City Cast Houston

From fancy restaurants to big shows, there’s plenty of easy ways to empty your wallet on a date in Houston. So, how do you have the perfect date in H-town without breaking the bank? The City Cast team, including host Raheel Ramzanali, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee, accepted the challenge to plan a romantic outing under $25. And they have a special guest judge...

Sure, you could buy a generic box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day. But, why not pick up some local sweet treats to truly impress your bae! Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Chron.com’s food reporter Erica Cheng on the best candy spots around H-town.  Check out the recommendations from our conversation:  Royal Roastery Rocket Fizz  Space City Candy Las Delicias Mexicanas  HMa...

One of Greater Houston’s fastest growing community is dealing with lead in their water, but so far, they’ve received little help from local and state authorities. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Shannon Ryan, reporter at ABC-13 Houston, to talk about that story in Montgomery County. Plus, why 8,000 students are calling out leaders at the University of Houston, how President Trump’s latest polic...

There’s no denying that HISD has become one of the wildest school district in Texas. From students protesting the state’s takeover to a rat infestation at a popular middle school, there’s so much happening in the largest school district in Texas. Today, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Nusaiba Mizan, education reporter at the Houston Chronicle, to learn about the massive student protest last we...

We know driving in Houston can be nerve-wracking and scary, but now road deaths have hit an all time high in H-town. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down the numbers and solutions with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. Plus, the city’s latest budget crisis and how Houston’s Venezuelan community is reeling since the Trump administration cancelled legal protection for people who fled their country’s...

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to go for the upcoming Presidents Day weekend, or you have a longer getaway in mind, there are so many fun winter trips to take from H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting some of the top recommendations from Sofia Gonzalez, travel and food editor at Houstonia Magazine, featuring snowy slopes, warm beaches, epic roadtrips, and so much more!  Aspen Red Rocks P...

Lunar New Year is in full swing, so it’s the perfect time to discover hidden gems in Houston’s Chinatown, also known as Asia Town. It’s six square miles packed with food and culture. But with so many choices, it can be overwhelming to start. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Cory Nguyen, chef at Crawfish and Noodles, to share his ultimate foodie tour and why this area is so important to him...

Thousands of Houstonians rallied this weekend against President Trump’s immigration crackdown, in a rare large-scale protest for Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with one of the city’s top trending news reporters, Faith Bugenhagen at Chron.com, about what’s next in the immigration fight. Plus, they discuss how Gov. Greg Abbott blasted Harris County at the state of the state address and Beyoncé...

This week, the Texas Senate is set to fast-track Gov. Greg Abbott’s push for school vouchers, which would give $1 billion in public tax dollars to subsidize students’ private school tuition. State Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat and the new chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, says it’s still possible to defeat vouchers. Plus, he shares how he thinks Democrats can still make a difference t...

It was a week full of confusion as President Trump’s administration looked to pause federal funding and grants across the nation. Although it has been rescinded as of now, a lot of questions about how city services would be impacted remain. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Abby Church, city hall reporter for the Houston Chronicle, to get those answers. Plus, they’re looking at why egg prices ke...

February may be the shortest month, but it is packed with celebrations and happenings. Survive the winter doldrums with our monthly guide to Houston! In this episode, we’ve got expert tips and recommendations that you won’t hear anywhere else, from the best cozy hot chocolate in Houston to a hidden gem in the East End for some self-care. We’re also celebrating Lunar New Year this month. Check out...

No surprise here, but two of Houston’s most popular breakfast spots were just nominated as semifinalists for the James Beard Awards: Ema and Koffeteria! They’re just a taste of the many amazing breakfast options H-town has to offer. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking with Bao Ong, restaurant columnist at the Houston Chronicle, about the best breakfast spots you need to try, from classic eggs and pan...

Federal officials were out in Greater Houston this weekend, as agents began arresting dozens of immigrants across Texas and making good on the Trump administration’s pledge to crackdown. Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the latest in local immigration news with Sam González Kelly, demographics reporter at the Houston Chronicle, from local Democrats’ response to resources for undocumented Hou...

Houston mayors have traditionally met with a lot of community groups. But grassroots organizers say that’s not happening with Mayor John Whitmire, who just finished his first year in office. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Leticia Gutierrez, director of government relations and community outreach at Air Alliance Houston, and Aswad Walker, associate editor at The Defender, about the issue — and so...

What an amazing snow week! Host Raheel Ramzanali and ABC 13’s Pooja Lodhia recap the snow storms biggest winners and losers, from the power staying on to police doing donuts. Plus, some120 Texans from the Jan. 6 capitol riot received pardons from President Trump, raisinginteresting questions. And don’t miss our favorite Houston nominees in the James Beard Awards semifinalists!  Dive deeper into th...

Lunar New Year is around the corner, so to welcome the Year of the Snake and 15 days of feasting and family, City Cast Houston is rounding up the best places to celebrate in H-town! Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, joins host Raheel Ramzanli for her top dining spots for Lunar Near Year. Plus they talk about how President Trump’s immigration policies are putting Houston chefs on edge, the l...

There was a lot of sledding, snow balls and snowman yesterday, but things are still icy in Greater Houston. So, when will the city reopen after this winter storm? Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Ryan Nickerson, Houston Chronicle’s weather reporter, to recap just how historic this snowstorm was, how Houston and the power grid fared, and when things will get back to normal in H-Town.  Learn mor...

During his campaign, President Donald Trump vowed to crack down on immigration. Now that he’s officially back in the White House, we’re exploring how his policies could impact Greater Houston, home to over 1 million immigrants. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Anna-Catherine Brigida, immigration reporter for Houston Landing, about what mass deportations could look like here, plus expected chang...

It’s the Friday News Round Up! Host Raheel Ramzanali is digging into the latest controversy at HISD, and bringing the reporter who broke the scandal, Asher Lehrer-Small with Houston Landing. Find out how Superintendent Mike Miles and his administration failed to get board approval of almost $1 billion worth of contracts. Plus, the latest infighting within the Texas GOP, what school district is clo...

From hurricanes to traffic jams, life can be pretty crazy in this sprawling city we call home. So to help out new — and old! — Houstonians, we’re putting together a starter pack with all the essential items you need to survive and thrive in the Bayou City. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis. And if you think we missed somethin...

Are you tired of eating at the same old fast-food restaurants with your kids? Host Raheel Ramzanali and Meagan Clanahan, co-founder of HoustonMoms.com, have you covered! They’ve put together their recommendations for the best kid-friendly restaurants in Houston. From toddlers to teens, these places are great for parents, AND the grandparents, aunties, friends, caretakers and anyone else taking kid...

Oil and gas companies are a big part of Houston and Texas, but who’s going to pay for the growing cost to clean up abandoned oil wells? We’re watching that. Plus, what’s in and what’s out for 2025 in H-Town? Host Raheel Ramzanlali and executive producer Laura Isensee team up to break down those stories. And you won’t believe today’s Only in H-Town, where rats are eating up thousands of pounds of m...

The 89th Texas Legislative Session starts this week, and what happens in Austin over the next six months could dramatically change life in Houston, from schools to betting on sports and much more. So, host Raheel Ramzanli is teaming with our friends at City Cast Austin to lay out the issues you need to know. Joining him are Eva Ruth Moravec, City Cast Austin’s executive producer, and KUT Austin’s...

Houston’s winter blast hit our unhoused neighbors hard, with few warming shelters available. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with advocate Patricia Olivares, who’s spent nights on the streets to push for change. Plus, Monique Welch with the Houston Landing highlights how Black midwives are helping solve Houston’s Black maternal health crisis. And why does Gov. Abbott want Houston to sell water to West...

Houston is a GREAT city, but let’s be honest, between hours spent in traffic to endless amazing restaurants, it’s a real challenge to stay in shape! So, today host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Jack “Swole” Sultan, longtime fitness coach and nutritionist, to share healthy habits to stay on track for your wellness journey in 2025.  Learn more about the sponsors of this January 9th episode here: H...