State lawmakers held a hearing last week to examine the rise and impact of data centers in Texas, looking at both the economic benefits and the toll on critical resources like energy and water. Local tech reporter Omar Gallaga is joining host Nikki DaVaughn and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to talk about the key takeaways from this hearing, plus Friday's deadly shooting at an East Austin bar and how residents are thinking about the safety of the Govalle neighborhood now. City Cast Austin listeners also share their ideas on the renaming of Cesar Chavez Street, in light of last month's sexual assault allegations against the labor leader.

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There are hundreds of intersections in Austin, but which are the absolute worst? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KUT’s transportation reporter, Nathan Bernier; and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to debate. Is it driving the roundabout at 51st Street and Interstate 35? Walking across I-35 at 32nd Street? Doing anything at Chicon and 7th streets? Riding a bicycle at Barton Springs and Azie Morton roads? Or maneuvering around Slaughter Lane and the MoPac Expressway, which is so bad it might be under construction for years to come? Help us decide. 

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This week the State Board of Education met in Austin to propose and vote on newly rewritten K-12 history and English curricula that could include teachings from the bible and Texas-centric lesson plans. On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Eva Ruth Moravec and Elissa Castles to break down what these changes would mean for classrooms across the state and why Austinites rallied at the capitol in response. Plus, the team dives into a lawsuit filed by Texas businesses and industry groups challenging the state's recent hemp ban. And later, Dr. Ghassan Salman, the region's chief medical officer for Baylor Scott & White, joins the pod to share tips for runners running the Cap 10k this weekend and to discuss why Austin was recently ranked as one of the healthiest cities in the nation. 

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Austin is full of great stories, from legendary tales to little-known local lore. But how many are actually true? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec for a game of Two Truths and a Lie to determine who knows Austin's history best and who gets fooled by a good fib. 

And don’t forget, City Cast Austin is participating in Local News Day, a national day of action connecting communities with trusted local news. Support local newsrooms like ours today by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  

This episode was originally published on December 3, 2025.

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Austin was just ranked among the top cities in America for coffee, according to a recent Wallethub report. But with hundreds of coffee shops across town, finding the perfect spot can be tough. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Miranda Haney, local coffee educator and owner of Barista Friend, to discuss the best spots to grab a cup of joe. Whether you're looking for a cozy work space, top-tier beans, the city’s most expensive cup, or just a quick caffeine fix, Austin's coffee scene has something for everyone. 

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On today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to talk about the biggest news in town right now: The duck killed by a self-driving car near Mueller Lake Park. Plus, there’s an Austinite behind NASA’s current Artemis II mission to the moon, and we’re sharing comments from our listeners, including one about our episode on where we’d take our enemies in town. Weigh in — how do you feel about the magician at Yamas Greek Kitchen + Bar? 

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Austin City Council could be cooling on building caps and stitches over Interstate 35, after months of planning and discussion over funding. So what will I-35 look like if there’s nothing above the sunken highway lanes? In today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Amy Stansbury, editor-in-chief of the Austin Common, to bring us up to speed. Plus, they discuss the city’s new Homeless Strategy Plan — crafted after Proposition Q’s failure caused the city to make significant cuts — and the potential for closed Austin schools to become city parks. Finally, council is encouraging people to start home businesses. What would yours be? 

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Both Denver and Austin wanted, but didn't get, a WNBA team. While more and more people are embracing women’s sports, Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office?

Mentioned on the show:

The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [The Denver Post]

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This week, Austin Independent School District announced plans to close Blackshear Elementary School, the oldest-operating school in the city, amid declining enrollment and a budget crisis. On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to unpack the district's decision and what it could mean for families and the future of East Austin. Later, the team breaks down the latest restaurant news including the new spots slated to open around town and the Austin chefs who won't be getting a James Beard Award this year. Plus, prepare for a rainy weekend ahead and a good time, with our weekend plans. 

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A new Netflix documentary about a 2022 homicide in Austin premiered at SXSW and is publicly available starting tomorrow, April 3. “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” tells the story of Wilson, who was killed by Kaitlin Armstrong while in Austin for a cycling race. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by the film’s director, Marina Zenovich, and producer Evan Hayes to talk about the esteemed duo’s first true crime project, and why it had to have its debut here.  

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