City Cast Austin

It’s that time of year — Austin City Limits Festival has already taken over Zilker Park, and the Imperial March will soon usher in some 450,000 festivalgoers over the next two weekends. And with one in four attendees hailing from Austin last year, we had to ask — is this festival truly for Austinites? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Andy Langer, The University of Texas at Austin’s senior director...

Do you feel that slight cool-down in the air? October is here, and it’s time to get out and revel in everything that takes over Austin this exhausting month. Host Nikki DaVaughn is here to shepherd you through her absolute favorite month in town — and she’s joined by Allyson Garro, owner of Coco Coquette, and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec. We’ve got all the best picks for tricks and treats f...

After nearly 34 years, the Austin Police Department has solved a quadruple homicide that forever changed the character of Austin — and the suspect wasn’t on anyone’s list. In a bombshell press conference yesterday, lead detective Daniel Jackson revealed how advances in forensic technology and cross-state collaboration finally cracked one of Austin's most haunting cold cases. Host Nikki DaVaughn is...

After a shooter targeted a North Texas ICE facility last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vowed that the incident would “NOT slow our arrest, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants.” Already, Texas leads the country in the number of immigration detentions, according to reporting by Axios, though it’s unclear where exactly in the state those are taking place. Here in Austin, where immigrants r...

Were you also disappointed by that so-called "cold front" that moved in earlier this week? If you were dreaming of brisk autumn air, cozy sweaters and the start of soup season, you weren't alone. Sadly, Austin might be holding on to its drier, hotter weather for a little while longer. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Hey A...

Austin used to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., but in the past few years, growth has slowed, especially among Hispanic and Black residents. In fact, the city is among the top 20 cities that people are leaving, according to storage company PODS. Truth is, Austin seems to be in a constant state of flux, and that recent growth spurt has left its mark. And, with state laws affecting...

It's officially fall y'all! While the temps might not fully feel like it yet, autumn means one thing for many Central Texans — camping season. Now if you're anything like host Nikki DaVaughn and prefer to admire nature from afar, camping might feel a bit daunting. But fear not, we've got you covered. Pam LeBlanc, adventurer extraordinaire, joins Nikki to share all of her hot tips for where to go,...

Because of cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the musicians that make Austin so special are even more vulnerable than ever before, with significant changes to Marketplace health insurance coverage. The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is attempting to bridge the gap, and is hoping that funds raised during this year’s HAAM Day will help. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by HAAM CEO Paul Scott...

Austinites and Texans overwhelmingly support keeping consumable hemp products legal, even after the Texas Legislature focused its sights on addressing the state’s largely unregulated THC market. But after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the THC ban that lawmakers passed during the regular session — and subsequent attempts in the first and second special sessions also failed — where exactly did we land on...

The Texas Education Agency is looking into nearly 280 complaints about teachers and school staff who allegedly posted negative comments about Charlie Kirk after his assassination. Though this investigation is state-wide, the fallout is being felt in school districts in Georgetown and Hutto. This comes as the Texas Legislature forms new committees to examine free speech on college campuses. On this...

Chances are, you’ve had a Rainey Street era — but exactly which one depends on when you got here. From its origins as a working-class Chicano neighborhood frequently overlooked and underserved; to Craftsman-style homes transformed into bars and restaurants bustling with bodies, especially for Sunday brunch; to unforgettable SXSW experiences; and now the high rise-lined wind tunnel where the sun ne...

This week, Austin is participating in Welcoming Week — an annual campaign that showcases “the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants.” Well, we at City Cast Austin thought we’d participate, too, by highlighting the city’s best international grocery stores. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Daphne Quay, a Peruvian realtor who’s a big fan of our loc...

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 affo...

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 wav...

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 cartin...

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 Austi...

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 Nikk...

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...

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, jus...

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 Round...

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 t...

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...

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 (spoile...

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 fee...

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 bett...