MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/16/2026 (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

MISLEADING	Claim by Rand Paul (R): Fauci privately admitted concerns about COVID-19 vaccine side effects “associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester,” while publicly saying there was nothing to worry about. FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (Fauci’s January 2021 texts mentioned a theoretical concern about fever after vaccination, but also noted no red flags had emerged and that pregnant people should weigh risks and benefits; later data did not show increased miscarriage risk.) Republicans Revive False Miscarriage Statistic, Twist Fauci’s Texts About COVID-19 Shots Rand Paul Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Real video shows Abdul El-Sayed and Ms. Rachel talking to kids about Israeli “colonizers” Lead Stories rating: False (AI) Fact Check: FAKE Video Shows Abdul El-Sayed, Ms. Rachel Talking To Kids About Israeli ‘Colonizers’
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Jay Bhattacharya: It is “certainly possible” COVID-19 vaccines led to miscarriages, and the debate “rages on” in scientific literature. FactCheck.org rating: False (Current data continue to show no increased miscarriage risk or other pregnancy complications associated with COVID-19 vaccination, and NIH did not provide evidence supporting Bhattacharya’s claim.) Republicans Revive False Miscarriage Statistic, Twist Fauci’s Texts About COVID-19 Shots
FALSE	(International: United Kingdom): A video shows children at an English school being taught about the Islamic Salah, praying five times a day. Full Fact rating: False (That’s not what the video shows. The clip was originally posted by an Islamic pre-school in Australia.) Video of children being taught Muslim prayers does not show a school in England – Full Fact

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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