New Lane Shifts on South Congress and a Comedy Festival Recap

Austin, TX · April 13, 2026

Happy Monday — the weekend crowds have cleared out, leaving us with a crisp morning and some new traffic cones on South Congress to navigate. If you’re heading south of the lake today, keep an eye out for the fresh lane markings near Academy Drive as the city begins the next phase of the pedestrian safety initiative.

The Lead

The city’s long-term strategy for staying hydrated is moving into a critical phase this week as the Water Forward 2040 plan hits the City Council’s desk for a final review. Following a weekend of community feedback sessions, the updated proposal emphasizes aggressive leak detection and a significant expansion of "purple pipe" reclaimed water systems for commercial irrigation. For residents, the most immediate impact of the plan involves new incentives for drought-resistant landscaping and graywater system installations. While our reservoir levels have stabilized after the spring rains, officials are pushing for these structural changes now to avoid the drastic Stage 3 restrictions seen in previous years. The council is expected to discuss the funding mechanisms for these infrastructure upgrades during tomorrow’s work session.

Local Pulse

Moontower Comedy Wraps Up Weekend Run The city’s venues were packed over the last 48 hours as the Moontower Just For Laughs festival concluded its main slate. Local club owners report record-breaking attendance at the smaller "satellite" shows, signaling a strong recovery for the downtown late-night economy.
I-35 Northbound Diversions Near Airport Boulevard Expect delays during the evening commute as crews begin shifting northbound main lanes toward the new elevated bypass. This is part of the multi-year mobility project; the current configuration is expected to remain in place for at least three weeks.
New Community Garden Opens in Montopolis A formerly vacant lot on Vargas Road has been transformed into a neighborhood-managed garden. The project, funded by a municipal grant, provides forty raised beds for residents and includes a rainwater harvesting system to serve as a model for urban agriculture.

Today's Outlook

High 79°F · Low 56°F
- It is a quintessential spring day with low humidity and clear skies. You might want a light jacket for the morning walk, but you’ll be shedding it by lunchtime.

What's On Around Town

Pflugerville: Paws & Pages Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pfluger St 4:00–5:00 PM A great way for young readers to practice their skills by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a low-stress environment.
Cedar Park: City Council Workshop Cedar Park City Hall, 450 Cypress Creek Rd 6:00 PM The council will be discussing the preliminary designs for the new Bell District park space; a good chance for neighbors to see the blueprints before they are finalized.
Bluegrass Night at Radio Coffee & Beer Radio Coffee & Beer, 4204 Manchaca Rd 7:00–10:00 PM A Monday tradition that brings out some of the best pickers in Central Texas. It’s free, family-friendly, and usually standing-room-only by 8:00 PM.
Monday Night Jazz The Elephant Room, 315 Congress Ave 9:00 PM Head down the stairs to this basement institution for a set of classic jazz. It’s one of the best spots in the city to disappear from the modern world for a few hours.

Spotlight & Story

Mount Bonnell at Covert Park
- While many locals think of the 102-step climb as a workout or a first-date cliché, the vista from the 775-foot summit remains the highest point within city limits. The land was donated to the city in 1939 by the family of Frank Covert, with the explicit requirement that it remain a free public park. Legend has it that the peak was once a lookout for the Texas Rangers, but today it serves as the best place to watch the sunset hit the 360 Bridge.

Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.