MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 07/18/2026 (Weekend Edition)

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

MOSTLY FALSE	Claim via Social Media: In 2026, Colorado passed a law banning sexually explicit AI-generated content of children, and 17 Republicans voted against it. Snopes rating: Mostly False (Colorado passed a related law in 2025, not 2026, and 13 Republicans—not 17—voted against it in the House. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, and opposition included both Democrats and Republicans who raised concerns about rushed review, censorship, and AI company liability.) Claim 17 Colorado Republicans voted against banning sexually explicit AI content of kids distorts truth
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Nick Shirley and Tyler Robinson are cousins. Lead Stories rating: False (Unrelated) Fact Check: NO EVIDENCE Nick Shirley And Tyler Robinson Are Cousins — Social Media Rumor
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on vehicles equipped with “cell site simulators” (also known as “fake cell towers”) that can be used to spy on phones. Snopes rating: True (The federal agency has long used the controversial fake cell tower devices, also known as StingRays or cell site simulators. The information about them shared in 2026 social media posts references 2024 and 2025 federal contract data.) ICE bought vehicles equipped with ‘fake cell towers’ used to spy on phones. Here’s proof
FALSE	(International: Australia): National Australia Bank offers interest-free home loans exclusively to Muslims. AAP rating: False (The bank offers Islamic business loans that include an upfront fee instead of interest, not Islamic home loans.) Interest-free Muslim home loans claim defaults on facts

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.

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