City Cast Austin

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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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 week's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Austin Vida editor and publisher Nancy Flores to unpack how Kirk's murder is reverberating through Central Texas. Plus, they dig into the recent detention of a beloved local dog park handler by ICE, and why this year's Hispanic Heritage Month feels noticeably different. 

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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 never shines with one extremely worthwhile and Austin-ey cocktail bar — this street has truly had multiple lives. So what’s next for Rainey Street, home of Texas’ new tallest tower and a stubborn, debunked rumor about a serial killer? And can it ever be cool again? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw, and Nikki’s friend, local musician Doug Leveton, to discuss. 

This episode originally aired on June 17. 

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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 local shops; and Gabriela Torre, who have all the tips and tricks to shopping internationally, right here at home.  

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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 affordability, music, food, and the outdoors. Can Houston even compare? 

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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 wavy A, in colors inspired by our “greenbelts, lakes, skyline sunsets, and bluebonnets,” replaces a seal that a San Francisco man designed for a contest, winning $50, in 1916, as well as hundreds of department-specific logos. But is it worth it? And will Austinites come around? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Jessica King, Austin’s chief communications director; and Yasmin Wagner, the city’s web and creative services manager, to get into it all. 

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Texas Renaissance Festival

The Texas Tribune Festival

New Waterloo - Trick Hat Workway

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 carting their kids to school while the suspect remained at-large. On today's Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to unpack the events of the shooting and discuss APD's response. Plus, the team gets into the recent influx of immigration agents in Austin, and shares their picks for what Lady Gaga should do while she's here for her March 2026 performances at the Moody Center. 

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