How Austin Cut One Third of Its Spending on the Police Department
The city council’s vote to reallocate $150 million away from the APD’s budget took observers by surprise. But for local activists, it was years in the making.
Articles by Leif Reigstad
Who Is Austin’s Citizen Police Academy Meant to Serve?
Graduates say the 14-week program illuminates challenges that cops face, but glosses over issues of brutality and racism. Records show the alumni association enlists members as public advocates for APD.
“I Have Nothing Left at the End of the Month”
A jobless Texan on life without the $600 federal unemployment payments.
“Your Butt Is Perfect”: Those Austin Police Department Thank-You Cards Are Even Stranger Than You Thought
An APD tweet went viral after internet sleuths theorized that the cards were a police stunt. We got ahold of documents to find the truth.
Thursday’s Tense but Peaceful Protest at the Austin Police Department
Hours after the Austin City Council held an emergency meeting on police use of force, demonstrators gathered near APD headquarters.
How San Marcos Went From ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policing to Requiring That Officers Release Low-Level Offenders
Despite opposition from the local police union, the city passed Texas's most expansive ‘cite-and-release’ policy.
The West Texas Basketball Tournament at the Center of a Coronavirus Outbreak
A high school competition in Levelland brought fans from across the Panhandle and South Plains in March. Seven would come down with COVID-19.
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Girl Wakes up to Find a Raccoon Sitting Next to Her in Bed
Plus, a rare pink grasshopper was spotted in Travis County.
Why Is Texas So Far Behind Other States in Responding to the Coronavirus?
While other governors have taken an aggressive approach to curbing COVID-19, Greg Abbott has favored smaller measures.
How Will Texas Conduct Elections in the Wake of the Coronavirus?
Governor Greg Abbott is letting counties decide whether to postpone certain May elections. For the general, expanded vote by mail may be necessary.
Meanwhile, in Texas
A squirrel went postal in a Houston suburb, and Waco finds something new to feel some civic pride about.
Meanwhile, in Texas
A California man tried to bring his pet possum on a passenger plane, and a clerical error brought a temporary $37 million windfall to a Rowlett couple.
Meanwhile, in Texas: Two Therapy Dogs Got Married in a Ceremony at a Mansfield Hospital
Plus, a woman goes to a pharmacy and discovers she's dead!
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Longhorn (The Four-Footed Kind) Sets a World Record
Plus, Pennywise the Clown has just the place for you!
Meanwhile in Texas: If the Boat’s a-Rockin’ . . .
Plus, some people in Houston really, really want a Popeyes chicken sandwich.
Meanwhile in Texas: Five Baby Alligators Were Found in a Hamlin Backyard Pool
Plus, two Amazon drivers were accused of stealing a dog in Parker County.
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Cow Rang a Doorbell in Mansfield
Plus, a school district accidentally auctioned off its students' private information.
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Rat Snake Was Found in a Walmart Shopping Cart
Plus, an escalated karaoke squabble and a Little League embezzlement.
Here’s What Texas DAs Think of the New Hemp Law that Effectively Decriminalized Pot
We reached out to prosecutors for all 254 Texas counties to ask whether they will still prosecute marijuana cases.
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Bexar County Inmate Flooded His Cell During an Escape Attempt
Plus, a larcenous middle school band director, and a CBD-packing grandma.
North Texas Cops Caught Being Racist Online
A non-profit compiled racist, sexist, and xenophobic social media posts from police in Dallas and Denison.
Trump Is Threatening to Slap Tariffs on Imports from Mexico. That’s a Huge Deal for Texas. Here’s Why.
Everything you need to know about what tariffs could mean for the Texas economy, politics, and Chipotle burrito prices.
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Kangaroo Led Sheriff’s Deputies on a Chase
Plus, a new type of armored dinosaur, and scooters set on fire.
Joe Exotic: A Dark Journey Into the World of a Man Gone Wild
He called himself the Tiger King and plastered his face on highway billboards in Texas and Oklahoma. He bred big cats, bears, baboons, and more. He lived, with a parade of partners, on the grounds of his private zoo. He threatened a rival with murder—repeatedly, on YouTube—and tried to hire a hit man to do the deed.
Meanwhile, in Texas: A Rancher Took His African Watusi Steer Into an Atascocita Petco
He wanted to test the store’s ”all leashed pets are welcome” policy.
Meanwhile, in Texas: A 14-Year-Old Tortoise Was Stolen From the Brownsville Zoo
Plus, self-defense with a scooter.
Greg Abbott Orders Texas University Boards to Investigate Admissions Policies After Bribery Scandal
The University of Texas at Austin’s men’s tennis coach was among those accused of accepting bribes in a massive federal probe.
The College Admissions Bribery Scandal Has Some Texas Connections
UT-Austin’s tennis coach and an exam administrator in Houston are facing federal charges.
Texas Court Again Rules Against Government Transparency
It's the latest in a string of legal rulings that have chipped away at the Lone Star State’s once-heralded open records laws.
Houston Police Chief Says He’ll End No-Knock Warrants After Botched Raid
The announcement comes amid growing questions about the legitimacy of the investigation that led to the deadly raid.
Meanwhile, in Texas: Runaway Emus in Galveston
Plus, twins born a week apart, and a driving dalmatian.
Thanks to the dysfunctional Knicks, the Mavs basically got Kristaps Porzingis for free.
A No-Knock Raid in Houston Led to Deaths and Police Injuries. Should Police Rethink the Practice?
The police tactic is controversial but common—particularly in Texas.
Sheila Jackson Lee Resigns from Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit
The powerful Houston congresswoman is alleged to have fired an aide who claimed she was sexually assaulted by a CBCF supervisor.
From Affordable Housing to Border Patrol, Here’s How the Government Shutdown is Affecting Texans
From affordable housing to Border Patrol, the shutdown is causing problems all over the state.
Everything We Know About the Shooting of Jazmine Barnes
Police say the seven-year-old was fatally shot on a feeder road near a Harris County Walmart. Two suspects are in custody.
Trump Administration Will Require Asylum Seekers to Wait in Mexico
Asylum seekers entering the United States through Mexico will be sent back across the border as their asylum cases are decided.
A Texas Judge Declared Obamacare Unconstitutional. Here’s What You Need to Know.
The Affordable Care Act was struck down by a federal judge in Fort Worth, but the legal battle is far from over.
Meanwhile, in Texas: You Got Cocaine in My Bananas!
Plus, moviegoing rodents and a man who thought it was a good idea to steal a police cruiser.
Former Baylor Frat Leader Banned by UT Dallas After Generous Plea Deal for Sexual Assault Case
Jacob Walter Anderson has been kicked off of campus and will not be allowed to attend his graduation ceremony.
Plea Deal Allows Former Baylor Frat Leader Accused of Rape to Avoid Jail Time
Jacob Walter Anderson, charged with raping and choking a fellow student, will pay a $400 fine as part of the deal.
George H. W. Bush’s Dog, Sully, Is a Very Good Boy
A few words on Sully, the former president’s late-in-life pal.
Luka Doncic is the Star Texas Basketball Fans Need Right Now
The Mavs rookie sensation is taking the NBA by storm.
A young city councilman’s Grindr photos were leaked, and he now faces a recall election. Was there a conspiracy to oust him, and did it come from inside City Hall?
What You Need to Know About Austin’s Water Shortage
Water, water, every where, nor any drop to drink.
Meanwhile, in Texas: Animal Care Officers Seized 136 Snakes and 415 Rodents From a San Antonio Home
Plus, an eleven-year-old’s pet beagle saves her from an abduction attempt.
Meanwhile, in Texas: Two Rowdy Alligators Mating Under a House
Plus, a very flattering mug shot and a doggy-door intrusion.