A local story can travel quickly through a group chat. Before forwarding it, a short pause can help you decide whether the information is current, supported and useful to the person receiving it.

Who published it?

Open the original page if you can. Look for the publication, a named author or responsible organisation, and a way to contact them. A screenshot can remove precisely the context you need to judge a claim.

When was it published?

Check both the publication date and any update note. A genuine old announcement can become misleading when it is shared as though it happened today. If the item involves an event, compare the date in the text with the date in the headline or image.

What is the evidence?

Look for a linked document, an identifiable source or a clear account of how the information was obtained. Separate what the article establishes from what a headline suggests. A prediction, opinion and confirmed announcement answer different questions.

What happens next?

If the story says a proposal was discussed, ask whether anything has actually been decided. If it describes a service change, look for the responsible organisation’s own notice. Useful reporting should help you understand the stage a story has reached.

Is the context intact?

Read beyond the opening lines. A qualification further down may change the meaning of the statement being shared. When forwarding, include the original link and a sentence about why it is relevant rather than adding a certainty the report does not support.

These are editorial reading habits, not a claim that any particular story is false. When you cannot establish something important, it is reasonable to wait before sharing. If you spot an error in The Press, our contact page explains how to send a correction.