City, University Administration and Politics<\/p>\n
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<\/a>. The City of Austin launched programs to document displacement<\/a> across the city and preserve East Austin history<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Looking forward: The City is considering cuts to city services in the 2026-2027 fiscal year operating budget<\/a>, which will be adopted by August 14. The University announced that students will now have free access<\/a> to Claude and ChatGPT. The College of Education appointed a new dean<\/a>, Daniel Hamlin, who hopes to increase mentorship for young educators.\u00a0<\/p>\n Campus and Student Life<\/p>\n Looking back:\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Public Safety, Health and Immigration<\/p>\n Looking back: Several organizations argued<\/a> 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<\/a> in Texas.\u00a0<\/p>\n