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.
Every Monday, The Austin Common staff shares what we’re reading, watching, and listening to. This week, we’re focusing our recommendations on police reform & the upcoming election. For more, follow us on Instagram – @the_austin_common. Read: Black Lives Matter’s Years of Pressure Paved Way For
About The Author Janis Bookout is the Executive Director of Earth Day Austin, as well as one of the organizers of Community Resilience Trust, a grassroots coalition that came together in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of making Austin a more equitable
Summary In this story, we highlight Black Mamas ATX, a local organization on a mission to end maternal health disparities. Action Box Support Black Mamas ATX by donating on their Patreon Page. “No mother should have to face death in order to give life.”
Every Monday, The Austin Common staff shares what we’re reading, watching, and listening to. This week, we’re focusing our recommendations on racial justice & local government. For more, follow us on Instagram – @the_austin_common. Read: A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government Just starting to get involved
Summary We’ve partnered with the team at A Functional Democracy to share some helpful tips for testifying and to help distribute their “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government” book. Action Box Sign up to speak at the next Council meeting and get yourself a copy
Summary The City of Austin is beginning the process of redrawing our City Council districts, which happens every 10 years. Action Box Help shape Austin for the next 10 years! Apply to serve on the Independent Citizens Redistricting Committee. Right now, the city government is
Every Monday, The Austin Common staff shares what we’re reading, watching, and listening to. This week, we’re focusing our recommendations on racial justice and police reform issues. For more, follow us on Instagram – @the_austin_common. Throughline podcast – American Police This podcast from NPR shares
Summary In this post, we highlight the local organizations, government departments, and advisory boards and commissions that influence racial justice and policing policies in Austin. Action Box Watch the Austin City Council meeting from June 4th on protests in the city and police policies and
We’ve talked about it here before, but in case you need a little refresher… Every 10 years the US government conducts a census to get an accurate count of everyone living within our borders, regardless of citizenship status. Numbers compiled during the census
Summary In this edition of our “Austin Orgs You Should Know” series, we highlight the League of Women Voters Austin Area, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “Empowering voters. Defending democracy. Action Box If you’re passionate about democracy and voter education, then become a member
Summary The new Healthy Streets program closes certain Austin streets to through traffic, making more space for pedestrians. Action Box Bring the Healthy Streets program to your neighborhood by filling out the city’s recommendation form. Just click here. Add this to one of the many
Summary Even though Bike Month is a bit different this year, there are still lots of ways to celebrate safely. Action Box Ride your bike! Exercise and fresh air are more important now than ever… so get there and go do! Who else is using
