Sourcing and verification. We base our reporting on primary sources wherever possible: public records, official data, court and agency documents, and named sources speaking on the record. We link to sources in our articles. We do not invent quotes, interviews, events or statistics.
Attribution. Facts that are not common knowledge are attributed. When we draw on another outlet’s reporting, we credit and link to it.
Explainers and background. Much of our coverage explains how public systems work. These pieces are labeled by topic and updated when facts change. Updates are noted with a date.
Fairness. We seek comment from people and organizations who are the subject of significant criticism in our reporting. We avoid publishing allegations about private individuals without strong documentation.
Corrections. We correct errors promptly and transparently. See Corrections.
Pen names. Some contributors write under pen names. Pen names are consistent, so each byline always refers to the same contributor, and the editor knows each contributor’s identity. Author bios describe the contributor’s coverage area only.
Technology. We may use AI tools to help with research, outlines or first drafts. Every article is reviewed, fact-checked and edited by a person before publication, and a person is responsible for everything we publish.
Independence and sponsored content. We don’t accept payment for articles, links or coverage. If we ever publish sponsored material, it will be clearly labeled. Advertising never influences editorial decisions. See Advertise.
Dates. Articles show their actual publication date and, where relevant, the date they were last updated. We do not backdate content.
Questions? Contact us or read more about Vermont Daily News.