MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 10/18/2026 (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

FALSE	Claim via Social Media: Ballots marked by poll workers will be disqualified in the 2026 midterm elections. Associated Press rating: False (Election procedures vary by jurisdiction, and some states require poll workers to make administrative markings on ballots. Election officials in North Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois said such authorized markings do not disqualify ballots and, in some cases, are required by law.) FACT FOCUS: Social media posts falsely claim ballots marked by a poll worker will be disqualified
TRUE	Claim via Social Media: U.S. diesel fuel prices reached an all-time high in September 2026. MinnPost rating: True (Federal data going back to 1994 show average on-highway diesel prices reached a record $6.53 per gallon on Sept. 21, 2026, surpassing the previous peak of $5.81 in June 2022.) Did U.S. diesel fuel prices reach an all-time high this fall?
MISLEADING	Claim by Marcy Kaptur (D): Republican challenger Derek Merrin will “cut your Medicare.” FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (The cited Republican law includes limited Medicare changes, including reduced eligibility for certain lawfully present immigrants and suspension of a rule designed to expand financial assistance for some low-income beneficiaries. But describing the legislation as broadly cutting Medicare exaggerates its impact on the roughly 70 million people enrolled in the program.) Democratic Ads Exaggerate GOP Law’s Impact on Medicare
FALSE	(International: United Kingdom): The video shows climate activist Greta Thunberg attending a recent protest in London’s Trafalgar Square to show solidarity with the Indian youth. The Quint rating: False Old Video of Greta Thunberg Speaking at an SFI UK Gathering Shared as Recent

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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