City Cast Austin

With Austin's constant growth and identity crisis, we are constantly wondering if this city is still cool. Enter City Cast Houston, whose host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee join City Cast Austin host Nikki DaVaughn and producer Elissa Castles in debating which city is the best. It's the City Cast Texas Showdown, and we're sizing up these two Texas giants as it comes to affordability, music, food, and the outdoors. Can Houston even compare?  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: Texas Renaissance Festival The Texas Tribune Festival New Waterloo - Trick Hat Workway Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The City of Austin's new $1.1 million logo is not a huge hit, especially among the thousands of people who've signed a petition to “stop” it — but city officials are hoping that will soon change. Starting Oct. 1, the logo will be all over the city's social media accounts and website, and other changes will be coming too, like shortening city departments and moving away from using acronyms. The wavy A, in colors inspired by our “greenbelts, lakes, skyline sunsets, and bluebonnets,” replaces a seal that a San Francisco man designed for a contest, winning $50, in 1916, as well as hundreds of department-specific logos. But is it worth it? And will Austinites come around? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Jessica King, Austin's chief communications director; and Yasmin Wagner, the city's web and creative services manager, to get into it all.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Texas Renaissance Festival The Texas Tribune Festival New Waterloo - Trick Hat Workway

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis is not pleased after a warning for residents to “shelter in place” was lifted prematurely early Wednesday, while police were still looking for a gunman who shot a police officer and a civilian in Zilker Park. Davis said she is looking into what went wrong, as the lifted order prompted Austin Independent School District to start school on time, and parents were carting their kids to school while the suspect remained at-large. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to unpack the events of the shooting and discuss APD's response. Plus, the team gets into the recent influx of immigration agents in Austin, and shares their picks for what Lady Gaga should do while she's here for her March 2026 performances at the Moody Center.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 12th episode: Downtown Austin Alliance Wise Huel - Use code AUSTIN for 15% off for new customers Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Austin is known for its tacos, but you probably don't know the stories behind the people who make our corn-or-flour-wrapped deliciousness, or what makes Austin's tacos stand out among the sea of tacos statewide. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by taco journalist Mando Rayo, whose latest season of “Tacos of Texas” is out now. Plus, Mando shares some of his favorite tacos in town, and encourages Austinites to venture out of the city center for the best tacos around, and to head particularly to Austin's Taco Mile (map here!). Don't miss Mando's story on the origin of the San Antonio/Austin taco wars — not that they're a thing, y'all. Seriously.   Learn more about the sponsors of this September 11th episode: Downtown Austin Alliance Wise Huel - Use code AUSTIN for 15% off for new customers Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Austin claims to be an environmentally-friendly city — and based on our local tree canopy, that's mostly warranted. But zooming in, it's clear that trees are more dense on the west side than in East Austin. Tree-huggers are paying attention, though, and regularly work to make things better — including by holding the annual Tree of the Year awards (nominations are still open, by the way). Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by TreeFolks' Executive Director Andrew W. Smiley to talk about Austin's latest Tree Canopy Report, how our canopy compares to those in other cities across the country, and why it matters.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode: Downtown Austin Alliance Wise Huel - Use code AUSTIN for 15% off for new customers Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  This episode originally aired on May 12. 

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is undergoing a massive expansion, and as the airport adds more terminals, two airlines are vying to be the biggest carrier in town. Delta Air Lines has added tons of direct Austin routes lately, and is opening a flight attendant base here in October, meaning local flight attendants won't have to commute to work. But Southwest Airlines is hoping to be ABIA's anchor tenant and hopes to lease most of the new terminal gates. So, which airline is a better fit for Austin? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producer Elissa Castles and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to duke it out.     Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode: Downtown Austin Alliance Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Wise Huel - Use code AUSTIN for 15% off for new customers Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Last week, the City of Austin unveiled a new $1.1 million logo and rebrand, just as it prepares to ask Austin voters to raise taxes. Austin is facing a budget deficit, and in order to maintain services, the city is asking voters to increase property taxes in November. But one man, former mayoral candidate Jeffery Bowen, says the ballot language is misleading, and is suing the city over it. So, just what will Austin voters be agreeing to if they vote for the tax rate increase? And why does Bowen's lawyer, Bill Aleshire, keep suing the city? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Luz Moreno-Lozano, who covers city hall for KUT, to discuss it all.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 8th episode: Downtown Austin Alliance Wise Huel - Use code AUSTIN for 15% off for new customers Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

On Wednesday, Texas lawmakers wrapped up a drawn-out special session and finally headed home. Republican lawmakers claimed big wins with a new district map, stricter anti-abortion measures, and a transgender bathroom bill. But the session ultimately fizzled after lawmakers failed to agree on regulating THC, the issue that sparked the special session in the first place. On today's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producer Elissa Castles and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the wins and losses from the Capitol. Plus, we get into the good and the bad restaurant news of the week and then unpack Austin Monthly's 2025 Best of Austin list, where many friends of the pod made the cut! Learn more about the sponsors of this September 5th episode: Water Lantern Festival Downtown Austin Alliance Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Every day, you drive on streets, bridges, and past buildings named after Austinites who did something amazing — and chances are, you have no idea who they are. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined today by Adam Powell, the executive director of the Austin History Center Association, who shares the stories behind some of Austin's namesakes, like the newspaper man who helped bring The University of Texas to Austin, the World War II vet-turned magician who made incredible clothing, the man who successfully challenged the so-called Hollywood blacklist, and the alderman who died in the fight to rename 19th Street after Martin Luther King, Jr. The Austin History Center has been undergoing renovations, and reopens this weekend with an event on Sunday, Sept. 7.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode: Water Lantern Festival Downtown Austin Alliance Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Austin-area students are back in school, but things are looking a little different this year in classrooms. While the new Texas law requiring schools to display the 10 Commandments is on hold at Austin Independent School District, the law banning cellphones during the school day is in full effect. Three AISD campuses are going through changes to stave off closures for poor performance, and a slew of others are facing closures to help the district fight off a $19.7 million budget deficit. There's still another year before Texas students will be eligible for school vouchers, but even now, new and innovative private schools — like the AI-driven Alpha School — are coming to town. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Community Impact's education reporter Chloe Young and Sharon Jayson, a local independent reporter who recently wrote about the district's new equity assessment for the Austin Free Press, to discuss it all.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Water Lantern Festival Downtown Austin Alliance Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

We made it through the worst of summer weather y'all, congratulations! The kids are back in school, the tourists are starting to come back, and maybe you're feeling romantic. It's time to date this city that we all call home — and we've got some excellent recommendations on what to do if you're looking for some me time, some ideas for a great date night, a few things you can do as a family (spoiler alert: Everyone's going to Bat Fest!). And, if you're looking for ways to make that budget stretch but still have fun, don't miss our recent episode on what to eat, drink and do for under $50.  For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Austin, check out Hey Austin's take on what to do this month.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

College is back in session, Cheer Up Charlies was saved from the chopping block, and we've made it past 100-degree days. Buckle up for a busy Friday News Roundup, where host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by local drag performer and activist Brigitte Bandit, and University of Texas at Austin junior Genesis Britz, get into it all. Britz tells us what life is really like this semester at UT and how it feels now that UT police have expanded their footprint; while DaVaughn and Bandit share their experiences as past performers at Cheer Ups and what the bar means to them. Finally, with colder temperatures on the way, we share some recommendations for what to do this weekend. And, for more on the conservative-ization of UT, check out our recent interview with Austin Chronicle's Brant Bingamon.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This weekend, Texas Longhorns play Ohio State University, kicking off The University of Texas at Austin's football season — and the stakes couldn't be higher. For the first time ever, UT is ranked No. 1, we've got a Manning as our quarterback, and the schedule is jam-packed with rivals. Plus, the tailgating scene and pre-game festivities around Darrel K. Royal Memorial Stadium have never been better. Executive Producer Eva Ruth Moravec is joined by superfan Megan Grigsby, who hosts the podcast, Fire the Cannon, and Austin American-Statesman reporter Danny Davis, to talk about all things UT Football. And, if you're hungry for more burnt orange-themed City Cast Austin coverage, check out our Hey Austin guide to the 2025 Longhorn Football season, and this episode from last year on how to tailgate like a pro.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode: Wise Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

When one bar door closes, another one opens. But is the new ever as good as the old? East Side favorite Nickel City recently landed a spot on North America's Best Bars list, proving that the Austin bar scene can hold its own on the national stage. Yet, we still lose our favorite spots regularly. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined today by beer, food, and drink writer Ruvani de Silva to talk about the shifting bar scene and the must-try new spots in Austin.   This episode originally aired on May 8.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode: Wise Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

That gasp you heard last Thursday evening? It was Austinites' surprise at the news that longtime U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett is retiring if Texas' new congressional district map is upheld in court. The new map combines Doggett's district with parts of that of relative newbie Rep. Greg Casar. And while there is already a legal challenge to the redistricting law, Casar has now announced he will be running for the District 37 seat. It looks like local Democrats are supportive of Doggett's retirement, but to find out more, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Forrest Wilder, senior writer for Texas Monthly; and Monique Alcala, a former executive director of the Texas Democratic Party based in Austin.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Wise Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

It was the Texas Department of Transportation's construction of the Congress Avenue bridge in the 1980s that first attracted Mexican Freetail bats to Austin, in droves that caused Austinites to push for their extermination. And now, TxDOT is caring for the bats once again, building alternative spots for their roosts as it tears apart bridges over Interstate 35. So to find out how they're faring in this new living situation, along with what happened to Austin's bats during the summer rainstorms, executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec is joined by Austin Bat Refuge co-founders, Dianne Odegard and Lee McKenzie. Plus, now is peak bat-watching season, so we've got a few tips on how and where to see them best.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode: Wise Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

It's not just you, traffic has indeed gotten worse since AISD went back to school this week. But the congestion on the roadways isn't the only thing changing this school year. Starting September 1, two new Texas laws will go into effect – one that bans cell phones during school hours and one (currently temporarily blocked by a federal judge) that requires schools to display the Ten Commandments. On this week's Friday News Roundup, the City Cast Austin team breaks down these new school rules. Plus, now that the redistricting map is moving forward, Rep. Lloyd Doggett says he won't be seeking reelection if the map is upheld by the courts. The team discusses what shifts are expected for Austin's districts and also, why taxpayers might foot the flood recovery bill.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

After a 15-year hiatus, “King of the Hill” has been rebooted — and it just may be the very thing that Austinites need to watch right now. As this traditionally liberal city tries to navigate life in President Donald Trump's America, Mike Judge provides us with just the thing to help bridge gaps and build understanding through the life of Hank Hill. Longtime fan and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec is joined by Austin comedian and writer Brian Gaar to discuss the show's fortes, shortcomings, and connections to Austin, including the reboot's debut at last year's SXSW. Stick around for their predictions on how Bobby Hill's fusion restaurant would do here, and which neighborhood the Hills et al would call home.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Are we still suffering from a loneliness epidemic, like the U.S. Surgeon General declared in 2023? Well, the experts on friendship that we talked to say, kinda. While things may be getting better, Austinites are experiencing a sort of social atrophy — our social muscles aren't working as well as they did pre-pandemic. So, to help you get back in friendship shape, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Erinn Knight, co-founder of Where Y'all At Though; and Elle Beecher, who founded The Board Walks. They share their tips on how to make friends as an adult in Austin, and here's a sneak peek: You have to befriend yourself first.   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Austin has long been represented in Congress by Democrats. But now that the Texas House Democrats are back and the second special session is officially underway, it's only a matter of time before the new redistricting maps are adopted, splitting Travis County into several Republican districts and one Democratic one. The move all comes at the behest of President Donald Trump, but are Texas Republicans making a huge mistake in giving Trump what he wants? And, if redistricting between census years is totally acceptable, and if Democrats have done it in the past like Republicans allege, why didn't Texas Republicans do this before now? Longtime Texas Republican strategist Anthony Holm joins executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 19th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter. Plus, we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Tesla's Robotaxis are here, and Waymo just expanded its footprint in town from covering 37 square miles to covering 90. But it's not like autonomous vehicles here are anything new — a decade ago, this is where the first fully autonomous car ride took place, and then-Mayor Steve Adler declared Austin the “Kitty Hawk of driverless cars.” Today's guest, Dan Weinstock, has been riding in Waymos since he got approved to ride from an insider waiting list late last year. Since then, he's taken dozens of rides. As the fleet of autonomous taxis in town increases, we revisit our conversation with Dan to see if he can convince host Nikki DaVaughn to take one.  This episode originally aired on April 2, 2025Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

It took Austin police 50 minutes to track down and arrest Ethan Nieneker, the gunman in Monday's deadly North Austin Target shooting. Could Flock Safety license plate readers have helped catch Nieneker sooner? Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis says yes, but others argue the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. On this week's Friday News Roundup, Executive Producer Eva Ruth Moravec is joined by MySA digital reporter Kelsey Thompson and Evil MoPac to discuss this and more. We get into the latest with I-35's rebuild, this weekend's likely "round two" special session, and what to do this weekend.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 15th episode: Visit Port Aransas LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre The Texas Tribune Festival Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

For many Americans, money is tight right now. But fear not, Austinites — there is still plenty to do on the cheap in this city, and the City Cast Austin team is here to tell you all about it. We're shelling out our best tips for the cheapest breakfast tacos, heartiest affordable lunches, best dinner deals, our favorite happy hours for food and drink, and things to do for fun that are low-cost or free, like studio tours, dance lessons, improv shows, music, and more.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 14th episode:  Visit Port Aransas LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre The Texas Tribune Festival Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On Monday afternoon, Ethan Nieneker, a 32 year old male, opened fire in a North Austin Target parking lot, killing three and injuring others. Nieneker had previous encounters with the Austin Police Department and a record of mental health issues. On today's episode, executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec chats with Police Chief Lisa Davis to break down how the shooting unfolded and later with Tabetha Harrison, from the Texas Council on Family Violence, on why Nieneker shouldn't have ever had a gun.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 13th episode: Visit Port Aransas LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre The Texas Tribune Festival Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Recently, the Austin Aquarium got slapped with a rare warning from the United States Department of Agriculture for unsupervised interactions between animals and humans that went awry. The incidents themselves took place a couple of years ago, around the time that Austin's Animal Advisory Commission formed a working group to examine aquariums. And, while the commission recommended that Austin City Council pass an ordinance limiting interactions between wild animals and the public at for-profit aquariums and zoos, the measure was never adopted. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Rebecca Smudzinski, associate director of captive wildlife for the PETA Foundation, to get into the Austin Aquarium's history, the latest warning, and why PETA thinks the wild animal recommendation should be revisited.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 12th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Visit Port Aransas LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre The Texas Tribune Festival And don't forget – we're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

This week, Austin City Council will adopt next year's budget, and all signs are pointing towards a tax rate election. Sales taxes aren't what they used to be, federal cuts have hit the city's bottom line, and employment costs continue to rise, all contributing to the $33.4 million deficit that isn't going away anytime soon. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Amy Stansbury of The Austin Common to get into the three things that every Austinite should know about how the city plans to spend your money.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Austin swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode: Visit Port Aransas LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre The Texas Tribune Festival Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

This week, Texas House Democrats fled the state, breaking quorum in an effort to block a vote on redistricting. In response, Republican lawmakers have threatened legal action and have even called on the FBI to track them down. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to break down the political standoff and what it means for the special session. Plus, we get into the permanent barricades coming to Sixth Street, newly discovered dinosaur footprints in Big Sandy Creek, and why every Austinite should watch HBO's 'The Yogurt Shop Murders'. Want to learn more about the series? Listen to our conversation with the documentary's director.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Two new state laws have caused major changes at Texas' public universities, just as loads of cash has been channeled to new institutions claiming a more “anti-woke” approach to education. As a result, professors have left The University of Texas at Austin, reports today's guest, Brant Bingamon, in the Austin Chronicle. He joins host Nikki DaVaughn to talk about the $100 million School of Civic Leadership at UT, backed by conservative politicians including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick; the University of Austin; and UT's brain drain.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The State of Texas just set a new execution date of Oct. 16 for Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his two-year-old daughter in 2002. Last October, the Supreme Court of Texas stepped in to stay his execution at the last minute, after state lawmakers raised questions about his potential innocence, but then lifted the stay one month later, clearing the way for this new execution date. For today's episode, we revisit a conversation host Nikki DaVaughn had with Michelle Lyons shortly after the stay to break down Roberson's case and Texas' prolific use of the death penalty. And she knows all about it — Lyons, a former public information officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, has witnessed hundreds of executions and even wrote a memoir about her experiences. As you might imagine, this interview touches on some difficult topics, so please listen with care.  This episode originally aired on November 12, 2024 Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

After Democrats fled Austin in order to keep the Texas House from taking up redistricting, Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to remove them from office and suggested they might be committing bribery by fundraising to cover $500-a-day fines. Still, the Democrats have declared the special session is over and appear to be well-resourced enough to back that up. Executive Producer Eva Ruth Moravec is joined by Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, to unpack what's taken place and talk about what's to come.   Learn more about the sponsors of this August 5th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The violent deaths of four teenagers in an Austin yogurt shop in 1991 forever changed the city, and Austin's collective trauma is on full display in a new HBO documentary series, “The Yogurt Shop Murders.” Over the years, detectives have tried to find the killers, and two people were even convicted – but later released after being cleared by DNA. Still unsolved, the killings of Amy Ayers, 13; Eliza Thomas, 17; and sisters Jennifer Harbison, 17, and Sarah Harbison, 15, rocked the teenage years of host Nikki DaVaughn, she shares in today's episode with the series' director, Margaret Brown. The first episode is out now, and three more will be released in the coming weeks

Austin is once again in the national spotlight, as Texas lawmakers work to create the five new Republican congressional districts President Donald Trump requested. But will they succeed? On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KXAN's Grace Reader and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the effort to redistrict Texas, why the City of Austin is clashing with firefighters, and how you can get on “Love Is Blind.” Plus, our weekend picks.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 1st episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget — you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin member at membership.citycast.fm. And Neighbors, please send us your neighborhood shout-outs here!  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

We've made it to the dog days of summer, and they are long. Yet unlike most other years, this August, Austin is looking green and gorgeous thanks to our very rainy July. In our monthly guide to August 2025 in Austin, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Nicolai McCrary, senior staff writer at The Infatuation, to share our picks for sights to take in (in the air-conditioned halls of government, outside, and on stages), the concerts to put on your calendar (free, benefits, and otherwise), and the snacks to try before the month is up. And, if you're craving more ideas for cold treats to eat this summer, check out our recent round-up in Hey Austin.  For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Austin, check out Hey Austin's take on what to do this month. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31st episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget — you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin member at membership.citycast.fm.   Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Since the July 4th flooding in Central Texas and the Hill Country, volunteers have shown up in droves, at first overwhelming the extensive flooding scenes. Even though officials told folks to not just show up, hundreds of people did, both in and around Kerr County, and in Austin-area Sandy Creek. In this two-part episode, host Nikki DaVaughn first hears from Dayna De Hoyos, who lives in Comfort and volunteered dozens of hours to helping animals in the area; and then with Dwight Bailey, executive director of the Austin Disaster Relief Network, which organizes volunteers and is part of the official response to Central Texas disasters. Volunteers are still badly needed in Travis County and in the Kerrville area. And, in full disclosure, City Cast Austin recently donated $347 to ADRN during a membership drive.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30th episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget — you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin member at membership.citycast.fm.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

A tax rate election is getting more and more likely, as Austin City Council members seem less interested in cutting services in order to adopt a budget that balances out a $33 million deficit. But Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis has another proposal: Charge Austinites a fee for parks, an idea that could bring in $5.4 million. Ellis joins host Nikki DaVaughn to explain her proposal, and go over some major pain points in the budget so far. Plus, Ellis announces that although she's term-limited next year, she plans to ask District 8 voters for permission to run once more. Finally, Ellis shares her favorite hidden gems for gumbo-lovers and green thumbs in District 8.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29th episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget — you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin member at membership.citycast.fm.   Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

A special session is underway at the Texas Capitol, where lawmakers have a list of 18 items to address in just 30 days. While regulating THC products used to be at the top of the list, that all changed after the July 4th floods, and folks want answers and solutions to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. Plus, lawmakers are voluntarily taking on redistricting, to appease President Donald Trump. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KUT's Blaise Gainey to talk about what to watch this special session.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 28th episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, get more from City Cast Austin when you become a City Cast Austin Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/austin   Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Everyone's talking about Austin-area Rep. James Talarico after the Democrat's interview on the Joe Rogan Experience was published this week. And, everyone wants to know: Will he throw his hat in the ring for Sen. John Cornyn's seat in D.C.? Host Nikki DaVaughn discusses on today's Friday News Roundup, joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec. Plus, what the Upright Citizens Brigade's move to Austin means for the local comedy scene, and how the $1.1 billion in federal funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will affect Austin's iconic Austin City Limits TV show. And, last but not least, the team shares their weekend picks.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

For lots of Austinites, the swag one gets for donating to our local NPR station, KUT, is a status symbol. Grackle-adorned totes and socks are practically a currency — this city loves the news station and its sister station, KUTX, which often showcases Austin musicians. But do Austinites love KUT enough to save it? The station is trying to raise $1.2 million to shore up what it lost when Congress rolled back funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KUT's General Manager, Debbie Hiott, who also sits on NPR's board of directors, to talk about how the cuts will affect local programming, staffing, and more, especially at a time when local news deserts are expanding. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Yes, we just saw record-breaking rainfall that brought more rain to Austin in July than we typically see throughout an entire summer. And yes, the reservoirs that hold Austinites' drinking water are 95% full for the first time since 2019. But that still doesn't mean you can water your lawn every day — or that the city can take a break from fixing its hundreds of miles of leaky pipes. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin Water's Kevin Kluge, water conservation manager, to find out what effect the recent catastrophic flooding had on our watering restrictions, drought conditions, and water supply.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Newsflash: Things are expensive, and retailers are hiding costs related to inflation and economic unknowns everywhere they can. Fear not, Austinites, we have a solution for you. This city is full of secondhand stores, vintage popups, clothing swaps, and other opportunities to buy things used. So where do you start? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by expert thrifter Paula Cox, and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw, who loves a secondhand store, to get into the best resale shops for vintage finds, great quality clothing, furniture, and more.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The world's richest man may not have the same power he once had in the White House, but Elon Musk has become quite powerful in Austin, at the seat of Texas government. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Lauren McGaughy, an investigative reporter and editor with the Texas Newsroom, based at KUT, who covers Musk and recently wrote about his secret emails with Gov. Greg Abbott, his fight with West Lake Hills neighbors over a fence, and how he successfully lobbied the Texas Legislature this year.   Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Get more from City Cast Austin when you become a City Cast Austin Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/austin   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

This week, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax unveiled his proposed $6.3 billion budget, which aims to shore up the city's deficit while avoiding a direct call for a tax-rate election. But will it work? Some city leaders are skeptical. On this week's Friday News Round Up, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to tell you everything you need to know. We also dive into Antone's 50th year of legendary live music, IKEA's new "small city store" in San Marcos, and how locals are raising big money for flood relief. Plus, the growing petition to pause the convention center rebuild, and why you should come to our birthday party this weekend! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau TurboTenant Get more from City Cast Austin when you become a City Cast Austin Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/austin And, come celebrate our first birthday and have a drink on us on Sunday, July 20, at the Cabana Club! It's free with RSVP.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE