MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/24/2026

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

MISLEADING	Claim by Mary Peltola (D): Dan Sullivan cast “the deciding vote” to keep the Epstein files “hidden.” FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (Sullivan voted against advancing a Democratic amendment to release the files earlier, but later supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent.) Alaska Senate Candidates Attempt to Link Each Other to Epstein
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: In August 2026, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled a statue of Molech (also spelled Moloch), a pagan god who the Bible associates with child sacrifice, in front of the state Capitol. Snopes.com rating: False (Originated as Satire) Massachusetts Democrats didn’t unveil Molech statue at state Capitol, despite claims
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: The Florida Chamber of Commerce paid for an advertisement in Times Square naming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Florida’s “Economic Developer of the Year.” Snopes.com rating: True (They really did.) Florida Chamber of Commerce paid for Times Square billboard with dig at Mamdani
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Increased autism diagnoses cannot be explained by better detection and must involve an environmental toxin. The Dispatch rating: False (Kennedy cited accurate CDC autism prevalence figures, but experts say autism has multiple genetic, environmental and biological factors, and research does not support vaccines as the cause.) Fact-Checking Donald Trump’s Statements on Vaccines
FALSE	(International: United Kingdom): Department for Work and Pensions data shows the share of Universal Credit paid to foreign nationals rose to 15.5% in January 2026. Full Fact rating: Incorrect (This figure refers to the proportion of people on Universal Credit in January 2026 who were non-British/Irish citizens, which had been falling since 2024. We don’t know exactly what proportion of expenditure this group accounted for.) Reform corrects claim that ‘rising’ share of Universal Credit went to foreign nationals – 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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