Texas Monthly founder and former publisher Mike Levy has dropped out of this year's mayoral race. In a written statement, Levy attributed his decision to "very personal and family considerations," including the recent death of his mother. more ›

Native Austinite Chris Riley is formally kicking off his campaign for the City Council Place 1 seat tonight with a fete at Threadgill's World Headquarters on Riverside. The event is free and all are invited to attend. "This is a chance to meet Chris and other fellow Austinites who are getting involved with issues like reducing our dependency on cars, growing our green economy, and promoting our music & arts scenes in town," said campaign staffer Michael Litt. The party runs from 6 to 8 p.m. [More info] more ›

Saturday more ›

KLRU is taping an episode of Texas Monthly Talks (hosted by Evan Smith) with former Texas Comptroller John Sharp this Thursday. Sharp is currently running for Kay Bailey Hutchison's U.S. Senate position, which, though it currently isn't slated to be available until 2012, could be open later this year if she makes good on her intent to run for Governor. The taping, which will take place this Thursday at 4 p.m. in KLRU's Studio 6A, is free with RSVP. Seats are filling up fast. more ›

It's unclear whether the 69-year-old Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Independent, who last vied for the governor's seat in 2006, will again attempt to rally support around her "One Tough Grandma" slogan. Strayhorn previously served as the first (and only) female mayor of Austin for three consecutive terms, from 1977 to 1983. more ›

It's official: Brewster McCracken announced today that he's running for mayor in 2009. State House Parliamentarian Terry Keel in trouble with other Republican members of the House for being too much of a toady to Craddick. Democrat John Sharp plans to run for KBH's seat in the US Senate. Chief Acevedo makes arrests too. Thieves going after holiday yard decorations. A naked man jumping on top of a car in North Austin yesterday morning was tasered and arrested. Horns headed to the Fiesta Bowl (v. Ohio State) on Jan. 5. more ›