Headlines
Fri., Dec. 25, 2015
Happy Holidays! City Council held its last meeting of the year Dec. 17, and isn't scheduled to meet again until Jan. 28 – when the lingering controversies over short-term rentals and transportation network companies return, along with plenty of other leftover business. See "Council's Christmas List: Call It Incomplete," Dec. 22.
Rate Shock: Austin Energy has begun its review of its rate structure, and presented preliminary findings to the Electric Utility Commission last week. The utility reported a rosy financial picture overall, but described "cost-of-service" imbalance heavily in favor of residential customers and against midsize commercial customers. The review will proceed through much of next year before new rates are set next fall.
Even More Guns! Attorney General Ken Paxton issued four gun-related opinions this week, including guns on school grounds, guns in public buildings, and guns on university campuses. The gist: The state's new laws permit handguns virtually anywhere they can be carried, although it's a little iffy on public schools when in session.
Bland Response: A Waller County grand jury issued no indictments in the jail death of Sandra Bland, arrested in July during a traffic stop. Bland's death had been ruled a suicide. The grand jury will reportedly convene again in January to consider any charges related to the traffic stop itself, when a lane change violation became a violent arrest.
A "clerical error" in the McLennan County District Attorney's office led to a 10th individual being named among those killed at the May 17 Waco Twin Peaks shooting who never actually existed. "William Anderson" is literally just a name mentioned alongside nine other people who actually did exist, and were killed by gunfire. D.A. Abel Reyna said the error will be "corrected at a later date closer to trial."
Go, West! Austinites spend a lot of time complaining about migrants from California, but there's one from Georgia via Florida they should actually worry about. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has appointed former congressman, Fox News pundit, and conspiracy theorist Allen West to the Texas Sunset Commission.
Shining a Light on Dark Money: The Texas Ethics Commission is cracking down on donors hiding political contributions to supposedly apolitical nonprofits. New rules published Dec. 18 extend the definition of a political action committee (PAC), meaning more groups will have to open their books to public examination.
Southern belle and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham announced the end of his presidential campaign on Monday.
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