MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 04/18/2025

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. (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

BLATANT LIE	Claim by AG Pam Bondi: Riley Gaines made it to the Olympics. Lead Stories rating: False (Her name was not on the 2024 U.S. national team roster. It doesn’t appear on the official website of the Olympic Games, either.) Fact Check: Riley Gaines Did NOT ‘Make It To The Olympics’ — Bondi Erred
MOSTLY FALSE	Claim by Tim Walz (D): “Less than half of Americans have $1,000 in savings.” Politifact rating: Mostly False (A 2024 Forbes survey found that about 28% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings.) Is Tim Walz right that most Americans have $1,000 or less in savings?
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Children’s Health Defense: Cleveland Clinic study showed flu vaccine increased adults’ risk of contracting flu. Lead Stories rating: False (This study’s finding that vaccination was “associated with” a higher risk isn’t the same as showing the vaccine is what caused increased risk. The authors of the study found that vaccinated health care workers had a 27% higher incidence of flu than those who were not vaccinated.The researchers said their paper did not identify what factors caused the higher infection rate, only that the shot was relatively ineffective.) Fact Check: Cleveland Clinic Study Did NOT ‘Reveal’ That The 2024/2025 Flu Shot Increases Flu Risk — Vaccine Ineffective, But Not Cause Of Infections Children’s Health Defense Rating
FALSE	(International: Australia): Doubling wind and solar power alongside tripling battery storage isn’t coalition policy. AAP rating: False (It’s coalition policy to double wind and solar generation and triple battery storage.) Energy minister falsely labels coalition renewables plan ‘fake policy’

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.