plastics, like spatulas, toys and take-out containers, may contain harmful chemicals from recycled electronics. We VERIFY data on health risks.
Once he becomes President, Trump will have the authority to pardon Jan. 6 rioters
After Trump made many comments throughout his campaign about pardoning Jan. 6 rioters, people are wondering if it's possible for him to do so once he’s president.
What we can VERIFY about Trump’s plan to close the U.S. Department of Education
Donald Trump cannot end birthright citizenship by executive order. Amending the Constitution would require congressional action and ratification by the states.
No, the president cannot end birthright citizenship by executive order
Donald Trump cannot end birthright citizenship by executive order. Amending the Constitution would require congressional action and ratification by the states.
Data from period-tracking apps is not protected under HIPAA
HIPAA applies to covered entities, like health care providers that conduct electronic transactions — not the vast majority of apps that track periods and pregnancy.
Here's what we can verify about Oprah's production company getting payment from the Harris campaign
Viral online posts suggest Harris paid Oprah for an endorsement. But Oprah says the payment to her production company was to cover the costs of hosting a town hall.
No evidence that Elon Musk’s Starlink technology was used to interfere with the election
Contrary to online claims, there’s no evidence Elon Musk’s Starlink internet hacked voting machines and manipulated vote counts as part of an election fraud scheme.
Trump is not creating a new government agency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
Trump has announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead "DOGE," but it’s not a new federal agency and the two men won't be government employees.
Did Hamas call for end to war after Trump’s election?
Hamas called for an end to Israeli fighting in Gaza, but did not offer surrender. It’s also done this before Trump was elected, when Biden was president.
House GOP didn't introduce bill reducing Social Security payments
Readers asked us to VERIFY claims that House Republicans introduced a bill to cut Social Security payments for people who get pensions or disability. That's false.
No, NATO didn’t say the U.S. would be expelled if ‘Trump surrenders Ukraine to Putin’
Mark Rutte didn’t say if Trump ‘surrenders Ukraine to Putin’ the U.S. would be kicked out of NATO. A viral quote is fake. Rutte congratulated Trump on being elected.
No, a president cannot unilaterally appoint most cabinet members
Donald Trump’s possible cabinet secretary appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or Elon Musk, must be approved by the Senate in a simple majority vote.
Claims that nearly 20 million votes are unaccounted for are false
The “unaccounted for” votes are still being counted. Most are in states where one candidate is already projected to win and will not change the election results.
Trump NY conviction: can’t pardon self as president
Manhattan Judge Merchan will sentence Trump in hush money case for 34 violations of state law. The Constitution only permits presidential pardons for federal crimes.
Online searches for “move to Canada” are spiking after the election, with some people wondering if they can buy Canadian citizenship. Here’s why that’s not possible.
Here's what happens to unspent presidential campaign funds
Presidential candidates have to follow many of the same rules other federal candidates do when it comes to campaign funds, but they do have a few unique exceptions.
Chain message about KKK threatening Georgia voters isn't legit
“Hateful discourse such as this aims to instill fear in the community and disrupt us from exercising our constitutional rights,” the sheriff’s office said.
Are thousands of votes being cast on behalf of dead people?
It’s a common misconception that votes are being cast on behalf of dead people. But we can VERIFY there’s no widespread evidence of this actually happening.
No, you can’t change your vote after your ballot has been processed
Some people online who voted early in the 2024 presidential election are wondering if they can change their vote. You can’t if your ballot has been processed.
Social Security cannot be changed unilaterally by the president
VERIFY readers asked if the president can change Social Security. Its tax rate and benefits are set by law, so it would take an act of Congress to change them.
What we can VERIFY about Trump’s plan to close the U.S. Department of Education
Donald Trump cannot end birthright citizenship by executive order. Amending the Constitution would require congressional action and ratification by the states.
No, the president cannot end birthright citizenship by executive order
Donald Trump cannot end birthright citizenship by executive order. Amending the Constitution would require congressional action and ratification by the states.
Data from period-tracking apps is not protected under HIPAA
HIPAA applies to covered entities, like health care providers that conduct electronic transactions — not the vast majority of apps that track periods and pregnancy.
No evidence that Elon Musk’s Starlink technology was used to interfere with the election
Contrary to online claims, there’s no evidence Elon Musk’s Starlink internet hacked voting machines and manipulated vote counts as part of an election fraud scheme.
Trump is not creating a new government agency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
Trump has announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead "DOGE," but it’s not a new federal agency and the two men won't be government employees.
Did Hamas call for end to war after Trump’s election?
Hamas called for an end to Israeli fighting in Gaza, but did not offer surrender. It’s also done this before Trump was elected, when Biden was president.
No, a president cannot unilaterally appoint most cabinet members
Donald Trump’s possible cabinet secretary appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or Elon Musk, must be approved by the Senate in a simple majority vote.
Trump NY conviction: can’t pardon self as president
Manhattan Judge Merchan will sentence Trump in hush money case for 34 violations of state law. The Constitution only permits presidential pardons for federal crimes.
No, you can’t change your vote after your ballot has been processed
Some people online who voted early in the 2024 presidential election are wondering if they can change their vote. You can’t if your ballot has been processed.
No, people cannot see who you voted for after an election
While people can look up your voter registration information, they cannot see who you voted for because it’s private and protected under law in all 50 states.
Kamala Harris claims about cutting the flow of fentanyl by half are false
On ‘The View’ and ‘60 Minutes,’ Harris said fentanyl flow was cut in half. Her campaign said she was speaking to border patrol seizures, which have doubled.
Fact-checking misleading Harris claim about billionaire tax rates
VP Kamala Harris said on 60 Minutes that teachers, nurses, and firefighters have higher tax rates than billionaires. Here’s what the tax code actually says.
No, Trump’s absence from the Oregon voters’ pamphlet does not represent ‘election interference’
Viral social posts falsely claim former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance do not appear in the Oregon voter’s guide due to alleged election interference.
Claims that FEMA workers are being hunted by militia in North Carolina are false
Posts online that say a militia is hunting FEMA workers in North Carolina are false. Police officers arrested a man who made comments about threatening FEMA workers.
Florida isn’t making people pay tolls on Hurricane Milton evacuation routes
A viral post falsely claims Florida is making people pay tolls on Hurricane Milton evacuation routes. Florida is suspending them across the state as people evacuate.
No, there is no such thing as a Category 6 hurricane
While some people theorized Hurricane Milton might reach Category 6, no such rating exists. The hurricane Saffir-Simpson scale only goes up to Category 5.
Claim that the Biden administration allowed 13,000 immigrants convicted of murder to enter and roam the U.S. freely is misleading
Donald Trump is pointing to ICE data to suggest the Biden administration is letting migrants who have committed murder go free. But the data is being misinterpreted.
No, Project 2025 doesn’t recommend eliminating FEMA, but it does recommend making major changes
Project 2025 calls for reforms to FEMA, like privatizing the National Flood Insurance Program, cutting grant programs and shifting more costs on local jurisdictions.
Ronald Reagan not last union member to run on presidential ticket
Tim Walz, a member of a teachers union, falsely claimed no union member has run on the national ticket since Ronald Reagan. Donald Trump was SAG-AFTRA member.
What we can VERIFY about the second Trump assassination attempt
Former President Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt at his golf course in West Palm Beach. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested.
Trump's campaign has several unpaid bills in multiple cities
VERIFY found that Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has unpaid bills in at least six cities for costs associated with his campaign events over the years.
After the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, posts claimed people can carry guns without a permit or license in the state. That’s true.
Online searches for “move to Canada” are spiking after the election, with some people wondering if they can buy Canadian citizenship. Here’s why that’s not possible.
Here's what happens to unspent presidential campaign funds
Presidential candidates have to follow many of the same rules other federal candidates do when it comes to campaign funds, but they do have a few unique exceptions.
Is Elon Musk’s $1 million PAC petition giveaway illegal? Depends on who you ask
Elon Musk is pledging to give $1 million a day to voters for signing his PAC’s petition. Here’s what election law experts say about the giveaway’s legality.
Fact-checking misleading Harris claim about billionaire tax rates
VP Kamala Harris said on 60 Minutes that teachers, nurses, and firefighters have higher tax rates than billionaires. Here’s what the tax code actually says.
Elon’s Starlink promise to Helene, Milton victims misleading
The SpaceX company promised a free month of satellite internet connection to hurricane victims in Florida and North Carolina, but for most it will cost hundreds.
Is GEICO canceling insurance coverage on Tesla Cybertrucks?
Viral posts falsely claim Geico is terminating insurance coverage of Tesla Cybertrucks because the vehicle doesn’t meet the company’s underwriting guidelines.
We look into two claims that say FEMA is only giving out $750 grants to Hurricane Helene survivors and that it is not a grant, but a loan that needs to be paid back.
Did FEMA run out of money because it's helping migrants?
FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and its migrant initiative are appropriated through separate funding streams. Replenishing the disaster fund requires an act of Congress.
The software company agreed to settle a class action lawsuit over claims it tracked and shared customers’ data without their consent. Here’s who may be eligible.
Trump's campaign has several unpaid bills in multiple cities
VERIFY found that Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has unpaid bills in at least six cities for costs associated with his campaign events over the years.
Biden-Harris unrealized gains tax would not impact most Americans
Biden’s proposed unrealized gains tax only targets Americans worth at least $100 million. Most Americans wouldn’t be taxed when their home’s value increases.
Project 2025’s proposals for Medicaid and Medicare: What we can VERIFY
Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation plan to transform the government during a conservative administration, proposes cuts to Medicaid and changes to Medicare.
Yes, it’s safe to use Login.gov to access Social Security accounts online
Social Security recipients must update online login to access benefit, payment info. Login.gov and ID.me are legit and will be the only ways to log into my Social Se
No, Project 2025 doesn’t propose eliminating overtime pay
Project 2025 recommends overtime pay adjustments and calls on Congress to amend federal overtime rules, but it doesn’t advocate for the elimination of overtime pay.
Does Project 2025 want to eliminate Social Security benefits?
Project 2025 doesn’t propose ending Social Security retirement and disability benefits. But the Heritage Foundation has proposed some changes to the program.
Here's what we can verify about if politicians can use campaign funds to pay legal bills
Many VERIFY readers have asked us if former President Trump is allowed to use campaign funds to pay his legal bills. Here's why the answer isn’t clear-cut.
There isn't a nationwide ban on landlords charging three months' rent as security deposit
A California law limits security deposits to one month’s rent beginning July 1 for most rentals. This law isn’t nationwide, although many states have similar laws.
We VERIFY whether athletes get paid to go to the Olympics
The International Olympic Committee says it doesn’t issue prize money for the games. Instead, each nation can decide whether it wants to compensate its athletes.
Despite many false claims, the IRS is not sending out additional stimulus checks. Suspicious ‘content farm’ sites appear to be fueling a recent Google search trend.
Raising Social Security tax cap for high-income earners would help, but not fix, its shrinking reserves
Would taxing more income from the rich fix Social Security’s financial problems and delay benefit cuts? It would help, but it wouldn't completely fix the issues.
Social Security’s retirement trust fund is expected to run out in 2033, according to the 2024 Trustees report. But that doesn’t mean the program will go broke.
No, veterans are not receiving a $3,000 federal stimulus check
Veterans will not be receiving a $3,000 stimulus check in 2024 from Veterans Affairs. Veterans received a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment in 2024, not a stimulus chec
DOT airline rules require these automatic flight refunds
The DOT announced new rules that require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights if travelers choose not to rebook.
A viral post falsely claims Florida is making people pay tolls on Hurricane Milton evacuation routes. Florida is suspending them across the state as people evacuate.
We share some tips on how to spot hurricane-related scams
Scammers often prey on vulnerable people in need of help after a hurricane. Here are tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scam during hurricane season.
Phone calls threatening arrest for skipping jury duty are scams
“If someone calls and threatens you to pay them to not be arrested for missing jury duty, you are being scammed,” U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg said.
Did you get an email about debt relief from the “Student-Loan Debt Department” after the White House’s latest debt relief plan announcement? Here’s why it’s a scam.
No, the National Do Not Call Registry does not stop all unsolicited phone calls
Unsolicited political or charity calls, surveys are still allowed if the number is on Do Not Call Registry. The list only blocks sales calls and illegal robocalls.
No, ‘Sugar Defender’ supplements cannot cure diabetes
Ads suggest a “Tom Green’s Sugar Defender” helped over 100,000 stabilize blood sugar and “overcome” diabetes. It cannot cure diabetes and is an all-natural scam.
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
An old PETA video that’s resurfaced online alleges that Butterball employees abused turkeys. But those turkeys aren’t recalled ahead of Thanksgiving 2024.
Some black plastic items are made from recycled electronics
Items made from black plastics, like spatulas, toys and take-out containers, may contain harmful chemicals from recycled electronics. We VERIFY data on health risks.
Data from period-tracking apps is not protected under HIPAA
HIPAA applies to covered entities, like health care providers that conduct electronic transactions — not the vast majority of apps that track periods and pregnancy.
Posts suggesting the Biden administration is forcing states to fund health care costs for migrants are misleading
The Biden administration finalized a rule to make it easier for DACA recipients to get health care, but the rule doesn’t apply to all undocumented immigrants.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations enacted $35 insulin price caps for certain Medicare recipients. Trump’s was first, but Biden’s applies to more people.
A health advisory about the COVID-19 xbb variant has not been issued by the CDC
Several VERIFY readers asked us to look into Facebook posts claiming to show a CDC advisory about the XBB subvariant of COVID-19. Here’s what we found.
Project 2025’s proposals for Medicaid and Medicare: What we can VERIFY
Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation plan to transform the government during a conservative administration, proposes cuts to Medicaid and changes to Medicare.
Are knockoff Ozempic, other weight-loss drugs safe?
The best thing you can do to protect your electronics from damage is to unplug them before severe weather — even if they’re connected to a surge protector.
Yes, there is a canned coffee recall in the U.S. due to botulism risk
Snapchill Coffee, a company responsible for manufacturing hundreds of canned coffee drinks in the U.S., voluntarily recalled all of its products over botulism risk.
Celsius energy drink is not banned by the NCAA and at the Olympics
Some headlines and posts claim the NCAA and Olympics have banned athletes from consuming Celsius energy drinks because of their ingredients. Here’s why that’s false.
No, HIPAA does not protect all of your private medical information
HIPAA is a federal law that restricts the release of medical information without a person’s consent, but it doesn’t protect all of your private medical information.
What we can VERIFY about the safest places in your home during a tornado
A basement is the safest place during a tornado. But what if you live in a home without one, an apartment or a mobile home? Here’s what to know about safety.
Minnesota bill wouldn't allow people to be bought and sold
Viral videos have led some people to believe that a Minnesota bill would legalize slavery. It would actually establish a legal framework for surrogacy agreements.
A proposed federal rule would regulate portable gas-powered generators’ carbon monoxide safety systems. An industry group says that could cause a temporary shortage.
Yes, weather-related pressure changes can impact your joints
VERIFYing the correlation between pressure changes and joint pain, how change in weather pattern/pressure increase or decrease can cause discomfort in joints.
“Using hormonal birth control doesn’t affect your ability to have a baby in the future,” Miriam Cremer, M.D., women’s health specialist at the Cleveland Clinic says.
There is no evidence anyone has gotten the bird flu from eating eggs. Experts say fully cooking eggs reduces the risk of illnesses like the bird flu and salmonella.
We VERIFY whether you can brush your teeth, wash dishes or shower during a boil water advisory, and if it’s safe to drink filtered water that isn’t boiled.
No, ‘Sugar Defender’ supplements cannot cure diabetes
Ads suggest a “Tom Green’s Sugar Defender” helped over 100,000 stabilize blood sugar and “overcome” diabetes. It cannot cure diabetes and is an all-natural scam.
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.
Understanding ballot marking rules | Expert Interview with Jeanette Senecal of the League of Women Voters
Jeanette Senecal is the senior director of Mission Impact for the League of Women Voters and discusses ballots and what to expect from this upcoming election.
Preparing to safely view a solar eclipse | Expert Interview with Justin Kates of the International Association of Emergency Managers
Justin Kates of the International Association of Emergency Managers’ U.S. Council. He explains why states have emergency preparations ahead of the solar eclipse.
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.
