Podcast appearances and mentions of nikki davaughn

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 

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 

As BoiseDev first reported, Meridian is in talks about opening a Buc-ee's: a potential 74,000 square feet of gas station glory! Our friends at City Cast Austin and City Cast Houston tell us it's worth every step. So while we wait for official confirmation, host Lindsay Van Allen is chatting with our Texan hosts Nikki DaVaughn and Raheel Ramzanali to figure out why this roadside stop has a cult-like following and whether this Lone Star staple can win over the Treasure Valley.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you'll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this July 21st episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 

In Austin, margaritas are more than a mixture of tequila, lime juice, and orange liquor; they're a summertime survival tool. And with literally hundreds of options in town, finding a good one is probably easier than you think. But, we at City Cast Austin undertook the rigorous task of narrowing down the city's best — and most overrated — margaritas, and our answers might surprise you. Do you agree with host Nikki DaVaughn, newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw, or executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec? Let us know what you think in a text or a voicemail.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th 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   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

If seeing the long lines around P. Terry's Burger Stands during its donation drive, or watching story after story about people killed by the floods is making you tear up on the regular these days, please know you're not alone. The news in Central Texas has been tragic lately, so host Nikki DaVaughn is joined in conversation by Julie Burke, with Violet Crown Therapy, to get some tips. Burke shares her advice for those feeling collective grief, for helping parents talk to kids about what happened, and for honoring the lives lost.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: LBJ Presidential Library Visit Port Aransas Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau TurboTenant Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. 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 

Today, the Austin Fire Department union will hold a vote of no confidence in the fire chief, Joel Baker, after accusing him of preventing rescue crews from assisting in Kerr County during the devastating Fourth of July floods. Plus, Gov. Greg Abbott added flood safety response to the agenda for the upcoming special session later this month. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to give you the latest developments following the catastrophic Central Texas Floods. We honor the Austinites who lost their lives, discuss why the floods were so deadly, and highlight the many ways Texans are showing up to help each other recover. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 11th episode: Jones Dairy Farm LBJ Presidential Library 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 

In the early morning of July 4th, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning, but two hours later, the swollen Guadalupe River swept camp children out of their cabins at Camp Mystic. A wall of water then flooded the Hill Country and most of Central Texas, eventually killing more than 110 people, including dozens of children. Another 170 people are still missing, and the victims are strewn from Kerr County down to Sandy Creek. But flash floods are familiar to this area, known as “flash flood alley,” so why did the July Fourth floods catch so many off-guard? From missing warning systems to critical staffing gaps at the National Weather Service, spotty cell phone service and just plain complacency, veteran KXAN Meteorologist Jim Spencer joins host Nikki Davaughn to examine what could have gone wrong and how Texans can better prepare for the next flash flood. Late Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that several flood-related items, including funding flood warning systems, are now on the agenda for the Texas Legislature's upcoming special session.   Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode: Jones Dairy Farm LBJ Presidential Library 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 

Nikki DaVaughn and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that's been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country's best farmers market,' pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win? Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode: Jones Dairy Farm Visit Port Aransas

Austin, we have a water problem. A new report from Austin Water showed the city lost 9.3 billion gallons of water last year due to leaky pipes. This news comes as we continue another month of drought and as Texas' water supply dwindles. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn chats with Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss it all. Plus, Governor Greg Abbott's latest special session, SXSW's new plans for 2026, and what Kelsey is doing in Houston this weekend.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode: LBJ Presidential Library Jones Dairy Farm 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 

With summertime in Austin comes insects and bugs of all shapes and sizes, all of which do NOT appeal to host Nikki DaVaughn. But if anyone can change her mind, it's Entomologist Wizzie Brown with Texas A&M's ArgiLife Extension Service, who loves cockroaches so much she got a tattoo of one. Brown exposes Austin's bug life, breaking down the good, the bad, the ugly, and the summer stunners in our local insect world.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: LBJ Presidential Library 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 

Whether you love it or, like host Nikki DaVaughn, hate it, AI is here in Austin to stay. From the tech giants like Meta, Google, X, and Microsoft to new startups that open up shop every single day, we're home to hundreds of companies and thousands of techies working on the next era of artificial intelligence. But how does it impact Austinites? Who's paying attention and providing oversight into how this new technology is used? And what's next? Local tech writer Omar Gallaga joins City Cast Austin to fill us in on it all.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23rd episode: Visit Port Aransas LBJ Presidential Library Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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 

We all know Austin's official Pride celebration takes place in August — but there's one event that you shouldn't miss in June: The Majestic Ball, this Saturday, June 21. House of Lepore Founder and Mother, Icon Natalie Lepore, joins host Nikki DaVaughn to talk about ballroom in Austin, how ballroom picks up where biological families fail LGBTQ-plus relatives, and why Lepore is now giving up on Austin and advising her trans children to do the same.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode: Tecovas Visit Port Aransas Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Zach Theatre 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 

Governor Greg Abott has ⁠called in⁠ the Texas National Guard after ⁠13 were arrested⁠ at Monday's anti-ICE protest in Austin and a clown-themed ⁠"No Kings"⁠ protest gets planned for Saturday. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to unpack it all. Plus, we talk about the latest ⁠staffing issues⁠ at the Austin airport, a Taylor Pride ⁠update⁠, and where Governor Abbott sits on the ⁠THC ban⁠.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 13th episode: ⁠Tecovas⁠ ⁠XOXO Downtown 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 

Summertime in Austin means the return of our frenemy, the heat dome, but we're hoping this year's is friendly enough to let in some rainfall here and there. To prepare us for the sweltering heat, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by CBS Austin meteorologist Avery Tomasco. Join us in praying for a nice, gentle tropical storm in the gulf, and in letting your lawn brown. It'd be a lot cooler if you did.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Tecovas XOXO Downtown 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 

Let's face it, Austin, it's just too hot to cook inside. Enter: Grilling season. To get you grillmaster-ready, we're revisiting a conversation host Nikki DaVaughn had last year with Cairo-born and Texas-trained pitmaster Kareem El-Ghayesh, of KG BBQ. The award-winning, self-proclaimed “Lambassador of Texas” shares his best tips and tricks for cooking meat like a pro, his favorite place to buy meat, and where he had the first taste of barbecue that forever changed his life.  This episode originally aired on August 29, 2024.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Tecovas XOXO Downtown 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

The Texas Legislature is finally out of our hair, the city of Austin is ending its use of automatic license plate readers (at least for now), and there's some tragic news on the heels of the King of the Hill reboot announcement. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss it all. Plus, we discuss why the mayor of Taylor is refusing to sign a proclamation for this year's Taylor Pride event, and where you can celebrate Pride Month in Austin. And hey, please do send us a voicemail or email and let us know what you think about Rainey Street! We want to hear all the opinions.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 6th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Visit Port Aransas InKind - Get $25 off your next order of $50 or more! LBJ Presidential Library 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 

What kind of people can you meet by spending 24 hours in one spot in Austin? KUT's podcast, “24 Hours in Austin,” dispatched a team of producers to find that out. From Sixth Street to coffee shops to a call center for mental health emergencies, characters abound on Austin's streets. KUT's projects editor and podcast producer, Matt Largey, joins host Nikki DaVaughn to discuss what happens when you slow down, start a conversation, and connect with the strangers in your city.  This episode originally aired December 5, 2024 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 5th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Visit Port Aransas InKind - Get $25 off your next order of $50 or more! LBJ Presidential Library 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 

Is Amy's Ice Cream still the best ice cream shop in town? Who has the best frozen summer drinks, with or without booze? And where are we drinking our iced lattes? In today's episode, host Nikki DaVaughn contemplates where to find the best cold treats in town with Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw (she's a Sandy's stan) and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec (whose lactose intolerance prefers Dulce Neve Gelato). And a warning: This episode may give you a brain freeze.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Visit Port Aransas InKind - Get $25 off your next order of $50 or more! LBJ Presidential Library 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 

Summer storms slammed Austin this week, including one on Wednesday that left nearly 40,000 residents without power and one person dead. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to discuss the severe weather and how to be summer storm ready. Later, Leslie Rangel, senior editor of investigations for The Barbed Wire joins to talk about the Texas Legislature passing both a THC ban and a film incentives bill, and what these new state laws mean for Austinites. Plus, we discuss which Austin BBQ joints made Texas Monthly's Top 50 list and our weekend plans, including attending the ATX TV Festival, and a Juneteenth exhibition at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.  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 city is full of tourists, the kids are everywhere, and we're praying for rain: Happy June, Austin! The entire world is celebrating Pride month, and while Austin's festivities mostly take place in August (read this if you're wondering why), host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and local sex therapist Adam Maurer to share tips on commemorating Stonewall right here, from the Majestic Ball to QUEERBOMB and more. Plus, we discuss our favorite watering holes, chlorinated and not, and how we are all prepping for summer.  For even more tips on how to make the most of June 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.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

If you're planning on traveling in or out of the Austin airport this Memorial Day Weekend, you might want to be prepared for a possible delay. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the recent air traffic staffing shortages affecting Austin Bergstrom International Airport. We also discuss some good and bad news about higher education in Austin, The Infatuation's Summer Spots list, and our Memorial Day weekend picks including Hot Luck Live Food and Music Fest, the Jaws Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse, and more.   Learn more about the sponsors of this May 23rd episode: Tecovas Williamstown Theatre 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 

You might not be one of them — but the hundreds of Austinites who volunteer their time on boards, commissions, advisory groups, and more in town are imperative for Austin's success. After living in Austin for several years, Dewi Smith decided she needed to get more involved, and since then, she's created the perfect imbalance of work, life, service, and fun. Smith joins host Nikki DaVaughn to share how she does it all, and why she needs more than just brunch to feel connected.  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 

Aaron Franklin is a barbecue icon, a household name among meat aficionados, and a guru to restaurateurs. At Franklin Barbecue and his second local spot, Uptown Sports Club, Franklin is constantly collaborating with and boosting other local chefs — and for this weekend's Hot Luck, a food and music festival, he cast his net nation-wide. Aaron Franklin joins host Nikki DaVaughn to share how he personally selects the chefs featured at the festival, what he loves about East Austin, and the restaurants other than his own that he recommends to visitors.  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 20th episode: Tecovas Williamstown Theatre 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 

Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison wants East Austin, where she was raised and now serves, to keep changing. That can put her on the other side of historic preservation at times, but she has her reasons why, and her vision for what East Austin could be. She joins host Nikki DaVaughn to discuss gentrification, food insecurity, and how she found her peace while balancing city council responsibilities and mental health.  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19th episode: Tecovas Williamstown Theatre 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

Unless you live in a very dark and cool cave, you already know we just survived our first heat wave of 2025. A little early in the season, no? On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the heat wave that broke records and made national news. Plus, we discuss how a new court ruling could impact Austin's marijuana ordinance, the latest on state lawmakers' effort to ban consumable hemp (and how much said ban could cost the state), the grocery store that truly does more and is now hosting a live music series, and our weekend plans, including attending the Affordable Art Fair. Finally, don't forget to vote for all your faves in the Austin Chronicle's Best of Austin 2025!  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 16th episode: Tecovas Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Austin PBS 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

To kick off Mother's Day weekend, City Cast Austin's got a great story about a special pair of Concordia University graduates to share on this week's Friday News Roundup. Plus, the ACL Festival lineup is officially here, and host Nikki DaVaughn has some thoughts — as do newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec. Love it or hate it, though, you can't deny the festival's enormous impact. Also on the agenda: What the City of Austin removed from an East Side park encampment, which was prioritized to be cleared in preparation for flash flooding season; and our weekend picks.     Learn more about the sponsors of this May 9th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre 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 University of Texas' Women's Basketball team came closer to being national champions this year than almost ever before. And among the millions of fans who watched the pennant chase was one Austinite who was simultaneously digging into the program's very beginnings. Even before Title IX, Lady Longhorns played basketball — and for some time, played the sport exclusively, before it gained popularity among Texas men. Journalist and newly-minted PhD Jessica Luther joins host Nikki DaVaughn to dive into how the team's past is still impacting its performance.  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 7th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre 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

If you've lived here long enough, you've experienced the loss of your favorite bar/restaurant/coffee shop/corner store closing, only to be replaced with something substantially less cool. Why does it feel like things in this old city —  it was founded in 1837, then called “Waterloo” — are constantly in a state of change? Is it absolutely necessary for Austin to tear down the old to make way for the new? Preservation Austin's Meghan King joins host Nikki DaVaughn to discuss how we're trying to honor the past while planning for the future.  This episode originally aired on August 19, 2024  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 6th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST LBJ Presidential Library Zach Theatre 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

There's a second case of the measles in Austin — and this time, it's in a vaccinated adult. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about how the city is responding to the statewide outbreak amid federal funding cuts, and what Austinites should be doing now to be protected. Plus, the lineup for ACL Festival comes out soon, so we're sharing our predictions for this year's throwback band, and sharing our recommendations for what to do this weekend. At the top of our list: Celebrate the Skylark Lounge's last weekend before the legendary blues bar closes for good.   If you enjoyed the interview with Austin Bergstrom's International Airport Public Information Office Division Manager, Kimmie Hey, learn more here! Learn more about the other sponsors of this May 2nd episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST 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.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

It's that magical, very short-lived time of the year just before it gets scorchingly hot: May! Now is the time to squeeze in that last outdoor activity during Austin's final gasp of spring, and we've got a few ideas for you. Check out Waterloo Greenway! Find a watering hole before the kids are out of school! Explore one of the area's trails! Local musician Alex Marrero joins host Nikki DaVaughn and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec in sharing our best tips to get outside this month, plus the live music we're heading out to see (don't sleep on the Continental Club Gallery), and what we're looking forward to eating in May (we're still obsessed with KG BBQ). For even more food recommendations, don't miss Hey Austin's guide to our city's best new restaurants.  For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Austin, check out Hey Austin's take on what to do this month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 1st episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Visit Port Aransas 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

A few weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all state agencies to have employees get back to the offices “as soon as practicable,” host Nikki DaVaughn checks in with KUT reporter Andrew Weber to find out how things are going. And, spoiler alert: It's not great. Texas is the largest employer in Austin, and in early March, thousands of employees started swarming into their offices, straining parking and resources. At one agency, employees have to check out computer monitors to get their work done. So why the frenzied return? We have some ideas.  Learn more about the  sponsors of this April 28th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Visit Port Aransas 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 

If the double-murder of Keitha Morris and John White, two University of Texas sweethearts, had taken place today instead of in 1969, you'd probably know all about it. But for decades, it's been hidden — only unearthed now by Texas Monthly contributor Stephen Harrigan, at the behest of White's sister. Harrigan was at UT and even met White just before the murders occurred, but felt almost embarrassed that the city and Longhorns seemed to move on so quickly from such a traumatic incident. Harrigan joins host Nikki DaVaughn to talk about what happened to the couple, whether justice was served when the killer was caught, and why Harrigan, a prolific and award-winning author and screenwriter, loves working in Austin. And, just a note, that you might have already guessed, this interview touches on some explicit topics. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode: Zach Theatre Tecovas Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST 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 

It finally happened — after years of trying, the Texas House approved a bill to give tax money to Texas parents for private school tuition. The details still have to be worked out, but the $1 billion plan is a priority for Gov. Greg Abbott and is well on its way to Abbott's desk. Lawmakers also approved $7.7 billion in funds for public schools, including for teacher raises, making the voucher bill easier for some to swallow. Nikki DaVaughn hosts newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec for today's Friday News Roundup, to discuss the voucher proposal, along with how threats to cut funding for public media could affect Austin's own KUT/KUTX. Plus, the local bar that was recently named as one of the 100 best bars in the country, and our weekend plans.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 18th episode: Austin Community Foundation Zach Theatre Tecovas Visit Port Aransas 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 

Episode Description: John Waters is bringing “The Filthiest Birthday Ever” show to Austin on Saturday night, and loves filthing up Texas, even though it's a conservative state. On today's episode, host Nikki DaVaughn chats with the self-proclaimed “filth elder” as he ramps up to celebrate his 79th birthday. Tune in to hear about his favorite horror movie, how he feels about cowboy hats and cowboy boots as a fashion statement, and what you can expect from his set on at the Paramount Theatre for the Moontower Comedy Festival.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 17th episode: Austin Community Foundation Zach Theatre Tecovas Visit Port Aransas 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 Trump Administration recently slashed an entire agency that provides funding for Texas museums, institutions and libraries — the latter, to the sum of $12.5 million a year. Guest Gretchen Pruett, the newly-retired head librarian in New Braunfels and past president of the Texas Library Association, tells host Nikki DaVaughn what's at stake with the funding cuts and how libraries are essential for a 21st century workforce.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15th episode: Austin Community Foundation Zach Theatre Tecovas 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.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Texas Legislature is still in session under the pink dome down on Congress Avenue — but they won't be for too much longer. Now is the time in the session when things get weird and hard to follow, so host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to break down where things stand on vouchers, the THC ban, and DOGE, on this week's Friday News Roundup. Plus, we discuss the Texas Department of Transportation's parking problems as employees return to the office, the City of Austin's $7.5 million in unpaid parking tickets, and whether that money could help shore up the city's estimated $33 million budget deficit for next year.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 11th episode: Austin Community Foundation Wild West Brew Fest Zach Theatre 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 

American colleges and universities have been in the spotlight as the new Trump Administration trims the federal workforce and executes immigration policies. The 52,000 students at The University of Texas at Austin have been feeling it all, from research grant funding cuts to major changes in student loans and fear of deportation over protest participation. Isaiah Williams, a senior reporter at The Daily Texan, joins host Nikki DaVaughn in sharing what the student body would miss if international students weren't around, plus how the protest climate has changed and what's behind a recent drag show ban.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9th episode: Austin Community Foundation Wild West Brew Fest Zach Theatre 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 

Across many school districts, teachers are asked to do more with less, and that effort doesn't typically include a pay bump. At Lockhart Independent School District, however, staff have rebuilt the leadership structure so experienced faculty are given time outside the classroom to mentor peers and run professional development, while principals can focus on long-term planning over short-term issues. Superintendent Mark Estrada joins host Nikki DaVaughn to talk about visiting schools in other countries for inspiration, and how he's managed to hold onto experienced teachers and pay them more than most other Central Texas public school districts.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 8th episode: Wild West Brew Fest ZACH Theatre Austin Community Foundation 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 

There are nearly 300,000 immigrants in Austin, and these days, many are understandably filled with fear. But things are fairly normal as far as deportations right now, according to our guest, Austin City Council Member José “Chito” Vela, an immigration and criminal defense attorney who won his seat in a special election in 2022 and is now serving a second term. He joins host Nikki DaVaughn to dispel some immigration myths, explain his push for more “missing middle” housing, and share his favorite spots for barbacoa, coffee, and drinks in District 4.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: ZACH Theatre Austin Community Foundation Wild West Brew Fest 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 

It's now been 30 years since the death of the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena Quintanilla-Perez, but her influence on the genre is still enormous. A new documentary about Selena premiered at SXSW, and all episodes have now been released in Texas Monthly's new podcast, Viva Tejano, which captures the nostalgia and experience of Tejano music. Its host, J.B. Sauceda, tells host Nikki DaVaughn in today's episode that it's all evidence that Tejano music is making a comeback. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Visit Port Aransas Austin Community Foundation Wild West Brew Fest 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

Once again, Democrats are outnumbered in the Texas Senate, leaving them little to do to fight Republican priorities. It's a winner-take-all session, according to our guest, Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, and things are looking “pretty nasty, brutish, and short.” So, where does she get her encouragement? And, where does she think Democrats can effect change? Eckhardt joins host Nikki DaVaughn to discuss it all, plus how she's seeing Trumpism play out in Austin.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31st episode: Visit Port Aransas Austin Community Foundation Wild West Brew Fest 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

For one Austinite, this city was crucial to the fight for Women's Rights in the 1960s. So decades after her activism helped desegregate dorms at The University of Texas at Austin and secure women's reproductive rights, it's been difficult for her to watch abortion access disappear. So what gives author Alice Embree hope, and how is she working on making things better for women and other Texans years later? Embree joins host Nikki DaVaughn to share her experiences and advice for today's campus activists in this special episode for Women's History Month.  Learn more about the  sponsors of this March 27th episode: Tecovas Visit Port Aransas Zach Theatre 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

Travis County District Attorney José Garza is in hot water after his office was found to have missed a 90-day deadline to indict suspects on felony charges in several cases. Reporter Tony Plohetski first brought the issues to light when he reported on two suspected murderers who were released on low bonds from jail — but as Plohetski tells host Nikki DaVaughn, the problems didn't stop there. Elsewhere in Texas, prosecutors told Plohetski Garza's issues were “the stuff of nightmares.” We dig into the concerns of mismanagement at the office, whether they indicate that Garza is, indeed, “soft on crime,” and what could come next.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Tecovas Visit Port Aransas Zach Theatre 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