Fiction labels
Fictional articles include a concise plain-language note identifying what has been invented.
Local-business stories
Our default is to use invented or composite businesses, employees and events. We do not fabricate criminal conduct, safety violations, dishonesty or other damaging factual claims and attribute them to a real business or person.
Planning and civic stories
We may satirize familiar processes—hearings, studies, permits, variances and planning vocabulary—without claiming that a real board, official or applicant said or did something that did not occur. When a piece refers to an actual public action, the factual foundation should be linked to original public records and separated from invented dialogue.
Facts, opinion and corrections
Factual reporting should cite primary records and distinguish documents, quotations, analysis and opinion. Material factual errors should be corrected promptly and accompanied by a correction note.
Sponsors
Advertising and sponsorship do not purchase favorable treatment or advance knowledge of editorial decisions. Paid placements must be clearly labeled “Advertisement,” “Sponsored by” or equivalent plain language.