It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on some of Houston’s smartest and most in-the-know journalists and commentators to recap the week’s bigest news. He’s joined by Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at the Houston Landing, and Charles Blain, conservative commentator and president of the Urban Reform Institute, to preview a major GOP showdown, changes to teacher pay, a tragic attack on Afghan girls in a lunchroom, and more. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Texas AG K...
Apr 11, 2025•36 min
We’re in the final stretch of that perfect spring weather in Houston, and host Raheel Ramzanali wants to soak it all up, without spending a fortune. So, he’s challenged executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to plan the perfect spring day in H-town for under $50! Brooke’s Perfect Spring Day in Montrose: Coffee at Empire Cafe Shopping at Space Montrose , Leopard Lounge , and others Lunch at ChopnBlok Visit The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel Laura’s Per...
Apr 10, 2025•38 min
We can thank the Czech settlers in the 1800s for bringing kolaches to Texas. Now they’ve become one of our favorite breakfast treats in Houston. But with so many places, picking the best kolache spot can can be overwhelming. So, Houston food content creator Shawn the Food Sheep joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give his recommendations of places you need to try ASAP. From sweet fruity fillings to savory and spicy options, these kolaches will have you ready to conquer the day. This episode originall...
Apr 09, 2025•17 min
Over 5,000 Houstonians rallied at City Hall to protest President Trump and Elon Musk, plus even more rallies in Montgomery County and across the country. Plus, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. visited the epicenter of Texas’ measles outbreak, and local nonprofits supporting refugees say their crisis is deepening. Executive Producer Laura Isensee is breaking it all down with Chron.com trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen. Learn more about the stories we talked about today: Thou...
Apr 08, 2025•27 min
A second unvaccinated child with measles has died in West Texas, as the measles outbreak reaches nearly 500 cases and shows no signs of slowing. While U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., visited the epicenter of the crisis on Sunday, we wanted to know: how long will the measles outbreak last? And how can Houstonians protect themselves and their kids? Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with Dr. Sandi Cohan and Lorena Mottu, both with Legacy Community Health , to le...
Apr 07, 2025•27 min
It’s the Friday News Roundup! Producer Carlignon Jones and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz break down the week’s biggest stories, from the city’s record-breaking overtime crisis to a national protest against President Trump coming to Houston. Plus, more on game room raids across the city, why the mayor’s removing bike lanes in Midtown, and their moments of joy! Learn more about the stories we talked about today: Mayor Whitmire, Controller Hollins spar over Houston’s $137M in overtime pay for ...
Apr 04, 2025•27 min
Planning a spring getaway or summer trip? You don’t need to splurge to take your dream vacation, at least for your flight. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes is sharing his top tips for finding cheap flights out of Houston, whether it’s from Hobby Airport or Bush Intercontinental Airport. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Visit Port Aransas Rice University Precollege Program Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow ...
Apr 03, 2025•29 min
Houston is buzzing with parties, but host Raheel Ramzanali has discovered one that’s a perfect match for his love of coffee. Meanwhile, how much would you shell out for exclusive access to a members-only bar? Plus, find out why the drama over a new matcha brand in H-town has gone viral. Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, joins Raheel to break down the latest food trends in Houston. Want to know more? Check out the stories we talked about today: Coffee shop raves are becoming the next big t...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min
April screams spring in H-Town with that final stretch of perfect weather and exciting outdoor events! To help you make the most out of it, the City Cast Houston team has hand-picked the best things to do this month — events you won’t find anywhere else. From a picnic for adults to a Grammy-nominated Houston band…Oh, and amazing Black-owned restaurants to try, we’ve got your April plans covered! Want to enjoy even more things around Houston this month? Check out the top 6 food festivals we’re ex...
Apr 01, 2025•28 min
Over 50 years ago, more than two dozen teenage boys in Houston were tortured and murdered by the "Candy Man," one of the country's most prolific serial killers. But the crime was ignored for too long. Now a new book reveals how a scientist restored the long-lost identity of several victims and why the case still matters today. City Cast Houston executive producer Laura Isensee sat down with Lise Olsen , author of “The Scientist and the Serial Killer,” and forensic anthropologist Sharon Derrick t...
Mar 31, 2025•40 min
It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali and political commentator Rafael Lemaitre break down the week’s biggest stories—from the Texas Lottery scame to new cuts to the federal workforce that will impact us in Houston. Plus, why your allergies are flaring up, the latest on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s THC ban, and their moments of joy! Stories we talked about on today’s show: The Trump administration restructures federal health agencies, cuts 20,000 jobs 'I want my money back': How Texas co...
Mar 28, 2025•34 min
Houston’s food scene is amazing, from taco trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. But did you know that we also have some incredible food festivals? With spring the perfect time to indulge, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Marco Torres, taco columnist at the Houston Chronicle, on the top six food festivals you don’t want to miss. Oh, and Raheel has a bonus pick, so grab your stretchy pants! Check out Marco’s recommendations and more about H-town’s food festivals and other t...
Mar 27, 2025•20 min
How Houston are you? Host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis about things you have to experience to make you a REAL Houstonian. From honking in traffic to seeing a herd of cattle run all over 45 north, you’re not a real Houstonian until you’ve… Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Magic Island City Cast Houston’s Taco Guide Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art Festival Artech...
Mar 26, 2025•25 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali and Axios Houston’s Shafaq Patel break down H-Town’s biggest stories. They recap all the records the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo broke this year, why Tilman Ferttita might leave Landry’s, and a wild theft scandal in Houston’s little league sports! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sees over 2.5M attendees during 2025 season Houston Rodeo volunteers let Colin Drum into the Rodeo because he looks like CJ Stroud Tilman Fertitta re...
Mar 25, 2025•26 min
Texas is getting closer to making school vouchers a reality, sending public money to families for private school tuition. But who stands the gain the most — and who would lose out? Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks it all down with Brooke Kushwaha, education reporter at the Houston Landing, and Felicia Martin, executive director at the watchdog agency Texas Freedom Network. Plus, find out how the program would impact YOU! Dive deeper into today’s conversation: Different pace and priorities separate T...
Mar 24, 2025•24 min
It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the biggest stories in Houston this week. Today, he’s joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter for The Texas Newsroom. They discuss the details of a Houston-area midwife arrested under the state’s near-total abortion ban. Plus, the wildfire near Sam Houston National Forest, and why Houston was ranked one of America’s ‘unhappiest’ cities! Stories and links from today’s show: Listen to Lucio’s latest reporting for The Texas Ne...
Mar 21, 2025•31 min
Imagine waking up as a billionaire—just like Tilman Fertitta, the Arnolds, and other Houston billionaires. How would you improve Houston? Host Raheel Ramzanali joins executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to brainstorm how they'd transform H-Town with a billion dollars. From the arts to bikes and parks, they share fun and personal ideas for an even better Houston! Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: Visit Port Aransas Destination Bry...
Mar 20, 2025•30 min
Can you feel it? Spring is here in Houston, and the weather is PERFECT! To make the most of these breezy, beautiful days, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine, to share her top five outdoor dining and drink spots in H-Town! Check out the recommendations from today’s show and more: Truck Yard Eight Row Flint Axelrad Ladybird’s Tiny Boxwoods Heights & Co D’Amico’s Houstonia Magazine’s full spring guide to patios Learn more about the ...
Mar 19, 2025•17 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the news you need to know with Danya Pérez, diverse communities reporter for the Houston Landing. They start with how Houston Police Department is now calling ICE because of a new database. Then, Mayor Whitmire is offering buyouts for city employees, but will it be enough to close the budget gap? Plus, we’re psyched for March Madness as the University of Houston gears up as one of the top contenders for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament! Stories we talked ab...
Mar 18, 2025•26 min
In Texas, we’re no stranger to DEI bans. State lawmakers have already banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public colleges. But now, executive orders from former President Donald Trump are pushing even further, prompting companies and private institutions like Rice University to rethink their programs. Producer Carlignon Jones talks with Niiobli Armah IV, founder and principal of the strategy firm We-Collab , to explore the history of DEI, why it has become so controversial, and w...
Mar 17, 2025•25 min
It’s the Friday News Roundup! We’re diving into Houston’s biggest ICE operation yet under the new Trump administration and what a new self-deportation app could actually mean. Monique Welch of the Houston Landing joins Executive Producer Laura Isensee to break it all down. Plus, we cover free cancer screenings in the Fifth Ward and East End residents protesting a multibillion-dollar upgrade to the downtown convention center. Stick around until the end for our moments of joy! Dive deeper into the...
Mar 14, 2025•29 min
Houston’s weather may feel perfect right now, but that summer heat isn’t far off. That’s why host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with with Brent Moon, Horticulture Manager at the Houston Botanic Garden, to talk about what to plant this spring for a thriving summer garden. Whether you’re growing fresh veggies or trying to keep your lawn lush, Brent has all the expert tips you need! This episode originally aired April, 11, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode: Port Aransas ...
Mar 13, 2025•24 min
City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali loves the wild food at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—but does it truly reflect our diverse food scene? Chron.com food reporter Erica Cheng shares how she thinks it could better represent all of H-town. Plus, they dig into Trill Burgers' expansion and the political red meat behind Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s push to rename the New York Strip steak after Texas. Stick around to hear the best thing Erica ate last month! Dive deeper into the stories and p...
Mar 12, 2025•26 min
It’s spring break in H-Town, but the news isn’t taking a vacation! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13’s Pooja Lodhia to talk about a sharp rise in violent teen crime, long lines at Big Bend and other national parks, and why Rice University students are standing up for science. Plus, move over, Miami — Houston is apparently the new hot spring break destination! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Spring break travel begins in Houston 'It's scary': Violent crime involving teens is on th...
Mar 11, 2025•29 min
Today on City Cast Houston, Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee about his fight against President Trump’s current administration. They’ll examine how Trump's executive orders are impacting Houstonians, from the Texas Medical Center’s medical research funds being taken away to federally funded programs being stopped in Harris County. Can Chrisitan Menefee legally win against President Trump and help Harris Country residents avoid feeling the impacts? St...
Mar 10, 2025•32 min
Houston lost a longtime political leader this week, with the death of former mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner. Host Raheel Ramzanali discusses his legacy with Aswad Walker, associate editor at The Houston Defender, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. Plus, did you catch what Rep. Al Green shouted at President Donald Trump this week before his censure? We break down his message. Oh, and our moments of joy! Stories we discussed on today’s show: State Legislator Sylvester Turner left an i...
Mar 07, 2025•34 min
Staying in town for spring break? Lucky for you, there are A LOT of fun things to do, but not all of them might be worth a visit. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down which attractions are worth the visit with freelance journalist and mom Brianna Griff and City Cast Houston contributor and social media influencer Antre’chelle Nova. From resort style getaways to immersive art adventures, the trio will help you make the most of your break! Check out the attractions we talked about on today’s episode:...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min
Over 200,000 Muslims call Greater Houston home, and they’re flocking to halal restaurants across the city to celebrate Ramadan with family and friends. But, you don’t have to be Muslim or even fasting to enjoy the world-class halal food that’s available in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Nida Ashraf, the blogger behind the popular @NidaEatsHalal on Instagram, to get her top recommendations for halal restaurants we can all enjoy. Check out the recommendations from today’s episode: Ch...
Mar 05, 2025•26 min
When Superintendent Mike Miles took over HISD, he promised no immediate school closures. But with enrollment dropping, school closures are now on the table. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, break that story down. Plus, how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada will impact your car insurance and craft beer. And finally, with the freeze of federal funding, how will Harris County handle disaster response? Dive deeper into the stori...
Mar 04, 2025•35 min
Houston is known as the energy capital of the world, but could it also become a major tech hub? With Apple announcing plans to build a factory for AI servers in Greater Houston, it’s a question we’re wondering. So, Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Houston Chronicle business columnist Chris Tomlinson about why Apple picked Houston and what this deal means for local jobs. Dive deeper into today’s episode: Apple's new manufacturing facility will bring thousands of jobs to Houston, fuel AI boom ...
Mar 03, 2025•18 min
