ATX-ETA: Impact 7/23/2026

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Top Story

Austin ISD board to vote on immediate Paredes Middle School closure

Austin ISD is proposing to close Paredes Middle School before the school year begins Aug. 18, with students transitioning to Bailey or Mendez middle schools based on where they live.

The context: The proposal comes months after trustees approved a turnaround plan for Paredes rather than closing it.

The campus has received three consecutive failing accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency.

What’s next: The board of trustees will hear the proposal at a special information session July 28 and vote July 30, with both meetings starting at 6 p.m. and livestreamed on the district’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

If approved, the closure would take effect before the school year begins Aug. 18.

Read the full story.

On The Transportation Beat

East Austin transportation projects: What to know about Capital Metro Red Line, I-35 construction

East Austin's transportation network continues evolving with major Capital Metro and I-35 projects planned and underway.

What's happening: Construction continues on multiple I-35 Capital Express Central projects, including the Riverside Drive bridge reconstruction, the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge widening and drainage tunnel work, which are bringing road closures, traffic shifts and pedestrian detours.

What's next: Capital Metro's Red Line improvements along East Fifth Street are scheduled to begin in early 2027, while the downtown segment of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project is expected to break ground that same year.

News Near You

New artisan market headed to North Austin’s Burnet Road

A monthly outdoor market is headed to the parking lot of Neon Belly Coffee & Bakery in North Austin starting this August.

The details: The 8312 Burnet Artisan Market will feature local vendors offering goods such as art, jewelry, small batch food and drinks.

The market will take place the first Sunday of each month beginning Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. For the rest of 2026, the market will run through December and then will start back up again in the spring of 2027.

Admission is free, and the market is dog-friendly. Vendors interested in a spot can reach out to Neon Belly.

Read the full story.

CI Business

Turf N Surf Po’ Boy shutters in downtown Austin

After 16 years in downtown Austin, Turf N Surf Po’ Boy is now closed, owner Ralph Gilmore said.

Learn more: Gilmore announced the closure on Facebook earlier this month, citing reasons like high food costs and a lack of sales. Gilmore also noted less foot traffic at the restaurant due to the convention center’s temporary closure and more people working from home.

The backstory: Turf N Surf Po' Boy opened in 2010 serving po’ boys, tacos, salads and sides.

What’s next: After closing Turf N Surf Po’ Boy, Gilmore announced his new business venture in Aransas Pass, Texas. Hook House Kitchen will serve up familiar surf and turf options, including steaks, snapper and mahi; it’s expected to open in September, Gilmore said.

The restaurant will also cook any fish that a patron caught themselves, serving it grilled, fried or blackened. For drinks, customers can expect to sip on beer and cocktails.