CNN uses this type of lede template all the time:
(Current-event-occurs) Amid Trump Controversy
or
(Current-event-occurs) Amid Trump Scandal
They just participate in creating a controversy, then fill in the blank as other events occur. The “Current-event-occurs” phrase will tend to change at intervals. But whatever is happening, it always happens “Amid Trump Controversy/Scandal”.
Exactly.
The fake news implies a causal link where there is none.
My hope is that the MSM over doing it with the fake news will cause people to get wise and tune it out.