City Cast Houston

New documents revealed that HISD’s special education program is off-track even after state conservators stepped in to help right the department in 2020. Now things are getting even more complicated as new state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles implements his vision for the department with goals of fixing it in two years. Houston Landing staff reporter Asher Lehrer-Small has been investigating t...

The Ken Paxton impeachment trial storylines are capturing all of the headlines this week. From the alleged mistress showing up to getting fired at a Starbucks, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz recaps all of the drama with host Raheel Ramzanali. The trial wasn’t the only thing happening in Houston so the duo also talk about the latest with funding regarding the Ike Dike, how school districts are...

From iconic restaurants to malls, Houston’s growth has phased out some iconic places from our youth. On today’s episode, host Raheel Ramzanali takes a trip down memory lane with lead producer Dina Kesbeh and ESPN Houston radio host Lance Zierlein as they reminisce about legendary places that are now gone. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us...

We’re always talking about how diverse Houston is, but we keep eating the same types of cuisine. We’re changing that today! Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Chron.com food editor John-Henry Perera to get his picks for places that will help us diversify our palate in H-Town.  Lanka Mex  Aga’s Restaurant and Catering  Our episode with Shaukat Maredia of Aga’s  Nikko’s Cheesecake  Artisian 360 Pe...

It’s been a busy start to the week so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on lead producer Dina Kesbeh to breakdown the biggest stories that are impacting Houston. From a new report on hate crimes to a major expansion that could change the airport game for Houstonians, Raheel and Dina recap it all. Plus, Raheel puts Dina in the hot seat with a game of guess the fake headline. Featured stories: New h...

Eleven inmates have died inside Harris County Jail so far in 2023 and now families of inmates are fighting back. But, will this help with the issues that are leading to so many deaths? Houston Public Media’s Lucio Vasquez joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about his latest investigation into Harris County Jail and what is being done to slow down the number of deaths.   Read and Listen to Lucio’s...

Just because it was a short week doesn't mean it wasn't a busy week in H-Town. From a new anti-eviction program to HISD potentially adding more school days, host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down all of the stories with Houston Landing education reporter Miranda Dunlap and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. The trio also start the conversation off with an interesting Beyoncé question that you don...

We’re now hitting that part of the year where we’ll be getting a lot of visitors for the holidays or just a weekend getaway and one of the more stressful things during those visits is trying to find places to take your guests. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on lead producer Dina Kesbeh and producer Carlignon Jones to help build out the ultimate visitors guide to Houston. From iconic places...

The hot chicken trend has had a chokehold on us all. The spice, the crunch, and explosion of flavor has set host Raheel Ramzanali on a mission for the must-try hot chicken spots in the city. He calls on the hot chicken connoisseur, Grundy, known as G, the food blogger behind Bless Tha Belly.  Bless Tha Belly Mico’s Howdy’s Hot Chicken  Clutch City Cluckers  Chick-Fil-A Popstin for dessert  Dave’s...

You might have unplugged from all the happenings around the city during the long weekend, so we’re here to catch you up. Host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones kick off the short week talking about the growing number of people experiencing depression in the summer, the local high schools who made it to the top nationally, and so much more.  NASA pollution images  Seasonal depression in...

We’re heading into the long weekend by breaking down the biggest stories of the week impacting H-Town. From the Ken Paxton impeachment trial starting to a white truck stuck in Buffalo Bayou, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’Chelle Nova recap it all! Featured stories: Death Star Bill update  How Nate Paul ran the Texas AG Gulf of Mexi...

Houston has been leading the way in helping the unhoused community get back on their feet with permanent housing. A big reason for that success is the Coalition for the Homeless and their Way Home program. So, how are they doing it and where can we improve as a city to help even more in the unhoused community? CEO Mike Nichols joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about their success and how the Hou...

Houston has a lot of firsts, but the distinction of first Chinese restaurant ever belongs to China Garden in downtown. Since 1969, Carol Churchill and her family have served scratch-made Chinese food to the biggest names in Houston, but since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has been struggling and that includes China Garden. Host Raheel Ramzanali chats with Carol about the challenges China G...

Home ownership is getting to be more expensive in H-Town, but how much money do you have to make to afford a starter home? Plus, with the new school year underway, a lot of new legislation goes into effect as well for schools. Also, what should you do when you find a stay animal? Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh talk about those stories and more to prepare you for the week! Feat...

It’s the first day of school for HISD and this is the perfect time to learn about what concerns parents have as we start another school year. From school safety to banned books, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to KHOU 11’s Mia Gradney about her station’s recent parent survey and her talks with superintendents from across the great Houston area. Mia Gradney’s interviews on KHOU Looking for more Ho...

Virgo season is here and Antre’chelle Nova is letting you know as she joins host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to recap the news. From the latest on who will run the city elections to STAAR testing trends impacting our kids, the trio break it all down on today’s episode.  Grace’s 1.5 hour policy STAAR testing trends  Houston, 5th worst for rats? El Bolillo Celebrates 25 y...

This heat isn’t going anywhere, so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Dr. Wafi Momin, cardiologist at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, to talk about which groups of people are most at-risk to suffer from heat exhaustion, what you can do to prevent heat related emergencies, and why it’s important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  Dr. Wafi Momin L...

There are so many good South Asian restaurants in Houston, but one consistently gets brought up as the best: Aga’s Restaurant and Catering. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to owner Shaukat Maredia about how this once struggling restaurant turned it around and became the spot for desi food in the city. Aga’s scholarship fund application Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsle...

The Houston Police Department released their latest crime numbers and the trends are definitely surprising. Plus, Harris County Health might finally get a much-needed boost to expand hospitals if voters approve a new bond. Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh recap some of the biggest stories in H-Town and also start the conversation with a tough question in honor of José Altuve! Jo...

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have updated their 2023 Atlantic hurricane season activity predictions to be “above normal” so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Rich Johnson from the Insurance Council of Texas to discuss what things we should all be looking out for right now in our insurance in case a hurricane does hit our city. From home owners to renters, we...

It’s been a really hot week, literally. A heat wave that just won’t let up, topped with our local legend Macaroni Tony being beaten by a father who accuses him of allegedly trying to inappropriately touch his daughters, and Harris County GOP candidate has dropped his lawsuit. Producer Carlignon Jones unpacks the stories of the week with media personality Antrechelle Nova and Pulitzer Prize finalis...

As we hit another 100 degree day in H-Town, it’s time to cool off by enjoying the crashing waves of Galveston. From being greeted by the sounds of seagulls to the endless restaurant options, Galveston is the place to cool down during this heatwave. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis to discuss the pros and con...

Houston Restaurant Weeks has become an annual summer tradition for foodies to try out award-winning restaurants at unbeatable prices, but with hundreds of restaurants on the list, it can be overwhelming picking the best ones. Host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on Houston Chronicle food reporter Erica Cheng to get her recommendations for spots you need to try during Houston Restaurant Weeks. Try out...

A lot has happened in H-Town to start the week so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis to recap some of the biggest stories that caught their eyes. From a landmark revenge porn ruling to an update on the hurricane season, they’re breaking it all down. Oh, and things of course they have some hot takes on food! Featured stories: 114-year-old Houston woman  Revenge por...

Is Houston on the verge of becoming unaffordable? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by economics professor Chris Clarke to talk about what factors are driving our city to becoming unaffordable, what we can do as a city to prevent it, and what the future of interest rates look like as residents deal with high interest rates. Clear the Shelter event at Houston SPCA Follow professor Chris Clarke on Tik...