New documents revealed that HISD’s special education program is off-track even after state conservators stepped in to help right the department in 2020. Now things are getting even more complicated as new state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles implements his vision for the department with goals of fixing it in two years. Houston Landing staff reporter Asher Lehrer-Small has been investigating the department and he joins host Raheel Ramzanali to breakdown his findings. Asher’s latest work on H...
Sep 18, 2023•18 min
The Ken Paxton impeachment trial storylines are capturing all of the headlines this week. From the alleged mistress showing up to getting fired at a Starbucks, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz recaps all of the drama with host Raheel Ramzanali. The trial wasn’t the only thing happening in Houston so the duo also talk about the latest with funding regarding the Ike Dike, how school districts are fighting the TEA regarding a new ratings system, and the latest on DACA. Featured stories: Ike Dike ...
Sep 15, 2023•20 min
From iconic restaurants to malls, Houston’s growth has phased out some iconic places from our youth. On today’s episode, host Raheel Ramzanali takes a trip down memory lane with lead producer Dina Kesbeh and ESPN Houston radio host Lance Zierlein as they reminisce about legendary places that are now gone. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 71...
Sep 14, 2023•23 min
We’re always talking about how diverse Houston is, but we keep eating the same types of cuisine. We’re changing that today! Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Chron.com food editor John-Henry Perera to get his picks for places that will help us diversify our palate in H-Town. Lanka Mex Aga’s Restaurant and Catering Our episode with Shaukat Maredia of Aga’s Nikko’s Cheesecake Artisian 360 Pecan Creeke Grille Coltivare Lucy’s Ethiopian Hungry Jacks in Crosby Ebi Ebi Shrimp Interested in advertis...
Sep 13, 2023•17 min
It’s been a busy start to the week so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on lead producer Dina Kesbeh to breakdown the biggest stories that are impacting Houston. From a new report on hate crimes to a major expansion that could change the airport game for Houstonians, Raheel and Dina recap it all. Plus, Raheel puts Dina in the hot seat with a game of guess the fake headline. Featured stories: New hate crime report Traditional Iraqi house in Houston Pictures of the mudhif Hobby Airport expansion T...
Sep 12, 2023•24 min
Eleven inmates have died inside Harris County Jail so far in 2023 and now families of inmates are fighting back. But, will this help with the issues that are leading to so many deaths? Houston Public Media’s Lucio Vasquez joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about his latest investigation into Harris County Jail and what is being done to slow down the number of deaths. Read and Listen to Lucio’s reporting here Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Th...
Sep 11, 2023•17 min
Just because it was a short week doesn't mean it wasn't a busy week in H-Town. From a new anti-eviction program to HISD potentially adding more school days, host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down all of the stories with Houston Landing education reporter Miranda Dunlap and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. The trio also start the conversation off with an interesting Beyoncé question that you don't want to miss! Featured stories: Read Miranda's work here New Anti-Eviction Funds New Bike path co...
Sep 08, 2023•26 min
We’re now hitting that part of the year where we’ll be getting a lot of visitors for the holidays or just a weekend getaway and one of the more stressful things during those visits is trying to find places to take your guests. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on lead producer Dina Kesbeh and producer Carlignon Jones to help build out the ultimate visitors guide to Houston. From iconic places to most Instagrammable locations, the trio is helping you find places to take your guests! Try out t...
Sep 07, 2023•26 min
The hot chicken trend has had a chokehold on us all. The spice, the crunch, and explosion of flavor has set host Raheel Ramzanali on a mission for the must-try hot chicken spots in the city. He calls on the hot chicken connoisseur, Grundy, known as G, the food blogger behind Bless Tha Belly. Bless Tha Belly Mico’s Howdy’s Hot Chicken Clutch City Cluckers Chick-Fil-A Popstin for dessert Dave’s Hot Chicken Yummy’s Hot Chicken WingIt The Waffle Bus Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Ta...
Sep 06, 2023•17 min
You might have unplugged from all the happenings around the city during the long weekend, so we’re here to catch you up. Host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones kick off the short week talking about the growing number of people experiencing depression in the summer, the local high schools who made it to the top nationally, and so much more. NASA pollution images Seasonal depression in the summer Top Houston high schools are getting national and state love Residential views rankings Sh...
Sep 05, 2023•21 min
We’re heading into the long weekend by breaking down the biggest stories of the week impacting H-Town. From the Ken Paxton impeachment trial starting to a white truck stuck in Buffalo Bayou, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’Chelle Nova recap it all! Featured stories: Death Star Bill update How Nate Paul ran the Texas AG Gulf of Mexico wind auction Alison Peck’s new movie on Netflix Katy ISD’s new policy Love is Blind is in Houston ...
Sep 01, 2023•27 min
Houston has been leading the way in helping the unhoused community get back on their feet with permanent housing. A big reason for that success is the Coalition for the Homeless and their Way Home program. So, how are they doing it and where can we improve as a city to help even more in the unhoused community? CEO Mike Nichols joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about their success and how the Houston Endowment is helping with a new investment. Learn more by checking out the article below or vis...
Aug 31, 2023•21 min
Houston has a lot of firsts, but the distinction of first Chinese restaurant ever belongs to China Garden in downtown. Since 1969, Carol Churchill and her family have served scratch-made Chinese food to the biggest names in Houston, but since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has been struggling and that includes China Garden. Host Raheel Ramzanali chats with Carol about the challenges China Garden is facing and how they’re adapting. China Garden Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then s...
Aug 30, 2023•17 min
Home ownership is getting to be more expensive in H-Town, but how much money do you have to make to afford a starter home? Plus, with the new school year underway, a lot of new legislation goes into effect as well for schools. Also, what should you do when you find a stay animal? Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh talk about those stories and more to prepare you for the week! Featured stories: Stray animals primer on Hey Houston 85 dogs seized in Pearland New laws impacting scho...
Aug 29, 2023•29 min
It’s the first day of school for HISD and this is the perfect time to learn about what concerns parents have as we start another school year. From school safety to banned books, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to KHOU 11’s Mia Gradney about her station’s recent parent survey and her talks with superintendents from across the great Houston area. Mia Gradney’s interviews on KHOU Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback...
Aug 28, 2023•22 min
Virgo season is here and Antre’chelle Nova is letting you know as she joins host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to recap the news. From the latest on who will run the city elections to STAAR testing trends impacting our kids, the trio break it all down on today’s episode. Grace’s 1.5 hour policy STAAR testing trends Houston, 5th worst for rats? El Bolillo Celebrates 25 years UTMB gets $2 million for gun violence research Harris County elections Beyoncé tickets are expens...
Aug 25, 2023•29 min
This heat isn’t going anywhere, so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Dr. Wafi Momin, cardiologist at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, to talk about which groups of people are most at-risk to suffer from heat exhaustion, what you can do to prevent heat related emergencies, and why it’s important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dr. Wafi Momin Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instag...
Aug 24, 2023•13 min
There are so many good South Asian restaurants in Houston, but one consistently gets brought up as the best: Aga’s Restaurant and Catering. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to owner Shaukat Maredia about how this once struggling restaurant turned it around and became the spot for desi food in the city. Aga’s scholarship fund application Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a vo...
Aug 23, 2023•22 min
The Houston Police Department released their latest crime numbers and the trends are definitely surprising. Plus, Harris County Health might finally get a much-needed boost to expand hospitals if voters approve a new bond. Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh recap some of the biggest stories in H-Town and also start the conversation with a tough question in honor of José Altuve! Jose Altuve enters the 2000 hits club. Homicides were down by more than 22 percent during the first se...
Aug 22, 2023•23 min
Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have updated their 2023 Atlantic hurricane season activity predictions to be “above normal” so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Rich Johnson from the Insurance Council of Texas to discuss what things we should all be looking out for right now in our insurance in case a hurricane does hit our city. From home owners to renters, we’re breaking it all down! Insurance Council of Texas Texas A&M tuition freeze Looking for more H...
Aug 21, 2023•17 min
It’s been a really hot week, literally. A heat wave that just won’t let up, topped with our local legend Macaroni Tony being beaten by a father who accuses him of allegedly trying to inappropriately touch his daughters, and Harris County GOP candidate has dropped his lawsuit. Producer Carlignon Jones unpacks the stories of the week with media personality Antrechelle Nova and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. Featured stories: Macaroni Tony Harris County GOP drops Lawsuit Excessive heat wave Mi...
Aug 18, 2023•34 min
As we hit another 100 degree day in H-Town, it’s time to cool off by enjoying the crashing waves of Galveston. From being greeted by the sounds of seagulls to the endless restaurant options, Galveston is the place to cool down during this heatwave. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis to discuss the pros and cons of our neighbors down I-45! Explore what Galveston and its surround areas have to offer by visitin...
Aug 17, 2023•23 min
Houston Restaurant Weeks has become an annual summer tradition for foodies to try out award-winning restaurants at unbeatable prices, but with hundreds of restaurants on the list, it can be overwhelming picking the best ones. Host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on Houston Chronicle food reporter Erica Cheng to get her recommendations for spots you need to try during Houston Restaurant Weeks. Try out these restaurants before Houston Restaurant Weeks ends: Best things Erica has eaten so far: Shabu Sq...
Aug 16, 2023•17 min
A lot has happened in H-Town to start the week so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis to recap some of the biggest stories that caught their eyes. From a landmark revenge porn ruling to an update on the hurricane season, they’re breaking it all down. Oh, and things of course they have some hot takes on food! Featured stories: 114-year-old Houston woman Revenge porn ruling Bullet train to Dallas Shipley Do-Nuts is growing It’s hot ! More hurricanes Looking for mor...
Aug 15, 2023•26 min
Is Houston on the verge of becoming unaffordable? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by economics professor Chris Clarke to talk about what factors are driving our city to becoming unaffordable, what we can do as a city to prevent it, and what the future of interest rates look like as residents deal with high interest rates. Clear the Shelter event at Houston SPCA Follow professor Chris Clarke on TikTok , Instagram , and Twitter . Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newslett...
Aug 14, 2023•21 min
Things get emotional as host Raheel Ramzanali, media personality Antre’chelle Nova, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz breakdown Judge Lina Hidalgo mental health leave, Travis Scott coming back to the city to perform, the looming childcare shortage, and more. It’s time to recap all the biggest stories from the week! Stay in touch with Evan Mintz and Antre’chelle Nova by following them on Twitter (A.K.A. "X") Featured stories: 40% of childcare facilities could close in Texas More on childcare...
Aug 11, 2023•34 min
Yes, wasps look scary and our first instinct is to kill them, but Rice biology professor Scott Solomon is here to change your mind on wasps. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh talks to professor Solomon about why we need wasps around our houses, the different types of wasps around the city, and so much more! Read the latest from Scott Solomon Monkey on the loose Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social med...
Aug 10, 2023•23 min
Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring food! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Houston food blogger Shawn the Food Sheep to get his top spots for healthy food around H-Town. From best salads to a vegan spot that you need to try ASAP, we have it all for those of you who are ready to put down the cheeseburgers and pickup a smoothie. Try these spots to make your next diet a breeze: Mamaka Bowls - Acai Bowls Flower Child - Salads D'Lites - Healthy Ice Cream Vibrant - Date Night Earthcraft Juicery -...
Aug 09, 2023•19 min
Houston news never stops so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on producer Carlignon Jones to recap stories you might’ve missed from the weekend and start of the week. From an update on HISD to the city not backing down from Food Not Bombs, we’re recapping it all. Plus, our rapid fire section will have you laughing and excited about the future of our area. Featured stories: Houston re-filing dismissed cases against Food Not Bombs Texas Pete lawsuit Trill Burgers customers getting scammed Fort Ben...
Aug 08, 2023•28 min
The Houston Independent School District has gone through significant changes, some extremely contentious that have gained backlash from Mayor Sylvester Turner. So, why have these changes brought on so much controversy? To recap it all, lead producer Dina Kesbeh chats with Houston Landing reporters Asher Lehrer-Small and Miranda Dunlap. HISD receives backlash HISD restructures their power Special Education and HISD Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston...
Aug 07, 2023•24 min
