🛣️ MoPac expansion could impact Lady Bird Lake

Austin Gas Deal Fuels Scrutiny Amid Rising Rates

City Council is considering a franchise agreement with Texas Gas Service, a deal that could shape residents’ utility bills for the next decade. Critics say the deal lacks key protections to control residents’ already rising bills. Austin’s gas rates have more than doubled since 2019. [Austin American-Statesman]

• What’s next? Even if the deal advances, City Council must hold three public readings and wait 30 days before finalizing, which could give residents and advocates more time to push for stronger protections. [KUT 90.5]

County Expands Childcare Access

Travis County commissioners approved more than $17 million in childcare contracts on Tuesday, which will expand access to after-school and summer programs, provide funding for community partners, and support other initiatives. The funding is expected to serve more than 5,200 kids across the county. [KXAN]

• Show me the money: Here are the providers and orgs that will benefit. [Austin American-Statesman]

MoPac South Expansion Spurs Environmental Concerns

At a Wednesday meeting, the project faced criticism from residents and officials over potential harm to water quality, wildlife, and iconic Austin sites, such as Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake. The MoPac South expansion would add two express lanes to address congestion. CTRMA, the agency in charge of the project, said it plans to address these concerns. [CBS Austin]

• Hate driving on the MoPac Expressway? You’re not alone! Here’s our team’s picks for the top 10 worst intersections in Austin. [🎧 City Cast Austin]

Kacey Musgraves Adds Second Austin Show

The East Texan star just announced a second Austin show for her Middle of Nowhere Tour. Tickets for the Oct. 7 and 8 show at Moody Center go on sale today! [Culture Map Austin]

• A story of resilience: At Musgraves’ three-day set at Gruene Hall earlier this week, the openers were three teenage brothers and their father, who played mariachi for the sold-out shows. And just earlier this year, the family was detained and separated by ICE for 13 days. After Musgraves read their story, she reached out to the family to perform at her show. [KUT NEWS]

Disc Golf Pro Tour Comes to Austin

Today, the world’s greatest disc golfers will descend upon Austin Beerworks’ Sprinkle Valley 18-hole course for the 2026 Barbasol Open, the second of two tour stops in Texas. Sprinkle Valley is where players will either make it or break their chances of moving forward. The tour will make its next stop at Austin’s Harvey Penick on Saturday and Sunday. [Austin American-Statesman]

• Sports! Austin is home to the first women’s sports bar in Texas. [🎧 City Cast Austin]