VERIFY

Money

No, Medicare is not offering a free flex card

While some Medicare Advantage plans run by private insurers offer flex cards worth a few hundred dollars, they aren’t available for free from original Medicare.
Holiday

Yes, there is a Santa shortage for the 2021 Christmas season

There has been an increase in demand this year as well as fewer Santas available – both due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus

No, there isn’t a new test to detect the omicron variant

A widely used PCR test can help flag a potential omicron infection. Confirmation is then done through genomic sequencing.
Holiday

Yes, Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ is the most-streamed holiday song

Music streaming app data shows Mariah Carey’s hit holiday single, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” garners the most streams on the holiday charts.
Health

Yes, a potentially deadly parasite that enters people through bare feet is in the US

Headlines about a parasite called Strongyloides being in the U.S. are accurate. The parasite isn’t deadly for most people – and many people don’t even have symptoms.

VERIFY is on a mission to separate fact from fiction in news and social media. We respect truth above all and believe in transparency. If you see a story online or hear a rumor you want verified, let us know. Just tell us your name, city and the story you'd like us to VERIFY. All submissions may be used in a VERIFY segment or promotion.

State police on scene of standoff in Dover-Foxcroft

"Weird Al" Yankovic to perform at UMaine Collins Center in 2022

NEWS CENTER Maine Weather Forecast

NEWS CENTER Maine Weather Video Forecast

VERIFY

No, Medicare is not offering a free flex card

Yes, there is a Santa shortage for the 2021 Christmas season

No, there isn’t a new test to detect the omicron variant

Yes, Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ is the most-streamed holiday song

Yes, a potentially deadly parasite that enters people through bare feet is in the US

Featured Videos

No, a child did not yell an expletive during Jill Biden’s book reading

No, burning scented candles is not bad for your health

Yes, then-and-now photos of Arctic are real, but it’s not a 100-year comparison

No, the WHO did not say the omicron variant originated in South Africa — it said South Africa reported it first

No, there is no evidence that deer transmit COVID-19 to humans

Yes, it is possible for a sitting vice president to be nominated to the Supreme Court

Omicron variant: Don’t wait to get a booster shot, doctors say

No, there will not be a dramatic drop in gas prices because of oil reserve releases

Yes, Hanukkah is considered a relatively 'minor' Jewish holiday

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