City Cast Austin

The City Cast Austin podcast is taking a brief break over the next few months to regroup and develop some new concepts. In the meantime, be sure to keep us in your feeds and be on the look out for our return. Stay connected with the latest Austin news and future podcast updates via our newsletter. If you aren’t already subscribed to our daily morning newsletter, now’s the time to sign up.

The City of Austin is considering changing how it responds to homeless encampments, including deploying daily cleanup teams. But after a recent video highlighted the human impacts of these sweeps, questions are being asked about what that process should look like. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and newsletter editor Kelsey B...

Decades ago, Stevie Ray Vaughan brought the Texas Blues to town — but since then, Austin has birthed a well-known blues festival and kept the Austin Home of the Blues, Antone’s Nightclub, in business. And, thanks to a 50-year lease, Antone’s won’t be moving out anytime soon. So, where do the blues fit into Austin’s status as the “Live Music Capital of the World”? Executive Producer Eva Ruth Morave...

Austin’s tree canopy is something to be proud of — even more so if you don’t zoom in. Did you know that the disparities between East Austin and West Austin even extend up to the trees? This Earth Day, learn something new about our tree canopy in today’s episode, a conversation between host Nikki DaVaughn and TreeFolks’ Executive Director Andrew W. Smiley. Plus, stay tuned for our midweek mood boos...

On today’s Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Grace Reader, the city hall and local government reporter for KXAN, to talk about the latest fight between the State of Texas and the City of Austin — this time over Austin police’s new ICE policy. Plus, what to watch for in the skies in the next few weeks, why you should pack a “go” bag and b...

The Austin Independent School District recently shared the troubling news that its deficit could balloon to $181 million next year, even after it closes 10 campuses. Staffing cuts are seemingly inevitable — so what’s on the chopping block? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Keri Heath, an education reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, to find out why the district’s expenses are higher than ex...

The Red River Cultural District has unveiled a plan to revamp its so-called "Music Mile," a 10-block stretch from 15th to 5th streets. The proposal follows the district's recent economic impact report, but doesn’t mention how much the makeover would cost. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss the hopeful changes co...

Austin is officially the 39th happiest city in America to live in, according to a recent WalletHub survey. But what does that even mean? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Shaun Branigan, writer and actor at Esther's Follies; and City Cast Austin producer Elissa Castles to determine, using questionable scientific and math logic, just how happy is Austin?  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure t...

Southern Living magazine has once again crowned Franklin Barbecue as the best in Texas, which made us wonder — is it? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor, Daniel Vaughn, to get into how Austin has become the most competitive barbecue city in the U.S., and his choices for the best spots for BBQ in town. Plus, stay tuned for Nikki’s Midweek Mood Boost about Austin Commun...

State lawmakers held a hearing last week to examine the rise and impact of data centers in Texas, looking at both the economic benefits and the toll on critical resources like energy and water. Local tech reporter Omar Gallaga is joining host Nikki DaVaughn and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to talk about the key takeaways from this hearing, plus Friday's deadly shooting at an East Austin bar a...

There are hundreds of intersections in Austin, but which are the absolute worst? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KUT’s transportation reporter, Nathan Bernier; and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to debate. Is it driving the roundabout at 51st Street and Interstate 35? Walking across I-35 at 32nd Street? Doing anything at Chicon and 7th streets? Riding a bicycle at Barton Springs and Azie Mor...

This week the State Board of Education met in Austin to propose and vote on newly rewritten K-12 history and English curricula that could include teachings from the bible and Texas-centric lesson plans. On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Eva Ruth Moravec and Elissa Castles to break down what these changes would mean for classrooms across the state and why...

Austin is full of great stories, from legendary tales to little-known local lore. But how many are actually true? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec for a game of Two Truths and a Lie to determine who knows Austin's history best and who gets fooled by a good fib.  And don’t forget, City Cast Austin is participating in Local News Day, a national day of ac...

Austin was just ranked among the top cities in America for coffee, according to a recent Wallethub report. But with hundreds of coffee shops across town, finding the perfect spot can be tough. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Miranda Haney, local coffee educator and owner of Barista Friend, to discuss the best spots to grab a cup of joe. Whether you're looking for a cozy work space, top-tier beans...

On today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the biggest news in town right now: The duck killed by a self-driving car near Mueller Lake Park. Plus, there’s an Austinite behind NASA’s current Artemis II mission to the moon, and we’re sharing comments from our listeners, including one about our episode on where we’d take our enemie...

Austin City Council could be cooling on building caps and stitches over Interstate 35, after months of planning and discussion over funding. So what will I-35 look like if there’s nothing above the sunken highway lanes? In today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Amy Stansbury, editor-in-chief of the Austin Common, to bring us up to speed. Plus, they discuss the city’s new Homeless Strate...

Both Denver and Austin wanted, but didn't get, a WNBA team. While more and more people are embracing women’s sports, Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Br...

This week, Austin Independent School District announced plans to close Blackshear Elementary School, the oldest-operating school in the city, amid declining enrollment and a budget crisis. On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to unpack the district's decision and what it could mean for families and the future of East Aust...

A new Netflix documentary about a 2022 homicide in Austin premiered at SXSW and is publicly available starting tomorrow, April 3. “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” tells the story of Wilson, who was killed by Kaitlin Armstrong while in Austin for a cycling race. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by the film’s director, Marina Zenovich, and producer Evan Hayes to talk about the esteemed duo’s fi...

Spring is all around us, and you only have a limited amount of time to get outside and enjoy it before summer sizzles in. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and guest Susi Posada to share their favorite recommendations for things to see, hear, and eat this month in Austin. Plus, if you’re still planning your Easter or Passover meals, we’ve got you covered.  For ev...

Austin City Council members have a new plan to make downtown streets friendlier for pedestrians, cyclists, and mass transit-users — and think it will reduce vehicular traffic in the city’s core. But it comes at a steep price at a time when many Austinites are wary and skeptical about council’s spending. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva R...

The Texas Legislature has just been tasked with getting a handle on data centers, but with more than 70 data centers in the area, is it too late? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Ryan Pollock, the Executive Director and Secretary Treasurer of Texas State Building and Constructions Trades Council, to find out how these massive, necessary facilities are being built, what kinds of jobs they might pro...

Austin is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, Austin is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, Austin's affordable housing successes, and where th...

On this week's Friday News Round Up, Host Nikki DaVaughn and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec talk about new reporting that reveals just how closely Texas Department of Public Safety officers are working with immigration officers here in Austin. Plus, the city of Austin has removed mysterious downtown bench rails, and still nobody knows who installed them, and the new owners of The Hole in the...

Playing pool is cheap, indoors, and a great way to meet people — and fits in perfectly with Austin’s relaxed vibe. Looking for the best tables in Austin? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by local pool shark and producer Elissa Castles to share her favorite hidden gems, free tables, and best date night spots, plus some rules of the road and tips for newbies.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure...