Right now is the perfect time to sit on a patio and enjoy pounds of crawfish, but with shortages and surging prices, crawfish season is off to a slow start. So, how are local restaurants dealing with these high prices? Cory Nguyen, chef at Crawfish & Noodles in the Heights, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why crawfish prices are so high and how it’s impacting the bottom line at his restaurant. Check out the following: Crawfish & Noodles in the Heights How high crawfish prices are ...
Mar 13, 2024•16 min
We’re getting ready for Bun B to takeover the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but is Drake really joining him? Plus, Mayor Whitmire is proposing budget cuts as the city prepares for their fiscal year to start in July. And, another day, another story filled with HISD drama. This time, there’s legal action being threatened. Host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones recap the stories you need to know to start the week. Featured stories: Mayor Whitmire proposes cuts to upcoming budget HIS...
Mar 12, 2024•28 min
Houston has the most victims of human and sex trafficking in the nation and today we’re learning about their stories. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia to understand how sex trafficking is impacting our city, how teenagers are being coerced into prostitution, and what’s being done to stop it. Check out Pooja's story: Pooja’s series on sex trafficking Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHou...
Mar 11, 2024•20 min
Super Tuesday has come and gone, but what did we learn about Houston from the results? Plus, the Terminal B project at Bush Airport is creating a lot of drama within the city government. Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping these stories and more with Houston Landing reporter Tim Carlin and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz! Featured stories: Recap of Tuesday’s primary races Governor Abbott’s endorsements Voter turnout in Houston was low Results from Tuesday’s primary races Controller Hollins blo...
Mar 08, 2024•27 min
The weather is perfect outside and it’s time to take full advantage of it! Host Raheel Ramzanali is putting together the ultimate guide for Houston in March with Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis and producer Carlignon Jones. From the best patios to outdoor adventures, their recommendations will have you exploring Houston like a pro! Try out the team's recommendations this month: Little BIPOC book festival Sugar Land Kite Festival OMG Food Festival LA Crawfish Son’s Blue River Camp in S...
Mar 07, 2024•28 min
You might think of low-quality food when you hear frozen foods, but that’s changing with so many delicious options out there. So, today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali is celebrating National Frozen Food Day with some delicious picks from Texas Grocery Finds’ author Emily. From quick frozen meals to options for kids, Raheel and Emily are talking about all the best options around Houston’s grocery stores. Try out Emily's recommendations: Read all of Emily’s work here Follow Emily on Instagram ...
Mar 06, 2024•16 min
It’s only Tuesday and we already have a bunch of stories that are impacting our city. From a major dispute being resolved to an offensive presentation shown at a local middle school, host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are talking about it all on today’s episode. Featured stories: Worst drivers list The latest on SB4 Almost half of Texas 4th graders scored a zero on the STAAR writing composition Mayor Whitmire gets deal done with firefighters union Fort Bend teac...
Mar 05, 2024•27 min
The Colony Ridge development outside of Houston has become a national story as conservative politicians have turned it into a major talking point, but what’s really happening there? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Houston Landing political reporter Paul Cobler about his latest story on how residents were being taken advantage of for years and why nothing was done. Learn more: Paul’s reporting on Colony Ridge Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston F...
Mar 04, 2024•19 min
It’s the first of the month and final day of Rodeo Week here on City Cast Houston! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and Houston Chronicle Taco Columnist Marco Torres to recap the biggest news of the week. From HPD’s suspended cases hitting 264,000 to Houston being the epicenter for weather disasters, the trio are breaking it all down. Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas . Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in R...
Mar 01, 2024•27 min
Rodeo Week continues on City Cast Houston, and today host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with professional cowgirl Taylor Hanchey. From unequal pay to navigating her career with a new adventure on the horizon, Taylor is talking about all the ups and downs of being a professional rodeo athlete! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas . Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in Rice Village and City Centre ! Learn more about Taylor and Shane Hanchey Looking f...
Feb 29, 2024•27 min
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is known for cowboys, concerts, and cattle, but the food is starting to become one of the top attractions. From wild creations like hot cheeto dill pickle pizza to twists on classics like peaches and cream funnel cake, one man is on a mission to bring the craziest and most delicious food items to your plate. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dominic Palmieri aka The Midway Gourmet about his wildest food creations for this year’s rodeo. Find out more about t...
Feb 28, 2024•29 min
The City Cast Houston team is live from Tecovas store in Rice Village for a special Tuesday episode recapping some of the biggest news to start the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and producer AK AL-Moumen are talking about how HPD dropped the ball in sexual assault cases, how far $100K goes in Houston, rodeo trivia, and more! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas . Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in Rice Village and City C...
Feb 27, 2024•27 min
It’s Rodeo Week here on City Cast Houston and we’re getting things started with the best tips to know before you head to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! From parking tips to picking the best food items, host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are sharing their best advice so you can tackle the rodeo like a pro! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas . Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in ...
Feb 26, 2024•29 min
It’s been a busy week here in Houston, so host Raheel Ramzanali is helping you get caught up with the news you might’ve missed. From University of Houston students protesting to a new report on HISD budget inefficiencies, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and producer AK AL-Moumen are breaking it all down with Raheel. Early voting results so far Sean Teare takes big lead over Kim Ogg Kim Ogg quietly drops theft case Governor Abbott’s approval results rising Ken Paxton moves to shut down Catholi...
Feb 23, 2024•33 min
Why don’t we know more about one of the most robust Black communities in Houston history? Producer Carlignon Jones is with Debra Blacklock-Sloan, lead docent and historical researcher for the Yates Museum, and Gladys House, a native Freedmen's Town resident, to talk about Freedman Town (now known as Freedmen’s Town) and why it’s so important to the history of H-Town. More info on the Yates Museum Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Inst...
Feb 22, 2024•17 min
Houston BBQ and brisket go hand in hand, but some BBQ restaurants are now trying to figure out ways to keep brisket on the menu because of expensive the most popular cut of BBQ meat has gotten. Alec Varnell, pit master at J-Bar-M Barbecue , joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about why brisket prices are so high, how the industry is adapting, and if we could ever see brisket off the menu. Try these spots out next time you're craving BBQ! J-Bar-M Barbeque Why brisket prices are rising Khoi BBQ Ta...
Feb 21, 2024•18 min
Today on the City Cast Houston podcast, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by State Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani to break down the biggest news to start the week, why preventive healthcare should be a bigger focus for all Texans, and why the special sessions on education called by Governor Abbott were a waste of time. Bills State Representative Dr. Lalani worked on Learn more about Dr. Lalani Data on uninsured children in Texas Far-right activist blasts Speaker Phelan for attending Ramadan eve...
Feb 20, 2024•20 min
A group of voters are upset at one of Mayor Whitmire’s first major moves regarding road safety. Plus, a new report named us the riskiest city to own a home in, but is it really that bad? And, you know we’re talking about Beyoncé’s newest music. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz breakdown the biggest stories from the week in H-Town! Featured stories: 100.3 The Bull says Beyoncé’s new music IS country Mayor Whitmire removes median on Houston Avenue Houston is the riskies...
Feb 16, 2024•26 min
So many important stories about Black soldiers are left out of our history books, but they’re finally starting to be recognized thanks to the Buffalo Soldier National Museum right here in Houston. Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, CEO, and Cale Carter II, Director of Exhibits, join host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about overlooked stories about the Buffalo Soldiers and how an event that happened right here in Houston is helping rewrite history. Want to know more? Learn more about Camp Logan and the Houston r...
Feb 15, 2024•24 min
Soul Food is a staple in many southern households, but what about if you want to add a little variety to your soul food experience? Well we got a treat for you! Food influencer G from Bless Tha Belly joins producer Carlignon Jones to give us the low-down on the best spots to get your meals made with love and — most importantly — seasoning! Try out these spots! Esther’s Cajun Cafe & Soul Food Mikki’s Soul Food Cafe & Catering Comfort Foodies Heavenly Choices Soul Goode Eatz Food Truck Loo...
Feb 14, 2024•17 min
The Lakewood Church community is still healing after Sunday’s shooting as they learn more information about the shooter and what happened. Plus, HISD has officially moved to a longer school year for the 2024-2025 year, but will teachers be paid more for more work? Host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis talk about the biggest stories that will impact you this week in Houston! Featured stories: Lakewood Church shooting updates 2024 Listeria recall products More school...
Feb 13, 2024•25 min
A new project in the Energy Corridor could be the solution for a lot of empty office buildings around Houston. Marissa Luck, senior real estate reporter at the Houston Chronicle, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why this trend is important, what real estate trends could impact you in 2024, and why so many office buildings are left empty around H-Town. Check out Marissa’s work here . Marissa's story on the office building conversion Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our mornin...
Feb 12, 2024•22 min
Few things upset host Raheel Ramzanali like government inefficiencies, and today one story really got him going! Plus, Texas Education Agency commissioner Mike Morath visited HISD schools for the first time since assigning Mike Miles as superintendent. Media personality Antre’chelle Nova joins Raheel to recap these stories and more. Featured stories: Houston man without birth certificate Turkey Leg Hut goes through major changes Antre’chelle will be on the Isiah Factor Uncensored tonight 59 prin...
Feb 09, 2024•27 min
Are you looking for some fun and unusual date ideas around Houston for Valentine’s Day or the month in general? We have you covered! Host Raheel Ramzanali, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and producer Carlignon Jones are giving out their recommendations in a unique way, so get ready to plan the perfect date night around H-Town! Try these recommendations out to make your Valentine's Day special: B - Books from Kindred Stories R - Rom Com's at Rooftop Cinema O - Open mic night at Avant...
Feb 08, 2024•30 min
Can one food really define our entire city? Host Raheel Ramzanali asked this question on X and the responses, as you guessed it, ranged from Tex-Mex to Viet Cajun crawfish! So, to help narrow the list and get a second opinion, Abbas Dhanani, owner of Burger Bodega and the man behind @HoustonEatz , is joining the show to help pick the official food of Houston. Burger Bodega Follow Abbas on Instagram Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on In...
Feb 07, 2024•25 min
The World Cup is two years away, but that isn’t stopping the city from getting hyped about how many matches will be played here. Plus, new crime data is showing a rise in this type of auto crime. Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down those stories and more with Texas Senate candidate Karthik Soora. Featured stories: Auto theft on the rise Mattress Mack ad gets backlash Houston to host seven World Cup matches Flying taxis are coming to Houston Man sets up his own speed trap Looking for more Hous...
Feb 06, 2024•27 min
Some Houstonians have been waiting for months to have their recycling picked up, but can this problem be fixed? KHOU consumer investigative reporter Grace White joins host Raheel Ramzanali to share her findings on why the solid waste management department keeps dropping the ball and what solutions are out there to fix future delays. Recycling delays are frustrating Houstonians Check out all of Grace’s work here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Fo...
Feb 05, 2024•16 min
Are state lawmakers really focused on solutions at the border or is it more of a show for election year? Plus, office buildings in Houston are having trouble finding tenants as more people work from home. And, Food Not Bombs is fighting back against the city with a new lawsuit. Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down these stories and others from the week with Evan Mintz and local newspaper reporter Melissa Enaje. Featured stories: The Texas Border Drama Food Not Bombs suing the city Groceries ar...
Feb 02, 2024•29 min
From romantic dates to the Houston Rodeo, February is a PACKED month in H-Town. So, to get you ready for all the fun stuff happening around the city, host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones are giving their top recommendations for things to do this month! Visit these places this month: Bungalow Crawfish Cafe Crafty Crab Mikes Seafood BB’s Tex-Orleans Houston Rodeo Black History Tour Social Beer Garden in Midtown “Sugar Gala” Father/Daughter Dance Houston Museum of African American Cul...
Feb 01, 2024•21 min
Houston’s coffee scene caught some heat this week from Clever after it was named the worst coffee city in the nation! It’s time to put some respect on our coffee shops and we’re doing just that by chatting with Bianca Carol, creator of @HoustonCoffeeBlogger, to get her best recommendations for drinks, shops, and more! Try these spots on your next coffee stop: Blendin Coffee Club Latte at Catalina Coffee Iced cold brew – Grinder’s Coffee Siphon style method- Siphon Coffee Smoked rosemary cortado ...
Jan 31, 2024•16 min
