Many of us will celebrate Thanksgiving this week, but for many Indigenous communities, it's a day of reflection or even mourning. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Maaliyah Papillion, council member with the Atakapa-Ishak Nation, about her tribe's history, the challenges they face today, and what they’re doing to make sure their people and heritage are never forgotten. Learn more about the Atakapa-Ishak Nation here. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 25th episode here: Inprint Down...
Nov 25, 2024•29 min
Every Friday on City Cast Houston we’re breaking down all of the big stories from the week with some of the top journalists and dynamic voices from H-Town. Today, Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Lucio Vasquez, reporter at Houston Public Media, and Anna-Catherine Brigida, immigration reporter at the Houston Landing. The trio start by talking about outgoing Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg charging a former director in Judge Lina Hidalgo’s administration. Then, they dive deep into Anna-C...
Nov 22, 2024•43 min
If you’ve been to a big grocery store in the last month or looked up at a power line then you’ve noticed tons of blackbirds all around you. So, what are these birds, and why are they taking over?! Host Raheel Ramzanali spoke to Rice University professor Cin-Ty Lee last year about this annual fall phenomena, so we’re playing back our conversation to answer all your blackbird questions.. This episode originally aired Nov. 27, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 21st episode here: ...
Nov 21, 2024•19 min
Thanksgiving is almost here and if you don’t want to cook and clean, but still enjoy great food, we have you covered! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Eric Sandler, CultureMap Houston’s city editor, about the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving. From traditional turkey plates to extravagant buffets, there’s something for everyone around Houston on Thanksgiving. Restaurants we talked about today: Kim Son, a leading Vietnamese restaurant in Houston, to close flagship location due to I-45 work...
Nov 20, 2024•17 min
The week is off to a busy start, and host Raheel Ramzanali is getting you caught up with the stories you need to know. Today, he’s joined by executive producer Laura Isensee to learn about what’s next for HISD and state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles after voters rejected its historic $4.4 billion bond. Plus, Beyoncé is performing on Christmas, but will we will be able to watch it on Netflix without streaming issues? And, H-town is REALLY popular as we’re headed into a record-breaking year ...
Nov 19, 2024•34 min
It’s almost time for the holiday travel season, and we want to help you make it less stressful! So, today host Raheel Ramzanali is speaking with Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation at the Houston Airport System, about essential travel hacks, the latest on construction projects at Bush International Airport, and his insider tips on picking up passengers at Hobby or Bush. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 18th episode here: Classic Christmas A.D. Players Theater Looking for more Hous...
Nov 18, 2024•28 min
Happy Friday! Host Raheel Ramzanali is back with the biggest stories you need to know about H-town. He’s joined by Houston Landing’s diverse communities reporter Monique Welch. Raheel and Monique start with breaking down the new billion-dollar plan to revive the Astrodome, but Raheel’s not convinced anything will come of it. Then, they unpack why voters skipped so many local races on the ballot, and how that could have changed results. Plus, why are Houston police response times the worst since ...
Nov 15, 2024•29 min
Houston astronaut Butch Wilmore had an eight-day mission that has turned into months, after a Boeing Starliner aircraft malfunctioned and left him and his fellow test pilot Suni Williams stranded on the International Space Station. So, what’s it like being stuck in space? Well, today, Butch shares his thoughts on that, plus what he’s going to eat when he’s back on Earth, and the future of NASA. Butch, who lives in Houston and is originally from Nashville, talked with our friends at City Cast Nas...
Nov 14, 2024•19 min
We already knew Houston is one of the best foodie cities in the country (and world!), but now it’s official. The Michelin Guide just announced its first-ever awards for restaurants in Houston and the rest of Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Chron.com food reporter Erica Cheng are breaking down which Michelin-starred restaurants you need to try first and why the Bib Gourmand recs — aka Michelin on a budget — are even more important to Houston. Plus, our hot takes on H-town’s food scene. Here’s mo...
Nov 13, 2024•29 min
It’s been another busy weekend for Houstonians with lots of news to unpack. Producer Carlignon Jones is chatting with ABC 13 reporter Shannon Ryan to talk about the latest in the investigation into the beleaguered Houston Housing Authority, the surge in racist texts across the country — including right here in Humble ISD — and Mayor John Whitmire’s new plan to reduce homelessness. Plus, they share a moment of joy to ease into the week! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about: Beyoncé earns ...
Nov 12, 2024•25 min
In about 70 days, President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in for his second term. Here at City Cast Houston, we wanted to know what does Trump 2.0 mean for Houston? Executive Producer Laura Isensee begins to answer that question with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz, from tariffs to immigration, and a lot in between. Dig deeper into the issues we talked about here: What Trump’s victory could mean for oil companies and climate change policy Here's what Trump 2.0 means for the economy, from t...
Nov 11, 2024•31 min
What a week it has been! Host Raheel Ramzanali and political analyst Rafael Lemaitre are recapping the big takeaways from the election. From local grassroots efforts to fight against the historic HISD bond to why there was such a huge shift amongst Texas Latinos to the Republican party, and why your taxes will be going up in Harris County. Plus, after such a heavy week, we get our moments of joy from both Raheel and Rafael. Here’s more about the stories we talked about: Inside the parent-led cam...
Nov 08, 2024•28 min
It’s been a long week with the election, so we’re going take a moment and indulge in what Houston does best — food! Host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee are competing to put together their most iconic Houston meal. Each one will draft an appetizer, an entree, two sides, and a dessert from any Houston restaurant. After you listen to the entire episode, be sure to head to our Instagram @CityCastHouston and...
Nov 07, 2024•26 min
While former President Donald Trump regained the White House for a second term, the City Cast Houston team has the latest on local and state races. We start with the race for U.S. Senate between Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred, then look at HISD’s controversial $4.4 billion bond. Plus, we look at the race for Harris County District Attorney, and Houston’s voter turnout. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode here: Houston Cinema Arts Society Visit Pearland Holocaust Museu...
Nov 06, 2024•19 min
Election Day is here! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Monica Flores Richart, education advocate and attorney, and conservative commentator Charles Blain to get their final thoughts on key races that will impact Houstonians. Plus, we hear from local voters on their picks for president and why. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 5th episode here: Houston Cinema Arts Society Visit Pearland Holocaust Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter...
Nov 05, 2024•34 min
Election day is almost here, and election integrity is being brought up more and more. But host Raheel Ramzanali wanted to know if those concerns are warranted. So, he’s talking to Poppy Northcutt, an election judge at Houston’s biggest voting center, about how polling stations are prepared and what steps she and other election workers take to make sure that our voting system is secure and that every ballot is counted. Need to get ready to vote? Check out these resources: HarrisVotes.com VoteTex...
Nov 04, 2024•26 min
This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Houston. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look insid...
Nov 03, 2024•25 min
With Election Day around the corner, we have a lot of stories to break down! Host Raheel Ramzanali, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz, and dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova start by talking about the tragic consequences of Texas’ strict abortion laws, and how it could impact voting in local and national races. Then, the trio discuss why the feds are investigating a Houston Housing Authority project, how city leaders ignored voters’ wishes for regional planning, where to get freebies a...
Nov 01, 2024•31 min
When playwright Brendan Bourqu e-Sheil was 18, he and his mom lived in an apartment in The Woodlands. One night, they started hearing a knocking sound that kept waking them up around 3 a.m. Eventually, his mom became convinced that there was a ghost in the house. Brendan tells the true story of their ghostly encounter. Check out Grown-Up Storytime , where Brendan first shared this story. This episode orginally aired October 31st, 2022 . Learn more about the sponsors of this October 31st episode ...
Oct 31, 2024•11 min
November is full of great events featuring volunteering, friends and family, and, of course, food! So, we’re giving you our top recommendations to make the most out of November in H-Town. We’re covering ways to give back, like supporting urban farms; cultural events from Día de los Muertos to a Native American pow wow; and the best spots to get that fantastic dish for your holiday gatherings. This is your guide to November 2024 in Houston. Want even more fall recommendations? We put together a l...
Oct 30, 2024•27 min
It’s the final week of early voting and there are a lot of stories to talk about as we approach election night. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, to recap local, state, and national election stories impacting H-Town. Plus, they’re talking about why you might be hearing fireworks outside, how H-Town is a trending destination globally, and their biggest Houston fears as we approach Halloween! Follow Faith on X/Twitter Read all of Faith’...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while it serves to empower survivors and those undergoing treatment, there’s a group that feels left behind: Black women. On today’s show, producer Carlignon Jones is talking to breast cancer survivor Chivon Jones about her journey, the power of community, and why she’s raising awareness about the breast cancer crisis affecting Black women. Here's more to dive deeper into the issue: Black women are disproportionately affected by breast cancer. These ...
Oct 28, 2024•29 min
It’s a big day in Houston with VP Kamala Harris holding a historic rally with Beyoncé, Willie Nelson, Rep. Collin Allred, and others, but why Houston? Plus, the Harris County District Attorney’s race is could be a lot closer than you think. Then, what can HISD voters learn from the massive mistakes made by Fort Bend ISD and its school bond? Houston Landing’s politics reporter Paul Cobler is joining host Raheel Ramzanali to breakdown those stories and more. Check out the stories we talked about t...
Oct 25, 2024•32 min
Houston still ranks as one of the more affordable big cities in the country, but it’s not as affordable as it used to be. And we’re all feeling the pressures of inflation and other rising costs. From insurance to groceries and eating out, we want to help you save money and keep Houston feeling affordable. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis and executive producer Laura Isensee for their best money-saving hacks! Tips and trends we talked about: Energy O...
Oct 24, 2024•29 min
We might not be experiencing those cool fall temps just yet, but it’s still a great time to grab an iced latte and get into the fall vibes. So, where should you go to take full advantage of Houston’s coffee scene? Host Raheel Ramzanali is teaming up with Bianca Carol, creator of @HoustonCoffeeBlogger, for the ultimate guide to coffee in H-town, from pumpkin spice to sweet drinks and everything in between. Check out the recommendations from today’s episode: Blendin Coffee Club Catalina Coffee Gri...
Oct 23, 2024•17 min
Let’s get this week started with the news you need to know! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Danya Pérez, diverse communities reporter at Houston Landing, to talk about Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s accusations against Controller Chris Hollins of ethics violations. Plus, they get into a historic bust of a sex trafficking ring, how Galveston’s growing its cruise industry, and more! Here’s more on the stories we talked about today: Mayor Whitmire accuses Controller Hollins of ‘pay-to-play’ over ...
Oct 22, 2024•29 min
Early voting has officially started in Houston, so we’re getting you ready by doing a deep dive into the Harris County ballot. But with a City Cast Houston spin … a civics quiz! Executive Producer Laura Isensee is putting host Raheel Ramzanali against Tim Carlin, civic engagement reporter at the Houston Landing, to see who knows more about all the down-ballot races in Harris County. Oh, and by the way, Tim wrote the Houston Landing’s voter guide, so Raheel has his work cut out for him! And after...
Oct 21, 2024•33 min
Let’s talk about the big news from the week in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali and Evan Mintz, Pulitzer Prize finalist, breakdown the big moments from Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Colin Allred’s debate. Then, they’re talking about why thousands of Houstonians are still in the dark when it comes to knowing if their drinking water is coming from lead pipes. Also, will Houston ever fix its sidewalk problem? Plus, Raheel is excited for a new documentary focused on the Gulf Coast! Dive deeper in...
Oct 18, 2024•23 min
Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Houston's own Raheel Ramzanali along with hosts from our daily local shows in Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, and Portland. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here ....
Oct 17, 2024•40 min
Let’s talk some food with Eric Sandler, CultureMap Houston’s editor, and host Raheel Ramzanali. The longtime friends debate what suburbs is the best for H-town foodies, then thye dive into some surprising high-profile closings, and some exciting openings. And finally, get ready for a hot food take that has Eric and Raheel going at it! Some of the restaurants we talked about in today’s episode: Fish Company Taco Baso P. Terry’s new location in Richmond Larry’s Original Mexican Restaurant Xalisko ...
Oct 16, 2024•28 min
