A Note To Readers
At the Austin Independent we cover a range of local and state issues and try to do so in a factual, thoughtful and even entertaining fashion. As a small publication, however, our publication schedule can vary. So we suggest signing up for email alerts. That way you won’t miss any stories. It’s free and we will not send you anything other than the alerts. Thanks, Daryl.

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Local Boy Wreaks Havoc – On Nation and His Own Company – Plus J.D. Vance Echoes Chito Vela
It’s really difficult right now, and maybe not wise, to stay focused exclusively on local issues, even for a locally focused publication like this one. So let’s look in again on our semi-local guy who’s making it big in the second Donald Trump administration. I’m of...
José Garza Claims He Doesn’t Have to Comply With Law That Other Texas DAs Have Followed For 50 Years – Another Missed Deadline to Indict Found
In our last story we talked about how Travis County District Attorney José Garza appeared to say that he knew of no other cases where accused violent criminals had gotten out of jail because his office failed to indict within 90 days as required by state law. It had...
The Buck Doesn’t Stop At Travis DA’s Office – Eckhardt Has “Grave Public Safety Concern” as Murder Suspects Released – Judges Speak Out – Should Dems Reflect?
Travis County District Attorney José Garza is off to a really rough start in his second term, which began January 1. He’s embroiled in controversy because two alleged murderers were released on $1 and $100 bonds when Garza’s office failed to indict them within 90...
Chito Vela’s Premature Victory Lap – Plus Congressional Staff Workweek Update
Austin ended 2024 making national news for drops in the price of housing. For instance, in an otherwise gloomy (but realistic) December 4 report on the national housing situation, NPR reporter Jennifer Ludden cited Austin as her one positive example: After the host...
Elon Musk was money behind mystery anti-José Garza group – plus District 7 wrap-up and more
Happy New Year folks. The Austin Independent is returning from a long break after losing part of our Christmas season to the Council runoff election (a little on the election results below). I realize that a lot of folks can’t face looking at the news right now, or...
The Christmas Season is Here — Time for an Austin Runoff Election
I was hoping to take December completely off to celebrate the holiday season, but I ultimately decided that, as the publisher of a local news source, I have a responsibility to remind readers that there is a runoff election for City Council on Saturday December 14....
True Stories
Eckhardt Cleared in “Judicial Conduct” Complaint, But The Right to Disparage City Council Is Under Attack
A panel of Republican judges clears Sarah Eckhardt, and displays a sense of humor. But, a few local Democrats want to stop disparagement of the Austin City Council.
JFK Jr. a No-Show; Doggett Announces for New Austin Seat; Casar vs Rodriguez in District 35; and More
Observing emergent Texas Fascism. JFK Jr. a no show in Dallas. Lloyd Doggett announces for new Austin seat. Rodriguez vs Casar.
COVID Deaths Reach Civil War Levels – Do General Grant’s Words Fit Today?
As COVID deaths near Civil War levels we ponder whether the words of General Grant can apply today. Plus an examination of the dominant media narrative on national Democrats.
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