How to send us a news tip that we can actually use

The tip line on our homepage is open, a human reads every tip, and you stay confidential. But not every tip is one we can act on, so here is the difference, plainly.

A usable tip is something you witnessed yourself or can back up: photos, video, paperwork, names, dates, places. "I saw a three-car wreck on South Congress at 8 this morning and here is my dashcam clip" is a tip we can verify and run with. "My cousin heard something happened downtown" is a group chat, not a tip. If we cannot verify it, we cannot publish it, no matter how interesting it sounds.

A few ground rules. We do not pay for tips. We do not publish rumors about private people. And if you are trying to get someone in trouble rather than get a story told, we will notice. The best tips come from people who saw something real and want it covered accurately.

One more thing: if something happened to you and nobody is covering it, tell it in your own words. Some of the best local journalism starts exactly that way, and we will help you shape it. The tip box is on the homepage, and exclusive photos or video always go to the front of the line.