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Welcome to The Austin Common news feed. This is where you’ll find all the latest, up-to-date info about what’s happening around town. Explore by topic, type, or just scroll through it all by looking at the “latest posts” section at the bottom of the page. 

Our news philosophy is simple. With all of our coverage, we try and do the following:

  • Keep it local

  • Keep it brief

  • Actually explain the news

  • Give you clear steps for action

  • Keep it positive

  • Keep it nonpartisan

You can learn about how we actually do this by clicking on each of our story types below. 

 

As a community-based news source, we’re here to serve you. That’s why we promise:

  • To follow journalistic principles of accuracy, fact-checking, multiple sources, and dedication to the truth

  • To immediately fix mistakes if they’re made and to be honest about how they happened

  • To approach our news coverage from a place of respect, civility, and kindness for our fellow Austinities

  • To honor the value of lived experiences (especially within marginalized communities) as well as expert testimony/ opinion 

  • To allow for open, two-way communication between our staff and readers, ensuring that our content is relevant and useful to you

1 News Item You Should Know, Explained

1 News Item You Should Know, Explained

Finally understand that news story that's been all over your news feed!

Council Meeting, Explained

ATX City Council Meeting, Explained

Find out what's happening at the next Council meeting, without reading through a long/ boring agenda.

Community News + Partner Posts

Community News + Partner Posts

Stay up-to-date on what Austin's best local orgs/ businesses are up to... and how you can get involved.

News Archives

News Archives

Every story we've ever written, sorted by topic.

Latests Posts - Header

Can’t quite decide which type of news post you want to read? You can scroll through all of our latest posts below. 

DPS Partnership
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

What’s Going On With DPS In Austin?

Summary On May 13th, the city’s policing partnership with DPS was abruptly put on pause. Action Box Keep an eye on our Instagram page for updates on the DPS-APD partnership & opportunities to share your thoughts with local elected officials. Been seeing a lot of

Read More »
Prop A Passed - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

Prop A Passed… Now What?

Summary On Election Day, voters overwhelmingly approved Prop A & rejected Prop B, expressing support for stronger civilian oversight of our city’s police department. Action Box Keep an eye on our Instagram page for updates on how the new police contract negotiations are progressing. Election

Read More »
Prop A & B - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

Prop A & Prop B: What Are They & Why Do They Matter?

Summary Prop A & Prop B are both on the ballot because of citizen signature drives and both are related to police oversight and accountability… but they’re actually very different from each other. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Election Day is May 6th and

Read More »
Future of Light Rail - 1
Community News + Partner Posts
Amy Stansbury

Future Of Light Rail In Austin

About the Austin Transit Partnership This post is sponsored by our community partner, the Austin Transit Partnership, the independent government organization responsible for the financing, design, construction, and overall implementation of Project Connect. Action Box Participate in the Light Rail Virtual Open House before May

Read More »
Episode 46
Essays
Amy Stansbury

Mental Health & Our Criminal Justice System

On, March 21st, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to take the first steps toward creating a mental health diversion center right here in Travis County.   And what is a mental health diversion center? We discuss it all with Travis County Judge Andy Brown.

Read More »
Light Rail Open House - 1
Community News + Partner Posts
Amy Stansbury

Save The Date For The Light Rail Open House

About the Austin Transit Partnership This post is sponsored by our community partner, the Austin Transit Partnership, the independent government organization responsible for the financing, design, construction, and overall implementation of Project Connect. Action Box Attend the Light Rail Open House on March 21st from

Read More »
City Manager - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

What Does A City Manager Do?

Summary Last month, Austin City Council voted to fire City Manager Spencer Cronk in a 10-1 vote. Action Box Keep an eye out for upcoming public engagement opportunities on the selection of Austin’s next city manager. Today, we’ve got a little civics lessons for ya!

Read More »
I-35 - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

What’s The Latest With I-35?

Summary TxDOT has plans to expand I-35 through downtown Austin. Action Box Click the badge above to participate in the virtual public hearing. Been seeing a lot of headlines about I-35? Not sure what exactly is going on? We go over all the basics with

Read More »
Future of I-35
Essays
Amy Stansbury

The Future of I-35

By now, you’ve probably heard there are plans to expand I-35 through downtown Austin… but what does that mean exactly? And what will the impact be for our community? And the climate?   We cover it all in this episode of The Austin Common Radio

Read More »
Your Guide To Giving Local
Community News + Partner Posts
Amy Stansbury

Your Guide To Giving Local

About I Live Here I Give Here This post is sponsored by our community partner, I Live Here I Give Here, the organizer of Amplify Austin Day & a local nonprofit on a mission to amplify giving in Central Texas. Action Box Make a donation

Read More »
Police Contract - 1
Civics 101
Amy Stansbury

What’s Going On With The Police Contract?

Summary City Council held a special-called meeting this week to vote on what comes next for our city’s police contract. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Props A & B will be on the ballot in May. Update – This story was originally published on

Read More »