How did a holiday that we all loved celebrating as children become the most commercialized and overdone explosion of pinks and reds and bows and hearts ever? For host Nikki DaVaughn, Valentine’s Day used to be exciting and sweet, but these days, it just seems like a big excuse to spend money. Today’s guest, local writer Rose McMackin, chats with Nikki on which gifts you should absolutely avoid — and which are worth your hard earned cash, and how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that still has meaning. 

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Austin Community College has been around for 51 years, and serves a hugely important role in the higher education community. From identifying needs in the local workforce and creating programs to train students who then fill those gaps, to helping students overcome barriers that keep them from attaining higher education, ACC is doing a ton these days. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart to talk about all things Austin Riverbats. 

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• Visit Amarillo

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Now that the Texas Senate has passed this session’s voucher bill, it’s up to the Texas House to see it through. The proposal, a priority for Gov. Greg Abbott, would give Texas families $10,000 per child to use towards private school tuition and other fees. Democrats have pledged to fight the effort to use public tax dollars to subsidize private school tuition, but what power do they actually have? We’re listening in on City Cast Houston Host Raheel Ramzanali’s conversation with State Rep. Gene Wu, the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, who has some ideas on how Democrats can still make a difference this session. 

Learn more about the sponsor of this February 11th episode:

• Visit Amarillo

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The half-dozen blocks of Sixth Street downtown where Austinites celebrate their 21st birthdays and so much more sit within a historic district — but even so, changes are afoot. After 35 years, Austin officials are testing out reopening the street to vehicular traffic on the weekends, and have widened sidewalks and added barricades to protect pedestrians. And, while it might seem sudden, these changes have been in the works for years, well before the New Year’s terrorist attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. To break down the past, present, and future of Dirty Old Sixth, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hannah Rangel, the Downtown Austin Alliance’s vice president of built environment; Bill Brice , the DAA’s senior vice president of investor relations, and Mike DeBonville, Owner/Operator of Marlow Bar. 

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This week, the Texas Senate passed a bill to give $10,000 vouchers to families to use at private schools, one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priorities. On today’s Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by multidisciplinary storyteller Mase Kerwick and executive producer to talk about the bill’s challenges now in the Texas House, where it failed to progress during the last legislative session. Plus, why an Austinite is saying that Lockhart is the new Live Music Capital of the World, and where to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday. And hey, want to join our team? We’re hiring a producer, and you can apply here. 

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Lunar New Year is celebrated in Austin and around the world through Feb. 12, and during this time, certain Chinese dishes take on special meanings: Dumplings and fish signify wealth, noodles signify happiness and longevity, and oranges and tangerines are for good luck and fortune, to name a few. So which Austin eateries serve up the best dumplings and dim sum to eat this Lunar New Year? And how does one eat them without burning one’s mouth? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Nicolai McCrary, senior staff writer at The Infatuation, to find out. 

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This Black History Month, we challenge you to learn about Austin’s deep and complicated racial history. From politicians to businesspeople, musicians, artists, chefs, and more, African-American Austinites have left their imprint on this city in many different ways, and the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center is full of exhibits and programming to help you learn. Host Nikki DaVaughn speaks to the Carver’s events coordinator, Deelah Muhyee, about why it’s important for Austinites to connect to their roots, and keep the past alive. 

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Austin viral TikTokker Lissett Bohannon joined the platform in late 2019 — and quickly found her way into her high school counseling students’ algorithms, spending the next few months providing vital information to juniors and seniors about college. Now, the platform doubles her income, and also serves as her default search tool. Host Nikki DaVaughn speaks to Bohannon about what she predicts will happen next to TikTok, and how it will affect her and other top users. 

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It’s almost time for the Academy Awards, and thus, it’s time for you to catch up on some movies. Austin Chronicle editor and film critic Kimberley Jones joins producer Rishi Bajekal to talk about the best movies of 2024, the flicks she’s got her eyes on this year, and her favorite theaters in town.

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This week, immigration agents detained dozens of people in Austin, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state officers to partner with federal officers in carrying out President Donald Trump’s efforts in deporting people. For today’s Friday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec in discussing all the latest developments. Plus, it’s time to celebrate Lunar New Year and the year of the snake — and we’ve got tips on how to partake in the fun. And, stay tuned for our weekend picks. See you at meat church?

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