This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more. CNN Denies Report It Softened Coverage Following Trump White House Meeting CNN is pushing back on a report by Status that CEO Mark Thompson urged the network to ease coverage of President Trump’s controversial White House renovations after a meeting with administration officials.

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers that are either a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) or have been verified as credible by MBFC. Further, we review each fact check for accuracy before publishing. We fact-check the fact-checkers and let you know their bias. When appropriate, we explain the rating and/or offer our own rating if we disagree with the fact-checker.

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more. AI Chatbots Fail at Accurate News Delivery, Study Finds A global study by 22 public broadcasters, including DW and the BBC, found that AI chatbots—ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Perplexity AI—misrepresented news content in 45% of test cases, often failing to distinguish between fact and opinion and introducing sourcing and factual errors.

President Donald Trump said Monday that he recently underwent an MRI scan but did not specify the reason for the test. “It was perfect,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling to Tokyo. The White House provided no further details about the examination or its purpose. The 79-year-old president, the second-oldest in U.S. history, has faced recurring questions about his health since returning to office in January. Earlier this month, his physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, reported that Trump was in “exceptional health” following a full medical evaluation. In July, the White House disclosed that Trump was being treated for swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand. Barbabella attributed the swelling to chronic venous insufficiency — a common circulatory condition in older adults — and the bruising to “minor soft tissue irritation” from frequent handshaking and aspirin use. The White House has downplayed concerns about the president’s fitness, emphasizing that his cardiovascular regimen and test results remain stable. Officials have not commented on whether the MRI was related to the previously disclosed leg issue or another medical matter. Trump, who is preparing for a high-profile Asia visit, has continued a busy travel schedule despite his age and recent health scrutiny. Sources: * Yahoo News – MBFC Rating The post Trump Says He Underwent MRI, Calls Results “Perfect” Amid Ongoing Health Questions appeared first on News Facts Network.

Former Tennessee state Rep. Robin Smith (R) was sentenced Friday to eight months in prison for her role in a taxpayer-funded mailer scheme that helped convict former House Speaker Glen Casada and his chief of staff, Cade Cothren. Smith, 62, pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of honest services wire fraud and later testified under a plea deal in the high-profile public corruption case. “I failed the trust of the public,” Smith said at her sentencing in federal court in Nashville. “My mom and dad raised me to be much better than this.” She must report to prison by January 5. Smith’s cooperation was key in exposing a fraudulent mail business called Phoenix Solutions, created by Cothren with Casada’s and Smith’s support. Prosecutors said the trio falsely claimed the company was run by “Matthew Phoenix” to conceal their involvement and collect more than $50,000 in taxpayer funds through a legislative mailer program. Casada was convicted on 14 counts and sentenced to three years in prison, while Cothren received two and a half years. Judge Eli Richardson said Smith played a central role in “spinning a web of fabrications” to pressure officials and hide the scheme. Smith, once a prominent GOP leader in Hamilton County, resigned from the legislature in 2022 after entering her plea. Sources: * Associated Press – MBFC Rating The post Former Tennessee Lawmaker Robin Smith Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Fraud appeared first on News Facts Network.

Former President Joe Biden delivered his first public speech since completing radiation therapy for prostate cancer, warning that the United States is entering “dark days” under President Donald Trump’s leadership. Speaking at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston on Sunday, Biden, 82, urged Americans not to “check out” as the nation faces what he described as threats to democracy, free speech, and the separation of powers. “Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world,” Biden said. “The idea is stronger than any army. We’re more powerful than any dictator.” He warned that Trump’s use of the ongoing government shutdown to expand executive power was testing the limits of the presidency. “Friends, I can’t sugar coat any of this. These are dark days,” Biden said, before expressing hope that the country will “find our true compass again.” Biden praised journalists, comedians, and public servants who continue to speak out despite pressure from the administration, and even acknowledged Republicans who have opposed Trump’s policies. “America is not a fairy tale,” he said. “For 250 years, it’s been a constant push and pull between peril and possibility.” The speech marked Biden’s first major appearance since leaving office in January. His office revealed in May that he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9. Sources: * Associated Press – MBFC Rating The post Biden Warns of “Dark Days” Under Trump, Urges Americans to Defend Democracy appeared first on News Facts Network.

Argentine President Javier Milei achieved a sweeping political victory Sunday as his libertarian party, La Libertad Avanza, dominated the country’s midterm elections. With more than 90% of votes counted, the party secured 40.84% compared to the Peronists’ 31.7%, according to the Associated Press. The result doubles Milei’s representation in Congress, granting him veto authority and shielding him from impeachment attempts. The outcome also triggers major U.S. economic support. President Donald Trump, who closely followed the election, previously pledged a $20 billion currency swap and an additional $20 billion in private-sector funding contingent on Milei’s success. “If he [Milei] wins, we’re staying with him. And if he doesn’t win, we’re gone,” Trump said during Milei’s October visit to the White House. The funding package now moves forward alongside discussions of a potential trade agreement to import Argentine beef to the United States — a plan Trump says will help lower U.S. meat prices. The midterm triumph marks a strong rebound for Milei’s party, which lost to the Peronists by 13 points in Buenos Aires province just one month earlier. His victory further consolidates libertarian influence in Argentina’s legislature and strengthens his alignment with Washington. Sources: * Washington Examiner – MBFC Rating The post Argentina’s Milei Wins Big in Midterms, Securing Veto Power and U.S. Backing appeared first on News Facts Network.

President Donald Trump on Sunday renewed his call for pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol and for parents to break up children’s vaccine doses, despite no scientific evidence supporting his claims. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote in all caps: “PREGNANT WOMEN, DON’T USE TYLENOL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, DON’T GIVE TYLENOL TO YOUR YOUNG CHILD FOR VIRTUALLY ANY REASON, BREAK UP THE MMR SHOT INTO THREE TOTALLY SEPARATE SHOTS (NOT MIXED!), TAKE CHICKEN P SHOT SEPARATELY, TAKE HEPATITAS B SHOT AT 12 YEARS OLD, OR OLDER, AND, IMPORTANTLY, TAKE VACCINE IN 5 SEPARATE MEDICAL VISITS! PRESIDENT DJT.” Trump’s remarks, which linked to a Daily Caller article claiming the FDA ignored Tylenol’s risks, echo comments he made last month suggesting acetaminophen could increase the risk of autism when taken during pregnancy. The claim, promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., lacks scientific backing. Both the World Health Organization and the European Union have refuted any connection between acetaminophen use and developmental disorders such as autism or ADHD. The FDA also said “a causal relationship has not been established.” Major medical bodies—including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine—continue to recommend acetaminophen as the safest pain relief option during pregnancy. Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue urged the FDA last week to reject proposed label changes promoted by HHS, calling them “arbitrary” and unsupported by decades of research. The company said its data, reviewed over more than a decade, found no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to neurodevelopmental harm. Trump’s post adds to a growing pattern of health-related misinformation, including his endorsement of vaccine schedule changes that contradict global medical consensus. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Trump Repeats False Claims Linking Tylenol and Vaccines to Autism Despite Lack of Evidence appeared first on News Facts Network.

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers that are either a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) or have been verified as credible by MBFC. Further, we review each fact check for accuracy before publishing. We fact-check the fact-checkers and let you know their bias. When appropriate, we explain the rating and/or offer our own rating if we disagree with the fact-checker.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) condemned President Donald Trump’s military campaign targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, calling the strikes “extrajudicial killings” and a violation of the Constitution. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Paul said no evidence or congressional authorization has been provided to justify the attacks. “A briefing is not enough to overcome the Constitution,” Paul said. “The Constitution says that when you go to war, Congress has to vote on it.” He added that the administration has not identified the alleged traffickers or presented proof of their crimes. Comparing the operations to authoritarian practices, Paul said, “This is akin to what China does, to what Iran does with drug dealers. They summarily execute people without presenting evidence.” The Trump administration has confirmed at least 43 deaths from military strikes on vessels off the coasts of Venezuela and in the eastern Pacific as part of an anti-drug initiative led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Pentagon has conducted 10 such strikes since the campaign began. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Rand Paul Accuses Trump Administration of “Extrajudicial Killings” in Caribbean Strikes appeared first on News Facts Network.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) accused President Donald Trump of exploiting the ongoing government shutdown to consolidate power, saying he is pushing the U.S. “much closer to a totalitarian state.” Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Murphy argued that Trump enjoys the ability to selectively reopen agencies and reward loyal employees. “I think one of the reasons that President Trump is refusing to negotiate is because he likes the fact that the government is closed,” Murphy said. “He thinks he can exercise king-like powers.” Murphy also criticized the $130 million donation from billionaire Timothy Mellon to cover military pay, calling it symptomatic of Trump’s reliance on “a handful of super-rich dudes” to determine government operations. In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Murphy as “a buffoon who regularly lies to the American people,” adding that “Democrats could vote to reopen the government anytime they want.” The government shutdown has stretched into its 24th day, as both parties remain gridlocked over federal spending priorities. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Sen. Murphy Warns Trump Is Steering U.S. Toward “Totalitarian State” Amid Shutdown appeared first on News Facts Network.

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more. Bari Weiss Considers Bret Baier to Revamp CBS Evening News CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss is reportedly exploring a bold shake-up of the CBS Evening News by considering Fox News anchor Bret Baier for the anchor chair.

A federal appeals court ruled that St. Paul police officer Heather Weyker cannot be sued for jailing a Minnesota teenager for more than two years on false charges, finding she acted “under color of federal law.” The case stems from a fabricated sex-trafficking investigation Weyker led while serving on a federal task force. In 2011, 16-year-old Hamdi Mohamud was arrested after Weyker falsely claimed she tried to intimidate a witness tied to an alleged Somali trafficking ring — a ring that never existed. Mohamud spent 25 months in jail before charges were dropped. Although a lower court initially ruled Weyker’s actions violated the Fourth Amendment, the Eighth Circuit later granted her immunity because she was federally deputized. The court said that while Weyker’s conduct was “plagued with problems” and included fabricating evidence, her actions fell under federal authority, making a lawsuit nearly impossible under the Supreme Court’s restrictive Bivens doctrine. Legal experts argue the case highlights how federal immunity shields officials even in clear cases of abuse. Sources: * Reason – MBFC Rating * 8th Circuit Opinion (PDF) – Official Court Document The post Minnesota Teen Jailed Over Two Years After Cop Fabricated Case, Court Grants Immunity appeared first on News Facts Network.

Billionaire heir Timothy Mellon, a longtime Trump supporter, has been identified as the anonymous donor who gave $130 million to help fund U.S. military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown, The New York Times reported Saturday. President Donald Trump had previously described the donor as a “great patriot” and “a friend of mine.” The donation, equivalent to about $100 per service member, falls far short of the $6.4 billion needed for biweekly troop pay. Legal experts say the gift may violate the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from spending unappropriated funds. Ethics specialists also warned that accepting private money for public payroll sets a dangerous precedent for accountability and foreign influence. Mellon, a reclusive descendant of the Gilded Age banking family and former railroad executive, has an estimated net worth near $1 billion. He previously donated $50 million to a Trump super PAC in 2024. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) said the revelation raises national security concerns: “Using anonymous donations to fund our military raises troubling questions of whether our own troops are at risk of being bought and paid for.” Sources: * CNBC – MBFC Rating The post Mellon Heir Revealed as Donor of $130 Million for Military Pay During Shutdown appeared first on News Facts Network.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon said a “plan” exists for President Donald Trump to seek a third term in 2028, despite the U.S. Constitution’s two-term limit under the 22nd Amendment. Speaking with The Economist, Bannon asserted, “Trump is going to be president in ’28… at the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.” While Bannon offered no details, he claimed Trump is “a vehicle of divine providence” who must “finish what we started.” His comments echo recent calls from some Trump allies, including Florida Rep. Randy Fine, who has suggested repealing the 22nd Amendment. A Republican-aligned group called the Third Term Project has also backed a constitutional amendment to permit an additional presidential term. Trump has repeatedly joked about extending his time in office, though in May he acknowledged “you’re not allowed to do it” under current law. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) dismissed Bannon’s remarks, saying the Constitution “is pretty plain” on term limits. Bannon’s statements have renewed Democratic concerns over Trump’s willingness to test constitutional boundaries. Sources: * USA Today – MBFC Rating The post Steve Bannon Claims “Plan” Exists for Trump to Seek Third Term in 2028 appeared first on News Facts Network.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said “establishment-type” Democratic candidates “don’t really cut it anymore,” suggesting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) would be a “formidable” contender for the 2028 presidential race. Speaking on The Axios Show, Sanders praised Ocasio-Cortez for her authenticity and working-class background, calling her “incredibly intelligent” and “a good politician.” “At this particular moment in American history, having establishment-type candidates doesn’t really cut it anymore,” Sanders said. “People are angry, people are hurting, people want candidates who are going to stand up and fight for them.” Sanders also reflected on Democrats’ 2024 loss, arguing Donald Trump connected with voters by recognizing that “the system is broken,” while Democrats “tinker around the edges.” The Vermont senator also defended Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who faced backlash over resurfaced Nazi-related tattoos and social media posts. Sanders said Platner “went through a dark period” but has since apologized, urging forgiveness. “Maybe we have to do a little bit of forgiveness,” Sanders added, referencing Trump’s felony convictions. Sources: * Washington Examiner – MBFC Rating The post Sanders Backs AOC for 2028, Says Establishment Democrats “Don’t Cut It” appeared first on News Facts Network.

A federal judge has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) violated due process in the detention of Chicago resident Ruben Torres Maldonado, whose teenage daughter is currently undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The ruling mandates that ICE provide Torres with a bond hearing before October 31. Torres, 40, was apprehended on October 18 at a Home Depot in suburban Chicago during “Operation Midway Blitz,” a sweeping federal immigration initiative. His legal team contended that his detention severely disrupted the treatment of his daughter, Ofelia, who is battling metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer. U.S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel deemed the detention unlawful but refrained from ordering Torres’ immediate release. “While sympathetic to the plight the petitioner’s daughter faces, the court must act within statutory constraints,” Judge Daniel stated. The Department of Homeland Security has pointed to Torres’ history of driving offenses and accused him of failing to cooperate during his arrest. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin referred to his legal challenge as “a desperate Hail Mary attempt.” In response to the ruling, Torres’ attorney, Kalman Resnick, described it as “a win for due process” and emphasized their commitment to seeking bond and pursuing permanent residency for Torres. Sources: * Associated Press – MBFC Rating The post Judge Rules ICE Illegally Detained Chicago Father of Teen With Cancer appeared first on News Facts Network.

President Donald Trump declared a 10 percent increase on tariffs for Canadian imports on Saturday, a move prompted by a government advertisement from Ontario that criticized U.S. tariffs during the World Series. The advertisement included excerpts from a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan that praised “free and fair trade.” However, Trump contended that the excerpts were manipulated to suggest that Reagan opposed tariffs. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Ronald Reagan LOVED Tariffs for purposes of National Security and the Economy, but Canada said he didn’t!” He labeled the advertisement as a “hostile act” and a “fraud.” The newly announced tariffs will be imposed on products that are already subject to high rates, including 50 percent on steel and aluminum and 35 percent on various other goods. However, products covered under the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will remain exempt from these new tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated that he spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney and announced that the controversial ad would be withdrawn following the second game of the World Series to facilitate further trade discussions. Despite this, Trump confirmed he would not be meeting with Carney at the upcoming ASEAN summit, citing the “misrepresentation” in the ad. As of now, the White House has not provided details on how the additional tariffs will be implemented. Sources: * CBS News – MBFC Rating * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Trump Escalates Trade Tensions With Canada Over Reagan-Themed Ad appeared first on News Facts Network.

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers that are either a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) or have been verified as credible by MBFC. Further, we review each fact check for accuracy before publishing. We fact-check the fact-checkers and let you know their bias. When appropriate, we explain the rating and/or offer our own rating if we disagree with the fact-checker.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s accelerated hiring drive has hit major hurdles as hundreds of recruits fail physical and academic requirements or enter training before completing background checks. According to NBC News, ICE rushed to expand its force to 10,000 deportation officers by January under President Donald Trump’s directive, but some trainees arrived without drug tests or fingerprinting. Officials confirmed that at least 200 recruits have been dismissed from the Georgia training academy since the summer for failing to meet ICE standards. One trainee had a prior robbery charge, while others failed drug tests or safety reviews. ICE’s six-week training course was shortened from 13 weeks to speed up hiring, and age restrictions were waived, worsening physical readiness problems. The Atlantic reported that over one-third of new recruits failed the agency’s fitness test, which requires 15 push-ups, 32 sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run in 14 minutes. DHS officials said 85% of new hires are former law enforcement officers who undergo streamlined vetting, though internal sources warn corners are being cut amid more than 175,000 applications. Critics argue that lowering standards risks misconduct and undermines ICE’s credibility. Sources: * NBC Chicago – MBFC Rating * Newsweek – MBFC Rating The post Trump’s ICE Expansion Stumbles: Unvetted, Unfit Recruits Raise Red Flags appeared first on News Facts Network.

Trump adviser Stephen Miller said Friday that state and local officials could face arrest for obstructing federal immigration enforcement, specifically naming Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Appearing on Fox News, Miller said any official who “conspires or engages in activity that unlawfully impedes federal law enforcement” could face charges ranging from obstruction of justice to seditious conspiracy. Miller’s remarks follow President Donald Trump’s accusations that Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have failed to protect federal agents during ICE operations. The administration is currently seeking court approval to deploy the National Guard in the Chicago area under “Operation Midway Blitz.” The statements drew immediate backlash. Former DHS official Miles Taylor warned the rhetoric reflected “authoritarian impulses,” while Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) called Miller “the most fascist figure in the Trump regime.” Critics also noted Trump’s prior pardons for January 6 rioters charged with seditious conspiracy. Pritzker’s deputy chief of staff, Matt Hill, dismissed the comments as “freaking out” over the governor’s televised criticism of Trump’s immigration policies. Sources: * Yahoo News – MBFC Rating The post Stephen Miller Suggests Arresting Gov. Pritzker Over Immigration Disputes appeared first on News Facts Network.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the United States of “fabricating a new eternal war” after the Trump administration deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford near Venezuelan waters. Speaking in a televised address Friday, Maduro said the U.S. was provoking conflict to justify aggression against his government. “The United States promised it would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating one that we will avoid,” Maduro said, claiming the U.S. was using “false criminal narratives” to link him to the Tren de Aragua gang. President Donald Trump has accused Maduro—without evidence—of leading the criminal organization, which is known for extortion and human smuggling rather than drug trafficking. Recent U.S. operations reportedly destroyed several boats off Venezuela’s coast suspected of drug smuggling, killing 43 people. Maduro rejected U.S. accusations, saying Venezuela “does not produce cocaine leaves.” The U.S. and other nations have refused to recognize Maduro’s disputed reelection last year, with Washington maintaining sanctions and urging democratic reforms. Sources: * Yahoo News – MBFC Rating The post Maduro Accuses U.S. of “Fabricating a War” as Aircraft Carrier Nears Venezuela appeared first on News Facts Network.

The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it accepted an anonymous $130 million donation to help cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown, a move announced by President Donald Trump earlier in the week. Trump described the donor as “a friend of mine,” calling the gift an act of patriotism but declining to reveal the person’s identity. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the funds were accepted “under its general gift acceptance authority” and earmarked to “offset the cost of Service members’ salaries and benefits.” The donation, while significant, represents only a fraction of the $6.5 billion needed for military payroll, which the administration covered last week by shifting funds from other defense programs. Ethics experts raised concerns about transparency and legality, noting that Pentagon policy requires consultation with ethics officials before accepting large gifts. “It’s treating the payment of our uniformed services as if someone’s picking up your bar tab,” said Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. The shutdown, now in its 24th day, has intensified partisan gridlock over health care funding and military pay. Sources: * Associated Press – MBFC Rating The post Pentagon Accepts Anonymous $130 Million Gift to Pay Troops During Shutdown appeared first on News Facts Network.

Welcome to our weekly media literacy quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge of the past week's events with a focus on facts, misinformation, bias, and general media literacy. Please share and compare your results. Media Literacy = the ability to critically analyze stories presented in the mass media and to determine their accuracy or credibility. Do you appreciate our work?

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers that are either a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) or have been verified as credible by MBFC. Further, we review each fact check for accuracy before publishing. We fact-check the fact-checkers and let you know their bias. When appropriate, we explain the rating and/or offer our own rating if we disagree with the fact-checker.