About the Author
Mike Kanin is the Publisher of the Austin Monitor. As such, he doesn't report on much--aside from the workings of the Monitor--any more. In his previous life as a freelance journalist, Kanin has written for the Washington City Paper, the Washington Post's Express, the Boston Herald, Boston's Weekly Dig, the Austin Chronicle, and the Texas Observer.
Newsletter Signup
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
Most Popular Stories
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues nonprofit that serves homeless in South Austin
- Austin opens new affordable housing development in Southeast Austin
- City-owned Austin Studios found to have generated $2.6B in economic impact
- I-35 caps plan reconsidered as cost estimates soar by 61%
- SOS sues utility to protect Barton Creek Habitat Preserve
-
Discover News By District
Hang up that phone or else
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 by Michael Kanin
Austin City Council members engaged in a brief discussion about a potential ban on driving while using handheld devices Tuesday morning. Though they took no action — and one is expected for another two or three weeks — Mayor Lee Leffingwell did express some skepticism over a portion of the ordinance that would limit such activity even while stopped. There, Leffingwell appeared to side with Public Safety Commission Chair Kim Rossmo, who Monday voted against such a ban.
Join Your Friends and Neighbors
We're a nonprofit news organization, and we put our service to you above all else. That will never change. But public-service journalism requires community support from readers like you. Will you join your friends and neighbors to support our work and mission?