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
Can’t quite decide which type of news post you want to read? You can scroll through all of our latest posts below.
About Austin Resource Recovery This post is sponsored by our community partner, Austin Resource Recovery, the city department whose mission is to achieve zero waste by providing excellent customer services that promote waste reduction, increase resource recovery, and support the City of Austin’s sustainability efforts.
Summary In addition to voting, you can make a difference this election season by volunteering with a local political party. Action Box Become a precinct chair and help get out the vote in your neighborhood! Of course you’re going to vote in this upcoming election…
About Austin Resource Recovery This post is sponsored by our community partner, Austin Resource Recovery, the city department whose mission is to achieve zero waste by providing excellent customer services that promote waste reduction, increase resource recovery, and support the City of Austin’s sustainability efforts.
About the City of Austin Transportation Dept. This post is sponsored by our community partner, the City of Austin Transportation Department, whose mission is to provide the safest and most efficient, cost-effective and sustainable roadway, bikeway, walkway and transit system for our community. Action Box
Summary Austin Mayor Steve Adler delivered his final State Of The City Address last week. Action Box Click the badge above to learn more about Finding Home ATX & how to support it. Mayor Adler highlighted this initiative (aimed at housing 3,000 people in the
About the City of Austin Housing & Planning Dept. This post is sponsored by our community partner, the City of Austin Housing & Planning Department, which partners with the community to shape a more equitable Austin and to prevent the displacement of people and services,
About The Author This post is sponsored by Ridwell and written by Madison Madden. Ridwell is a local subscription pickup service that makes it easy to waste less. Action Box Click the badge above to sign up for Ridwell (and get one month free!). This
About Austin Water This post is sponsored by our community partner, Austin Water, our city’s publicly-owned water utility. Action Box Click the badge above to fill out the Water Forward survey. This post is sponsored by Austin Water. All Austin Common sponsors are screened by
Summary Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk just released a draft version of the city’s $5 billion budget for next year. Council will now take public testimony & make changes before approving the final version in August. Action Box Tell City Council what you think of
About The Author This post is sponsored & written by The Office of Sustainability, the city department that is working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy & just local food system, and climate resiliency. Action Box Click the badge above for more info about
Summary Following the mass shooting in Uvalde that killed 21 people, city and state elected officials have discussed ways to prevent future tragedies and reduce gun deaths in Texas. Action Box Sign up to volunteer with Texas Gun Sense, a nonprofit & nonpartisan organization that
About Austin Water This post is sponsored by our community partner, Austin Water, our city’s publicly-owned water utility. Action Box Click the badge above to look through the latest Water Quality Report for Austin. This post is sponsored by Austin Water. All Austin Common sponsors
