How we report

A news story in LA Press has a reporter’s name, a date, and facts that can be checked. If we cannot stand behind a sentence, it does not run. That rule is the same on News as it is on every other desk.

Sourcing

We name sources unless there is a clear reason not to — safety, a lawful restriction, or a source whose job would be at risk for speaking on the record. Anonymous claims are not a license to speculate. We do not invent quotations, datelines, or eyewitness detail.

Documents come first when they exist: a docket, a statute, a filing, a transcript, a budget line. Interviews test and explain the document. A press release is a claim by an interested party. It can start a story. It is not the story.

What this desk covers

Public business, courts, elections (with Politics), labor, housing, and the events that change how people live. International stories belong on World. Company news belongs on Business unless the public consequence is the lead.

Corrections

If we are wrong, write editorial@lapress.org with the URL and the fact. We change the article. Material errors are also listed on Corrections. The full standard is on Editorial policy.