MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/17/2026

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 TRUE	Claim by Mary Peltola (D): Dan Sullivan took money from a political insider arrested on sex trafficking charges. FactCheck.org rating: Mostly True (Sullivan received $149 from Craig Scott Valdez before Valdez was charged, and Sullivan’s campaign later donated the money to a domestic violence and sexual assault charity.) Alaska Senate Candidates Attempt to Link Each Other to Epstein
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: While in charge of Detroit’s health department, Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed ran a dog slaughterhouse and oversaw the euthanasia of 74% of the shelter dogs. Snopes.com rating: False (Made-up nonsense. While the allegations were loosely based on actual complaints about conditions at Detroit Animal Control, El-Sayed wasn’t in charge of the shelter when they first surfaced.) Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed didn’t run ‘dog slaughterhouse’ in Detroit, despite claims
MISLEADING	Claim by Dan Sullivan’s (R) campaign: Mary Peltola’s campaign and salary are funded by “Epstein cash.” FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (Some Peltola donors had tangential links to Epstein records or social circles, but none were accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and several donations predated the release of the files.) Alaska Senate Candidates Attempt to Link Each Other to Epstein
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Smart meters were used to start Spokane, Washington fires. AFP Fact Check rating: False (No evidence they contributed to starting the Spokane burns) No evidence smart meters caused Spokane fires
FALSE	(International: United Kingdom): Not one of the 56 Muslim countries is taking in refugees. Full Fact rating: False (Muslim majority countries host millions of refugees according to the latest statistics from the UNHCR.) False claim Muslim majority countries don’t host refugees recirculates – 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.

★ SUPPORT OUR MISSION