Fright journalism: An example

 This from the New York Post, 2/24/23

NYC hospitals spending more than $90M to house migrants in Midtown hotels

The housing in question is "through the spring," which is a little vague — but let's assume it's through June 20, which is spring's last day.

No matter the length of time, it sounds pretty expensive, doesn't it? 

But there are 8.8 million people in New York City. 

Some of those people are, of course, children. And some workers earn just enough to barely survive. So let's cut that number in half. And round down.

Now there are 4 million people in New York City. Ninety million dollars is $22.50 each. To fund "almost 30,000" migrants, according to the Post. For nearly four months.

Less than the price of a single dinner at a good New York restaurant. (Ok, your definition of good might be different from mine. So this: It's almost enough to buy two movie tickets in NYC.) 

This kind of journalism is practiced in both right- and left-leaning media, discussing money and lots of other things as well. It's a good thing to keep in mind.