MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 10/13/2026

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only use fact-checkers who are either signatories to 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

BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media and amplified by conservative media: A recording proves Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was treated at and recently discharged from the Lindner Center of Hope, an Ohio mental health facility. Lead Stories rating: False (The Lindner Center of Hope stated that Talarico “has never received treatment” there. Talarico said he has never been to Ohio, and his campaign said he was home in Austin recovering from the flu during his absence from public events.) What We Know About A Claim That A Recording Proves Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico Was Treated At Ohio Mental Health Facility
MOSTLY TRUE	Claim by Abdul El-Sayed (D): Mike Rogers became roughly $14 million wealthier after leaving Congress and owns “two yachts” and a large Florida home. Politifact rating: Mostly True (Rogers’ estimated net worth increased from about 800,000-1.7 million in 2015 to 10.1million-16.9 million in 2025, making an increase approaching $14 million possible. Property records confirm a 4,751-square-foot Florida home. El-Sayed’s campaign supplied records for two boats.) Fact-check: El-Sayed and Rogers level personal attacks in first Michigan Senate race debate
MISLEADING	Claim by Donald Trump (R): Foreign automakers are leaving Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany and South Korea and bringing their car manufacturing back to the United States. Associated Press rating: Misleading (Foreign automakers have manufactured vehicles in the U.S. for decades, and while some companies have announced new U.S. investments, the broader industry trend predates Trump and does not support the sweeping claim that automakers are broadly abandoning those countries for the U.S.) FACT FOCUS: Trump says tariffs have brought more US auto factories. His numbers are off. Donald Trump Rating
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: In October 2026, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts moved its Steinway pianos from the premises in order to sell them. Snopes rating: False (According to statements from the Kennedy Center and Steinway and Sons, the center leases some of its pianos from a Steinway franchisee who is retiring soon. The leases on 16 of the center’s Steinways are therefore expiring and the center needed to return them. Not all of its pianos were moved.) Is Kennedy Center selling its Steinway pianos?
FALSE	(International: Australia): An increase in HIV cases in Fiji has been caused by COVID-19 vaccines. Australian Associated Press rating: False (COVID vaccines don’t cause HIV, and experts say Fiji’s HIV epidemic has been driven by intravenous drug use.) Misinformation links COVID-19 vaccine to Fiji HIV emergency \| AAP

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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