Jackie Lee Young / Design by Zeke Barbaro
Volume 42, Number 19
ON THE COVER:
WE HAVE AN ISSUE:
BY Kimberley Jones
news
2023 Lege Preview
We talk to our reps about their priorities going into the new session
BY THE NEWS STAFF
“I get that property tax is painful, [but] we’re never going to have a surplus like this again”
BY MIKE CLARK-MADISON
“... More strategic than knee-jerk property tax relief”
BY MAGGIE QUINLAN
“The public education session, for better or worse”
BY BRANT BINGAMON
“I try to keep the lines of communication open [and] help them ... so they’ll help me”
BY BRANT BINGAMON
“... Actually figuring out solutions to our epidemic of gun violence”
BY LINA FISHER
“We’re going to have to fight hard to protect our [LGBTQ] communities”
BY LINA FISHER
“Any progress to get back to where we treat all humans as equal ... I’ll of course support”
BY BENTON GRAHAM
“For those who believe that democracy can work ... this session will be fruitful”
BY AUSTIN SANDERS
“I’m gonna stand the line on rights for women and children and gay and trans folks.”
BY MAGGIE QUINLAN
I-35 deal nearly done, Nate Paul’s new enemy, Chip Roy ready for his close-up
BY MIKE CLARK-MADISON
A new City Council for the new year
BY NICK BARBARO
Is anyone here a doctor?
BY BRANT BINGAMON
“They say he was running away – he’s 300 pounds, shackled, with his pants falling down. He ain’t running nowhere.”
BY BRANT BINGAMON
From Kabul to Austin
BY BENTON GRAHAM
Investing young minds in a moribund industry or training those who will lead transition?
BY ALI JUELL
food
We list some of the mightiest ducks in town
BY CLARA WANG
All the news that’s fit to get your taste buds quivering
BY WAYNE ALAN BRENNER
Dinner parties, farmer's markets, beer, wine, and more for the week of January 5, 2023
BY WAYNE ALAN BRENNER
music
With Perfect Middle Hall, songwriter Kevin Dehan steps out of honky-tonk confines
BY E. RYAN ELLIS
Primo shows at no cost, from Yung Bambi to Amplified Heat
BY RACHEL RASCOE, MARS SALAZAR, JULIAN TOWERS, ALEJANDRA RAMIREZ, MICHAEL TOLAND AND KRISS CONKLIN
Jackie Venson, Curtis Roush, Tim Kasher, and more local shows to see this week
BY KEVIN CURTIN, DOUG FREEMAN, ALEJANDRA RAMIREZ, JULIAN TOWERS AND GENEVIEVE WOOD
Winners to be announced at the Austin Music Awards, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023
BY DEREK UDENSI
screens
Linklater and mountain lions, the pandemic, the legacy of slavery, and the fight for abortion rights all part of this year’s AFCA Austin Film Award short list
BY RICHARD WHITTAKER
The actress finds the truth of Sissi, and the other actors who have played her, in the new biopic
BY RICHARD WHITTAKER
Film Reviews
Vicky Krieps shines in this sullen biopic of Austrian Empress Elisabeth
Protest, poverty, and art intersect in Cuba's conga culture
Tom Hanks' "grumpy old man" phase stumbles with this discordant comedy about death
Nic Cage saddles up for a Western with a surprise in its saddlebags
Japan's metal defender gets an ass-kicking modern reboot
arts & culture
Art galleries, theatre, comedy, dance, and more
BY WAYNE ALAN BRENNER
Local events, volunteer opportunities, kids' activities, and more
BY KAT MCNEVINS
columns
Readers make the call in our annual survey of the best in Austin music
BY KIMBERLEY JONES
Why does Texas attorney general Ken Paxton want to know about me?
BY KAT STEELE
Austin's queer scene enters a new era of great shows, genuine artistry, and good music
BY JAMES SCOTT
Celebrating 100 years of Texas parks and the contributions of Civilian Conservation Corps
BY GERALD E. MCLEOD
A leg shaker, not a plan maker
BY THE LUV DOC
BY MR. SMARTY PANTS
Your weekly horoscope, January 6-12
BY ROB BREZSNY
Kids and lottery tickets?
BY LUKE ELLIS
Letters to the editor, published daily
comics
BY SAM HURT
BY TOM TOMORROW
BY JEN SORENSEN