With everyone agog over proposed AISD school closures, Richard Whittaker stops by the Totescast to separate fact from fantasy.

Also, we chime in on the dour opening to the Texas Legislature, plus a couple issues at City Council – the Park PUD and Lustre Pearl‘s pulled outdoor music permit – getting a similarly warm reception.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.