Editorial standards

Our coverage should explain what changed, why it matters locally and what readers can do with the information. We distinguish news, press-release-derived coverage, opinion, researched guides and sponsored articles.

We link to supporting sources and attribute company claims. A press release is a company's account of an announcement, not independent confirmation of its claims. Publication requires documented source permissions and factual review. Images require separate permission.

We do not invent reporters, interviews, quotations, statistics or firsthand experiences. Allegations, crime accusations and consequential health claims require additional editorial review. Material without adequate support stays unpublished.

Homepage selection weighs significance, recency, usefulness, geography and source diversity. We do not create stories to meet a quota.

Reader awards, editorial selections and paid placements are distinct. Payment does not determine editorial rankings or awards.