A mayoral campaign flyer was lit on fire in a Facebook video. It’s just one of several bizarre incidents in the small town.
Briah Lumpkins
Briah Lumpkins is a suburban reporter for the Houston Landing. She most recently spent a year in Charleston, South Carolina, working as an investigative reporting fellow at The Post and Courier via Frontline PBS’ Local Journalism Initiative. There she took on a variety of accountability stories, including the veiled use of public funds by Charleston’s tourism organization and the impacts of saltwater corrosion on condominiums along the South Carolina coast. Briah is originally from Toledo, Ohio. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism and sociology from Miami University of Ohio.
Houston-area mayor spent taxpayer money on private investigator to spy on council member
In his attempt to oust a city council member, Mayor Fred Burton spent $7,500 of taxpayer money on a private investigator to look into her residency.
‘This is an embarrassment’: Residents upset as Arcola city council meeting ends abruptly again
Arcola City Council members walked out again, forcing the meeting to adjourn after city officials did not recognize Ebony Sanco.
Order preventing Arcola city officials from interfering in council members’ duties canceled
The Fort Bend County city has seen a contentious back-and-forth between city officials and council members. The latest ruling grants a stay against interference.
Council members ask judge to find Arcola mayor, city officials in contempt of court
Three Arcola city council members say the mayor and city officials are not following a court order to refrain from interfering with their positions.
Arcola mayor, city officials ordered to stop interfering with city council members’ duties
Fort Bend County District judge granted city council protections in a hearing on Tuesday. The order will stay in effect until a trial in May.
Arcola city council members sue mayor and city officials to protect their positions
Three Arcola council members allege that city officials are blocking them from doing their jobs. They’re asking the district court to protect them.
Arcola city council members walk out in protest during tense council meeting.
Three Arcola city council members walked out of Tuesday’s meeting in protest of an agenda item to remove Councilwoman Ebony Sanco.
Following controversies over use of funds, Freeport votes to tighten up purchase policies
After years of controversies over the use of public funds by local officials, Freeport voted to revise certain spending policies. Some want more action.
Keeping history alive: Family preserves legacy of Missouri City’s historic Black cemetery
Cemetery preservation has been declining across Texas. Two siblings are keeping their family’s legacy alive by maintaining an African American cemetery.