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.
Summary Four candidates are running to be the next Travis County Commissioner for Precinct 2. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! You can find a list of voting locations by clicking the badge above. Locally, one of the biggest races you’ll see on the primary
Austin Common Editor-In-Chief Amy Stansbury sits down with all four candidates running in the 2026 Democratic primary election for Travis County Precinct 4, which is in eastern Travis County. Have no idea what a commissioner even is? Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through it all
Summary Four candidates are running to be the next Travis County Commissioner for Precinct 4. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! You can find a list of voting locations by clicking the badge above. Locally, one of the biggest races you’ll see on the primary
About Capital Delivery Services This post is sponsored by Capital Delivery Services, the city department whose mission is to build public projects to support the community. Action Box Attend a 2026 Bond Open House. This post is sponsored by Capital Delivery Services. All Austin Common
Summary In the first story in our Living Eulogies series, we take a look at the Austin Cultural Trust. Action Box Support your local live music venue! Make a plan to see a show… and bring a friend! Austin is losing its live music venues
Summary Here are 6 simple things you can do right now to make a difference, right here in Austin, Texas. Action Box Don’t be overwhelmed! Just pick one item below to do this month and you’ll be doing great! This time of year can be
About Austin Resource Recovery This post is sponsored by Austin Resource Recovery, the city department that provides a wide range of services (including trash, recycling, and composting pickup) designed to transform waste into resources while keeping our community clean. Action Box Click the badge above
Summary Small Business Saturday is on November 29th. Action Box Shop local this holiday season! The holiday season is upon us, which means now is a great chance to support the many amazing local businesses and artists that make our city such a wonderfully unique
Summary The city’s Bond Election Advisory Task Force is holding a series of community listening sessions. Action Box Attend a community listening session of the Bond Election Advisory Task Force. Keeping track of what’s happening at City Hall can be confusing! That’s why we’re here
Summary Election Day is November 4th and early voting lasts from October 20th to October 31st. Action Box Vote in the election! Love Prop Q? Hate Prop Q? This is your chance to make your voice be heard. Halloween is the last day to early
Prop Q is on the ballot in Austin this year. For a deeper dive discussion about what Prop Q is and the arguments for and against it, we sat down with Council Member Marc Duchen and Council Member Chito Vela. You can hear this
Summary Election Day is on November 4th and early voting lasts from October 20th to October 31st. Action Box Don’t forget to vote! In the second video in our series explaining what Prop Q will fund (if passed), we focus on the Austin Animal Center.
