(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump will not reimburse the federal government for taxpayer money already spent on television advertisements promoting his administration, despite saying he would “pay for them myself,” the White House confirmed Tuesday. A White House spokesperson told The Washington Sun that Trump’s statement referred only to future advertising, not repayment of money already spent. The administration says future spots will instead be financed by MAGA Inc., the super PAC aligned with Trump. The ads have drawn bipartisan criticism because they prominently feature Trump, praise his policies and resemble campaign advertising while carrying disclaimers saying they were paid for by the U.S. government. At least $20 million in Homeland Security funds was allocated for the broader media campaign. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Independent tracking also suggests millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded ads have already aired. The administration has defended the spots as presidential public-service announcements similar to communications used by previous administrations. Lawmakers and ethics experts have questioned whether the ads violate restrictions on using federal funds for partisan propaganda or political purposes. Trump’s wording also raises campaign-finance questions because presidents and candidates cannot legally direct the spending of independent super PACs. The White House has not explained how MAGA Inc. will fund future advertisements while maintaining legally required independence. Sources: * The Washington Sun – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Taxpayers Won’t Be Repaid for Trump Ads Despite Funding Reversal appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump reportedly met in the Oval Office with former Colorado election official Tina Peters to discuss election security, according to former Trump administration official Ed Martin. Martin said during a Monday appearance on Real America’s Voice that Peters had met with Trump “just hours” earlier and that the two discussed election-related plans. The White House declined to confirm whether the meeting occurred, saying it does not comment on private meetings. Peters, a former Mesa County clerk, was convicted in 2024 for her role in breaching county election equipment while pursuing false claims that voting machines had manipulated the 2020 election. She was sentenced to nine years in prison before Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuted her sentence in May 2026, ordering her release on parole. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Her reported White House visit comes as Trump continues to question U.S. election systems despite repeated investigations failing to uncover evidence of widespread vote manipulation. A Reuters investigation published last week found that federal agencies examining voting-machine allegations had not produced evidence that foreign actors altered election results. Martin portrayed Peters as someone advising the president on election security ahead of the November midterms, though neither Trump nor the White House has publicly described what, if anything, was discussed. Sources: * Mediaite – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump Turns to Convicted Election Official Tina Peters for ‘Election Integrity’ Talks appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albany, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Monday as New York confronts a sharp rise in measles cases, particularly in underimmunized rural communities. New York has confirmed 108 cases in 2026, including 101 outside New York City. Ninety-two cases have been reported in rural communities since July 15. The state recorded just one case in 2023, 15 in 2024 and 48 last year. The emergency order expands the number of healthcare professionals authorized to administer measles vaccinations and allows additional providers to order diagnostic testing. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); New York’s outbreak comes as neighboring Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 cases, with five deaths and 198 hospitalizations reported by state officials. Ohio is also experiencing increased transmission. Nationally, the CDC reported 3,887 confirmed cases as of Oct. 1, making 2026 the worst year for measles since 1991. Federal data show kindergarten MMR vaccination coverage has fallen from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.4% in 2025-2026. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who spent years promoting anti-vaccine claims before joining the Trump administration, has faced criticism over federal vaccine policy during the resurgence. Kennedy appeared at an anti-vaccine conference in September, while state officials continue emphasizing vaccination as the primary defense against measles. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post New York Declares Measles Emergency as Cases Surge Across Rural Communities appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Tabor City, NC — At least 10 people were arrested or detained during a late-September checkpoint in Columbus County, according to immigrant-rights group Siembra NC, which says Latino drivers and passengers were questioned about their immigration status. The checkpoint operated near N.C. Highway 904 and Pireway Road between roughly 5:30 and 7 p.m. Witnesses told Siembra NC that some drivers were asked where they were born and that passengers were also asked to provide documentation. Javier Carbajal, an electrician traveling home with coworkers, said he showed his driver’s license but was ordered out of his vehicle and searched. He said a passenger was arrested after being unable to produce documents. Other witnesses reported seeing men restrained with zip ties and several people placed in a van. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Families later told advocates they had difficulty determining where some detainees had been taken. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office declined to confirm the arrests, citing an ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s office participates in ICE’s 287(g) Task Force program, which authorizes designated local officers to perform certain federal immigration-enforcement functions under ICE supervision. The incident has prompted civil-liberties concerns from advocates, who argue that questioning passengers about immigration status and detaining people without clear public information warrants closer scrutiny. Similar enforcement practices elsewhere in North Carolina are already being challenged in federal court. Sources: * NC Newsline – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post North Carolina Checkpoint Raises Questions Over Immigration Stops and Detentions appeared first on News Facts Network.

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, Censorship Issues, and more. Trump Calls for Media Arrests Over Rally Coverage President Donald Trump called for journalists to be “arrested” after disputing reports that his weekend rally in Vandalia, Ohio, had empty seats. Trump insisted the venue was full and accused…

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — The Trump administration is closely monitoring a suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia after a 28-year-old laboratory worker died and roughly 200 people were placed under medical observation. The woman worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia. Russian media reported that she may have been exposed to Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, after a laboratory accident. Russian health authorities have not confirmed that account and say she died from pneumonia of unknown origin. The State Department said U.S. officials are monitoring developments with the CDC and other agencies and urged Russia to provide accurate information quickly. The World Health Organization has assessed the public-health risk as low while the investigation continues. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); President Donald Trump said the U.S. is prepared to assist Russia if needed. So far, officials have reported no additional deaths or confirmed plague infections connected to the incident. Pneumonic plague is rare but can be fatal if untreated. Unlike many emerging diseases, however, it is well understood and can generally be treated successfully with antibiotics when caught early. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post U.S. Tracks Possible Pneumonic Plague Case as Russia Quarantines Hundreds appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Philadelphia, PA — The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear former Pennsylvania Judge Mark B. Cohen’s challenge to a suspension imposed over dozens of partisan Facebook posts, leaving intact a state ruling that judges can face discipline for political advocacy that undermines the appearance of impartiality. Cohen, a former Democratic state legislator who later served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, was suspended in 2024 after Pennsylvania’s judicial disciplinary authorities reviewed more than 60 posts. They included praise for President Joe Biden and Gov. Josh Shapiro, support for Democratic-backed policies and criticism of conservative positions. Cohen argued that the posts addressed matters of public concern and were protected by the First Amendment. Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court disagreed in January, holding that sitting judges are subject to stricter limits than ordinary political speakers because courts have a compelling interest in preserving public confidence in judicial independence and impartiality. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The state court concluded that Cohen’s volume and tone of partisan posts made him appear to be an advocate for the Democratic Party rather than a neutral judge. The U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to review the case leaves Cohen’s suspension and the Pennsylvania court’s First Amendment analysis in place without issuing a separate opinion. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Supreme Court Leaves Judge’s Suspension Intact Over Democratic Facebook Advocacy appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump has approved Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recommendation to execute former Army Maj. Nidal Hasan by firing squad for the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting that killed 13 people and wounded 32 others. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist at the time, opened fire inside Fort Hood’s Soldier Readiness Processing Center as troops prepared for deployment. A military jury convicted him and sentenced him to death in 2013. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced Monday that the Army secretary will determine the time and location of the execution. Hasan still has avenues to challenge the execution through the federal courts, meaning the approval does not necessarily mean it will occur immediately. If carried out, Hasan would become the first U.S. military prisoner executed since 1961. He would also be the first Army prisoner executed by firing squad since Pvt. Eddie Slovik was shot for desertion in France in 1945. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The decision comes as the Trump administration expands its use of capital punishment and broadens available execution methods. Hasan’s case is governed by military law rather than the civilian federal death penalty system. Sources: * Mediaite – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump Approves Firing Squad Execution for Fort Hood Mass Shooter appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump says his political operation will begin paying for television advertisements promoting his administration after the use of taxpayer money for the campaign-style spots triggered criticism from Democrats and Republicans. Trump defended the advertisements Monday as a “positive promotion” of the United States and called government-funded promotional campaigns standard practice. He nevertheless said future spots would be paid for with money raised by MAGA Inc., his well-funded political organization. The announcement leaves unanswered whether taxpayers will be reimbursed for advertisements that have already aired. At least $1.4 million had been spent by the end of September, according to advertising tracker AdImpact, although the total could be substantially higher. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The ads prominently featured Trump, promoted his political accomplishments and, in one case, closely resembled a commercial from his 2024 presidential campaign. Each concluded with the disclaimer “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” Lawmakers have asked federal watchdogs to investigate whether the spending violated restrictions on using congressionally appropriated money for propaganda or partisan political activity. The White House had previously defended the taxpayer-funded campaign. It now says MAGA Inc. will finance similar advertising going forward, but has not detailed how those payments will be documented or whether previously spent public funds will be repaid. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump Reverses Course on Taxpayer-Funded Ads After Bipartisan Criticism appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Topeka, KS — A Kansas nonprofit camp is demanding Republican Sen. Roger Marshall stop airing a campaign advertisement after it used an unauthorized photograph of children while discussing sexual-abuse allegations involving Democratic Senate candidate Adam Hamilton’s church. Tall Oaks Camp and Conference Center said it never approved political use of the photograph, which shows roughly two dozen people seated inside its chapel. Board president Lea Ann Combs said the image creates a misleading association between Tall Oaks, the children pictured and events that did not occur at the camp. Marshall’s campaign said it believed the photograph was a stock image and claimed the advertisement had been corrected. However, Kansas Reflector reported that a version still containing the Tall Oaks image remained available on social media hours later. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The ad attacks Hamilton over his handling of allegations involving a Church of the Resurrection volunteer in 2005. Hamilton has acknowledged that he should have referred the initial allegations directly to law enforcement rather than relying on an internal church investigation. Police were contacted after additional allegations surfaced in 2006. The dispute comes during a competitive Kansas Senate campaign in which outside Republican groups are committing millions of dollars to support Marshall. Tall Oaks emphasized that its objection concerns unauthorized use of its children’s image and does not represent an endorsement of either candidate. Sources: * News from the States / Kansas Reflector – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Marshall Attack Ad Uses Unauthorized Photo of Children at Kansas Camp appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Harrisburg, PA — Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 measles cases in 2026, marking the state’s largest outbreak in more than three decades and adding to the worst U.S. measles year since 1991. State health officials reported 1,004 confirmed cases, 198 hospitalizations and five measles-associated deaths. Lancaster County remains the hardest-hit area, and Pennsylvania officials say the outbreak has been driven largely by low vaccination rates. Only four of the state’s first 943 cases involved vaccinated people. The outbreak has also exposed a sharp dispute between Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Pennsylvania has counted five measles-associated deaths, while the CDC has reported fewer federally confirmed deaths after changing how it verifies mortality data. Kennedy has publicly questioned whether all of Pennsylvania’s reported deaths were actually caused by measles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); That skepticism comes during a national resurgence tied in part to declining vaccination rates and persistent vaccine misinformation. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, according to Pennsylvania health officials. New York has meanwhile declared a disaster emergency, while Ohio and several other states are also reporting sizable outbreaks. International health officials are expected to review whether the U.S. has lost its measles-elimination status later this year. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak Tops 1,000 Cases as Death Toll Reaches Five appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Chicago, IL — A Chicago woman shot multiple times by a Border Patrol agent during last year’s immigration crackdown has sued the federal government, alleging the agent fired from behind her vehicle and later gave a false account of what happened. Marimar Martinez filed the lawsuit Monday under the Federal Tort Claims Act. She accuses the government of negligence, battery, assault, false arrest, malicious prosecution and emotional distress stemming from the Oct. 4, 2025, shooting during Operation Midway Blitz. Federal prosecutors initially accused Martinez of using her vehicle to strike and box in Border Patrol agent Charles Exum’s SUV. Exum then opened fire, leaving Martinez with seven gunshot wounds. Prosecutors later dropped the charges against her after body-camera footage and other evidence raised questions about the government’s original account. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Martinez’s attorneys commissioned a forensic reconstruction they say shows Exum was beside or behind her vehicle rather than directly in its path when he fired. The analysis has not been tested in court, and the federal government has not admitted wrongdoing. Exum remains on administrative leave, while Chicago police are separately investigating the shooting. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Woman Shot Five Times by Border Patrol Agent Alleges Federal Cover-Up appeared first on News Facts Network.

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.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Tampa, FL — Florida is experiencing what appears to be the largest dengue outbreak in the continental United States in decades, with more than 250 locally acquired cases reported so far this year. Most cases have occurred in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. Florida’s previous high was just under 200 locally transmitted cases in 2023. One death has been reported this year, involving an elderly Tampa woman in September. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that often causes fever, severe body aches and other flu-like symptoms. Serious infections can lead to bleeding, shock and death. Many infected people, however, develop few or no symptoms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Local officials have declared emergencies in Hillsborough and neighboring counties while mosquito-control crews conduct spraying and inspect properties for standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Experts say Florida’s warm climate and heavy international travel contribute to dengue transmission. Mosquito species capable of spreading the virus have also expanded their range as temperatures rise, increasing concern that locally transmitted dengue could become more common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided Florida with $800,000 in assistance, although state officials have not requested CDC investigators. Residents are being urged to use EPA-registered repellents, wear long clothing and eliminate standing water around their homes. Sources: * PBS NewsHour / Associated Press – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Florida Dengue Outbreak Becomes Largest in Continental U.S. in Decades appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a Michigan mother’s challenge to a school district’s ban on “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts, leaving in place a lower-court ruling that schools may prohibit the slogan as veiled profanity. The dispute began in 2022 after two boys were told to remove sweatshirts bearing the phrase, which became a conservative political slogan during Joe Biden’s presidency and is widely understood as a substitute for an obscene insult directed at Biden. Their mother argued that the students’ First Amendment rights were violated because the shirts contained no actual profanity or sexual language. Her attorneys warned that allowing schools to classify coded political messages as vulgar could give administrators broad discretion to suppress political expression they dislike. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The school district countered that messages with lewd or vulgar implications can be restricted in classrooms even when they contain political content. It also pointed to evidence that students had been permitted to wear “Make America Great Again” apparel and other messages supporting Donald Trump. A lower court sided with the district, concluding that the slogan’s widely understood meaning allowed officials to treat it as vulgar expression. By refusing to review the case, the Supreme Court left that ruling intact without issuing an opinion on the broader First Amendment question. Sources: * PBS NewsHour / Associated Press – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Supreme Court Lets Michigan School Ban ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Shirts appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Detroit, MI — Former President Barack Obama is set to campaign in Detroit later this month for Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed as Democrats intensify their midterm push in Michigan. Obama is scheduled to appear with El-Sayed on Oct. 24, the first day of in-person early voting in Michigan. The rally will also feature other Democratic candidates, including gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson, as the party works to consolidate support after a competitive primary. El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director, defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary after running with support from progressive figures including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His campaign now turns to a general election that could help determine control of the Senate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Obama’s appearance is notable because El-Sayed underperformed in Detroit during the primary, making turnout in the heavily Democratic city an important focus for the fall campaign. The former president has become increasingly active in the 2026 midterms, recording advertisements and appearing with candidates in several states. The Michigan stop comes as both parties pour resources into competitive races nationwide, with the Senate balance among the biggest stakes heading into November. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Obama to Rally With Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit Ahead of Midterms appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — U.S. public schools recorded nearly 12,000 book bans during the 2025-2026 school year, the highest annual total documented since PEN America began tracking removals in 2021. The free-expression organization counted 11,982 bans involving 7,370 individual titles across 114 school districts. Since 2021, PEN America has documented roughly 34,000 instances of books being removed or restricted from student access. Texas accounted for more than 8,100 bans, overtaking Florida after three years in which Florida led the country. PEN America attributes much of the Texas increase to SB 13, a state law restricting broad categories of school-library materials. Researchers also found that some districts are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to identify large numbers of books for review or removal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Patricia McCormick’s Sold, a novel about a Nepalese teenager trafficked into sexual slavery, was the year’s most frequently banned title. Stephen King was the most frequently banned author for a second consecutive year. Supporters of book restrictions generally argue that parents and school boards should have greater control over sexually explicit or age-inappropriate material. Free-expression advocates counter that increasingly broad restrictions remove legitimate literature dealing with subjects including racism, LGBTQ issues and sexual violence. The figures come as parents, educators and activists continue battling over what students should be allowed to read in public schools. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Nearly 12,000 School Book Bans Mark New U.S. Record appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montgomery, AL — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore’s appeal seeking to restore an $8.2 million defamation verdict tied to a 2017 Senate campaign advertisement. The decision leaves intact an 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that overturned a federal jury’s finding in Moore’s favor. The original case involved an advertisement funded by the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC during Moore’s unsuccessful 2017 Senate campaign. Moore argued that the ad combined excerpts from separate news reports in a way that falsely suggested he had been accused of soliciting sex from young girls at a shopping mall. A federal jury agreed with him in 2022 and awarded $8.2 million in damages. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The appeals court later vacated that verdict, concluding Moore had failed to prove the PAC acted with “actual malice,” the heightened legal standard public figures generally must meet in defamation cases. The Supreme Court’s refusal to take the case means that ruling remains in effect. Moore’s 2017 campaign was dominated by sexual misconduct allegations. Leigh Corfman said Moore sexually touched her in 1979 when she was 14 and he was 32. Moore has denied that allegation and other accusations made against him. Sources: * PBS NewsHour / Associated Press – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Supreme Court Rejects Roy Moore Bid to Restore $8.2 Million Defamation Verdict appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump is again claiming that American elections are “corrupt,” this time pointing to Brazil’s rapid presidential vote count as supposed evidence that slower U.S. results are suspicious. Trump praised Brazil for reporting results shortly after polls closed and contrasted that with places such as Detroit, Philadelphia and California, which can take longer to finish counting ballots. He offered no evidence that those delays indicate fraud. He also initially wrote that the election occurred in India before correcting the post to Brazil. The comparison leaves out a basic difference between the two systems. Brazil uses a centralized national electronic voting system, while U.S. elections are administered separately by states and local jurisdictions with different rules for mail ballots, verification and processing. Some states legally count properly postmarked ballots that arrive after Election Day, a practice the Supreme Court upheld this year. Longer counting times therefore do not demonstrate corruption; they often reflect state law and the volume of absentee ballots. Trump has repeatedly alleged widespread election fraud despite failing to produce evidence supporting those claims. Reuters reported this year that investigations promoted by his administration have likewise failed to uncover proof of widespread manipulation. Brazil’s first round ended with Flávio Bolsonaro at about 47% and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva near 45%, sending them to an Oct. 25 runoff. Sources: * Mediaite – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump Uses Brazil Vote Count to Push Unsupported U.S. Election Claims appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — The Trump administration is proposing to eliminate federal restrictions that sharply limit suspensions and prohibit expulsions in Head Start, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of low-income preschool children subject to widely varying state discipline rules. Head Start currently requires programs to use interventions such as mental-health consultation, parent engagement and individualized support before excluding a child. Expulsion is prohibited, while temporary suspension is allowed only in exceptional circumstances. The program serves nearly 700,000 children nationwide. Under the proposed rule, those federal protections would disappear and states or local programs would set their own discipline policies. The administration describes the change as part of an effort to reduce federal bureaucracy and give communities greater control. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The practical effect could be significant. A Children’s Equity Project analysis found only 14 states have policies resembling Head Start’s current safeguards, and just seven clearly extend those protections across the full birth-to-five age range. Black children, children with disabilities and boys already experience disproportionately high rates of exclusionary preschool discipline. Critics warn that removing federal standards could make it easier for overstretched programs to remove children with behavioral or developmental needs rather than provide additional support. Public comments on the proposed rule remain open through October 6. Sources: * ABC News / Associated Press – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump Plan Would Remove Federal Limits on Expelling Head Start Children appeared first on News Facts Network.

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, Censorship Issues, and more. Former Stars and Stripes Publisher Says Pentagon Ordered Journalist Firings Former Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer says Pentagon officials ordered him to fire editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and reporter Lara Korte after concluding they were insubordinate and improperly exercised First Amendment rights.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is ordering another major reduction in the Pentagon’s senior leadership ranks, directing the military to cut roughly 20% of its general and admiral positions by early 2027. The new target doubles the 10% reduction Hegseth announced last year and could eliminate or downgrade scores of positions across the services. The Pentagon argues that fewer senior officers will reduce bureaucracy, accelerate decision-making and return greater authority to commanders closer to operational units. Critics, however, question whether rapidly stripping experienced leadership from the armed forces during active global conflicts is prudent military reform or simply another sweeping restructuring undertaken with limited congressional input. Senate Armed Services Committee ranking Democrat Jack Reed has warned that indiscriminate cuts could weaken readiness and remove expertise the military may need during crises. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The reductions follow Hegseth’s earlier removal or forced retirement of more than two dozen senior officers, including several of the military’s highest-ranking women. His broader Pentagon overhaul has also targeted diversity programs, military-academy faculty policies and organizational structures he considers bloated or distracted from warfighting. Hegseth maintains the changes are about accountability and combat effectiveness. The central question is whether cutting leadership this aggressively actually produces a leaner military — or creates unnecessary disruption at a particularly unstable moment. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Hegseth Pushes Deeper Military Leadership Cuts Despite Readiness Concerns appeared first on News Facts Network.

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.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump’s political operation is deploying tens of millions of dollars into competitive congressional races as Republicans try to maintain control of Congress in the final month before the midterms. Trump’s main super PAC, MAGA Inc., and affiliated groups No Going Back PAC and Safety & Affordability PAC have reserved well over $100 million in advertising across Senate and House contests. Trump previously said his political network could ultimately spend between $400 million and $500 million helping Republican candidates. No Going Back has concentrated heavily on Senate races, including Michigan, Ohio, Alaska, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Georgia. Safety & Affordability has focused primarily on House districts, while MAGA Inc. itself has invested heavily in Texas to support Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The spending comes as Republicans face an increasingly competitive political environment. The Hill and Decision Desk HQ’s latest polling averages show Trump with a 37.7% approval rating, while several Senate and House races remain closely contested. The money gives Republicans significant late-campaign resources, although super PACs generally pay higher advertising rates than candidates themselves, meaning the delayed spending buys less airtime than earlier reservations would have. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump’s $400 Million War Chest Floods Battlegrounds With GOP Ad Spending appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Raleigh, NC — The feud between retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and President Donald Trump escalated again this weekend after a senior White House official attacked Tillis over profanity-filled private texts he sent to the president earlier this year. Politico previously obtained two messages that Tillis plans to include in his forthcoming book, How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents. In one May text, Tillis told Trump he would not tolerate his “bullshit” and said the administration was failing. A June message said that if Trump had directly threatened him with a primary challenge, Tillis would have told the president to “fuck yourself” and immediately announced his retirement. Responding to the disclosures, an unidentified senior White House official told Politico that sending the messages rather than confronting Trump personally was a “pussy move” and questioned Tillis’s character. The exchange reflects how badly the relationship between Trump and Tillis has deteriorated. The North Carolina senator has increasingly criticized Trump and other administration figures while preparing to leave Congress. Tillis has also argued that too many Republicans are unwilling to challenge Trump publicly, while the president has repeatedly attacked lawmakers who resist his agenda. The newly disclosed messages provide a particularly blunt glimpse of that internal Republican conflict. Sources: * Mediaite – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post White House Calls Tillis Texts a ‘Pussy Move’ as GOP Feud Deepens appeared first on News Facts Network.

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, Censorship Issues, and more. White House Defends Media Ban on “Professionalism” Grounds The Trump administration is defending its effort to exclude CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access by arguing that the outlets failed to meet standards of “professionalism and decorum.” Justice Department attorneys said…

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.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nashville, TN — Tennessee Correction Commissioner Frank Strada is facing mounting scrutiny after Christa Pike survived a failed lethal injection, marking the fifth execution described as botched or seriously problematic under his leadership in Tennessee and Arizona. Pike, 50, remained unconscious and on a ventilator Friday after receiving two doses of pentobarbital. Her attorneys say improperly placed IV lines allowed the drug to enter surrounding tissue rather than her bloodstream, leaving her arms swollen, burned and blistered. Gov. Bill Lee has suspended executions for the remainder of 2026 and ordered an independent review. Strada previously oversaw execution operations in Arizona, where three executions in 2022 were classified as botched by the Death Penalty Information Center after teams repeatedly struggled to establish IV access. Tennessee then hired him as correction commissioner in 2023. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Since then, Tennessee has experienced two failed execution attempts. Tony Carruthers’ May execution was abandoned after officials spent more than an hour trying to establish required IV access. Pike survived Wednesday’s attempt after lethal drugs were administered. Critics also note that Tennessee eliminated a previous training requirement involving practice IV insertion under Strada. A 2022 state-commissioned review had already documented serious failures in Tennessee’s execution procedures. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Five Botched Executions Put Tennessee Prison Chief Frank Strada Under Fire appeared first on News Facts Network.

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(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ithaca, NY — Cornell University is facing renewed scrutiny over campus sexual violence after a university survey found that 35% of undergraduate women who responded reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact during their time at the school. That figure rose sharply from 23% in 2023 and 20% in 2021. Among undergraduate men, 8% reported nonconsensual sexual contact in 2025, compared with 9% two years earlier. Nearly half of all respondents also reported experiencing sexual or gender-based harassment. The findings come as Cornell faces intense criticism over its handling of a separate 2024 alleged gang rape involving members of the Chi Phi fraternity. That case has prompted a civil lawsuit, a reopened criminal investigation and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to appoint Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Cornell officials caution that the 2025 survey had a significantly lower response rate than previous editions. Only 926 of 6,000 invited students participated, a 15% response rate, compared with 36% in 2023. That means the results should not automatically be treated as representing every Cornell student. Still, Cornell’s own task force has described sexual assault as a persistent campus problem and recommended expanded prevention, education, reporting and accountability efforts. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Cornell Survey Finds 35% of Undergraduate Women Report Nonconsensual Sexual Contact appeared first on News Facts Network.

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.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump personally directed budget officials to find federal money for television advertisements promoting his presidency, according to new reporting that adds detail to an already controversial taxpayer-funded media campaign. The New York Times reported that Trump asked Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to locate money inside the federal government after expressing enthusiasm for promotional ads featuring himself. The administration ultimately shifted $20 million available to Customs and Border Protection into a Department of Homeland Security account designated for “commemorative events.” The following day, CBP awarded Maryland marketing company LMD a $20 million contract for a national media campaign. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); At least four advertisements have since aired on major networks. One closely resembles a Trump 2024 campaign commercial, while others feature flattering imagery and praise for his administration. Each carries the disclosure “Paid for by the U.S. government.” The campaign has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans who question whether taxpayer-funded advertising centered on Trump violates longstanding restrictions against government propaganda, particularly weeks before congressional elections. Reuters reports lawmakers have requested independent investigations into the spending. The White House maintains the advertisements are legal public-service announcements and do not explicitly ask voters to support Trump or Republican candidates. Sources: * Mediaite – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump Directed Aides to Find Taxpayer Money for Pro-Trump TV Campaign appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Bangor, ME — Police are investigating after a driver appeared to steer toward Maine Wire reporter Joe Sokol while he was filming outside a Bangor addiction treatment center, nearly striking him before knocking over his camera equipment. Sokol was reporting from public property near the Bangor Comprehensive Treatment Center when a driver stopped and accused him of violating patients’ privacy by filming the facility. Sokol responded that he was standing in public and conducting a news report. Video later showed what appeared to be the same vehicle crossing a grassy area toward Sokol. He moved away as the vehicle passed close by and struck his camera setup. The driver then left the scene. Sokol was not injured. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Maine Wire later published audio of a phone call with a man it identified as the driver. He denied trying to run Sokol over but acknowledged that the reporter’s coverage had angered him and said there was “no good reason really” for driving across the grass. Bangor police confirmed they are investigating but have not announced charges or publicly identified a suspect. The incident raises broader concerns about journalist safety. Whatever one thinks of The Maine Wire’s conservative editorial perspective, reporters should be able to gather news from public property without facing physical intimidation or a vehicle being driven at them. Sources: * Mediaite – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Maine Reporter Nearly Run Over While Filming Outside Treatment Center appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Greensboro, NC — The Greensboro Police Department drew criticism after using its official social media account to joke that anyone arrested would be forced to listen to Taylor Swift’s newest songs repeatedly while being transported to jail. The department posted Tuesday that people arrested that night “will be required to listen to Taylor Swift’s new songs on repeat,” apparently referencing tracks released with an expanded edition of Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl. What might have passed as a routine attempt at humor quickly became a discussion about how police departments use official accounts. One commenter questioned whether an agency entrusted with arrests and criminal investigations should be joking about treatment of people in custody. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Greensboro police responded: “Relax. It’s called community outreach.” That response generated additional criticism, with some users arguing that dismissing questions about professionalism was itself inappropriate for a law-enforcement agency. Others simply viewed the original post as harmless humor. Police later added another tongue-in-cheek message apologizing for “stirring up the Taylor bots” and encouraging people to keep listening to Swift’s album. Sources: * VICE – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Greensboro Police Threaten Taylor Swift on Repeat for Arrestees appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Burlington, NC — A Burlington nursing home has agreed to pay nearly $100,000 to resolve allegations that it employed an unlicensed woman as a nurse and billed Medicaid for services she provided to residents. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced Thursday that White Oak Manor of Burlington will pay $98,474 to the state, including $49,237 in Medicaid restitution. State officials said Nieasha Jones was hired despite having no nursing license, training or experience. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Jones worked 54 shifts over three months, interacted with nursing-home residents and provided care while lacking the required qualifications. White Oak Manor subsequently billed Medicaid for resident services that included work performed by Jones. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The investigation began after the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Health Service Regulation referred the matter to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Investigations Division. Jackson said health-care providers must ensure employees are qualified before allowing them to treat patients and bill taxpayers for that care. The settlement resolves civil allegations and does not constitute an admission of liability or a judicial finding of wrongdoing against the facility. State investigators say the case is part of broader efforts to prevent Medicaid fraud and protect residents receiving care in publicly funded facilities. Sources * FOX8 WGHP – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post ‘Fake Nurse’ Worked 54 Shifts at Burlington Facility, State Says appeared first on News Facts Network.

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, Censorship Issues, and more. Publishers Push Back on DOJ’s AI Fair-Use Argument The New York Times and other news organizations suing OpenAI are urging a federal judge to give little weight to the Justice Department’s argument that using copyrighted material to train large language models can qualify as fair use.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Los Angeles, CA — The Justice Department says UCLA School of Law illegally discriminated against white and Asian applicants by continuing to consider race in admissions after the Supreme Court restricted race-conscious college admissions in 2023. The department’s Civil Rights Division said its investigation found that UCLA Law used what officials described as a “two-tiered admissions system” for incoming classes from 2023 through 2025. DOJ said applicants with similar LSAT scores were treated differently depending on race and alleged that essays and recruitment programs were used to encourage applicants to disclose racial backgrounds. UCLA disputes that characterization. The law school says its admissions process is comprehensive, merit-based and compliant with federal law as well as California’s longstanding prohibition on racial preferences at public universities. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The finding is part of a broader Trump administration campaign targeting university diversity and admissions policies. The Justice Department has previously made similar accusations involving UCLA’s medical school and UC Berkeley Law, while launching investigations into additional universities. DOJ says it will first seek a voluntary agreement requiring changes to UCLA Law’s admissions practices. If negotiations fail, the department says it could file a lawsuit to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post DOJ Accuses UCLA Law of Race-Based Discrimination in Admissions appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ithaca, NY — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has removed the Tompkins County district attorney from the investigation into an alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University, appointing Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor after saying she had lost confidence in the local handling of the case. The case involves a former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe, who alleges she was drugged and sexually assaulted by multiple members of the Chi Phi fraternity in October 2024. No criminal charges were initially filed, although the woman later brought a civil lawsuit detailing allegations that prompted renewed scrutiny. District Attorney Matthew Van Houten announced this week that he would reopen the investigation, but Hochul said newly released information raised serious questions about both Cornell police and his office’s earlier decision not to prosecute. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); James will now oversee the investigation independently and can present evidence to a grand jury if she determines charges are warranted. She said her office would follow the facts and law and conduct a process New Yorkers can trust. Cornell has also retained outside attorneys to review how the university handled the allegations. Attorneys representing some of the accused men have denied wrongdoing. The appointment effectively shifts control of one of New York’s highest-profile campus sexual-assault investigations from local prosecutors to the state attorney general. Sources: * Associated Press – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Hochul Turns Cornell Rape Investigation Over to Letitia James appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sacramento, CA — California has banned child marriage without exceptions, becoming the 18th state to completely prohibit minors from marrying after years of unsuccessful attempts to close one of the nation’s most permissive legal loopholes. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1267, which establishes 18 as the minimum age for both marriage and domestic partnerships. Previously, California had no statutory minimum marriage age, allowing minors to marry with parental consent and court approval. The legislation passed with bipartisan support and no opposition in the Legislature. Advocates have argued that minors entering marriages face increased risks of coercion, abuse and financial dependence. California officials estimate roughly 35,000 minors were married in the state between 2000 and 2021. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Newsom signed the bill alongside survivors and advocates, including Courtney Stodden, who was 16 when she married 50-year-old actor Doug Hutchison in 2011. Stodden has since described the relationship as exploitative and advocated nationally for ending child marriage. The new law contains no parental, judicial or pregnancy exceptions. Newsom called the prohibition “long overdue,” while advocates with Unchained At Last said they intend to continue pushing for similar bans in the remaining states. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post California Bans Child Marriage With No Exceptions Under New Law appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nashville, TN — Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn is calling for Tennessee to restore the electric chair after the state failed to execute Christa Pike despite administering two doses of pentobarbital. Pike, 50, remained alive after Wednesday’s lethal-injection attempt and was transported to a Nashville hospital in critical condition. Witnesses reported that she continued breathing, spoke about pain in her arm and at one point lifted her head after execution drugs had been administered. Blackburn, the Republican nominee for governor, called the episode “tragic” and said it prolonged the suffering of the family of Colleen Slemmer, whom Pike murdered in 1995. Blackburn said Tennessee should conduct a full review but argued that the solution is to “bring back the electric chair.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Gov. Bill Lee instead suspended remaining executions this year and ordered an independent investigation into what went wrong. The failure is particularly significant because Tennessee already experienced another unsuccessful execution attempt this year. In May, officials abandoned the execution of Tony Carruthers after struggling to establish intravenous access. Pike’s attorneys say Wednesday’s problems were predictable because they had previously warned about her medical conditions and difficult vein access. They are now seeking commutation of her death sentence. The incident has renewed debate over whether Tennessee can reliably carry out executions under its current lethal-injection protocol. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Blackburn Calls for Electric Chair After Tennessee Botches Pike Execution appeared first on News Facts Network.

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.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Fort Pierce, FL — Officials in St. Lucie County, Florida, have discovered 14 unauthorized Flock Safety license-plate readers installed along public roads, raising new questions about who placed the surveillance cameras there and who has access to the data they collected. The cameras surfaced as the county reviewed 52 previously authorized automated license-plate readers ahead of their removal. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office subsequently claimed ownership of three of the unpermitted devices, leaving 11 without a publicly identified owner. County officials have posted removal notices requiring the cameras to come down in October. The discovery comes amid growing scrutiny of Flock systems in the region. Former Fort Pierce police officer Josepher Crutchfield was arrested in September after investigators said he searched Flock’s database 382 times for a vehicle registered to his former girlfriend, mostly while off duty and without a legitimate law-enforcement purpose. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The case prompted Fort Pierce police to tighten access to the system, while Florida transportation officials separately ordered automated license-plate readers removed from state highways. Flock says permitting requirements vary by jurisdiction and that it is willing to assist St. Lucie County. The unexplained cameras nevertheless highlight a basic oversight problem: powerful surveillance equipment was operating on public property without county officials initially knowing who installed it. Sources: * The Washington Post – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Florida County Finds 14 Unauthorized Flock Cameras on Public Roads appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Minneapolis, MN — The family of Renee Good has filed two lawsuits against the U.S. government and several current and former immigration officials over her fatal shooting by an ICE officer during a federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. Good, 37, was shot Jan. 7 while sitting in her vehicle during protests against Operation Metro Surge. Video reviewed by news organizations showed her briefly reversing and then turning away as ICE officer Jonathan Ross fired three shots into the vehicle. Federal officials said Ross acted in self-defense. One lawsuit alleges wrongful death under Minnesota law, including claims of assault, battery, negligence and false imprisonment. A second alleges a conspiracy to violate civil rights and names Ross, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Good’s death became a flashpoint in the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign. Another U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, was fatally shot by immigration agents weeks later. AP reports that at least 10 people have died in encounters with immigration officers during Trump’s second term. Hennepin County prosecutors continue investigating Good’s killing, while DHS maintains that federal agents acted lawfully. Sources: * Reuters – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Renee Good’s Family Sues U.S. Government Over Fatal ICE Shooting appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — President Donald Trump says he would consider issuing preemptive pardons to members of his administration before leaving office if they faced possible investigations under a future Democratic government. Asked in a Time interview whether he would pardon officials who might later become targets of Democratic-led investigations, Trump replied, “Yeah, sure I’d do that.” He then pointed repeatedly to former President Joe Biden’s use of preemptive pardons before leaving office in January 2025. Biden granted clemency to figures including Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley and members and staff of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He said the pardons were intended to protect public servants from potential politically motivated prosecutions and were not acknowledgments of wrongdoing. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Biden also pardoned several family members before leaving office, a decision that drew criticism from Republicans and some Democrats. Trump has made expansive use of presidential clemency himself. Shortly after returning to office, he pardoned roughly 1,500 people charged or convicted in connection with Jan. 6 and commuted several additional sentences. Trump did not identify which current officials might receive pardons or say that any final decisions had been made. His comments nevertheless raise the possibility of another broad use of presidential clemency before his second term ends. Sources: * Mediaite – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Trump Says He May Pardon Administration Officials Before Leaving Office appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Washington, DC — The Trump administration has expanded its controversial taxpayer-funded advertising campaign with a new television spot celebrating President Donald Trump’s decision to launch the war against Iran, just weeks before the midterm elections. The one-minute advertisement aired Wednesday on Fox News and carries the disclosure “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” It features Trump’s February announcement of military operations, battlefield imagery, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praising the president’s willingness to use force against threats to Americans. The ad concludes with Trump urging Iranians to take control of their government. The spot is part of a broader series of government-funded advertisements centered heavily on Trump’s leadership and political themes. Previous ads have highlighted his tax policies, attacked political enemies, and reused language and footage resembling his campaign material. The White House calls them patriotic public-service announcements rather than political advertising. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); That explanation has drawn criticism from both parties. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have questioned whether taxpayer funds should fund campaign-style messaging immediately before an election, while legal experts have raised concerns about potential violations of federal restrictions on government-funded propaganda. The Iran ad arrives as the conflict enters its seventh month and remains politically contentious at home. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating * Associated Press – MBFC Rating * Reuters – MBFC Rating * FactCheck.org – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ad Praises Iran War Weeks Before Midterms appeared first on News Facts Network.

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, Censorship Issues, and more. White House Again Removes CNN From Press Pool Duty The White House removed CNN from the press pool scheduled to cover President Donald Trump’s trip to Texas and Oklahoma, continuing the administration’s dispute with the network even after a federal judge temporarily restored White House grounds access for CNN, …

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austin, TX — Texas authorities say they disrupted a planned violent attack on the state Capitol after receiving a credible tip and arresting the alleged main suspect within hours. The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the suspect as 40-year-old Benny Caldera Jr. of Converse, near San Antonio. DPS said investigators learned Tuesday evening of a planned attack scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, and worked with the FBI and local law enforcement to locate Caldera. DPS SWAT officers arrested him at his home around 3 a.m. Wednesday. He was initially booked into the Bexar County Jail on a felony charge of making a terroristic threat against a public servant. Authorities later said he was transferred to federal custody as the investigation continued. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A memo sent to Texas senators described Caldera as the “main suspect” and referenced suspected co-conspirators, although state authorities have not announced additional arrests. Officials also have not publicly identified a motive. The Capitol remained open during regular hours Wednesday, with an enhanced DPS presence around the building. Gov. Greg Abbott praised state and federal authorities for acting quickly against the alleged threat. Sources: * Newsweek – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Texas Capitol Attack Plot Foiled Hours Before Planned Assault appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Boston, MA — A sweeping Massachusetts investigation has found that more than 270 Catholic clerics sexually abused nearly 1,000 children across the dioceses of Fall River, Springfield and Worcester over several decades, while church leaders repeatedly failed to stop the abuse. The attorney general’s office said the investigation, launched in 2019, reviewed more than 300,000 pages of records and interviewed more than 100 people. Most of the documented abuse occurred before 2002, when reporting by The Boston Globe exposed widespread clergy abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston and triggered investigations worldwide. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said church officials in all three dioceses knew for years that children were being abused but often failed to take effective action or confront institutional failures that allowed misconduct to continue. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The investigation did not produce broad new criminal charges. Prosecutors said some conduct was not criminal under Massachusetts law when it occurred, while statutes of limitations barred other cases. Three matters were referred to local district attorneys, with one resulting in charges. The report calls for stronger child-protection policies, improved responses to survivors and greater institutional transparency. The Worcester Diocese said it would review the findings for additional reforms and pointed to an earlier apology from Bishop Robert McManus. Campbell said legal barriers do not lessen the seriousness of the abuse or the state’s responsibility to document what happened. Sources: * The Guardian – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Massachusetts Report Finds 270 Clerics Abused Nearly 1,000 Children appeared first on News Facts Network.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Quantico, VA — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched Project Meridian, a 120-day Pentagon initiative tasked with identifying the weapons, technologies and battlefields likely to define future conflicts. Elon Musk, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will co-lead the effort under Pentagon technology chief Emil Michael. Hegseth said the project is intended to look beyond traditional military planning and determine what capabilities the United States will need to maintain technological superiority. The group is expected to examine artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, robotics and other emerging technologies, then submit recommendations within 120 days. A public report is expected, along with a classified annex covering sensitive findings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The initiative also places executives with major Pentagon business interests directly inside a process examining future military technology. Musk’s SpaceX and Luckey’s Anduril already hold substantial U.S. defense contracts. Project Meridian was one of six initiatives Hegseth announced during his “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Others include a new four-star Autonomous Warfare Command designed to accelerate deployment of drones and robotic systems. Sources: * The Hill – MBFC Rating (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Musk and Luckey Join Pentagon Effort to Shape Future Weapons appeared first on News Facts Network.

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.