ATX-ETA: Impact 7/2/2026

Good Morning, East Austin!

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What Austinites need to know before the Fourth of July

Here’s what residents need to know before the upcoming Independence Day holiday:

Fireworks: Fireworks are illegal within city limits without a permit. Violations can result in a fine of up to $2,000.

The city allows sparklers, smoke devices, glow toys and trick noisemakers without a permit. Wherever legal, the city recommends keeping water nearby, lighting one at a time, never relighting and keeping children away.

Travel: July 2 is expected to be the busiest day on the road. Drivers should expect heavy traffic and prepare with routine vehicle maintenance before departing.

Riverside Drive will close between South First Street and Lee Barton Drive starting at 9 a.m. July 4 for the Star Spangled Fest at Auditorium Shores and reopen at 10:30 p.m.

Pets: Fireworks can be distressing for pets. AFD recommends keeping them indoors in a secure, familiar environment and leaving a television on as a distraction.

Heat: AFD advises residents to pre-hydrate, wear light-colored loose-fitting clothing, take frequent breaks in shade and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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Travis County Coverage

Travis County struggles to meet public defense obligations amid attorney shortage

The problem: Travis County must provide attorneys to residents who can't afford one by the end of the first business day after a request, but its primary contractor, the Capital Area Private Defender Service, has lost half its attorney roster over the past decade, dropping from roughly 250 attorneys to about 125.

Because 80% of county public defense cases flow through CAPDS, the shortage has real consequences for case quality and client outcomes.

What's being done: Travis County Community Legal Services Executive Geoff Burkhart presented nine potential solutions to Commissioners Court on June 24, ranging from $50,000 to more than $4 million, including expanding the Public Defender's Office, raising attorney fees, offering loan forgiveness and creating a pipeline through internships.

Preliminary budget investments are expected in late July, though officials warned the fix will span multiple budget cycles.

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On The Business Beat

Galleries, eateries and fitness: Check out recent East Austin business updates

Learn more about several establishments that recently opened or are launching soon in East Austin.

Now open
The Texas-based social and wellness concept Padel39 opened its second Austin location, adding hospitality and community programming to 12 outdoor padel courts.

Haus Obscura opened its new gallery space late in the spring.

The fitness center Pressure Gym celebrated its grand opening June 26.

What's next
The global entertainment company AEG Presents is renovating and rebranding the Emo’s Austin property next year.

The youth athletics and mentorship nonprofit RBI Austin is moving forward with its plans to build a permanent home on Loyala Lane.