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At The Austin Informer, we take pride in delivering unbiased, informed, and advertisement-free news to the people of Austin and beyond. As an independent news outlet, we have always been committed to maintaining the highest standards of journalism, free from the influence of political parties or government entities. Our mission is made possible through the generous support of readers like you.

When you support The Austin Informer, you also help our sister publication, The National Informer, continue its work of providing fact-based reporting across the country. Together, we stand as a unified voice for transparent and independent journalism.

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The History of The Austin Informer

Founded in 1905, The Austin Informer quickly established itself as one of the most controversial and influential newspapers in Central Texas. Known for its bold stance on social justice issues and unflinching critiques of local politics, the paper often stirred emotions across the community. The Austin Informer was proud to describe itself as "The only Negro journal in Central Texas" (The Austin Informer, Vol. 46, no. 40, August 24, 1940), offering a much-needed platform for the African American community in a time when their voices were too often silenced.

Over the years, The Austin Informer tackled some of the most contentious issues of the day, from segregation and civil rights to police reform and voting rights. Its reporting often placed it at odds with powerful local figures, and the paper was no stranger to controversy. In fact, some credited The Austin Informer with helping to galvanize local movements for change, while others accused it of stirring division.

Despite its success in the early 20th century, financial pressures and increasing opposition from critics forced The Austin Informer to close its doors in 1978. The paper was sold to local businessman Reginald Jackson, who briefly revived it from 1980 to 1987. During this period, The Austin Informer regained some of its former prominence, particularly through its investigative reporting on local government corruption and economic disparity. However, the challenges of sustaining a print publication in a changing media landscape led to its second closure in 1987.

Fast-forward to 2018, when a small group of independent journalists, driven by a shared passion for truth and integrity, came together to revive The Austin Informer as a national platform. Now fully digital, The Austin Informer continues its long-standing tradition of delivering unbiased, well-researched stories on issues that matter to people across the country. From national politics and social justice movements to in-depth features on culture and community, our commitment to factual, responsible reporting remains unwavering.

However, despite its revival, The Austin Informer faces many challenges. As an independent outlet, we are not backed by corporate sponsors or large media conglomerates. Our team of dedicated journalists, who work tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring you informed news, do so on a voluntary basis. They sacrifice their time and energy to keep this legacy alive because they believe in the importance of a free and independent press.

But we can't do it alone. To continue providing ad-free, unbiased news, we rely on the generous support of readers like you. Every contribution helps us keep our digital doors open and ensures that we can continue delivering the honest, thorough journalism you’ve come to trust.

If you believe in the power of independent journalism and want to see The Austin Informer thrive, please consider donating today. Every bit of support makes a difference.

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Top Stories

Columbus Day: A Dark Legacy of Enslavement, Violence, Underage Sex Trafficking, and Exploitation

As we mark Columbus Day, it's time to reckon with Christopher Columbus's true legacy—a history rooted not in discovery but in atrocities against indigenous peoples. Far from the hero of legend, Columbus’s voyages to the Caribbean introduced brutal exploitation, sex trafficking, mass enslavement, and systemic violence, leaving a devastating impact on native populations. Upon his arrival in 1492, Columbus immediately began to subjugate the indigenous Taino people. In a 1493 letter to Spain’s rulers, Columbus expressed that with as few as 50 men, "we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want” ( Columbus, Letter to the Sovereigns , 1493). His words foreshadowed the horrors that would unfold as he and his men captured and enslaved thousands of natives, including children, forcing them into labor and shipping many to Europe as slaves. Within just a few years, the Taino population had been utterly decimated by rape, violence, forced labor, and disease. Columbus...
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From Gaza to Lebanon: Israel’s Escalating Airstrikes Leave a Trail of Destruction and Death

First responders confirm 21 dead after Israeli air strike in northern Lebanon. Photo: AP. The devastation in Gaza is not just a tragedy—it’s the culmination of a calculated campaign of ethnic cleansing carried out by Israel. The bombardment of civilian areas, the deliberate targeting of hospitals, schools, and refugee camps all point to an undeniable reality: Israel is not fighting a war of defense, but a war of eradication. The entire culture and civilization of Gaza are being wiped off the map, and now, the West Bank seems destined for the same fate. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued their relentless bombing campaign on Gaza over the weekend, with the latest strikes on Monday, October 14th, taking the lives of four civilians at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. These victims are not combatants; they are ordinary people, caught in a web of violence spun by a nation driven by expansionist zeal. The destruction of entire families, neighborhoods, and critical infrastructure sho...
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The Organic Advantage: How Organic Farming Can Save Our Health and Our Planet

As concerns about climate change and global health grow, one thing has become clear: our food system plays a pivotal role in both problems and solutions. A groundbreaking study conducted by Kansas State University researchers has revealed that organic farming techniques—those relying solely on organic fertilizers—hold incredible potential not only for reducing atmospheric carbon but also for improving the quality of our food. But why is organic food so much better for us, and how are the pesticides used in conventional farming silently affecting our health? The Hidden Power of Organic Soil In a recent study published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, researchers made a significant discovery regarding carbon sequestration, the process by which carbon is captured and stored in the soil. The Kansas State University team found that organic fertilizers, such as manure and compost, promote far greater carbon storage in the soil than conventional chemical fertilizers. This has p...
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Texas Lawmakers Face Backlash Over Proposed Mask Ban for Protesters

Austin, TX — Texas lawmakers are weighing legislation that could ban the wearing of masks during protests, sparking debate over its constitutionality and potential implications for civil rights. The proposed law, which is expected to be discussed in more detail in the upcoming legislative session, has raised concerns among both law enforcement officials and civil liberties advocates. The bill, if passed, could classify mask-wearing during public demonstrations as a misdemeanor offense or as an enhancement to other crimes. During a recent state committee meeting, concerns were raised about how law enforcement would determine who falls under the law’s restrictions. Senator Judith Zaffirini voiced her apprehension about the subjective nature of enforcing the law, asking how authorities would distinguish between lawful behavior and suspicious activity based solely on mask usage. “If half the people in this room were wearing masks, how would you proceed under this law?” Zaffirini inquired. ...
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Trump's Indictment Countdown: New York City Braces for Protests as Surrender Negotiations Loom

On Monday, the U.S. Secret Service and the NYPD held a conference call to discuss potential arrangements in the event that former President Donald Trump is indicted, including court security and the process for his possible surrender. Typically, white collar criminal defendants in New York can negotiate their surrender. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reassured the public that the city is ready for any protests that might occur as a result of the potential indictment. He stated that the NYPD is monitoring social media to ensure there are no inappropriate actions in the city and that they are confident in their ability to handle the situation. Over the weekend, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to call for protests against what he believes will be his arrest on Tuesday. The potential indictment is tied to the Manhattan district attorney's investigation into the 2016 hush payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, paid...
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Is an Innocent Man About to be Executed in Texas? Backlash as Clemency Bid Rejected for Man Convicted in Controversial 'Shaken Baby' Case

In a shocking turn of events, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles rejected a clemency request for Robert Roberson, a man set to be executed Thursday for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki. Despite mounting evidence that the science behind "shaken baby syndrome" — the very foundation of Roberson’s conviction — has been largely discredited, the state remains determined to proceed with his execution. Roberson’s conviction, handed down in 2003, rested entirely on the now-questionable theory that he fatally injured his daughter by shaking her, a claim that both legal and medical experts now refute. As Texas pushes forward with his execution, many are left wondering how such a monumental failure of justice could be allowed to stand. Most damning is the testimony of Brian Wharton, the lead detective in Roberson’s case, who now admits he was wrong. At the time of the investigation, Wharton was convinced by the medical opinion that Nikki’s injuries were consistent wit...
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Popular Articles

A Journey of Cooperation or Guise? Xi Jinping Visits Putin in Moscow Amid Global Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow, greeted by a Russian military band at Vnukovo airport, to embark on a visit that is widely seen as China's most overt show of support for Russia since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Although President Vladimir Putin was not present at the airport, the Chinese President expressed optimism about the visit, stating, "I am sure my visit will be fruitful." In an article published in the Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Xi wrote about the growing friendship between China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the bond between the two nations. He also noted his anticipation for working with Putin to develop a new vision for the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. The leaders are set to meet at the Kremlin at 4:30 p.m. local time, with an "informal" meeting followed by a dinner, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Official talks and a st...
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BREAKING: Putin and Top Russian Official Wanted by International Criminal Court for Deporting Ukrainian Children

In a shocking and historic move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian official Maria Lvova-Belova for their alleged involvement in the forced deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia. This marks the first time that Moscow officials have faced formal charges from the ICC, sparking international outrage and a fiery response from the Kremlin. The court asserts there are "reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Putin bears individual criminal responsibility" for the alleged crimes, both for committing them directly alongside others and for his "failure to exercise control properly over civilian and military subordinates who committed the acts." Putin's arrest warrant has been met with gratitude from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called the decision "historic" and cited evidence of the Kremlin's direct involvement in the forced deportation of chi...
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DA's Office Defies GOP Over Trump Investigation: Political Earthquake or Unprecedented Legal Standoff?

The New York District Attorney's office has slammed Republican requests for documents and testimony related to their investigation of former President Donald Trump as "an unprecedented inquiry into a pending local prosecution." In a stern letter addressed to three Republican House committee chairs, the Manhattan District Attorney's office made it clear that they will not allow their investigation to be impeded. Leslie Dubeck, General Counsel for the District Attorney of New York County, accused the congressional request of being designed to "punish" the office for their investigation, and labeled it "indefensible." This response comes after House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, House Oversight Committee Chair Jim Comer, and House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil demanded documents, communications, and testimony related to the investigation of the former president. The ongoing investigation revolves around a $130,000 payment to adult...
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The Return of the 'Trad-Wife' and the Feminists Strike Back

In an age where hustle culture is leaving women feeling burnt out, a new and controversial trend is emerging on TikTok: the 'Trad-Wives.' These women, who have chosen to return to traditional wife roles, are using social media to showcase the joy and fulfillment they find in homemaking, challenging the idea that a nine-to-five job is the path to a woman's happiness. Estee C. Williams, 24, is one of these women, sharing her sexy and intriguing 'Trad-Wife' lifestyle with her followers. She defines a 'Trad-Wife' as "a woman who chooses to live a more traditional life with ultra-traditional gender roles." Williams asserts that this is not an attempt to dismantle women's right to work but a personal choice made by women who believe that a wife's role is to be a homemaker. "I chose the trad lifestyle because I believe that women have drifted far from our roots," Williams said. "For me, the hustle culture was not appealing. Being a ...
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University President Cancels Drag Show Claiming it 'Denigrates' Women, and is Akin to 'Blackface' -Protests Ensue

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University President Walter Wendler has taken a firm stand against what he perceives as a denigration of women by canceling a drag show event originally scheduled for March 31. Wendler, in an email to the campus community, expressed his belief that drag shows demean and diminish women, comparing the events to "blackface" performances. The show, titled "A Fool's Drag Race," was intended to raise funds for the transgender crisis management non-profit organization, The Trevor Project. While Wendler supported donating to the organization itself, he argued that drag shows perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine the progress made toward gender equality. Wendler emphasized his commitment to providing fair opportunities to all individuals based on their academic performance. He argued that the university, as an institution representing the state of Texas, should elevate students based on their abilities and achievements, regardles...
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TikTok: The Bastion of Free Speech Under Attack by Out-of-Touch Lawmakers

  As the national debate over the popular social media app TikTok intensifies, a growing grassroots movement, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is rallying in support of the platform's right to exist and promote free speech. Despite concerns over national security and the Chinese government's alleged access to user data, many argue that a ban on TikTok sets a dangerous precedent that threatens freedom of expression in the digital age. Following a grueling five-hour hearing before a US House committee, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew found an unexpected ally in Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, who made her first-ever TikTok video to denounce the potential ban. Thousands of young users joined her in protest, creating video edits that mocked the hearing and painted politicians as out of touch with modern technology. This surge in grassroots activism highlights the tension between TikTok's meteoric rise in popularity – boasting over 150 million US users – and lawmakers'...
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Trump's Indictment Countdown: New York City Braces for Protests as Surrender Negotiations Loom

On Monday, the U.S. Secret Service and the NYPD held a conference call to discuss potential arrangements in the event that former President Donald Trump is indicted, including court security and the process for his possible surrender. Typically, white collar criminal defendants in New York can negotiate their surrender. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reassured the public that the city is ready for any protests that might occur as a result of the potential indictment. He stated that the NYPD is monitoring social media to ensure there are no inappropriate actions in the city and that they are confident in their ability to handle the situation. Over the weekend, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to call for protests against what he believes will be his arrest on Tuesday. The potential indictment is tied to the Manhattan district attorney's investigation into the 2016 hush payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, paid...
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Recall: Eye Drops Caused Death, Blindness, and... The Removal of People's Eyeballs???

A shocking new report has revealed that contaminated eye drops have led to one death, irreversible vision loss in eight patients, and the surgical removal of four eyes due to a drug-resistant bacterial infection. US health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have discovered 68 cases across 16 states, involving a never-before-seen strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The majority of infected patients reported using eye drops and artificial tears. In January and February, ten different brands were initially linked to the outbreak, prompting a recall of two brands made in India and imported to the US. Lawyer Natasha Cortes, representing a woman suing the drug company after losing her eye to an infection, warned, "There's likely many more people who have suffered infections who are unaware." Despite evidence of bacteria in opened bottles taken from patients, a representative for EzriCare, one of the recalled brands, claimed that testing has not de...
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US Military Invasion Obliterates Iraqi Lives: How the "Land of the Free" Brought Untold Suffering to the Middle East

Twenty years ago, the US, supported by the UK, invaded Iraq in a catastrophic military endeavor based on dubious intelligence and a blatant disregard for international law. This invasion would lead to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians, decades of civil war, and sectarian violence in Iraq, giving rise to the Islamic State militant group. In an arrogant assumption, the US and its allies, including the UK, believed that their overwhelming technical and military superiority was enough to control a distant nation and its people. The invasion began with a "shock and awe" bombing campaign to showcase this military power. This invasion would bring about untold suffering and devastation in Iraq. The US military's actions in Iraq exhibited a blatant ignorance and disdain for the reality on the ground, where decades of bloodshed were only just beginning. The Chilcot report, a damning inquiry into the UK's involvement in the war, found that the UK joined the invasi...
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CNN Reporter Kyung Lah and Her Crew Robbed in San Francisco while. . . Reporting on Rampant Crime in San Francisco!

In a strikingly ironic turn of events, CNN reporter Kyung Lah and her crew found themselves victims of the very crime wave they were covering in San Francisco. In an incident that can only be described as the epitome of irony, Lah revealed that their rental car was vandalized and their belongings stolen while they were conducting an interview at City Hall. San Francisco, a city once renowned for its picturesque beauty, has been plagued by a crime epidemic in recent years. The situation has grown so dire that even a crew from one of the world's most prominent news organizations, equipped with a hired security guard, fell victim to the city's unrelenting criminals. Lah shared her frustration and disbelief on Twitter, stating that their security guard had tried to apprehend the thieves, but ultimately only managed to capture a photo of their getaway car's license plate. Lah also expressed her gratitude to the San Francisco Police for their swift response to the incident. In a ...
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