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Seven Points

Coverage of Seven Points, Texas city government, including budget failures, police department controversies, council leadership issues, and transparency concerns at the municipal level.

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opinion: 4opinion

TrinidadOctober 23, 2026Opinion

Steven Stearman Lied About the Door. The Teacher Who Opened It Says He Coached Her Story.

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.

Ron Helms · 32 min read

TrinidadOctober 18, 2026

Three Toddlers, a Bank Parking Lot, and the Allegations Around Steven Stearman's Family Daycares

Three toddlers walked out of a Seven Points daycare in December 2023. Nearly three years later, parents on Facebook brought it back. Here is what the records and Steven Stearman's own answers show.

Ron Helms · 28 min read

Seven PointsApril 8, 2026

Former Officer Sues Seven Points, Mayor Betts, and Chief Katsoulas

Former Seven Points police officer Justin Shaffer has filed a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against the city, Mayor Keith Betts, and Anthony Katsoulas. Both individual defendants have been served.

Ron Helms · 3 min read

Seven PointsMarch 28, 2026Opinion

Enough Is Enough, Paul Sessions of Seven Points

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 Updated 3/29: The deleted post claim has been retracted after new information came to light.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.

Ron Helms · 6 min read

Seven PointsMarch 27, 2026

Seven Points Finally Passes a Budget After 170 Days of Crisis

After 170 days without an approved budget, the Seven Points City Council passed a balanced budget on March 24, 2026. But the meeting was anything but smooth.

Ron Helms · 8 min read

Seven PointsFebruary 19, 2026Opinion

I've Been Doing My Homework, Seven Points

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.

Ron Helms · 5 min read

Seven PointsFebruary 15, 2026Opinion

Seven Thoughts for Seven Points

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.

Ron Helms · 7 min read

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