Travis County Commissioners approved $200,000 Tuesday in funds to continue the prosecution of former Gov. Rick Perry, who faces charges of abuse of power and coercion of a public servant. The funding will allow a special prosecutor to continue the case through at least March while it is being heard on appeal. Perry was indicted […]
Mark Richardson
Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government, politics and the environment. A journalism graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, he was recently awarded a Foundation for Investigative Journalism grant and has three Associated Press Managing Editors awards for excellence in reporting.
Posted inWhispers
‘Hello Lamp Post’ art project set Feb. 12
If you haven’t had a conversation with a lamp post lately, this could be your chance. The “hidden life” of Austin’s street furniture will be part of the launch of Hello Lamp Post, an international art project created by London-based Pan Studio. According to the city, the project invites people to strike up conversations with […]
Posted inWhispers
Ethics Review Commission meets tonight
The city’s Ethics Review Commission meets tonight to solicit public comments about city regulations limiting contributions and expenditures in future mayoral and City Council campaigns. The campaign finance limits apply to candidates who sign a campaign contract with the city. Candidates who sign the contract agree to participate in forums arranged by the commission and also […]
Posted inPremium Types
Tip Sheet: Travis County Commissioners 1-27
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday in regular session. In the interest of space, we have decided not to post the entire agenda here. The County Clerk’s office posts a copy at its website. Items of interest for Commissioners Court include: Consider and take appropriate action on the dedication of a […]
Posted inBicycles, Public Safety, Transportation, Travis County
Travis County revives Bicycle Safety Task Force
Travis County is looking to revive its Bicycle Safety Task Force, which has been dormant since before voters approved funding for bicycle safety projecta in a 2011 bond election. The task force — which is getting several new stakeholders and advisers — will make recommendations on what bicycle safety programs to put on which roadways […]
Posted inWhispers
Cemetery Master Plan meeting Saturday
The final community meeting for the Austin Cemetery Master Plan process is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Team members will present an overview of the draft master plan as well as a brief synopsis of findings and recommendations, and will gather feedback from the public. Officials say the full draft plan was made available online […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions, Development, Local Politics, Travis County
Commissioners ponder best date for bond election
Travis County Commissioners began a series of discussions Tuesday to determine the best schedule to fund and build the proposed new $294 million Civil and Family Courthouse building. The main decision will be whether to go to Travis County voters with a bond election in May or November. The new courthouse, which has been in […]
Posted inWhispers
Ethics Review panel seeks input
The Ethics Review Commission plans a public meeting next week to solicit comments about city regulations limiting contributions and expenditures in mayoral and City Council campaigns. The campaign finance limits apply to candidates who sign a campaign contract with the city. Candidates who sign the contract agree to participate in forums arranged by the Ethics Review […]
Posted inWhispers
Inaugural Parade set Tuesday on Congress
If you are planning to be in downtown Austin Tuesday afternoon, be prepared for some traffic snarl — or just settle in and enjoy the Texas Inauguration Celebration. It’s all part of the festivities following the swearing-in of Gov. Greg Abbott on the south steps of the State Capitol at noon. Following the inauguration, you […]
Posted inWhispers
City offices closed for MLK Day
The City of Austin will close its administrative offices and most other municipal facilities Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The closures include City Council offices, City Hall and all Austin Public Library locations. Recreation centers, senior centers, museums and cultural arts centers will also be closed. Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy […]
Posted inPremium Types
Tip Sheet: Travis County Commissioners 1-20
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday in regular session. In the interest of space, we have decided not to post the entire agendas here. The County Clerk’s office posts a copy at its website. Items of interest for Commissioners Court include: 5. Consider and take appropriate action on Travis County appointments […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Public Safety, Texas State Legislature
GOP wants to restore Secure Communities program
A recent agreement between the City of Austin and Travis County over booking services at the county jail could be in jeopardy if congressional Republicans succeed in reversing President Obama’s executive orders on immigration policy. House Republicans voted out a bill Wednesday to fund the Homeland Security department that would defund the president’s immigration program. […]