City Council is now in its annual meetings recess ahead of Austin’s budgeting process that begins in July. Read more about several notable votes cast by officials to cap off their spring session in late May.

In addition to several of those policy decisions, council also advanced a landmark settlement agreement with those who were falsely accused in the so-called Yogurt Shop Murders of 1991. The update came after Austin police determined last year that evidence pointed to serial killer Robert Brashers, rather than four men who'd been wrongfully arrested and convicted. The settlement totaled $35 million and advanced with a public apology from Mayor Kirk Watson.

City Council's next regular voting meeting is scheduled for July 23. City Manager T.C. Broadnax is also expected to present his draft of Austin's fiscal year 2026-27 budget July 16, followed by weeks of review before the spending plan is approved in August.

Haas Psychotherapy PLLC is now open on Spicewood Springs Road in Northwest Austin, providing affordable individual and relationship counseling. 

What they offer: The practice focuses on offering inclusive, affordable and effective therapy services, according to Haas. Through psychotherapy, owner Amanda Haas specializes in helping patients with trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, substance use and grief. 

“Things have become so expensive for so many people these days, and it's very personally meaningful for me to be able to offer affordable therapy as a fully licensed clinician because I believe mental healthcare is healthcare,” Amanda Haas shared.

One last thing: Haas is now accepting in person and virtual appointments. Potential clients can reach out for a free consultation. 

• Opened April 1

• 4131 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. J-3, Austin

St. David's Surgical Hospital received a Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission, the hospital announced March 9.

Learn more: Its national recognition for orthopedic care signifies the knowledge, professionalism and commitment of the orthopedic staff at St. David’s, Howard Garner, the hospital’s chief operating officer, said in a news release. 

Dive deeper: Health care facilities are recognized by The Joint Commission and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons based on a comprehensive evaluation of care. The certification considers pre-surgical consultations, hospitalization, rehabilitation and follow-up appointments, according to the release. 

In their own words: The hip and knee replacement certification “further distinguishes itself as a destination for leading-edge orthopedic care in Central Texas,” according to the release. 

A Crunch Fitness in Austin, an AutoZone in Lago Vista and the Plaza Saltillo Station Double Track and Trail Project are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Plaza Saltillo Station Double Track and Trail Project ($40.6 million): This project involves a change from single track to double track, building platforms and canopies for passenger waiting areas, and associated utility relocations and right-of-way flatwork.

2. Emergency Animal Hospital of Buda ($1.7 million): A new emergency animal hospital is coming to Buda, with construction set to begin in August.

3. Snack Time C-Store & Gas Station Building ($1.6 million): This project involves the construction of a single-story gas station building with a proposed deli.

4. Crunch Fitness ($1.5 million): A new Crunch Fitness location is coming to Austin. 

5. AutoZone ($1.2 million): A 6,800-square-foot AutoZone is coming to Lago Vista, with construction set to begin in December.