518News is built around accuracy, transparency, useful local reporting and responsible use of automation.
Sources and attribution
We use public records, government announcements, public agencies, official notices and other sources as starting points for reporting. Published articles should clearly distinguish 518News reporting from the underlying source material, and source links are provided when available.
Original reporting and writing
518News does not aim to reproduce another publisher’s article. When outside material is used as a source, our goal is to identify the underlying facts and produce an original 518News report appropriate for our readers.
Automation and artificial intelligence
Automation and artificial intelligence may assist with source discovery, classification, drafting, formatting and publication. Stories are evaluated for relevance, newsworthiness, confidence and editorial risk before publication.
Low-risk material from approved sources may be published automatically when it satisfies our editorial safeguards. Stories involving higher risk, uncertainty, sensitive allegations or other concerns are held for human review.
Public safety and criminal-justice coverage
Police, court, district attorney and similarly sensitive material receives additional scrutiny. An official accusation or charge is not treated as proof of guilt, and higher-risk stories are not eligible for unattended publication under our editorial rules.
Geographic fairness
518News serves the full 518 region. No community receives an automatic editorial advantage simply because of where it is located within the coverage area.
Corrections
When we identify a material factual error, our goal is to correct it promptly and transparently. See our Corrections Policy for more information.