Naked City

Quote of the Week: "I stand before you today, in solidarity, as an Israeli of the heart." -- U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, addressing the Knesset -- whose seats are apportioned purely by nationwide party-line vote. Israel has no districts.

Still no quorum in the Texas Senate chamber, as the war of words between the R's and D's over re-redistricting drags on and on. See "Capitol Chronicle". A rally against redistricting and in support of the "Texas 11" will be held at 11:30 am Saturday on the Capitol steps.

City Manager Toby Futrell released her FY 2004 city budget -- calling for the steepest cuts and biggest tax increases in a decade. The first budget hearing, focusing on the public safety departments, is today (Thursday) at 6pm during the regular City Council meeting. See "Your Questions, Comments, and Concerns ...".

Presidential candidate Howard Dean gathered more than his quota of ink and airtime this week by debuting a new TV ad -- here in Austin, or as the national media has it, "in the Heart of Bush Country."

As shocking as it may seem, some people in West Lake Hills don't think the local schools care enough about football. Chaps coach Ron Schroeder, who in 16 years never had a losing season and reached the state finals five times, resigned in a huff this week, claiming insufficient support from Eanes ISD.