At a time when misinformation is widespread, social media companies have cut back on their fact-checking programs and the use of artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent, it’s more important than ever for people to have a trusted news source.

For 15 years, The Connecticut Mirror has provided in-depth news and reporting on public policy, government and politics that the state’s residents can count on. Now, we will also partner with Gigafact, a nonprofit partnership of newsrooms from across the country, to fact-check online claims in bite-sized news stories — called fact briefs — that will help readers distinguish the truth from rumor.

Fact briefs are 150 words or less, have a definite yes or no answer (there are no maybes here) and link to primary sources used to find the information that debunks or verifies the claims circulating online in Connecticut.

Many of the claims will be directly connected to public policy, government and politics and complement the coverage we already provide to our readers. Many will not and will provide an opportunity to give our readers reliable information on topics important to their lives in different ways.

CT Mirror’s first fact brief was published Thursday morning, covering an online claim about emissions testing. It can be found here.

“Our mission is grounded in a belief that journalism — when practiced with integrity and transparency — results in a more informed and politically engaged electorate. We hope these fact briefs will be another resource for readers seeking the accurate information they need to navigate the confusing landscape of social media, AI, and online news,” said Elizabeth Hamilton, executive editor of CT Mirror.

“Gigafact’s mission is to help local newsrooms ground everyday civic conversations in fact,” Robyn Sundlee, co-founder and director of operations at Gigafact. “CT Mirror has been a trusted source in-depth news and reporting for 15 years, and we’re thrilled that they will be sharing their expertise via fact briefs.”