Accuracy before speed
We verify names, dates, quotations, public records, and material claims before publication. When evidence is incomplete, we say what is known, what is not known, and what would resolve the uncertainty.
Primary sources first
We prefer public records, official agendas, meeting video, court filings, legislation, election records, campaign-finance reports, and direct interviews. Secondary reporting may add context but should not replace the underlying record when it is available.
Clear labels
Reporting, analysis, civic guides, event listings, and opinion serve different purposes. We label them clearly. Opinion may argue for a position; it may not invent facts.
Fairness and response
People and institutions criticized in reported work should be represented fairly. For serious or disputed allegations, we seek a meaningful response and tell readers when no response is received.
Sources and links
Articles include a source list when they rely on public records or official resources. Anonymous sourcing should be rare, necessary, and explained without exposing a source to avoidable harm.
Artificial intelligence
AI tools may assist with research organization, transcription, drafting, coding, or illustration, but a human editor remains responsible for every published claim. AI-generated or materially altered editorial images are labeled. We do not treat an AI answer as a source.
Corrections
Material errors are corrected promptly and transparently under our corrections policy. We do not silently rewrite a factual error in a way that hides what changed.