In today’s polarized and seemingly never-ending news cycle, it’s become harder than ever to separate fact from fiction.

That’s why the Maine Trust for Local News is teaming up with Gigafact, a nonprofit partnership of newsrooms across the country that seek to fact-check viral claims and help readers discern truth from rumor.

J. Craig Anderson, a reporter for the Harpswell Anchor who previously worked as a Portland Press Herald staff writer and business editor, is returning on a freelance basis to produce two fact briefs a week. These briefs, which will either verify or debunk Maine-related claims that are circulating online, will be published to the Maine Trust’s websites Mondays and Wednesdays starting May 28.

You can find our first fact brief, about Maine’s minimum marriage age, here.

These fact briefs will do more than simply call out misinformation and false rumors. Rather, they will directly disprove or confirm claims, provide additional context, and link directly to primary sources so readers can see the original information themselves. Each fact brief will give a definitive “yes” or “no” answer — you won’t find “it’s complicated,” “partially false” or “mostly true” here.

The briefs will top out at 150 words, with the aim of bringing clear and concise information that allows you, the reader, to easily be better informed about the world around you.

With the fact briefs, newsroom leaders at the Maine Trust are seeking both to complement and support our ongoing coverage while also broadening the topics that are regularly featured in our products.

“We are thrilled to partner with Gigafact to combat the spread of misinformation in Maine. It is an essential part of our role as journalists to make sure our residents have the facts,” Maine Trust Executive Editor Carolyn Fox said. “We appreciate Gigafact’s support in helping us report local news in a new format.

In partnering with Gigafact, the Maine Trust becomes the 13th news organization to bring this content to its audience. You can read more about Gigafact’s standards and background here.

“We’re really pleased to welcome the Maine Trust for Local News into our growing network,” Gigafact co-founder and head of operations Robyn Sundlee said. “Their innovative model and deep state and local expertise will help ensure that Maine residents have access to the key facts when engaging in civic dialogue.”

Got a question for us to fact-check? Send it to [email protected].