📰 PolitiFact · 40
United StatesVance on the clock with Iran deal under fire
Vice President Kamala Harris is now officially on the clock to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that failed to extract significant concessions from Tehran. Harris defended President Trump's preliminary deal during a White House briefing, stating that the 60-day clock for further talks would begin today. She attempted to downplay controversial provisions of the MOU, including the immediate lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the eventual creation of a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. Harris was scheduled to travel to Geneva,
Juneteenth becomes America's quiet holiday as DEI goes underground
Juneteenth continues to be observed as a federal holiday despite the decline in corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following 2020. While some cities have scaled back or canceled events due to reduced sponsorships and funding, the holiday remains in place and cannot be unilaterally revoked by the president. Former President Donald Trump has taken symbolic steps to reduce its prominence, such as removing it from the National Park Service's free-entry calendar and declining to issue a Juneteenth proclamation in 2025.
Graham Platner - Yes, Collins usually votes with Trump, as Platner said. But she broke with him at key moments.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, typically votes in alignment with former President Donald Trump, supporting his positions approximately 95% of the time in 2025, according to CQ Roll Call. This figure was slightly lower during Trump's first term, at around 90%. Despite this alignment, Collins has occasionally opposed Trump on significant issues. Her campaign emphasizes bipartisan values, reflected by the frequent use of the term 'bipartisan' on her official website. However, her Democratic opponent, Graham Platner, criticized her for being a 'rubber stamp' for Trump, questioning
Alleged mastermind behind foiled UFC terror plot is an Obama-era 'Dreamer' in U.S. illegally
The Department of Homeland Security announced that Abraham Alvarez, an undocumented Mexican national who benefited from the Obama-era DACA program, was the alleged mastermind behind a foiled terror plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. Alvarez entered the U.S. in 2001 on a tourist visa, which expired, but he remained in the country. He was granted deferred action under DACA in 2014. Prosecutors allege Alvarez planned to attack President Trump and other high-profile individuals using explosive drones and snipers. Four other suspects were also charged in connection with a
Mike Collins wins Georgia GOP Senate runoff, setting up major clash with Jon Ossoff
Georgia Rep. Mike Collins won the Republican primary runoff against former football coach Derek Dooley, securing the GOP nomination to face Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in the general election. Collins received a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which played a significant role in his victory. The primary became a contentious battle between Governor Brian Kemp, who supported Dooley, and Trump, who endorsed Collins. Collins' campaign faced internal challenges, including an incident involving a top aide who posted a vulgar comment online, though Collins distanced himself from
Gas dips below $4 a gallon after months of pump pain
The U.S. national average gas price has fallen below $4 a gallon, according to AAA, marking a decrease after months of high prices linked to tensions in Iran. The drop follows reports of an extended ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which aims to ease oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this, U.S. pump prices are expected to stay above pre-war levels. Diesel prices remain above $5 per gallon but have also decreased from recent peaks. The article notes that while gas prices have eased, President Trump faces continued political challenges related to the issue, as manyU
The Best Way To Keep Data Centers From Driving Up Electricity Costs
The article discusses public opposition to data centers due to concerns about rising electricity costs and resource usage. It references a poll showing widespread disapproval of building new data centers near residential areas. While acknowledging that data centers do not consume significant amounts of drinking water, the article notes ongoing debate about their impact on electricity prices. It cites research indicating a slight, statistically insignificant correlation between data centers and rising electricity prices, while also noting instances where new data centers coincide with lower电价.
Bernie Sanders - Social Security tax rules mean Elon Musk could pay the same or less than someone making $184,500
The article explains that Social Security taxes are applied only to the first $184,500 of income, meaning high-income individuals such as Elon Musk do not pay these taxes on earnings beyond this threshold. It notes that Musk's wealth comes primarily from stock holdings rather than wages, which are not subject to Social Security taxes. Senator Bernie Sanders highlighted this issue, stating that Musk pays the same amount into Social Security as someone earning $184,500.
Kenzie Annis - ‘Love Island USA’ fact-check: Is 20/30 vision better than 20/13 vision?
The article discusses a fact-check regarding a statement made by Kenzie Annis on 'Love Island USA' about vision scores. Annis claimed that having 20/30 vision means she can see at 30 feet what someone with average vision can see at 20 feet. The article clarifies that 20/30 vision indicates worse-than-average eyesight and explains that 20/20 is considered standard vision. It also mentions that Caleb McDaniel mentioned having 20/13 vision, which is better than average.
B-52 bomber crash kills 8 at Edwards Air Force base in California, military officials confirm
A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California, resulting in the deaths of all eight individuals on board. Military officials confirmed the incident occurred during a routine test mission. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where aerial footage showed significant damage to the aircraft. The identities of those killed include government contractors and military personnel, with Boeing confirming two of its employees were among the victims. No survivors were expected based on the footage reviewed by officials. The cause of the crash remains underinvest
Fact-checking Seth Moulton and John Deaton in Massachusetts U.S. Senate debate
PolitiFact fact-checked claims made by U.S. Senate candidates Seth Moulton (Democrat) and John Deaton (Republican) during a rare cross-party primary debate in Massachusetts. The article notes that neither candidate is currently holding office, though both are veterans. Moulton has served in Congress since 2014, while Deaton ran against Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2024. Current Senator Ed Markey, who is not participating in the primary, was frequently targeted during the debate.
Steve Robinson - Is Graham Platner’s oyster farm ‘totally fake’? Fact-checking attack on Senate candidate from Maine
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner's oyster farming business was established in 2018, and he received a grant in 2021 to purchase equipment. He has held aquaculture leases from the state since at least 2021. Steven Robinson, editor-in-chief of Maine Wire, claimed Platner's oyster business is 'a campaign prop' and 'totally fake,' arguing it was created after his Senate campaign website launched.
UFC fighter Josh Hokit pummelled in the media for disparaging Michelle Obama
UFC fighter Josh Hokit faced significant backlash after making an inflammatory comment about Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview on the White House lawn. Hokit, who had just defeated Derrick Lewis and presented President Trump with a gold chain, remarked, 'And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?' The comment drew immediate criticism from various figures, including UFC CEO Dana White, comedian Shane Gillis, and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. White stated he was against spreading 'nasty and false things' about people's families and distanced himself from Hō
America’s 250th anniversary compared with its 200th: Measuring the mood in 1976 and now
The article compares the mood of the United States during its 200th anniversary in 1976 with its current state ahead of the 250th anniversary. It highlights similarities such as inflation, cultural conflicts, political turmoil, and economic instability. Historians note parallels between events like the Vietnam War and the current situation involving Iran, as well as comparisons between former President Richard Nixon and current President Donald Trump.
The Kennedy Center drops 'Trump' branding as Bill Maher’s Twain Award guests are revealed
Bill Maher is scheduled to receive the Mark Twain Award for American Humor at the Kennedy Center on June 28. Guest speakers include John Mellencamp, Jay Leno, and Whitney Cummings. The Kennedy Center has removed 'Trump' from its branding following a court ruling that deemed the addition of Trump's name illegal. A federal judge stated that only Congress can change the center's name, which was originally named after President John F. Kennedy.
Trump called the 2026 World Cup history’s ‘most successful.’ Problems cloud ticket sales
The article examines whether the 2026 World Cup has sold more tickets than any previous World Cup, questioning if it is indeed 'history's most successful' as claimed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump - Donald Trump wrong about rarity of Republicans winning in Nassau County, NY
The article states that 'No Republican wins in Nassau,' referring to the claim made by Donald Trump regarding the rarity of Republicans winning in Nassau County, NY.
Would North Carolina bill allow the ‘murder’ of birth control users? Vague bill likely to stall
A proposed constitutional amendment in North Carolina seeks to define life as beginning at fertilization and grant individuals the right to defend the unborn—potentially through deadly force. The bill has faced criticism, with some arguing it could be interpreted as allowing violence against those using birth control. However, the bill lacks specific definitions and is considered vague, leading to skepticism about its chances of passing.
Sometimes fighting dangerous pests like screwworms and mosquitoes means sterilizing bugs
Scientists sometimes release sterilized male insects to breed with females in the wild, producing no viable offspring. This method aims to reduce harmful pest populations by interrupting their reproduction cycle. The technique has been used for over 50 years to combat agricultural pests and is now being explored for controlling disease-spreading insects. While effective, it is costly and not a one-time solution.
Traveling this summer? Tips on how to avoid getting sick
The article provides general health and safety tips for travelers, emphasizing the importance of researching public health advisories, getting necessary vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and being aware of symptoms during travel. It includes a personal anecdote about the author's experience with their grandmother falling ill during a trip, highlighting the importance of preparedness and timely medical attention.
California is still counting votes from June 2. Is distrust in elections the result?
California's primary election on June 2 resulted in delayed official results due to the high volume of mail-in ballots and verification processes. The state typically experiences prolonged vote counts, which some experts argue could erode public confidence in the electoral system. President Donald Trump has criticized California's election procedures, adding to concerns about trust in the process. As of recent updates, Democrat Xavier Becerra leads in the gubernatorial race, while Mayor Karen Bass advances in the mayoral contest.
X posts - No, Spencer Pratt didn’t get zero votes in a 24,000-vote Los Angeles mayor ballot update
PolitiFact fact-checked a claim that Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt received zero votes in a 24,000-vote update during the June 2 mayoral primary. The article explains that a lag in automated data reporting by the Associated Press initially omitted Pratt's results, leading to misinformation. The full data later showed Pratt received 21,870 votes in the election night update.
X posts - This video of people screaming as ceiling collapses does not show June earthquake in the Philippines
A viral video showing people screaming as a ceiling collapses was falsely captioned as depicting the recent June 2024 earthquake in the Philippines. In reality, the video was recorded during a separate earthquake that occurred in November 2023. The video was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with misleading text, leading to widespread misinformation.
Social Media - Image of a blue-haired person does not show ‘California voter’ committing fraud; it’s AI-generated
An AI-generated image depicting a blue-haired individual was falsely claimed to show a 'California voter' committing ballot harvesting fraud. The image contains a visible watermark indicating it was created using Google's Gemini AI tool. The article clarifies that the image is not real and was used to spread unsubstantiated claims during the California primary election.
X posts - Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman didn’t concede the race as of June 7
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman did not officially concede the mayoral primary race as of June 7. While some media outlets described her election night speech as a 'concession,' this characterization is disputed. As of June 8, Raman remains among the top two candidates eligible for the November runoff. Vote counting in California is ongoing, with county officials having until July 3 to finalize results. Some social media users, including conservative influencer Rogan O'Handley and former President Donald Trump, have claimed the process indicates election fraud.
A clinical trial shows a pill almost doubled survival for pancreatic cancer patients. Now what?
A clinical trial showed an experimental pill nearly doubled survival rates for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer compared to traditional chemotherapy. The drug is not yet FDA-approved but could become available through a special access program for patients with life-threatening conditions. Doctors anticipate potential FDA approval within months. Pancreatic cancer remains a deadly disease due to challenges in early detection and limited treatment options.
Rival TV ads in Ohio’s US Senate race play up donors’ Epstein links. Are they legit?
In Ohio's U.S. Senate race, both Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown and Republican Senator Jon Husted have run television advertisements accusing each other of accepting large donations from individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier. The ads reference the extensive federal investigation into Epstein, which released over 3.5 million pages of documents. Both candidates received funds from individuals named in these files, including Ohio billionaire Les Wexner, who had Epstein as a financial advisor. Each campaign has highlighted the other's connections to Epstein-linked donors
Ashley Hinson - In Iowa Senate race, Hinson ad distorts Turek’s stance on gender-affirming care for minors
An ad by Iowa Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson claims her Democratic opponent, state Rep. Josh Turek, supports 'sex changes' for minors. The ad references Turek's opposition to a 2023 education law requiring schools to notify parents if a student requested to use a different name or pronouns. However, the law did not address medical gender-affirming care. The ad includes footage of surgeons operating, though Hinson's campaign clarified it was not referring to gender-affirming surgeries.
CBS denies Joe Rogan to ‘60 Minutes’ rumor. Here’s how it spread.
CBS has denied reports that comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan is being considered as a replacement for Anderson Cooper on the show '60 Minutes.' The rumors originated from various online sources, including RadarOnline and the Austin-American Statesman, which initially reported the speculation before retracting the claims following a denial from CBS. A CBS News spokesperson confirmed the rumors were false.
John Kagia - Do New Yorkers consume cannabis and coffee at equal rates?
A 2024 survey found approximately 1.2 million New Yorkers aged 21 and older consume cannabis daily or near daily. This figure was compared to data on coffee consumption, though the coffee-related study included all Americans, not only New Yorkers. Other research suggests coffee purchases occur at a higher frequency than cannabis use. Cannabis has been legal for medical use in New York since 2016 and for recreational use since 2021. John Kagia, acting executive director of New York’s Office of Cannabis Management, noted the similarity between daily cannabis users and daily coffee buyers in New
Mallory McMorrow - Michigan Senate race: Is it true that no jobs were created after SOAR spent $2.5 billion?
The article discusses Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow's criticism of the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund, which allocated over $2.5 billion in corporate subsidies. According to state reports, approximately $1.3 billion has been spent, and around $2.2 billion has been awarded through the program. Companies receiving these subsidies have reportedly created 1,846 jobs. McMorrow claimed during a debate that the fund has created 'zero jobs,' despite her previous support for the initiative.
Fact-checking claims that Florida’s property tax amendment will ‘defund’ essential public services
A Republican-backed property tax amendment in Florida, which would raise the exemption threshold for primary residences from $50,000 to $150,000, has drawn criticism from Florida Democrats who warn it could lead to reduced funding for essential public services. The amendment requires a 60% voter approval to pass and faces potential legal challenges before appearing on the ballot. Democratic officials argue that the change could force local governments to increase other taxes or cut services to compensate for lost revenue.
James Talarico - Fact-checking James Talarico’s attack on Texas AG Ken Paxton about sex abuse plea deal
The article discusses a fact-check of a claim made by U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico regarding Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's handling of a plea deal involving Waco lawyer Adam Hoffman. Hoffman was accused of continuous abuse of a child, but the case resulted in a hung jury. Prosecutors, represented by Paxton's office, opted for a plea deal where Hoffman received a 29-day jail sentence and avoided registration as a sex offender. Talarico criticized this as being lenient toward sex offenders, drawing a comparison to Jeffrey Epstein.
Donald Trump - Cognitive test Trump took screens for signs of dementia, not intelligence levels
PolitiFact reports that President Donald Trump claimed he scored perfectly on a cognitive test known as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which is used to screen for cognitive impairment rather than measure intelligence. Trump stated he received a score of 30 out of 30, indicating normal cognitive function, and emphasized that no other U.S. president had taken such a test before. He also mentioned having taken the test four times with perfect scores and advocated for mandatory cognitive testing for presidential candidates.
Fact-check: What to know about US military boat strikes as death toll passes 200
The article discusses recent U.S. military actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, including the latest strike that resulted in three deaths and raised the overall death toll to 205. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended these actions during a Senate hearing, stating they were legally justified based on intelligence assessments. The U.S. Southern Command released footage of the attacks but did not provide concrete evidence linking the targeted vessels to narcotics trafficking.
Fact-checking Marco Rubio at Senate Foreign Relations Committee
PolitiFact is fact-checking Secretary of State Marco Rubio's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The hearing focuses on reviewing the State Department's fiscal year 2027 budget request, though Rubio is anticipated to address questions regarding the U.S. war against Iran.
Trump’s Freedom 250 concert on the National Mall: What happened? What’s next?
Freedom 250, a public-private partnership aimed at celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, planned a concert series on the National Mall featuring nine musical acts scheduled from June 25 to July 3. However, most of the artists withdrew from the event, citing concerns that it had become politically charged. The situation sparked online discussions and memes, particularly involving Senator Marco Rubio. The concerts were intended to be part of 'The Great American State Fair,' which included cultural showcases, livestock competitions, and other activities.
Fact-checking El-Sayed, McMorrow and Stevens in Michigan Senate debate
PolitiFact fact-checked claims made by three Democratic candidates—Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow, and Haley Stevens—during a Michigan Senate debate. The article examines specific statements regarding campaign financing, with El-Sayed asserting he has not accepted corporate funds for his campaign. The piece evaluates the accuracy of these claims using standard journalistic verification methods.
Fact-checking DeSantis: Would his plan exempt 60% of Florida homeowners from paying property taxes?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed a plan to increase the threshold for taxing primary residences, aiming to eventually eliminate property taxes for all primary homes. The plan would raise the threshold to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. A state analysis indicated that 28% of Florida's primary residences have a market value of $250,000 or below, and 76% are valued at $500,000 or below.
Do you need that vitamin? Review this checklist first
The article provides guidance on whether individuals should take vitamin supplements, emphasizing the importance of consulting a doctor, assessing dietary intake, and understanding the differences between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. It highlights that most people do not need additional vitamins unless they have specific deficiencies.