Core definition

A Racine County Eye story delivers timely, accurate, locally grounded information that helps Racine County residents understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what they can do next.

What stories we cover

We cover the decisions and systems that shape daily life in Racine County — and the people living with the consequences. That includes local government, schools, public safety, courts, housing, health care access, and the local economy.

We also cover practical, high-utility information residents need to navigate real life: elections and voting, meeting agendas and outcomes, deadlines, service changes, severe weather/community disruptions, and where to find verified resources.

We’re not a “press release rewrites” outlet. If we publish announcements, we treat them as a starting point for verification: confirming what’s true, what’s changing, who is affected, and what readers should do next.

What readers can expect (how we operate)

• Verification first: We confirm key facts before publishing. Verification means we confirm names, dates, numbers, and key claims with documents and/or multiple reliable sources. When a situation is developing, we label what we know now — and what we’re still working to confirm.
• Receipts: When possible, we link to primary documents (agendas, budgets, court records, datasets, public notices) so readers can verify information for themselves. When we cite a document, we link it in the story (not just “according to…”).
• Local impact + usefulness: We explain how decisions affect daily life in Racine County, and include practical details (deadlines, locations, costs, who to contact) when relevant.
• Context + follow-through: We don’t treat big issues as one-day stories. We add background and return to track what was promised and what actually happened.
• Community voices: We include residents and people directly affected — not only officials and institutions.
• Independence: Advertising and sponsorships do not influence what we cover or how we cover it. Sponsors and advertisers do not preview or approve coverage.
• Corrections: If we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and clearly. When we correct a story, we note what changed and when.

Standard story structure

• What happened (clear lede)
• Why it matters for Racine County residents
• What we know / how we know it (attribution + sourcing)
• What’s next (next meeting, hearing, vote, deadline, follow-up)

Example (what this looks like)