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. Bari Weiss Considers Bret Baier to Revamp CBS Evening News CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss is reportedly exploring a bold shake-up of the CBS Evening News by considering Fox News anchor Bret Baier for the anchor chair.

A federal appeals court ruled that St. Paul police officer Heather Weyker cannot be sued for jailing a Minnesota teenager for more than two years on false charges, finding she acted “under color of federal law.” The case stems from a fabricated sex-trafficking investigation Weyker led while serving on a federal task force. In 2011, 16-year-old Hamdi Mohamud was arrested after Weyker falsely claimed she tried to intimidate a witness tied to an alleged Somali trafficking ring — a ring that never existed. Mohamud spent 25 months in jail before charges were dropped. Although a lower court initially ruled Weyker’s actions violated the Fourth Amendment, the Eighth Circuit later granted her immunity because she was federally deputized. The court said that while Weyker’s conduct was “plagued with problems” and included fabricating evidence, her actions fell under federal authority, making a lawsuit nearly impossible under the Supreme Court’s restrictive Bivens doctrine. Legal experts argue the case highlights how federal immunity shields officials even in clear cases of abuse. Sources: * Reason – MBFC Rating * 8th Circuit Opinion (PDF) – Official Court Document The post Minnesota Teen Jailed Over Two Years After Cop Fabricated Case, Court Grants Immunity appeared first on News Facts Network.

Billionaire heir Timothy Mellon, a longtime Trump supporter, has been identified as the anonymous donor who gave $130 million to help fund U.S. military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown, The New York Times reported Saturday. President Donald Trump had previously described the donor as a “great patriot” and “a friend of mine.” The donation, equivalent to about $100 per service member, falls far short of the $6.4 billion needed for biweekly troop pay. Legal experts say the gift may violate the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from spending unappropriated funds. Ethics specialists also warned that accepting private money for public payroll sets a dangerous precedent for accountability and foreign influence. Mellon, a reclusive descendant of the Gilded Age banking family and former railroad executive, has an estimated net worth near $1 billion. He previously donated $50 million to a Trump super PAC in 2024. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) said the revelation raises national security concerns: “Using anonymous donations to fund our military raises troubling questions of whether our own troops are at risk of being bought and paid for.” Sources: * CNBC – MBFC Rating The post Mellon Heir Revealed as Donor of $130 Million for Military Pay During Shutdown appeared first on News Facts Network.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon said a “plan” exists for President Donald Trump to seek a third term in 2028, despite the U.S. Constitution’s two-term limit under the 22nd Amendment. Speaking with The Economist, Bannon asserted, “Trump is going to be president in ’28… at the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is.” While Bannon offered no details, he claimed Trump is “a vehicle of divine providence” who must “finish what we started.” His comments echo recent calls from some Trump allies, including Florida Rep. Randy Fine, who has suggested repealing the 22nd Amendment. A Republican-aligned group called the Third Term Project has also backed a constitutional amendment to permit an additional presidential term. Trump has repeatedly joked about extending his time in office, though in May he acknowledged “you’re not allowed to do it” under current law. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) dismissed Bannon’s remarks, saying the Constitution “is pretty plain” on term limits. Bannon’s statements have renewed Democratic concerns over Trump’s willingness to test constitutional boundaries. Sources: * USA Today – MBFC Rating The post Steve Bannon Claims “Plan” Exists for Trump to Seek Third Term in 2028 appeared first on News Facts Network.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said “establishment-type” Democratic candidates “don’t really cut it anymore,” suggesting Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) would be a “formidable” contender for the 2028 presidential race. Speaking on The Axios Show, Sanders praised Ocasio-Cortez for her authenticity and working-class background, calling her “incredibly intelligent” and “a good politician.” “At this particular moment in American history, having establishment-type candidates doesn’t really cut it anymore,” Sanders said. “People are angry, people are hurting, people want candidates who are going to stand up and fight for them.” Sanders also reflected on Democrats’ 2024 loss, arguing Donald Trump connected with voters by recognizing that “the system is broken,” while Democrats “tinker around the edges.” The Vermont senator also defended Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who faced backlash over resurfaced Nazi-related tattoos and social media posts. Sanders said Platner “went through a dark period” but has since apologized, urging forgiveness. “Maybe we have to do a little bit of forgiveness,” Sanders added, referencing Trump’s felony convictions. Sources: * Washington Examiner – MBFC Rating The post Sanders Backs AOC for 2028, Says Establishment Democrats “Don’t Cut It” appeared first on News Facts Network.

A federal judge has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) violated due process in the detention of Chicago resident Ruben Torres Maldonado, whose teenage daughter is currently undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The ruling mandates that ICE provide Torres with a bond hearing before October 31. Torres, 40, was apprehended on October 18 at a Home Depot in suburban Chicago during “Operation Midway Blitz,” a sweeping federal immigration initiative. His legal team contended that his detention severely disrupted the treatment of his daughter, Ofelia, who is battling metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft-tissue cancer. U.S. District Judge Jeremy Daniel deemed the detention unlawful but refrained from ordering Torres’ immediate release. “While sympathetic to the plight the petitioner’s daughter faces, the court must act within statutory constraints,” Judge Daniel stated. The Department of Homeland Security has pointed to Torres’ history of driving offenses and accused him of failing to cooperate during his arrest. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin referred to his legal challenge as “a desperate Hail Mary attempt.” In response to the ruling, Torres’ attorney, Kalman Resnick, described it as “a win for due process” and emphasized their commitment to seeking bond and pursuing permanent residency for Torres. Sources: * Associated Press – MBFC Rating The post Judge Rules ICE Illegally Detained Chicago Father of Teen With Cancer appeared first on News Facts Network.

President Donald Trump declared a 10 percent increase on tariffs for Canadian imports on Saturday, a move prompted by a government advertisement from Ontario that criticized U.S. tariffs during the World Series. The advertisement included excerpts from a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan that praised “free and fair trade.” However, Trump contended that the excerpts were manipulated to suggest that Reagan opposed tariffs. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Ronald Reagan LOVED Tariffs for purposes of National Security and the Economy, but Canada said he didn’t!” He labeled the advertisement as a “hostile act” and a “fraud.” The newly announced tariffs will be imposed on products that are already subject to high rates, including 50 percent on steel and aluminum and 35 percent on various other goods. However, products covered under the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will remain exempt from these new tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated that he spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney and announced that the controversial ad would be withdrawn following the second game of the World Series to facilitate further trade discussions. Despite this, Trump confirmed he would not be meeting with Carney at the upcoming ASEAN summit, citing the “misrepresentation” in the ad. As of now, the White House has not provided details on how the additional tariffs will be implemented. Sources: * CBS News – MBFC Rating * The Hill – MBFC Rating The post Trump Escalates Trade Tensions With Canada Over Reagan-Themed Ad 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.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s accelerated hiring drive has hit major hurdles as hundreds of recruits fail physical and academic requirements or enter training before completing background checks. According to NBC News, ICE rushed to expand its force to 10,000 deportation officers by January under President Donald Trump’s directive, but some trainees arrived without drug tests or fingerprinting. Officials confirmed that at least 200 recruits have been dismissed from the Georgia training academy since the summer for failing to meet ICE standards. One trainee had a prior robbery charge, while others failed drug tests or safety reviews. ICE’s six-week training course was shortened from 13 weeks to speed up hiring, and age restrictions were waived, worsening physical readiness problems. The Atlantic reported that over one-third of new recruits failed the agency’s fitness test, which requires 15 push-ups, 32 sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run in 14 minutes. DHS officials said 85% of new hires are former law enforcement officers who undergo streamlined vetting, though internal sources warn corners are being cut amid more than 175,000 applications. Critics argue that lowering standards risks misconduct and undermines ICE’s credibility. Sources: * NBC Chicago – MBFC Rating * Newsweek – MBFC Rating The post Trump’s ICE Expansion Stumbles: Unvetted, Unfit Recruits Raise Red Flags appeared first on News Facts Network.

Trump adviser Stephen Miller said Friday that state and local officials could face arrest for obstructing federal immigration enforcement, specifically naming Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Appearing on Fox News, Miller said any official who “conspires or engages in activity that unlawfully impedes federal law enforcement” could face charges ranging from obstruction of justice to seditious conspiracy. Miller’s remarks follow President Donald Trump’s accusations that Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have failed to protect federal agents during ICE operations. The administration is currently seeking court approval to deploy the National Guard in the Chicago area under “Operation Midway Blitz.” The statements drew immediate backlash. Former DHS official Miles Taylor warned the rhetoric reflected “authoritarian impulses,” while Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) called Miller “the most fascist figure in the Trump regime.” Critics also noted Trump’s prior pardons for January 6 rioters charged with seditious conspiracy. Pritzker’s deputy chief of staff, Matt Hill, dismissed the comments as “freaking out” over the governor’s televised criticism of Trump’s immigration policies. Sources: * Yahoo News – MBFC Rating The post Stephen Miller Suggests Arresting Gov. Pritzker Over Immigration Disputes appeared first on News Facts Network.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the United States of “fabricating a new eternal war” after the Trump administration deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford near Venezuelan waters. Speaking in a televised address Friday, Maduro said the U.S. was provoking conflict to justify aggression against his government. “The United States promised it would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating one that we will avoid,” Maduro said, claiming the U.S. was using “false criminal narratives” to link him to the Tren de Aragua gang. President Donald Trump has accused Maduro—without evidence—of leading the criminal organization, which is known for extortion and human smuggling rather than drug trafficking. Recent U.S. operations reportedly destroyed several boats off Venezuela’s coast suspected of drug smuggling, killing 43 people. Maduro rejected U.S. accusations, saying Venezuela “does not produce cocaine leaves.” The U.S. and other nations have refused to recognize Maduro’s disputed reelection last year, with Washington maintaining sanctions and urging democratic reforms. Sources: * Yahoo News – MBFC Rating The post Maduro Accuses U.S. of “Fabricating a War” as Aircraft Carrier Nears Venezuela appeared first on News Facts Network.

The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it accepted an anonymous $130 million donation to help cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown, a move announced by President Donald Trump earlier in the week. Trump described the donor as “a friend of mine,” calling the gift an act of patriotism but declining to reveal the person’s identity. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the funds were accepted “under its general gift acceptance authority” and earmarked to “offset the cost of Service members’ salaries and benefits.” The donation, while significant, represents only a fraction of the $6.5 billion needed for military payroll, which the administration covered last week by shifting funds from other defense programs. Ethics experts raised concerns about transparency and legality, noting that Pentagon policy requires consultation with ethics officials before accepting large gifts. “It’s treating the payment of our uniformed services as if someone’s picking up your bar tab,” said Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. The shutdown, now in its 24th day, has intensified partisan gridlock over health care funding and military pay. Sources: * Associated Press – MBFC Rating The post Pentagon Accepts Anonymous $130 Million Gift to Pay Troops During Shutdown appeared first on News Facts Network.

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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.

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. Meta Cuts 600 AI Jobs Amid Shift to Superintelligence Lab Focus Meta Platforms has confirmed layoffs affecting approximately 600 employees across its Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) unit, as well as other product-related and infrastructure AI teams.

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.

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. Pentagon Press Corps Restructured, Major Outlets Ejected Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has restructured Pentagon media access, removing journalists from outlets like The New York Times and CNN. A new October 15 memo enforces stricter press rules, requiring reporters to avoid soliciting classified info and adhere to military discipline standards.

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.

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. Fox Business Hires Darren Botelho as Washington Correspondent Fox Business Network has appointed Darren Botelho as its new Washington-based correspondent. Botelho, who previously served as a weekend evening anchor and reporter for NBC 10 Boston (WBTS-CD…

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.

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. Meta Loses MRC Brand-Safety Accreditation for Facebook and Instagram The Media Rating Council (MRC) has revoked Meta’s brand-safety accreditation after the company opted out of annual audits, ending the recognition it received in June for content safety on Facebook and Instagram feeds.

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.

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. Wall Street Journal Warns of Political Retribution in Trump-Era Indictments The Wall Street Journal has voiced concern over former President Donald Trump’s recent targeting of political opponents, calling the indictment of ex-national security adviser…

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.

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. White House Joins Bluesky with Provocative First Post The White House officially joined Bluesky on Friday, sharing a montage of memes and messages from President Donald Trump’s second term that appeared designed to provoke left-leaning users on the platform.