After testing a pilot security camera program for three years, Austin parks have seen a drop in crime. This week, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department will ask City Council for approval to expand the program. But amid concerns about mass surveillance and data privacy, what will council do? On today’s Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to break down the potential benefits and risks of the program. Plus, the team discusses a Texas task force gearing up to combat a deadly invasive fly, and why Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are investigating student protests.

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It's officially February in Austin and that means love is in the air! But we know love comes in many forms. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Aira Jay, host of Austin's favorite Queer Trivia, to bring you the best events around the city this month. Whether you're getting crafty with friends, learning something new with family, or rom-com-ing it up with a special flame, we've got you covered. And in case you missed it, Waffle House is now taking online reservations for Valentine's Day. What's more romantic than a plate of heart-shaped waffles? 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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On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructed all state agencies and public universities to pause new H1-B visa applications as he launches an investigation into the potential misuse of the federal program. For now, the directive applies only to those institutions but, could the crackdown eventually ripple out to private employers here in Austin? On this week's Friday News Roundup host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to unpack what the move could mean for our city's workforce. Plus, with the deadline to register to vote in the March 3 primaries quickly approaching, the team shares everything you need to know about the upcoming election. And, of course, we get into our weekend plans. Want to sing Wicked with a group of strangers on Saturday? We've got you covered. 

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A reality TV star recently announced her candidacy for Austin mayor, only to learn that the seat isn’t quite open yet. Now, Farrah Abraham is set to run for city council — but can she? Plus, since voters shot down Austin City Council’s request for more taxes, the city has shifted its focus to saving money. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Amy Stansbury of The Austin Common for the latest on Austin City Hall, including what the city’s austerity plan actually looks like, and a new proposal to provide more affordable housing for middle-class Austinites. 

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As Austin keeps getting bigger, so does its comedy scene, and lately it feels like everyone's talking about it. From national media attention to local comics breaking out and making it big, Austin comedy really seems to be having a moment. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by local comedian Izzy Burger, who hosts Ladies Night at the Velveeta Room; and Dave Buckman of ColdTowne Theater to discuss what's driving the boom, how the scene is changing, and the types of comics coming on the scene. Turns out, Joe Rogan's Comedy Mothership isn't the only force shaping Austin comedy right now, and it may not even be the most important one. 

This episode originally aired on October 27, 2025. 

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After 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot and killed by the U.S. Border Patrol during an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis on Saturday, Austinites are feeling increasingly anxious about the possibility of heightened immigration activity here at home. On our inaugural Tuesday News Roundup, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss how Austinites are responding, why there were concerns about ICE in town, and the local leaders including even Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who are calling on D.C. to rebuild public trust with ICE officials. Plus, we grade the city’s response to Austin's winter storm and take a moment to hear directly from our listeners. If you're interested in learning more about LOVB Austin, like one of our listeners mentioned, find their schedule here.

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It’s a new year, and even in Texas, that means there are new laws that can catch the unaware in a crime. But how well do you know our existing statutes — like our oyster-related felonies or the ordinance that says it’s illegal to throw things off of Mount Bonnell? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Geoff Burkhart, Travis County Executive for Community Legal Services, to talk about new crimes for 2026 and the weird, wacky, and painful laws of Texas’ past, including some that are still on the books and could come back to inflict more harm. Plus, Burkhart explains why Travis County is one of only a few in Texas that ensures people have legal representation at their first court appearance. 

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You've probably heard that Austin is bracing for a winter storm this weekend. But, with posts circulating online exaggerating the severity, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Fear not! On this week's Friday News Round Up, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin's own Avery Tomasco, meteorologist at CBS News, to break down the truth on what we can expect and how to best prepare for the freezing weather ahead. Plus, producers Elissa Castles and Eva Ruth Moravec weigh in on the local businesses suing the Trump Administration and share the best spots to try around town for mocktails before Dry January wraps up. 

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Not wanting to miss any Awards Season fun, the City Cast Austin team is out with our very first “Best Of” episode — but you won’t find these categories anywhere else. Tune in to hear host Nikki DaVaughn, producer Elissa Castles and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec debate on Austin’s best places to find hotties, scream or cry in public after a breakup, and — this is a tough one — our best outdoor space. And, spoiler alert: We need your help with that last one. Weigh in once you finish listening! 

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As the climate has changed, Austin’s allergy seasons have morphed into more of a year-round suffer fest, do-si-do-ing smoothly from cedar or juniper, to grass, then ragweed, and oak. And right now, we’re in the thick of cedar season, which is absolutely loving this weather. Host Nikki DaVaughn, a victim of allergies herself, is joined today by Dr. Neha Reshamwala, doctor and founder of Frontier Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, to talk about why cedar is thriving this year, if it’s actually getting worse from year to year, and how to treat cedar fever. 

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