City Cast Austin
👀 Austin officials caught with Dallas jobs
April 13, 2026 · — Natalia Aldana
Hey there! City Cast editor Natalia Aldana here, filling in for Kelsey today 👋
Anyone else on the fence about watching the new season of Euphoria?! The whole “great jeans” of it all has me less than enthused. But here’s a story that may give me the nudge to watch. Martha Kelly, who plays a dealer on the show, got her start right here as a deadpan comedian, even winning the “Funniest Person in Austin” competition! We love a local winner 🤩
What's CITY Talking About
Texas’ New SNAP Rules Cause Confusion
Effective this month, the state has banned using SNAP benefits to purchase sugary items such as candy and sweetened drinks, including many juices; but not sweet cereals or ice cream. The lack of a specific list has confused retailers and families who rely on SNAP. [KUT News]
Austin Fires Top IT Execs for Undisclosed Jobs
Three high-ranking IT workers were fired last month for holding second jobs, with two executives also working for the city of Dallas. City employees are required to disclose other employment to minimize potential conflicts of interest. The City of Dallas received an anonymous tip via its whistleblower hotline and notified Austin officials of the two-timing employees. [Austin American-Statesman 🔐]
The Intersections Austinites Hate the Most
There are hundreds of intersections in Austin, but which are the absolute worst? Is it driving the roundabout at 51st Street and Interstate 35? Riding a bicycle at Barton Springs and Azie Morton roads? Or maneuvering around Slaughter Lane and the MoPac Expressway, which is so bad it might be under construction for years to come? Or more!? We’re debating this question with KUT’s transportation reporter Nathan Bernier.
- Which intersection do you hate most? Help us decide! [City Cast Austin 🎧]
Ranch Water is an Austin Treasure
A lot of iconic food and beverage staples have come out of this great city, which certainly includes Ranch Water, the limey tequila cocktail that is increasingly finding new fans across the U.S. Here’s how Ranch Water was born in 1990s Austin. [Austin Monthly]
- Speaking of deliciousness: We’re still waiting ever so patiently but desperately for Shug Bagels’ and PopUp Bagels’ opening dates! [Instagram; Culture Map]
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Where Is This?
Congratulations to Terri M. for guessing last week’s “Where Is This?” correctly! This photo was taken along the Lady Bird Lake trail at the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue. The statue is near Auditorium Shores.
For this week’s photo, we’re headed inside:
Do you know where this photo was taken? Submit your guess by clicking the button below to be featured in next Monday’s newsletter!
What To Do
Monday, April 13
- 🤠 Queer Two-Step Night at Sagebrush
- 📣 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders LIVE! at ACL Live at The Moody Theater
- 🧘 Slow Flow & Sound at Moody Amphitheater
- 📚 The Book Club Was Better: “The Big Short” at BookPeople
- ❓ “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Trivia at Punch Bowl Social
Tuesday, April 14
- 🦠 Neil Degrasse Tyson at the Long Center
- 💪 Stay Strong at Meredith Heritage Tree Deck
- 🎶 Tuesday Twilights Feat. Anna La Mare at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- 🤘 Longhorn Concert Bands at Bates Recital Hall
- 🚲 Bike Night at Circuit of The Americas
- 🩸 We are Blood - Blood Drive at Austin Public Library Central Library
- 📚 Books and Breweries: “People Like Us” at The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company
🤠 All his exes live in Texas, but that didn’t stop George Strait from playing a 28-song set at the Moody Center last week to kick off his 2026 limited concert series. He also featured local police and fire officials in a video that was broadcast during his “Weight of the Badge” song.
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