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.
Did you know that earlier this year, Austin became the first city in the country to add a mental health option to its 911 call center script? Did you also know that in 2018, a city audit found that amongst the 15 most populous US
Summary On May 1st, 8 different propositions will be on the ballot, including Prop A, which has to do with the Austin Firefighters Association & contract negotiations. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! Early voting begins April 19th & lasts through April 27th. Election Day
Summary In August, Austin City Council voted to make some major changes to the Austin Police Department’s budget. But those changes didn’t come from nowhere. They were the result of years of advocacy and activism by several local organizations. Action Box Click on this box
Summary February’s winter storm left thousands of Austinites without electricity & water. In response, major volunteer operations were set up to help neighbors in need. Action Box Even though the winter storm is over, many Austinites are still struggling with storm damage and a lack
Last month’s winter storm left millions of Texans without electricity. So what is the Legislature doing about it? In the latest episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, we sit down with state Representative Vikki Goodwin to find out. Vikki Goodwin represents Texas House
Summary March 4th – 5th is Amplify Austin Day, our city’s biggest annual day of giving. Action Box Visit AmplifyATX.org to donate to your favorite local nonprofit. This post is sponsored by I Live Here I Give Here. All Austin Common sponsors are screened by The
Summary There have been a lot of news stories flying around about high electric bills in the wake of the winter storm. Fortunately, Austinites are unlikely to see such crazy bills. Action Box Even though Austin Energy customers are not going to see crazy spikes
Been reading a lot of headlines about what happened to our electric grid during winter storm Uri? Still confused? In the latest episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, we answer all your questions. Featuring special guest John Hoffner, who has spent nearly all his
Summary With so many Austinites without food, water, and electricity, we’ve put together a list of ways for you to get and give help locally. Action Box If you are able to, choose one of the organizations below and make a donation to help our
Summary More than 4 million Texans lost power during one of the worst winter storms in recent memory. How did that happen? We cover the basics in our latest guide. Action Box Donate to the Community Resilience Trust’s Emergency Relief Fund to support Austin’s unhoused
Is Austin really the most dangerous city in Texas? Did our murder rate actually increase in 2020? And what does any of that have to do with public safety? In the newest episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, we continue our series on
In this episode of The Austin Common Radio Hour, host Amy Stansbury continues our series on policing with a look back at the history of policing and police reforms in Austin, Texas. Guests include Chris Harris of Texas Appleseed, former Austin City Council Member Bill
