INDEPENDENT LOCAL REPORTING
Independent reporting, public records, and community accountability across Central Iowa.
Follow the records. Ask the questions.
Investigations / Public Records / Local Reporting
Developing Investigation · October 21, 2026
Four state open-government complaints, disputes over public records, and a City Council vote to hire additional attorneys. Examine the investigation and listen to the September 29 council meeting.
Developing Story · October 8, 2026
Christopher Lee Oberembt faces a Class D felony child-endangerment charge following an alleged confrontation that reportedly left a child injured and prompted hospital treatment.
Photo: Granger Fire & EMS / Facebook
Schools & Community Action
Coverage of the September 29 public protest outside McCombs Middle School in Des Moines.
Series · Mondays
The court record, the timeline, and what the documents do—and do not—establish.
Featured Editorial Series
SHUT HER UP
What happens when public scrutiny becomes a courtroom dispute? SHUT HER UP follows the documents, competing claims, and legal arguments surrounding attempts to restrict public commentary. The series examines the evidence, the constitutional questions, and the consequences for independent reporting.
Read the series →Weekly Series · Mondays
A closer look at criminal cases, timelines, and court documents, with a distinction between established facts and allegations.
Explore Metro Monsters →Community / Public Records
Baby Geletta / Family & Accountability
Review the publicly available records concerning Baby Geletta, learn about the family's circumstances, and find ways to help them rebuild.
Read the public record →SOLIDARITY / SUPPORT / PRACTICAL HELP
When speaking up carries consequences, knowing where to turn matters. People deserve to be heard, records deserve scrutiny, and accountability shouldn't depend on who has the most power.
Support services, safety information, and options for seeking help.
Child-protection reporting, school complaints, and advocacy resources.
Finding government records, documenting concerns, and requesting information.
Disability rights, complaint procedures, and legal-help information.
Help Us Follow the Record
Documents, firsthand accounts, and information worth investigating. The tip form is available for preview but is not accepting submissions yet.