Bee Cave City Council decided at an Aug. 25 meeting to not move forward with an updated ordinance that would allow fiber internet installation through microtrenching.

The background: Microtrenching is a construction technique commonly used by broadband fiber optic companies to install new lines in existing streets.

The issue: Damage to roadways from the microtrenching was a primary concern for council members.

What else: The ordinance was originally presented at a May 26 City Council meeting and brought back in at the August meeting with council recommendations.

Among these changes included a clause stating that the first fiber internet provider must also install up to two additional conduits, which will allow future providers to add their fiber without the need for a new pavement cut.

The outcome: Both representatives from AT&T and Google Fiber requested that action on the ordinance be postponed in order to further discuss the proposed regulations with staff, yet council decided not to move forward.

“We’re done. We’re not cutting the streets,” King said.

Travis County is putting more money and more seats behind afterschool care this fall.

By the numbers: Only 23% of the county's priority-population students have access to a seat, and just 17% can get into a program running all five days, according to a new landscape analysis from the Andy Roddick Foundation. 

Transportation is families' top barrier, and 72% of sites close by 6 p.m., a mismatch for parents working later shifts. Most programs are built for younger kids, so only 14-15% of seats serve middle and high schoolers, and 1 in 4 sites could close due to funding, space or school closures.

Learn more: Raising Travis County has put $51.7 million into child care and afterschool to date, and Judge Andy Brown says that total has since climbed to $52 million. 

Families earning up to 85% of the state median income may qualify for child care scholarships, with a different threshold for afterschool and summer programs. Providers include the Greater Austin YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs and Foundation Communities.

This November, Libertarian Ted Brown, Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are running to be Texas' next U.S. senator.

The overview: Each state has two U.S. senators serving staggered terms, with Ted Cruz and John Cornyn currently representing Texas. Cornyn ran for reelection but lost his primary race, and the winner of the November election will replace him in January.

Paxton advanced to the general election after beating Cornyn in a primary runoff, while Talarico beat two other contenders in the Democratic primary, Community Impact reported. Brown was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

At the polls: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30 for dozens of statewide and local races. Election Day is Nov. 3.