Sorting fact from fiction tough, but not impossible

Resources to fact-check exist, especially for local entities

We’re living in a weird time, where truth and credibility are easily undermined by rumor and dangerous or reckless online posts.

With conflicting and contrary information running amok, and allegations of falsehoods flying in the face of truth, it can be challenging to know what information is correct.

At the Yuma Sun, we strive for both sides of conflicting stories or situations, and provide readers with as much information as possible on both sides of the argument.

Our reporters research documents, attend countless meetings, read meeting minutes, and watch videos of meetings to double-check information whenever possible.

It’s labor-intensive, but we believe the effort is 100 percent worth our time, and a basic tenet of journalism.

For a non-journalist, however, it can be challenging to do that. Where does one go to verify information? After all, social media and the internet both are loaded with allegations, accusations and broad sweeping indictments which may or may not be true. How does one start to sort out fact from fiction, even at the local level?

One place to start is by watching the videos of local government meetings, or reading the minutes of the meetings.

The Yuma County Board of Supervisors meetings are recorded, and can be found at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/yuma-77/v-o-d.

Videos of the Yuma City Council meetings and worksessions can be found at http://vp.telvue.com/ player?s=yuma , as can the most recent Planning and Zoning meeting videos.

Somerton, San Luis and Wellton post minutes of their meetings online at the following websites: • San Luis: https://www.cityofsanluis.org/ • Somerton: http://www.cityofsomerton.com/ • Wellton: https://town.wellton.az.us/ According to Arizona state statute, the minutes or recording of a meeting need to be available to the public three working days after the meeting. Within two working days following the approval of the minutes by the government body, those minutes must be posted to the web.

Other great resources are public records requests from government bodies and court records. Or one can simply reach out via phone or email to any member of a public entity.

It can be tough to fact check what one reads online. Yet with all the information out there, sorting fact from fiction is critical. These resources are a good place to start.