Editorial Standards

Reasonable Inquiry is an independent, nonpartisan public-interest reporting and research project. Its work is guided by accuracy, transparency, fairness, evidence, and independent judgment.

Accuracy and sourcing

Whenever possible, Reasonable Inquiry's reporting relies on primary sources including public records, official documents, datasets, direct observation, interviews, meeting records, and original correspondence.

Sources and underlying documents used in reporting are cited or published for public review whenever appropriate.

Fairness and right of response

Subjects of significant criticism or factual allegations will generally be given a meaningful opportunity to respond before publication.

Responses will be represented accurately and in context. Reasonable Inquiry will not give equal weight to "both sides" of competing claims when the available facts and evidence do not support it, or repeat unsupported claims merely for the appearance of balance.

Fact, analysis, and inference

Reporting will distinguish between facts established by evidence, statements or claims made by sources, the author's personal analysis, and conclusions or inferences that remain uncertain.

Analysis, conjecture, and unresolved questions will be clearly identified as such.

Corrections

Reasonable Inquiry will promptly and transparently correct meaningful factual errors. Substantial corrections will identify what was wrong and provide the updated information, including relevant context to how and why the error was made, if necessary.

Submit corrections to corrections@reasonableinquiry.org.

Conflicts and independence

Reasonable Inquiry will disclose relevant financial, personal, political, or organizational conflicts that might otherwise undermine confidence in its reporting.

Editorial conclusions will not be shaped by advertisers, donors, sponsors, subjects of coverage, or outside organizations.

Artificial intelligence

AI tools may be used to assist with research organization, document review, transcription, data analysis, and brainstorming.

All published reporting is written and verified by the author.