Ethics & standards

Effective Oct. 28, 2026. Bean Town Brief publishes Massachusetts quick reads. These rules guide how we report, label, and correct our work.

Independence

Advertising and affiliate relationships help pay for the site. They do not decide what we cover or how we cover it. Affiliate disclosures appear at the bottom of stories only. We do not put sponsor language at the top of articles.

Accuracy and corrections

We aim for verified facts, named sources when possible, and clear updates on developing stories. If we get something wrong, email hello@beantownbrief.com. Material corrections are noted on the story.

Story format

• Every story opens with a Quick Read box: three or four fact bullets, no teasers.
• Headlines end with the publish date in parentheses, AP style, unless the date is already in the headline.
• We do not use em dashes in our copy.
• Related stories link to two or three other posts on beantownbrief.com when they exist.
• Quiet is allowed. We do not invent thin posts to fill a quota.

Photos and AI

Cover photos should be freely licensed with credit. We do not publish AI-generated images of real people, places, or events.

Beats and restraint

Core beats are education, international news, and science and tech. Metro, sports, weather, and roads publish when a story clears the bar. Politics stays light until the audience is clearer. Betting columns, if any, will include a "not betting advice" line and Massachusetts-appropriate help resources.

Minors and breaking news

We do not name minors who have not been publicly identified by authorities. Breaking stories are updated in place when facts change within about 48 hours.

Contact

Tips, corrections, and press notes: hello@beantownbrief.com.