Every news outlet is owned by a small circle of concentrated power these days from wealthy families to corporate conglomerates that bizarrely fail to be harshly critical of things that would impact their wealth and businesses.

You can try reading e.g. The Intercept, local papers, Democracy Now for a different spin on things, but there's only one thing that actually works is reading several sources, including the papers from "the other side" and trying to figure out which story line makes logical sense. Usually lies are poorly constructed and contain a combination of paradoxes, deference to authority, and appeal to various fears without a firm logical basis. Pay close attention to verifiable information and evidence. Those are the only pieces of information that can be trusted from either the state or journalists.

> Every news outlet is owned by a small circle of concentrated power these days from wealthy families to corporate conglomerates that bizarrely fail to be harshly critical of things that would impact their wealth and businesses.

I smile a bit as I think about visiting the Hearst Castle in California—I wonder how news ownership has changed over the years.

Regarding the rest, I appreciate how you framed it and love that approach of various sources, plus really dig the process suggestions you put. Thank you.