"Tackling Drought in Vibrant Austin: Rainwater, Resilience, and Community" (140 characters)

Good morning, Austin. I’m Morgan Riley, and here’s the word on the streets of Austin.

In today’s top stories, the Central Texas drought persists despite a week of intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. While many hoped the recent downpours would break the months-long dry spell, meteorologists say the region remains in drought status. Local reservoirs are still well below capacity, and water restrictions continue. City officials are urging Austinites to keep conserving water as summer heats up, reminding us that even classic Texas rain can’t undo years of unusual dry weather. Stay mindful about your water use, and keep those native plants thriving.

On the city beat, there’s been a significant development in Austin’s ongoing effort to support our unhoused neighbors. According to the latest Point-in-Time count, nearly 600 more Austinites are now indoors and off the street—a remarkable 50 percent increase from last year. City officials say that new affordable housing units and expanded support programs have played a major role in turning the corner on this critical issue. If you’ve lived here a while, you know affordable housing has long been a challenge in Austin’s story, dating back decades. This recent progress offers new hope and a reminder of the power of community action.

For our human interest spotlight, meet Lisa Garza, owner of Rain Lily Farm on the East Side. With water in short supply, Lisa’s creative approach stands out—she’s turned to rainwater harvesting and drought-resistant crops, becoming a model for sustainable urban agriculture. Her weekly farmer’s market brings not just produce, but neighbors together, keeping Austin’s homegrown spirit alive. If you’re in the area this weekend, pay her a visit—her story is a true reflection of the resilience and ingenuity that defines our city.

Turning to weather, expect partly sunny skies today with temperatures climbing to the mid-80s. After last week’s storms—with hail and heavy downpours—forecasters predict more stable conditions but remind us to remain prepared for wildfire season. For allergy sufferers, counts remain high, so you might want to keep that bottle of antihistamine handy.

Looking ahead, the Austin Tree of the Year voting continues as part of National Arbor Day celebrations, so cast your ballot for your favorite local legend. Live music fans can catch some rising stars at Cheer Up Charlies tonight, and the Zilker Park Kite Festival takes flight on Sunday—a classic tradition for families and newcomers alike.

As we close out today’s update, let’s remember: even as Austin grows and changes, our city’s strength is in community, compassion, and that spirit of innovation—whether we’re weathering storms or rallying for our neighbors. This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Subscribe now so you never miss an Austin news update. For more information, send an email to [e-mail] or check out our website at Quiet Please dot AI.