Editorial Standards
Our commitment to ethical, accurate, and accountable journalism in the public interest.
SPJ Member Publication
People vs Biloxi adheres to the SPJ Code of Ethics—the most widely recognized standard for ethical journalism in the United States. This code guides every editorial decision we make.
SPJ Code of Ethics
The four foundational principles that govern our journalism
1 Seek Truth and Report It
Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. We take responsibility for the accuracy of our work and verify information before releasing it. We use original sources whenever possible, identify sources clearly, and provide context.
2 Minimize Harm
Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect. We balance the public's need for information against potential harm or discomfort, showing compassion for those affected by our coverage.
3 Act Independently
The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public. We avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived, and refuse gifts, favors, fees, or special treatment that might compromise our integrity.
4 Be Accountable and Transparent
Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for our work and explaining our decisions to the public. We respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness, and acknowledge mistakes promptly.
Source Verification Methodology
How we verify information before publication
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Primary Source Documentation
All factual claims are sourced from official court filings obtained through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), sworn depositions, official city records, and documents obtained through public records requests under the Mississippi Public Records Act.
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Multi-Source Verification
We do not publish claims based on a single source. All significant allegations are corroborated through multiple independent documents or sources before publication. When corroboration is not possible, we clearly indicate that a claim is alleged.
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Sworn Testimony Priority
We prioritize sworn testimony and statements made under oath. Deposition transcripts, court declarations, and official testimony carry significant weight because witnesses face legal consequences for false statements.
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Document Preservation
All source documents are preserved and archived. When we cite a document, we link to it where possible or describe its provenance. Readers can request copies of source materials for independent verification.
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Right of Response
Subjects of our reporting are given an opportunity to respond before publication when practical. If a subject declines to comment or does not respond, we note this in our coverage.
Correction Policy
Our commitment to accuracy and accountability
How We Handle Errors
Prompt Acknowledgment
When we make an error, we correct it promptly and transparently. We do not delete or hide corrections. Errors of fact are corrected as soon as they are discovered and verified.
Correction Display
Corrections are displayed prominently at the top of the corrected article with the date of correction and a clear explanation of what was changed. The original error is noted so readers understand what was corrected.
Clarifications vs. Corrections
We distinguish between corrections (fixing factual errors) and clarifications (adding context or information that was unclear). Both are noted, but corrections are given greater prominence.
Response Timeline
We review all correction requests within 48 hours. If a correction is warranted, it will be published within 24 hours of verification. Complex corrections requiring additional verification may take longer.
Report errors or request corrections:
Legal Framework
The constitutional and statutory protections that support our journalism
First Amendment Protection
People vs Biloxi exercises rights protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
Our reporting on matters of public concern involving government officials acting in their official capacity is constitutionally protected under New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964), which established that public officials must prove "actual malice" to recover damages for defamation.
Commentary and opinion clearly identified as such are protected expression. Satire is labeled as satire.
📰 Mississippi Shield Law
Mississippi recognizes a journalist's privilege to protect confidential sources under Miss. Code Ann. § 13-1-253. As an SPJ member publication engaged in the gathering and dissemination of news and information to the public, we assert all applicable protections for our sources, notes, and unpublished materials.
Public Interest Journalism
This publication documents federal civil rights litigation against the City of Biloxi, Mississippi. All content derives from court filings, public records, and documented evidence. Our reporting serves the public interest by informing citizens about the conduct of their government.
We publish pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims documenting constitutional violations and 18 U.S.C. § 1962 (RICO) allegations of patterns of racketeering activity by public officials.
Federal Cases Documented:
1:25-cv-00178-LG-RPM · 1:25-cv-00233-LG-RPM · 1:25-cv-00254-LG-RPM
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi
Press Credential Notifications
Official notifications sent to government entities
December 12, 2025 — City of Biloxi
Formal press credential notification sent via email requesting addition to media distribution lists, press packets, meeting agendas, and equal access to press areas pursuant to the First Amendment and Mississippi Open Meetings Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-1 et seq.).
Recipients Notified
Cecilia Dobbs Walton, Public Affairs Manager
Stacy Thacker, Municipal Clerk
Mayor Andrew "FoFo" Gilich
Richard Weaver, Chief Administrative Officer
Jerry Creel, Building Official
Catherine McMahan, Deputy City Clerk
City Council: Wayne Gray (Ward 1), Anthony Marshall (Ward 2), Mike Nail (Ward 3), Jamie Creel (Ward 4), Paul Tisdale (Ward 5), Kenny Glavan (Ward 6), David Shoemaker (Ward 7)
Counsel Notified
Zachary Cruthirds, Currie Johnson & Myers, P.A.
Henry Ros, Currie Johnson & Myers, P.A.
Michael Whitehead, Page Mannino Peresich & McDermott