News by Benjamin Kibbey

Medium 1402421 186259498226247 1803868777 o

Texas legislators vow to not ‘partake in the culture of victim-blaming’ as sexual assault investigation launched

By Benjamin Kibbey | May 2, 2021

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirming an ongoing investigation into allegations a lobbyist recently used a date-rape drug on a Texas Capitol staffer during a meeting in downtown Austin has created a bipartisan outcry among legislators.

Senate OKs bill to direct cost of backup power generation to solar, wind producers

By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 28, 2021

The Texas Senate recently voted 25-6 to pass legislation that requires the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to direct the cost of backup generation sources to intermittent power producers using wind and solar.

Johnson aims to close ‘egregious gap in the justice system’ that lets sexual assailants avoid punishment

By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 24, 2021

A new bill in the Texas House of Representatives aims to plug holes in the justice system that are not only preventing some sexual assailants from paying for their crimes, but placing future victims in danger.

Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant applications are due March 10

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 18, 2021

The application process for the City of Austin’s $5 million Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant is now open, with final applications due March 10.

Austin employment fares better than national average during COVID-19 economic crisis

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 16, 2021

The most recent economic summary for the Austin area from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the region performing slightly better than the nation as a whole in terms of unemployment, with Austin at 5.1% unemployment in December compared to a national unemployment rate of 6.5%.

Good Apple produce delivery service helps Austinites address food insecurity

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 12, 2021

Good Apple, a produce delivery service piloted in a partnership between Austin Transportation and Ford Mobility, has completed a nine-month pilot period and now looks forward to expanding services in the coming year.

Planned changes to Interstate 35 in Austin can be viewed beginning March 11

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 12, 2021

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will be holding a second virtual scoping meeting regarding the Interstate 35 Capital Express Central Project from March 11 through April 9.

Austin-area homeschoolers embrace variety and choice of an individual education

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 2, 2021

Even before the pandemic, there were already thousands of parents in the Austin area who had chosen to educate their children themselves.

Attorney general urges Texans to take a personal role in stopping human trafficking

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 2, 2021

The state Attorney General’s Office wants to remind Texans that “You Can Be The One” to save a victim of human trafficking by staying aware and reporting suspicious activities.

Charity director says addressing the Central Texas food crisis requires a long-term approach

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 28, 2021

Facing the increased need and restrictions that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Texas Food Bank has had to adapt in order to ensure those in need in the community are still being served.

28 Austin ISD schools receive funding for sustainability programs

By Benjamin Kibbey | Dec 27, 2020

Twenty-eight Austin schools are set to receive funding from the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability to add classroom sustainability programming.

Travis County Sheriff’s Office receives over $100,000 for officer mental health support

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 25, 2020

The U.S. Department of Justice recently awarded the Travis County Sheriff’s Office $102,045 from it’s Community Oriented Policing Services Office for the improvement of delivery and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement.

Troubled Mitte Foundation filed late 2018 tax return this year

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 14, 2020

The Roy F. and JoAnn Cole Mitte Foundation, which has faced various legal troubles over the last two decades, submitted its annual Internal Revenue Service filing for 2018 nearly a full year late.

Carbajal accepts assistant director position for Austin's Economic Development Department

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 15, 2020

The City of Austin recently rounded out the leadership team for its Economic Development Department after hiring Susana Carbajal to serve as assistant director.

Austin residents to receive relief on electric and water bills

By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 19, 2020

The Austin City Council recently voted unanimously to approve emergency utility relief for local residents in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Austin News

Benjamin Kibbey News