Are you really going to risk ordering a gift online with all of these delivery delays?! Shop local instead and check out these great stores in Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Houston Chronicle reporter Brittanie Shey of the best local Houston stores for last minute holiday shopping. Kuhl-Linscomb Whole Earth Provisions Cargo Vintage Space City Collective Perfume Time in Houston Blendin Coffee Club Erica DelGrado Jewelry Cooking classes at Central Market Houston Int...
Dec 14, 2023•23 min
Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, it can be hard to find restaurants that are open on December 25. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined once again by Eric Sandler, food editor at CultureMap, to get his take on the best restaurants in Houston that are open on Christmas Day. From the best take-out spots to great places to splurge, we’ve got you covered on both traditional and non-traditional Christmas eats. They also talk about some of the biggest food news of the year in Houston. Don't want to c...
Dec 13, 2023•17 min
Mayor Elect Whitmire is set to take office on January 1, 2024, but could this create a delay in a major billing issue for Houstonians? Plus, a Heights resident is fighting back against the city because of her front yard. Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping those stories and more with Rice University journalist Brandi Smith. Houston Suburbs are growing fast Pumpkin biohazard Latest on the bullet train Ryde is going to the Second Ward Latest on water billing issues Delayed vote on water billing iss...
Dec 12, 2023•22 min
State Senator John Whitmire won Saturday’s runoff election over Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, but how different will the city look in 2024 under his guidance? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Houston Landing reporters Tim Carlin and Paul Cobler to talk about the biggest changes we could see from the new mayor and a recap of the runoff election. Read Paul Cobler’s work here Read Tim Carlin’s work here Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then ...
Dec 11, 2023•22 min
We all know Houston has terrible traffic, but you won’t believe how many hours we waste on the road. Plus, there’s some major drama going down in Fort Bend ISD with the retirement of their superintendent. Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz joins host Raheel Ramzanali to recap these stories and more to end the week here on City Cast Houston. Featured stories: Find your polling place for tomorrow’s election Pervez Agwan lawsuit FBISD superintendent forced to retire? TEA school ratings drama Housto...
Dec 08, 2023•21 min
We’re ending 2023 with a bang by putting together our guide for things to do in December around H-Town. From restaurants to experiences, host Raheel Ramzanali, executive producer Dina Kesbeh, and producer Carlignon Jones are getting you ready to take full advantage of the final month of the year! Spots to check out this December! Houston Holiday Lights episode Grace’s on Kirby Santa’s Wonderland Wonder Bar Chocolatzeina Christmas Village at Bayou Bend Oudhlei Boss Up Cosmetics American Eagle Tra...
Dec 07, 2023•27 min
Finding the perfect date night dinner spot can be hard, but host Raheel Ramzanali is making it a bit easier by picking the top spots from Houston Chronicle food reporter Erica Cheng. From casual spots to upscale eateries, the duo are picking places for everyone! Pop Stroke Ebi Ebi Shrimp Roka Akor Bori Korean BBQ Mico’s Chicken Aga’s Restaurant Nancy’s Hustle Kim Shabu Bistro Menil Aladdin’s Read all of Erica's work here Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Hous...
Dec 06, 2023•24 min
A group that stole more than $30k in donations has finally been caught and convicted, but you won’t believe how they did it. Plus, a local city council candidate is under fire from Houston’s LGBTQ+ community for a flyer she put out. And, Texas teachers are underpaid, but will anything change? Host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones recap the biggest stories impacting Houston to start the week! Featured stories: El Panadero goes on an adventure Group steals from donation center City Co...
Dec 05, 2023•26 min
For more than a year we’ve been hearing about residents being sent incorrect water bills and being stuck paying them. Now, there’s finally some reform in the works, but was it because of KPRC’s investigative reporter Amy Davis’ viral clip with Mayor Turner? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Amy Davis and Houston Landing’s Matt Sledge to talk about why these incorrect water bills are creating a shift in power in our local government. The shift in power because of water billing issues Mayor Turne...
Dec 04, 2023•17 min
Social media is flooded with the most streamed musicians of the year, but who did we love as a city? Plus, an anchor in midtown is closing and that could mean good things for the rest of downtown. Houston Landing’s education reporter Asher Lehrer-Small and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz join host Raheel Ramzanali to recap those stories and more. Featured stories: Houston’s most streamed artists HISD’s enrollment numbers could mean budget issues Greyhound station in Midtown is closing Early v...
Dec 01, 2023•35 min
From extravagant displays to decade old neighborhood traditions, Houston has some of the best holiday lights in the state. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Justin Lacey from the Houston Botanic Garden to get you ready to check out the best holiday lights around Houston. Links: Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden Locations of all the places we talked about Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t ...
Nov 30, 2023•25 min
What’s your favorite style of pizza, New York, deep dish, pan style, Italian? How do you like your pizza, stone oven, baked, round or square? Do you know what Detroit style is? Well Houston has got you covered, there is a pizza style for any taste palate. Even for you pizza haters out there like our very own producer Carlignon Jones, we bet that after listening to lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer AK Al-Moumen, and newsletter editor Brooke Lewis tell you about the best pizza in town and where ...
Nov 29, 2023•26 min
Early voting has started for the runoff elections on December 9th and we have some early poll numbers regarding who the next mayor will be in Houston. Plus, there was a major oil spill in the region, but nobody talked about it. And you won’t believe how much damage a pack of stray dogs caused in Cypress! Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Dina Kesbeh recap these stories and more on today’s episode of City Cast Houston. Featured stories: Early voting poll numbers Oil spill in the Gulf o...
Nov 28, 2023•25 min
If you’ve been to a big grocery store in the last month or so then you’ve noticed the thousands of black birds all around you. So, what are these black birds and why are they taking over?! Rice professor Cin-Ty Lee joins host Raheel Ramzanali to answer all of our questions about those loud black birds we see everywhere across Houston. Learn more about Professor Lee Learn more about grackles Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our ...
Nov 27, 2023•20 min
What Thanksgiving traditions do you have? Host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis about their favorite traditions, sides, and much more in our pre-Thanksgiving day chat! 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 Instagram Have feedback or a show idea ? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with...
Nov 22, 2023•28 min
It might be a slower week in the city with people taking off from work, but the big stories are still working! Host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis recap the latest like why state leaders are focused on school vouchers instead of uninsured kids, Houston getting labeled as the “cockroachiest” city, a local meteorologist retiring changing our perspective on time, and much more! Featured stories: Mayor Turner’s book drama Keith Lee is coming to Houston Amy Davis take...
Nov 21, 2023•26 min
As we all hit the Texas roadways this week, we can help end the deadly streak of at least one death a day on Texas roadways. Danny Perez, public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about ways we can drive safer and a look at the new I-45 expansion project set to start in 2024. Learn more about TxDOT’s #EndTheSteakTX campaign North Houston Highway Improvement Project Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for m...
Nov 20, 2023•24 min
Is host Raheel Ramzanali too old for a grill? Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz gives his opinion on this pressing question to start the show and then the duo jump into the news. From a public condemnation of the DA to a watchdog stepping down for criticizing ERCOT, here are the biggest stories from the week that impacted H-Town. Featured stories: Sean Teare out raises Kim Ogg Harris County Jail to send inmates to Mississippi Climate change and evolution in Texas books Greater Houston Partnersh...
Nov 17, 2023•21 min
As we make our way to big stores with big parking lots, we need to take steps to prevent becoming victims of jugging and slider crimes. 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 Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have soc...
Nov 16, 2023•16 min
More and more restaurants are starting to stay open on Thanksgiving, but where should you go if you don’t want to cook? Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Eric Sandler, food editor at CultureMap, to get his recommendations of the best restaurants in Houston that are open on Thanksgiving. From best traditional spot to an epic splurge, the duo are picking some delicious spots for you. Full list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Eric Sandler’s work on CultureMap Eric’s podcast: What’s Eric Eati...
Nov 15, 2023•17 min
From a new expansion project that will make traffic a nightmare in downtown to a major ruling over a century later, host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones catch you up on the biggest stories impacting our city. Plus, Raheel talks about his biggest gym fear that will for sure make you laugh. Featured stories: I-45 expansion project Jimbo Fisher fired Camp Logan soldiers receive justice Houston is a warm winter destination Regal Princess cruising from Galveston Joe Espada named new man...
Nov 14, 2023•23 min
Health insurance renewal season is here and we all have questions! Host Raheel Ramzanali is going to help answer those questions by talking to Emily Trevino, managing partner at Wise Insurance, about the different types of insurances, common mistakes to avoid, and a free tool we should all be using when comparing health insurances before renewal season. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow ...
Nov 13, 2023•25 min
Election week is over, but the runoff races are just starting. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Houston Landing’s civic engagement reporter Tim Carlin to recap the biggest stories from election night and observations heading into the runoff for key races. Plus, the duo recap some overlooked stories and find some joy in the news cycle. Featured stories: Election Returns Tim Carlin’s work The Q-Patrol is back HISD’s new plan Diversity in Harris County BIPOC arts fund Looking for more Houston new...
Nov 10, 2023•25 min
From incredible parks to stunning views of downtown, there are so many cool places to propose at in Houston. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on longtime Houston photographer Zia Ahmed, owner of Aventography, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to get their picks of the best spots in H-Town to pop the big question. Thinking about popping the big question? Check out these spots! McGovern Centennial Gardens The Post Downtown The Post Oak Hotel Houston Waterwall James Turrell Skyspa...
Nov 09, 2023•24 min
It was an eventful Election Day in Houston and host Raheel Ramzanali highlights important outcomes. Plus, we’re talking the best ice cream spots around Houston with Marissa Fiala, the creator of the popular @HoustonHotSpots account. Election Results City Controller race heads to runoff Houston Hot Spots Craft Creamery Booza Creamistry Cosmic Ice Cream The Dough Cone Flower and Cream Milk & Sugar Creamery Lick Honest Ice Cream Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for ...
Nov 08, 2023•17 min
It’s finally here, Election Day! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Houston Landing’s political writer Paul Cobler for one last chat about the race for mayor. From the key candidates to what outcome is most likely, Paul is breaking it all down. The duo also recap the candidates for city controller, key amendments, and what to expect out at the polls. Learn more below! Election Guide Read Paul’s work on Houston Landing Our episode on the amendments you should know Our episode on the mayor’s race ...
Nov 07, 2023•21 min
As we get closer to winter, is our grid ready to handle all the power we’ll need to heat our homes? Texas energy reporter Loren Steffy joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about how ERCOT is preparing to avoid blackouts on the coldest days of the year and why our grid still isn’t fixed. Read Loren’s work in Texas Monthly here Check out Loren’s novels here The grid is not fixed Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newslet...
Nov 06, 2023•20 min
It’s Friday and that means we’re recapping the biggest stories of the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by media personality Antre'chelle Nova and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to talk about an HISD student who went missing, how gentrification has claimed another business, a new research facility in the Medical Center, and more! Featured stories: State officials meeting with Harris County Jail Texas to get new maternal research centers New program has solutions for broken taillights Was...
Nov 03, 2023•32 min
Former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins is running for city controller and has been campaigning for almost two years for the position. So, what’s it like on the campaign trail for a local election? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Chris to talk about the ups and downs of running for office while balancing a family and what changes he would make to level the playing field for future candidates. Learn more about Chris Hollins by checking out his website , chrishollins.com! Looking for more Hous...
Nov 02, 2023•22 min
Deets Hoffman, owner and founder of Leaf & Grain, has been on a mission to find the best sandwiches around Houston as he created his restaurant’s new sandwich menu. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Deets to pick his brain about the best sandwiches around Houston before we celebrate National Sandwich Day on November 3, 2023! Central Market’s Cali Connect Local Foods Truffled Egg Salad Nielsen’s Delicatessen Parisian Bakery Leaf & Grain Texadelphia Bismillah Cafe Bun Kebeb Taqueria...
Nov 01, 2023•23 min
