It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston at KHOU Channel 11. They dig into the news you need to know from this week, from the measles outbreak in Texas to the big drop in HISD’s enrollment, and what it all means for Houstonians. Plus, it’s time to rodeo! H-town’s iconic event kicks off today with the BBQ cook-off, trail riders and much more! Learn more about the stories we talked about today: ICE says 118 people were arrested in C...
Feb 28, 2025•31 min
March might be one of the City Cast Houston team’s favorite months in H-town. It’s rodeo season, the weather is actually nice so we can enjoy the outdoors more, and, of course, we got great eats. In this episode, we’ve got expert tips and recommendations that you won’t hear anywhere else, from kite festivals to fusion restaurants that can only be found in H-Town. Our picks for March: City Cast Houston at Mardi Gras Galveston Sam Houston Race Park Camel Races Little BIPOC Book Fest at Discovery G...
Feb 27, 2025•26 min
Sure, the epic concerts and world-class rodeo events are a big draw for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but the incredible food has become one of the main attractions as well! From trending desserts to gigantic turkey legs, the rodeo has some wild and delicious food. Host Raheel Ramzanali is putting together a list of the ones you need to try with the man behind all the wild creation, Dominic Palimieri aka The Midway Gourmet! List of delicious foods mentioned on today’s episode: Mike’s Hot...
Feb 26, 2025•23 min
Thirty years ago, Selena made history at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with her iconic concert. But this year, the Rodeo didn’t include any tribute for the Tejano superstar— and booked few women and artists of color to perform. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to Joey Guerra , Houston Chronicle’s music critic and writer, about attending that legendary performance in person, how the rodeo can improve its lineup, and why Selena’s legacy lives on. (Plus, don’t miss Joey’s Selena picks for our R...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min
It’s Rodeo Week on City Cast Houston! We’re kicking things off with a look at Black cowboy culture and its impact on today’s rodeo. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Dr. Alicia Odewale, a University of Houston professor, about how Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album spotlights Black cowboy culture , and how we can celebrate it all year long! Plus, don’t miss our special Rodeo Week playlist on Spotify, inspired by this conversation and others all week long. Listen and add your favorite rodeo songs here ...
Feb 24, 2025•28 min
It’s Friday so we’re recapping the week that was in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about why the Houston Texans are catching so much backlash from fans regarding a new stadium. Plus, how much is it going to cost to build a new water treatment plant that Houston desperately needs? Oh, and our moments of joy! Stories we talked about on today’s episode: Exclusive: Houston Texans may seek public money to build new football stadium Houstonians reac...
Feb 21, 2025•28 min
Texas is on track to become the most populous state in the nation by 2045 and that means a lot of people will be moving to H-Town! So, the City Cast Houston team is debating on where are the best places to live in Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is reppin’ the burbs, producer Carlignon Jones is making 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...
Feb 20, 2025•35 min
Mardi Gras season is officially here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy some gumbo, crawfish and other Cajun favorutes. But with so many great options in Houston, choosing the best can be tough. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Eric Sandler , lifelong foodie and editor of CultureMap, to get his top picks for Cajun food in Houston and help us celebrate Mardi Gras. Learn more about the recommendations here: Viola & Agnes’ Neo Soul Café BBs Tex-Orleans Restaurant Crawfish & Noodles...
Feb 19, 2025•18 min
70% of school districts in Texas are operating at a deficit, and now with state lawmakers pushing a program for private school vouchers, will public education have enough money to survive? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dan Huberty, former chairman of the Texas House Public Education Committee (R-Humble) and now CEO of the education consulting firm Moak Casey, about why he still believes in public schools — and how they might actually get more funding from the Texas Legislature. Dive deeper...
Feb 18, 2025•32 min
It’s Friday so we’re talking about the big news this week in Houston! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by conservative commentator Charles Blain of Urban Reform Institute and education advocate and attorney Monica Flores Richart. They discuss why Houston’s budget deficit has ballooned and how Mayor Whitmire thinks he can cut costs. Plus, why students are protesting for more security at the University of Houston, and since it’s Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing why we LOVE H-town! Stories we talked a...
Feb 14, 2025•36 min
From fancy restaurants to big shows, there’s plenty of easy ways to empty your wallet on a date in Houston. So, how do you have the perfect date in H-town without breaking the bank? The City Cast team, including host Raheel Ramzanali, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee, accepted the challenge to plan a romantic outing under $25. And they have a special guest judge, dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova, to pick the winner! Places we talked about on today’s...
Feb 13, 2025•25 min
Sure, you could buy a generic box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day. But, why not pick up some local sweet treats to truly impress your bae! Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Chron.com ’s food reporter Erica Cheng on the best candy spots around H-town. Check out the 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 Houston Farmer...
Feb 12, 2025•21 min
One of Greater Houston’s fastest growing community is dealing with lead in their water, but so far, they’ve received little help from local and state authorities. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Shannon Ryan, reporter at ABC-13 Houston, to talk about that story in Montgomery County. Plus, why 8,000 students are calling out leaders at the University of Houston, how President Trump’s latest policies are impacting us in H-Town, and why more Houstonians are buying backyard chickens! Stories we ta...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min
There’s no denying that HISD has become one of the wildest school district in Texas. From students protesting the state’s takeover to a rat infestation at a popular middle school, there’s so much happening in the largest school district in Texas. Today, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Nusaiba Mizan, education reporter at the Houston Chronicle, to learn about the massive student protest last week, if the state takeover law could change, and more. Stories we talked about on today’s show: 'Out ...
Feb 10, 2025•20 min
We know driving in Houston can be nerve-wracking and scary, but now road deaths have hit an all time high in H-town. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down the numbers and solutions with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. Plus, the city’s latest budget crisis and how Houston’s Venezuelan community is reeling since the Trump administration cancelled legal protection for people who fled their country’s dictatorship and humanitarian crisis. Stay tuned for all that and more! Houston just recorded its hi...
Feb 07, 2025•26 min
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to go for the upcoming Presidents Day weekend, or you have a longer getaway in mind, there are so many fun winter trips to take from H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting some of the top recommendations from Sofia Gonzalez, travel and food editor at Houstonia Magazine, featuring snowy slopes, warm beaches, epic roadtrips, and so much more! Aspen Red Rocks Park & Ampitheatre Albuquerque Tulum Big Bend National Park Brazos Bend State Park George Observat...
Feb 06, 2025•18 min
Lunar New Year is in full swing, so it’s the perfect time to discover hidden gems in Houston’s Chinatown, also known as Asia Town. It’s six square miles packed with food and culture. But with so many choices, it can be overwhelming to start. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Cory Nguyen, chef at Crawfish and Noodles, to share his ultimate foodie tour and why this area is so important to him and his family. Want to explore even more? Check out our guide to Katy’s Asian Town . Here are the ...
Feb 05, 2025•17 min
Thousands of Houstonians rallied this weekend against President Trump’s immigration crackdown, in a rare large-scale protest for Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with one of the city’s top trending news reporters, Faith Bugenhagen at Chron.com, about what’s next in the immigration fight. Plus, they discuss how Gov. Greg Abbott blasted Harris County at the state of the state address and Beyoncé’s big night at the Grammys! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Thousands of Houstonians join ...
Feb 04, 2025•23 min
This week, the Texas Senate is set to fast-track Gov. Greg Abbott’s push for school vouchers, which would give $1 billion in public tax dollars to subsidize students’ private school tuition. State Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat and the new chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, says it’s still possible to defeat vouchers. Plus, he shares how he thinks Democrats can still make a difference this session. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 3rd episode here: Visit Amarillo The Mus...
Feb 03, 2025•25 min
It was a week full of confusion as President Trump’s administration looked to pause federal funding and grants across the nation. Although it has been rescinded as of now, a lot of questions about how city services would be impacted remain. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Abby Church, city hall reporter for the Houston Chronicle, to get those answers. Plus, they’re looking at why egg prices keep increasing and the significance of this year’s Coalition for the Homeless count. Stories we talke...
Jan 31, 2025•25 min
February may be the shortest month, but it is packed with celebrations and happenings. Survive the winter doldrums with our monthly guide to Houston! In this episode, we’ve got expert tips and recommendations that you won’t hear anywhere else, from the best cozy hot chocolate in Houston to a hidden gem in the East End for some self-care. We’re also celebrating Lunar New Year this month. Check out our recommendations here for the best festivals in Houston and must-try restaurants . Places we reco...
Jan 30, 2025•24 min
No surprise here, but two of Houston’s most popular breakfast spots were just nominated as semifinalists for the James Beard Awards : Ema and Koffeteria! They’re just a taste of the many amazing breakfast options H-town has to offer. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking with Bao Ong, restaurant columnist at the Houston Chronicle, about the best breakfast spots you need to try, from classic eggs and pancakes to dim sum! Recommendations from today’s conversation: The top 25 breakfast spots in Houston ...
Jan 29, 2025•18 min
Federal officials were out in Greater Houston this weekend, as agents began arresting dozens of immigrants across Texas and making good on the Trump administration’s pledge to crackdown. Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the latest in local immigration news with Sam González Kelly, demographics reporter at the Houston Chronicle, from local Democrats’ response to resources for undocumented Houstonians. Plus, is Sugar Land’s suburban boom over? And the latest viral burger restaurant in Housto...
Jan 28, 2025•28 min
Houston mayors have traditionally met with a lot of community groups. But grassroots organizers say that’s not happening with Mayor John Whitmire, who just finished his first year in office. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Leticia Gutierrez, director of government relations and community outreach at Air Alliance Houston , and Aswad Walker, associate editor at The Defender , about the issue — and some solutions. Here are the stories we discussed on today’s show: Attention Mayor Whitmire: Black l...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min
What an amazing snow week! Host Raheel Ramzanali and ABC 13’s Pooja Lodhia recap the snow storms biggest winners and losers, from the power staying on to police doing donuts. Plus, some120 Texans from the Jan. 6 capitol riot received pardons from President Trump, raisinginteresting questions. And don’t miss our favorite Houston nominees in the James Beard Awards semifinalists! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about in today’s show: Houstonians find unexpected joy in historic winter storm, ...
Jan 24, 2025•24 min
Lunar New Year is around the corner, so to welcome the Year of the Snake and 15 days of feasting and family, City Cast Houston is rounding up the best places to celebrate in H-town! Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, joins host Raheel Ramzanli for her top dining spots for Lunar Near Year. Plus they talk about how President Trump’s immigration policies are putting Houston chefs on edge, the latest on the Turkey Leg Hut drama, and Raheel drops a cookie opinion so hot that it left Erica speec...
Jan 23, 2025•28 min
There was a lot of sledding, snow balls and snowman yesterday, but things are still icy in Greater Houston. So, when will the city reopen after this winter storm? Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Ryan Nickerson, Houston Chronicle’s weather reporter, to recap just how historic this snowstorm was, how Houston and the power grid fared, and when things will get back to normal in H-Town. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 22nd episode here: Holocaust Museum Houston Babbel - Get up to 6...
Jan 22, 2025•18 min
During his campaign, President Donald Trump vowed to crack down on immigration. Now that he’s officially back in the White House, we’re exploring how his policies could impact Greater Houston, home to over 1 million immigrants . Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Anna-Catherine Brigida, immigration reporter for Houston Landing, about what mass deportations could look like here, plus expected changes to immigration courts, DACA and other programs. Stories we talked about on today’s show: 2024 in...
Jan 21, 2025•29 min
It’s the Friday News Round Up! Host Raheel Ramzanali is digging into the latest controversy at HISD, and bringing the reporter who broke the scandal, Asher Lehrer-Small with Houston Landing. Find out how Superintendent Mike Miles and his administration failed to get board approval of almost $1 billion worth of contracts. Plus, the latest infighting within the Texas GOP, what school district is closing schools, and how to prep for the upcoming freeze! Stories we talked about on today’s show: HISD...
Jan 17, 2025•28 min
From hurricanes to traffic jams, life can be pretty crazy in this sprawling city we call home. So to help out new — and old! — Houstonians, we’re putting together a starter pack with all the essential items you need to survive and thrive in the Bayou City. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis. And if you think we missed something, send us note at the contact info below! Learn more about the sponsors of this January 16th episod...
Jan 16, 2025•24 min
