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Government

No, the speaker of the House does not have to be from the majority party

Government

No, the shutdown deal did not include a pay raise for Congress

The 45-day spending agreement to avoid a government shutdown was amended to specifically prevent members of Congress from receiving cost-of-living increases.
Donald Trump

VERIFYING claims about the lack of a jury at former President Trump's fraud trial in New York

Trump's legal team did not request a jury for his fraud trial in New York. But even if they had, it wouldn't have guaranteed a jury.
Government

5 Fast Facts about the speaker of the House

On Oct. 3, the House of Representatives ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as speaker. Here’s what we can VERIFY about the leadership position.
Government

No, the Oct. 4 emergency alert test won’t damage devices

FEMA's nationwide emergency alert test is not new nor does it force devices to connect with or send information to the government.
Environment

Yes, house flies can 'wake up' in the spring after staying dormant during cold weather

Have you been startled by a house fly who appeared to come back from the dead? Here’s what we can VERIFY about how long they can survive inside a home.
Ukraine

No, a viral photo doesn't show Ukraine surrendering

A viral post claims Ukraine surrendered to Russia. The photo is not recent and suspected to be part of a Russian misinformation campaign from April 2022.
Health

Yes, the FDA is considering a ban on menthol cigarette sales

The FDA has been working toward a menthol cigarette ban since 2009, over the course of three presidential administrations.
Immigration

Driver’s licenses and IDs don’t allow undocumented immigrants to vote in federal elections

Several VERIFY readers asked if undocumented immigrants receive ID cards or driver’s licenses, and whether they can vote as a result. Here’s what we found.
Immigration

Undocumented immigrants don’t get driver’s licenses when they cross the border

VERIFY explains how undocumented immigrants can receive driver’s licenses in some states and whether this makes them eligible to vote.
National

Most states don't require home sellers to disclose whether someone has died in the house

California has the most comprehensive requirements of any of the eight states that mandate death disclosures.
Money

Whether you can stay anonymous after winning the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot depends on where you bought the ticket

State laws determine the rules regarding anonymity for winners. These 17 states allow you to not reveal your identity publicly.