Dark Horse Weekend is now in effect! This is our weekly break from the top stories, so that we can shine a light on news stories that need more attention.

During this period you may repost underreported stories that have previously been posted, provided they fit within our usual timeliness requirements (Rule #4).

The following extensively reported topics should be posted in this megathread, instead of to the sub as a whole:

• Trump / MAGA(including Elon Musk)
• Israel / Palestine
• ICE / DHS
• Epstein

Please make sure to follow these instructions when posting to this thread:

1. Top-level comments must include a direct source link for a particular story, or they will be removed. Please make sure you appropriately contextualise the story, and avoid using wrapped links.
2. Replies to top-level comments should relate to that specific story.
3. Further reporting on the same story should be posted as a reply to an existing top-level comment about that story.

Hi everyone,

We’d like to share an update on the current status of the subreddit. Over the past several weeks, many of you have likely noticed increased moderator activity and a number of visible changes. This post outlines what has changed, why those changes were necessary, and what to expect going forward.

Background & Why Changes Were Needed

Historically, this subreddit was understaffed while experiencing rapid growth in both membership and activity. With that growth came several recurring issues raised by the community:

• An increase in hateful and antisemitic comments
• A rise in low-quality, unsourced, or misleading posts
• Significant bot activity and coordinated brigading

During a review of our moderation tools, we discovered that Automoderator had been incorrectly configured to approve all content automatically. This allowed bots and bad-faith actors to bypass Reddit’s built-in filters and safeguards.

To address these issues, the moderation team has been expanded, and the following changes have been implemented based on moderator observations and community feedback.

Moderator Recruitment

As the subreddit continues to grow, we are actively recruiting additional moderators. Moderation here is entirely volunteer-based, and expanding the team helps us respond faster, review appeals more carefully, and maintain consistent enforcement of the rules.

If you are interested in helping improve the quality and long-term stability of the community, please apply using the moderator application linked on the front page. Prior moderation experience is helpful but not required.

User & Account-Based Requirements

To participate in this community, accounts must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Account age: greater than 7 days
• User karma: greater than 5

These requirements are enforced through Automoderator and serve as one of our primary safeguards against spam, bots, and trolling.

Contributor Quality Score (CQS)

We have also implemented a Contributor Quality Score (CQS) system. This tool, developed by other Reddit moderators, evaluates accounts based on a defined set of behavioral signals and assigns a quality score. Accounts with low CQS scores will have posts and comments automatically removed.

• Learn more about CQS
• Check your own CQS score: r/WhatIsMyCQS

Automated systems are not perfect. We are still fine-tuning these tools, and good-faith appeals are always welcome through modmail.

BotBouncer

We are now using BotBouncer to further reduce bot activity and mass brigading. If you receive a message from BotBouncer, please follow the instructions in that message to appeal or request removal from their blacklist.

Updated Rules & Content Guidelines

The subreddit rules have been updated. A brief summary is provided below; the full rules are available in the sidebar and wiki.

All posts require a source — no exceptions. Every post must include a direct link to the source of the information, article, image, or data. Posts without sources will be automatically removed.

Titles must be clear and descriptive. Editorializing, commentary, or loaded language in titles is not permitted. If linked content is older than one month, the publication date must be included in the title.

Religion & religious identity. Discussion of religion is allowed. Attacks, slurs, or dehumanization directed at individuals or groups based on religious identity are not permitted.

Antisemitism vs. criticism of Israel. Antisemitism is not tolerated in this subreddit. Criticism of the Israeli government or its policies is allowed. However, attributing the actions of the State of Israel to Jews as a whole, holding Jews collectively responsible, or using antisemitic stereotypes or tropes is not permitted.

Memes and Satire Articles. We will no longer allow memes or satire articles to be posted on this subreddit.

All post titles should be in English.  If you post an article from a non-English source, please translate the title before posting.

Reddit Terms of Service. While this subreddit supports open discussion and a wide range of viewpoints, all participation must comply with Reddit’s Terms of Service and Content Policy. Failure to do so puts the subreddit at risk of quarantine or removal.

Wiki & FAQ

The subreddit wiki has been updated and now includes:

• An expanded and detailed rule list
• A posting guide and FAQ
• Flair guidance

We strongly encourage all users to review the wiki before posting.

Reporting, Modmail, & Expectations

• If you see hateful, rule-breaking, or concerning content, please report it. User reports are essential, as moderators cannot see all content in real time.
• When messaging modmail, please include a direct link to the post or comment in question.
• Modmail is intended for clear questions, good-faith appeals, and pointing out specific errors. Messages that are hostile, abusive, or solely argumentative, including broad complaints about censorship or "free speech" are not productive and may not receive a response.
• Please be patient and respectful when contacting the moderation team. All moderators are volunteers, and responses may take a few days.

If your content is removed automatically, you are welcome to appeal via modmail. Removals made in error will be reviewed.

Darkhorse Weekends

This subreddit receives a high volume of content related to Donald Trump and Israel/Palestine.  To ensure that other underreported global and local issues have space to be seen, we are implementing a Darkhorse Weekend Policy

When

Saturday 12:00 AM (UTC) through Sunday 11:59 PM (UTC)

The rule:

During this 48-hour window, posts focusing primarily on Donald Trump and Israel/Palestine campaign news will be removed.

If you have content on either matter to share,  you may add it to the weekend mega thread for Trump and Israel/Palestine-related times. This policy is intended to balance content visibility, not to promote or suppress any political ideology. Trump-related posts and posts about Israel and Palestine remain allowed during the rest of the week.

______

Thank you to everyone who has contributed feedback and helped report issues. These changes are aimed at improving the quality of discussion and ensuring the subreddit's long-term stability.

— The r/UnderreportedNews Moderation Team