CJ Lester Investigates exists because local government accountability matters and because someone has to do the work.

We cover Newton and Rockdale Counties. We file Open Records requests, review public documents, talk to sources, and report what the records actually show. Not what officials say happened. What the documents prove.

Our reporting is facts first. Every claim in every article is supported by records, documents, or verified sources. We publish our source documents so readers can see exactly what we saw and draw their own conclusions.

We are independent. No political party. No corporate owner. No advertiser tells us what to cover or what to ignore. When a story needs to be told we tell it regardless of who it makes uncomfortable.

We protect every source who comes to us in confidence. Always. No exceptions.

This outlet was built for the people of Newton and Rockdale Counties who deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and how their government is being run. That is why we are here. That is why we do this work.

If you have a tip contact us confidentially at cjlester.com. Your identity will never be revealed without your explicit permission.