
City Cast Austin
🚗 Waymos coming to an area near you
August 18, 2025 · — McKenna Harford
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What's CITY Talking About?
🏛️ Second Special Session Underway
Texas lawmakers — including House Democrats — are expected at the capitol at noon today for the second special session, called by Gov. Greg Abbott right after the first one adjourned, in an effort to pass new congressional district maps. [KVUE]
- House Speaker Dustin Burrows said in addition to redistricting, he is prioritizing legislation on camp safety, and will also address abortion and property tax relief. [Texas Tribune]

🎙️ Waymos Taking Over Austin
Waymo recently expanded its footprint from covering 37 square miles to covering 90 — so have you taken one yet? The automated vehicles have their perks, according to a Waymo evangelist who just might convince you to take one, too. [City Cast Austin]
🍷 Alcohol Sales Drop Off
A Texas Restaurant Association survey found that Austin establishments, along with those throughout the state, are selling less alcohol so far this year compared to last year. [Austin Business Journal]
🏫 3 Middle Schools Fail Accountability Ratings
Austin Independent School District’s Dobie, Burnet, and Webb middle schools received an “F” from the Texas Education Association for having low student test scores for the fourth year in a row, inching the district closer to potential state interventions. [KXAN]

Where Is This?

Hello? I fear I have to be dramatic and say I absolutely cannot believe no one guessed where this mural is located! It’s location is all over it! The mural is located along the frontage road of South Interstate 35 near Sixth Street.
Please tell me someone knows where this week’s photo was taken:

Do you know where this photo was taken or who this is? Reply to this email with your best guess to be featured in Monday’s newsletter!

What To Do
Monday, Aug. 18
- 🎉 Slow Season Service Industry Night at Meanwhile Brewing Co. | McKinney
- 🎥 “Daughters of the Dust” at Hyperreal Film Club | East Austin
- ❓ General Knowledge Trivia at Captain Quackenbush's Coffeehouse | Westgate
- 🗑️ Generation Zero Summer Games at Austin Public Library Windsor Park Branch | Windsor Park
- 🛼 Austin Pride Week Rainbow Skate at Playland Skate Center | North Austin
Tuesday, Aug. 19
- 🎤 Grind Comedy at Gnar Bar | Downtown Austin
- 🎶 Hector Ward & The Big Time at Saxon Pub | Zilker
- 🖼️ Public Tour: Highlights of the Blanton’s Collection at the Blanton Museum of Art | UT Campus
- 🍝 Make Pasta Alfredo With Chef Erin at WhichCraft Taproom & Bottle Shop | Mueller
- 🎥 Shhhinema for the People at Hyperreal Film Club | East Austin
- ☕ Cafe au Lit Book Club at Austin Public Library John Gillum Branch | North Austin
Thanks for reading! I’ll leave you with a restaurant update: Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar has reopened after the building was hit by a car earlier this month. Anyone feel like an aperitivo? 🥂
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