Have a local question or issue that needs a Reality Check? We want to hear from you
Hello, Bellingham Herald subscribers. I want to fill you in on a local accountability series we’ve launched, and ask you a question: Is there a story you want us to Reality Check?
You know what I’m talking about. You read something and think, “That can’t be right,” or you hear a community leader share a fact that you question. When that happens, send us your ideas. We will also be following up on our own questions for this Herald series aiming to fact check claims on local issues and hold leaders and institutions accountable.
This new series — called Reality Check — includes a steady stream of stories that will raise the profile of our local accountability journalism. We’re pushing for truth and transparency, and we’ll get you the facts quickly.
Reality Check offers readers an excellent opportunity to help shape The Herald’s news coverage. And who knows what we might uncover?
All of our reporters will be contributing to this project, because accountability reporting is critical all around us.
Some of what we’ll answer:
- Do promises stack up with reality?
- Why are local leaders making the decisions they do?
- Who’s influencing policy and why?
We’ve already published a few Reality Check stories. Business reporter Alyse Smith, for example, questioned the city’s estimate of a living wage in Bellingham and came up with an alternative estimate after talking with local experts. Also, government reporter Robert Mittendorf took a break from council meetings to ask why women pay more for auto insurance in Washington.
As I said at the top: We can’t do it alone.
If there is a story or claim you’d like for us to Reality Check, let us know: Email newsroom@bellinghamherald.com, and put “Reality Check” in the subject line.
This story was originally published May 30, 2024 at 3:00 AM.