City Cast Houston

Since the beginning of City Cast Houston, every story we’ve shared on this podcast has shown us something new about this city. In this final episode, the entire City Cast Houston team including host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are looking back at what this journey has taught them and how it’s changed the way they see Houston. Stay conn...

We’re in our final week of shows, so host Raheel Ramzanali is sharing one of his favorite episodes of all-time. We love H-Town, but when you love something, you can’t help but think about how it could improve… even in the pettiest ways! Business owner and the voice of the streets KB Brown is joining Raheel to air out their pettiest Houston gripes. Plus, we dig into a few of the 500+ grievances Hou...

It’s our final week of shows and we’re playing back some of our favorite episodes. Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis has today’s pick and it’s an epic showdown on where to live in H-Town! 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...

It’s the final week of operations at City Cast Houston, and what better way to say goodbye then to share some of our all-time favorite episodes. If there is one thing that unites Houstonians, it is hating our roads. From potholes so deep you could find oil to construction that never ends, Houston has more than our fair share of road gripes. Houston sports radio legend John Granato joins host Rahee...

It’s the final week of operations at City Cast Houston, and what better way to say goodbye then to share some of our all-time favorite episodes. We’re kicking it off with what was the celebration of a lifetime in our city, the 2022 Astros world series win! Producer Carlignon Jones and AK AL-Moumen took to the streets to report live from the parade in one of our most beloved conversations with the...

Mayor Whitmire is breaking his silence about the removal of the iconic rainbow crosswalk. Plus, why is Ken Paxton suing to try and shut down a Houston civil rights organization? Producer Carlignon Jones is talking to Chron.com trending news reporter, Faith Bugenhagen, about those stories and more! We have some sad news to share today: City Cast Houston and Hey Houston are suspending operations. Ou...

Believe it or not, but Houston’s theater scene is one of the best in the nation. So, why don’t we get the respect we deserve?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is learning about just how robust our scene is with Hillary Hart, Executive Director at Theatre Under the Stars. Plus, Hillary is giving her picks on what shows you should watch this season.  Hillary’s recommendations of productions you should check o...

It’s been a tough year for restaurants in Houston with so many popular places closing down. But, what’s being done by the restaurants to stay open and survive 2025? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Sonia Garcia, trending food reporter at the Houston Chronicle, about the different things restaurants are trying to stay afloat in this economic down turn.  Stories we talked about on today’s show: ...

Why is Harris County’s bail system always brought up by state leaders? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to John Wayne Ferguson, reporter at the Houston Chronicle, about what stands out with our bail system and how a forgotten part of it is now being amplified because of an FBI raid and trial.  Stories we talked about on today’s show:  Inside a Houston bail company’s alleged fraud scheme that helpe...

Why is Governor Abbott forcing Houston to remove the iconic rainbow crosswalks in Montrose? Plus, are we going to see flight delays across Houston airports because of the government shutdown? And, what kind of workforce reductions will we see in the Texas Medical Center after President Trump increased the cost of H-1B visas? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Monica Flores Richart, education advo...

Fall is PACKED with fun events and things to do in Houston, but with the holiday season looming, how can we experience it all without breaking the bank? Host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on his friend Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of HoustonMom.com, to put together a list of fun fall events for under $100. From classic pumpkin patches to scary mazes, you’ll enjoy the season without it costing a fortune...

It’s National Seafood Month and Houston has so many delicious seafood spots to try … so, where should you go first? Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Raz Halili, owner of Fish Company Taco and Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House, to get his recommendations of the best places to eat fish, shrimp, oysters, and more. Plus, we get into how important the seafood industry is to our region!  Check out rec...

Why is HISD creating a new plan to limit how the district is covered by local media? Plus, the Houston Avenue bridge on I-10 keeps getting hit by trucks … what is going on?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Gwen Howerton, Texas culture reporter at Chron.com, about these stories and others, including a new religious community center in Montrose.  Stories we talked about on today’s show:  ⁠Housto...

What is going on in Houston’s historic 18th congressional district? It’s been targeted by state leaders since Representative Sylvester Turner died earlier this year, which has caused it to go without representation for nearly eight months. And now with the special election to fill the vacant seat just weeks away, the future of the district is about to change because of redistricting court battles....

What’s the deal with Governor Abbott’s new crime task force focusing on Houston? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, to explain what’s going on and break down other news of the week. Plus, are you avoiding the bayous because of the 22 bodies found in them? And, why is one state leader worried about a halftime show?  Stories we talked...

Houston is home to the biggest Nigerian population outside of Nigeria, and with that comes some delicious restaurants in our area. Houston-based blogger and proud Nigerian Nneka Kanu shares some of her favorite spots with host Raheel Ramzanali. With some places specializing in grilled suya and others boasting about their savory Jollof Rice, these are the local Nigerian restaurants you have to try....

We’re in the final stretch of 2025 and it all kicks off with October. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Erica Cheng, news and city life editor at Houstonia Magazine, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to lay out what you need to do this month in Houston. From spooky season to award-winning bites, here’s your guide to October! Want to meet more single people in Houston this month? Chec...

METRORail is experiencing so many delays with their red line, and a group seeking to recall Mayor Whitmire is getting ready to start collecting signatures. City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali and ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia are breaking down these stories, plus the battle over an influential megachurch, how a local man’s Halloween decoration is sparking an intense free speech debate, and the e...

It’s a Lone Star Showdown today on City Cast Houston, as we take on our colleagues at City Cast Austin for the title of best city in Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali is partnering up with local journalist Laura Isensee to rep H-Town, versus City Cast Austin host Nikki DaVaughn and producer Elissa Castles. We’re debating everything from affordability and entertainment to music and food to see which cit...

It’s our final day of Education Week and we’re mixing it up by bringing on student journalists for our Friday news roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Sarah Knowlton, editor in chief at ⁠The Rice Thresher⁠, and David Hill, reporter at ⁠KTSU from Texas Southern University⁠, to talk about safety on campus and Mayor Whitmire’s press conference in light of the Houston serial killer social medi...

All week long on Education Week, we’ve been focusing on traditional career paths and education pathways, but there’s a labor trend that could provide Houstonians with another route to career success. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Hany Khalil, executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Labor Federation, about why more and more Houstonians are turning to union apprenticeships, how these roles...

It’s year three of the state’s takeover of HISD, so today’s episode of Education Week is all about the issues parents and community leaders are facing this school year. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dani Hernandez, elected chair of the Houston ISD Board of Education, and HISD parent Liz Silva about state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles’ lofty goals, in-class learning, school closures, an...

Education week continues here on City Cast Houston and today we’re learning about why our youngest Houstonians need better childcare. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dr. Melanie Johnson, CEO for the Collaborative for Children, about why we’re in a childcare crisis, what’s being done to create more quality early learning centers in Houston, and why it should matter to all Houstonians.  Stories...

It’s Education Week on City Cast Houston! All week long we’ll be focusing on how the future of our city is being shaped through education-related developments like early child care, the rise of workforce training, and more. But today, we’re looking at how new state education laws are changing Houston’s public schools and colleges. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Samantha Ketterer, higher educa...

Harris County saw major political moves this week when Judge Lina Hidalgo announced she would not seek reelection for a third term. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down that story, from Hidalgo’s legacy to what this means for the Texas Democrats, to who’ll take her seat. Plus, a local suburb is getting some national attention and the heartbreaking story behind why a man died outside a restaurant. And...