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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Looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without going into debt? Don’t know how to celebrate Black History Month and Lunar New Year in Austin? We’ve got you covered with City Cast Austin’s February Monthly Guide. Think of it as your to-do list, for fun stuff, infused with helpful tips to make your month even more enjoyable (like how to get in and out of the Moody Center). It’s time to fall back in love with Austin, so join host Nikki DaVaughn, executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec, and their guest, Celina Zisman, an art advocate who chairs Austin’s Arts Commission.

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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. 

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When you think of Austin’s most iconic people, who comes to mind? That’s the question we asked ourselves last year as we tried to build Austin’s version of Mount Rushmore – let’s call it Mount Waterloo since that’s what Austin was originally called. Host Nikki DaVaughn, our Hey Austin editor Kelsey Bradshaw and former producer Elissa Rozentuller put our heads together to choose just a handful of the most iconic Austinians. Did we make the right choice? 

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Bastrop-based Boring Company, owned by Elon Musk, has tunneled 40 feet below Las Vegas, causing all kinds of problems in the name of creating a new mode of transportation. Host Nikki DaVaughn interviews Dayvid Figler, co-host of City Cast Las Vegas, who recently co-reported a story exposing the tunnel’s troubles in Nevada. There, Boring Company privately built the so-called Tesla Tunnel, avoiding some regulations and scrutiny that publicly-funded operations would have required. Already, Boring has been fined for environmental impacts here in Texas, but could a tunnel be in Austin’s future? Figler gives Austinites advice on what to pay attention to, and spills that the best part about the tunnel are the lights.

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Austin’s City Council is set to hit the ground running in its first meeting of the year this week, and one issue directly in its bullseye: Regulating short-term rentals. With three new members on the dais and Mayor Kirk Watson returning for his final term, City Council members will also have to make massive decisions, like what to do about the cap-and-stitch proposals over Interstate 35; how to fund a new 10-year, $350 million plan on addressing homelessness; and how to protect the city from potential wildfires like the devastating ones seen this month in California. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by The Austin Common’s editor-in-chief, Amy Stansbury, to discuss it all, plus explain why now is “idea time” at Austin City Hall.

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Did you catch all of the Austinites who went to President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday? The City Cast Austin crew did, and host Nikki DaVaughn dishes about who-said-or-did-what with Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec on today’s Friday News Roundup. Plus, we get into why Austin rents keep dropping, bucking a national trend; say goodbye to women’s rights activist Cecile Richards, and share our weekend plans.

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In this episode, host Nikki DaVaughn chats with Lloyd Maines, an influential musician and producer considered to be a part of Austin’s — and Texas’ — musical royalty. From his early days in Lubbock to his iconic performances on Austin City Limits, Lloyd shares his journey and insights into the vibrant Austin music scene. We touch on his unique path to becoming a top-tier musician without formal lessons, his memorable performances with artists like Joe Ely, and his perspective on why ACL TV is integral to Austin's culture. Lloyd also offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians and reflects on his musical legacy, including his impact on his daughter Natalie, lead vocalist for The Chicks.

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Taking a month off of drinking alcohol, during January or in any other month, can do magic to your body, — and could reduce your chances of getting certain types of cancer. Plus, it could also impact safety on Austin’s roadways. In today’s episode, Austin Public Health’s Medical Director, Dr. Desmar Walkes, talks to host Nikki DaVaughn about the recent research from the U.S. Surgeon General, and the lasting impacts of abstaining from alcohol for 30 days.

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Back when we were younger, we’d play a game called “F/M/K,” where we’d decide who among three people we would, ahem, freak, marry, or kill. So for today’s episode, the City Cast Austin team decided to throw it back and play a version of the game with our local celebrities. Tune in to find out how we feel about Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, Sandra Bullock, Vince Young, Jesse Plemons, Elijah Wood, and so many others. Plus, don’t miss our lightning bonus round at the end, where we toss in some Texas politicians.

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