ACL weekend one kicks off today, but did you know only about a quarter of attendees are actually Austinites? In other words, this city is overflowing with tourists right now. If you're like host Nikki DaVaughn and want to dodge the crowds but still enjoy the weekend, we've got some great recommendations for you. On this week's Friday News Roundup, Nikki is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Esther's Follies writer and actor Shaun Branigan to discuss what else to get into this weekend. Plus, we break down the latest property tax hikes — including what you need to know about Prop Q, a measure on the November ballot — and the other stories we're obsessing over this week. In case you missed it, APD finally solved the Yogurt Shop Murders!

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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 of live music and entertainment, who’s covered the local music scene for Texas Monthly, Esquire Magazine, on KGSR/101X and as the host of “Austin City Limits Radio” for decades. ACL Fest has come a long way since 2002, and Langer knows all about its evolution. Plus, don’t miss his recommendations for the festival’s best local bands, big names, and more. 

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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 for your eyes (check that voter registration card and get ready to early vote!), our favorite October activities, and some fabulous local costume ideas you’ve gotta try (sexy Austin logo costume, anyone?). 

For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Austin, check out Hey Austin’s take on what to do this month. 

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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 joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to break down how investigators connected the dots, the lasting impact this case has had on the community, and what closure looks like after decades of unanswered questions. 

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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 represent about 15% of the population, life under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies looks very different than it did last year. Law enforcement presence has ramped up in certain parts of town, and soon, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office will have to participate in immigration enforcement, too, a change from the past. And appointments in San Antonio that used to be low-risk are now terrifying experiences, as arrests at check-ins have been more common. To break it all down, executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec is joined by Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Latino communities reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. 

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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 Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to lament the lingering heat and take a look at what to expect from Austin's fall forecast. Plus, why City Council staffers were playing Bingo during public comment, and the Sixth Street redesign breakdown you didn't know you needed. 

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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 the lives of many, but especially transgendered Texans and women, some have already moved away, while others continue to wrestle with the question: Should I stay or should I go? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by former Austinite KB Brookins and current Austinite KC Coyne to talk about what it means to call this city home. 

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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, how to prepare for a trip, and why the best views in nature are actually found on the toilet. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a total newbie, this episode will help you go outside with confidence this fall! Ps. you might want to get your campsites reservations in now before they fill up!

This episode was originally published on September 9, 2024. 

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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 to discuss what’s at stake and share his favorite spots to catch one of more than 200 performances happening across the city today, the 20th anniversary of HAAM Day. 

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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 what’s legal to use and sell in town? (Spoiler alert: No more disposable vapes.) And after Gov. Abbott’s executive order that stopped minors from purchasing any consumable hemp products, could other regulations be coming? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Mary Jae cannabis dispensary co-owner Jae Graham-Anciso and Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, to get into the weeds on the latest on consumable hemp. 

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