That New Eastside Bakery? Now Open

Austin, TX · April 27, 2026

Happy Monday — keep an umbrella close as those afternoon storms roll in, and maybe swing by East 11th to check out the neighborhood's newest pastry shop.

📰 The Lead

The I-35 transformation enters a noisy new chapter this morning. Crews are beginning the "stitch" work near the downtown corridor, which means the permanent closure of the old 8th Street overpass. This is part of the massive effort to lower the main lanes and eventually cover them with plazas and green space. For those of us who have spent years staring at the concrete divide between downtown and the Eastside, this is a tangible, if dusty, step toward a more connected city. Expect heavy machinery and shifting barriers between 6th and 11th Streets for the foreseeable future. If you usually cross at 8th, you will need to reroute to 6th or 12th Streets starting with today's morning rush.

🏙️ Local Pulse

  • New Eastside Pastry Destination Opens A beloved local baker has officially opened a permanent storefront on East 11th Street. Known for small-batch croissants and experimental sourdough, the shop fills a much-needed gap for early-morning commuters in the neighborhood.

  • AISD Budget Public Hearings Begin The school district kicks off a series of public forums tonight regarding the 2026-2027 budget. With state funding formulas still in flux, officials are looking for community input on prioritizing teacher retention and campus maintenance.

  • CapMetro Service Expansion in North Austin Starting today, the "Pickup" on-demand transit service expands its footprint in the North Lamar area. Residents can now use the app to hail a ride to local grocery stores and transit hubs for the price of a standard bus fare.

⛈️ Today's Outlook

  • High 89°F · Low 75°F — Thunderstorms
    • Keep an umbrella handy for the afternoon commute, as these storms are expected to develop quickly during the heat of the day. It will be a muggy one, so plan for high humidity if you are heading out for a morning walk.

📅 What's On Around Town

  • Cedar Park: Morning Storytime Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Blvd 10:30 AM A short drive north for a high-energy session of songs and stories designed to get toddlers moving before the afternoon rain hits.

  • Round Rock: Community Yoga Prete Plaza, 221 E Main St 6:00 PM If the storms hold off, join this free outdoor session in the heart of downtown Round Rock—all skill levels are welcome.

  • General Knowledge Trivia Zilker Brewing Co., 1701 E 6th St 7:00 PM Grab a pint of local IPA and test your wits against the neighborhood’s most competitive trivia regulars.

  • Monday Night Jazz Elephant Room, 315 Congress Ave 9:00 PM A subterranean staple where the lighting is low and the talent is world-class. It is the perfect spot to hide from the humidity and start the week with a classic cocktail.

📸 Spotlight & Story

  • The Continental Club
    • This South Congress landmark has been the heartbeat of the local music scene since 1955. Originally a swanky supper club, it evolved into a premier burlesque house before finding its true calling as a roots, rock, and blues mecca. Look closely at the walls and you will see decades of history etched into the wood. It remains one of the few places where you can catch a legendary touring act and a local protégé on the same stage in a single night.

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

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