Newsroom standards
Accuracy and verification
We verify substantive factual claims before publication and distinguish confirmed facts from allegations, estimates, projections and interpretation. Dates, bill numbers, vote totals, court holdings and direct quotations should be checked against the best available source.
Primary sources
Whenever practical, CYS begins with original records, including:
- Congress.gov, Senate.gov and House.gov
- The Federal Register and federal agency records
- U.S. Supreme Court opinions and federal court documents
- State and local election authorities
- Public records, official statements and direct interviews
Reputable secondary reporting, academic research and subject-matter analysis may be used for context. AI output is never treated as a primary source.
Sourcing and attribution
Information from other organizations is clearly attributed. CYS does not present allegations as established facts. When sources disagree or reliable information is incomplete, the article should explain the uncertainty.
Political neutrality
CYS reports documented positions, actions, votes, legislation and practical effects without endorsing candidates, parties or political positions. Candidate summaries should not infer a position solely from party affiliation.
Headlines and visual presentation
Headlines, summaries, images and social copy should accurately reflect the underlying reporting. They should not intentionally exaggerate, omit decisive context or create a conclusion unsupported by the article.
Anonymous sources
CYS prefers on-the-record sources. An anonymous source may be used only when the information is in the public interest, the source has a credible reason for needing protection and the information can be responsibly verified. When appropriate, the article will explain why anonymity was granted.
Conflicts of interest
Writers and editors must disclose financial, personal, political or professional relationships that could materially affect coverage. A relevant disclosure should appear with the story when readers would reasonably need it to evaluate the work.
Opinion, analysis and commentary
Straight reporting is separate from opinion. Analysis, commentary or editorial content must be clearly labeled and visually distinguishable from news reporting. Analysis should remain evidence-based and explain the reasoning behind its conclusions.
Corrections and updates
Material errors are corrected transparently under the CYS Corrections Policy. New developments may be added with an update note that is distinct from a correction.
