MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 01/15/2025

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers who 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. (D. Van Zandt)

Claim Codes: Red = Fact Check on a Right Claim, Blue = Fact Check on a Left Claim, Black = Not Political/Conspiracy/Pseudoscience/Other

Fact Checker bias rating Codes: Red = Right-Leaning, Green = Least Biased, Blue = Left-Leaning, Black = Unrated by MBFC

FALSE	Claim via Social Media and Amplified by Elon Musk: California lawmakers decriminalized looting in the state. KGW rating: False (California Penal Code 463 defines looting as committing burglary, grand theft or petty theft in areas under state or local emergencies, or evacuation orders, as a result of natural disasters or riots. The law has been on the books for decades and hasn’t been changed in recent years.) Looting is still a crime in California, despite false online claims
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Image shows former President Barack Obama was born in Kenya. Politifact rating: Pants on Fire (Still nonsense. He was born in Hawaii.) No, this still isn’t proof former President Barack Obama was born in Kenya
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Occupy Democrats: Photos prove U.S. President-elect Donald Trump failed to place his right hand over his heart during former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral. Snopes rating: False (Trump did, in fact, place his right hand over his heart while service members carried Carter’s flag-draped casket up the aisle at the state funeral.) No, Trump Didn’t Fail To Place Hand Over Heart at Carter’s Funeral Occupy Democrats Rating
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk turned his college house into a nightclub, charging $5 entry to pay rent. Snopes rating: True True Story: Musk Once Turned His Home Into a Nightclub to Pay Rent
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: LAPD sought three ‘persons of interest’ in fires tied to MAGA website USA Today rating: False (The Los Angeles Police Department hasn’t made any statements about “persons of interest” related to a MAGA website. The Los Angeles Fire Department said it is still investigating the cause of the fires as of Jan. 15). Claim linking LA wildfires to MAGA supporters is baseless \| Fact check
FALSE	(International: Norway): Norway has refused to play Israel in the World Cup 26 qualifiers. Australian Associated Press rating: False (Norway’s Football Association criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza but has not indicated it will boycott any matches.) Norway will play Israel in the World Cup qualifiers, despite false boycott rumours

Disclaimer: We are providing links to fact-checks by third-party fact-checkers. If you do not agree with a fact check, please directly contact the source of that fact check.