City Cast Houston

Are you recovering from all of those holiday parties and cutting out alcohol for Dry January? If so, you’re in luck because Houston is packed with amazing mocktails and zero-proof drinks. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Danny and Helenita Frounfelkner, the duo behind Sipple, Texas’ first non-alcoholic bottle shop, to learn why more people are embracing a month without booze, and where to get t...

As if the winter weather wasn’t enough to worry about, we now have to be on the lookout for a flesh-eating parasite. Yep, welcome to Texas! Host Raheel Ramzanali and Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, are breaking down the biggest stories so far this week. They kick it off with former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s new gig and then discuss why local universities are...

It’s been one year since John Whitmire hung up his hat as a state lawmaker and took office as mayor of Houston. And H-town went through A LOT! So, how did Mayor Whitmire handle Houston’s ongoing challenges, and some unexpected surprises? Abby Church, the Houston Chronicle’s City Hall reporter, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz join host Raheel Ramzanali to discuss Whitmire’s big wins, his mis...

Happy new year! It’s already been a busy start to 2025 in Houston, so host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping some of the big news of the week with Monica Flores Richart, education activist and attorney, and Charles Blain, conservative commentator from the Urban Reform Institute. Plus, they’re making bold predictions for 2025 by filling out their Houston bingo cards — from potential new taxes at City H...

Happy New Year! We’re starting the year off by taking full advantage of everything to do around H-Town this month. From trying out new food to joining community events that will give us a new appreciation for the city, and, of course, some recommendations for those new health goals you have, this is your guide to January 2025 in Houston!  January also marks the start of new administrations in our...

They say there’s no such thing as a stupid question, but is that really true? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the stereotypes and answering the questions our out-of-town friends have asked us about Houston, from why we call it a feeder road to how often we really wear cowboy boots and hats. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston editor Brooke Lewis, and form...

Whether you’re looking for an authentic Indian curry, the best hummus in Houston, or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, Hillcroft Street is the place to go. Not only is Hillcroft a foodie’s dream, it’s also one of the city’s most diverse streets, stretching from west of the Galleria through Gulfton and Bellaire. But where to start? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Is...

What’s the “Most Houston” thing ever? In a city known for its sports teams, celebrities, and cultural — as well as culinary — institutions, it’s not an easy question to answer. But this fall, with the help of Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston on KHOU, host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee gave it the old college try, and even put together a tournament bracket to help n...

It’s been a week since Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez was tragically killed by a train on his way to school. Now, Union Pacific is making some safety changes. But why isn’t more being done to protect communities of color from trains?! Host Raheel Ramzanali dives into that big question with ABC13’s Pooja Lodhia and Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at Houston Landing. Plus, Ha...

The new year is right around the corner, and one of your New Year’s resolutions may be to get out of your comfort zone. So, today, host Raheel Ramzanali is helping you get a jump start on your goals. He’s bringing on producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee to get their top tips to leave your comfort zone and explore more what Houst...

Today on City Cast Houston, the holidays are finally here, and host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Emma Balter, editor-in-chief at Houstonia Magazine, for her top picks for Christmas Day, whether you're dining out or grabbing takeout. They also debate if New Year’s Eve is overrated and offer some options for a chill celebration. Plus, they dish on Tilman Fertitta’s eye-popping $1,000 steak in Uptow...

Last week, a Houston-area toddler was killed and his grandmother injured while in a crosswalk, but the driver involved wasn’t arrested — despite a state law that could have led to felony charges. That’s the big story for today’s episode with host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee. They also dive into the latest moves from Attorney General Ken Paxton on abortion and Harris Count...

It’s the City Cast Houston Awards — our first ever end of the year awards for Houston’s most influential people. The Houston Chronicle’s editor of opinion, Lisa Falkenberg, and ABC 13’s anchor, Rita Garcia, join host Raheel Ramzanali to decide who influenced Houston the most in 2024, for better or worse. Plus, we have a bonus round for guest awards after our official awards show! Stick around to h...

It’s been a difficult week in Houston, since a Milby High School student was struck and killed by a train on his way to school. Today, host Raheel Ramzanali dives into that difficult story and solutions to prevent another tragedy with Claire Partain, Houston ISD reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Lucio Vasquez, reporter at Houston Public Media. Plus, they talk about outgoing Harris County Dist...

H-town is packed with holiday attractions. But which ones are actually worth your time and money? Today at City Cast Houston, we’re starting a new game called Worth It or Skip It. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova and his friend Iman Virani Umatiya to discuss which holiday attractions are worth going to, and which ones you can skip. From the trendy Fr...

Holiday pop-up bars are all over H-town, plus so many of our favorite bars and lounges have special menus this season. To help you plan your next night out with friends or a special someone, Executive Producer Laura Isensee is bringing on Brittany Britto Garley, editor of Eater Houston. They’ll help you toast the holiday season with the best cozy cocktails, mulled wine and cider, and mocktails. (A...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And also a time when holiday shoppers in H-town can become victims of crime. So we’re playing back our convesation with Houston Police Department Sgt. Jeremy Lahar. Host Raheel Ramzanali gets his top tips to protect yourself from jugging and other street crimes this holiday season. Learn more about HPDs safety tips here. And don’t forget to vote in our fir...

On January 1st, 2025, Sean Teare will become Harris County’s new District Attorney, an important office that’s has been held by Kim Ogg for the last eight years. The office is dealing with fallout from thousands of cases dismissed, overcrowding at the jail, and other issues. A veteran prosecutor, Teare joins host Raheel Ramzanali to lay out his plan on how he’s going to fix what he calls a “broken...

It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week and how they impact YOU. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to talk about a teacher cheating scandal, and how local school districts are responding, why there’s a fight at Houston City Hall about what some call a loophole in the firefighter’s contract, what Houstonians listened to most this year,...

If it’s free, then you know host Raheel Ramzanali wants to know more. Today, he’s getting the scoop on the best free holiday events to check out around H-Town from Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of HoustonMom.com. From free pictures with Santa to a free holiday boat parade, there’s something for everyone … And it’s all free!  Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode here: A.D Players...

It’s Wednesday so host Raheel Ramzanali is talking food! Today, he’s joined by Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, to break down the highlights of Houston’s 2024 food scene. They cover everything from the best restaurants to viral trends, plus must-try dishes you might’ve missed. They also discuss the downfall of the Turkey Leg Hut and make some bold predictions for Houston’s foodie scene in...

Is Texas about to become even more conservative? In Austin, the state legislature has shifted further to the right, and already there are thousands of bills filed for the upcoming session. And in the federal courts, President-elect Donald Trump could replace potentially four life-time judges in Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter for Chron.com, to bre...

There are so many fun celebrations taking place in Houston in December. So, we’re giving you our top recommendations to make the most out of December in H-Town. From holiday lights to penguin encounters, and of course, great eats, this is your guide to December 2024 in Houston.  Going to be traveling this December? We put together the best travel hacks for Bush and Hobby airports so you can have a...

Thanksgiving in Houston might actually feel like Thanksgiving as a double cold front heads our way. So we want to get into those cold weather vibes and replay our chat City Cast Houston food contributor Shawn the Food Sheep. He shares his picks for the best cozy dishes around H-town for cooler weather. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Shawn are creating a list that will help you get into the season, from...

It’s a holiday week with Thanksgiving around the corner, but the news does not stop in H-town. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down the biggest stories of the week with Hey Houston newsletter editor, Brooke Lewis. They dive into the much needed upgrades at NRG Stadium, plus the latest in the push to restore the Astrodome. (And spoiler, Brooke is Team Astrodome!) Then they get into the impact Trump’s...