Wonder why the Beacon Journal does certain things? Check out the USA TODAY Network Style Guide
I often get questions from readers about why the Beacon Journal does certain things the way we do.
Why does a physician get the "Dr." courtesy title but not someone who earned a doctor of philosophy?
When do reporters agree to not name a source?
And why is a pamphlet is a flyer, not a flier?
The answer is we follow accepted journalism style — and now I'm happy to be able to share our style guide with you.
The USA TODAY Network, which includes the Akron Beacon Journal and Record-Courier, on April 10 launched its USA TODAY Network Style Guide, a tool to help our journalists uphold our commitment to clarity, accuracy, consistency and transparency in journalism.
We're also offering this free tool for our community, including students, teachers, bloggers and anyone with a passion for writing.
Michael McCarter, vice president Opinion Group and Standards and Ethics for the USA TODAY Network, explains in the forward that this new style guide "is an evolving document that empowers us to communicate with clarity, accuracy and respect to foster trust and understanding."
"We sincerely hope the style guide will be used and referenced in the spirit it was intended: to establish a uniting tool that provides simple guidance regarding language to enable consistency and clarity as we deliver on our mission of serving and empowering our communities," McCarter wrote.
Of course, the USA TODAY Network Style Guide is just that — a guide. There still will be questions not addressed in the style guide that local editors consider while taking into account the communities we serve.
For example, is that patch of grass between the sidewalk and street a tree lawn or devil strip?
Anyone in Akron knows the answer to this question. (Devil strip, obviously.)
Curious to see the answers to the questions I posed above or other style questions? You can check out the USA TODAY Network Style Guide at https://tinyurl.com/yz9nut8m
And, as always, I welcome your questions and feedback. Send me an email at cpowell@thebeaconjournal.com or call 330-996-3902.
Cheryl Powell is executive editor for the Akron Beacon Journal and regional editor for the USA TODAY Network North Ohio region.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: USA TODAY Network launches style guide
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
8 hours ago
- USA Today
Nebraska Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on June 9, 2025
Nebraska Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on June 9, 2025 The Nebraska Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Lottery players in Nebraska can choose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Lucky For Life, Pick 3, Pick 5, MyDaY and 2 by 2. Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here's what experts say to do first. Here's a look at Monday, June 9, 2025 results for each game: Winning Powerball numbers from June 9 drawing 30-33-40-43-52, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4 Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 9 drawing 01-07-24-50-59, Powerball: 11 Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 9 drawing 2-2-5 Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Pick 5 numbers from June 9 drawing 10-13-18-30-40 Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning 2 By 2 numbers from June 9 drawing Red Balls: 14-24, White Balls: 05-21 Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from June 9 drawing 03-07-17-29-46, Lucky Ball: 15 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning MyDay numbers from June 9 drawing Month: 07, Day: 30, Year: 66 Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held? Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday. Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily. Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily. 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily. MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily. Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Where can you buy lottery tickets? Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
Puerto Rico Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pega 2 on June 9, 2025
Puerto Rico Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pega 2 on June 9, 2025 The Puerto Rico Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Lottery players in Puerto Rico can choose from popular national games like the Powerball, which is available in the vast majority of states around the U.S. Other games include the Pega 2, Pega 3, Pega 4 and more. Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here's what experts say to do first. Here's a look at Monday, June 9, 2025 results for each game: Winning Powerball numbers from June 9 drawing 30-33-40-43-52, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4 Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 9 drawing 01-07-24-50-59, Powerball: 11 Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Pega 2 numbers from June 9 drawing Day: 9-6, Wild: 6 Noche: 7-4, Wild: 0 Check Pega 2 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Pega 3 numbers from June 9 drawing Day: 7-0-2, Wild: 6 Noche: 5-2-7, Wild: 0 Check Pega 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Pega 4 numbers from June 9 drawing Day: 2-2-4-0, Wild: 6 Noche: 2-9-4-3, Wild: 0 Check Pega 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Revancha X2 numbers from June 9 drawing 09-11-13-24-25, Bonus: 10 Check Revancha X2 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Loto Plus numbers from June 9 drawing 06-24-27-28-31, Bonus: 04, Multiplicador: 5 Check Loto Plus payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results When are the Puerto Rico Lottery drawings held? Powerball: 11:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Pega 2, 3, 4: 2 p.m. (Day) and 9 p.m. (Night) daily. Revancha X2: 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Loto Cash: 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Where can you buy lottery tickets? Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
DC Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, DC 2 on June 9, 2025
DC Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, DC 2 on June 9, 2025 Are you looking to win big? The DC Lottery offers several games to choose from if you think it's your lucky day. You can choose from national lottery games, like the Powerball and Mega Millions, or a variety of local games, like the DC 2, DC 3, DC 4 and DC 5. While your odds of winning a big jackpot in the Powerball or Mega Millions are generally pretty slim (here's how they compare to being struck by lightning or dealt a royal flush), other games offer better odds to win cash, albeit with lower prize amounts. Here's a look at Monday, June 9, 2025 results for each game: Winning Powerball numbers from June 9 drawing 30-33-40-43-52, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4 Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here. Winning DC 2 numbers from June 9 drawing 1:50PM: 6-5 7:50PM: 6-9 Check DC 2 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning DC 3 numbers from June 9 drawing 1:50PM: 7-3-1 7:50PM: 2-2-8 11:30PM: 9-1-1 Check DC 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning DC 4 numbers from June 9 drawing 1:50PM: 4-5-1-7 7:50PM: 2-4-1-8 11:30PM: 8-6-5-3 Check DC 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning DC 5 numbers from June 9 drawing 1:50PM: 2-3-1-2-8 7:50PM: 0-0-9-2-2 Check DC 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from June 9 drawing 03-07-17-29-46, Lucky Ball: 15 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results When are the DC Lottery drawings held? Powerball: 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Mega Millions: 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. DC 2, 5: 1:50 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. daily. DC 3, 4: 1:50 p.m., 7:50 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. daily. Lucky For Life: 10:38 p.m. daily. Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Where can you buy lottery tickets? Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
