1. Headlines and cutlines
Limelight

2. Headlines A headline is the “title” of an article.
It appears at the top of an article.
Ex. Limestone takes next step
Man arrested in wife’s death

3. How to write headlines A headline should summarize the article
A headline must be written in present tense (even if the event occurred in the past)
Only the first word in a headline is capitalized, unless there are other proper nouns
Headlines should be no more than five to seven words MAXIMUM

4. How to write headlines
Headlines should not contain quotes unless they are essential to the headline.
Headlines should not contain first or second personal pronouns (no I, me, my, you, your, yours, etc.)
Headlines should be as concise and possible and therefore, do not have to be complete sentences and do not have periods.

5. How to write headlines
Headlines should RARELY (if ever) contain all CAPS or questions.
WAR, PEARL HARBOR BOMBED, etc.
Any number that occurs in headlines is a numeral. This is different from text in an article.
If quotations are to be used for any reason, use single quotes (‘ ‘) and not double quotes (“ “).
Abbreviations are OK if they are familiar to your readers. Examples: LCHS, APS, MPS, etc.

6. Subheads
If a headline doesn’t explain an entire story, a subhead can be used.
A subhead is a smaller headline.
It contains more words than a headline.
It gives more information than a headline.
It is always placed below the main headline.

7. Subheads Man arrested in wife’s death No. 1 gets 2nd chance
Police: Far North Peoria killing staged to look like burglary
No. 1 gets 2nd chance
Top-ranked Illini Central stops Cissna Park to return to Class 1A state semis.
Komen adds a longer fall race
Promise Run and Relay will be a half-marathon across Michel Bridge

8. Cutlines
Cutlines are the sentences below photos that explain what is going on in the photo.
Cutlines are ALWAYS written in present tense.
Cutlines are ALWAYS complete sentences.
Cutlines follow regular AP style rules.