MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/17/2025 (Weekend Edition)

Fact Check Search

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 Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “You can’t sue” vaccine companies, “no matter how negligent they are.” FactCheck.org rating: False (Vaccine manufacturers can still be sued for negligence outside of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program once a claim is denied or if misconduct such as fraud is proven, and they do have financial and regulatory incentives to ensure vaccine safety.) RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Court Spin
MOSTLY TRUE	Claim by Americans for Prosperity: “The (Evers) Era locked Wisconsin families into a 400-year property tax increase.” PolitiFact rating: Mostly True (Evers’ 2023 budget veto allowed school revenue limits to rise by $325 per pupil annually until the year 2425, which has already driven up property taxes. Because the budget contained no increases to state school aid, property tax hikes are likely to continue. However, future legislatures could repeal or offset the measure, making the “400-year” framing exaggerated. Still, under current law, property taxes are set to rise indefinitely.) Did Wisconsin Gov. Evers’ 400-year veto lock in property tax increases for centuries? Americans for Prosperity Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Governor Gavin Newsom’s press account on X has been suspended. Lead Stories rating: False (Fake Account) Fact Check: Gavin Newsom Press Office Account On X Was NOT Suspended — Hoaxer Used A Facsimile Of Real Account
FALSE	(International: China): A new disease called chikungunya is spreading in China. Rappler rating: False FACT CHECK: Chikungunya not a new disease

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.