How we grade

Wire-level informativeness, graded in plain English — and every grade shows its working.

Every item carries three things

• Its source — named, with the originating agency or outlet; translated foreign-government and non-English press disclosures are labelled as such.
• Its sourcing grade — how the item is supported, assessed per item, not per outlet.
• Its verification label — where the item stands right now (below).

The verification labels

• Verified — an official primary source published it, or two or more independent credible sources confirm it.
• Single Source — Unverified — one source so far; shown openly, never presented as fact. UNVERIFIED stays visible until it checks out.
• Developing — confirmed in part, still moving; we say what is known and what is not.
• Disputed — credible sources conflict; both claims are shown side by side.

What it means for Americans

Each alert is framed by its U.S. consequence — what it means for Americans' safety, finances, families and way of life — in plain English, without spin. The full rules are on the methodology page, and our fact-check verdicts are published at the CHECKED desk.