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Rating the bias and credibility of 8000+ journalists, politicians, and media sources. Fact Checks and media news. Website: mediabiasfactcheck.com

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Rep. Grijalva Says She Was Pepper-Sprayed During ICE Raid in Tucson TUCSON, Arizona — Rep. Adelita Grijalva said Friday that she was pepper-sprayed and pushed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a large-scale raid outside a Taco Giro restaurant, describing the confrontation as chaotic and dangerous. Grijalva, sworn in last month after winning a special election, said she approached agents to ask questions when an officer “sprayed [her] in the face” as community members gathered to block ICE vehicles. The operation involved roughly 40 federal agents, many masked, executing search warrants tied to a broader federal investigation. Video published by NBC News and The Intercept shows officers deploying pepper spray, pepper-ball rounds and other crowd-control munitions as protesters, press and bystanders coughed and stumbled away. Members of Grijalva’s staff were also sprayed, witnesses said. Tucson police later closed the street and assisted in clearing the area. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson disputed Grijalva’s account, claiming she “wasn’t pepper-sprayed” and stood only “in the vicinity” of another person who was sprayed while obstructing agents. DHS also said two officers suffered serious injuries. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz countered that federal agents escalated the situation and used disproportionate force against the public, including the congresswoman. Footage reviewed by local reporters showed agents detaining at least two people with their hands zip-tied and refusing to immediately answer Grijalva’s questions about where detainees were being taken. Grijalva said the incident reflects a pattern of increasingly aggressive enforcement actions in Arizona, adding, “If they’re going to treat me like that, how are they treating other people?” ——————————————— Sources: * NBC News – MBFC Rating * The Intercept – MBFC Rating The post Rep. Grijalva Says She Was Pepper-Sprayed During ICE Raid in Tucson appeared first on News Facts Network.
06.12.2025 14:34 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Former DEA Agent Charged With Laundering Millions for Mexican Cartel NEW YORK, New York — Federal prosecutors on Friday charged former Drug Enforcement Administration agent Paul Campo and associate Robert Sensi with conspiring to launder millions of dollars and obtain weapons for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations. According to an indictment unsealed in federal court, the two men agreed to launder $12 million in drug proceeds and converted roughly $750,000 into cryptocurrency, believing the funds would reach cartel handlers. The transactions were part of a sting operation involving a law enforcement informant posing as a CJNG member. Prosecutors say Campo, who worked for the DEA for 25 years and once served as deputy chief of financial operations, boasted about his expertise and offered to act as a “strategist” for the cartel. Sensi, who has prior federal fraud convictions, allegedly explored acquiring military-grade equipment including commercial drones, AR-15s, M4 carbines, grenade launchers and rocket-propelled grenades. Both were ordered detained without bail and entered not-guilty pleas through their attorneys. The indictment also alleges the men facilitated a payment for 220 kilograms of cocaine intended for U.S. distribution. Evidence includes recorded conversations, surveillance images, emails and cellphone data. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said the charges undermine public trust and highlighted recent reforms aimed at tightening oversight of agents involved in undercover financial operations. The DEA has faced multiple misconduct cases in recent years. Campo and Sensi face four conspiracy counts involving narcoterrorism, narcotics distribution, terrorism and money laundering. ——————————————— Sources: * AP News – MBFC Rating The post Former DEA Agent Charged With Laundering Millions for Mexican Cartel appeared first on News Facts Network.
06.12.2025 13:38 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Greene Says Trump Was ‘Furious’ Over Her Signing Epstein Files Petition WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said President Donald Trump was “furious” with her after she signed a House discharge petition requiring the release of all government records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a preview of her upcoming “60 Minutes” interview, Greene told CBS News that Trump believed the files’ release “was going to hurt people,” while she argued victims “deserve everything they’re asking” and full transparency. Trump initially supported releasing the Epstein files during his presidential campaign but reversed course after taking office, instructing House Republicans not to sign the discharge petition. Several GOP lawmakers — including Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie — broke ranks, adding pressure on the president. As more Republicans signaled they might support the effort, Trump shifted his position again and urged House Republicans to back a bill directing the Department of Justice to release the documents. The disagreement marks another point of tension between Trump and Greene, whose relationship has deteriorated over the past year as she increasingly criticized administration messaging on economic policy and other issues. After Greene abruptly resigned from Congress last week, Trump described her departure as “great news for the country.” House Republicans have also criticized her for missing all votes this week following her announcement. The Epstein files remain a politically sensitive subject as Congress, investigators and the public await the DOJ’s mandated release of the materials. ——————————————— Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Greene Says Trump Was ‘Furious’ Over Her Signing Epstein Files Petition appeared first on News Facts Network.
06.12.2025 13:38 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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MBFC’s Weekly Media Literacy Quiz Covering the Week of Nov 30th – Dec 6th Welcome to our weekly media literacy quiz. This quiz will test your knowledge of the past week's events with a focus on facts, misinformation, bias, and general media literacy. Please share and compare your results. Media Literacy = the ability to critically analyze stories presented in the mass media and to determine their accuracy or credibility. Do you appreciate our work?

MBFC's Weekly Media Literacy Quiz Covering the Week of Nov 30th - Dec 6th

06.12.2025 13:12 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Minnesota Gov. Walz Condemns Trump for Calling Somali Immigrants “Garbage” ST. PAUL, Minnesota — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz condemned President Donald Trump on for calling Somali immigrants “garbage,” remarks that he said were unprecedented and damaging to children and families across the state. Speaking with reporters, Walz said young Minnesotans of Somali descent “went to school today knowing their president called them garbage,” describing the comments as cruel and divisive. Minnesota is home to the nation’s largest Somali community, with roughly 84,000 residents in the Twin Cities and strong rates of U.S. citizenship among Somali-born residents. Trump made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting earlier in the week, where he also called Rep. Ilhan Omar “garbage” and said Somalia “stinks.” The comments came as the administration launched targeted immigration enforcement operations focused on Somali immigrants living unlawfully in Minnesota. Some Republican lawmakers declined to defend the president’s language but acknowledged concerns about fraud tied to the high-profile Feeding Our Future scandal. Others said they shared frustration about corruption cases but would not have phrased the criticism as Trump did. News From the States reported that Trump used similar rhetoric in extended comments about Somali Americans, framing the group as unworthy of belonging in the U.S.—a message Somali leaders and advocates condemned as dehumanizing and dangerous. Walz said Somali Minnesotans contribute significantly to the state’s economic and cultural vitality and deserve respect, not vilification. He added that comments targeting an entire ethnic community undermine public safety and social cohesion. ——————————————— Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating * News From the States – MBFC Rating The post Minnesota Gov. Walz Condemns Trump for Calling Somali Immigrants “Garbage” appeared first on News Facts Network.
06.12.2025 13:04 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Judge Orders DOJ to Release Epstein Jury Transcripts Under New Law FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — A federal judge on Friday directed the Department of Justice to begin releasing grand jury transcripts tied to its Florida investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first major action triggered by the newly enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith issued the order after President Donald Trump signed the law last month, requiring the DOJ to disclose long-sealed materials concerning Epstein’s activities. The law overrides prior protective orders that prevented the release of grand jury records. While an exact timeline remains uncertain, Attorney General Pam Bondi and the DOJ must begin producing documents by December 19. The ruling comes as Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team prepares a court petition challenging her detention, raising the possibility of a retrial. Maxwell’s attorneys argued that releasing grand jury information now would jeopardize her ability to receive a fair proceeding, calling the potential prejudice “severe.” Maxwell was convicted of conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse underage girls and is serving a 20-year sentence. The case continues to draw intense political scrutiny. This week, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released previously unseen images from Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands home, describing the visuals as “disturbing.” Meanwhile, Trump has directed Bondi to investigate Epstein’s connections to prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton and former Harvard President Larry Summers. A DOJ memo, however, stated that a systemic review found no basis for charges against any uncharged third parties. ——————————————— Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Judge Orders DOJ to Release Epstein Jury Transcripts Under New Law appeared first on News Facts Network.
06.12.2025 13:04 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Amnesty Accuses Florida Migrant Facility of Torture, Inhumane Conditions ALLIGATOR ALLEY, Florida — Amnesty International said Thursday that the use of a 2-by-2-foot confinement cage known as the “box” at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention facility may amount to torture, describing conditions that the group says cause severe physical and psychological suffering. A new 61-page report details how detainees are restrained on the ground for hours in the outdoor structure, exposed to extreme heat, insects and weather conditions. Four men interviewed by Amnesty said they were punished in the box, recounting long periods of immobility and distress. The organization, which visited the facility in September, also documented unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, including fecal matter from overflowing toilets, around-the-clock lighting, and inadequate access to hygiene. The report further criticized prolonged shackling of detainees and frequent use of solitary confinement, practices it said may constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Amnesty called on the federal government to stop criminalizing immigrants, ban the use of state-owned detention sites, and investigate all allegations of torture and deaths in custody. The Hill reported that the White House and the Department of Homeland Security have not yet commented on the findings. The facility’s future remains uncertain. A lower court had ordered Alligator Alcatraz dismantled in September due to environmental risks, but an appeals court later paused that order, allowing the site to continue operating while litigation continues. ——————————————— Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Amnesty Accuses Florida Migrant Facility of Torture, Inhumane Conditions appeared first on News Facts Network.
06.12.2025 13:04 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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MBFC’s Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 12/06/2025 (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.

MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 12/06/2025 (Weekend Edition)

06.12.2025 11:01 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Indiana House Passes GOP-Favored Map Creating Nine Republican Seats INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — Indiana House lawmakers approved a sweeping congressional redistricting plan on Friday that would create nine Republican-advantaged districts and zero Democratic-leaning seats, dramatically reshaping the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms. The bill, House Bill 1032, passed the chamber 57–41 after an accelerated process marked by lengthy hearings and more than 20 Democratic amendment attempts, all of which were rejected. Republicans drafted the map with help from the National Republican Redistricting Trust following pressure from President Donald Trump and direct visits from Vice President JD Vance. The plan splits major urban centers, including Indianapolis, into multiple districts and sharply reduces Democratic odds in the 1st and 7th Congressional Districts. PlanScore projections indicate both districts — represented by Democrats Frank Mrvan and André Carson — would shift firmly toward the GOP. According to Dave’s Redistricting, Mrvan’s previously competitive seat would have gone to Trump by 12 points, while Carson’s Indianapolis-anchored district would shift from a 42-point Kamala Harris win in 2024 to a 19-point Trump advantage. Democratic lawmakers warned the map dilutes representation for minority communities, while Republicans argued it reflects population changes and national political dynamics. The measure includes a court-block limitation designed to restrict judicial intervention. The Indiana Senate convenes Monday to consider the proposal, though Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray has signaled support may fall short within his caucus. Trump has threatened to primary Republicans who oppose redistricting, and several lawmakers have recently reported receiving swatting or bomb threats. ——————————————— Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Indiana House Passes GOP-Favored Map Creating Nine Republican Seats appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 19:28 — 👍 2    🔁 3    💬 1    📌 1
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Missouri Judges Reject Misleading GOP Ballot Summary on Abortion Rights JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — A Missouri appeals court has again ordered significant revisions to ballot language for a Republican-backed initiative that seeks to repeal the abortion protections voters approved in 2024. The ruling marks the second time in recent months that the courts have found the state’s official summary for the 2026 measure misleading or unclear. The measure aims to overturn Article I, Section 36 of the Missouri Constitution, which voters added last year to guarantee abortion rights through fetal viability and allow later-term procedures to protect a patient’s life or health. After the 2022 Dobbs decision triggered Missouri’s near-total abortion ban, advocates gathered enough signatures to put the 2024 initiative on the ballot — and it passed despite opposition from Republican leaders. GOP lawmakers quickly advanced their own replacement proposal, HJR 73, set for a 2026 vote. But the ballot explanation drafted by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins was challenged for language that critics said could mislead voters into believing the measure expanded abortion access. A lower court approved Hoskins’s rewrite, but physician and 2024-initiative proponent Anna Fitz-James appealed with support from the ACLU. The appeals court ruled Thursday that the explanation still failed to clearly inform voters that HJR 73 would repeal and replace the 2024 amendment. Judges certified new language instructing voters that the proposal would “repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability.” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway praised the decision to keep the initiative on the ballot, while the ACLU said the ruling ensures voters understand the stakes. ——————————————— Sources: * AP News – MBFC Rating * KSDK – MBFC Rating * Missouri Courts Opinion – Unrated The post Missouri Judges Reject Misleading GOP Ballot Summary on Abortion Rights appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 17:53 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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Fact vs. Fiction: Do Illegal Immigrants Commit More Crimes Than U.S.-Born Citizens? Claim by DHS and Social Media: Following a Department of Homeland Security press release, claims spread widely that sanctuary policies in New York allowed nearly 7,000 “criminal illegal aliens” to go free — implying that undocumented immigrants commit disproportionately high levels of violent crime. Explanation: The claim misleads by conflating arrest data with crime rates. DHS stated that New York released nearly 7,000 individuals with active ICE detainers in 2025, including people charged with homicide, assault, weapons, or sexual offenses.

Fact vs. Fiction: Do Illegal Immigrants Commit More Crimes Than U.S.-Born Citizens?

05.12.2025 16:51 — 👍 5    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 1
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Pipe Bomb Suspect Told FBI He Believed 2020 Election Conspiracies WASHINGTON, D.C. — The man accused of planting two pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic national headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack told federal investigators he believed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, according to individuals familiar with the case. The suspect, 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr., has been cooperating with the FBI and is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday. Prosecutors charged him Thursday with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction using explosive materials. The bombs, found on Jan. 6 but allegedly planted the night before, triggered evacuations and diverted law enforcement resources during the Capitol breach. Charging documents do not list an official motive, though sources say Cole acknowledged embracing claims that the 2020 election was stolen — assertions repeatedly promoted by President Donald Trump. Trump’s allegations were examined by former Special Counsel Jack Smith, who wrote that the former president spread “demonstrably and…obviously false” claims that inspired supporters to commit violence. Cole’s arrest unfolds as House Republicans prepare to privately question Smith on Dec. 17 after rejecting his request for public testimony about the Jan. 6 investigation. Smith previously stated that the evidence was strong enough to convict Trump in his now-dismissed Jan. 6 case had he not returned to the presidency. Cole faces multiple federal charges, and investigators continue examining whether he acted alone. The FBI has previously circulated surveillance images showing the suspected bomber walking near the RNC and DNC buildings on Jan. 5, 2021. ——————————————— Sources: * NBC News – MBFC Rating The post Pipe Bomb Suspect Told FBI He Believed 2020 Election Conspiracies appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 15:57 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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Noem Says Trump Considering Travel Ban Expansion to 30+ Countries WASHINGTON, D.C. — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday that the Trump administration is preparing to expand its travel ban to more than 30 countries, marking one of the most sweeping immigration restrictions proposed since the National Guard shooting in Washington last month. In an interview on Fox News’s “The Ingraham Angle,” Noem said the number of additional countries would exceed 30 but declined to offer specifics, noting that President Donald Trump is “continuing to evaluate” the list. Noem said the administration’s approach centers on whether a country can help U.S. officials vet travelers. “If they don’t have a stable government… and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?” she said. The administration already restricts travel from 19 countries flagged as security risks, including Afghanistan, Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen. Since the late-November shooting involving Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, Trump has moved aggressively to reshape immigration policy. All pending asylum applications worldwide have been paused, and those from the 19 restricted nations now face halted case reviews, green card revocations, and potential long-term bans. Trump has further indicated the U.S. may stop issuing visas entirely to Afghan citizens, blocking pathways used by those who assisted U.S. military operations. The administration has not confirmed whether the expanded list will include the 32 countries referenced during the interview, though officials say evaluations are ongoing. ——————————————— Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Noem Says Trump Considering Travel Ban Expansion to 30+ Countries appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 15:57 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/05/2025 This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more. Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in $82.7 Billion Deal Netflix has won the race to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in a landmark $82.7 billion transaction combining cash and stock. The deal includes the acquisition of HBO Max and Warner’s iconic film studio, adding franchises like “Harry Potter,” “Game of Thrones,” and the DC Universe to Netflix’s expansive library.

Netflix buys WBD in $82.7B deal, Paramount protests process, and Maurice DuBois exits CBS Evening News after 20+ years.

05.12.2025 13:01 — 👍 5    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0
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Harvard Visiting Professor Detained After BB Gun Incident Near Synagogue BROOKLINE, Massachusetts — A visiting Harvard Law School professor has agreed to leave the United States after pleading guilty to illegally discharging a pellet gun near a synagogue, an incident authorities say was not motivated by antisemitism. Carlos Portugal Gouvea, a Brazilian national and scholar at Harvard, admitted in court last month that he fired a BB gun near Temple Beth Zion on the eve of Yom Kippur, telling officers he was “hunting rats” in the area. Local police said Gouvea appeared unaware he was next to a synagogue during a major Jewish holiday, and the congregation later told its community it had “no reason to believe” the incident was antisemitic. Still, the gunfire prompted a lockdown and shattered a nearby car window. Gouvea initially faced four charges, including vandalism, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace, but accepted a plea deal that left him with six months of pretrial probation. Despite the lack of antisemitic motive, the U.S. State Department revoked his J-1 visa, leading Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain him this week. He has agreed to voluntarily depart the country rather than face deportation proceedings. DHS officials framed the case as part of broader federal efforts to scrutinize antisemitic activity, while synagogue leaders emphasized the danger of the act without mischaracterizing its intent. Gouvea, an associate professor at the University of São Paulo, taught at Harvard during the fall semester and will return to Brazil following his release. ——————————————— Sources: * The Boston Globe – MBFC Rating The post Harvard Visiting Professor Detained After BB Gun Incident Near Synagogue appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 12:48 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Texas Outbreak Puts U.S. Measles-Free Status at Risk AUSTIN, Texas — The United States is at risk of losing its measles-free status next year as linked outbreaks across several states continue to expand, raising alarms among scientists who warn the country could return to an era of routine hospitalizations, hearing loss, and preventable deaths. Researchers estimate even small outbreaks cost public health systems hundreds of thousands of dollars, while a large outbreak like the one in West Texas this year — with 762 cases and 99 hospitalizations — can exceed $12 million in response and treatment costs. Whether the U.S. loses its measles-free designation hinges on genomic evidence showing whether outbreaks in Texas, Utah, and Arizona stem from one continuous chain of transmission. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments are sequencing measles viruses to determine whether they represent one large outbreak or separate introductions from abroad. The D8-9171 strain driving U.S. cases is also circulating widely in Canada and Mexico, complicating efforts to determine its origin. Scientists say federal response efforts have been weakened under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has questioned vaccine safety and removed several CDC vaccine advisers. Researchers report that public health teams struggled to secure federal support during the worsening Texas outbreak, even as wastewater surveillance and genetic analyses showed the virus had likely spread undetected for weeks. The Pan American Health Organization will review U.S. genomic data early next year and decide whether ongoing transmission meets the threshold for revoking measles-elimination status. If so, the U.S. would join Canada, which lost its status in November after failing to prove multiple outbreaks of the same strain were unrelated. ——————————————— Sources: * Texas Tribune – MBFC Rating The post Texas Outbreak Puts U.S. Measles-Free Status at Risk appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 12:48 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
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Trump Tightens Immigration Rules With Sharp Cut to Work Permits WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration on Thursday reduced the maximum validity of work permits for refugees, asylum seekers and certain other migrants from five years to 18 months, a major shift in federal immigration policy that officials say is aimed at increasing public-safety screenings. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow said the decision follows a November 26 attack in Washington, D.C., in which two National Guard members were shot by a man admitted under a resettlement program during the previous administration. USCIS said the shortened permit period will allow more frequent vetting of approximately 1.4 million current and future applicants. Edlow argued that “reducing the maximum validity period for employment authorization will ensure that those seeking to work in the United States do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies.” The shift applies to refugees, approved asylum seekers and migrants whose deportation has been suspended. The move came two days after the administration halted immigration applications from citizens of 19 countries already subject to travel restrictions, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Haiti, Venezuela, Sudan and Somalia. The policy change is part of a broader tightening of immigration rules under President Donald Trump, who said after the D.C. shooting that he plans to “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries.” The administration’s actions have drawn concern from immigrant-advocacy groups and sharpened debate in Congress over the balance between security and humanitarian responsibilities. ——————————————— Sources: * France 24 – MBFC Rating The post Trump Tightens Immigration Rules With Sharp Cut to Work Permits appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 12:48 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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New U.S. Strike Raises Death Toll in Hegseth-Led Drug Campaign WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Southern Command confirmed Thursday that it carried out another lethal strike on a small boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the 22nd attack in a months-long campaign directed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The latest operation killed four suspected drug traffickers and brought the total number of deaths since early September to at least 87. The Trump administration has classified operators on certain maritime narcotics routes as a Designated Terrorist Organization, arguing that expanded wartime authorities are justified. The strike followed a nearly three-week pause and occurred on the same day Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley delivered closed-door testimony on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers are investigating the first strike in the campaign after reporting surfaced that Bradley ordered a second attack on survivors of a September 2 incident. Bradley denied there was ever a “kill them all” directive from Hegseth but acknowledged the sequence of events shown in classified video raised difficult questions. A video released by Southern Command shows a small vessel crossing the water before being engulfed in an explosion, then burning as smoke billows upward. Lawmakers described the classified footage differently: Sen. Tom Cotton said survivors appeared to be trying to flip a drug-laden boat “to stay in the fight,” while Rep. Jim Himes called it “one of the most troubling things” he has seen in public service. Rep. Adam Smith said the individuals were unarmed and in distress before being struck. Legal experts warn that killing survivors at sea could violate the laws of armed conflict, adding to scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s expanded use of military force against suspected smugglers. ——————————————— Sources: * AP News – MBFC Rating The post New U.S. Strike Raises Death Toll in Hegseth-Led Drug Campaign appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 12:48 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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Treasury Penalizes NY Firm for Work Tied to Russian Oligarch NEW YORK, New York — The U.S. Treasury Department issued a $7.1 million fine Thursday against Gracetown Inc., a New York property management company accused of violating federal sanctions by overseeing luxury real estate connected to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, the firm processed 24 payments totaling more than $31,000 between 2018 and 2020 for a Deripaska-owned company despite previous warnings that all dealings with the sanctioned billionaire were prohibited. Deripaska, a metals magnate with long-standing ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been under U.S. sanctions since 2018, when Treasury alleged he acted on behalf of a senior Russian official and participated in Russia’s energy sector. Those sanctions froze all U.S.-based property he controlled and barred American companies from working with him. OFAC said Gracetown continued managing his properties even after receiving explicit guidance that such activities were unlawful. Federal court filings have linked Gracetown to Graham Bonham-Carter, the U.K. businessman arrested in 2022 for allegedly helping Deripaska evade sanctions. Prosecutors said Bonham-Carter assisted with funding property maintenance and attempted to move Deripaska’s artwork into the United States in violation of federal restrictions. Deripaska has repeatedly challenged allegations against him, including a failed 2017 defamation suit against The Associated Press. He was later criminally charged in 2022 with conspiring to violate sanctions and attempting to secure U.S. citizenship for his unborn child. Treasury officials said Thursday the enforcement action further demonstrates the consequences for firms that ignore sanctions compliance rules. ——————————————— Sources: * Newsweek – MBFC Rating The post Treasury Penalizes NY Firm for Work Tied to Russian Oligarch appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 12:21 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Florida Lawmakers Urge Trump to Block Offshore Drilling Expansion TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida’s full congressional delegation urged President Donald Trump on Thursday to exclude the state from an administration proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, warning the plan could endanger both military operations and tourism revenue. The unified message, delivered in a letter signed by Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody along with the state’s 28 House members, marked a rare bipartisan challenge to the president’s energy strategy. Lawmakers argued the economic and national security risks outweigh any potential short-term energy gains. “The risks posed by new offshore drilling far outweigh any short-term gains,” the delegation wrote, citing concerns that drilling activity could encroach on the Gulf Test Range—an area of the Gulf of Mexico critical for weapons development and air combat training. According to the letter, more than 50,000 jobs in the Florida Panhandle depend on military facilities linked to the range. Tourism was another major point of contention. Florida’s beaches generate an estimated $127.7 billion annually and support roughly 2.1 million jobs, prompting officials to warn that drilling could undermine the state’s economic backbone. The Interior Department recently advanced a proposal opening the door to future leasing in the eastern Gulf, an area long shielded from drilling due to military use. The move has drawn opposition from state leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis. Trump’s residence, Mar-a-Lago, sits on Florida’s eastern coast, which would not be directly affected by Gulf leasing decisions. ——————————————— Sources: * Yahoo News (Reuters) – MBFC Rating The post Florida Lawmakers Urge Trump to Block Offshore Drilling Expansion appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 12:21 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Grand Jury Declines Second Indictment of Letitia James in NY Case ALBANY, New York — A grand jury declined to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday after revisiting a federal mortgage-fraud case for the second time. The decision follows a ruling 10 days earlier by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, who dismissed the original indictments against James and former FBI Director James Comey after determining that interim U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully appointed. The court found that Halligan’s appointment did not meet statutory requirements, rendering the indictments invalid. Still, CNN reported that “there should be no premature celebration,” citing a source who said the Department of Justice could attempt a third indictment. James previously pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to a financial institution and bank fraud. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized James and Comey, calling them “guilty as hell” in a September Truth Social post. Trump praised Halligan as a “really good lawyer” and later told reporters aboard Air Force One that the dismissal was a “technicality,” despite the judge citing federal law as the basis for her ruling. Halligan was authorized by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on September 22, leading to Comey’s indictment on September 25 and James’s on October 9. The Northern District of New York still lacks a permanent U.S. attorney nominee from Trump. ——————————————— Sources: * The National Desk – MBFC Rating The post Grand Jury Declines Second Indictment of Letitia James in NY Case appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 12:21 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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MBFC’s Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 12/05/2025 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.

MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 12/05/2025

05.12.2025 11:02 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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Supreme Court Allows Texas to Use New Congressional Map Texas — The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Texas to move forward with a new congressional district map drawn to boost Republican representation in the 2026 midterms. The 6–3 ruling granted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency request to pause a lower court decision that found the map unconstitutional for using race as a factor in redistricting. The unsigned order said Texas is “likely to succeed” in defending the map, adding that the lower court failed to give proper weight to the Legislature’s “presumption of good faith.” The challenged map was crafted to add as many as five additional Republican seats. While no party disputes its partisan intent, the lower court concluded GOP lawmakers, encouraged by the Trump administration, shifted minority voters in ways that gave race an improper role. Justice Elena Kagan dissented, writing that the ruling undermines the district court’s detailed findings and “disserves the millions of Texans” placed in districts based on race. Justice Samuel Alito countered that challengers did not present a viable alternative map showing partisanship—not race—could achieve the same result. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the decision as a “massive win,” while Democrats criticized it as further erosion of voting protections. The case unfolds as several states redraw maps following pressure from President Trump to reconfigure congressional boundaries outside the standard post-census cycle. Multiple civil rights groups, including LULAC and the Texas NAACP, are plaintiffs in the lawsuit. --- Sources: * NBC News – MBFC Rating The post Supreme Court Allows Texas to Use New Congressional Map appeared first on News Facts Network.
05.12.2025 00:10 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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Pritzker Declines Guaranteed Income Plan but Supports Local Experiments CHICAGO, Illinois — Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday he has no plans to implement a statewide guaranteed income program, distancing himself from Cook County’s decision to continue funding monthly cash payments for residents. The county’s fiscal year 2026 budget includes $7.5 million for guaranteed income, following a pilot that distributed $500 monthly to 3,250 families using federal pandemic relief dollars. Pritzker said counties and cities are free to test such policies, but they are not under consideration at the state level. “It’s not a policy that we’re looking at doing for the state of Illinois,” he said, though he added that “sometimes things that you don’t imagine would work do.” The governor emphasized job creation and “the dignity of work” as his preferred strategies for helping families meet basic needs. The debate has also reached the Illinois General Assembly. State Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) has revived legislation prohibiting government entities from using taxpayer dollars to fund guaranteed income programs. Under his proposal, House Bill 60, local governments could still run such programs but only with private or philanthropic funding. Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski criticized Cook County’s plan as “recklessly misguided welfare,” arguing it promotes dependency and lacks work or citizenship requirements. Affordability concerns continue to drive the discussion, with lawmakers and local leaders divided over whether cash-assistance programs help stabilize families or increase financial burdens on taxpayers. --- Sources: * The Center Square – MBFC Rating The post Pritzker Declines Guaranteed Income Plan but Supports Local Experiments appeared first on News Facts Network.
04.12.2025 23:07 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Poll Shows Some Trump Voters Now Blame Him for High Prices WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new Politico/Public First poll shows a notable shift among President Donald Trump’s own supporters, with some beginning to hold him responsible for persistent high prices and the affordability crisis. According to the survey, 37% of Trump voters said the cost of living is “the worst” they can remember — a view shared by 53% of Harris voters. Meanwhile, 25% of Trump supporters said the president is mostly or entirely to blame for rising costs. The White House rejected that conclusion, saying that Americans should be faulting President Joe Biden for “economic disaster.” Spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump has been focused on “cleaning up” Biden-era problems and insisted that “the best is yet to come.” But the president’s own public comments may undermine that message. During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Trump dismissed affordability concerns as a “scam” and “con-job,” claiming the term “doesn’t mean anything to anybody.” The findings highlight growing frustration within the electorate as prices for essentials — including food, housing and utilities — remain historically high. The poll suggests that a meaningful share of Trump’s base is losing confidence that he is addressing the issue quickly enough. The White House maintains that Trump’s economic plan is still being rolled out. Voters, however, appear increasingly eager for relief as household budgets remain strained. --- Sources: * Yahoo News – MBFC Rating The post Poll Shows Some Trump Voters Now Blame Him for High Prices appeared first on News Facts Network.
04.12.2025 23:07 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Florida Launches Drone Pilot Program to Counter School Shooters TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida is preparing to deploy drones as part of a first-of-its-kind pilot program aimed at distracting and disrupting potential school shooters. State lawmakers allocated $557,000 for the initiative, which will launch in Broward, Leon and Volusia counties by early 2026. Campus Guardian Angel, a Texas-based company, will operate the system using non-lethal drones equipped with sirens, strobe lights, pepper spray and other devices designed to disorient attackers and slow down violence. The drones do not carry firearms; the company argues doing so could risk bullets penetrating walls and endangering bystanders. The drones can be remotely directed toward an active threat and will supply real-time audio and video to law enforcement as incidents unfold. Installation and testing are underway across the three districts, the company said. The pilot is part of a broader $1.3 billion statewide investment in school safety. Recent legislation has required expanded threat-assessment instruction, mobile panic alert systems, stricter access control for school entry points, and clearly marked safe shelter zones. Florida has experienced at least 33 school shootings since 2008, according to a CNN analysis cited in the report, prompting continued political pressure to improve campus security. State officials say the drone program offers a non-lethal intervention option that could save lives during the critical minutes before police arrive. --- Sources: * The Center Square – MBFC Rating The post Florida Launches Drone Pilot Program to Counter School Shooters appeared first on News Facts Network.
04.12.2025 20:39 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 2    📌 0
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Nevada Homelessness Hits Highest Level Since Great Recession LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Homelessness in Nevada has reached its highest level since the Great Recession, according to new federal data reviewed by The Nevada Independent. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported 10,106 Nevadans experiencing homelessness in 2024 — surpassing the state’s previous 2014 record and marking its worst total since 2009, when the count hit 14,478. While the total number has surged, the homelessness rate remains below the 2009 peak. Nevada recorded 32 homeless individuals per 10,000 residents in 2024, the ninth-highest rate in the country. Researchers say the rise is driven largely by soaring housing costs and stagnant wages. A statewide analysis from the Guinn Center found that nearly half of Nevada renters spend an excessive portion of their income on housing, while low-income households face the fewest affordable options of any state. Youth homelessness is also worsening: unaccompanied minors increased by 27% from 2023 to 2024 — the fifth-largest jump in the nation. Chronic homelessness has risen sharply as well, increasing 255% since 2007. Clark County remains the epicenter, with job loss, mental-health struggles, medical issues, substance use and family displacement among the leading causes, according to The Center Square. Statewide housing shortages continue to fuel instability. Experts cite slow permitting, limited buildable land, rising construction costs and a lack of “missing-middle” housing as key barriers. Policy proposals include zoning reform, more diverse housing types, streamlined approvals and expanded voucher programs. --- Sources: * The Nevada Independent – MBFC Rating * The Center Square – MBFC Rating * Guinn Center report – Unrated The post Nevada Homelessness Hits Highest Level Since Great Recession appeared first on News Facts Network.
04.12.2025 19:36 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
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Texas Man Re-Arrested After Accidental Release in ICE Protest Case FORT WORTH, Texas — A North Texas man whose arrest drew national attention for what civil liberties groups call “guilt by literature” has turned himself back in to federal authorities after what appears to have been an accidental release from custody. Daniel Sanchez Estrada, a green card holder, had been jailed for five months on charges linked not to a July 4 ICE protest itself, but to moving a box of anarchist zines two days later. He was unexpectedly released the day before Thanksgiving — only to be ordered back to jail as he awaits trial. Sanchez Estrada, who never attended the protest outside ICE’s Prairieland Detention Center, is charged with conspiring to conceal documents and faces up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors say the literature he moved carried anti-government and anti-Trump themes; Sanchez Estrada says the material is protected by the First Amendment. Civil liberties groups, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, warn the case could set a dangerous precedent as the Trump administration intensifies efforts against so-called antifa activity. Supporters say only one person fired a weapon during the demonstration, and that Sanchez Estrada is being prosecuted solely for his wife’s alleged involvement and his possession of political literature. He returned to custody Thursday after spending a week with family. His wife, Maricela Rueda, who faces life in prison if convicted, pleaded not guilty. Trial is currently scheduled for January 20. --- Sources: * The Intercept – MBFC Rating The post Texas Man Re-Arrested After Accidental Release in ICE Protest Case appeared first on News Facts Network.
04.12.2025 18:37 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Energy Choice Act Moves Forward, Targeting New York Gas Ban ALBANY, New York — A federal push to stop states from restricting new fossil-fuel hookups advanced Wednesday as the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 24–21 to send the Energy Choice Act to the full House. If enacted, the legislation would prevent states and municipalities from banning natural gas or propane in new construction — effectively preempting New York’s pending All-Electric Buildings Act before it takes effect. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), called the vote a “major victory,” arguing that New York’s natural-gas phaseout threatens affordability and grid reliability. Langworthy said the bill has more than 200 municipal endorsements and 124 House co-sponsors, with a companion measure introduced in the Senate. He urged swift passage, warning that New York’s policy would lead to “higher costs, weaker grids, and winter blackouts.” New York’s law would prohibit natural-gas and oil-based heating in most new buildings beginning in 2029, though the Hochul administration recently delayed implementation while legal challenges from industry groups proceed. Gov. Kathy Hochul has argued the change is key to public-health improvements and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with environmental groups pushing for statewide building electrification. Republicans and construction-industry leaders counter that the policy amounts to government overreach that will raise utility prices without materially affecting climate outcomes. Langworthy accused Hochul of planning to delay the law until after the 2026 election, calling federal action “more important than ever.” The legislation now awaits consideration by the full House. --- Sources: * The Center Square – MBFC Rating The post Energy Choice Act Moves Forward, Targeting New York Gas Ban appeared first on News Facts Network.
04.12.2025 18:37 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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DeWine Rejects GOP Bill Extending Teen Work Hours to 9 p.m. COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday vetoed legislation that would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. year-round, rejecting the proposal on grounds that it would cut too deeply into students’ study time on school nights. Senate Bill 50 passed both chambers of the Republican-led Legislature along party lines, but lawmakers would need a three-fifths vote in each chamber to override the veto. Current Ohio law allows young teens to work until 9 p.m. only during summer vacation or school holidays; otherwise, they must stop by 7 p.m. DeWine said he sees “no compelling reason” to extend evening work hours during the academic year, emphasizing that the existing balance between work and education has “served us well.” Because federal rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act set nationwide limits on teen work hours, Ohio cannot legally expand those limits without congressional action. Lawmakers simultaneously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 urging Congress to loosen those federal restrictions so 14- and 15-year-olds could work until 9 p.m. on school nights with parental permission. The measure has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters — including the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance — say expanded hours would help businesses address workforce shortages. Opponents such as the Children’s Defense Fund argue it would undermine academic performance and increase risks of exploitation, especially since 14- and 15-year-olds can be paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, below the state minimum of $10.70. --- Sources: * News From the States – MBFC Rating The post DeWine Rejects GOP Bill Extending Teen Work Hours to 9 p.m. appeared first on News Facts Network.
04.12.2025 17:34 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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