WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says even with the Taliban in power in Afghanistan, he sees a greater threat from outposts of al-Qaida and its affiliated groups in other countries, and that it was no longer “rational” to continue to focus U.S.

CLAIM: The newest Israeli data on COVID-19 infections indicate a complete vaccine failure on every level. The data from Israel shows that nearly all serious cases and deaths are among the vaccinated. AP’S ASSESSMENT: Missing context. The claim ignores the fact that Israel has only a fraction of the COVID-19 cases that it had in January, before vaccines were widespread.

CLAIM: If you are unvaccinated, you can get COVID and have over 99% chance of survival. If you get vaccinated, you can STILL get COVID and will still have over 99% chance of survival. AP’S ASSESSMENT: Missing context. On average about 98.2% of known COVID-19 patients in the U.S. survive, but each ...

The Associated Press began its college football poll on Oct. 19, 1936, and it is now the longest-running poll of those that award national titles at the end of the season. The preseason poll was started in 1950. A panel of 62 sports writers and broadcasters from around the country votes on the poll weekly.

Day said there are documented cases of animal viruses that evolved over time to become more lethal, including myxoma virus in rabbits and Marek’s disease in chicken. Some viruses provoke severe symptoms in their hosts that make it easier to transmit the virus to others. But those same symptoms can wind up killing the hosts.

COVID vaccine package insert is blank because up-to-date information is online. By ALI SWENSON May 11, 2021. CLAIM: The packaging insert with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is suspiciously blank, containing no information about ingredients and side effects normally found with a vaccine. AP’S ASSESSMENT: Missing context.

CLAIM: Face masks can decrease oxygen intake, increase toxin inhalation and shut down the immune system. AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. Medical professionals say wearing masks do none of those things. THE FACTS: Posts on social media are spreading false information about face masks as health officials encourage their use to halt the spread of the new coronavirus.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has allowed companies to mandate the flu and other vaccines, and has also indicated they can require COVID-19 vaccines. There are exceptions; for example, people can request exemptions for medical or religious reasons. But, the EEOC said, asking someone to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination ...

CLAIM: Gen. Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate States Army in the Civil War, “opposed both secession and slavery.”. He did not own slaves. AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. According to historians, not only did Lee own slaves, but he also fought in court to keep working slaves from his father-in-law’s estate. Claims casting Lee as an anti ...