Between covering Saturday’s big protest and putting the finishing touches on this week’s Best of Austin issue (a months-long, all-hands-on-deck endeavor) and gearing up for another massive project right around the corner, July 4’s Burger Issue (we’re all enjoying our “research”), we’re kinda just trying to catch our breath here at Chron HQ. But as ever, change is afoot.
First, some introductions: We’ve officially launched a new music & culture column this week, “In the Pocket,” which will alternate weeks with Kevin Curtin’s “Austin Chronic.” The new column is penned by Caroline Drew, who joined our staff in June, though she’s already been on the beat for awhile now, including her cover story in May on Austin yard art. A native of Nebraska, Caroline moved here shortly after graduating from college in Portland and recently wrapped a stint in AmeriCorps.
Also new to the team is James Whelan, the Chronicle’s first-ever development & donor coordinator. Hailing from Connecticut, James has been in Austin since 2009 and previously worked at SIMS Foundation and as the volunteer coordinator at the Chronicle’s Austin Music Awards. He’s our third James on staff, and he’s been a real sport about all the nicknames we’ve test-driven so far.
I asked James if he had any takeaways from his first few weeks on staff:
“I think what’s surprised me the most about The Austin Chronicle since I started has been the lack of surprise. The vibe you get as an Austin Chronicle reader? That’s the same vibe you get when you go around the office and chat with members of the Chronicle staff, or sit in on a meeting. It’s something that’s authentically Austin – a laid-back culture that’s stayed true to its roots all these decades.”
I, myself, started at the paper when I was 21 – I basically grew up here – so I was gratified to hear James’ “outsider” perspective. (You’re an insider now, James!)
I wouldn’t say that senior staff writer Austin Sanders “grew up” at the Chronicle; he first arrived as an intern in 2018 almost preternaturally composed. We knew this guy meant business. Still, it’s been such a pleasure having a front row seat to Austin’s evolution as a writer and investigative reporter, and to see Austin and Leticia grow their family. Austin’s leaving us this week to go cover the public safety beat full-time for the Statesman. We’ll miss ya, buddy.
That also means we’re on the hunt for a new investigative news reporter. Find out how to apply at austinchronicle.com/jobs.
This article appears in June 20 • 2025.
