Investigative stories across Texas that uncovered hidden facts and held officials accountable.

San Antonio police cut pricey gunshot detection system | San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio police officers have made only four arrests and confiscated seven weapons that can be attributed to an expensive, highly touted gunshot detection system called ShotSpotter. That’s $136,500 per arrest. ShotSpotter’s CEO argues that city leaders are taking too narrow a view of the program and missing its benefits. Story by Vianna Davila

We Sent Alex Jones’ Infowars Supplements To A Lab. Here’s What’s In Them | Buzzfeed

Austin conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ wildly popular suite of Infowars health supplements probably won’t kill you. But extensive tests provided to BuzzFeed News have shown that they’re little more than overpriced and ineffective blends of vitamins and minerals that have been sold in stores for ages. Story by Charlie Warzel

Congressional candidate Roshin Rowjee, challenging Louie Gohmert, holds no medical license, has been disciplined by Texas Medical Board | Tyler Morning Telegraph

Roshin Rowjee, the Lufkin man who plans to challenge incumbent Congressman Louie Gohmert in the March 2018 GOP primary, is presenting himself as a medical doctor. But the Tyler Morning Telegraph has confirmed that Rowjee has never been licensed to practice medicine, has been disciplined by the Texas Medical Board for offering medical advice over the internet, and continues to operate a website offering medical advice.

“I knew this was going to come up in due time, but that is garbage,” said Rowjee, who nevertheless confirmed each of the specific allegations. “It’s absolute garbage.” Story by Jamie Clyde

City records raise doubts about repairs, inspections of Austin garage after car plummets off seventh floor | Austin American-Statesman

At first glance, the incident appeared to be a freak accident. But it was the second time in less than a year that a vehicle drove through steel cables and over the side of the Littlefield Garage. A review of code enforcement documents show that after the first incident, officials only looked at the portion of the garage’s ninth floor where that driver went overboard, took a certified engineer’s word as proof the repairs had been made and then closed the case. Story by Philip Jankowski

Meet the expert who helps Texas cops justify extreme behavior | The Texas Observer

Gilbert Flores’ hands were raised when two Bexar County deputies shot and killed him. A former cop who’s trained thousands of state police officers explains why he thinks that’s OK. Story by Michael Barajas

Did I miss a good story? Contact me or leave a comment below. And don’t forget to check out more watchdog journalism from the great state of Texas.

The post Must reads: Texas watchdog journalism roundup for August 16, 2017 appeared first on John Tedesco.

This year, bills have been filed that prohibit human cloning; expand the definition of college hazing; and encourage more “green” jobs in Texas, just to name a few topics.

You can find and track bills at the Legislature’s excellent web site. It allows you to look up proposed legislation by entering a bill number or keyword search. As the bills endure their rite of passage like salmon swimming upstream, you can find out which legislative committee the bills are sent to, and watch the actual committee hearings where supporters and critics testify.

You can also look up bills by author and sponsor, which is what Reporter Greg Jefferson did when he wrote a good profile last Sunday of state Sen. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, who was elected speaker of the House today.

The post How to track a bill in the Texas Legislature appeared first on John Tedesco.