Tariffs are a “direct, regressive tax on Americans” and President Joe Biden’s new tariffs on Chinese goods will “hit every family.”

President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump will be America’s two presidential candidates in 2024 and their approaches to economic competition with China will prominently feature in the 2024 presidential debate. They each have a body of work over their first term in office to evaluate the results of their policies toward China. On the surface, their approaches are similar. Both presidents view themselves as "self-strengtheners," leaders who prioritize bolstering America’s economic prosperity. Trump adopted tariffs on Chinese imports and Biden upheld them. There also are some rhetorical through lines in how the Trump and Biden administrations have talked about economic competition with China. [...] The ensuing trade war cost the U.S. economy nearly 300,000 jobs. The tariffs served as a regressive tax on imported goods that were primarily borne by American consumers. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Columbia University found that U.S. companies lost at least $1.7 trillion in stock value from U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. [...] In an apparent nod to the political salience of Trump’s tariffs, the Biden administration has not removed or lowered the China tariffs it inherited. Even though the tariffs are inflationary, and despite the fact that Biden and members of his team slammed the tariffs during the 2020 election campaign, the tariffs remain in place. This constancy likely reflects Biden’s political instincts. Even if he lacks conviction on the policy merits of sustaining the tariffs, Biden recognizes that removing them would carry greater political costs than benefits.


Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called voter ID “racist,” calls NRA a “terrorist organization” and supports affirmative action.

Opinion, The NRA as a Terrorist Organization? San Francisco Took One Step Too Far, The Hill (Sept. 5, 2019, 12:00 PM), https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/460090-the-nra-as-a-terrorist-organization-san-francisco-took-one-step-too-far. [...] Opinion, Kennedy’s Decisions May Not Last. It Might Be His Own Fault, Wash. Post (June 28, 2018), https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/kennedys-decisions-may-not-last-it-might-be-his-own-fault/2018/06/28/e39c3298-7a87-11e8-aeee-4d04c8ac6158_story.html.


Former President Donald Trump “has the worst record of job loss of any president.”

Fact check: Pelosi says Trump has 'the worst record of job loss of any president' [...] Pelosi said April 29 that Trump "has the worst record of job loss of any president." [...] Pelosi said Trump had the worst jobs record of "any president." Hoover almost certainly fared worse, and we don’t know about earlier presidents, who served before reliable records were kept.


At one point, the ad asserts, "Trump bailed out Wall Street, but not Main Street." [...] The Lincoln Project ad says, "Trump bailed out Wall Street, but not Main Street." [...] The clearest problem with the claim is the notion in the ad that "Main Street" is not being aided. About three-quarters of the loans in the Paycheck Protection Program were made in the smallest loan size category, one that would support a business of roughly seven to 10 people.


Says gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch “worked with Scott Walker to sign five abortion restrictions into law that took away services and threatened doctors with prison time for providing safe and legal abortions.”

Perhaps Joel Kleefisch, an Oconomowoc Republican, began feeling a bit eclipsed by his wife Rebecca, a social conservative who emerged from political obscurity in 2010 to become Gov. Scott Walker’s running mate and Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor. First elected to the state legislature in 2004, Kleefisch has really come into his own in the past two years — and not in a good way. [...] Kleefisch was also caught plagiarizing in an email to members of the state Senate and Assembly regarding his proposal for the Flexibility for Working Families Bill. The email included unattributed quotes from three congressmen sponsoring the federal measure on which Kleefisch had based his own proposal. [...] Kleefisch made his biggest splash, however, with his proposal to cap the amount of child support that wealthy parents would be required to pay. People cried foul when it was reported that Michael Eisenga, a wealthy businessman and donor to both Rebecca and Joel Kleefisch, had helped draft the bill after he tried unsuccessfully in court to reduce his support payments. It also came out that the millionaire had put his children on the state’s health-care program for low-income children.


Your state will send you free infant formula if you call Enfamil and Similac customer service numbers.

The Enfamil Family Beginnings program is a way to earn rewards on Enfamil purchases, get discounts, free baby formula samples, and baby freebies! After signing up, you can receive special offers, get baby formula coupons, information, and more. [...] As a member of the Enfamil Family Beginnings® program, you may be eligible to receive free formula samples! [...] Get free baby essentials and more 1. Every motherhood journey is unique, so your Enfamil Family Beginnings experience is tailored to the information you provide and may vary from what another mom might experience. If you have questions about the program or would like more detail, our Family of Experts can help at 1-800-BABY123 between 7am-7pm CST M-F; 8am-4:30pm Sat.


Derek Chauvin had his left hand in his pocket while kneeling on George Floyd.

Fact check: Derek Chauvin did not have hand in his pocket while kneeling on George Floyd The claim: Derek Chauvin's hand was in his pocket while pinning George Floyd to the ground [...] The claim that former Officer Derek Chauvin had his hand in his pocket while kneeling on George Floyd is FALSE, based on our research. A review of the full video of the incident, along with a lightened version of the photo used in the claim, shows Chauvin was wearing a black glove on his left hand that blended in with his dark pants. The hand was actually resting on his leg and hip at various points.


Matt Gaetz stated on October 1, 2023 in an interview on ABC's "This Week" "Since the mid-'90s, this country has been governed by revolving continuing resolution and omnibus spending bill(s). … That is the reason we're $33 trillion in debt." Mike Pence stated on August 23, 2023 in a Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee "I actually pushed the Deficit Reduction Act. That was the last time we actually reduced the national debt in the United States, when I was the leader of House conservatives." TikTok posts stated on June 22, 2023 in a post A new law allows people to permanently erase unpaid debt older than two years from their credit records. Load more [...] Matt Gaetz stated on October 1, 2023 in an interview on ABC's "This Week" "Since the mid-'90s, this country has been governed by revolving continuing resolution and omnibus spending bill(s). … That is the reason we're $33 trillion in debt."


Poll watchers in Philadelphia prevented from entering polling places.

"A poll watcher in Philly was just wrongfully prevented from entering the polling place," Will Chamberlain, editor-in-chief of the conservative magazine Human Events, tweeted Nov. 3. His tweet includes a video that shows two people standing at a doorway and telling a third person that he cannot go in. "You are not letting me in?" the man asks the couple. "No," they replied. [...] Tweets claimed that poll watchers in Philadelphia were prevented from entering polling places. A poll watcher was denied access to one polling site in Philadelphia because the person in charge of that particular polling place was not up to date on the law, which allows watchers to enter any site, not just the ward and division site specified on the watcher’s certificate, said Feeley, a spokesperson for Philadelphia City Commissioners. The same poll watcher went to another site and was allowed to go in, according to Feeley.


“For African American families in particular, the homeownership rate remains relatively unchanged since 1968, the year the Fair Housing Act was signed into law.”

"For African American families in particular, the homeownership rate remains relatively unchanged since 1968, the year the Fair Housing Act was signed into law," the Republican said in an April 11 press release from the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. [...] We looked at statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and other government agencies and found they show that Scott is spot-on about Black homeownership rates; they have barely budged since 1968. Scott’s spokesperson said the senator reached his conclusion using the same statistics that we did. [...] Data shows his numbers are correct. In 1970, about a year and a half after the law was enacted, about 42% of Black Americans owned homes. In 2022, Black homeownership stood at 44%.


“Private insurance gives … better coverage” than people would get under a Medicaid expansion.

Meanwhile, half a dozen states have received federal approval to expand under the ACA using alternative program features, including the private option.46 There is keen interest in assuring that federal flexibility does not jeopardize care for newly insured populations. We found few significant differences between Arkansas’s private option and Kentucky’s Medicaid expansion. Other than the type of coverage obtained (primarily private insurance in Arkansas and Medicaid in Kentucky), the only significant difference was higher glucose monitoring rates among patients with diabetes in Kentucky compared with those in Arkansas. All other outcomes related to utilization, quality of care, and self-reported health were similar for Kentucky and Arkansas. Of particular relevance to clinicians, we found no significant differences in access to primary and specialty care between private insurance and Medicaid expansions. Overall, more than 85% of low-income adults in both expansion states reported no difficulties obtaining physician appointments in 2015. Whether other state expansion models using different features than Arkansas’s program would produce similar results is unclear and worthy of future study. Subgroup analyses suggested that racial/ethnic minorities may be differentially affected by alternative expansion approaches. For nonwhites, the private option decreased reliance on the ED and improved self-reported health, but increased out-of-pocket spending compared with Medicaid. The latter finding likely relates to Arkansas’s decision to impose more cost-sharing for higher-income private option beneficiaries than most states require in traditional Medicaid.47 Overall, the 2 alternate expansions were associated with very similar changes for most outcomes. [...] RJ. Low-income residents in three states view Medicaid as equal to or better than private coverage, support expansion.


"Our Supreme Court has never taken away a constitutional right."

And because the government—unlike the rest of us—has no constitutional rights of its own, under some circumstances speech that is protected by the First Amendment when uttered by a nongovernmental speaker may still violate specific constitutional protections when uttered by the government. To be sure, the Supreme Court has recognized that we don’t have a First Amendment right to shut down the government’s speech just because we disagree with it: The government must speak on a wide range of issues and take a variety of policy positions in order to govern. But the constitutional analysis is very different when the government’s speech—including its lies—interferes with or punishes its targets’ exercise of their constitutional rights. [...] And to be sure, many governmental lies—like the government’s lies to avoid political and legal accountability for its misconduct—may inflict more diffuse and less tangible harm, such that it may be hard to trace a causal connection between the government’s speech and the denial of a specific constitutional right. That these lies’ harms are intangible or diffuse, however, does not mean that they’re painless or unimportant: They are instead often deeply dangerous, threatening to corrode our democracy. But constitutional law often has limited capacity to address diffuse, collective, or causally complicated harms. As I’ve written elsewhere, "[t]hese complexities suggest that the government’s most catastrophic lies may be those especially resistant to redress."


Nikki Haley “says the retirement age at 65 is way too low, it must be much higher.”

Nikki Haley tells Bloomberg News "65 is way too low" for the retirement age, advocates attaching it to life expectancy pic.twitter.com/E3yxPl0LIC — Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) August 24, 2023 Haley said the retirement age should be raised to factor in increased life expectancy, but didn’t have an exact figure to share. "I think we have to do the numbers," she said. "We’ve gotta figure out what it is but what we do know is 65 is way too low and we need to increase that. We need to do it according to life expectancy."


Says Donald Trump said “good” during the final presidential debate in reference to families being separated at the border.

President Donald Trump didn’t say "‘GOOD’ about the kids being separated from the parents" at the southern border during the final presidential debate, as social media posts wrongly claim. He said "go ahead" to the moderator, who was trying to move on to the next topic. [...] In this last installment of the year in our collaboration with CNN’s "State of the Union," CNN’s Jake Tapper reviews four of the biggest whoppers told by President Donald Trump in 2018. Q: Did the Obama administration separate "72,410 Children From Their Families in 2013"?


“Lego donates model MRI kits to hospitals to help children understand the procedure and reduce their anxiety.”

The_Ghostface 12 jun 278 blankMadeMeSmile subscribe Lego donates model MRI kits to hospitals I to help children understand the procedure >and reduce their anxiety 93 comments Aman has been diagnosed with cancer in lego city! Putins_Pringles id #blankmademesmile#subscribe#lego#donates#mri#kits#hospitals#help#children#understand#procedure#reduce#anxiety#comments#aman#has#been#diagnosed#cancer#city


The Electronic Registration Information Center is “a system that’s funded by George Soros.”

In January, a provocative right-wing website, Gateway Pundit, published a series of blog posts with line after line of inaccurate or misleading information. The posts asserted that ERIC is actually a liberal ploy funded by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, intended to get more Democrats registered to vote. Gateway Pundit also suggested the program could allow private voter data to be released. [...] He immediately set about correcting the record, releasing statements stressing that: ERIC is one of the best tools that Alabama and other enrolled states have to check across state lines for duplicate voter registrations, inaccurate registrations and deceased voters, making it an important measure for election integrity. It is funded by states that voluntarily enroll — not by Soros. [...] ERIC is not funded by George Soros, and it’s not a Democratic venture


New York state “hospitals reporting thousands of fungus lung infections due to wearing a mask!!”

No, New York state hospitals didn’t report thousands of lung infections caused by face masks [...] - There’s no evidence wearing a face mask properly causes fungal lung infections. [...] There is a similar dearth of evidence to corroborate the claim that hospitals in New York have reported thousands of fungus lung infections caused by face masks, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does recommend washing cloth face coverings after each use.


“This month alone, more than 16,000 non-citizens have been removed from the voter rolls in 3 states.”

Three Republican-led states — Alabama, Texas and Virginia — have taken steps to remove or flag ineligible people on the voter rolls, since at least 2021. This included noncitizens, or potential noncitizens, according to state officials. There are some unknowns about the people affected, and the number of people who turn out to be noncitizens could change. Congress banned noncitizen voting in federal elections in 1996. Noncitizens rarely cast ballots. If they do, they face stiff penalties including jail time, deportation or denial of citizenship applications.


Says he is the ‘ranking member’ of the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Rep. Jim Banks is not the ranking member of the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. In fact, he isn’t on the committee at all.


Waiting periods for gun purchases may not make a difference, because "If somebody's decided that they're gonna take their life, they're gonna take their life."

Waiting Periods - Waiting periods are arbitrary impositions with no effect on crime or suicide, introduce no additional investigative avenues, and only burden law-abiding gun owners without changing how or when criminals obtain firearms. [...] - Most gun-owners own more than one firearm[5] and a waiting period could not possibly have an effect on those purchasing an additional firearm. First-time buyers seeking a firearm for self-defense would be affected by a waiting period that limits their ability to safeguard themselves and their loved ones. [...] Two-thirds of gun owners own more than one gun.[12] A cooling-off period for these gun owners could not possibly have an effect as they already own other firearms. Anecdotal evidence about a person who purchases a firearm and then immediately uses it to harm themselves or somebody else are just that: anecdotal. There is no scientific evidence that waiting periods have an effect on suicide, homicide, or mass shootings.


Republicans are “trying to create a fake unemployment crisis.”

Wisconsin’s outdated unemployment insurance system has remained largely unchanged despite an array of warning signs across the last three gubernatorial administrations. Hintz was condemning Republicans for not acting in 2020 as tens of thousands of Wisconsin residents saw checks delayed — often by months — due to the overwhelmed system. But Hintz moved beyond blame in claiming that Republicans are now pushing a "fake" crisis, which is flat wrong.


Gaza has “the highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger ever recorded by the Integrated Food Security Classification system — anywhere, anytime.”

An 18 March Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report said that famine is "imminent in the northern governorates of the Gaza Strip and projected to occur anytime between mid-March and May 2024", with the entire population of Gaza facing high levels of acute food insecurity. In a 19 March statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that "[t]he situation of hunger, starvation and famine is a result of Israel’s extensive restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid and commercial goods, displacement of most of the population, as well as the destruction of crucial civilian infrastructure". Noting that the report found that over half of all Palestinians in Gaza, 1.1 million people, have completely exhausted their food supplies and are facing catastrophic hunger—the highest such number ever recorded by the IPC system anywhere, anytime—Guterres said that the report is clear evidence for "the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and called on Israel to "ensure complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza". [...] Following a 6 March request by South Africa for the indication of further provisional measures, on 28 March the ICJ ordered that Israel shall, among other actions, take all necessary measures "to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza".


Says a 2010 Rockefeller Foundation report shows the COVID-19 pandemic and the international response were “meticulously planned at least 10 years ago.”

In July 2020, several social media users started posting about "Operation Lockstep," a document allegedly released by The Rockefeller Foundation that showed how global elites had planned to manufacture the COVID-19 pandemic for the last 10 years in order to implement a police state: [...] While the "Lock Step" section of the actual document does deal with a global pandemic, the similarities between The Rockefeller Foundation's envisioned scenario and the current COVID-19 crisis are few and far between. For instance, the hypothetical pandemic envisioned by foundation started in 2012, originated in wild geese, and killed 8 million people in the first 7 months. Comparatively speaking, the COVID-19 pandemic began at the end of 2019, is widely believed to have originated with bats, and, according to John Hopkins University (as of this writing in July 2020) has killed just over 600,000 people within an approximate 7 month time-span. [...] In 2010, The Rockefeller Foundation produced a report entitled "Scenarios for the Future of Technology and International Development" that envisioned how the world would be impacted in four different scenario narratives — one of which dealt with a global pandemic. This document gives a hypothetical look at future events in order to envision possible problems that might arise. While this document does explore how the global population could react during a pandemic, it is in no way an "operation manual" for how to manufacture a virus in order to implement a police state.


“Antifa is warning that tonight they're moving out of the cities - and into residential areas to 'take what's ours.'”

A Facebook post includes a screenshot to a tweet from a suspended account called "ANTIFA America" that claims the left-wing movement is moving Black Lives Matter protests to residential areas. There is no evidence to support the post. Antifa is a broad, loosely affiliated coalition of left-wing anti-fascist activists. It has no leaders and is organized into autonomous local groups. We could find no tweets from local antifa cells or local news reports about protests moving into residential areas on May 31, the day the post was made. It is still unclear to what extent the movement is involved in the demonstrations.


Says Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez “says that all young people want to be socialists.”

No evidence that AOC said all young people want to be socialists [...] Our searches of Google, Bing and Nexis found no instance in which she said that all young people want to be socialists, as Baxter’s ad says. We also searched for any mention of young people and socialists on her personal and official Twitter accounts. Had Ocasio-Cortez flatly stated that all young people want to be socialists, it’s likely news coverage would have quickly followed.


The coronavirus has seen a “big surge in New Zealand. It's terrible. We don't want that."

Coronavirus: How New Zealand relied on science and empathy [...] During the next two weeks of lockdown, New Zealand saw a steady decline in the number of new cases. To date, it has had 12 deaths, and has confirmed that on average each infected person is passing the virus to fewer than one other person. [...] Key to New Zealand's response to Covid-19, Dr Wiles argues, was that the prime minister and government visibly put people's health first, whereas other countries which delayed imposed social distancing measures for fear of the economic damage are now having a much harder time controlling the virus.


Bath and Body Works products are not recommended during pregnancy because they are suspected of “damaging fertility or the unborn child.”

A Bath & Body Works safety data sheet includes warnings about skin irritation, infertility and organ damage. These disclosures aren’t new or limited to Bath & Body Works. Home fragrance companies are required to post these notices on their websites. The disclosures are meant for manufacturers and emergency workers — not consumers — who need to know how to handle, store or dispose of large quantities of chemicals, the company said. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists told PolitiFact that it has no official recommendation about pregnant women not using Bath & Body Works products. People who are pregnant should speak to their doctors if they have questions about any product.


“The CBO says (the Build Back Better Act) is $3 trillion of deficit spending.”

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has given us a sobering look into our fiscal future under the Build Back Better Act (BBBA), estimating that if all the bill’s policies were made permanent, $3 trillion would be added to the national debt over the next 10 years. This is on top of more than $7 trillion in deficits over the last two years, leading to a $21 trillion total national debt held by the public this year (about the size of GDP). Under current law, the CBO predicts national debt held by the public will reach $36 trillion in 2031, or 106 percent of GDP—the highest debt load in U.S. history. [...] Ultimately, policymakers and taxpayers should understand the scope of tax changes necessary to fully pay for the large-scale social spending programs that would be initiated under the Build Back Better Act. It most certainly does not cost zero, and the costs will most likely be borne in large part by the middle class in the form of higher tax burdens, inflation, and reduced economic opportunities.


A person’s immune system “tanks” after their second COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Fig. 2: Dynamics and projection of circulating IgG levels against RBD after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination using a linear model. [...] In conclusion, humoral responses following COVID-19 vaccination decreased in all age groups after approximately 6 months. Non-linear models estimated a continuous waning in humoral responses primarily in the older population and individuals with a delayed administration of the second vaccine dose. Natural infections prior to completion of vaccination induced a more robust immune response, characterized primarily by the stability of the IgG levels, higher levels of IFN-γ release from activated T-cells, and the presence of IgA antibodies in circulation. The use of dynamic models taking into consideration different factors of the immune system may be of use to establish guidelines for future re-vaccination strategies. [...] Ledford, H. Delaying a COVID vaccine’s second dose boosts immune response. Naturehttps://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-01299-y (2021).


Dominion Voting Systems was only used in a few counties that experienced minor problems that were quickly resolved, and were either the result of human error or temporary malfunctions. [...] Dominion Voting Systems, which makes software and hardware for election officials to use around the country, is at the center of baseless claims that say "glitches" from its machines caused mistakes in vote tallies to favor Joe Biden in several states. [...] "No credible reports or evidence of any software issues exist," Dominion says on its website. "While no election is without isolated issues, Dominion Voting Systems are reliably and accurately counting ballots. State and local election authorities have publicly confirmed the integrity of the process."


Senate Republicans' move to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in an election year is "not constitutional."

Asked whether he would consider adding justices to the Supreme Court if elected, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden claimed Senate Republicans’ move to install Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the vacant seat less than a month before Election Day was "not constitutional." [...] As for the move to seat Barrett before the election, two constitutional scholars said that in a general sense, the Senate Republicans’ actions seem at odds with some of the democratic principles underlying the Constitution. [...] Newsweek, "Joe Biden Says Amy Coney Barrett Appointment 'Not Constitutional' as He Evades Court Packing Question Again," Oct. 10, 2020


Says Amber Alerts are issued for white kids "but not Black kids in Milwaukee."

Nearly half of the 41 alerts issued since 2003 in Wisconsin were for Black children. Milwaukee police initiated more than one-fourth of all alerts, far more than any other agency. Every one of their 11 alerts was for a Black child.


“Individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release.”

Tonko boldfaced one statistic for emphasis: "Individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release." The release called this "alarming." [...] Specifically, the authors found that the risk of death from overdose was 129 times higher for people in the first two weeks after release, compared with the rate for the general public. [...] In the paper, published in the American Journal of Public Health, seven academics studied data for North Carolina from 2000 to 2015. They found that two weeks after release, the risk of an opioid overdose death was 40 times higher than for North Carolina residents generally, and the risk of a heroin overdose after two weeks was 74 times higher.


“We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t."

So Governor Kim Reynolds there, also a Republican, was initially against the mask mandate, and she even said that cities couldn't issue their own mandates back in the summer. But she recently reversed course. Iowa has seen one of the biggest surges in cases and hospitalizations in the country per capita. Iowa has roughly half the population of Missouri, but it's almost in the same ballpark in terms of new cases. So earlier this month, Reynolds did end up issuing a statewide mask mandate, as well as some restrictions on public and private gatherings, with exceptions for some businesses and religious services. [...] INSKEEP: Well, I guess we can be consistent here and note that there's more and more evidence that masks work, that mask mandates work. There were questions about this six months ago - hardly any questions now. And if I'm not mistaken, Sebastian, there was even a study in a very red state, Kansas, that proved this. VALDIVIA: Yeah. So Kansas actually has a mask mandate that counties can opt into and opt out of, and so the CDC looked at how cases have played out in the counties that opted out and opted in. And they found that in the two months after the mandate, new cases on average actually slightly decreased in counties with the mandate, but they doubled in those nonmandated counties. Now, there's some caveats there. Some of the mandated counties had other additional public health orders, so you can't chalk it all up to mask mandates. But the difference is pretty stark.


The American Medical Association rescinded a previous statement and now says "hydroxychloroquine is okay" for COVID-19.

The American Medical Association never took back its March statement concerning hydroxychloroquine. The group tweeted that Rush Limbaugh’s claim is wrong. The AMA considered a resolution to rescind a previous statement on the drug when the group’s policymaking body met in November. But it ultimately rejected the resolution. The website Limbaugh cited has corrected its story.


“The Wisconsin voter roll has over 120,000 active voters who have been registered to vote for over 100 years.”

Wisconsin municipalities kept their own registration records — and the smallest municipalities weren’t required to keep records at all — until a 2002 federal law required a statewide database and a standard format. When a municipality’s system didn’t track a voter’s date of birth or initial date of registration, a default date was entered into the statewide system: 1/1/1900 for date of birth and 1/1/1918 for date of registration. Such placeholders for missing information have been used by other states as well. As of the fall of 2021 in Wisconsin, there were still about 3,700 active voter records that contain default information for date of birth and about 120,000 records exist in the system with a default date of voter registration.


Says of Gov. Tony Evers and 2020 violence in Kenosha after the police shooting of Jacob Blake: “It took the loss of lives before help finally came.”

Four groups of county sheriffs and police are asking Gov. Tony Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes to stop "making statements and issuing press releases" about Sunday's Kenosha police-involved shooting incident "until the facts of the investigation are known." [...] Evers said in a media statement Sunday after the shooting of Jacob Blake of Kenosha by police that Blake "is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country. We stand with all those who have and continue to demand justice, equity, and accountability for Black lives in our country — lives like those of George Floyd, of Breonna Taylor, Tony Robinson, Dontre Hamilton, Ernest Lacy, and Sylville Smith. And we stand against excessive use of force and immediate escalation when engaging with Black Wisconsinites." [...] On Wednesday following the shooting death of two people in Kenosha, Evers issued another statement that said, "A senseless tragedy like this cannot happen again. I again ask those who choose to exercise their First Amendment rights please do so peacefully and safely, as so many did last night. I also ask the individuals who are not there to exercise those rights to please stay home and let local first responders, law enforcement, and members of the Wisconsin National Guard do their jobs.


“Putin has stated: Russian citizens (have) 2 options: Stay home for 15 days or in jail for 5 years.”

Russian authorities have increased general security measures in Moscow and other large cities. [...] Violation of the rules of migration registration may result in a fine. In some cases, visitors may face expulsion from Russia and a ban from re-entering of up to 5 years. [...] It is illegal for minors (those under 18) to participate in unauthorized protests. Adults who involve minors in such protests could face up to 15 days in jail and fines of up to RUB1 million.


“Free health allowance is available at no cost.”

The other Facebook video claimed that registration was open for people to sign up for a $5,200 health allowance. "I can’t believe what the prez announced," said the voice in the video, referring to President Joe Biden. "The newest incentive for anyone who doesn’t have Medicare or Medicaid. I got $5,200 worth of health allowances for me and my wife. It’s so nice being able to get my prescriptions and going to the doctor for free. Just click below and you can get qualified, too." [...] The second video also provided no evidence that Biden had announced a $5,200 health allowance.


“One quarter” of today’s $31.4 trillion federal debt “was accumulated in the four years of my predecessor,” Donald Trump.

Biden’s number is accurate; about one-fourth of the total debt incurred to date came on Trump’s watch. However, assigning debt to a particular president is tricky, because so much of the spending was approved by decades-old, bipartisan legislation that set the parameters for Social Security and Medicare. A different calculation shows more debt stemming from former President Barack Obama, with whom Biden served as vice president.


“We’ve had more Americans die of fentanyl than the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam Wars, combined.”

Why it matters: Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, has killed more Americans than the Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars combined. In 2021 alone, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, with the main culprit being fentanyl mixed with other drugs or chemicals, often without the user's knowledge. Provisional data from the CDC show that 100,500 Americans died from a drug overdose in the 12-month period from September 2021 to September 2022. Americans aged between 18 and 49 are more likely to die from fentanyl poisoning than any other cause of death. [...] Moreover, fentanyl did not take such a hold on the U.S. drug market until recently. In 2016, 20,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses. Since then, fentanyl overdoses have been steadily increasing.


“Pelosi’s $1.9 trillion bailout gives EVERY federal employee a $21,000 bonus check… they never lost their job!”

The law allocates money for an expanded paid-leave fund for federal workers dealing with certain COVID-19-related matters. There is no bonus check. It covers leave that would otherwise be unpaid.


"Tim Walz signed into law driver's licenses for illegal immigrants in Minnesota."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill that lets people in the state, regardless of immigration status, apply for a license or an ID card. To get a license, people must meet certain requirements, including showing proof that they live in Minnesota, documentation proving their identity and passing a written test on the rules of the road and a driving skills test.


Bernie Sanders has “never taken corporate lobbyist money in his *entire political career.*"

Lobbyists pan Sanders proposal to end corporate donations for party conventions Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-Vt.) new proposal to prohibit corporate funding of party conventions drew sharp criticism from lobbyists on Monday, with some arguing the move would discourage cities from offering to host the quadrennial gatherings. [...] "Bernie Sanders is building an unprecedented grassroots campaign to end corruption, and as a nominee would host a grassroots conventions for delegates, party members, teachers, workers, nurses, farmers, and students — corporate lobbyists will never buy influence with Bernie, period," Josh Orton, Sanders’s national policy director, said in a statement.


“Starbucks just announced that they’re going cashless.”

But what exactly does it mean for Starbucks to go cashless? In simple terms, it means that Starbucks will no longer accept physical currency, such as cash or coins, as a form of payment. Instead, customers will be encouraged to pay using various digital payment options, such as their Starbucks mobile app, credit cards, or other contactless payment methods. [...] Going cashless refers to the practice of conducting financial transactions without using physical currency. In the context of Starbucks, it means that customers will no longer be able to pay for their purchases using cash or coins. Instead, they will be encouraged to use digital payment methods. [...] By going cashless, Starbucks is positioning itself as a forward-thinking brand that embraces the digital future. In an era where technology is rapidly evolving, and digital payments are becoming increasingly popular, staying ahead of the competition is crucial for long-term success.


“Tim Ryan when he ran for president two years ago … supported banning fracking both on public lands and generally speaking.”

Biden has also walked a fine line on fracking, a process used to produce underground natural gas and oil that environmentalists broadly oppose. Liberal Democrats have pushed for an outright ban on fracking, while centrists have warned of potential job losses in states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. Biden says he would allow current fracking projects to move forward while banning future permits on federal land, telling WNEP in Scranton, Pa., last week that "fracking is not going to be on the chopping block." "He’s very, very practical. We have billion-dollar fracking plants in western Pa.," said Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), one of Biden’s former presidential primary opponents. "He’s not going to step in the middle of that because certain people want a complete ban."


“Bernie Sanders wants free health care for all and was asked how he would pay for it. His answer was raise taxes to 52% on anybody making over $29,000 per year.”

The post claims Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All plan would place a 52% tax on earnings over $29,000. But he has never suggested that. Sanders has proposed several options to help cover the cost of Medicare for All, including raising taxes to 52% for incomes above $10 million. Another option is a 4% income-based premium paid by households. That would add to Americans’ tax burden, but not as much as the post said.


“In 2021, Minnesotans were roughly five times more likely to move to Florida than vice versa” because they were “fleeing” the state under Democratic Gov. Tim Walz."

In 2021, almost four times as many Minnesotans moved to Florida than Floridians moved to Minnesota. This is part of a long-standing migration pattern that isn’t limited to Minnesota or Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s tenure. For years, more people move from upper Midwestern states to Florida than the inverse. Other states, some Republican-led, had similar if not higher out-migration numbers to Florida. People’s motivations for moving out of state vary, and it’s possible some may have moved because they liked Florida’s policies over Minnesota’s. Some reasons for migrating from upper Midwestern states to Florida typically include retirement, lower taxes and warmer climate, migration experts said.


Says Melania Trump is the “first FLOTUS to visit troops in a combat zone since 1969.”

"Melania Trump is the 1st FLOTUS to visit troops in a combat zone since 1969," a viral post reads. It has more than 1,600 shares. President Trump Fans — the page behind the post — did not respond to request for comment from USA TODAY. Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, and Laura Bush all visited troops in combat zones [...] Based on our research, the claim that Melania Trump was the first first lady to visit troops in a combat zone since since 1969 is FALSE. Both Michelle Obama and Laura Bush visited troops in combat zones, too.


“Joe Biden’s margin of the less than 21,000 votes in Wisconsin was the tightest of any state in 2020.”

Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov Rebecca Kleefisch: "Joe Biden’s margin of the less than 21,000 votes in Wisconsin was the tightest of any state in 2020." [...] "Joe Biden’s margin of the less than 21,000 votes in Wisconsin was the tightest of any state in 2020," former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch noted in a June 8, 2022 email. "Make no mistake, the Left knows exactly what’s on the line in the Badger State this year." [...] "But in 2020 Wisconsin was not the tightest in terms of either the raw number of votes or percentage of the vote separating the top two presidential candidates," he said in an email. "By both measures Wisconsin was the third most competitive state in 2020. The margins between Biden and Trump – in terms of both raw votes and the percentage difference between them – were actually tighter in Arizona and Georgia than in Wisconsin."


“Congress has one job here: to count electoral votes that have in fact been cast by any state.”

Each state has as many electoral votes as it has senators and representatives combined (or, in the case of the District of Columbia, as many as it would have if it were a state). There are 538 in total, with 270 votes needed to win. As the Congressional Research Service puts it, the electors "tend to be a mixture of state and local elected officials, party activists, local and state celebrities, and ordinary citizens." [...] Each state is supposed to submit one set of electoral votes to Congress, and that’s what usually happens. Following the disputed Hayes-Tilden election of 1876, in which three states submitted two conflicting sets of returns, Congress passed the Electoral Count Act to try to set rules in case such a thing ever happened again. Under that law, if two conflicting sets are submitted – say, one by a Republican-run legislature and one by a Democratic governor – and the House and Senate cannot agree on which set is the legitimate one, then the electoral votes certified by the state’s governor are supposed to prevail. (Even stranger things are possible: In 1960, Hawaii’s governor first certified Vice President Richard Nixon’s electors, but after a recount certified Sen. John F. Kennedy’s electors. Both slates of electors met and voted for their pledged candidate; when the time came for Congress to decide which slate was the legitimate one, Nixon voluntarily deferred to Kennedy.)


Eric Schmitt “sponsored a bill to spend $480 million of your tax dollars” on cargo hub for airlines "owned by China's Communist Party” and "voted to let China buy up Missouri farmland."

In 2011, Schmitt was one of the main proponents of Aerotropolis, more colloquially known as "China Hub," a global cargo hub at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport which he believed would increase exports and foreign trade. [...] Unlike "China Hub" another bill garnering Schmitt’s support in 2013 did pass and effects Missouri to the present day. [...] Whether, or to what degree, Missouri agricultural land should be foreign owned is an important policy choice for the people of Missouri, a decision that should be made through their elected representatives and only after the specific proposal has been sufficiently vetted and openly considered.


Says NBC News’ Kristen Welker “gave thousands of dollars to Obama, Clinton and Biden, is registered as a Democrat & her family spent Christmas with the Obamas at the White House.”

By Mike Allen (@mikeallen; [email protected]), and Daniel Lippman (@dlippman; [email protected]) [...] BIRTHDAYS: Guy Cecil … NBC’s Kristen Welker (hat tip: Peter Alexander) … Kate Wilson, director of operations for Analytics Media Group (h/ts Chris and Chauncey) ... AP’s Brett Zongker … Keith Macleod ... CRAFT’s Travis Holler ... Mike Czin, comms. director for D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and alum of DNC, OFA and Hillary … Erika Bolstad … Mara Lee Durrell … Liz Elkiss, V.P. of legal and external affairs at ed-tech startup General Assembly and Obama admin. and ’08 alum ... Kevin Franck, Massachusetts Democratic politico ... Jonathan Capehart! ... Lida Masoudpour … Julie Gibson … John Giesser … Pat McQuillan ... [...] Learn more: http://bit.ly/1Gxh0QY **


Says his Jan. 6, 2021, speech on the White House Ellipse drew the “same number of people,” as the 1963 March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.

More than 3,000 members of the press covered this historic march, where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the exalted "I Have a Dream" speech. [...] – I Have a Dream, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. [...] Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered this iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. See entire text of King's speech below.


"Antifa was already inside the Capitol with floor plans dressed as Trump supporters" on Jan. 6, 2021, proving the attack “was 100% a setup."

The claim: A video shows antifa inside the Capitol building with floor plans and dressed as Trump supporters on Jan. 6, proving the attack was a setup Security experts told USA TODAY antifa was not involved in the Jan. 6 attack. The footage provides no evidence to support the claim. It shows pro-Trump rioters as the attack was underway; some of the rioters identified in the video are well-known Trump supporters. Read more. The claim: No one was arrested inside the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021


Says Marjorie Taylor Greene said, “Jesus loves the U.S. most and that is why the Bible is written in English.”

Viral image stated on June 19, 2022 in an Instagram post: A photo shows Marjorie Taylor Greene wearing a Soviet shirt and giving a Nazi salute. Viral image stated on February 17, 2022 in a Facebook post: Says Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said, "If it weren’t for electricity, we’d all be watching TV by candlelight." Facebook posts stated on July 26, 2021 in a Facebook post: Says Marjorie Taylor Greene said, "Jesus loves the U.S. most and that is why the Bible is written in English." [...] Viral image stated on February 17, 2022 in a Facebook post: Says Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said, "If it weren’t for electricity, we’d all be watching TV by candlelight." Facebook posts stated on July 26, 2021 in a Facebook post: Says Marjorie Taylor Greene said, "Jesus loves the U.S. most and that is why the Bible is written in English." [...] Facebook posts stated on July 26, 2021 in a Facebook post: Says Marjorie Taylor Greene said, "Jesus loves the U.S. most and that is why the Bible is written in English."


During the 2020 Minnesota riots after George Floyd’s murder, Gov. Tim Walz didn’t call in the National Guard, “so, I sent in the National Guard to save Minneapolis.”

Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order May 28, 2020, calling up the Minnesota National Guard to respond to riots. Shortly after the order, the National Guard said that it was assigning and preparing units to respond. President Donald Trump spoke to Walz hours after Walz’s order. Trump offered assistance.


“Anything that you lose on the tariff from the perspective of the consumer, you gain in higher wages, so you're ultimately much better off.”

Fact check: Vance says consumers are 'better off' under tariffs [...] Most economists disagree with this idea. Our previous review of academic studies of real-world tariffs concluded that consumers ultimately shoulder most of the burden in higher prices for goods, and the burden outweighs tariffs’ economic benefits. [...] Are consumers "much better off" after tariffs, as Vance said?


Says Gov. Tony Evers "wanted to increase your taxes by $1 billion just for heating your homes Instead, Republicans cut your taxes by more than $2 billion."

Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Andrew Hitt "Tony Evers tried to raise taxes by $1 billion in his proposed budget, so it is laughable that he is now taking credit for Republicans’ tax cut. We applaud Wisconsin Republicans for putting forward a historic budget with transformative tax cuts that will put more money in the pockets of Wisconsin families despite Tony Evers’ tax increase in his proposed budget." [...] "Governor Evers proposed raising taxes by more than $1 billion to fund his tax-and-spend budget. Instead, the Legislature listened to Wisconsinites and passed the most conservative spending plan in a generation including tax cut of more than $3 billion. [...] "In particular, Governor Evers proposed raising taxes by $1 billion in his original budget wish list. He now gets to reverse course and take credit for the Republican budget which will cut taxes by over $3 billion.


“Michael Jordan rejects $400 million Disney offer, stating, ‘I do not collaborate with companies aligned with woke ideologies.’”

The $400 million deal with Disney, had it gone through, would have marked another significant chapter in Jordan’s illustrious post-basketball career. Disney, a conglomerate known for its global influence in media and entertainment, has delved into a variety of projects that touch on social and political themes. In recent times, Disney has been at the center of discussions regarding ‘woke culture’ – a term that has evolved to often represent a critical stance on entities or individuals that are perceived as being overly politically correct or excessively progressive.By rejecting this deal, Jordan has made it clear that his business decisions are not just about financial gain but are also deeply rooted in his personal beliefs and values. This move is a reflection of his stance against what he perceives as the overreach of corporations into social and political activism. It’s a bold statement from someone who has traditionally maintained a distance from overtly political or socially charged statements, preferring instead to let his work and achievements speak for themselves.The concept of ‘woke culture’ in corporate America has been a contentious topic. Originally a term denoting awareness of social injustices, particularly regarding race, ‘woke’ has evolved in public discourse.


The United States spent “2 trillion dollars to train and equip the Afghan military over the past 20 years. They fell in a week.”

The $2 trillion figure is considered credible for the 20-year U.S engagement in Afghanistan, but it includes much more than just training and equipping the military. [...] "We did not spend $2 trillion to train and equip the Afghan military," Harrison said. "The cost of training and equipping the Afghan’s is a relatively small subset of the total cost. The vast majority of the costs for the war were for the operation of our own forces and support for our own service members." [...] Ojeda said the U.S. had "2 trillion dollars to train and equip the Afghan military over the past 20 years.


“Homicides are intraracial. When you look at white-on-white crime, it's 84%. Right? Homicides. White people kill white people.”

"|Okay cops kill white people more frequently. Y’all commit the majority of crime so that makes sense, but the difference is they aren’t killing you because you are white. White people being killed is not the same thing as white people being killed because they are white. Black people are being killed for their blackness in a lot of cases. Cops are more likely to shoot us. " [...] Also, your sources are shit. Vox is basically the next buzzfeed. What did you do? Literally just google "White on white murder" and pick the first link and not even read it? They’re basically saying "White people, being the highest amount of population in the country, are surprisingly killed the most by other white people!" [...] According to the US Department of Justice, blacks accounted for 52.5% of homicide offenders from 1980 to 2008, with whites 45.3% and "Other" 2.2%. The offending rate for blacks was almost 8 times higher than whites, and the victim rate 6 times higher. Most homicides were intraracial, with 84% of white victims killed by whites, and 93% of black victims killed by blacks.[33][34][35]


“24 of every 100 kids in school today speak Spanish.”

When it comes to education, Elementary school-aged children process information in a variety of ways in order for it to make sense to them. They process information on levels that are different than adults and can be taught a variety of subjects. Learning to speak Spanish is no different as they will retain what they have learned with greater accuracy. Giving a child a head-start in today’s world by speaking Spanish can be beneficial in a number of ways. [...] 4. Easy to Practice – In the United States, Spanish is easily the second most spoken language in the country as a whole. According to the Answers provided on Yahoo, 16% of the country speaks Spanish. That means that nearly one out of every seven people you meet will speak Spanish. Of course, that’s statistically speaking and this number could greatly increase or decrease depending on your location. [...] Regardless of the situation, learning to speak Spanish at an early age can help a child succeed throughout his or her life. The student could develop a talent for linguistic skills that could benefit learning other languages later on. As speaking Spanish is growing to be an ever demanding skill, why not give the child the ability to keep up with an ever growing society?


“We have 85 million Americans who have no health insurance.”

The Commonwealth Fund, a respected source of data on health care research, found in 2022 that 43% percent of working-age adults ages 19 to 64 were uninsured or inadequately insured. That adds up to about 85 million adults. About 17.7 million adults were uninsured, according to the Commonwealth analysis. People who were uninsured for a year or longer were disproportionately young, Hispanic, poor, unhealthy and living in the South.


“Violent crime was up under Donald Trump.”

In Michigan, Donald Trump predicts ‘destruction and death’ under Democrats - In Michigan, Donald Trump claims violence crime surged under Democrats, but statistics he cited aren’t as conclusive - Trump spoke at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department flanked by sheriffs from rural Michigan counties who support his reelection - Democrats have countered Trump’s assertions with statistics showing violent crime is down under the administration of President Joe Biden [...] Democrats pointed to data from the FBI and Michigan State Police showing violent crime in both the U.S. and Michigan spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Trump’s final year in office. "Violent crime was up under Donald Trump under his administration," Attorney General Dana Nessel said earlier Tuesday. "It went down substantially when he left office and when Vice President Harris and of course, President Biden have been in office, we've seen a reduction in violent crime."


In Pompano Beach, Florida, Somali immigrants illegally in the U.S. were in line to get driver’s licenses and “all you need to vote is a driver's license.”

The FL Secretary of State's office has received multiple calls on this video and has started an investigation into the Pompano Beach DMV to ensure that no illegals have voted there or to prevent this from happening. [...] Military age illegal aliens mostly from Somalia in line in Florida for drivers license. DeSantis @GovRonDeSantis told us this didn't happen in Florida. Was he lying? [...] These fricking people are getting drivers licenses to vote and these fricking illegals will be driving around on our highways without having the slightest clue about American diving laws, etc


China “had the largest naval fleet in the world. They had 370 ships. They'll have 400 ships in two years. We won't even have 350 ships in two decades."

Numerically, Haley is on target with both countries’ ship counts. Experts say counting ships says little about military capabilities. Ship counts ignore overall tonnage, specific warfighting capabilities, and overall geographic reach, all of which are metrics where the United States maintains an edge over China.


"The Postal Service is not losing money because of Amazon. It’s losing money because in 2006, the Republican-led Congress passed a law forcing it to prepay its pensions for 75 years, which no other corporation does ... Without this law, the Postal Service would be turning a profit.”

The claim that USPS is required to fund its pensions for 75 years in advance is commonly cited across the internet and in articles spanning back several years, largely in relation to mentions of the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, or PAEA. USPS has long maintained that PAEA’s pension pre-funding requirements "contributes significantly to postal losses." The relevant portion of PAEA appeared to be this one: [...] Then there is the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA), which some have taken to calling "the most insane law" ever passed by Congress. The law requires the Postal Service, which receives no taxpayer subsidies, to prefund its retirees’ health benefits up to the year 2056. This is a $5 billion per year cost; it is a requirement that no other entity, private or public, has to make. If that doesn’t meet the definition of insanity, I don’t know what does. Without this obligation, the Post Office actually turns a profit. Some have called this a "manufactured crisis." It’s also significant that lots of companies benefit from a burden that makes the USPS less competitive; these same companies might also would benefit from full USPS privatization, a goal that has been pushed by several conservative think tanks for years.


"We put $330 million in general school aids — the largest in more than a decade."

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd of public-school advocates at Central High School in La Crosse, Gov. Tony Evers thanked members of the Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN) for "having my back," and called out the group repeatedly, mentioning increases in the state budget he signed for special education, mental health services and general state aid. As he ticked off each budget increase he intoned, "Thank you, WPEN." [...] But, he said, he was "damn proud" of increasing funding for special education by $95 million–more than at any time in the last decade, and allocating $330 million in state general aid, the largest increase since 2005. [...] Evers’ use of his partial veto powers made that picture slightly rosier. By vetoing the first year of education funding in the two-year budget he made the higher, second-year numbers apply in year one, increasing overall state aid. But the net increase really only takes the state back to funding levels of a decade ago, WPEN has pointed out.


“Elon Musk backs Caitlin Clark, offers $10 million endorsement.”

Elon Musk’s endorsement of Caitlin Clark is a significant milestone in her career. Musk, who has a reputation for making headline-grabbing announcements, took to Twitter to express his support. "I’ve been following Caitlin Clark’s career and am incredibly impressed by her talent and determination. I’m proud to offer her a $10 million endorsement to support her journey. I support you, Caitlin Clark," Musk tweeted. [...] The $10 million endorsement from Musk is a game-changer for Caitlin Clark. Financially, it provides her with substantial resources to invest in her career, support her family, and engage in philanthropic activities. Beyond the financial benefits, the endorsement significantly raises her profile, linking her name with one of the most influential figures in the world. [...] Elon Musk’s $10 million endorsement of Caitlin Clark is a landmark moment in the world of sports endorsements. It highlights the growing influence of tech entrepreneurs in the sports industry and underscores the importance of supporting and recognizing talent across different fields. For Caitlin Clark, the endorsement is a testament to her hard work, talent, and potential, providing her with the resources and visibility to further her career and make a positive impact on and off the court.


Says President Donald “Trump promised 13,000 new jobs to the people of #Wisconsin. 3 years later, we’re still waiting…”

In 2017, Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant, announced plans to build a massive LCD factory in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. The deal, touted by then-President Donald Trump as a game-changer for U.S. manufacturing, was supposed to bring 13,000 jobs and a $10 billion investment to the state. However, the reality has been far from the promised vision. [...] While the Foxconn debacle under Trump left a bitter taste, Biden’s recent announcement about Microsoft’s $3.3 billion data center investment in Racine is a breath of fresh air. The very site where Trump grandstanded about Foxconn’s supposed $10 billion investment and 13,000 jobs is now being repurposed by Microsoft. Biden’s administration has already overseen the addition of over 700,000 manufacturing jobs. Instead of just throwing money at individual companies, they are trying to create a more favorable environment through legislation. The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law by Biden in 2022, provides over $50 billion in incentives for companies to build semiconductor fabrication plants in the U.S.


Speaking of an HIV outbreak in Indiana during his time as governor, says “we immediately deployed health resources.”

AUSTIN, Ind. -- The rural community of Scott County, approximately an hour and a half south of Indianapolis, made international news when public health officials discovered an HIV outbreak the likes of which nobody had ever seen. [...] News of the HIV outbreak in Scott County broke in early 2015. The sparsely staffed health department there had never handled HIV cases before then. Instead, the regional Sexually Transmitted Diseases Department in Clark County had handled all cases of HIV. The system made sense at the time. [...] PREVIOUS | Gov. Pence declares public health emergency over HIV outbreak


“When I came into office, Iran had $70 billion in foreign exchange reserves. … By the time I left, they had nothing. They were broke.”

"When I came into office, Iran had $70 billion dollars in foreign exchange reserves, its piggy bank for terrorists. They were broke –—the Iranian regime could barely afford to keep the lights on," Trump said. "Sadly, Crooked Joe surrendered my tough sanctions. Iran now once again has over $70 billion dollars to finance terror, and Israel is paying the price in blood." Trump’s claim is backed up by the data. Iranian oil exports have risen on Biden’s watch from nearly zero to an expected 3.4 million barrels daily, according to Iran’s oil minister. The Wall Street Journal reported the Biden administration’s lack of sanctions enforcement resulted in $30 billion to $40 billion in oil revenue to Iran this year alone.


“Wisconsin had over 1,400 opioid overdose deaths in 2022.”

The number of people who died from opioids in 2022 rose to 1,421 Those deaths, in large part, are due to the prevalence and popularity of mixing fentanyl into other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin


"Samsung drops out of $1 billion advertising campaign with Olympics."

Samsung Drops Out Of $1 Billion Advertising Gig With Olympics, 'They've Gone Woke' [...] The claim about Samsung dropping out of a $1 billion advertising deal with the Olympics came from a July 28, 2024, SpaceXMania article (archived here) titled, "Breaking: Samsung Withdraws $1 Billion Sponsorship from Paris Olympics, 'Woke Agenda.'" [...] A Google search of keywords (archived here) from the claim returned no matching news articles about Samsung dropping their Olympics advertising deal, which would have been international news had it actually happened.


Facebook posts stated on August 16, 2022 in a Facebook post: "The IRS is about to double in size, with 87,000 new armed agents and an additional $80 billion in order to primarily enhance IRS enforcement and operations." Facebook posts stated on July 2, 2022 in a Facebook post: "Putin humiliatingly blows up all weapons and facilities" on Snake Island by retreating Russian troops. Facebook posts stated on June 27, 2022 in a post: Planned Parenthood clinics are "closing down all over the country" because Roe v. Wade was overturned. Facebook posts stated on May 18, 2022 in a Facebook post: Baby boomers didn’t have autism, seizures, allergies and other ailments when they were kids. [...] Facebook posts stated on May 18, 2022 in a Facebook post: Baby boomers didn’t have autism, seizures, allergies and other ailments when they were kids.


“Classified documents can never be taken out of a (sensitive compartmented information facility), ever.”

Referring to Biden’s handling of materials with classified markings, Fitzpatrick cited his experience as an FBI special agent and a federal prosecutor, and said: "Classified documents can never be taken out of a SCIF, ever." [...] Moss said classified documents, no matter their level, "cannot simply be removed and taken outside of any secured space without complying with security protocols." However, he called Fitzpatrick’s characterization of the process an "oversimplification." [...] This is exaggerated. SCIFs must be used when documents with the highest-level classifications have to be reviewed. But even the most highly classified documents can be taken out of a SCIF, as long as specific precautions are taken that ensure similar levels of security.


The United States had 589 coal-fired plants 10 years ago, and “we're down to 504. … We are the only nation that has reduced our reliance (on) coal energy."

Manchin is broadly right to note that the U.S. has decreased its reliance on coal for generating electricity over the past decade, although he incorrectly labeled the units of measurement that went along with his figures. He also has a point that the U.S. has led the world in the number of retirements of coal-fired assets. However, other countries have also made significant cuts in coal-fired power over the same period.


“Kamala cast the tie breaking vote to hire 87,000 new IRS agents to go after your tip income.”

On Aug. 23 at a Las Vegas restaurant, Trump said: "Kamala cast the tiebreaking vote to hire 87,000 new IRS agents to go after your tip income." [...] In August, we debunked a similar viral statement on Instagram about Harris and tipped income. Harris cast the tiebreaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, but the law did not lay out a plan to send 87,000 agents after tipped workers. And a 2023 IRS proposal to replace programs for taxed tip compliance was never implemented. [...] Trump said Harris "cast the tiebreaking vote to hire 87,000 new IRS agents to go after your tip income."


“Overdose deaths in WV are up 45% from the prior year.”

If Your Time is short • Overdose deaths in West Virginia have increased by about 45% between calendar year 2019 and calendar year 2020, according to state data. [...] Between February 2020 and February 2021, the most recent period for which the CDC data is available, the number of cumulative overdose deaths in West Virginia in the previous 12-month period rose from 889 to 1,395. That’s an increase of 506, or almost 57%. The trend is not new: The number of overdoses in West Virginia has been rising since at least 2015. The same CDC data shows that in the 12-month period ending in February 2015, there were 653 overdose deaths in the state. So between 2015 and 2021, the number of overdoses in West Virginia rose by 114%.


“Texas ranks 3rd highest among states for the number of people who have recovered from” the coronavirus.

The updated rankings, released today, are based on data available as of 1 p.m. CT on March 23, so they don’t reflect the stay-at-home order issued this morning for Houston and Harris County. That order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight and will expire on April 3. [...] These were the rankings for Texas based on the March 16 data: [...] On March 16, there were 69 cases in Texas but Gov. Greg Abbott said the state should expect an "exponential" increase soon. As of March 24, there are 728 cases in the state and seven have died.


“Netflix loses 6 million subscribers within hours of donation announcement.”

This claim originated on a self-described satire site.


“When we discovered, I discovered, that we were doing many, many, too many stop and frisks, we cut 95% of it out.”

Shootings are on the rise this year in New York City, and the trends are raising questions about whether Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to cut down on stop-and-frisk tactics has made it easier to carry guns in New York. The best data available on stop-and-frisk makes it clear that the search tactic turned up relatively few guns in terms of number of stops conducted. [...] That figure casts doubt on whether stop-and-frisks are useful in finding weapons and taking them off the street, but it is also the least generous way of judging the NYPD’s program. Officers might stop passers-by for a variety of reasons (matching the description of someone involved in a crime, appearing to be involved in a drug deal, etc.), and, in many of these cases, the goal is not to find weapons. [...] De Blasio claims that pulling cops off of stop-and-frisk work will allow them to focus more on community policing, building ties that will pay off in the long term in reducing crime. His critics, including former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, argue that the mere possibility of being searched is a psychological deterrent to carrying a gun in the city. The numbers available aren’t convincing enough to win the argument for either side.


“Wisconsin is 49th in public health spending.”

A review of public health funding in the United States, before and after the release of the 2002 IOM report, does not project confidence in a country committed to reducing preventable deaths. Using the OECD model for public health funding, the U.S. allots approximately three percent of total national health spending for nonclinical health or "public health" improvement efforts. Matters deteriorate further at the state level; according to a 2016 report from the Trust for America’s Health, Missouri ranks 49th out of 50 states, with a per capita public health spending of $5.90 per person.


“This year, it's going to be over $1.5 trillion (that we’ve) reduced the debt."

FACT CHECK: Joe Biden Claims The Debt Was Reduced Under His Presidency [...] President Joe Biden sat down with Scott Pelly, the host of 60 Minutes, where he discussed subjects such as inflation, the economy, COVID-19 and Ukraine. During the interview, Biden claimed that "[his administration] also reduced the debt and reduced the deficit by $350 billion my first year. This year, it’s gonna be over $1.5 trillion reduced the debt." [...] Biden’s claim that his administration reduced the debt is incorrect. When he took office, the total national debt was $27.75 trillion. As of Sept. 16, the national debt is $30.89 trillion, marking an increase of $3 trillion, according to the Treasury Department.


Black Lives Matter protesters outside the White House faced a more militarized response than rioters who assaulted the Capitol.

The escalating use of force against demonstrators comes amid a wider push to militarize the government’s response to domestic unrest, and particularly demonstrations perceived to be linked to left-wing groups like Antifa, which the administration views as a "terrorist" organization (New York Times, 31 May 2020). In the immediate aftermath of Floyd’s killing, President Trump posted a series of social media messages threatening to deploy the military and National Guard to disperse demonstrations, suggesting that authorities should use lethal force if demonstrators engage in looting (New York Magazine, 1 June 2020). The president called governors "weak" for allowing demonstrations in their states and instructed them to call in the National Guard to "dominate" and "cut through [protesters] like butter" (Vox, 2 June 2020). Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas, an advisor to the president, recommended that the administration "send in the troops" and give "no quarter for insurrectionists, anarchists, rioters, and looters" (New York Times, 3 June 2020, 23 June 2020).


“In April last year, our state unemployment rate hit a record low of 2.4%. Last year, Wisconsin had an all-time lowest number of unemployed workers ever in modern history.”

"In April last year, our state unemployment rate hit a record low of 2.4%," Evers said during his Jan. 23 address. [...] April’s record low beat Wisconsin’s previous lowest unemployment rate of 2.5% from just the month prior. And before the pandemic, Wisconsin’s lowest unemployment rate on record was 2.9% in March 2020. [...] Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, "BLS Data: Wisconsin Statewide Unemployment Rate Hits New Record Low of 2.4% in April, State Adds 3,800 Total Jobs Over Month," May 18, 2023


In Georgia, it's "illegal to give people water within 150 feet of a polling place" and "punishable by up to a year in prison."

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, D-Brooklyn, has introduced S.7382 to repeal Section 17-140 of the state Election Law, relating to furnishing money or entertainment to induce attendance at polls. Commonly known as the "line warming ban" the legislation prohibits organizations from handing out refreshments, water or other items such as PPE or hand sanitizer while individuals wait in line to vote. Anyone prosecuted under the statute is subject to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail or three years’ probation and a fine of up to $1,000 if found guilty. [...] Prohibitions on giving food and water to those standing in line to vote became a national issue earlier this year when Georgia officials passed new voting laws that included a prohibition on giving away water or food within a certain distance of voters or polling places. [...] The Georgia law, for example, makes it a crime for anyone but a poll worker to provide food or bottles of water within 150 feet of a polling place or 25 feet of any voter standing in line.


“A few years back,” Mitchell Stadium in Bluefield, W.Va., “was voted the best high school football field in America.”

America’s Best High School Football Stadium is in West Virginia! Mitchell Stadium is home to Bluefield Middle School (Buccaneers), Bluefield High School (Beavers), Graham Middle School (G-Men), Graham High School (G-Men), Bluefield University (Rams), Bluefield State University (Big Blues). Mitchell Stadium of Bluefield, West Virginia, is the winner of America’s Best High School Football Stadiums contest by USA Today High School Sports. Mitchell Stadium was built in 1936. It is located on the border of Bluefield, West Virginia, and Bluefield, Virginia, and overlooks the scenic East River Mountain. Mitchell Stadium is currently home to two middle school teams, two dominant high school football programs, and two college teams. The two middle school teams are the Buccaneers of Bluefield, West Virginia, and the G-Men of Bluefield, Virginia, the two high school teams are the Bluefield Beavers of Bluefield, West Virginia, and the Graham G-Men of Bluefield, Virginia, and the two college teams are the Big Blues of Bluefield, West Virginia, and the Rams of Bluefield, Virginia. Mitchell Stadium is the home field to many teams. Since Graham Middle and Graham High School play in West Virginia, they are the only schools in the country to host their games in another state. The stadium holds 10,000 fans, but the annual Graham-Beaver game between the two high schools typically sees crowds over the stadium’s capacity, at around 12,000 attendees.


In such a lengthy, expansive plan, it can be easy to get lost in the details. This may be intentional, bogging down discussion and complicating reporting on the project’s potential impact. So let’s focus on the vision of society driving the blueprint. That means beginning with Project 2025’s threat to bodily autonomy: how Project 2025’s drafters plan to mandate their narrowly defined and state-enforced patriarchal, heterosexual, married, procreating family and how they plan to confine people within that vision. [...] This is the America envisioned by Project 2025: one in which gender and sexuality are not acknowledged as actually existing outside patriarchal, nuclear families. All that exists here is mothers and babies, children and families. Each family is meant to function as an extension of the state, dedicated to controlling and confining sex, gender, and sexuality, with all the coercive power and violence that would require. Full compliance could only be accomplished through self-policing under intimidation. These groups know they cannot expect people to do that completely. They know they cannot force everyone to be straight, to marry, to deny their gender, to birth a child. They know people will refuse. What they want is to use that inevitable noncompliance as a threat and a tool.


“Ron DeSantis is against fracking. He is against drilling”

Nikki Haley: "Ron DeSantis is against fracking. He's against drilling. He always talks about what happens on day one. You better watch out because what happens on day two is when you're in trouble. Day two in Florida you banned fracking. You banned offshore drilling." pic.twitter.com/Ga2xsy3VE7 — TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 28, 2023 [...] Ron DeSantis did not ban fracking. A constitutional amendment was passed by the people of Florida prohibiting offshore drilling, and he executed the will of the people as is his obligation as governor. https://t.co/043v5iEOMl — Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) September 28, 2023 [...] RATING: Haley's claim that DeSantis banned fracking and offshore oil drilling is PARTLY FALSE, uses misleading framing, and omits important context. DeSantis's actions against fracking in Florida are more nuanced than Haley's attack purports.


“Before the pandemic, just over 40,000 were on continuing UI claims. Now, there are well over 100,000 on state or federal UI benefits.”

Lisa Subeck stated on February 16, 2024 in X, formerly Twitter: "The United States is an outlier, one of only about half a dozen countries, without any guarantee of paid leave for new parents and/or other health care needs." Tim Kaine stated on March 15, 2022 in a tweet.: "Virginia women are paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to Virginia men." Mandela Barnes stated on May 23, 2021 in Twitter: "It’s been over 50 years since minimum (wage) and inflation parted ways, then over a decade since the federal minimum went up at all." Glenn Grothman stated on June 8, 2021 in Twitter: "We have a record 9.3 million job openings in the U.S." Mark Born stated on June 2, 2021 in Twitter: "Before the pandemic, just over 40,000 were on continuing UI claims. Mandela Barnes stated on May 23, 2021 in Twitter: "Since 1978, CEO compensation rose over 1,000% and only 11.9% for average workers." Joe Biden stated on April 15, 2020 in comments at a virtual town hall meeting: "Until this week, they [OSHA] weren’t even enforcing these guidelines [for coronavirus]. [...] Mark Born stated on June 2, 2021 in Twitter: "Before the pandemic, just over 40,000 were on continuing UI claims.


“100 million ballots (Democrats) prefilled now have the wrong name.”

July 29 - Professor Rebecca Green is quoted in the Poynter Fact-Checking story in PolitiFact, "No, Democrats have not ‘pre-filled’ 100 million ballots with ‘wrong name.’" Read the story.


"Higher education is one of America's strongest export sectors. Over 1 million international students studied at American universities, (in the) 2018-19 school year. They contributed over $40 billion to the economy.”

Higher Education is America’s 10th Top Export, Injecting Over $40 Billion into the U.S. Economy Did you know that the United States has a secret weapon in its economic arsenal? It’s not technology, agriculture, or manufacturing – it’s education. Higher education has quietly become America’s 10th largest export, pumping over $40 billion into the U.S. economy annually. [...] However, this educational export faces challenges. Increasing competition from other countries, visa restrictions, and geopolitical tensions threaten to erode America’s market share. To maintain its edge, the U.S. must continue to invest in its educational institutions and create welcoming policies for international students.


Kamala Harris “supported abolishing ICE.”

As a U.S. senator in 2018, Kamala Harris criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including a policy that led to family separations at the border. In that context, Harris said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s function should be reexamined and that "we need to probably even think about starting from scratch." But Harris didn’t say there shouldn’t be immigration enforcement. In 2018, Harris also said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had a role and should exist.


Due to U.S. Senate rules, Democrats need "more than a majority ... to codify Roe vs. Wade."

By — Candice Norwood Candice Norwood Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/with-senate-split-50-50-heres-what-democrats-can-and-cant-do Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter With Senate split 50-50, here’s what Democrats can and can’t do Politics Jan 28, 2021 12:05 PM EDT Democrats now have a thin majority control in Congress, but passing sweeping legislation still won’t be easy. A rule requiring votes from 60 of the Senate’s 100 members in order to advance legislation may force President Joe Biden’s administration to modify its priorities on economic relief, climate change, racial equity and immigration in order to gain support from Republicans and moderate Democrats. With just 50 members and a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Democrats will have the power to confirm executive and judicial nominees and launch investigations in a range of areas. While the 60-vote threshold remains the party’s biggest hurdle for change, Democrats have some mechanisms to potentially avoid the rules — or even upend them. Why do Democrats have control in a 50-50 split Senate?


ABC News reporter said “government tried to kill” former President Donald Trump.

"The United States has been searching for Baghdadi for many years," Trump said from the White House. "Capturing or killing Baghdadi has been the top national security priority of my administration. U.S. special operations forces executed a dangerous and daring nighttime raid in northwestern Syria and accomplished their mission in grand style." [...] "Our military service members and our interagency partners executed brilliantly," the secretary told ABC correspondent Martha Raddatz. "So here we are. Earlier in the year, we defeated the physical caliphate — destroyed the physical caliphate — and now its leader is dead. So it's a great day." [...] Baghdadi was in a compound with a few other men and women and a large number of children. "Our special operators have tactics and techniques and procedures they go through to try and call him out," Esper said. "But at the end of the day, as the president said, he decided to kill himself and took some small children with him, we believe."


In Afghanistan, “over 100 billion dollars spent on military contracts.”

News reports show the Pentagon spent $107.9 billion on contracted services in Afghanistan. [...] When asked for back up for the statement, Barnes’ spokesman Christian Slater pointed us to a April 23, 2021 Bloomberg Law report which found that "Since 2002, the Pentagon has spent $107.9 billion on contracted services in Afghanistan, a Bloomberg Government analysis shows." [...] A Bloomberg Law report found that the Pentagon has spent $107.9 billion on contracted services in Afghanistan. Those contracted services include lodging, laundry, food, transportation, equipment maintenance and fuel.


“New Haven, Conn., had to issue bonds for a bridge after using funds for that bridge to pay for a police misconduct settlement."

In 2017, New Haven, Conn., had to pay $8.4 million to settle a police misconduct lawsuit. [...] We wondered about the New Haven example. Was money for a bridge diverted to settle a lawsuit against the police? [...] Kaine said police settlements can defund city services, as when "New Haven, Conn, had to issue bonds for a bridge after using funds for that bridge to pay for a police misconduct settlement."


Says Taylor Swift “announced a fund raising concert with Beyoncé in support of Harris” on July 23.

- Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are making concert films from their blockbuster Eras and Renaissance tours. [...] In August, Swift announced that an Eras concert film will be released October 13. The film's presale shattered records, selling $26 million worth of tickets in the first 24 hours. After much speculation, on Sunday night Beyoncé announced her own concert film: The Renaissance tour's film is set to debut December 1. [...] It's a shrewd move from the two musicians. While there are a number of entertainers who who would make a "best of business" list — billionaire Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Kim Kardashian, and George Clooney to name a few — Swift and Beyoncé have surely joined the ranks.


Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a law that would “take children away from their parents if the parents don’t want to consent to sex changes.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed Minnesota House File 146 — called the "Trans Refuge" bill — into law in April 2023. It amended the law governing which court would have jurisdiction over child custody cases involving more than one state. The law now gives Minnesota courts temporary jurisdiction to hear child custody cases when a child is in the state with a parent to seek gender-affirming care. It does not authorize the government to take custody of children whose parents don’t consent to them getting gender-affirming care. Courts will not automatically rule against a parent who doesn’t consent to a child receiving gender-affirming care. Courts seek to determine parental custody based on evidence about what is in children’s best interests.


My 2018 election was the first time Speaker Robin Vos has lost a Republican-held seat

Yet Republicans won 63 of the 99 Assembly seats, just one less than their pre-election majority. That marks an increase in the pro-Republican "efficiency gap" from about 10 percent in 2016 to almost 15 percent this year. Democrats also won or are leading in elections for all of Wisconsin's statewide offices, showing voter support for their candidates in races that are not affected by gerrymandering. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called it a "faulty premise" to say that Republicans' legislative majority is due to gerrymandering. [...] Wisconsin Progress, an organization that recruits and trains liberal candidates, said 30 of the 31 Democratic candidates it backed in Republican-held Assembly districts ended up losing in the Nov. 6 elections.


There is “$500 billion of unspent COVID money” that can be rescinded.

Government estimates show that more than $400 billion in COVID-19 relief money remained unspent as of Jan. 31. But government sources say a majority of that money has been allocated, meaning it’s earmarked to be spent and wouldn’t be eligible for rescission. Estimates about how much remains unspent and unallocated range from $70 billion to $90.5 billion.


In Milwaukee, "The (homicide) rate has nearly doubled in the past two years."

Milwaukee reached its grim homicide milestone the week of Nov. 23, when a 33-year-old man was killed in a shooting, bringing the homicide tally to 197 up to that date. In 2019, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s homicide tracker, there were 111 homicides. In 2020, the number rose to 204; in 2021, the figure had climbed to 212 homicides. To have doubled in two years from 111 in 2019, the tally would have to have reached 222 in 2021. So Steil’s "nearly doubled" claim is in the ballpark.


“The state of Washington has already sent out their ballots” for the 2024 presidential election.

The Presidential election is coming up on November 5, 2024. Stay informed with the latest voting information, key dates, primary results and more for Washington. [...] How Washington Voted in Past Presidential Elections [...] * The Decision Desk pre-election race ratings characterize the competitiveness of all U.S. House and Senate seats up in 2024, all gubernatorial elections in 2024, and the states and districts that comprise the 538 electoral votes in the presidential election. Several factors are taken into consideration in determining ratings, including various combinations of the analysis of historical electoral results, election polling, analysis of voter file registration data and early voting (when applicable), political advertising data as well as qualitative assessments of the specific candidates.


Project 2025 Would End Head Start and Hurt Children with Disabilities [...] The 2024 Republican National Convention has highlighted the party’s platform this week, drawing heavily from Project 2025. The conservative policy plan calls for the elimination of Head Start, alarming education advocates who note that doing so would remove access to early learning for over 787,000 children from families with low-incomes across the U.S. Of those children served, over 111,000 (about 14.2%) are children with disabilities, and many more are at risk for developing disabilities. Head Start specializes in providing comprehensive services to young children with disabilities from families with low incomes, who face intertwined challenges from inequitable access to food, health care, housing, and high-quality early learning. If Head Start ends, so will critical services for thousands of children with delays and disabilities living in poverty across the country. [...] Project 2025’s brevity about the elimination of Head Start belies its potentially devastating consequences for some of the U.S.’s most vulnerable children and their families. Cutting Head Start comprises just one paragraph in the project’s 900-plus-page Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise. The paragraph includes misleading information about Head Start’s efficacy and no mention of its services for children with disabilities. It does not offer an alternative strategy for providing critical services to set young children up for long-term success.


Former President Jimmy Carter “passed away Tuesday, July 23, at 01:34 am at his home in Plains, Georgia at the age of 99.”

The claim: President Jimmy Carter died July 23, 2024 [...] "Former President Jimmy Carter – James Earl Carter, Jr. – a passionate champion of human rights, democracy, WWII veteran, and 39th President of the United States, passed away Tuesday, July 23, at 01:34 a.m. at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 99," the purported statement began. [...] Carter, the oldest living former president at 99 years, entered hospice care Feb. 18, 2023, opting to forgo medical treatments after cancer had spread to his brain. His grandson Jason said in June that the former president was "experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process."


There are nine states “where Biden’s name can’t be removed and no one can be added. That’s over 130 electoral votes in the toilet.”

There are ways to resolve this problem, as two other states with early deadlines have already done. Washington state officials said they will accept a provisional certification of Biden’s nomination before the convention. And Alabama’s Legislature shortened its deadline so that Biden could qualify for the ballot there. [...] So, Democrats might have to file a lawsuit to get Biden on the ballot.


“Iran has stockpiled 10 times as much enriched uranium as it had” in 2016.

By the fall of 2009, Iran had been the subject of four sets of UN sanctions aimed at compelling the country to comply with IAEA demands to disclose the full extent of its nuclear program and to stop its uranium enrichment activities. In September 2009, Iran informed the IAEA that it was constructing a second fuel enrichment plant near the city of Qom, but refused to answer all of the Agency's questions about the new plant.[3] At that time, Iran had an estimated stockpile of 1,500 kilograms of low enriched uranium (LEU), enriched to between 3.5 and 5 percent. When Iran announced that it would begin enriching uranium to 19.75 percent because it was running out of fuel for use in its Tehran Research Reactor that produces medical isotopes, the United States, France, Russia, and the IAEA (the "Vienna Group") proposed a fuel swap as a confidence-building measure pending renewed talks with Iran.[4] This proposal called for Iran to ship roughly three-quarters of its then LEU stockpile to Russia and France to be further enriched to nearly 20 percent and then returned to Iran as fuel for its Tehran Reactor.[5] Iran initially expressed interest in the proposal, but then withdrew its support,[6] continued its enrichment activities, and spurned further negotiations with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1).


Kamala Harris “returned” a $5,000 donation Donald Trump made to her campaign in 2011.

Donald Trump once donated to Kamala Harris’ campaign. Here’s what she did with the money. [...] In 2011, Donald Trump, as a private citizen, donated $5,000 to Kamala Harris’ California attorney general reelection campaign. In 2013, Trump gave Harris an additional $1,000. [...] A July 21 Threads post included a photo of a $5,000 check Trump wrote in September 2011 to Harris’ California attorney general reelection campaign. The post said, "A donation (Harris) returned."


"(The) top issue for college students is the economy."

"The everyday concerns of Americans are the economy — even young people that we work with at Young America's Foundation, our polling shows nationwide, their top issue for college students is the economy," Walker said. [...] Is Walker right that "The top issue for college students is the economy"? [...] The economy was the top issue for college students who participated in the group’s poll. Wisconsin pollster Charles Franklin said the polling company is reputable and the questions were overall evenhanded.


Donald Trump stated on March 2, 2020 in a Tweet Michael Bloomberg "did not poll well as mayor in handling crisis!" Michael Bloomberg stated on January 30, 2020 in a news release During his tenure as mayor of New York City, "street homelessness decreased by 28 percent." Tom Barrett stated on November 20, 2019 in a public forum Says since he took office, the City of Milwaukee has seen the creation of 7,000 new affordable housing units. Michael Bloomberg stated on January 1, 2020 in a television ad "Mayor Bloomberg helped lower the number of uninsured by 40 percent, covering 700,000 more New Yorkers" Viral image stated on November 5, 2019 in a Facebook post "These are real ads running in New York City calling for the removal of ‘trash’ which includes white people, Trump supporters, and Christians." Greg Abbott stated on October 10, 2019 in a tweet "The City of Austin is dedicating more than $20,000 PER HOMELESS PERSON in Austin." Roger Stone stated on September 28, 2018 in a Facebook post As mayor of Newark, N.J., Cory Booker "stole $600,000 from a city water authority and laundered it through his law firm." [...] Tom Barrett stated on November 20, 2019 in a public forum Says since he took office, the City of Milwaukee has seen the creation of 7,000 new affordable housing units.


“We’ve seen an 800% increase in the Swanton sector, which is the part of the northern border that I represent, in illegal crossings.”

"We’ve seen an 800% increase in the Swanton sector, which is the part of the northern border that I represent, in illegal crossings," Stefanik said on "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo" on Jan. 28. [...] The Swanton sector includes an estimated 24,000 square miles and includes northeastern counties in New York, three counties in New Hampshire, and all of Vermont. [...] In November, Customs and Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the Swanton sector posted on X – formerly Twitter – that there had been a 550% increase in apprehensions between fiscal year 2022 and 2023, and that the migrants came from 79 countries. Garcia posted in August that apprehensions in just over 10 months exceeded the previous nine years combined.


“The racial wealth gap is the smallest it’s been in 20 years.”

President Joe Biden referred to 2022 Federal Reserve data that showed a modest decrease in the wealth ratio between white and Black Americans. For every $100 the average white family had in wealth, the average Black family had $15.75, the smallest gap in 20 years. By a different measure — the dollar amount difference in wealth — the gap widened between white and Black Americans to its largest disparity since 1989. Economists use both measures to assess the racial wealth gap. Learn more about PolitiFact’s fact-checking process and rating system.