ATX-SCA: Impact 9/5/2025

Austin's first-ever logo was unveiled Sept. 4 as the city moves to implement a new, unified brand.

The rebranding initiative was conducted by consultants Pentagram Design Inc. and Austin-based TKO Advertising Inc. over the past year-plus through a $640,000 contract, and with almost $500,000 in other city expenses. Officials said the process, which included public surveys and focus groups to inform final designs, is needed to improve the consistency of Austin's branding.

The new blue and green logo is meant to reflect the area's natural features and energy, according to the city. The rebrand officially starts in October, when the new logo will be used for digital assets like websites alongside other new materials being produced. Going forward, it'll be gradually phased in by city departments as they replace or purchase new clothing, vehicles and other items.

The sports bar Victory Lap is kicking off this year’s Longhorn tailgate season with a new Rainey Street location, just two years after opening near West Campus in Austin.

The details: The bar’s decor highlights the history of The University of Texas at Austin athletics department and includes turf patios, large screens, cold drinks and an atmosphere that makes every win feel like a celebration.

The bar serves draft and bottled beers, wine and signature cocktails, with beer buckets available for groups. Guests can also grab pizza by the slice—priced $5 to $7—through the walk-up pizza window.

Quote of note: “This is where students, alumni and diehards come together for sports that matter,” the company wrote on its website. “Yes, Saturdays are for the Longhorns—every touchdown, every fight song, every fourth-quarter rally feels bigger here. But Victory Lap is more than that, it's the place to catch every playoff run, rivalry showdown and primetime game—no matter the sport.”

• 85 Rainey Street, Austin

Around 1 a.m. Sept. 4, the Texas Legislature gaveled out of its second special session of the year. On the heels of a two-week Democratic walkout that stymied bills during a previous legislative overtime, lawmakers moved quickly to pass 16 of Gov. Greg Abbott’s 24 priorities in under three weeks.

The details: A long-debated plan to ban or restrict sales of hemp-derived THC and a measure aimed at reining in local property tax growth were among the proposals that did not make the cut. Those proposals fell apart in the final days of the special session, after House and Senate lawmakers were unable to reach agreements. 

Also of note: Lawmakers also did not pass bills intended to improve emergency preparedness and communications in the wake of the deadly July 4-5 floods; shield certain law enforcement files from public disclosure; and bar local governments from hiring outside lobbyists. 

The governor can call a special session at any time; however, legislative leaders indicated they did not expect to return to Austin to tackle the remaining agenda items.