Media News Daily: Top Stories for 09/29/2026

Partisan “Pink Slime” News Sites Target Midterm Voters

Partisan websites designed to resemble independent local news outlets are expanding ahead of the November midterm elections, with groups on both the political right and left paying to promote their articles on social media. NewsGuard has identified 1,179 such “pink slime” sites, exceeding the number of operating U.S. daily newspapers cited in the report. One example, the North Carolinian, discloses that it is funded by the Republican-aligned Senate Leadership Fund while publishing stories focused on North Carolina’s Senate race. Media Bias Fact Check has independently reviewed and rated more than 1,000 of these partisan local-style sources, helping readers identify their ownership, political orientation, and credibility. Researchers warn that the growth of these sites can make it harder for readers to distinguish independent local journalism from politically funded content. (Read More) (France 24 Rating)

FTC Eyes Rules Targeting Scam Ads

The Federal Trade Commission is considering new regulations that could require online platforms to take stronger steps against advertisements impersonating businesses and government agencies. Potential measures include verifying advertisers’ identities, screening ads for impersonation scams, investigating suspicious campaigns, and removing confirmed fraudulent advertisements. The FTC says consumers reported nearly $3.5 billion in losses from impersonation fraud in 2025 and is seeking public comment on whether platform ad-optimization systems contribute to the problem. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)

Poynter Launches “Fact-Checking for Everyone” Course

The Poynter Institute has launched “Fact-Checking for Everyone,” a self-directed online course designed to teach verification skills beyond professional journalism. International Fact-Checking Network Director Angie Drobnic Holan argues that fact-checking can improve communication, build trust, strengthen arguments, reduce harmful decisions, and help people collaborate from a shared foundation of accurate information. The six-lesson course covers verification techniques, digital tools, artificial intelligence, and methods for evaluating the credibility of sources. (Read More) (Poynter Institute Rating)