Whew, we made it to Friday! And we have a lot to discuss with all of the big news from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Monica Flores Richart, education advocate and attorney, and Rafael Lemaitre, political analyst and communications expert, to break down what the recent raids, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, on Latino Democrats mean for Houston voters. Plus, guess which school district now has what some call the most restrictive book ban in the state, and how a new statue ...
Aug 30, 2024•30 min
Don't miss the last big weekend of the summer! There are so many great spots to enjoy the water near H-town, from Galveston to Kemah. Today, host Raheel Ramzanali revisits one of our favorite conversations about Galveston and other beaches, where he tries to convince former lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis that Galveston is the best local beach around. Plus, we share more ideas that are worth the drive! And if you enjoyed today's...
Aug 29, 2024•30 min
Few streets in Houston capture the city’s diversity better than Hillcroft, located west of the Galleria and running through Gulfton and Bellaire. But with so many options and cuisines, it can be overwhelming to know where to start! So, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting tips from Sharan Gahunia of Raja’s Sweets, Houston’s first Indian restaurant ever on Hillcroft, and executive producer Laura Isensee on the best hidden gems along the street. From pupusas to South Asian desserts, the episode will h...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali and Dusti Rhodes, comedian, educator, host of the Moth Story Slam in Houston, are getting you ready for the week as they discuss why HISD is making their audit committee meetings private and what it means for transparency, how a local university just set a new record, a bizarre theft which has Houstonians baffled, and more! Featured stories: Houston ISD’s audit committee has held public meetings for more than 17 years. It no longer will. University of Houston enrolls record...
Aug 27, 2024•24 min
We all know the physical toll Houston’s hot summers can take on our bodies, but is the extreme heat also affecting our mood? Dr. Asim Shah, chief of psychiatry and director of mood disorder research at the Harris Health System and Ben Taub Hospital, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to share new research on how our increasingly hot summers are impacting our mental health. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode here: Downtown Houston+ Holocaust Museum Houston Looking for more Houston...
Aug 26, 2024•18 min
Happy Friday! It’s almost the weekend, so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at the Houston Landing, to recap some of the week’s biggest stories. The duo kick it off with discussing how Houston is “demure” — the latest internet trend. Then they dive into the findings from an independent investigation into why the Houston Police Department marked thousands of cases as suspended. Plus, they discuss even more fallout from Hurricane Beryl and its impact ...
Aug 23, 2024•30 min
We all love our little slice of Houston, but today, we’re going to try to settle one of the ultimate questions about H-town. What’s better: the suburbs or the city? Or something in between? Host Raheel Ramzanali is repping his beloved ‘burbs while producer Carlignon Jones makes a case for hidden gems outside the Loop, but inside the Beltway. And Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis is standing up for the Inner Loopers. To make things even more fun, we’ve brought on a special guest, Rozmin ...
Aug 22, 2024•36 min
Summer is heating up, and one way to enjoy the end of a hot summer day is with a delicious margarita. But, with so many great options, it can be hard to find the right marg for your taste around Houston. So, producer Carlignon Jones is getting recommendations from Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine. From frozen to on the rocks, this episode will have you ready to soak up everything the margarita scene in Houston has to offer. Check out these recommendations from today’s...
Aug 21, 2024•18 min
Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali is catching you up on the big stories you need to know this week in H-town. He’s joined by longtime Houston comedian Rob Mungle to discuss why Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing a local immigrant rights group, why HISD’s budget could take a hit after the first week of school, why Houstonians will have to pay to drive through Lake Charles in the future, and more! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about this week: Texas Attorney Genera...
Aug 20, 2024•27 min
Most of the debris has been picked up from Hurricane Beryl, but there are some lingering effects with home insurance claims, as if we needed more stress! So today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali is having a vent session with Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing about her insurance saga after Beryl and other storms, and what this means for the rest of Houstonians, if we’re about to face a home insurance crisis. Here's more about the stories we talked about today: Houston's third wav...
Aug 19, 2024•23 min
It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the news from the week. Today, he’s joined by Houston Public Media reporter Lucio Vasquez to talk about the charges from the investigation into the 2022 election, and spoiler alert, it’s not the kind of fraud some people expected! Also why Mayor Whitmire is blaming Iran for local protests, the shocking investigation into where CenterPoint lobbies elected officials, and more! Here’s more about the stories from today’s episode: Houston-area Democra...
Aug 16, 2024•25 min
A vast majority of Texans say that housing affordability is a problem, according to a new survey. But could empty office buildings around Houston help ease the housing crunch? Today we’re revisiting our conversation with Marissa Luck, senior real estate reporter at the Houston Chronicle. She joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why housing’s become so expensive, why so many office buildings are left empty around H-Town, potential solutions and other real estate trends for 2024. Dive deeper int...
Aug 15, 2024•29 min
It’s Wednesday, so that means we’re talking about food. And today we’re going to try and pick the ultimate Houston food plate. This is the best of the best of Houston’s restaurants and eateries. Host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee are competing. Each one will draft an appetizer, two sides, an entree, and a dessert from any Houston restaurant. After you listen to the entire episode, be sure to head to ou...
Aug 14, 2024•26 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are talking about the shocking story of a teacher who alleges she was fired for exposing another teacher’s involvement in a sex trafficking ring, where Houston saw an uptick in violent crimes so far this year, why NASA has four volunteers staying in a small living habitat for 45 days, and more! Stories we talked about today: Violent crime has decreased in Houston compared to last year, new report says Abbott order will require ...
Aug 13, 2024•26 min
State takeovers, high staff turnover, and even last-minute changes to familiar bus routes – it seems like this year our local Independent School Districts are facing more challenges than usual. Since it’s back-to-school week here in Houston, we wanted to talk with a local education reporters to find out what parents, students, and teachers can expect from recent changes. Asher Lehrer-Small, Houston Landing’s education reporter, and Elizabeth Sander, Houston Chronicle’s suburban education reporte...
Aug 12, 2024•39 min
It’s Friday so we’re recapping the big news from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova about Mayor Whitmire’s move to bring in more younger HPD officers, why Kim Ogg just caused a stir with an endorsement, the disadvantages Latino children in Harris County face, and more! Featured stories: City Cast Houston’s interview with Mike Miles Harris County DA Kim Ogg cites immigration bill in endorsement of Ted Cr...
Aug 09, 2024•32 min
Houston has a rich history of female political trailblazers that have shut out any doubt when it comes to women leading in politics. So, what lessons can Vice President Kamala Harris learn from them? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking with one of those trailblazers, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, about the lessons women in politics can learn from her, if VP Harris can turn Texas blue, and more! Learn more: Follow Annise Parker on X Learn more about her work with the Victory Fund Looking for m...
Aug 08, 2024•24 min
Houston Restaurant Weeks has become a summer tradition in Houston for foodies with over 400 restaurants participating with $25, $39, and $55 prix fixe menus. But, with so many choices, it can be overwhelming! Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting the best picks from Brittany Britto Garley, Eater Houston’s editor, for all the price points. Read all of Brittany’s work here Restaurants we mentioned today: Le Jardinier Belly of the Beast Prime 131 Brennan’s Ostia. Coltivare Pizza & Garden Musaafer Pa...
Aug 07, 2024•21 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali and Danya Pérez, Houston Landing’s diverse communities reporter, are getting you up to speed on all the big stories to start the week. They start with Mayor Whitmire announcing his new police chief, then they talk about why Governor Abbott’s special election announcement is causing all sorts of confusion, plus how one person can make a difference in their community, and more! Featured stories: Read all of Danya’s work on Houston Landing ‘¿Qué necesita?’: Felix Fraga remembe...
Aug 06, 2024•27 min
State appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles joins host Raheel Ramzanali today to answer your questions and concerns about Texas’ biggest school district heading into year two of the state takeover. Raheel starts off by learning about the high rate of staff turnover, the new budget for the school year and what it means for students, the $4.4 billion bond proposal, how things will look in year two, and more! Featured stories: HISD’s special education department is improving — but it’s still lag...
Aug 05, 2024•26 min
We finally made it to Friday! Host Raheel Ramzanali and Shafaq Patel, reporter at Axios Houston, are breaking down the big news from the week. The duo start by talking about Mayor Whitmire’s new proposed law that would benefit him. Then, they breakdown CenterPoint’s latest attempt to get in your pockets. Plus, Houston biggest polluters list is out, but will things ever change when it comes to pollution in H-Town? Raheel and Shafaq finally end the show with their moments of joy! Stories we talked...
Aug 02, 2024•23 min
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you , with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Houston community. August is all about back-to-school in Houston, but before the kids officially go back, we’re enjoying some fun things to do around H-Town. From outdoor adventures to unique art experiences, every Houstonian should check out these places. Plus, August is National Wellness Month and there are so many fun (and free!) activities to explore around the ...
Aug 01, 2024•29 min
We’re satisfying our sweet tooth today as host Raheel Ramzanali is getting tips for the best unique candies around H-Town with Chron.com’s food reporter Erica Cheng. From the viral Dubai chocolate bar to sour chamoy treats, you have to try these one-of-a-kind candies in our city. Check out the candy recommendations from our conversation: Royal Roastery Rocket Fizz Space City Candy Las Delicias Mexicanas HMart 99 Ranch Market Daiso Winfield’s Chocolate Bar Dylan’s Candy Bar Cacao & Cardamom H...
Jul 31, 2024•21 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali and Houston Press reporter Faith Bugenhagen are getting your week started by breaking down the big stories of the week. The duo starts by talking about Houston’s new fire chief and some questions around the move. Then, they talk about celebrating the life of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston making history once again in the medical field, how a massive sinkhole opened up, and more! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about here: Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña is out, will be...
Jul 30, 2024•23 min
CenterPoint has been in the hot seat ever since the widespread power outages after Hurricane Beryl. A lot of people — from elected officials to community members — have been asking how Houston can be better prepared for the next storm. In today’s episode, Host Raheel Ramzanali discusses that very question with Andrew Schneider, News 88.7’s government reporter. Check out Andrew’s in-depth report on CenterPoint here: With CenterPoint in the hot seat, Texas policymakers look to Florida which quickl...
Jul 29, 2024•21 min
Another week is in the books, so that means it’s time to recap the local news stories you need to know. City Cast Houston producer Carlignon Jones is filling in for Raheel Ramzanali this week and is joined by Pulitzer Prize Finalist Evan Mintz to discuss a massive bust on bail bond fraud, why COVID is on the rise, the growing list of politicians vying for Shelia Jackson Lee’s spot, and much more! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about in this episode: Houston candidates pitching themselves...
Jul 26, 2024•23 min
The opening ceremonies for the Olympics go down tomorrow and Houston is going to reppin’ big time with so many athletes and coaches competing for Team USA and other countries. So, to learn more about our local Olympians, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Danielle Lerner, sports enterprise reporter at the Houston Chronicle, about Houstonians competing in Paris, just how much it costs to be an Olympian, and under-the-radar events to check out at the games. Learn more about the Paris Olympics wit...
Jul 25, 2024•25 min
It’s been a long month in Houston since Hurricane Beryl hit. And one of the best ways to recover is with your favorite comfort food. Luckily, here in H-town we have so many options, from Tex-Mex to Viet Cajun! So today, host Raheel Raheel Ramzanali is revisiting this conversation with Abbas Dhanani, owner of Burger Bodega and the guy behind @HoustonEatz, where they try to pick the official food of Houston. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode here: Babbel - Get up to 60% off a...
Jul 24, 2024•25 min
President Biden dropping out of the presidential race has caused major ripples in the political world, but how will it impact Houston? Plus, we remember Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and all the work she did for Houston. And, you won’t believe why traffic on the Hardy Toll Road came to a stop over the weekend. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle columnist, and Jim Kovacik, executive producer at Houston Public Media, to recap those stories and more to start the wee...
Jul 23, 2024•25 min
The last two weeks since Hurricane Beryl have been physically and emotionally draining. So much that a lot of Houstonians are questioning their relationship to the city. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking with Houston’s Poet Laureate Aris Kian about the emotional aftermath of Beryl, and also hearing from listeners about their frustrations. Read Aris’ poem “Tired of #HoustonStrong . ” And check out more of her work here . And if you want to donate to a group working on Beryl recovery efforts, consi...
Jul 22, 2024•23 min
