Opinion articles and editorial commentary on local government issues in small-town Texas. These pieces are clearly labeled and grounded in public records and direct observation, with analysis and perspective from the journalist.
I asked Trinidad's council candidates and community figures what's wrong with the city. Then I went through the records: a $291,723.78 meter vote set beside a budget that's 27 days late, carries no meter line, and shows no fund balances, debts or tax rate.
A bank camera shows three toddlers alone outside Steven Stearman's Seven Points daycare. On body camera he told the officer the door had done it before; now he says nobody told him and the wind held it open. The teacher who opened that door says the center was badly short-staffed and that he coached her before an investigator's interview. Every place I believe he lied, strongest first, and what parents can do now.
One year after bonding out of jail on the Fourth of July, I look back at the Texans I have met who were arrested for showing up, and ask a hard question on America's 250th birthday.
An update on Chief Charles Gregory and the Trinidad Police Department storyline after process service today, the side of the story most people are missing, and what is on the agenda for the May 28 council meeting.
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 experience, candidate forum clips, and why I am not doing individual candidate calls for this election.
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.
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 council approval.
A city council candidate posted a biased video clip after Seven Points' most productive meeting in months. Updated 3/29: The deleted post claim has been retracted after new information came to light. All other criticism stands.
The S.M. Dunlap Library in Italy announced a candidate forum with no cameras allowed. The library pays zero property taxes. And the community already had a more transparent option on the table.
Nine questions for every candidate running in the May 2026 city council elections. Submit your written answers by email.
I had a half-hour conversation with Brandon Torres. He left me cautiously optimistic, but the mold problem at the police department isn't going away on its own.
A week into researching Seven Points city government, here's what the public should know heading into the May election, and a message for the voices steering the conversation sideways.
The city called back about the candidate forum. They won't let me use city hall, and the alternative costs more than it's worth. So I'm doing it my own way.
ITXN is done. I'm not. Here's what we built, why I'm walking away from Italy, and where this work is taking me.
After attending my first Seven Points city council meeting, here are seven thoughts I can't stop thinking about, and one reason to stay hopeful.
If something in your town, your agency, or a business near you does not add up, send it. Documents help, but a date, a place, or a name is enough to start. I read every tip myself.
How I handle tips and protect sources →