Quick Guide to determine that the news is suspect (wrong)

Print, internet, TV and radio are overflowing with news and opinion.  No need to fact check, although it is satisfying in a dark manner, because there are two patterns many experts now site that tell if a report ‘smells’ suspect.  These are philosophical, psychological, economic, and simply common sense rules:

1. Correlation is rarely causality.  If the stated views make this leap, it is suspect.
2. ‘Reduced form’ thinking is seldom 100% correct.  Today’s news, if it is based upon science or fact, rarely digs deeply into facts or science or literature.

In my observation, authors or commentators, even when pressed for time or space, indicate references (or hyperlinks) providing indication they have taken care to develop their reports or views thoroughly.