Stories by Audrey McGlinchy, KUT
Commissioners OK support for more APD racial profiling data
After delaying a vote for several meetings, the Public Safety Commission on Monday supported a resolution asking for more racial profiling data from the Austin Police Department and a more rigorous analysis of it by the Office of the Police…
Public Safety • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 7, 2016
With another lifeguard shortage, some city pools to open late
At a city-run job fair back in March, 15-year-old Jake Santema awaited an interview with staff as part of the process to become a summer lifeguard. “I’m a little nervous of the feeling of having someone’s life on my hands,”…
Parks • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 1, 2016
Flooding discussions continue at Open Space Committee
With the promise of rain, Upper Onion Creek resident Ken Jacob says his neighbors can be found with their eyes to the creek and the internet — where rain gauge levels are updated. So it’s essential to someone like Jacob,…
Environment • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 27, 2016
Local tech creators unveil nonprofit ride-hailing app
Standing atop the same stage where men and women perform bawdy pranks as part of adult entertainment-themed bingo every Tuesday at the Alamo Drafthouse’s Highball, local tech leader Joe Liemandt added another ride-hailing company to the list of those scrambling…
Transportation • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 24, 2016
Some confusion at Austin's first ride-hailing driver fair
Former full-time Uber and Lyft driver Kurt Wagenman showed up to Austin’s first transportation network company (TNC) driver fair on Tuesday with a misleading email in his inbox. “As the city has mentioned, (fingerprinting) will be free for now,” read…
Transportation • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 18, 2016
Updated: Task force report on Austin flooding prioritizes 'life, safety and property'
Update: After our story was originally published, we heard from several members of Flood Mitigation Task Force, who disputed the assertions made by some task force members, including the group’s chairman, who said the final report lacked prioritization. An executive…
City Hall • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 17, 2016
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What exactly is a Vision Zero plan? And why does Austin need one?
One hundred and two people died on Austin’s roads in 2015 – the most ever recorded. More than 20 have met a similar fate so far this year. Nearly every death involved a car. Yet, in a city where 93…
Transportation • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 9, 2016
If Uber and Lyft leave, could others step up?
Unbeknownst to some, the city of Austin has licensed five ride-hailing companies for operation. In case you haven’t opened your mailbox or clicked on your TV recently, two of those companies — Uber and Lyft — are currently embroiled in…
Transportation • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 5, 2016
Austin's Vision Zero plan begins final march to Council
The city of Austin’s Vision Zero plan continued its final parade through boards and commissions Monday with a visit to the Public Safety Commission. And while some commissioners were dissatisfied with the 94-page document, others had little to say. “About…
Transportation • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 3, 2016
Are Lyft's free rides to the polls legal?
When she’s not driving for ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft, Sara Kaminsky works as a personal trainer. In fact, I exited her Toyota Corolla with a brochure for Shakeology, a weight loss program that helped Kaminsky shed more than 100…
Transportation • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Apr 29, 2016
Council kicks off budget season
At its budget season opener on Wednesday, City Council heard again of Austin’s two cities: one that suffers from widening economic divisions and another that is “an economic star.” “This is extraordinary growth,” economic consultant Jon Hockenyos told Council members…
Budget • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Apr 28, 2016
The tricky art of linking Uber and Lyft to DWI drop
In both sides of the tug of war over what rules should govern ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft in Austin, everyone seems to agree that having more transportation options is a potential antidote for DWIs. “We are safer in this…
