City, University Administration and Politics

Looking back: Key city and state primary races, including the U.S. Senate Republican and the Democratic Texas House District 49 primaries, were decided in May runoffs. The City of Austin launched programs to document displacement across the city and preserve East Austin history. 

Looking forward: The City is considering cuts to city services in the 2026-2027 fiscal year operating budget, which will be adopted by August 14. The University announced that students will now have free access to Claude and ChatGPT. The College of Education appointed a new dean, Daniel Hamlin, who hopes to increase mentorship for young educators. 

Campus and Student Life

Looking back:  After months of negotiations, CapMetro workers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1091 reached a tentative agreement with French-owned subcontractor Keolis, averting a strike. The TEXAS crosswalk and other street art murals around the city were covered up and paved over this summer.

Looking forward: ATU will hold a ratification vote with its members on the proposed contract agreement in the coming week. Residents will see a slight increase in utility costs if the city budget passes as is this week. The new conditional admission pathway program to UT replacing the PACE program, Spring Start, will launch for the first time this coming fall semester. Students who successfully complete the fall semester at ACC will start at the University in their spring semester, a reduction from two semesters to one. 

Public Safety, Health and Immigration

Looking back: Several organizations argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to ask for a chance to defend the Texas Dream Act in June. The court rejected this appeal. Travis County remains under a disaster declaration for screwworm infestations in Texas. 

Looking forward: A new rule will go into effect Sept. 15, capping international student visas at four years; those in programs longer than four years must apply for an extension. The UT Police Department issued a safety advisory on Friday for West Campus after the Austin Police Department responded to five reports of a person looking into windows of West Campus apartments. APD is still searching for the suspect.