6 Ways to Tell if a News Article Is Reliable

During the coronavirus pandemic, many people have relied on news to stay connected to the world as they socially distance themselves. Unfortunately, not all news sources are reliable and it’s important to learn how to evaluate the credibility of various outlets. The idea of “fake news” has gained a lot of attention during the past few years, but the reality is that unreliable news sources have been around for centuries.

In the current political climate, however, it is more important than ever before to understand what constitutes fake news and which sources are trustworthy—especially on the internet. In addition, keep in mind that a story may not be technically false, but it may still be misleading if the writer left out important details or context. It’s important to think critically about all news stories. Read on for some tips to help you tell if an article is credible or not.

1. Look at multiple sources.

Any sort of surprising or controversial news will be covered by a number of different news sources across different media. If a story is overlooked by other major outlets, you should approach it with more skepticism and scrutiny. Whenever possible, it is wise to check the details of a story across several sources to make sure that the basic facts line up.

Ideally, you’d get your news from a variety of sources with different political stances to get a better idea of what’s fact, what’s elaboration, and what is simply conjecture. Noticing how different sources approach the same story can help you boost your critical thinking skills.

2. Investigate the author.

Invistigation

Most people don’t give much attention to the author of a particular piece of news. However, doing a quick search on the author can reveal their affiliations and potential biases and help you approach the article with more scrutiny. The majority of established news outlets rely on legitimate experts and experienced reporters to write their articles, so it’s often easy to learn about the author’s background and verify their credentials and experience. If a news article does not have an attributed author, that fact alone should raise some red flags, especially if the news cannot be verified through other sources or the details don’t match those in other articles.

3. Identify personal biases.

Virtually no one reads the news from an impartial point of view and attempting to do so is a waste of energy. A better approach is to take the time to identify your personal biases and be aware of them when reading the news. Your personal biases come from your culture, socioeconomic background, gender, life experiences, and other facets of your identity. All of them color the way you perceive a story—and this is true for everyone.

Recognizing how these biases can affect your judgment is a critical part of approaching news from a rational point of view. You may be partial to sources with similar biases, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be critical of these outlets.

4. Read beyond the headline.

Media outlets depend on readership to drive revenue. As a result, the headlines for articles are often controversial, provocative, and meant to attract readers. Sometimes the article that follows is equally provocative, but not always. A controversial headline may not represent the article accurately—the headline may be exaggerated to attract potential readers. Even articles with rather simple and noncontroversial content may have edgy titles—your classic clickbait.

When you see a controversial headline, try to remember that news outlets often have an incentive to make you feel strong emotions so that you click on the title. Always read the entire article before you begin discussing the content or telling other people about it. If you react based on a headline alone, you could end up spreading fake news.

5. Check the date of the article.

As you search for news, you may run across articles that are reappearing long after their initial publication date. These articles may reappear because they relate to a recent story. It can be easy to misconstrue an older article as something recent, so it is important to double-check the date on each story.

Especially when looking at articles on social media, it is important to search for the date it was published, which could be different than the date it was posted on social media. Most news articles have the original date of publication somewhere in the content, often at the very beginning or end. Pay attention and don’t be misled by out-of-date information.  

6. Distinguish between news and opinion.

In a world that is dominated by social media, distinguishing between opinion and news has become difficult. Often, people report news and then comment on it. Readers should always be critical about what is based in fact and what comes from the thoughts of the author. Print sources often clearly distinguish between news and opinion, with the latter being located in the editorial section, but television, radio, and online content can be more ambiguous about the difference. Free speech means that extremely exaggerated and even false information can still be broadcast, so it is important to check facts whenever you have doubts about anything. Several fact-checking websites exist, including Snopes, FactCheck, and PolitiFact.

These Are 5 of the Key Reasons to Vote and Ensure Your Voice Is Heard

Historically, the United States has had surprisingly low voter turnouts, even on very important election days. Voting is one of the privileges of living in a democracy and the primary way people express their political opinions and make their voice heard.

Of course, some people cannot vote because they don’t have citizenship, they are too young, or they’re incarcerated. Other people do not vote because it is difficult to do so—confusing voter registration processes, lack of early voting, long lines at polling sites, and strict voter photo ID laws are all forms of voter suppression. Still others can vote, but choose not to for a variety of reasons, from political apathy to the belief that their single voice does not make a difference.

However, voting really does matter. It is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. Significant political change is possible when people mobilize to get their voice heard. Anyone who chooses not to vote should think critically about this decision and determine what’s stopping them. If you need a few reasons why you should vote, consider the following:

1. Voting is an equalizer.

People may think that systemic change is driven only by politicians, lawyers, and activists, but in reality, everyone has an equal voice through voting. All citizens get an equal say through democracy provided that they cast a ballot. The results of an election have real consequences for how your country, state, county, and city operate.

Even if you know that you do not have the majority opinion on a subject, it is important to show up and let that minority voice be heard. After all, people creating public policy pay close attention to the will of the voters, and elected officials must appeal to the people who will vote for them to be elected. Politicians and public sector officials pay attention to poll results and not just the winning votes. If a particular minority opinion gains traction with each election, it puts pressure on policymakers to address the issue.

2. Democracy depends on voting.

Democracy is only sustainable when the people living under the government vote. The word “democracy” comes from the Greek works for “people” and “power.” Voting is the way that people exercise their power in a democracy. While a democratic system has its own problems and, certainly, the American approach has flaws, it is still better than options like dictatorships and monarchies, which completely rob people of their voices. Remember that democracy is far better than the other options if you start to feel like your voice doesn’t matter. The only voice in a democracy that doesn’t matter is the one that does not get heard.

3. Community is built by voters.

Communities depend on everyone expressing their opinions and needs. In a democratic system, voting is the way people take part in their larger community, whether that means their city, state, or the whole country. When people do not vote, they are not just letting themselves down, but their communities, since the results of the election will not accurately represent the will of the collective. People have a responsibility to tell their communities what they want. Otherwise, a minority of people end up shaping how the community functions. Government affects virtually every aspect of our lives, and voting provides critical feedback about whether it is doing a good job or not. Situations only change when people express a desire for something different.

4. Voting demonstrates independence.

Most people value the ability to think independently. After all, no one likes to be told what to do all the time. Anyone who values independence should consider voting extremely important. The Declaration of Independence was not just about the colonies’ freedom from Britain, but also personal liberties. Voting is the ultimate form of this personal liberty. When people do not vote, they fail to exercise this independence and signal that they are willing to go along with whatever decisions are made for them.

5. Refusing to vote is surrender.

Sometimes, people choose not to vote because they think the act of refusal is rebellion. In reality, not casting a ballot signals giving up, not a willful act of refusal. If a significant number of people take this attitude, the status quo would never change. Bad leaders are often elected by the people who did not vote, rather than the people who actively supported the bad candidate.

Throughout history, many different groups have fought hard to earn the right to vote. When the US was founded, only property-owning or tax-paying white males could vote—women, Black men, and poor white men could not vote. Gradually, more and more groups of people have gained voting rights after long struggles.  

Failing to vote surrenders this right and dishonors people who have been oppressed, both in the past and today. When people vote, they recognize the hard work that has been done to give them that right. The true act of rebellion is voting according to your personal beliefs and preferences to let the world know where you stand and ensure that each viewpoint receives its due recognition.

5 Ways to Keep Up with the News Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Staying politically informed is important for a wide range of people, from lawyers to homemakers. By staying informed, individuals can make informed choices at the polls and understand the issues that could directly impact their lives. However, in today’s political climate, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the news. Moreover, smartphones and social media have increased access to the news, which makes it difficult to sort through sources and to effectively keep track of stories. Increasingly, people need to become mindful of how they consume political news to ensure that they stay current with important topics while also maintaining their mental health. The following are some tips to keep in mind for finding this balance:

1. Choose how you want to consume the news.

People have different triggers, and they need to keep this in mind as they decide how to consume the news. For example, many people are sensitive to upsetting visuals or negative imagery. These people may find it difficult to watch the news on television or other video sources since they do not have control over the things they see and can end up being exposed to upsetting visuals quite frequently. People who are in this position may prefer news articles, podcasts, or radio. Other individuals may find themselves triggered by biased social media news sources. In this case, it is possible to install a plug-in that can help to de-politicize a feed. Then, you can set aside time to go directly to the preferred outlets. The decision of how to consume the news should be a carefully reasoned one.

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2. Check in with yourself.

You should learn the signs of becoming overwhelmed by the news and regularly check in with yourself. If you begin to feel more cynical or even numb, that could be a sign that you are becoming overwhelmed. Another common sign is feeling tired even while well-rested. When people notice that they are starting to feel one of these ways, they should give themselves a break from the news and see if their mental health bounces back. In some cases, people may feel like they cannot actually take a break. If this happens, individuals should start to ask themselves why they feel such a drive to engage with the news and address the underlying issue, whether it is the urge to know everything is fine, boredom, or something else. Being mindful about your emotions and news consumption can enable you to maintain your mental health.

3. Pay close attention to self-care.

In political climates that are particularly stressful or that provoke anxiety, people may begin to let their self-care falter. However, doing so may leave them vulnerable to serious mental health repercussions. When people are feeling stressed, taking time for self-care is extremely important and can relieve much of the anxiety involved. At the baseline, individuals should ensure that they are eating regular meals and obtaining adequate sleep, as well as staying active. Beyond that, it’s important to spend time combatting anxiety. If someone feels overwhelmed, taking the time to catch up with a friend or to read a book is a great way to decompress. As mentioned before, it is critical to check in with yourself and to respond with compassion.

4. Let go when the news becomes overwhelming.

The world can quickly start to feel chaotic when people follow events too closely. They may begin to check the news frequently, which can provide an illusion of power, although it can actually affect their mental health. Ultimately, checking the news headlines compulsively does not change them or the outcome of these events. The world is unpredictable and scary things will remain so whether people find out about them when they happen or later on down the road. People need to learn how to accept unpredictability and to process the news with that same sort of understanding. Doing so will help to keep their emotions in check. Outrage, fear, and even complacency are all valid feelings when reading the news. However, these emotions will not alter what is happening in the world. No one is in control, and tuning out for a few hours or even an entire day will not change the way a situation unfolds.

5. Dedicate time to a specific cause.

People sometimes feel overwhelmed when watching the news because they experience compassion fatigue. Often, the news focuses on suffering around the world, whether it be political strife, natural disasters, or other causes. The urge to help is a deeply human one, although it can prove exhausting. People often start to feel overwhelmed by their desire to help in various ways. While it is impossible to address all of the issues on the news, people can focus on an issue that they feel strongly about to act on in the real world. Volunteering with a political campaign or a homeless shelter can enable people to feel as if they are making an impact and relieve at least some of the suffering they see in the news. Humans are inherently social beings, so fostering personal connections that relate to meaningful issues can provide a great way to gain fulfillment and achieve balance in their lives.

Best Buddies Helps People with Disabilities Amid the Pandemic

Dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Best Buddies International has developed a global volunteer movement that provides opportunities for friendship, employment, inclusive living, and leadership development. The organization works closely with people with Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Williams syndrome, Fragile X, and other disabilities. Worldwide, approximately 200 million people have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Best Buddies program enables this population to feel empowered while providing them with an opportunity to explore their personal strengths and interests in a meaningful way.

The coronavirus pandemic rapidly changed the situation of many nonprofits, including Best Buddies. Prior to the pandemic, the organization focused heavily on facilitating interpersonal connections through in-person interaction. However, Covid-19 forced it to quickly adopt a new model in order to continue supporting vulnerable individuals experiencing physical isolation. Since the start of the pandemic, Best Buddies has successfully adapted its program to maintain a strong focus on its important mission and to keep its impact level high while safeguarding the health of its volunteers and the people that it serves.

Singer Helps to Raise Funds Through Music

Early in the pandemic, Best Buddies recognized the unique challenges facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization teamed up with pop singer Rebecca Black to create and release an original song titled “Alone Together” that recognizes the unique situation created by social distancing and self-isolation. Black teamed up with four Best Buddies Ambassadors with various intellectual and development disabilities to write and perform the song. The five talented individuals focused on the goal of uniting global communities in spite of physical distancing. Over Zoom, they shared their life experiences and sought to channel this energy into the song.

Black said that creating the song felt very much like hanging out with her friends during quarantine. In 2017, she became involved with Best Buddies. Since then, she has participated in several social events in Los Angeles and the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. “Alone Together” focuses on the theme of finding common ground and connection regardless of your physical location. The song is now available for purchase and can be streamed through all of the major platforms. All proceeds from the song go to support Best Buddies and its initiatives.

Events Aim to Help People with Disabilities

Prior to the pandemic, Best Buddies organized a number of fund-raising events that are no longer feasible due to the current situation. One of the organization’s key events is the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Since this recurring event began in 2009, over 200,000 people in more than 50 cities have participated and collectively raised more than $21 million for the nonprofit. In June, Best Buddies hosted a virtual event to continue this tradition and to build a sense of community despite social distancing guidelines. The event, which represented the first-ever virtual walk organized by Best Buddies, was a success.

At the 2020 event, more than 2,500 teams comprised of more than 20,000 people participated in the walk. The event provided individuals with the opportunity to share videos and photos of themselves walking in their homes, neighborhoods, and other locations on their social media accounts. The success of this program is vital for the future of Best Buddies, as the money raised from the event goes directly to state programs and enables them to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disorders. These programs are now available in all 50 states.

Conference Promotes Social Change

In July, Best Buddies converted its annual Leadership Conference to a virtual format. Over the course of more than 30 years, the conference has inspired countless people to effect social change in their communities. The event brings together volunteers, community advocates, and leaders from across the globe. This year, more than 4,300 student leaders—not to mention hundreds of Best Buddies staff members—joined the event. In addition, many celebrities made special appearances to show their support. The celebrities included Andre Drummond, Tom Brady, Rebecca Black, Lea Salonga, and Jason Lewis, among many others. Altogether, the participants represented 35 countries.

The virtual conference, which featured a wide range of educational opportunities, provided participants with an opportunity to learn from each other, which is important with such a diverse group of attendees. An interactive digital platform enabled attendees to participate in the various sessions, ranging from professional presentations to small group discussions. All of the sessions were designed to advance the disability rights movement. Best Buddies represents a global volunteer movement that aims to change the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Advice from US Youth Soccer for First-Time Coaches

A law student and legal intern based in New York City, Rachel Lader played on a nationally-ranked soccer team between the ages of 13 and 16. Rachel Lader credits the experience with fomenting her love of travel and continues to travel all over the world. Youth soccer is a great way for young people to learn many important life skills, as well as for adults to participate in their community as coaches.

The US Youth Soccer organization advises new coaches to focus on developing good communication skills as a key competency. It also stresses the importance of gaining the support of parents and setting clear expectations for players’ behavior.

In terms of hands-on advice, coaches are encouraged to stay calm and leave tactical decisions up to the players during a game. Additionally, setting a high standard for themselves will translate to the same expectation from players. Above all, coaches should stay positive and strive to get their athletes to play fairly and do it out of love for the game.

Career Advantages of a Juris Doctor (Without Practicing Law)

Rachel Lader is a law student and legal intern in New York City. With experience interning at some of the most prestigious firms in the state, Rachel Lader is working toward her Juris Doctor at New York Law School. A Juris Doctor is required to practice law, but there are other benefits to earning the degree that are not often discussed.

For instance, land management is a profession where a JD is considered an advantage. The job involves the acquisition and divestiture of (chiefly) mineral rights and earning potential in the profession rises sharply for those with a law degree.

A law degree also transfers well into the political arena. The vast majority of active and aspiring politicians in the US have completed some law studies. Similarly, those hiring business consultants often assign a lot of weight to a JD because it provides a different perspective from people who only focus on business.

Overall, a law degree can be beneficial in just about any field. Every business or profession is in one way or another governed by laws, so ultimately, a law degree always improves employability.

Study Says Teenage Girls Who Play Soccer Are More Confident

Rachel Lader serves as a legal intern at Hach & Rose, LLP. She is concurrently finishing her law degree at New York Law School. As a teenager, Rachel Lader played on a nationally ranked soccer team and traveled to different states to play soccer.

In 2017, a collaborative study conducted by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the University of Birmingham investigated the impact of soccer on the emotional and psychological condition of European girls and young women. The research primarily emphasizes the sport’s effect on the girls’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

The study also compared its results with results from other sports. More than 4,000 girls from Germany, England, Denmark, Poland, Spain, and Turkey were enrolled in the research.

The study found that 80 percent of the girls had more confidence when they were playing on a soccer team, while 74 percent of the girls had more confidence when they were playing other sports. More than 50 percent of the participants also agreed that they were less concerned with others’ opinions of them when they were playing soccer, while this was true for 41 percent of the girls who played other sports.

UEFA hopes these figures will help change the public perception of girls playing soccer.

Tips on How to Prepare the Kitchen When Trying Out a New Recipe

Currently studying to earn her Juris Doctor at New York Law School, Rachel Lader serves as a legal intern at Hach & Rose, LLP, a New York City law firm. Formerly involved with Anthony Kennedy Shriver’s Best Buddies Foundation as a mentor and event organizer, Rachel Lader enjoys cooking in her spare time, often finding new recipes to prepare for her family.

Following a few tips can help you achieve a successful outcome when trying a new recipe. First, consider copying the recipe with your own handwriting as a way to learn the steps and think through what you will need to get the job done. Next, make sure your kitchen is clean before starting, including all the implements you will use. A clear countertop will give you the space you need to tackle the different stages of the recipe without feeling frenzied or misplacing a necessary ingredient.

Planning out where you will perform each step in the kitchen can also help you get organized. That way, you can collect the necessary tools for each process and put them together in the same cleared area. Lastly, before you actually start cooking a new recipe, it’s good practice to prep the ingredients, such as chopping vegetables and herbs, so everything is ready to go when you need it and you avoid letting one thing overcook while prepping something else.

The Road to Becoming A Lawyer

Rachel Lader is a law student at New York Law School. Rachel Lader has worked as a legal intern at several law firms in New York to acquire skills and capabilities that will serve her in her future career.

The path to becoming a lawyer is not easy but it is fairly straightforward. These are the steps most people go through.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree – At this level, no particular field of study is recommended but many aspiring lawyers choose to study criminal justice or a related field.

2. Pass the Law School Admissions Test – LSAT scores are important in qualifying for JD programs.

3. Earn a Juris Doctor degree – This is the most crucial step as it serves as a prerequisite to taking the bar exam.

4. Pass the bar exam and start your career – After passing the bar, the real work begins of advancing and developing a career as an attorney.

The Multiple Benefits of Participating in Youth Soccer

Serving as a legal intern at Hach & Rose, LLP, a New York City law firm, Rachel Lader is currently working on her Juris Doctor at New York Law School. Before starting college, Rachel Lader played on a nationally-ranked soccer team that allowed her to play games all over the country.

Soccer programs offer a wide variety of benefits for children and teenagers. Soccer is a unique sport that requires more physical exertion than baseball or softball but is safer to play than football. Soccer helps players to increase their physical fitness, stamina, and agility. Running back and forth across the soccer field over the course of two 45-minute halves is the equivalent of running about six miles, which increases the player’s aerobic capacity and improves their overall cardiovascular health.

In addition to promoting physical fitness, playing soccer helps develop character skills like teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. Engaging in a challenging aerobic activity like soccer also is a great way to release tension and frustration, which leads to better mood regulation and overall feelings of well-being. Lastly, playing on a soccer team teaches children and teens to cope with adversity, such as an unexpected loss, and provides an outlet for improving self-confidence as they see their skills and performance improve over time.