The Austin Community College district board of trustees unanimously approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026-27, keeping the district's tuition and mandatory fees unchanged for the 13th consecutive year and continuing to fund the college’s free tuition program.

The details: Under this budget, local students will continue to pay $67 per credit hour—or $85 including mandatory fees—while the out-of-district price is held at $201 per credit hour.

The budget also includes a 2% annual raise and a $1,700 one-time lump sum for full-time employees in addition to retaining the district's $23/hour minimum wage.

What they’re saying: The budget for FY 2026-27—which begins Sept. 1—is funded through state appropriations, property tax revenue, and tuition and fees, of which the first two are currently seeing shifts.

In smaller communities and cities around the Greater Austin area, demand for health care specialists has risen at a rate unmatched by access to professionals, said Ashley Price, Austin Regional Clinic's vice president of operations.

Austin Regional Clinic, or ARC, is expanding its specialty services both north and south of Austin to provide unique care to residents in the surrounding cities.

Current situation: Access to health care specialists in Central Texas can be a barrier for residents seeking medical care, Price said. While cities neighboring Austin are growing rapidly, the nation faces a shortage of both primary care physicians and specialists.

Specialists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with ARC travel to multiple clinic locations to meet patients where there is a need, so they are not required to journey into Austin for care.

The specifics: ARC is further expanding with the opening of a Lockhart clinic on June 15, and ARC South Specialty in South Austin, opening in phases beginning June 1.

ARC also opened the Greenlawn Specialty clinic in Round Rock on Jan. 19.

The Austin-native brand launched a new ice cream truck on W. 12th Street and North Lamar Boulevard in downtown, according to a news release. The Amy’s Ice Creams truck officially opened on July 8, offering free ice cream for the first 50 visitors to celebrate. 

On the menu: The new location will feature dairy free options, drinks, toppings and more, according to the release. Amy’s has over 350 rotating flavors, including Mexican Vanilla, Zilker Mint and Belgian Chocolate. Drink options include ice cream floats, milkshakes, and frosted sodas. 

One more thing: The grand opening coincides with the beginning of Amy’s National Ice Cream Month celebrations, which will include various community events, free ice cream giveaways and more, according to the release. 

The truck is open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

• 927 W. 12th St., Austin

The Learning Experience opened the doors to its Mueller location in East Austin on June 17, providing programs for children 6 weeks up to 5 years old, Center Director Amelia Villarreal said at the July 8 ribbon-cutting. The early learning academy is open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

What's special about it: Commercial real estate and marketing developers Brad and Brittany Neff have built 30 locations in total, which they either leased or sold back to franchise owners for the company, they said. This is the first they will be owning and operating.

According to its website, characters and hands-on activities play a significant role in learning from logic and phonics to science, mathematics and technology.

• 2201 Airport Blvd. Ste. 100, Austin

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

Cedar Park to improve more neighborhood roads: Cedar Park City Council approved a change to the city’s contract with Lone Star Paving on June 25. The change order adds ten new streets to the project, with the existing asphalt removed and replaced with a new 2-inch asphalt surface.

Gattis School Road lane closures in effect through end of July for construction: A section of Gattis School Road between Via Sonoma Trail and High Country Boulevard will be reduced to one lane in each direction until the end of July. The closure will facilitate installation of three waterline crossings.

Roadway plans move forward as Dog's Head site prepped for major industrial project: Preparations for the first major addition to the recently annexed Dog's Head are underway, while local leaders ready to adopt a long-term public financing plan for upgrades across the more than 4-square-mile East Austin megasite. A range of mixed-use development is possible after city officials' initial vote for a long-term deal this spring. 

Looking to get away this summer without going too far? Check out some places to plan a staycation throughout the Austin area. 

Bastrop
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa: The ranch-style resort offers dining, golf, a water park, spa and event spaces.

Dripping Springs
The Yurtopian: The Hill Country resort offers glamping in Mongolian-inspired yurts with upscale amenities and scenic views.

Georgetown
San Gabriel House: The historic bed-and-breakfast showcases its 20th-century charm with the original pine floors and leaded-glass front door.

Liberty Hill
River Ranch Inn: The self-proclaimed “undecidedly and beautifully offbeat” boutique hotel in Liberty Hill offers guests swimming, kayaking, fishing and stargazing.

North Central Austin
Commodore Perry Estate: The venue features European-style architecture and decor, a pool, restaurant, on-site entertainment and event spaces.

Round Rock
The Ruby Hotel & Bar: The hotel offers a pool, scenic views and private event spaces near the historic downtown, which features an abundance of shopping and dining,