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- A plan to end night swimming at Barton Springs is over before it ever began
- Two Years after the Austin Police Oversight Act passed, Community Police Review Commission finally meets
- External review finds data inconsistencies in APD reporting on use of force
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Faith organizations take services online during the Covid-19 pandemic
The city’s stay-at-home order suspended in-person religious services, but that hasn’t stopped churches, mosques and synagogues from reaching their congregations during the pandemic. With all physical gatherings banned, faith communities are going online to practice. Congregation Beth Israel still hosts…
Austin • By Nina Hernandez • Apr 17, 2020
Audit: AFD employee accepted gifts from subordinate
An investigative audit by the Office of the City Auditor has found that Austin Fire Department spokesperson Michelle Tanzola violated city ethics policy by accepting gifts of photographic services from an employee who reports directly to her. Tanzola has responded…
City Hall • By Jo Clifton • Apr 17, 2020
A perfect storm: Covid-19, the census and redistricting
City demographer Ryan Robinson is worried about the outcome of the 2020 U.S. Census. “This is going to be a horrible census,” he told the Austin Monitor. Because of the need for social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19,…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Apr 16, 2020
Travis County judge says he will open up mail-in voting during Covid-19 pandemic
A Travis County district court judge said Wednesday he will clarify that voters fearful of contracting Covid-19 will be allowed to use mail-in ballots during elections in July and November. The Texas Democratic Party sued state and local election officials…
Elections • By Ashley Lopez, KUT • Apr 16, 2020
City, chamber, downtown alliance working to assist small businesses amid Covid-19 restrictions
With many businesses either closed or operating with restrictions caused by the Covid-19 health crisis, the Downtown Austin Alliance and Austin Chamber are gathering data from local business owners about the types of assistance they’ll need to stay open for…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 16, 2020
AISD officials discuss Covid-19 response
Austin Independent School District officials spoke at an Austin Justice Coalition panel Wednesday night, discussing how the district and its students are coping during the Covid-19 pandemic and the stay-at-home order that has shuttered schools. Speakers included AISD Board of…
AISD • By Nina Hernandez • Apr 16, 2020
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Travis County jail treads carefully amid coronavirus
In big city jails across Texas, both inmates and corrections officers are testing positive for the coronavirus. The Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday that Covid-19 infections continue to rise in the Harris County jail, with 65 employees and 49 inmates testing…
Public Safety • By Jo Clifton • Apr 15, 2020
County freezes hiring for remainder of the fiscal year
In search of steadier financial footing amid the economic turmoil triggered by Covid-19, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to authorize staff to pursue an immediate hiring freeze for nonessential personnel. Commissioners will permit county staff to return on…
Budget • By Jessi Devenyns • Apr 15, 2020
Amid historic oil bust, Texas regulators consider the once unthinkable: Keeping it in the ground
In a move that would have been unimaginable just a couple of months ago, Texas is considering limiting oil production in the state. Capping the amount of crude that can be pumped is a power the state has not used…
Resources • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Apr 15, 2020
Austin, Travis County extend stay-at-home orders, which now require face coverings
Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt have extended stay-at-home orders until May 8 and have expanded those orders to mandate that residents wear fabric face coverings during essential work and activities. According to a press release sent out…
Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 14, 2020
County commissioners to write 'harsh' letter reprimanding CAMPO planning process
After considering asking for a delay, the Travis County Commissioners Court agreed not to obstruct the scheduled adoption of the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. Instead, the commissioners intend to communicate their displeasure with the planning process through a letter they…
Transportation • By Jessi Devenyns • Apr 14, 2020
City aims to fast-track displacement prevention program as Covid-19 destabilizes residents
The Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department is attempting to accelerate progress on the first effort of its Displacement Prevention programs as more households find themselves unable to pay monthly rent or home mortgages due to Covid-19. Erica Leak, policy…
