It’s Friday, which means it’s time to dive into the hottest news stories of the week! The tea was hot this week and producer Carlignon Jones, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz, and lead producer Dina Kesbeh have some hot takes on it! From HISD trying to hire uncertified teachers to the Lizzo lawsuit, we’re unpacking it all! Featured stories: HISD seeks to hire uncertified teachers Houston ranked #2 for “things to do” HISD special education plans Lizzo Lawsuit Houston's TIRR Memorial Hermann nam...
Aug 04, 2023•30 min
Summer is winding down, but before you start planning your back-to-school shopping and prep, join host Raheel Ramzanali, lead producer Dina Kesbeh and producer Carlignon Jones as they share their must do last minute summer adventures. End your summer by trying out these adventures: Break Life Houston Angel Pines Safari Astros Tickets Hamilton Pool Houston Dynamo Tickets San Marcos Premium Outlets Rio Vista Park Toyota Center Events Fishing Charter in Galveston Candlelight Concerts Featured Story...
Aug 03, 2023•25 min
Houston has an incredibly underrated coffee scene, but with so many places to choose from, it can be overwhelming. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Bianca Carol, creator of @HoustonCoffeeBlogger, to get her best recommendations for drinks, shops, and more! Check out these recommendations: Blendin Coffee Club Latte at Catalina Coffee Iced cold brew – Grinder’s Coffee Siphon style method- Siphon Coffee Smoked rosemary cortado – FIX Coffeebar Rose latte- Urban Brew Luce Coffee Vietnamese co...
Aug 02, 2023•17 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh want to make sure you’re caught up on all things H-Town so today they’re recapping some stories you might’ve missed. From a new investigation regarding inmate violence at Harris County Jail to Houstonians hibernating during the summer, the duo recap it all. Food Not Bombs Volunteer Trial Harris County Jail investigation AstroWorld Report Houston summer hibernation Houston Restaurant Weeks is back New traffic box murals Flea bite leads to man lo...
Aug 01, 2023•25 min
Jugging and slider crimes are on the rise across Houston, but how can we protect ourselves from becoming victims? Houston Police Department Sergeant Jeremy Lahar joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain the steps you can take to protect yourself and what to do if you’re a victim of these crimes. Learn more about Jeremy Lahar HPD safety tips Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media?...
Jul 31, 2023•17 min
Get ready for the hottest of hot takes from host Raheel Ramzanali regarding the Houston Oilers uniform drama. Then, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antréchelle Nova help recap the news from the week featuring stories about the HISD Zoom rooms, the cost of renting, dry snitching in the Texas A&M system, and more! Zoom Room examination Mayor Turner not happy with changes at HISD Teacher fired for attending drag show 10 indoor playgrounds Texans WR returns Harris County...
Jul 28, 2023•34 min
Did you know you could book a recording studio with your Houston Public Library card?! Yeah, we definitely didn’t know that was possible. Host Raheel Ramzanali is helping you unlock the full power of your library card with tips from Houston Public Library’s assistant director of customer experience Roberto Zapata. Learn more about Houston Public Library resources by clicking here . Featured story: Tickets for President Bush’s Exhibition Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning...
Jul 27, 2023•18 min
Zombie oil wells are wrecking havoc on the environment, but what exactly are they and why isn’t anybody stepping up to stop the damage? Longtime Texas energy reporter Loren Steffy joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why zombie oil wells are impacting us now, who is responsible, and what we can do to stop further damage to the environment. Read more about Zombie Wells here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Cit...
Jul 26, 2023•16 min
Ice cream is a great way to cool down during the Houston heat, but the game is changing and we’re moving on from just the basic chocolate and vanilla scoops. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Marissa Fiala, the creator of the popular @HoustonHotSpots account, to get her top spots for the best ice cream in Houston. Houston Hot Spots Craft Creamery Booza Creamistry Cosmic Ice Cream The Dough Cone Flower and Cream Milk & Sugar Creamery Lick Honest Ice Cream Looking for more Houston news? The...
Jul 25, 2023•16 min
Last week a whistleblower came forward to describe the inhumane conditions that migrants were facing as they crossed the Texas-Mexico boarder, but these conditions aren’t new. Cesar Espinosa, executive director at FIEL Houston, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to breakdown what migrants are facing at the boarder, how policy is impacting our immigration crisis, and how Houstonians can help. Migrants facing inhumane conditions FIEL Houston Be Safe, Drive Smart campaign . Looking for more Houston news? ...
Jul 24, 2023•19 min
Are we traveling less as Houstonians? Plus, is there a new energy source on the horizon that could help us generate cleaner power? From illegal campaign donations to HISD changing the teacher salary structure, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and writer Shiyam Galyon join host Raheel Ramzanali to break down all the news impacting Houston. Featured Stories: HISD teacher pay change Some HISD teachers have more value than others Compromises made in Austin interview Illegal campaign contributions ...
Jul 21, 2023•30 min
Picking the right snack at HEB can be overwhelming because of their huge selection. So, today we’re bringing in Emily Meghill, the creator of @HEBobsessed on Instagram, to join producer Carlignon Jones, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and host Raheel Ramzanali to pick their favorite Texan HEB snack, best poolside HEB snack, best HEB snacks for kids, and more! Get more HEB snack tips from Emily by following her on instagram @HEB_obsessed or check out her website ! Continue the food fun by taking ...
Jul 20, 2023•24 min
It’s been a quiet hurricane season thus far, but it only takes one major storm to change that lucky streak. Host Raheel Ramzanali is taking this quiet time to get hurricane ready by bringing on ABC-13 meteorologist Elyse Smith to get tips on what you need to do now to prepare your home and items you should buy now before a storm hits. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and I...
Jul 19, 2023•19 min
Does the perfect taco exist? Well, it’s not a secret that we have an abundance of taco joints to choose from, but where can we get the best taco? We call on the taco king Marco A. Torres, the Taco Columnist at the Houston Chronicle, to take us on a tour through the city one taco at a time. Best Tacos Spots Taconazo (4003 Fulton Street) Alamo Tamale & Taco (809 Berry Road) Inside the loop Tacos Bomberos (2206 Edwards Street, Holler Brewing @ Sawyer Yards) Gerardo's Drive-In (609 Patton Street...
Jul 18, 2023•21 min
A new investigation by the Houston Chronicle found that the Houston Police Department is responding to high priority calls at the slowest rates in decades. So, why is this happening and what can be done to improve these response times especially in communities that need it the most? Today on City Cast Houston, investigative reporter Mike Morris joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about his latest investigation. Bush Airport is the 6th best in the world! HPD response times are slowest in decades ...
Jul 17, 2023•24 min
A lot happened this week in Houston so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and writer Shiyam Galyon to recap the biggest news stories from the week. From fecal matter in our beaches to why Texas is dropping in lists when it comes to business, the trio is breaking it all down on today’s episode. Featured stories: Texas is declining in business Exxon officially moves to Houston Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz on Fox 26 Fecal matter in our beaches 311 calls story on H...
Jul 14, 2023•25 min
Throw up your H because it’s 713 Day! There’s no hiding the fact that we really love H-Town so today host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on producer Carlignon Jones, lead producer Dina Kesbeh, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to talk about things they love about Houston and misconceptions they want to change. News story: Cyclospora cases on the rise Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston D...
Jul 13, 2023•30 min
Houston was ranked as the 12th hardest place to live for people with allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with Jessica Rajan, M.D., FACAAI, FAAAAI Board Certified Allergist, Immunologist, and founder of Bellaire Allergy and Asthma about why allergies are so bad in Houston, how you can survive pollen season, and a forgotten indoor allergy that‘s wreaking havoc on Houstonians. Bellaire Allergy and Asthma Looking for more Houston news? Then si...
Jul 12, 2023•14 min
Tired of eating fast food as your late night meal when you’re heading home from a fun event in Houston? On today’s episode, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Houston writer Olivia Flores Alvarez to get her list of the best late-night spots you need to try around the city after a fun night out. Check out these spots on your next late night out! Shipley Do-Nuts on Westheimer Frank’s Pizza Dot Coffee Shop La Calle Tacos Chacho’s TexMex Mai’s Houston Featured Stories: Read Olivia’s work We’re run...
Jul 11, 2023•19 min
Bzzzz! Bzzzz! Nothing says summer like Houston mosquitoes buzzing by your face, but could we be in for some relief when it comes to these pests? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to Scott McGrath, owner of McGrath Pest Control, about how an unlikely source could be the reason we see less mosquitoes this summer and what other summer pests could be invading your home. Hottest ZIP codes in the USA Houston heat impacting mosquitoes McGrath Pest Control Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our m...
Jul 10, 2023•15 min
It was a week full of fireworks in the city and in the news! From a major update in the Ken Paxton impeachment trial to an update on a missing man from 2015, host Raheel Ramzanali recaps the biggest stories oh the week with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’chelle Nova. Missing man found Lake Conroe fireworks explosion Blue Button jellyfish in Galveston New Sunnyside grocery store Ken Paxton impeachment drama H-GAC proposed changes Drainage Project shortfalls in budg...
Jul 07, 2023•27 min
Houston is constantly changing and so many places from our youth are closed. Of course AstroWorld is the most iconic place that no longer exists, but there’s so many more! From restaurants to malls and even nightclubs, host Raheel Ramzanali takes a trip down memory lane with lead producer Dina Kesbeh and ESPN Houston radio host Lance Zierlein. The Cougars are heading to the Big 12 Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagra...
Jul 06, 2023•23 min
No, you aren’t being dramatic by complaining about the Houston heat this year because it is historically hot right now! So, is this the new norm in the summer or is this just a heatwave that will pass? Plus, what long-term impact will the scorching heat have on the city and how will it influence hurricane season? Meteorologist Matt Lanza from Space City Weather joins host Raheel Ramzanali to break it all down. Check out Space City Weather Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morni...
Jul 05, 2023•15 min
Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper on PBS, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give a daytrip recommendation you need to do ASAP. From crab fishing to a look back on the deep musical history of east Texas, this town has it all! Chet gives a detailed itinerary that gives you the perfect blend of outdoor time, good food, and appreciation of this often forgotten town off I-10! Learn more about what Texas road trips you should take by watching Chet on The Daytripper Looking for more Houston news? Then s...
Jul 03, 2023•22 min
It’s been a week full of news in our city, catch up on what you missed with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz, writer Shiyam Galyon and producer Carlignon Jones. They’ll dive into what the latest special session means for Texans, how water breaks were stripped from construction workers this week, how the heat has impacted our power grid and so much more. No more water breaks ERCOT breaks demand record Another Texas special session METRO redevelopment plans Interested in advertising with City Ca...
Jun 30, 2023•32 min
Houston and Atlanta have been throwing jabs at each other for years when it comes to which city is the best in the south. Today on the show, we’re ready to settle the debate. Host Raheel Ramzanali is taking on his youngest sister, Maheen, who grew up in Houston and now lives in Atlanta and her Atlanta native husband, Ali. From best food to overall culture, it’s time we pick a winner in the Houston vs Atlanta rivalry! Featured story: Superintendent Mike Miles meeting with the community Looking fo...
Jun 29, 2023•21 min
Montrose has always been the most popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Houston, but could that be changing? Brian Riedel, associate director of the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Rice University, joins the show to talk about the history of Montrose, why Houston’s gay community migrated to the neighborhood, and why change is inevitable for this vibrant neighborhood. More on Brian Riedel's work here . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston...
Jun 28, 2023•22 min
Ask 100 Houstonians where the best kolache is in town and you’ll probably get 100 different answers. Kolaches have been an institution in H-Town for decades, but with so many great bakeries to choose from, where should you go first? Houston food content creator Shawn the Food Sheep joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give his recommendations of places you need to try ASAP. From fruit fillings to hearty meat choices, these kolaches will have you ready to conquer the day. Houston Landing’s story on day...
Jun 27, 2023•17 min
We sometimes forget why Houston is called Space City, but now as the crew of the Artemis II Mission starts their training to orbit the moon, all eyes are once again on the Johnson Space Center as we venture into the next phase of space exploration. Commander Reid Wiseman joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about why Artemis II is such an important mission, what he misses about being in space, and why humans on Mars isn’t as far away as we think it is. Artemis II news Dr. Hagop Kantarjian Feature...
Jun 26, 2023•14 min
It was literally so hot this week that roads were buckling in H-Town and the news was even hotter. From campaign finance misspending to a new law focusing on drunk drivers, host Raheel Ramzanali breaks it all down with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’chelle Nova. Want to dig deeper into these stories? Check out the links below: Greater Houston Partnership New Leader Oil demand is peaking Michael Kubosh investigation Road are buckling in the heat Two more deaths ins...
Jun 23, 2023•24 min
