City Cast Austin

City Cast Austin

🚗 Waymos coming to an area near you

August 18, 2025 · — McKenna Harford

Happy Monday! If you haven’t already, please help us out and take our reader survey! It only takes seven minutes and you could win a $250 Visa gift card and Hey Austin swag 😉

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 Expand in Austin

🎙️ 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?

A mural on historic 6th Street.
This mural is a classic tourist spot! (Kelsey Bradshaw/City Cast Austin)

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:

A statue of a woman at a canon.
Hint: This statue is near the Capitol. 👀 (Kelsey Bradshaw/City Cast Austin)

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

Tuesday, Aug. 19

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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