Three events celebrating the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday will take place in the area. Mark your calendars in preparation to celebrate the holiday.

Bee Cave’s America 250th celebration: The city of Bee Cave will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a community event at city hall. The event will include children’s crafts, popsicles and an opportunity for attendees to participate in the city’s Wish Wall. Residents of all ages are encouraged to add a personal wish, reflection or hope for Bee Cave and the nation, by writing a message on ribbons that will be added to the display.

• July 1, 1-3 p.m.

• July 4, 8:30 a.m.-noon

Over the last month, the city councils of Lakeway, Bee Cave and Rollingwood have each had discussions and made decisions that affect the cities. From budget discussions to development code updates, check out three recent government stories from the area.

1. Lakeway projected to have $1.6 million shortfall for upcoming fiscal year

Lakeway is projected to have a $1.6 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year as revenues are down by 5.5%, equalling $19.5 million, while expenditures have increased by nearly 6% at $21.1 million, Lakeway City Manager Joseph Molis.

2. Bee Cave updates mixed-use zoning to keep commercial spaces intact

Bee Cave City Council approved amendments to the city's unified development code at a June 23 meeting in order to clarify the goals that mixed-use zones were designed to achieve, senior planner Sean Lapano said.

3. Rollingwood to consider implementing surveillance technology

Rollingwood City Council discussed potentially implementing surveillance technology and authorizing a request for proposals for cameras and surveillance infrastructure at a June 17 City Council meeting.

Check out some top trending stories from the Austin area June 22-25. 

1. Last Austin-area Hooters location closes

2. Developer of The Domain partners with legacy family on 1,200-acres

3. Universal Music partner joins White Rocks project to build hotel and private residences

4. Hays County denies agreement with 340-acre development over Edwards Aquifer recharge zone

5. Liberty Hill ISD students outperform state average on majority of 2026 STAAR exams

6. Georgetown veterans to have VA health care closer to home

State lawmakers are considering water use impacts tied to the spread of new data center developments across Texas, and recently heard input from industry representatives and residents as they plan for next year's legislative session.

The initial review may preview proposed state laws regarding data centers and their local impacts. Ahead of the hearing, Gov. Greg Abbott also stated his "bottom line" expectations for data centers going forward: providing their own power, reusing water and reducing electricity costs for their neighbors.

Testimony from regulators revealed that Texas lacks accurate information about the water use of most data centers now operating statewide, despite mandates to submit those details. Representatives suggested data centers' self-reporting on utility use could be one topic to address next year. Many impacted residents and elected officials also raised concerns with public notice and local regulatory authority in relation to the high-profile developments.