City Cast Austin

You might know that Austin got its name from Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas, but chances are you drive on streets, bridges, and past buildings named after other Austinites, and 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 to Austin, the World War II vet-turned magician who made incredible clothing, the man who successfully challenged the so-called Hollywood blacklist, and the alderman who died in the fight to rename 19th Street after Martin Luther King, Jr.  This episode originally aired on Sept. 5, 2025.  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  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th episode: City of Austin Window Nation

Citrus season is in full swing, which means H-E-B and other local grocery stores around Austin are bursting with juicy grapefruits, sweet tangerines, and plenty of other can't-miss-snacks. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by snack expert Emily Hill of Texas Grocery Finds, to fill you in on what items to add to your grocery list and why. From healthy finds like chili lime carrot shakers to indulgent treats like milk chocolate coconut truffles, they've got some ideas on how best to fill your fridge (and snack stash) right now.  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  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 4th episode: City of Austin Window Nation

After testing a pilot security camera program for three years, Austin parks have seen a drop in crime. This week, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department will ask City Council for approval to expand the program. But amid concerns about mass surveillance and data privacy, what will council do? On today’s Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to break down the potential benefits and risks of the program. Plus, the team discusses a Texas task force gearing up to combat a deadly invasive fly, and why Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are investigating student protests. 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  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 3rd episode: City of Austin Window Nation

It's officially February in Austin and that means love is in the air! But we know love comes in many forms. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Aira Jay, host of Austin's favorite Queer Trivia, to bring you the best events around the city this month. Whether you're getting crafty with friends, learning something new with family, or rom-com-ing it up with a special flame, we've got you covered. And in case you missed it, Waffle House is now taking online reservations for Valentine's Day. What's more romantic than a plate of heart-shaped waffles? For even more tips on how to make the most of February 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 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 2nd episode: City of Austin Window Nation

On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructed all state agencies and public universities to pause new H1-B visa applications as he launches an investigation into the potential misuse of the federal program. For now, the directive applies only to those institutions but, could the crackdown eventually ripple out to private employers here in Austin? On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to unpack what the move could mean for our city's workforce. Plus, with the deadline to register to vote in the March 3 primaries quickly approaching, the team shares everything you need to know about the upcoming election. And, of course, we get into our weekend plans. Want to sing Wicked with a group of strangers on Saturday? We've got you covered.  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  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 30th episode: The SAFE Alliance Window Nation Zach Theater Visit Brenham Texas

A reality TV star recently announced her candidacy for Austin mayor, only to learn that the seat isn’t quite open yet. Now, Farrah Abraham is set to run for city council — but can she? Plus, since voters shot down Austin City Council’s request for more taxes, the city has shifted its focus to saving money. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Amy Stansbury of The Austin Common for the latest on Austin City Hall, including what the city’s austerity plan actually looks like, and a new proposal to provide more affordable housing for middle-class Austinites.  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  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 29th episode: The SAFE Alliance Window Nation Zach Theater Visit Brenham Texas

As Austin keeps getting bigger, so does its comedy scene, and lately it feels like everyone's talking about it. From national media attention to local comics breaking out and making it big, Austin comedy really seems to be having a moment. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by local comedian Izzy Burger, who hosts Ladies Night at the Velveeta Room; and Dave Buckman of ColdTowne Theater to discuss what's driving the boom, how the scene is changing, and the types of comics coming on the scene. Turns out, Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership isn't the only force shaping Austin comedy right now, and it may not even be the most important one.  This episode originally aired on October 27, 2025.  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  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 28th episode: The SAFE Alliance Window Nation Zach Theater Visit Brenham Texas

After 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot and killed by the U.S. Border Patrol during an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis on Saturday, Austinites are feeling increasingly anxious about the possibility of heightened immigration activity here at home. On our inaugural Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss how Austinites are responding, why there were concerns about ICE in town, and the local leaders including even Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who are calling on D.C. to rebuild public trust with ICE officials. Plus, we grade the city’s response to Austin's winter storm and take a moment to hear directly from our listeners. If you're interested in learning more about LOVB Austin, like one of our listeners mentioned, find their schedule here. 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  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 27th episode: The SAFE Alliance Window Nation Zach Theater Visit Brenham Texas

It’s a new year, and even in Texas, that means there are new laws that can catch the unaware in a crime. But how well do you know our existing statutes — like our oyster-related felonies or the ordinance that says it’s illegal to throw things off of Mount Bonnell? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Geoff Burkhart, Travis County Executive for Community Legal Services, to talk about new crimes for 2026 and the weird, wacky, and painful laws of Texas’ past, including some that are still on the books and could come back to inflict more harm. Plus, Burkhart explains why Travis County is one of only a few in Texas that ensures people have legal representation at their first court appearance.  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  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 26th episode: The SAFE Alliance Window Nation Zach Theater Visit Brenham Texas

You've probably heard that Austin is bracing for a winter storm this weekend. But, with posts circulating online exaggerating the severity, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Fear not! On this week's Friday News Round Up, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin's own Avery Tomasco, meteorologist at CBS News, to break down the truth on what we can expect and how to best prepare for the freezing weather ahead. Plus, producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec weigh in on the local businesses suing the Trump Administration and share the best spots to try around town for mocktails before Dry January wraps up.  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  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 23rd episode: Jeremiah Program Austin