Investigative Journalism | Exposing What Lies Beneath
Family court in America is portrayed as a predatory system that inflicts trauma, fear, and injustice on loving parents. Many are silenced by the threat of losing custody, transforming the pursuit of truth into a dangerous endeavor. This crumbling system, masked as justice, demands public accountability to protect families and children.
The Reichert v. Hornbeck case details a father’s arduous battle for custody over his son, marked by systemic biases and legal obstacles. Jeff Reichert’s parental rights were revoked without appropriate justification, exacerbated by the Maryland judiciary’s refusal to publicly document critical rulings. This case highlights alarming issues within family law and judicial transparency.
The Case Maryland Wants to Bury: Inside Reichert v. Hornbeck Read More
On May 16, 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore vetoed a bill to create a reparations commission for descendants of enslaved people, citing a focus on action over study. Critics argue this betrays his commitment to racial justice. The veto has sparked backlash from lawmakers and activists, with calls for reintroduction in 2026.
“Not the Time?”: Wes Moore Vetoes Maryland Reparations Commission, Sparks Backlash Read MoreOn May 1, 2025, officials from various agencies attempted to remove Giselle Smiel’s children from school without legal authorization or notification. Despite no court order and no emergencies declared, this incident highlights serious violations of parental rights and due process. An investigation has been launched to uncover the circumstances behind this alarming event.
Two Schools. Two Kids. No Court Order. Why I’m Investigating a Disturbing Attempted Child Removal in San Marcos. Read MoreThe military’s treatment of servicemembers facing false allegations reveals a troubling parallel to family court, which can lead to significant, often irreversible consequences. Investigations by the Family Advocacy Program, lacking due process, can result in punitive actions without evidence. This damaging system undermines national security and calls for urgent reform and accountability.
Still No Justice: How the Military’s Family Advocacy Program Becomes a Weapon Against Its Own Read MoreFlorida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched the Office of Parental Rights (OPR), a pioneering initiative aimed at protecting and empowering parental rights. This agency will address violations related to schools and governmental entities. The OPR could inspire similar efforts nationwide, responding to growing concerns about family law and parental disenfranchisement.
Florida Launches First Office of Parental Rights — Will Maryland, Virginia, or D.C. Follow Its Lead? Read More
The author, a disabled parent with ADHD and PTSD, struggles to gain access to his son amid systemic failures within the legal system. Despite numerous attempts for accommodations and filing complaints, he faces ongoing discrimination and bureaucratic indifference. The piece highlights the challenges disabled individuals encounter in seeking justice, emphasizing a need for reform.
Nowhere to Turn: How Maryland’s Civil Rights System Abandons Disabled Parents Read More