• The Office of Inspector General released a report last week, stating that the U.S. Department of Justice illegally blacklisted law intern applicants over four years based on their “political or ideological affiliations.” Among the organizations on the no-hire list: Austin’s Save Our Springs Alliance, Texas Civil Rights Project, and the Political Asylum Project of Austin.
• Six candidates have applied to replace Lee Walker as the new Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization representative on the Capital Metro board. That board’s new chair is due to be chosen, as well; see “Cap Metro Courting Prospective Partners.”
• The city of Austin gets a federal pat on the back: It has been honored with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for its exemplary treatment of military reservists and guard personnel among city staff.
• With water flow down from last summer’s 100 cubic feet per second to a mere 29, an alarm stage drought was declared last week for the Barton Springs portion of the Edwards Aquifer.
• Drums! Tchaikovsky! Fireworks! Get thee down to Auditorium Shores, as the annual July Fourth concert by the Austin Symphony Orchestra returns to its home, astride the Long Center; see “Happenings.”
• Meanwhile, President Bush prepares to start another war. See “Beyond City Limits.”
This article appears in July 4 • 2008.