Trust is the foundation of everything we publish. These standards guide every story, headline, photo and post on US Now.
Accuracy and fact-checking
- We verify facts before we publish, using primary sources such as official records, documents, data and direct interviews wherever possible.
- Numbers, names, titles, dates and quotes are checked by the writer and reviewed by an editor.
- When information cannot yet be confirmed, we say so clearly, or we wait.
- Headlines, photos and captions must reflect the story fairly and must not mislead.
Sourcing and attribution
We tell readers where information comes from. We prefer named, on-the-record sources and link to original documents, data and reporting whenever we can. When we build on another news organization’s reporting, we credit and link to it.
We use unnamed sources only when the information is important, cannot be obtained on the record, and comes from someone in a position to know. An editor must know the source’s identity, and we explain to readers why the source was not named.
Original work
Our stories are our own. We do not copy, scrape or automatically rewrite other publications’ articles, and we do not publish other outlets’ photos without a license. News feeds help us discover what is happening; our journalists then report, write and edit the story themselves.
Independence and conflicts of interest
- Our coverage is not for sale. Advertisers, sponsors and business partners have no say over what we report.
- Staff do not accept gifts, payments or favors from people or organizations they cover.
- Writers and editors disclose any personal or financial interest in a story to an editor and step away from coverage when needed.
- We do not pay sources for information.
Fairness
We seek out and fairly present relevant points of view. People and organizations facing serious accusations in our reporting are given a reasonable chance to respond before publication.
News, analysis and sponsored content
News stories report facts. Analysis and explainer pieces are clearly labeled as such. Paid content is always labeled and kept separate from our journalism, as described in our Sponsored Content Policy.
Photos and video
We use images we have the right to publish: our own, licensed images, or freely licensed images such as those from Wikimedia Commons and public agencies, always with credit. We do not alter news photos in ways that change their meaning, and illustrations are labeled as illustrations.
Use of AI tools
Our journalists may use artificial intelligence tools to help with research, summaries or first drafts. A human editor reviews, verifies and is responsible for everything we publish, and we do not publish AI-generated images as news photographs.
Corrections
We correct errors promptly and transparently. See our Corrections Policy, or email info@usnow.us.
Questions about these standards can be sent to info@usnow.us.