Introducing Reality Check. Here’s how you can contribute to this BND watchdog series
One of our most important missions at the Belleville News-Democrat is to be watchdogs over public officials, institutions and tax dollars on your behalf.
That’s why we’ve launched a new BND series called Reality Check, designed to bring transparency and accountability to news of the day and issues important to southwestern Illinois.
In Reality Check articles, our reporters dig deeper, tell readers the story behind the story, and ask key questions, like why did this happen, how did it happen and what else should the public know about it?
Our goal is to deliver Reality Check stories as quickly as possible, especially those tied to current issues and breaking news.
As always, we will count on subscribers like you to help shape the coverage.
What do you want us to Reality Check? See something in your community or hear something from an official that just doesn’t add up? Send your story ideas, tips and questions our way via email at newsroom@bnd.com (include Reality Check in the subject line) or call our newsroom tip line at 618-239-2500.
Accountability journalism or watchdog reporting — they are one in the same at the BND — are priorities for us. We will continue to do this work in all of its forms.
The Reality Check series raises the profile of of-the-moment accountability journalism, particularly local watchdog reporting that provides fact checks and deeper reporting off of the news, answers your most urgent questions and along the way, holds public institutions and officials accountable. Our intention is to make Reality Check articles a regular part of your BND news report.
We’ve already started posting Reality Check articles at bnd.com. You may have seen some of them, including this sampling:
St. Clair County thought it’d have all new tornado sirens by now. Why they’re delayed (We did this story based on a reader’s question.)
Where’s the money to fix Cahokia Heights’ broken sewer system? Residents want answers
West Belleville nursing home closed. Here’s why and what happened to its residents (A reader called and asked us to find out about this closing.)
St. Clair County school district is tackling decades-long budget trouble. Here’s how
Frozen body of homeless man found in Belleville garage shed 10 days after fire (We learned about this through a reader tip.)
Let us know what you think of Reality Check. And please, share your ideas and questions. Your support makes our coverage stronger.
As always, we thank you for subscribing to the BND.
This story was originally published April 8, 2024 at 7:00 AM.
