City Cast Austin

It’s been a decade since Austin pledged to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries — but even after spending $125 million, the number of people dying in crashes hasn’t really changed. So is Vision Zero a failure? And will all of the autonomous vehicles now in Austin help? Joel Meyer, Austin’s Transportation Safety Officer, says there have been significant improvements, particularly on ro...

Homelessness services took center stage during Austin’s Proposition Q debate. After the measure’s resounding defeat, the city moved quickly to pass a new budget that maintains existing programs, but will it be enough? With Austin’s unhoused population continuing to grow, what comes next for the city and the people on the frontlines? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Mark Hilbelink, lead pastor and...

The Austin Independent School District is urging Waymo to pause its autonomous vehicle operations during school pick-up and drop-off hours after footage showed the cars illegally passing school buses 19 times since the beginning of the school year. This comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a probe into Waymo's vehicles after similar incidents occurred elsewhere....

‘Tis the season to spend a ton of money — but in Austin, it’s still possible to eat, drink and be merry on a budget. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by the City Cast Austin team to share our best recommendations for cheap eats, drinks and activities to help you and your pocketbook get through December.  This episode was originally published on Aug. 14, 2025.  Want some more Austin news? Then make su...

Austin’s nearly 200 years old, and in a state full of tall tales, it’s no surprise that this city is swirling with myths and legends. But can you tell the truth from fiction? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to see who can do just that the best — in a game of Two Truths and a Lie. Play along to see how well you know Austin’s history, and remember, in t...

When Austinites rejected Proposition Q on Election Day, they sent city council back to the drawing board to create a new budget — which Austin adopted in what seemed like record time. On today’s episode, executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec is joined by Amy Stansbury, editor-in-chief of the Austin Common, to recap what all council cut and funded to balance the budget; how efforts by Prop Q opponent...

The holidays in Austin are full-throttle and upon us, and it’s time you made your plans. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by contributor Eric Webb and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to help Austinites fill out their calendars. We’re talking about must-sees and must-dos this December in Austin, like movie screenings, shows, neighborhood lights, and volunteer opportunities; December goings-on that...

City Cast Austin Host Nikki DaVaughn and all 12 other City Cast hosts (from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities) are coming together for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a mount/app that turns your phone into a bike cam,...

After Elon Musk won the ear of President Donald Trump and made it his job to slash the federal government’s budget, so-called Tesla Takedown groups sprouted up nationwide. Some grew less active after Musk was summoned back to his day job, but Austin’s group is different. Here, a group of folks takes their job watchdogging Musk’s business activities — and using very Austin-y tactics to protest them...

Tax bills for Travis County residents are going out now, and on them is a big increase for the county, a one-year push to replenish the county’s disaster relief fund after they were depleted following this summer’s floods. Judge Andy Brown joins host Nikki DaVaughn to explain why the tax increase was necessary (and why it’s now facing a lawsuit); how the taxpayer-funded child care program is going...

Austin's oldest operating theater is getting a major makeover. This week, the Austin Theatre Alliance announced it's launching a $65 million campaign to restore the 110-year-old Paramount and 90-year-old State theaters. 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 unpack the ambitious res...

Texas’ new congressional map is back in the news after a three-judge federal panel blocked it from being used in the 2026 midterm elections. Gov. Greg Abbott has already appealed the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Eleanor Klibanoff, law and politics reporter for The Texas Tribune to break down the ruling, what it means for candidates now staring down the fast-ap...

Gone are the days when people seeking good barbecue in these parts had to go on a road trip: Nowadays, a good smoked brisket is a stone’s throw away from basically every Austinite. And maybe as a result of the sheer number of great barbecue joints, it takes more than a good smoked brisket to impress the Central Texan palate. On today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Texas Monthly’s barb...

After surviving the Texas Legislature, the hemp industry now faces a new challenge: In one year, products like gummies and drinks that are hemp-based or hemp-derived will be prohibited. The ban was folded into the deal to reopen the federal government, despite an attempt by Sen. Ted Cruz to strip it from the final version, and some are hoping that Cruz can help reverse it before the ban goes into...

The six-week long federal government shutdown is over, but it is still affecting the 270,000 people in Central Texas who are a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the 74,000 federal workers in the area. Without their typical amount of food assistance or even a paycheck, folks in the Austin region have turned to organizations for help. To find out more about how Austinites hav...

Austin is proud to be the nation's largest no-kill city, but with shelters overflowing and stray animals on the rise, is that title becoming unsustainable? On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Austin American-Statesman photojournalist Mikala Compton to discuss an eye-opening investigation into the city's animal crisis. Plus, w...

It’s finally time to get your cozy clothes out and start shopping for the holidays — but these days, money might be a little tight. You’re in luck, though, since Austin has dozens of secondhand stores, estate sales, vintage popups, clothing swaps, and other opportunities to buy things used. On today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by expert thrifter Paula Cox and City Cast Austin newslett...

The Michelin Guide doesn’t give awards for the best hamburgers in town, but have no fear, City Cast Austin is here to fill the void. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and producer Elissa Castles to debate over who has Austin’s greatest burgers for a splurge ($38??) and a good deal. Plus, the team tries to decide on one favorite overall Austin hamburger, and where t...

The University of Texas at Austin has until next week to respond to a controversial compact sent by the Trump Administration in early October, and some students are very opposed to the idea. Under the proposed deal, the White House would offer UT greater access to federal funds in exchange for implementing policies outlined by the administration. Several schools have already rejected the offer. Ho...

Last Tuesday, Austin voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition Q, the hotly debated proposal to raise property taxes to fund city services and projects. Now that the dust has settled, what do the results reveal about public trust in city government and local spending priorities? Host Nikki DaVaughn checks back in with two previous guests, Robin Rather, who opposed the tax rate increase, and Austi...

Central Texas Food Bank told CBS that they are spending almost their monthly budget every week to keep up with the demands for food due to the government shutdown. Could Gov. Abbott do more to support Texans in crisis? On this week's Friday News Round Up, host Nikki DaVaughn chats with Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and producer Elissa Castles to unpack the growing food insecurity fa...

As the holiday shopping season kicks into gear, chances are you'll find yourself heading out to The Domain. But let's be real, that place tends to spark some strong opinions among Austinites. We either love it or we really really don't. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to unpack all things Domain: the good, the ba...

The results are in, and Austinites voted against Proposition Q, which would have raised property taxes by more than 20% and added $110 million to the city's budget. So what will happen now? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to break down last night's election results and explore what lies ahead for City Council and...

Last week, The Michelin Guide revealed the second annual Texas guide, honoring 51 Austin restaurants with stars, Bib Gourmands, and recommendations. For some, it’s the ultimate win, but do Michelin stars really mean anything here in Austin? Host Nikki DaVaughn sits down with Texas Monthly restaurant critic Paula Forbes and Alicynn Fink, a partner of the Michelin-awarded Emmer & Rye Hospitality Gro...

Think Austin takes a breather after October? Think again. November’s bursting with events, eats, and inspiration. If you’re not sure what to add to your calendar (or your fridge), fear not! Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producer Elissa Castles and Leila Sales, book publisher, editor, and writer of the weekly newsletter Lite + Brite, to help you plan the perfect month in Austin. We’re sharing ou...