About Justice Watch Today

On July 4, 2012, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a small group of concerned citizens led by Lou Jassakoff launched the first issue of the The Independent Gazette.

It wasn’t just a newspaper.
It was a safeguard.

Born from a deep need for independent, truthful journalism, The Independent Gazette set out to ask the hard questions—especially when others wouldn’t.

And those questions mattered.

In the wake of the Kids for Cash scandal, many believed the worst had been uncovered. But The Independent Gazette kept looking. What it helped expose next was something quieter, harder to detect—and still unfolding today.

A system some have come to call “custody for cash.”

Through relentless investigation, The Independent Gazette became one of the leading independent voices bringing attention to patterns of concern within the court system—where families could find themselves entangled in processes lacking transparency, oversight, and accountability.

And it didn’t stop there.

Because the story didn’t end.

It’s still being told.

From Watchdog to Mission

Over time, that original mission grew.

Today, through Justice Watch Today, the work continues—expanded, strengthened, and focused on three critical pillars:

Transparency in Pennsylvania’s courts
Free and equal voting for all registered voters
Stewardship of our nation’s parks and public lands

What began as a newspaper has become something more:

👉 A watchdog
👉 A voice
👉 A line of defense

Why This Matters Now

The same commitment that drove a small group of citizens in 2012 still drives this work today:

To question.
To uncover.
To protect.

Because transparency is not automatic.
Accountability is not guaranteed.
And without them—systems fail the people they are meant to serve.

Stand With Us

Justice Watch Today continues to investigate, report, and advocate—because the work is not finished.

Your support helps ensure it never is.

Justice Watch Today Inc

Education on Transparency in PA, Voters Equality, & Stewardship Across the Country

Active campaigns

Transparency. Equality. Action. The Independent Gazette