City Cast Austin

As federal and local officials continue to investigate and look for a motive in Sunday morning’s West Sixth Street shooting, friends and relatives of the victims are remembering their loved ones, and a memorial outside of Buford’s Backyard Beer Hall continues to grow. Austin police have now identified two people who were killed in the shooting, Ryder Harrington, 19; and Savitha Shan, 21, and have said that another individual who was injured in the shooting is not expected to survive. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin City Councilmember Zohaib "Zo" Qadri to walk through the latest developments in the case, and talk about how his constituents who live downtown are especially impacted.  Edit: Austin police have now identified three people who were killed in the shooting, in addition to the suspect. Ryder Harrington, 19; and Savitha Shan, 21, died on Sunday, and Jorge Pederson, 30, died Monday evening. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 March 3rd episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order Downtown Austin Alliance City of Austin Blanton Museum of Art

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating a shooting on West Sixth Street that killed three, including the gunman, and injured at least 14 early Sunday morning. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to walk through the details of the incident, what local leaders have said, what we know about the suspect, and how you can help. Plus, we talked to Zo Qadri, the Austin City Council member who represents downtown, about what he’s focused on in light of the shooting. And just a note, this episode touches on violence.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 

A lot of cities, including Austin, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

A new ruling from a federal appeals court is allowing Senate Bill 12 to move forward after a district judge declared the law unconstitutional in 2023. The bill restricts drag performers from "dancing suggestively" or "wearing certain prosthetics" on public property. On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to discuss the new ban and its impact on drag performers across the city. Plus, the team breaks down a new poll showing Representative Jasmine Crockett with a 12-point lead over Texas State Representative James Talarico, and why the Austin Police Department is increasing enforcement of traffic violations.  And, don’t miss the chance to enter our giveaway for all City Cast Austin members for a pair of SXSW music badges — all you have to do is become a neighbor before March 6, when we’ll pick a winner at random.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  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 February 27th episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order City of Austin Downtown Austin Alliance

For years, Austin’s homicides have been declining though the population has increased, and our homicide rate is now lower than other major Texas cities, at five murders per 100,000 population. Assistant Chief Angie Jones attributes that in part to a new place-based focus that looks for patterns and elements of crime, and shares more with executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec in today’s episode. Plus, a look at crime on Sixth Street, and advice for having a safe spring festival season.   And, don’t miss the chance to enter our giveaway for all City Cast Austin members for a pair of SXSW music badges — all you have to do is become a neighbor before March 6, when we’ll pick a winner at random.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  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 February 26th episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order City of Austin Downtown Austin Alliance 

With cooler temperatures falling further behind us, and a new local favorite’s second location now open, it’s time for a margarita. But with hundreds of options in town, Austinites might need a hand deciding where to go. We’ve got you covered! Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to narrow down the best margaritas in town.   This episode originally aired on July 16, 2025. Plus, don’t forget — we’re giving away a pair of SXSW music badges to a lucky City Cast Austin member. Become a neighbor today to be considered. We’ll pick a winner at random on March 6.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter 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 February 25th episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order City of Austin Downtown Austin Alliance

Early voting is halfway over for the Travis County primary elections, and Democrats are casting ballots in big numbers. In today’s Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the turnout, the latest in the saga over Austin’s painted crosswalks, the local campus where a student says another student violated the state’s new bathroom bill, and what our readers and listeners love about Austin. Plus, don’t miss the chance to enter our giveaway for all City Cast Austin members for a pair of SXSW music badges — all you have to do is become a neighbor before March 6, when we’ll pick a winner at random.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Austin newsletter.  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 February 24th episode: Duer - get 15% off your first order City of Austin Downtown Austin Alliance

A $1 million increase in funding from President Donald Trump’s administration — plus a record-setting $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation — is empowering Huston-Tillotson University to make significant changes to its campus on the East Side in the coming years. But more than 150 years after the city’s oldest higher education institution was founded, the East Side looks dramatically different than it used to. So, should H-T relocate? And if not, what is its role in a modern-day gentrified Austin? And, why is enrollment at H-T and other historically black colleges and universities growing while it’s declining at other institutions? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by H-T President Melva K. Wallace to discuss.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 February 23rd episode: Window Nation Duer - get 15% off your first order City of Austin Downtown Austin Alliance

Bianca Martin, CityCast Madison host and civic commentator, breaks down Madison’s one-year pause on data center builds. She explains why water, zoning, and local trust matter. The conversation covers utilities, housing, university AI ambitions, ethics and surveillance. Practical takeaways and city culture tips round out the discussion.

A Travis County District Court judge has declared four men innocent in the infamous Yogurt Shop Murders, a case that has haunted Austin for more than three decades. The ruling follows new DNA evidence linking the murders to another man. On this week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn breaks down the latest developments with executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw, exploring what justice means for these men after so many years. Later, the team digs into the growing fight against Central Texas' data center boom, and a look at the Texan who just brought home an Olympic gold medal.   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast 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 February 20th episode: Window Nation Duer - get 15% off your first order