Four days after rolling out its new hub-stop bus model, Austin ISD reversed course for middle schoolers.
What happened: Middle school students will use neighborhood-level bus stops instead of the centralized hubs announced last month. High schoolers are not affected and will still be picked up at hub locations like elementary schools, libraries and Capital Metro transit centers, according to previous reporting.
District officials said the about-face followed feedback from families who raised concerns after the model launched, including parents worried about young students navigating busy intersections to reach hub stops.
Why now: Officials said savings from the recent closure of Paredes Middle School, combined with other budget adjustments, freed up funding to cover the cost of restoring the neighborhood stops.
Updated middle school stops will roll out in AISD's Bus Stop Finder tool through Aug. 13, ahead of the first day of school Aug. 18.

The city is seeking public feedback on the potential renaming of Cesar Chavez Street following some City Council members' request for the change earlier this year.

The details: The city is asking residents whether the street should be renamed, and if so, what designation to use as a replacement. Council will take that input before making any final decisions. Three public meetings about the renaming process will be held Aug. 11-18, and the city has also launched a website with more information and a public survey about the process.

Any official renaming would require council approval and could cost Austin tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete. Austin must also coordinate with Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and Texas Department of Transportation on potential signage replacements if a change moves forward.

Austin Gamblers, the city’s first professional bull-riding team, has now commenced its fifth season in the PBR Camping World Team Series.

The context: The Gamblers were established in 2022 after PBR switched from being an individual sport for 30 years to a regional team format. The Gamblers gave locals another home team to root for and out-of-towners another reason to visit Austin, tourism data shows.

Learn more: The team kicked off its season July 10 in Colorado, and riders are heading back down south in late August for their only local event of the season: Gambler Days. The three-day bull riding event signifies half a decade of competition, growth and economic impact on city tourism.

The local impact: In 2025, Gambler Days generated approximately $4.5 million in direct economic impact to the Greater Austin region, according to Nathan Kopp, Austin Sports Commission executive director. That impact translated to about 5,800 hotel rooms and $218,000 in local tax revenue.

The historic Bergen-Todd House on South Congress will relaunch next year as Connie’s, an Austin restaurant equipped with a seasonal menu and outdoor patio, according to co-owner Dustin Minium. 

Minium, owner and founder of Red Tail Construction, is partnering with Matthew Moreno, a local real estate developer to bring the restaurant to life. 

“We want this to be South Congress' backyard—a place that feels familiar, yet inspires,” Minium said. “A place you're excited to share with your friends.”

The backstory: The City of Austin landmark is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1877, according to a 2022 presentation from Preservation Austin.

On the menu: The menu at Connie’s will be inspired by seasonal and regional flavors, according to Minium. Patrons can expect rotating items that match Austin’s weather. The new restaurant will also feature an outdoor brunch and signature drinks. 

The details: The restaurant will maintain the original floor plan, allowing the 2,244-square-foot space to still feel like a home, Minium explained. 

• 1403 S. Congress Ave., Austin

Check out the top trending stories from Aug. 3-6 in the Austin area.

1. New 40,000-square-foot fitness center to open in Kyle

2. Bee Cave issues cease and desist to developers near Sweetwater community

3. Woodside neighborhood developer proposes 500-home expansion to Sun City in Georgetown

4. Conejo's Tex-Mex Cantina to hold soft opening Aug. 5

5. Leander ISD committee proposes $591.2M-$708.5M 2026 bond

6. McDonald’s second Bastrop location to hold ribbon-cutting