The Tributary rigorously fact-checks all of our articles before publication.

The fact-checking process involves verifying sources, calling the appropriate parties for comment and editing each story before publication.

We strive to not include quotes that make false assertions, even if made by public officials. Instead, we will clearly identify such quotes as false and provide evidence to the contrary.

Our reporting will be transparent, and we will strive to identify all the sources of our information, shielding them with anonymity only when they insist upon it and when they provide vital information — not opinion or speculation; when there is no other way to obtain that information; and when we know the source is knowledgeable and reliable. To the extent that we can, we identify in our stories any important bias such a source may have. If the story hinges on documents, as opposed to interviews, we describe how the documents were obtained, at least to the extent possible. We do not say that a person declined comment when he or she is already quoted anonymously.

No story is fair if it omits facts of major importance or significance. Fairness includes completeness.

No story is fair if it misleads or deceives the reader. Fairness includes honesty — leveling with the reader.

For questions about our fact-checking process, contact editor@jaxtrib.org.

When we err, we will correct our story as soon as possible with a description of the error, the correct information and how the error occurred. If you believe an error has been made in a story or certain facts have been misrepresented, you can send correction requests to corrections@jaxtrib.org.