Word on the streets of Austin: it’s another busy week in the capital city, and I’m Morgan Riley. Here’s what’s making headlines across our vibrant community.
Austin is still catching its breath after last Thursday’s round of intense storms. Hail, lightning, and heavy rainfall swept through Central Texas, leaving many residents cleaning up their yards and checking for damage. Thankfully, no major injuries have been reported, but these spring storms are a powerful reminder to stay weather-aware this season.
In city hall, leaders are focusing on how we handle the heat. With temperatures already climbing, officials have rolled out a new campaign to keep Austinites cool and safe. From hydration stations to extended pool hours, these efforts come as meteorologists predict a hotter-than-average May. City leaders recommend checking in on elderly neighbors and never leaving pets or kids in parked cars, even for a minute.
Meanwhile, the Austin City Limits Music Festival is once again showing its outsize impact on our local economy. A new report confirms the 2024 festival generated more than $534 million for the region, including over $8 million dedicated to citywide park improvements. It’s a testament to how live music continues to shape both our culture and our community infrastructure—something that would make both Willie Nelson and today’s rising stars proud.
Today’s human interest is close to home: American Gateways, a local nonprofit, was recently recognized for its work providing legal support to low-income immigrants across 23 Central Texas counties. From helping families reunite to offering trusted information on our ever-changing immigration system, American Gateways is a lifeline for many. Their commitment is a powerful example of the compassion and resilience found throughout Austin.
Looking ahead, here’s what’s coming up around town. The weekend forecast calls for sunshine and highs in the mid-80s—perfect weather for checking out Barton Springs or strolling Lady Bird Lake. Community events include the annual Pecan Street Festival, live jazz at Zilker Park, and a new art installation opening on South Congress. For those passionate about civic engagement, City Council will soon consider ambitious plans for new north and south transit centers as part of an effort to create a more equitable future for all neighborhoods.
As we wrap things up, I’m reminded of Austin’s unique blend of big city energy and small town heart—where every thunderstorm, festival, and neighborhood story shapes the city we call home. If you’ve got questions or stories to share, I’m always here: just send an email to
[email protected], or check out our website at Quiet Please dot AI.
This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Subscribe and never miss an Austin news update.