Independent investigative journalism, municipal compliance consulting, and governance advisory services for Texas local government. Free for cities. 100% reader-funded.
Transparency. Accountability. Stability.
34 articles published across 7 Texas communities.
Italy city council candidate Shelby Browning submitted written answers to the nine-question 2026 Candidate Questionnaire. She calls for stronger... (read more)
Italy city council candidate Quentin Dean Little submitted written answers to the nine-question 2026 Candidate Questionnaire. He calls for rescinding... (read more)
A thank you to the Kerens TX Talk admins, a note on why open forums matter, and a preview of the Kerens coverage coming up: records request... (read more)
Thank you for the response. Here is what I am seeing in your accounts, where things stand with the city, and how you can help move this forward. (read more)
I think BiCARBUS is probably a good product. I also think Italy's residents deserved to know before it was connected to their water supply without... (read more)
Combs posted a public statement on Facebook after leaving a Kerens candidate forum, describing inappropriate comments directed at her and calling for... (read more)
Italy Councilmember Billy Long issued a public statement on water infrastructure, road conditions, and public safety, calling for real fixes instead... (read more)
Official Tool PD records reveal a motorcycle strike with a patrol vehicle, body camera violations, and disciplinary records that raise questions about... (read more)
Former Seven Points police officer Justin Shaffer has filed a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against the city, Mayor Keith Betts, and Anthony... (read more)
Every service below is offered to Texas local governments free of charge. Watchtower is 100% reader-funded and takes no money from the cities, counties, or public bodies we review. We handle public matters only, and refer private matters to licensed attorneys, private investigators, or the city attorney.
Independent review of governance concerns, procurement irregularities, and administrative misconduct, grounded in primary-source public records.
Compliance audits and policy development covering Chapter 171, the Texas Open Meetings Act, and the Public Information Act. Offered to Texas local governments free of charge.
Stabilizing communities after administrative disruption, corruption allegations, or public trust breakdown. No-cost engagement for cities willing to engage in good faith.
Independent verification and reporting on disclosures from public employees. Documentation analysis, evidence verification, and primary-source accountability journalism.
A coordinated coalition of attorneys, auditors, journalists, law enforcement, and civic professionals working on local government accountability across Texas.
Reader-funded across seven Texas communities. Contributions underwrite public records requests, consulting visits, document analysis, travel, legal and business expenses, and on-the-ground reporting.
Watchtower covers seven Texas communities that receive limited attention from commercial media: Italy, Goodlow, Hubbard, Seven Points, Trinidad, Kerens, and Tool. Cities pay nothing for our services, so every investigation, public records request, consulting visit, hour of document analysis, mile of travel, and legal and business expense is paid for by readers.
