City Cast Houston

Early voting is underway and a couple of stories have people talking. From polling locations to potential dirty politics, host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston editor Brooke Lewis talk about the latest in the election cycle. Plus, who are you inviting to a party via a billboard? It’s time to start the week with some of the biggest stories in H-Town. Featured stories: Alleged Sheila Jackson Lee tap...

The EPA recently denied Texas’ ozone reduction plan, but how does that impact you and your health? Jennifer Hadayia, Executive Director at Air Alliance Houston, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about what this rejection means for the future of our region, why ozone pollution is important to monitor, and what sanctions we could see in our regions because of our failure to comply.  Interested in...

It’s finally Friday and that means we’re recapping the news that impacted H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’Chelle Nova to talk about Houston's push for hydrogen, early voting, vandalism in the Pleasantville community, and more.  Houston selected to be a hydrogen hub Texas needs more water workers  Crime continues to be an iss...

Host Raheel Ramzanali is taking on his youngest sister, Maheen, who grew up in Houston and now lives in Atlanta in a spirted debate about which city is better: Houston or Atlanta. From best food to overall culture, it’s time we pick a winner in the Houston vs Atlanta rivalry! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newslette...

Picking the right sushi spot can be hard. From unique spots to freshest fish, Houston has it all. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by local food blogger Anthony Vu aka TheEatingAnt on Instagram to get his recommendations for the best sushi spots in Houston. Try out Anthony's recs below: Hokkaido Sushi  Ginza Kura Revolving Sushi Bar  Handies Douzo Uchi  Kata Robata  Roka Akor Sushi by Hidden  Hidde...

The streets of downtown were filled with pro-Palestine protests, but what else is the Houston community doing to bring awareness and raise humanitarian aid? Plus, a new study found that Texas is about to go through a major population boom in the next few decades. And, we love the Houston food scene, but one website does not. Host Raheel Ramzanali, lead producer Dina Kesbeh, and producer Carlignon...

School vouchers are once again in the news, but could the handling of charter schools in Texas be an indication to how the program will run? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Kiah Collier to learn more about her reporting in the Texas Tribune on charter schools and how it will impact the ongoing special session in Austin.  Kiah Collier’s latest on charter schools in Texas Texas senate unveils pri...

The Astros are back in the American League Championship Series for the seventh straight time, but the Texas Rangers stand in their way to defend their championship. If that’s not enough to play for, there’s a lot of bad blood between the two teams that stems back to 2017. Plus, we have important updates on Bissonnet street, Montrose, a discussion on Gaza, and more. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined...

Look, there’s no way around it, you’re going to be stuck in traffic when driving the Houston streets. But, you can be better prepared to handle traffic and maybe even beat it with the right tips. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis to get their best tips on beating and avoiding Houston traffic.  Interested in...

Kolaches have been an institution in H-Town for decades, but with so many great bakeries to choose from, where should you go first? Host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on Houston food content creator Shawn the Food Sheep to get his recommendations of places you need to try ASAP. From fruit fillings to hearty meat choices, these kolaches will have you ready to conquer the day.  Kolache Shoppe  Koala K...

As kids we would’ve loved a four-day school week, but how are we feeling about this as adults and parents? Plus, are you brave enough to ask a question during a televised debate? Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh get the week started with a rundown of stories that are impacting H-Town!  Featured stories: Nutria on the rise Crosby ISD 4-day school week Mayoral debate tonight Would...

Can we all agree that opposing fan bases should never start a “we want Houston” chant?! Well, Minnesota fans started one, but will the Astros respond? Plus, there’s a lot of HOA drama going down in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz recap the biggest stories from the week. Featured stories: The Daytripper Season 14 Premier  Governor Abbott calls special session  D...

We’re about a month away from picking Houston’s next mayor and the interest in the election has been low. We’re changing that today as host Raheel Ramzanali learns about the candidates, the biggest storylines, and more with Houston Landing’s political reporter Paul Cobler. Dive deeper into the mayoral race by checking out the stories below: Read Paul’s work on the mayoral race here  What Houstonia...

No matter which direction you head, there are fun fall adventures to be had in Houston. Today on the final installment of our Fall Guide, the entire City Cast team joins host Raheel Ramzanali to layout some fun fall itineraries for each cardinal direction. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh is handling the north, producer Carlignon Jones has the south, Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis is taking care of the...

From haunted houses to ghost tours, Houston has a scary side waiting to be explored this fall. In part two of our Fall Getaway Guide, KHOU digital anchor Brandi Smith joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give her recommendations of the spookiest attractions you need to check out in H-Town. If you want to get in the Halloween mood, try out these spots! Watch all of Brandi’s Spooky stories here Purgatory...

October is finally here and even though the weather is still kind of warm, we’re still celebrating with our Fall Getaway Guide. This three part series will focus on some unique adventures, scares, and eats around the Houston area. Today, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by HoustonMom.com co-creator Meagan Clanahan to get her recommendations for the best fall farms to visit for photos, activities, a...

Mayor Sylvester Turner held his final State of the City, but what will you remember him for as the mayor? Plus, there’s a major health lawsuit going down in H-Town that could have an impact on your bills. And, oil prices are going up so are we about to feel it once again? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’Chelle Nova to break it all d...

It’s Ask a Stupid Question Day and we’re celebrating as a team by answering stupid questions about Houston. From why we call it a feeder to learning how to square dance, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston editor Brooke Lewis to answer these pressing stupid questions! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning n...

Everyone has their favorite burger in Houston, but it’s time to expand that list! Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Nick Scurfield, co-founder of Trill Burgers and president of the Scurfield Group PR Firm, to get his top picks of burgers in H-Town you need to try now! The Q Stack at Q’s Deli  Spicy Greek Burger at Tornado Burger  Shake Shack in Rice Village  Butter Burgers at Riel  Double Doubl...

Why did the Art Institute of Houston just suddenly close? Also, what is a red tide? Host Raheel Ramzanali recaps all of the news with producer Carlignon Jones and gets her favorite moments and gripes from the Beyoncé concert. Featured stories: Texans are tipping less  Economic impact of Beyoncé in Houston Red Tide in Galveston NASA brings back 4.5 billion old astroid sample  Crickets are taking ov...

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles has one goal: to improve the education for students in HISD schools. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Superintendent Miles to talk about the first month of school, the feedback he’s receiving from teachers and students, and what things he could’ve done differently to start his tenure as superintendent.  HISD news Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our...

Yes, Drake is moving to Houston, but what other celebrities would you like to see move here? Host Raheel Ramzanali puts Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’Chelle Nova on the spot to get their answer. Plus, the trio also breakdown the newest report on racial disparity in traffic stops, the new county budget, racism online, and so much more! Featured stories: HPD report o...

Driving in Houston requires a therapy session at times because of how bad the roads are and that’s exactly what’s happening on today’s episode. Houston sports radio legend John Granato joins host Raheel Ramzanali and newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to breakdown the worst roads, worst freeways, and areas to avoid around H-Town. Pothole swallows entire car Follow John Granato on Twitter Looking for m...

Hispanics are the largest group of people in Texas and it’s only right we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through the best hispanic restaurants in Houston. Houston Chronicle taco columnist Marco Torres joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give his recommendations of the best Mexican, Cuban, Dominican, and other hispanic restaurants you need to try this month! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by tryin...

Hope you’ve been saving because that Beyoncé ticket is not going to be cheap. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis talk about how expensive tickets are, why trees in Hermann Park are in danger, and a new HPD policy regarding how they pursue alleged criminals. New chase policy  Texans fight video  Republican Civil War Hermann Park trees  40,000 piece puzzle  Fake service animal...