Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 18h

Council passed Item 17, authorizing the real estate transaction for the first City-owned Homeless Navigation Center. This facility will provide a place for individuals to access comprehensive support services in a safe, indoor environment located near healthcare, transit, and affordable housing. The background image is a photo of the new location.

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 18h

📣 See my highlights from the October 9, 2025 regular meeting of the Austin City Council.

Council meeting recap. CM Laine is shown on the dais alongside other Councilmembers and Mayor Kirk Watson.

Council approved Item 15 continuing the I Belong program through El Buen Samaritano. Rental assistance and eviction prevention helps keep people in their homes and is a vital part of our overall strategy to reduce homelessness. The background image is of a man from El Buen Samaritano doing an intake with a client. He is sitting at a computer.

Council passed Item 16, to continue the operations of the ARCH Shelter and the 8th St Women’s Shelter with Family Endeavors. The background image is a picture of one of the rooms in the 8th Street Women's Shelter.

1 1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 20h

This #hispanicheritagemonth, I want to recognize spaces like this that preserve and uplift our region's history through educational programming and community events that bring people together.
2/2

2

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 20h

Last week, I had the joy of touring the Mexic-Arte Museum which hosts a vibrant collection of over 5,000 pieces, reflecting visual expressions from artists living in the Texas area as well as art from Mexico.
1/2

CM Laine is standing with the museum director inside the museum. They are both smiling.

CM Laine is looking at a mural on the wall of the museum.

A glittery green textured painting set on a glittery pink background.

1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 1d

Let’s stand together to protect the freedom to read and ensure our libraries and classrooms remain places of curiosity, creativity, and belonging.
#bannedbooksweek
#freedomtoread
3/3

2

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 1d

Here in Austin, we’re fortunate to have a strong and thriving public library system that embraces inclusion and access for all. But across Texas and the country, many communities are facing increasing levels of censorship.
2/3

1 1 2

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 1d

This week, we’re celebrating the freedom to read in recognition of Banned Books Week! Everyone deserves to see themselves and their stories reflected in books. Stories help us learn and grow, and all readers should have the freedom to explore diverse perspectives and ideas.
1/3

Celebrating the Freedom to Read! Banned books week October 5-11, 2025. The background image is a colorful stack of books.

1 1 4

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 2d

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s a reminder that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and resources that support our wellbeing.

#VivirConGanas #HispanicHeritageMonth
2/2

1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 2d

I had a wonderful time at Vivir con Ganas! This health expo organized by Central Health provided screenings, information in Spanish and English, meals & childcare. It was one of the many ways Austinites care for each other, and a reminder that community care is needed for all of us to thrive.
1/2

CM Laine is standing with a representative from Central Health.

CM Laine is standing with a group of women at the expo. They're all smiling.

A man is speaking on the stage behind a podium behind him is a slideshow that is talking about the importance of insulin. The slide is in Spanish.

An image of a crowd of people in the expo hall standing at different informational tables.

1 1 1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 3d

Discover the joy of inclusion and creativity at the AWEbility Wee Festival!
Join us at Austin City Hall on Friday, October 10, from 5–7 p.m. for an evening celebrating accessibility through art, music, and community connection.
www.eventbrite.com/e/awebility-...

Mayor's committee for people with disabilities. Awebility Wee Festival. Friday evening, October 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. City Hall. Performance and short films, award ceremony and refreshments

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 4d

Huge thanks to Austin Parks Foundation for helping make this incredible Austin tradition possible, and to CapMetro for getting us there! Always love connecting with our community while enjoying the music and energy of ACL! #aclfest

2

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 4d

It has become my annual tradition to take my son to ACL for his birthday, & weekend 1 didn't disappoint! 🎶

We saw many great artists, caught up with friends (including MPT @vanessaforatx.bsky.social!), & met some amazing local vendors. One of them, Vinca Jewelry, is based right here in D6!
1/2

1 2

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 8d

Our statement on the detainment of Austin veteran aboard flotilla from MPT @vanessaforatx.bsky.social and CM's Vasquez, Vela, Laine, @cmzoqadri.bsky.social, and @mikesiegeld7.bsky.social.

We have heard the distressing news that the flotilla bound for Gaza carrying humanitarian aid has been intercepted and those aboard are being unlawfully detained. Among those are Gregory Stoker, a veteran, journalist and Austin resident of District 4. We urge the federal government to take every necessary measure to ensure the protection and safe return of any American detained and that urgently needed aid is able to reach the civilian families suffering in Gaza.

1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 8d

To everyone in our community who observed Yom Kippur, we hope your fast was gentle and meaningful. We wish you peace, renewal, and strength in the year ahead.

G'mar Chatima Tova. The background images of the Torah, a horn and the Star of David.

1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 8d

While we know there are real challenges in better connecting our outlying neighborhoods to the heart of the city, we’re committed to working together to deliver the improvements our community needs.
3/3

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 8d

I’m grateful to our community partners who work tirelessly to advocate for safer, more connected ways to get around.

Even if it’s just a short trip to visit a neighbor, I encourage you to give it a try!
2/3

1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 8d

This #WeekWithoutDriving, I’ve taken the Red Line to work and hopped on CapMetro bikes to get to meetings around town!

Week Without Driving is a chance to reflect on how our communities are shaped by transportation, and to stand alongside the nearly 30% of Americans who don’t drive every day.
1/3

CM Laine is standing next to a CapMetro bike getting ready to leave for a meeting. She is smiling.

CM Laine is riding a CapMetro bike. She is smiling.

CM Laine is waiting on the Red Line train. A map of the Red Line is also shown. And CM Laine took a selfie at the train station before getting on.

1 2

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 10d

Many new registrations have been delayed due to technical issues with a new data management system, so please check your registration status at VoteTexas.gov.

www.texastribune.org/2025/09/25/t...
2/2

Your Guide to Voting in Texas | VoteTexas.gov

VoteTexas.gov is your go-to resource for voter registration, election dates, polling locations, and more. Get the info you need to make your vote count.

VoteTexas.gov

1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 10d

The next election in Texas will be November 4, 2025, with many important State and local propositions. Your vote is your voice, so please make sure to register to vote by the October 6th deadline.
1/2

Votetexas.gov. Don't miss the October 6th deadline. Check your registration, register to vote and remind your neighbors. Thank you to all the election workers that process voter registrations and ensure every Texan can vote. The Texas Tribune. Texas counties struggle to process voter registrations using states new system.

1 1 3

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 10d

Thank you Austin Public Library for hosting this wonderful event celebrating with friends and family.
2/2

1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 10d

I had a great time at the Shine On: Harvest Moon festival last weekend! As a robotics mom, it was great seeing the ChaiGPT #24133 team demonstrating their robot.

The performances by the Uri Karak Dance Team and the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team were beautiful expressions.
1/2

CM Laine is standing with the library director for the Spicewood Springs Library and 2 other community members. They're all smiling.

CM Laine is standing with the robotics team behind their robot. The team is wearing matching white jackets. Everyone is smiling.

CM Laine is sitting at a table playing a board game with 3 community members.

Image of Chinese women dancing with fans wearing brightly colored dresses.

1 2

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 14d

Thank you for sharing your powerful testimony with us and for working together to raise awareness about this preventable public health crisis and reducing stigmatization around mental health.
2/2

1 1 1

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 14d

Yesterday, MPT @vanessaforatx.bsky.social, @mikesiegeld7.bsky.social, and I recognized #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth in Austin and presented a proclamation to Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, @namicommunicate.bsky.social, @afspnational.bsky.social, and @integralcareatx.bsky.social.
1/2

CM Laine is delivering the proclamation behind the podium.

A representative from Students Engaged in Advancing Texas is speaking at the podium.

A representative from NAMI Central Texas is speaking at the podium.

1 1 4

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 14d

Council passed Item 45, addressing abandoned vehicles and improving our ability to respond to requests for removal. Background image is of a car parked on a street. The front bumper of the car has fallen off and one of the tires is flat.

Council Member Krista Laine @cmkristalaine.bsky.social · 14d

📣 See my highlights from the September 25, 2025 regular meeting of the Austin City Council.

We passed Items 1 and 2, reimbursing Austin for animal services in unincorporated portions of Travis County. The background image is of a veterinarian caring for a cat.

Council passed Item 3, empowering our City veterinarians to make the best medical decisions on spay procedures for animals in our care, while also making more funding available for emergency animal services. The background image is of a woman holding a dog. She is also kneeling down in front of an enclosure that has two other dogs in it.

Council passed Item 6, continuing the GoPurple Program. This item prioritizes onsite water reuse systems and reclaimed water connections to affordable housing developments. The background image is of purple pipes.

1