Texas has had some of the worst and deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. Most recently, in Allen, a suburb outside of Dallas, a gunman open fire at shoppers at an outlet mall. This tragedy along with the many others that have occurred, has us asking questions like "why are lawmakers stalling on taking action to combat gun violence?" and "why does it seem like gun violence is so prominent in Texas?". Evan Mintz, Pulitzer Prize finalist for his series on gun culture and law, joins host Raheel...
May 09, 2023•17 min
Harris County and UTHealth Houston have made great strides when it comes to providing mental health help for Houstonians through their partnership, but there’s still not enough workers in the field to help those in need. Could a new school help solve that problem? Joining us today is Jair C. Soares, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Learn more about the new school being approved here! Our morning new...
May 08, 2023•21 min
We have our first crime report of the year and the statistics are promising. Plus, two major Houston institutions are hiring for jobs that impact Houstonians. It’s time to talk about those stories and more with political contributor and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and culture contributor Antre’chelle Dorsey. Want more info on these stories? Check out these links: More trees in Gulfton Katy ISD race Bellaire Mayor race Fort Bend Bond The Onion Houston jab Offshore Tech Conference United Ai...
May 05, 2023•23 min
No need to scramble next week to find a great Mother’s Day gift because lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and host Raheel Ramzanali are giving you some great gifting ideas for mom in today’s team chat! Check out some of the team's Mother's Day ideas below: Love and Make Candles Pergola Houston The Rouxpour Nirmanz Food Boutique Paint and Sip Texas Pool Marmo in Montrose Scalp Massage in Houston Etsy gifts for mom Our morning newsletter Hey Houst...
May 04, 2023•24 min
Why is it we only think of Galveston when Houstonians want to hit up a beach? Surfside Beach is only an hour away and offers surfing, fishing, and has even been designated as a Bird City by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Today on City Cast Houston, tourism specialist Michelle Booth with The Village of Surfside Beach helps us answer why Surfside Beach isn’t as popular as Galveston, what to do in Surfside Beach, and the best restaurants to try when you drive down there! Want to discover more about surf...
May 03, 2023•15 min
If you’re anything like our host Raheel then you have a massive sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied. Sure you could go to your local ice cream shop or grab something from the grocery store, but that wouldn’t be fun, now would it? Instead, check out these hidden dessert spots in H-Town from Houston food blogger Shawn The Food Sheep! For more hidden food gems, follow @ shawnthefoodsheep on instagram! Looking to taste some of Shawn's recommendations? Try these spots: RAJA SWEETS: MILK MUSTACHE: ...
May 02, 2023•18 min
Right now is the perfect time to rent a bike from one of the many BCycle stations around Houston parks and stroll around enjoying the weather, but why are prices going up at bike sharing stations in Houston today? Maya Ford, Executive Director at Houston Bike Share, joins us today to explain what is causing the price spike, their failed partnership with Metro, and the future of bike sharing in Houston. Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here . M...
May 01, 2023•19 min
Could we be getting new state parks in our area? Also, what’s the latest on the Ike Dike? Raheel is joined by Political contributor and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and writer and contributor Shiyam Galyon to break down some of the biggest and most overlooked stories of the week in Houston. 2022 Election Reporting from the Chronicle , Dallas Morning News , and Houston Public Media. New state parks and why Texas doesn’t have that many national parks Ike Dike funding Interview with Peter Hot...
Apr 28, 2023•25 min
It’s a different type of team chat today because Houston sports legends George Foreman and Wade Phillips join Raheel on the show. First, former world heavyweight boxing champ George Foreman talks about the new movie Big George Foreman and what it was like seeing his Houston childhood depicted on the big screen. Then, Houston Roughnecks coach Wade Phillips explains the most important lesson he learned from H-Town and the first thing he said to XFL Owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Our morning news...
Apr 27, 2023•15 min
Houston has become a destination for major sporting events like The Final Four, the Super Bowl, and the World Cup in 2026, but that wasn’t always the case. The Harris County Houston Sports Authority has been bidding and landing these major events for the city since it was created in 1997. CEO Janis Burke joins the show to explain why Houston is such a great city for major sporting events, how the agency helped stop other professional teams from leaving the city, and so much more! If you'd like t...
Apr 26, 2023•20 min
It’s Food Tuesday and we’re putting down those played out sugary mocktails for some sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks from Texas’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop, Sipple. Founders Danny and Helenita Frounfelkner join the show to talk about what led to creating Sipple, why this is more than just a trend, and what you need to try ASAP from the store! Learn more about Sipple by following them on Instagram or checking out there website ! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning ...
Apr 25, 2023•21 min
Houston was ranked as the 12th hardest place to live for people with allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. So today we’re 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 prepare for pollen season, and an indoor allergy that causes a lot of issues for patients. Read more here on how Houston is ranked 12th for worst city to live with alle...
Apr 24, 2023•14 min
Happy Friday, y'all! Political contributor and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Evan Mintz joins culture contributor Antre’chelle Dorsey to recap some of the biggest stories of the week with host Raheel Ramzanali. From the highly controversial ‘Death Star’ bill to a water shortage that could impact Houston, the group breaks it all down. They even get into a debate about Whataburger and Taylor Swift! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our ...
Apr 21, 2023•29 min
It’s 420 so you know we had to do a show focusing on cannabis in Houston. While products like Delta-8 and CBD are legal in Houston, THC is still illegal for recreational use. Could that change in the near future? City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali sits down with Emily Joubert from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law’s Cannabis Law Student Association and Adanary Jacques, founder of the Urban Flower Company, to talk about the future of legalization, current legislation, and what it’s like ru...
Apr 20, 2023•18 min
The Karankawa people once freely roamed the Texas coast as the first settlers, but around 1860 they disappeared due to persecution from Spanish Anglo Texans. Producer Carlignon Jones sits down with Absolem Yetzirah to talk about the tribe’s history and future to be recognized as an official tribe by the state. Learn more about the Karankawa Tribe here . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow ...
Apr 19, 2023•22 min
For the last four years, Eric Davis has been on a culinary journey as @EricEatsHTX and has built up a following of over 246k fans. However, during that journey there has been one Houston food trend that he's ready to see go away. Raheel also gets some great recommendations from Eric about places you need to try now and how his food blogging helped him during his kidney replacement. More info on Eric's recommendations: Doña Leti’s ChopNBlok Flava Wings Soul good Food Truck 1929 Po-Boy Kitchen Mic...
Apr 18, 2023•13 min
Gun violence is an important issue for many Houstonians and a new report from the Harris County Commissioners Court’s Analyst’s Office studied how gun violence is impacting our youth. Host Raheel Ramzanali sits down with Interim Director Amber Weed and analyst Aresha Davwa to recap the most important information and numbers from the report. Youth Gun Violence Report Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Ho...
Apr 17, 2023•18 min
We made it to another Friday! Political contributor and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and writer Shiyam Galyon join host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about the recent spike in gun violence, the truth behind the rise in population in the region, and the new candidate that has entered the City Controller’s race. Follow our contributors on twitter @ShiyamG and @evan7257 ! Want to learn more about these stories? Read up on them below! Houston region is growing fast Orlando Sanchez enters City Contr...
Apr 14, 2023•20 min
We all love HEB and the delicious snacks that line it's shelves! But, picking the right snack can be overwhelming. So, today we’re bringing in Emily Meghill, the creator of @heb_obsessed on Instagram, to join producer Carlignon Jones, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and host Raheel Ramzanali to pick the best Texan HEB snack, the best poolside HEB snack, the best HEB snacks for kids, and more! Want more HEB finds? Head over to the HEB Obsessed website! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up ...
Apr 13, 2023•24 min
Since 1976, The Ensemble Theatre has been preserving African American artistic expression as one of the largest professional African American theatre's in the Southwest. Producer AK Al-Moumen caught up with actor Timothy Eric and actress Michelle Elaine to talk about The Ensemble Theatre’s rich history, the new production "Clyde’s", and so much more! Get your tickets to CLYDE'S here Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here . Make sure you stay co...
Apr 12, 2023•17 min
Shun Japanese Kitchen is changing the game by combining Houston influences with high-level Japanese cooking techniques. Head Chef Naoki Yoshida joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about his experience as a second-generation Houston restaurateur, how his wife Renee Yoshida's famous pear tart led to love, why we need to stop putting Hot Cheetos on sushi, and so much more! Looking to try this life-changing pear tart? Head to Shun Japanese Kitchen to taste all the yummy things they have to offer bef...
Apr 11, 2023•19 min
Sure, we all sort of understand how inflation works, but how does it REALLY impact us? TikTok’s unofficial economist and University of Houston adjunct professor Chris Clarke joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain the true impacts of inflation on your pockets, how inflation headlines impact buying habits, and the one thing you need to do right now to fight inflation. Keep up with what's going on in Houston by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston ! Keep up with us by following us on Tw...
Apr 10, 2023•17 min
We made it to another Friday! Political contributor and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and culture contributor Antre’chelle Dorsey join host Raheel Ramzanali to recap the biggest story, most overlooked story, and moments of joy from the week. From how OPEC’s recent decision will impact the Houston economy to felony charges for painting over the "Be Someone" sign, the crew breaks it all down! Fort Bend ISD's $1.26 billion bond OPEC "Be Someone" Graffiti Felony Charge Keep up with what's going...
Apr 07, 2023•23 min
There’s something special about driving down I-45 for an hour to be greeted by the sounds of seagulls and waves crashing on the shores of Galveston’s beaches. Unfortunately, not everybody feels that way about our beach neighbors to the south, so Raheel is here to convince lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston editor Brooke Lewis on why Galveston doesn’t suck! Keep up with what's going on in Houston by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston ! Keep up with ...
Apr 06, 2023•24 min
Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper on PBS, joins Raheel to layout why Port Arthur is the perfect destination for a spring road trip. From crabbing to a look back on the deep musical history of the region, Port Arthur has it all! Chet gives a detailed itinerary that gives you the perfect blend of outdoor time, good food, and appreciation of the often forgotten town off I-10! Want more Texas roadtrip ideas? Watch The Daytripper now! Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news ...
Apr 05, 2023•22 min
Black Restaurant Week is under way until April 16th in H-Town and with so many delicious spots to try, we brought back Food influencer G from Bless Tha Belly to help us navigate the food scene. From the best lunch spots to the most Houston spot, G gives us a mouthwatering list of black-owned restaurants from across the city. Are you ready to go on a culinary journey with your guide G? Check out the Black Restaurant Week Website for more! Follow G on Instagram @BlessThaBelly! Looking for more Hou...
Apr 04, 2023•16 min
Synthetic fentanyl related deaths in Houston are at crisis level, but politicians still haven’t legalized fentanyl testing strips even after public support from Governor Greg Abbott. Why is that? Cate Graziani of the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance joins City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali to break down why bills are stalling out in Austin regarding these easy lifesaving strips and why other harm reduction methods aren’t being implemented state wide. Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings u...
Apr 03, 2023•19 min
Ah, Friday — We made it! It’s that time of the week where we look back at the biggest and most overlooked stories. From restricting transition treatment care for minors to the future of The Texas Observer, and so much more. Listen to host Raheel Ramzanali, political contributor Evan Mintz, and contributor Shiyam Galyon break it all down. Map of Forever Chemicals Thousands of Forever Chemicals Injected Into Texas Oil and Gas Wells Texas Tribune’s Story on Paul Pressler EV Registration Might Go Up...
Mar 31, 2023•26 min
Houston finally has perfect spring weather so the City Cast Houston crew gathered to give their best recommendations for four categories to enjoy spring in H-Town. Newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, lead producer Dina Kesbeh, and host Raheel Ramzanali give out some uniquely Houston spots to enjoy before it gets too hot! Dig World Memorial Hermann Park Miller Outdoor Theater Local Foods Empire Cafe Keep up with what's going on in Houston by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston ! Keep up ...
Mar 30, 2023•22 min
There have been wild lawsuits and stories making the headlines around town. From the state taking over HISD to the man suing his ex-wife’s friends for helping her get abortion pills. Host Raheel Ramzanali chats with media personality Charles Adams. He’s gone from HPD officer, presiding Municipal Judge, to now a practicing trial lawyer. Tune in for his unfiltered take on what's happening around town. Big Angry Law Big Angry Law Radio Keep up with what's going on in Houston by subscribing to our d...
Mar 29, 2023•23 min
