I just find that "fact" is a dishonest term when used by media, for example, statements from "former intelligence sources". The media can say it's fact that "former intelligence agents say x". However, without knowing the source credentials, analyzing their bias, having an understanding of whether it's 1st, 2nd. 3rd, 4th hand info, and any other number of things, it's hard for the reader to have confidence in a statement. You also have no idea whether any scrutiny was made, or whether it's "I've got a juicy headline...just need to construct facts around it, and then stop."