About CiteLine
Evidence you can trace.
CiteLine is an independent, evidence-first watchdog newsroom. We focus on what the record shows, not what is loudest online. We separate Fact, Claim, and Analysis so readers can see what is verified, what is alleged, and what is still uncertain.
What we do
Follow the paper trail. We prioritize primary materials like documents, datasets, court filings, transcripts, and on-the-record statements.
Measure before we moralize. We report numbers with timeframe and denominator, note limits, and avoid implying causation from correlation.
Pressure-test narratives. We look for corroboration, contradictions, and what would change the conclusion.
Show our work. We link sources whenever we can so you can check the evidence yourself.
What you can expect
Document-driven explainers
Claim checks and “what the record shows” breakdowns
Annotated source threads and reading lists
Updates when new records change the picture
Why subscribe?
Because the loudest narratives are not always the truest ones. CiteLine exists for readers who want reporting that is transparent about evidence, methods, and uncertainty.
Stay up-to-date
Never miss an update. Each post lands in your inbox with sources attached whenever possible, including documents, datasets, transcripts, and direct links. Expect tight explainers and claim checks, without ads, without hype, and with clear labels for Fact / Claim / Analysis. For audio and community features, get the Substack app.
Join the crew
CiteLine works best with readers who care about receipts. Join a community that asks “How do we know that?” and helps pressure-test claims, spot gaps, and improve the record. Participate in the comments, send tips, or support this work with a subscription so we can keep doing careful public-interest reporting and publish transparent corrections when we get something wrong.
Transparency note on our use of AI tools
We use a very sophisticated, custom-made GPT to help with research, citations, and editing. We do not use it for writing.
How it works: We give the tool the reporting question, our working notes, and the source list we are using or trying to find. It returns research leads and a structured source map, suggests where citations may be needed, and flags statements in our human-written draft that may require stronger evidence, clearer attribution, or consistency checks. A human reporter verifies every source and writes every sentence. The tool does not publish, does not decide what is true, and does not make final editorial calls.
Corrections and updates
If we make a substantive error, we update the piece and add a clear note explaining what changed and when. We do not do silent rewrites.
