It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter at The Texas Newsroom, and executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about the future of the Texas Renaissance Festival after its founder died this week. Plus, Houston’s growing income inequality and the legacy of George Floyd. And don’t miss our moments of joy! Stories we talked about on today’s show: George Coulam, controversial founder of Texas Renaiss...
May 23, 2025•40 min
Whether you’re planning a quick one-hour trip or a long-haul adventure, Houston offers plenty of great road trip options. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is teaming up with Sofia Gonzalez, Houstonia Magazine’s travel editor, to share their top picks for the best road trips to take this Memorial Day weekend, or anytime this summer with your friends, family, special someone — or even solo! Check out all our recommendations here: Galveston Surfside Blue Coast Highway Drive The Pearl in San Antonio Mi Tie...
May 22, 2025•26 min
There was a time when host Raheel Ramzanali celebrated every birthday at Whataburger with a patty melt. But now, as the Texas legend marks its 75th anniversary, he swears it’s just not the same. So, he’s talking to Omar Gallaga, an independent Texas-based writer, about whether Whataburger has changed since it was bought by a Chicago company in 2019 and went national. Plus, we’ll hear from some loyal fans and their favorite memories. Stories we talked about on today’s show: What happened to Whata...
May 21, 2025•30 min
The annual Kinder Houston area survey is out so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down some of the interesting takeaways on how Houstonians are feeling with ABC-13 reporter Shannon Ryan. Plus, what’s the latest with Mayor Whitmire’s proposed budget and what services will be impacted if it passes? And, we learn what a popular former HISD principal is up to during “Only in H-Town”! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Houston's budget and voters' changing attitudes Houston parks department ‘hi...
May 20, 2025•24 min
Houston has long prided itself on being an affordable place to live, for both homeowners and renters. But that reputation is starting to slip. As more people move to the city, housing supply hasn’t kept up. And prices in traditionally working-class neighborhoods are skyrocketing. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to City Cast Houston contributor Evan Mintz about how we got here, what Houstonians can do to slow rising costs, and if state lawmakers might actually do something to fix our housing...
May 19, 2025•26 min
It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the big stories of the week with some of our brightest journalists in the city. Joining Raheel today is Houston Chronicle’s Texas government reporter Isaac Yu to explain why state lawmakers might scrap the STAAR testing — and what would come next — and the latest with the state takeover of HISD. Plus, we get an update on how Galveston officials plan to keep Bolivar’s wild Jeep Weekend under control. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Te...
May 16, 2025•29 min
Houston has SO much to do, sometimes you have to play tourist in your own town. That’s exactly what host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are doing on today’s episode — they’re updating their personal bucket lists of must-do Houston experiences. And let us know what we missed! Places on our bucket list: Texas-Shaped Pool at the Marriott Marquis Space Center Houston Downtown Tunnels Get a Grillz The Cistern Project Row Houses Japanese Gard...
May 15, 2025•24 min
Sigh, the Houston heat is here earlier than we expected, but don’t stress, we’re going to cool you down with some of our favorite cold treats! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Josh De Leon, head ice cream slinger at Underground Creamery, about the best cold treats we need to try to fight these blistering days. To change things up a bit, Raheel and Josh are picking their frozen treats in a sports-style draft going back and forth for five rounds. Check out the recommendations and links from tod...
May 14, 2025•19 min
The Houston Landing made a huge splash when it launched as a local non-profit newsroom in 2023. But this week, it’s closing down. So, what went wrong? Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks it down with Michael Hardy, senior writer at Texas Monthly. They explore the outlet’s early missteps, how funding became a challenge, and what its closure means for local journalism in Houston. Plus, we’ll hear from some of the Landing’s journalists themselves about their favorite stories, what they loved about H-town,...
May 13, 2025•30 min
It’s been a nearly year since a derecho and Hurricane Beryl left Houston in the dark, making many Houstonians lose trust in CenterPoint and the Texas grid. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with energy expert Sam Luna with BKV Energy about what’s changed, why power bills are rising, and if Texas grid is ready for more wild weather this summer. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Remember last May's derecho? CenterPoint will soon raise rates to recover those storm costs. Data centers are booming i...
May 12, 2025•22 min
Happy Friday! We made it through another busy week in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at the Houston Landing, and conservative commentator Charles Blain of the Urban Reform Institute. They break down the biggest stories of the week, from Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed budget cuts to Houston running out of landfills for trash. Plus, their moments of joy! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about today: While Houston could pass a 'balanced ...
May 09, 2025•27 min
Last year, Houston drivers spent almost 50 hours in rush hour traffic. And making matters worse, one key stretch of Houston freeway is by far and away the most congested highway segment in the Lone Star State. So, host Raheel Ramzanali, executive producer Laura Isensee, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis talk about the unwritten rules of the road you need to survive Houston streets. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Houston drivers spent almost 50 hours in rush hour traffic la...
May 08, 2025•32 min
President Trump’s tariffs are raising prices on so many different things … including chocolate and other desserts! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Chron.com’s food writer Erica Cheng about why we’re going to pay more to satisfy our sweet tooth. Plus, our beloved H-E-B was caught in a firestorm online over a sandwich. And, where should you take mom for Mother’s Day? Erica has some great recs plus a wild card option that will shock you! Trump tariffs threaten chocolate imports, prices at Houst...
May 07, 2025•29 min
Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Chron.com’s trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen to break down the biggest stories impacting Houstonians. They dig into Mayor Whitmire’s proposal to give Houston police a nearly 40% raise. Plus, you won’t believe the wild FBI allegations against the former Turkey Leg Hut owner. And Faith talks about her deep dive into racist messages leaked from a Texas A&M student group. Dive deeper into the stories we talked about on today’s show: Ex-Turkey Leg Hut own...
May 06, 2025•35 min
With oil prices falling and consumers spending less, it looks like we could be heading towards a recession. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Chris Tomlinson, the Houston Chronicle’s business columnist, about what you can do now to prepare. Plus, we look back how Houston survived previous downturns. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Oil price drop is a warning light for the Texas economy. What to look for and how to prepare Houston will be in recession by summer because of tariffs, ...
May 05, 2025•27 min
It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories in Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz talk about how a big drop in oil prices could threaten our economy, the latest fight between the city of Houston and Harris County, and the latest scam you need to watch out for! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about on today’s show: Officials urge Houston drivers to watch out for scam parking tickets Baylor College of Medicine lays off 122 employees as Trump fun...
May 02, 2025•37 min
May is full of celebrations, good eats, and things to do for free! The City Cast Houston team is getting you ready for the month by recommending places you can shop local for Mother’s Day, graduations, and more. Plus, it’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month so we’re picking some great places to eat to celebrate our AAPI neighbors. And finally, we’re recommending some free events to check out so you can save money while enjoying the city. Need some good snacks to enjoy while you’r...
May 01, 2025•27 min
There’s nothing quite like biting into crispy, hot fried chicken — but where can you find the best hidden gems in Houston? Producer Carlignon Jones teams up with Chron.com’s food reporter Erica Cheng to share their list of must-try fried chicken spots around the city. Check out the recommendations from today’s episode: Frenchy’s House of Bowls Hong Kong Café Star Snow Ice Krisp Gus’ Fried Chicken Lucillle’s Barbecue Inn If you enjoyed today's interview with The Village School's Enrollment Office...
Apr 30, 2025•21 min
When Houston officials unveiled a massive $2 billion expansion for the George R. Brown Convention Center, the project quickly faced pushback from residents in the East End. Their concern: it would shut down part of Polk Street, a busy street in downtown and their key access into downtown. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Ryan Nickerson, quality of life reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Amy Erickson, organizer with People for Polk, about why East End residents are so concerned, how Houst...
Apr 29, 2025•33 min
Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with the Houston Chronicle’s education reporter Nusaiba Mizan about the explosive HISD bribery trial that detailed how district officials and one vendor exploited public trust and tax dollars. From the courtroom’s wildest moments to what this means for the future of HISD, Nusaiba breaks it all down. Plus, they dive into the district’s looming budget crisis, a calculation error that nearly cost dozens of teachers their jobs, and more ongoing...
Apr 28, 2025•24 min
Today, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC-13 reporter Pooja Lodhia to talk about why residents are worried about crime in the Third Ward, how the East End could become a new art destination, and the latest in a scandal over tax breaks for landlords. Plus, some newsthat’s actually good news! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about today: Smash Mouth to play free concert at Houston's Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park Cactus Music is turning 50. Here are things to know about the iconi...
Apr 25, 2025•28 min
Let’s face it, Houston isn’t as affordable as it once was because of inflation and other factors. So, we want to help you save some money! From insurance to groceries and eating out, host Raheel Ramzanali, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee are giving you their best money-saving hacks for H-Town! Tips and trends we talked about: Energy Ogre Rakuten TxFrugalFinds on Instagram Houston is just one of five major cities where owning a home is still consid...
Apr 24, 2025•29 min
It’s that time of year where we’re outside enjoying festivals, backyard parties, and more! And it’s making us hungry for some delicious snacks. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on the Snack Queen Emily Hill, founder of Texas Grocery Finds, to get her top snacks to try this spring from H-E-B, Trader Joe’s and other grocery stores around H-town! Snack recommendations from today’s episode: Sprouts Pistachio Gelato Bombs Pepperdige Farm Lemon Blueberry Swirl Bread Emporium Selection Honey I'd R...
Apr 23, 2025•20 min
It’s Earth Day, and while our big green spaces like Memorial and Hermann parks get plenty of love, Houston’s smaller neighborhood parks are often overlooked. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz about why these local parks lack funding and attention — and what’s keeping many Houstonians from enjoying our city’s outdoor spaces. Follow Evan Mintz on X for more on Houston’s parks Houston deserves better parks. Here's how to pay for them. (Opinion) Learn more about the...
Apr 22, 2025•23 min
Mayor John Whitmire is in his second year leading Houston. But not everyone is on board with his leadership and direction for the city. A grassroots group called Recall Houston is pushing to remove him from office, and they’re already raising money and preparing to gather signatures for a recall vote. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Alejandro Alegria of Recall Houston about why the group wants the mayor gone and how they plan to make it happen. Stories we referenced in today’s show: Is Mayor Wh...
Apr 21, 2025•19 min
It’s Friday, so we’re recapping the biggest stories in Houston this week! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter with the Texas Newsroom, to discuss the historic school voucher vote in Austin, how Mayor Whitmire managed to shrink Houston’s budget deficit, why international students are being sent home from Texas universities, and, of course, our moments of joy! Dive deeper into the stories we talked about on today’s show: Texas House preliminarily approves contr...
Apr 18, 2025•31 min
We all do things as Houstonians that we’re not proud of…like honking at people driving 20mph below the speed limit or always showing up late to an event because of traffic! So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on producer Carlignon Jones and Tessa Barrera , co-host of Houston Life on KPRC, to confess their toxic Houston traits and learn some from you, the listeners! Learn more about the sponsors of this April 17th episode: Visit Port Aransas Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registrat...
Apr 17, 2025•26 min
Now that almost every business interaction seems to end with a tip screen, we asked ourselves: What are the new rules of tipping in Houston? And have we reached a tipping point with tipping? Helping host Raheel Ramzanali dig into this is Houstonia Magazine’s editor-in-chief Emma Balter and Ryan Lachaine, chef and co-owner of RIEL in Montrose. Stories we talked about on today’s show and more about our guests: Texans among worst tippers in America, but still better than California Has U.S. Tipping...
Apr 16, 2025•32 min
You’ve probably seen them parked at bus stops, or at the edge of a parking lot: abandoned shopping carts. They might seem like just a nuisance, but dealing with them is more complicated than you think. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks it through with Ryan Nickerson, the Houston Chronicle’s quality of life reporter. Dive deeper into today’s story: Abandoned shopping carts are a persistent problem in Houston. Here's how the city wants to solve it. What impacts your quality of life the most in Houston? ...
Apr 15, 2025•26 min
There’s been plenty of controversy over bike lanes in Midtown. Mayor Whitmire initially removed protected lanes on Austin Street without warning, later reversing course in a compromise with the biking community. But some worry that his track record could put other protected bike lanes at risk. Host Raheel Ramzanali digs into the bike lane battles with Joe Cutrufo, executive director of BikeHouston, to talk about how the mayor’s decisions affect safety, what’s at stake on 11th Street in the Heigh...
Apr 14, 2025•32 min
