Daily Discussion

During the build-up to the RNC national convention last year, rumours began to circulate that Starbucks was a sponsor of the convention. However, the company did not provide a cash sponsorship of any kind. The rumour most likely gained traction because Starbucks was serving beverages at the convention, though they were not a sponsor.

While this article does provide factual information and quotes, there are some instances where the language is used in the narrative sections could be considered bias. Phrases such as "as he seeks downplay" or connecting President Trump's actions to "conspiracy theories" give the interpretation of events and certain motives rather than simply reporting the solid facts. The article's framing of Trump's statements and actions tend to lean towards a critical perspective, specifically in how it characterizes his attempts. This reading is not overly biased with strong emotional language, but there are subtle choices of language and framing of President Trump's actions suggest perspective. A reader who is already critical of President Trump might see this as objective reporting, while a supporter may see this as biased.

This article describes the recent vote in the Senate on the rescission package that would cut billions of dollars in government spending. The package ended up passing in the Senate, however, it faced a lot of objections from Democratic Senators. The final vote was 51-48. This article strongly criticizes the Democrats in the Senate on their vote and is extremely one-sided. The author states, “every single Democrat present (and two Republicans) voted to waste $9 billion in American taxpayer money to keep funding far-left propaganda outlets NPR and PBS.” The author also called both of the Republicans who voted against this bill “notoriously weak.” Finally, the author called NPR and PBS “notorious bad actors” who “show deep disdain for America, Americans, and humanity generally.” It is important to note that this article falls under a government category, and is not listed as an opinion piece on the site. This is why I think this news article is troubling and contributing to misinformation.

This article only has one source referenced (that isn't even linked), a U Michigan poll. I find this concerning because they are basing their analysis of the sentiments of the whole American public on one study, without considering other sides or ways to evaluate American opinion.

This article from The Wall Street Journal has become a source of contention, as it alleges that President Trump sent Epstein an inappropriate letter, describing the letter in some detail. I consider this concerning news because no confirmation of the letter's veracity or even existence has been shared, so it is contributing to misinformation by sparking the blaze of attention from the public without establishing reliable credibility. Essentially, it is the start of a rumor to cap many other existing rumors, which is concerning, whether it's true or not.