City Cast Houston

We're heading into the long weekend, but not before breaking down the biggest stories from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by political insider Rafael Lemaitre to break down what exactly is happening with Harris County's budget deficit. Plus, how one politician is pushing for Elon Musk's Boring Co. flood tunnel project. And, why teachers are taking HISD to court. Stories we talked about on today's show:  A Texas Congressman Is Quietly Helping Elon Musk Pitch a $760M Plan to Build Tunnels Under Houston to Ease Flooding Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Judge Lina Hidalgo hold separate budget briefings Harris County leaders clash over looming budget deficit Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas' newly drawn congressional seats Pay-for-performance dispute between Houston ISD and its largest teachers union continues in court Thursday Houston Furniture Bank Should Texans stop being surprised when the Gulf of Mexico is blue? Learn more about the sponsors of this August 29th episode: British International School of Houston The Holdsworth CenterTurboTenant Downtown Houston+Wise Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Ed Uthman/Creative Commons

Look, we LOVE Houston, but we also have some complaints about our city. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on local business owner and the voice of the streets KB Brown to air out our pettiest Houston gripes. Plus, we dig into a few of the 500+ grievances Houstonians left on reddit.  Want to see all 500+ petty gripes from the Houston subreddit? Check it out here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode: British International School of Houston The Holdsworth Center TurboTenant Wise Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk!

Houston's Caribbean population is small, but is making a huge impact on the culinary scene. On today's show, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to James Beard Award-winning food and travel journalist and Senior Editor at eater, Kayla Stewart about where to go to get the best Caribbean food in H-Town. From classics like jerk chicken to fusion dishes blending Houston influences with island vibes, these spots are definitely worth checking out.  Places we talked about on today's show:  Taste of the Caribbean  Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill Jamaica Pon di Road  Val's Jerk Pan  700 Isles Cafe  Reggae Hut Cafe  Helen's Kitchen  ChopnBlok Buboy by Chef Tristen Epps Sonia's Kreyol Kitchen  Griot Gardens  Read Kayla's work on Eater  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode: British International School of Houston The Holdsworth Center TurboTenant Wise Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk!

Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia to talk about how the state's new proposed congressional maps that are on Governor Abbott's desk will impact Houston. Plus, they're breaking down how a former detention officer was caught running a Facebook Marketplace scam, and they say goodbye to a legendary Houston gem. Stories we talked about on today's show:  Texas Legislature sends Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan to Gov. Abbott's desk Fresh off Texas Senate's approval, new congressional map is target of lawsuit Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas' newly drawn congressional seats In response to failures and grieving parents, Texas lawmakers advance flood bills I taught Chloe to obey authority. At Camp Mystic, that got her killed. | Opinion Former Harris County officer and former inmate worked together to steal and sell luxury car: docs Houston Police cruiser crashes into Heights pool where children were swimming Exclusive: Alief's FunPlex, a Houston amusement park, has closed after 40 years How This Houston Voice Became America's First Ismaili Sportscaster Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: British International School of Houston The Holdsworth Center TurboTenant Wise Photo: CY/Unsplash

It's been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and in a time of crisis, Houstonians stepped up. Today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with former Houston Mayor Bill White about how his administration responded. Plus, author Kionna Walker LeMalle shares her story of evacuating New Orleans and what she's learned about trauma, grief, and healing.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ⁠Behind the Waterline ⁠ ⁠Ten years later, Katrina evacuees now part of Houston fabric⁠ Want to hear more? Check out the event ⁠The Lingering Storm ⁠coming to Houston in September. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode: ⁠British International School of Houston⁠ ⁠The Holdsworth Center⁠ ⁠TurboTenant⁠ We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at⁠ citycast.fm/survey⁠—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our ⁠membership program⁠.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter ⁠Hey Houston⁠  Follow us on ⁠Instagram ⁠ @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have ⁠feedback or a show idea⁠? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? ⁠Let's Talk!⁠ Photo: Jeswin Thomas/Unsplash

It's Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the big news from the week with the best and brightest journalists from the city. Today, he's joined by Gwen Howerton, Chron.com's Texas Culture Reporter and the Houston Chronicle's religion reporter Haajrah Gilani to talk about the latest from Governor Abbott's second special session and court rulings on displaying the Ten Commandments in public classrooms! Plus, a fun news quiz!   Stories we talked about on today's show: Texas House approves GOP congressional map after two-week delay from Democrats' walkout Why these transgender people told their stories at the Texas Capitol Federal judge blocks Texas law requiring Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms Car crashes into Houston restaurant, narrowly misses influencers filming review This major Houston highway is getting a makeover—thanks to the World Cup Make sure you don't have these radioactive shrimp in your freezer Why Austin's Pride Month is different from other Texas cities Learn more about the sponsors of this August 22nd episode: Apollo Chamber Players British International School of Houston Downtown Houston+ Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: CY/Unsplash

Houston was named one of the best cities for Gen Z, but how does it fare for other generations today? Host Raheel Ramzanali is debating with producer Carlignon Jones and Houston Public Media's Jim Kovacik about which generation has it best in H-Town. From cost of living to dating, each person makes a case why Houston is best for them.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Texas ranked No. 1 destination for Gen Z adults in the nation, study says Learn more about the sponsors of this August 21st episode: Apollo Chamber Players British International School of Houston We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Jermaine Thomas II/City Cast

Houston's award-winning food scene features a ton of great dishes, but picking one is hard! So, today we're drafting our ultimate Houston food plate with host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee. This draft is a full-on battle where each person will draft an appetizer, two sides, an entree, and a dessert from any Houston restaurant.  Restaurants we talked about today:  Why Are So Many Top-Rated Restaurants Closing in Houston? Lucille's  Ninfa's  Brennan's Houston  Taste Kitchen + Bar  Cake Station Express  House of Pies  Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen  Perry's Steakhouse  Davanti Ristorante  Pizzeria Solario  CasaEma Schulze's Bar-B-Q and Catering  Truth BBQ  The Breakfast Klub Da Gama  Aga's Restaurant  Pico's Houston  The Cooking Girl  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 20th episode: Apollo Chamber Players British International School of Houston We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: timnewman via Getty Images

Texas Democrats are back in Austin for Gov. Greg Abbott's second special session, but guess who's weighing in on redistricting? One hint: “Hasta la vista, baby!” Plus, there's a new app for Houstonians to track train traffic, but City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still frustrated. Find out why as he breaks down these stories and more with Chron.com's trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  When Texas Democrats head home. Will the GOP's redistricting plan move forward? Arnold Schwarzenegger told me we're getting the redistricting battles in Texas and California all wrong Houston unveils Train Watch tool to help residents and first responders avoid blocked crossings Union Pacific resumes morning and afternoon train traffic near Houston's Milby High School A student's train death brought promises of new bridges near HISD schools. For now, they wait. Houstonians want a theme park, hockey team, and WNBA, new survey shows Fan interrupts Astros' game by running onto field at Daikin Park Super Bowl streaker says he bet $50,000 on his stunt, but his plan is falling apart because he couldn't keep his mouth shut Learn more about the sponsors of this August 19th episode: Apollo Chamber Players British International School of Houston Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Jermaine Thomas II/City Cast

After more than 15 years, our beloved TV show “King of the Hill” is back with a new season. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Kate Sánchez, founder of the pop culture website "But Why Tho?", to talk about if the revival does the original justice, their favorite moments, and if it's the greatest TV show ever about Texas.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  REVIEW: ‘King Of The Hill' Season 14 Is the Best Revival Ever Why ‘King of the Hill' Is the Most Significant Work of Texan Culture of the Past Thirty Years The ‘King of the Hill' Reboot Will Heal Your Complicated Relationship with Texas Learn more about the sponsors of this August 18th episode: Apollo Chamber Players British International School of Houston We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Espensorvik/Creative Commons

There are wild stories, and then there's Trump Burger. Host Raheel Ramzanali teams up with conservative commentator Charles Blain and executive producer Laura Isensee to unpack the week's biggest headlines — from the latest twists in the Trump Burger saga to the redistricting showdown between Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Democrats. Plus, they share the moments that brought them the most joy this week! Stories we talked about on today's show:  The untold origin story of Trump Burger: A $250K murder-for-hire plot, ICE arrest and vaccine scam Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of state Attorney who has advised Fort Bend County on redistricting cautions against mid-decade redrawing of voter map How one Houston neighborhood could fare under Texas' proposed new congressional map Elected constables want a pay hike. They need to earn it. | Editorial Harris Health CEO commits to condemnation of portion of Hermann Park despite descendants' protest More than 100 Spurs volunteers prepare meals for Hill Country flood victims Read more of Charles' commentary at the Urban Reform Institute blog We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 15th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Port Aransas Apollo Chamber Players Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Raheel Ramzanali/City Cast

Summer break is over, but it's still hot in H-Town. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is learning about how the summer heat can impact our mental health from Dr. Asim Shah, chief of psychiatry and director of mood disorder research at the Harris Health System and Ben Taub Hospital. Plus, Dr. Shah gives us tips on how to prevent it from impacting you.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Holocaust Museum Houston's Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Trevor Boyd, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 14th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Port AransasApollo Chamber Players We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHoustonDon't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk!

Houston has been building its national reputation as a foodie city, but some of our top-rated and longtime restaurants are closing down. What's going on?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Culture Map Houston's editor Eric Sandler about what's behind the closures and what it means for chefs and restauranteurs in the future.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Top-rated Houston restaurant will close after 8 years in Montrose Picos, a trailblazer in regional Mexican cuisine, will close after four decades in Houston The Saddest Houston Restaurant Closings to Know This June Is Tipping Fatigue Hitting Houston? Learn more about the sponsors of this August 13th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Port Aransas Apollo Chamber Players We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Didricks/Creative Commons

Today marks the first day of back-to-school for over 170,000 students and some 10,000 teachers in the Houston Independent School District. State-appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles is joining host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about the latest state ratings, potential school closures, teacher turnover and more changes you need to know for the new year.   Stories we talked about on today's show:  HISD has no F-rated schools in 2025, Mike Miles says ahead of official TEA rating release More than 2,300 teachers left Houston ISD in June, continuing trend of high turnover under Mike Miles Houston ISD is aiming for up to 10 school closures, plans to build $180M career center, Miles says Learn more about the sponsors of this August 12th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Port Aransas Apollo Chamber Players We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Larry D. Moore

Houston traffic fatalities hit record numbers last year — so why is City Hall pushing back against road designs that researchers say are safer? Executive producer Laura Isensee is talking with Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement for the Houston Chronicle, about the controversial road design changes on Telephone Road, what this means for all Houstonians, and how the city's growth plays into all this. Why isn't City Hall putting safety first on Telephone Road? | Editorial Houston board delays $438K Telephone Road redesign amid public outcry over design changes Why Isn't Montrose More Walkable? Houston Heights residents, businesses divided about 11th Street bike lanes as mayor continues criticism Houston traffic fatalities rose to record numbers in 2024 as city lags on previous Vision Zero goals Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Port Aransas Apollo Chamber Players Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk!

All eyes were on Texas this week as dozens of House Democrats fled the state, temporarily blocking the GOP's push to redraw political maps and gain five new seats in Congress. Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, about what makes this quorum break different — and what might come next. Plus, they dig into why rising unemployment for Black women is especially concerning, talk about how Texas cryptocurrency mining could impact our electric bill, and share their moments of joy. Dive deeper into today's stories: What's Happening With Redistricting in Texas? Cornyn says FBI will help locate absent Texas Democrats, but scope of feds' role unclear How a Self-Described Wallflower Came to Lead the Texas Democrats' Walkout Exclusive: SAN reporter's inquiry into Texas' Bitcoin mines triggers lawsuit A staggering 300,000 Black women left jobs or were forced out in 2025. Here's why Texans should care. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 8th episode: Houston Restaurant Weeks Downtown Houston+ Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images

There are so many uniquely Houston institutions, foods, pop culture icons, and moments in time that have become symbols of the city. But which one best defines H-Town? Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are making the case for their favorites in an epic, multi-round competition, with Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston on KHOU, stepping in as judge.  So, which local icon was dubbed the “Most Houston” thing ever, and do you agree with our conclusions? We invited listeners to vote on their faves as well — check out the full bracket and see who won that “listeners' choice” competition. Plus, let us know what we missed! Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode: Houston Restaurant Weeks Downtown Houston+ Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk!

School is almost back in session, so it's the perfect time to step up your snack game. Whether you have kids in school or just love a good treat yourself, this episode is for you. Emily Hill with Texas Grocery Finds joins Executive Producer Laura Isensee to talk about best snacks for this season. Plus, where you can get the best bang for your buck! Follow Emily on Instagram for even more Texas grocery finds!  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: Houston Restaurant Weeks Downtown Houston+  Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the Eighth Wonder of the World, and one of Houston's most iconic landmarks. The Astros played there. George Strait and Selena performed there. But for more than a decade, the Astrodome has sat empty and neglected. Now, a new poll shows a majority of Houston voters support spending public money to renovate it. So, could this FINALLY be the moment we do something with the Dome? City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still team “tear it down,” but he's bringing on his buddy and sportscaster John Granato, who thinks the Astrodome deserves a second life. Dive deeper into today's episode: Houston voters support using public money to renovate NRG Stadium and the Astrodome, poll shows Houston's Astrodome Was a Vision of the Future. It's Past Its Prime. A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Learn more about the sponsor of this August 5th episode: Houston Restaurant Weeks Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has launched an ambitious campaign to solve a complex problem in Houston: Getting thousands of people off the streets and into stable housing. To find out exactly how he plans to accomplish this, and how much money it will take, City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is sitting down with Director of Housing and Community Development Mike Nichols. Dive deeper into today's episode: Stern and Marks: Philanthropy isn't the answer to bad government Houston City Council effectively bans homeless people from downtown and East Downtown sidewalks Houston's ‘end street homelessness' fund remains well short of goal as regionwide efforts continue If you enjoyed today's interview with Xavier Academy's Founder, Richard De La Caudara, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 4th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Houston Restaurant Weeks Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traffic is really out of control … officially! Also, how will your representative in Congress change if the new Texas GOP maps get passed? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Houstonia Magazine's Erica Cheng to break down these and other big stories from this week. You won't believe what game is taking over the city, and Raheel is PSYCHED that one of his favorite shows is returning to TV.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Houston commute woes worsen—now among top 10 worst in America Texas Republicans unveil redistricting map to expand GOP foothold by 5 seats, including 1 in Houston Newsom will move to redraw California map if Texas redistricts, teeing up national fight 'The stress of it': Prosecutors leaving DA Teare's office as case loads remain high Houston's Mahjong Boom: Meet the Women Teaching the Game, One Tile at a Time Why ‘King of the Hill' Is the Most Significant Work of Texan Culture of the Past Thirty Years Learn more about the sponsors of this August 1st episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Visit Port Aransas Houston Restaurant Weeks Downtown Houston+ Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August in Houston is notorious for its steamy heat and back-to-school rush. So, we've curated a list just for you to stay cool, enjoy the last taste of summer, and know what stories to watch this month. In this episode, you'll hear insider tips for an Astros' game, the best spot for ice cream in Montrose, and a new bookstore-plus-bar that's worth the drive to the ‘burbs! Want to recreate your iconic childhood summers in Houston? Check out these must-try water parks and roller rinks! And don't miss our food news roundup with Eric Sandler! If you're new here, welcome! We've put together a starter pack for you with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Houston community.  For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Houston, check out Hey Houston's take on what to do this month.  Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31st episode: Downtown Houston+ Visit Port Aransas Houston Restaurant Weeks Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. You can reach us at houston@citycast.fm  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking food with the editor of Culture Map Houston, Eric Sandler. They start by breaking down the big news in food: Shipley Donuts getting bought out by another private equity firm. Will our beloved donut chain remain the same or are we getting another Whataburger situation? Plus, everything you need to know about Houston Restaurant Weeks — especially where to eat — and our hottest food takes from the month.  Check out the places and stories we talked about today: Houston Restaurant Weeks MAD Houston Dough Zone Dumpling House Daily Gather Favorite Houston doughnut shop swaps one private equity owner for another Top Houston barbecue joint fires up a new location at Hobby Airport Houston influencer defends post bashing top Texas barbecue spot Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Visit Port Aransas Houston Restaurant Weeks Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not many of us were ready for a President Trump vs Beyoncé showdown, but that could be happening soon … in the courts. Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are catching you up that story down plus the proposed scooter ban in downtown, the latest on redistricting, and Texas under Trump.  Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Houston considers scooter ban downtown, citing safety concerns, illegal operations Houston hearing reveals tensions over congressional district changes Trump wants Beyoncé prosecuted along with Oprah and Sharpton over unproven allegations 'I was born in College Station' | U.S. citizen says ICE detained him for nearly two hours Vermont school superintendent detained for hours at Houston's Bush Airport August increase in Mexico tariffs could strain Texas economy Are Americans proudest of their country, state, or hometown? Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Visit Port Aransas Houston Restaurant Weeks Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Abbott's special session is underway with a lot of items on the agenda. So, how will this special session impact Houston specifically? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter for Chron.com, about four items on the agenda: redistricting, the THC ban, flooding, and the STAAR test.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 28th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Visit Port Aransas Houston Restaurant Weeks Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, so host Raheel Ramzanali is catching you up on on the week's biggest news with conservative commentator Charles Blain. They dig into the redistricting efforts in the Texas Legislature's special session and what it means for Houston. Plus, how voters feel about Harris County officials and why Mayor Whitmire is going after clubs instead of crime. And, of course, we can't close the week without our moments of joy! Stories we talked about on today's show:  Why Is Mayor Whitmire Scrapping an Approved Montrose Bike Lane? Texas Republicans, including Gov. Abbott, were reluctant to redraw the state's congressional maps. Then Trump got involved. Lina Hidalgo has lowest net approval rating of any Harris County elected official, Hobby poll finds Harris County Voters Split on County's Top Problems, Solutions Houston mayor's newly created police ‘club unit' closed 5 clubs over 3-day period Why Car Break-Ins in Montrose Have Houstonians Feeling Helpless Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo proposes tax increase to help pay for early childcare programs Become a City Cast Houston Neighbor!  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Boerne Holocaust Museum Houston Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astroworld, Funplex, the neighborhood pool, and so many other places defined some of our favorite summer memories as kids in Houston. But, where do we go now to recreate them? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to talk about their favorite summer memories and where you can go now as adults to relive them.  Places we talked about on today's show:  Six Flags: Fiesta Texas  The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art  Should You Visit or Skip These Movie Theaters? Julia Ideson Building Library  Typhoon Texas in Katy  Schlitterbahn in Galveston  Dairy Ashford Roller Rink  Bear Creek Roller Rink  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Boerne Holocaust Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for a last-minute summer getaway? Or planning a fall trip? We're helping you save money on flights on today's episode of City Cast Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes to get his best tips for finding cheap flights out of Houston, whether it's from Hobby Airport or Bush Intercontinental Airport.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Boerne Holocaust Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KB Brown LOVES Montrose. She's the self-proclaimed Mayor of Montrose and owns several businesses there, but recently she's feeling pretty frustrated about car break-ins in the neighborhood. Host Raheel Ramzanali talsk with KB about what's causing the problem, what Houston police are doing about it, and what this means for Montrose.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ‘We need help down here': Montrose residents raise safety concerns ahead of Pride Weekend If you enjoyed today's interview with Holocaust Museum Houston's Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Trevor Boyd, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Boerne Holocaust Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Brooke Lewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas' private school voucher program is here and while many lawmakers and education leaders criticized it during the legislature, the program has some people excited about the future of education in Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Cassandra Bandy, former HISD board member and education consultant, about why she's looking forward to the program launching this year and how it will benefit both students and schools.  Stories we talked about today:  Private school vouchers are now law in Texas. Here's how they will work. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode: Visit Port Aransas Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Boerne Holocaust Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We made it to Friday! Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the biggest stories of the week with ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia. From why a Palestinian man was detained without reason at Bush Airport to Mayor Whitmire's new plan on solving homelessness, Raheel and Pooja are talking about it all. Plus, an update on the Tropic Storm Dexter and how TikTok created a rush of panic in our city.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Why Is Mayor Whitmire Scrapping an Approved Montrose Bike Lane? Houston family says Palestinian man was released after being detained at IAH for more than a week More than 1,300 immigrants arrested in Houston in just one month, ICE says Apparently TikTok is convinced a hurricane will hit Houston this weekend Houston bans sidewalk sleeping on downtown, East End sidewalks as Whitmire pushes homelessness fixes Quiet mastermind behind Houston's largest sculptures dies at 98 Jane and the Lion Bakehouse  Houston World Series of Dogs  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Visit Port Aransas Jones Dairy Farm Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you don't know by now, we REALLY love Houston. So, today host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by City Cast Houston executive producer Laura Isensee, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to write a love letter to the city to explain why H-Town will always hold a special place in their hearts.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: Visit Port Aransas Jones Dairy Farm Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHoustonDon't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food trucks are a great way to get a taste of our diverse and innovative culinary scene, but with so many to pick from, it can be overwhelming! So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine, about which food trucks we need to check out!  Places we mentioned on today's show:  403 Eats Food Truck Park  Boat Basin Food Truck Park  Gourmandize Tacos Laguna  Our Favorite 25 Tacos in Houston Foreign Policy Food Truck Tacos Tierra Caliente  Cheaters Creamery  Mom's Kunafa  Latin Restaurant Weeks  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th episode:Visit Port AransasJones Dairy FarmLooking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHoustonDon't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Whitmire and his administration just scrapped a planned bike lane in Montrose. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dominic Anthony Walsh, reporter at Houston Public Media, about why this administration is taking out another bike lane, what the public response has been to this move, and what this means for other parts of the city.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Montrose loses another planned bike lane as Houston Mayor John Whitmire preserves width of car lanes Houston Subreddit's thoughts on the scrapped bike lane Why Isn't Montrose More Walkable? Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas Jones Dairy Farm Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Brett Holmes via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston is home to more than 1 million immigrants — and for many, the path to legal status is confusing, expensive, and painfully slow. Just ask our host Raheel Ramzanali — his family went through it. So on today's show, he talks with immigration attorney Zulfiqar Prasla to break down why the process is so broken and how it's impacting immigrants in our city. Dive deeper into today's topic: What we know (and don't know) about immigrants living in the Houston area without legal permission DOJ announces plans to prioritize cases to revoke citizenship Learn more about the sponsors of this July 14th episode: Visit Port Aransas A.D. Players Theater Contemporary Arts Museum Houston  Jones Dairy Farm Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been an intense week of news here in Houston and Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement for the Houston Chronicle, discuss how we can prevent future flooding tragedies in Texas. Plus, they talk about Governor Abbott's special session agenda and his viral quote about the floods and football. Then, it's a new meeting time for City Council, dress code reform and a crowded race for Harris County Judge. Oh, and of course they're ending the week with their moments of joy!  A previous version of this podcast incorrectly stated that none of the new candidates for Harris County Judge had experience winning a Democratic primary. Erica Lee Carter won the Democratic primary for the Harris County Department of Education board in 2012. She also won a 2024 special election to her late mother's congressional seat — she was not appointed. Stories we talked about on today's show:  Gov. Greg Abbott says asking hard questions about flood deaths is for 'losers.' He's wrong. | Opinion Gov. Abbott orders special session on Hill Country flooding, redistricting, THC and unfinished GOP priorities Green Ribbons for Camp Mystic. Plus, Calls for Flood Safety Measures Who Can Actually Hold CenterPoint Accountable for Beryl? Camp Mystic families are hurting enough. Stop the hate, hoaxes and rumors Houston council member Letitia Plummer launches bid for Lina Hidalgo's seat for Harris County judge Houston City Council will test out evening public comment periods to boost public participation These Houston politicians were denied entry to a nightclub. Now they want dress codes posted. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 11th episode: Downtown Houston+ Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas A.D. Players Theater Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Robert Daemmrich Photography Inc/Corbis via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

713 Day is coming up this weekend — July 13 named after Houston's OG area code. So, we're getting you ready with the best deals and events from Houston influencer ShawnTheFoodSheep! From block parties to drink specials, these recommendations will have you set to celebrate H-Town.  Recommendations from Shawn:  Meow Wolf x Saint Arnold Block Party  Lil Flip and Friends at Karbach  713 Day Fest at Wonky Power  713 Day at the Houston Food Bank  713 Day Adoption Event at the Houston Humane Society  Houston Dynamo 713 Day Mural Celebration  Pizaro's 713 Day Pizza Special  Houston Zoo $7.13 Tickets  Fielding's River Oaks  Christians Tailgate  Norigami Houston  Houston Astros 713 Day Game  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas A.D. Players Theater Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Houston, over 100 people have died from the Texas floods, raising questions if the scale of this tragedy could have been prevented. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with columnist Chris Tomlinson about why he believes state leaders ignored warnings of worsening flood risks. Plus, former camper Rachel Kherkher shares what made Camp Mystic so magical —  and how she's trying to help uplift our community during this time of grief.  Houston ISD elementary school student Greta Toranzo dies in Camp Mystic floods, parents say Guadalupe River flood deaths were entirely preventable — but Texas officials ignored the warnings Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas A.D. Players Theater Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been one year since Hurricane Beryl hit Houston and knocked out power for millions. In the aftermath, state leaders and local lawmakers blasted CenterPoint for multiple failures, from its outage tracker, to delayed power restoration, and generators that never turned on. But, did our leaders hold CenterPoint accountable? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Claire Hao, energy and power grid reporter at the Houston Chronicle, about the failure to deliver meaningful reform, the power company's plans, and why customers will have to pay more. Texas lawmakers failed to deliver on big CenterPoint reforms after Beryl: 'Band-Aids on bullet wounds' Texas leaders broke promises to hold CenterPoint accountable after Hurricane Beryl. Here are 5 takeaways. Seniors died at higher rates after Beryl, one calls days without power “scary” SB 231 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas A.D. Players Theater Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historic rainfall in the Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend killed at least 67 people statewide. Some of the missing are from the Greater Houston area, including some young girls from the sleep-away camp, Camp Mystic. With state leaders promising a “relentless” search and federal assistance on the way, host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee talked on Sunday to bring you the latest on what we know and how to help.The latest on the historic flooding and stories we talked about:  Houston Chronicle's Live Coverage  Here's why the Texas Hill Country flood was much worse than anyone ever expected In Texas region prone to catastrophic floods, questions grow about lack of warning Making sense of the weather that led to a horrible Texas flooding tragedy What we know about the Camp Mystic girls still missing after devastating floods in Central Texas Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHoustonDon't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raheel Ramzanali and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that's been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country's best farmers market,' pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win? Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode: Downtown Houston+ Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston's barbecue joints keep winning awards, but with so many places to visit, it can be overwhelming. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on Patrick Feges, co-owner and pitmaster of Feges BBQ, for his top picks from Houston's barbecue scene, from brisket to fusion.  Don't miss our 713 Day Pre-Party at Saint Arnold Brewing on July 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event is free, but please RSVP here. Check out all of the recommendations from today's show: Truth BBQ Corkscrew BBQ  Gatlin's Pinkerton's Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue Blood Bros BBQ Bar-A-BBQ Roegel's Barbecue Ray's BBQ  Khói Barbecue JQ's TexMex BBQ Feges Fainmous Killen's Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode: Downtown Houston+ Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices