City Cast Houston

Why is Governor Abbott forcing Houston to remove the iconic rainbow crosswalks in Montrose? Plus, are we going to see flight delays across Houston airports because of the government shutdown? And, what kind of workforce reductions will we see in the Texas Medical Center after President Trump increased the cost of H-1B visas? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Monica Flores Richart, education advocate and attorney, about those stories and more!Stories we talked about on today's show:  Metro to remove pride crosswalk after Greg Abbott threatens to withhold funding from Texas cities Government shutdown could trigger ground stops at Houston airports, FAA says Airport delays through the eyes of Houston Redditors  When the U.S. government shuts down, Houston does what it does best: shows up How a $100,000 visa fee could shake up Houston's health system East Downtown ‘Superhub' for homeless proposed by Houston Housing Department Can Mayor Whitmire Really End Homelessness in Houston? Learn more about SERJobs Learn more about the sponsors of this October 10th episode: Westbury Christian School Wise AIA Houston Bayou City Art Festival Downtown Houston+ Inprint 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! Photo: Pixabay/Pexels

Fall is PACKED with fun events and things to do in Houston, but with the holiday season looming, how can we experience it all without breaking the bank? Host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on his friend Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of HoustonMom.com, to put together a list of fun fall events for under $100. From classic pumpkin patches to scary mazes, you'll enjoy the season without it costing a fortune. Places we talked about on today's show:  Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green  Viral SLAB at Discovery Green Saturday Stargazing at George Observatory  ArBOOretum  The Great Pumpkin Hunt in Bellaire  Haunted Maze  The Ultimate Houston Fall Bucket List Spooky, Scary, and Frightfully Fun: Houston's Haunted Houses Houston Area Guide to Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode: Westbury Christian School Wise AIA Houston Bayou City Art Festival CAF Wings Over Houston - Use code CCWOH25 Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Submit what YOU love about Houston here for our 1,000 things list. Or, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Kaboompics.com/Pexels

It's National Seafood Month and Houston has so many delicious seafood spots to try … so, where should you go first? Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Raz Halili, owner of Fish Company Taco and Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House, to get his recommendations of the best places to eat fish, shrimp, oysters, and more. Plus, we get into how important the seafood industry is to our region!  Check out recommendations from today's show: Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House La Lucha Caracol Katie's Seafood House Goode Co. Fish Company Taco Uchi Trulucks Brennan's Submit what YOU love about Houston here for our 1,000 things list. Or, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  Learn more about the sponsors of this October 8th episode: Westbury Christian School Wise AIA Houston Bayou City Art Festival Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media?  Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Maria Orlova/Pexels

Why is HISD creating a new plan to limit how the district is covered by local media? Plus, the Houston Avenue bridge on I-10 keeps getting hit by trucks … what is going on?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Gwen Howerton, Texas culture reporter at Chron.com, about these stories and others, including a new religious community center in Montrose.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ⁠Houston ISD to control coverage of district by hiring own news crew⁠ ⁠Houston Avenue bridge struck by semi-truck, temporarily blocking eastbound lanes on the Katy Freeway⁠ ⁠Houston U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt joins Republican Senate primary against John Cornyn and Ken Paxton⁠ ⁠Sprawling Muslim community center eyes fall opening in Houston⁠ ⁠2025 2nd Annual Faith and Affordable Housing Summit⁠ ⁠Indie Rock Band Passion Pit Calls for Houstonians to Help ⁠ ⁠Before becoming a hip-hop legend, a Houston producer helped Selena find her pitch⁠ ⁠Passenger attempts to open door on United flight after landing at Bush Airport, police say⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode: ⁠Westbury Christian School⁠ ⁠Wise⁠ ⁠AIA Houston⁠ ⁠Bayou City Art Festival⁠ 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: Larry D. Moore/Creative Commons

What is going on in Houston's historic 18th congressional district? It's been targeted by state leaders since Representative Sylvester Turner died earlier this year, which has caused it to go without representation for nearly eight months. And now with the special election to fill the vacant seat just weeks away, the future of the district is about to change because of redistricting court battles. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Tannistha Sinha, political reporter at The Defender, about why the future of the historic 18th congressional district should matter to every Houstonian.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Two-way dead heat: Texas Congressional District-18 Special Election field still wide open, survey finds How Texas' mid-decade redistricting could affect voters in one Houston community Potential primary challenge next year by U.S. Rep. Al Green looms over November's special election in TX-18 Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode: Westbury Christian School Wise AIA Houston Bayou City Art Festival 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

What's the deal with Governor Abbott's new crime task force focusing on Houston? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, to explain what's going on and break down other news of the week. Plus, are you avoiding the bayous because of the 22 bodies found in them? And, why is one state leader worried about a halftime show?  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ‘All-in effort': Governor Abbott unveils public safety initiative in Houston to combat violent crime Reddit: Abbott to launch Houston crime crackdown. But will Whitmire be on board? We were always told to fear Houston's bayous. Now we fear what we're not being told 22 people found dead in Houston-area bayous, but cause of death released for only 6 Here are the biggest impacts on Texas during the government shutdown Space Center Houston remains open during government shutdown; NASA tours paused Where can Americans afford to live solo in 2025? Ken Paxton, conservatives criticize NFL's decision for Bad Bunny halftime show at Super Bowl 60 Members-only dog park coming to Houston this fall Learn more about the sponsors of this October 3rd episode: 4th Wall Theatre Company Midtown Houston Bayou City Art Festival FotoFest CAF Wings Over Houston - Use code CCWOH25 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: Brooke Lewis

Houston is home to the biggest Nigerian population outside of Nigeria, and with that comes some delicious restaurants in our area. Houston-based blogger and proud Nigerian Nneka Kanu shares some of her favorite spots with host Raheel Ramzanali. With some places specializing in grilled suya and others boasting about their savory Jollof Rice, these are the local Nigerian restaurants you have to try. Places we talked about on today's show:  CHÒPNBLỌK Finger Licking  Aria Suya Kitchen  Café Abuja Wazobia Market  Suya Outpost  Mex African Foods Learn more about the sponsors of this October 2nd episode: 4th Wall Theatre Company Midtown Houston Bayou City Art Festival FotoFest CAF Wings Over Houston - Use code CCWOH25 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

We're in the final stretch of 2025 and it all kicks off with October. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Erica Cheng, news and city life editor at Houstonia Magazine, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to lay out what you need to do this month in Houston. From spooky season to award-winning bites, here's your guide to October! Want to meet more single people in Houston this month? Check out our tips for where to meet people in real life!  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 October in Houston, check out Hey Houston's take on what to do this month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 1st episode: 4th Wall Theatre Company Midtown Houston Bayou City Art Festival FotoFest CAF Wings Over Houston - Use code CCWOH25 Holocaust 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: Kaboompics.com/Pexels

METRORail is experiencing so many delays with their red line, and a group seeking to recall Mayor Whitmire is getting ready to start collecting signatures. City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali and ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia are breaking down these stories, plus the battle over an influential megachurch, how a local man's Halloween decoration is sparking an intense free speech debate, and the end of a golden era in Houston. Oh, and you have to hear today's Only in H-Town segment about why some community members are worried about gentrification in the East End.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ⁠METRORail riders are asking why trains are experiencing delays⁠ ⁠METRORail operator on Reddit ⁠ ⁠Group working to recall Houston mayor says it will start collecting signatures next week⁠ ⁠Can These Houstonians Really Kick Mayor Whitmire out of Office?⁠ ⁠Houston's Second Baptist is a church at legal war with its members. Who will win — and at what cost?⁠ ⁠Halloween decoration in Houston's Second Ward sparks controversy⁠ ⁠Astros eliminated from playoff chase, ending 8-year postseason streak⁠ ⁠Members-only dog park coming to Houston this fall⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode: ⁠4th Wall Theatre Company⁠ ⁠Midtown Houston⁠ ⁠Bayou City Art Festival⁠ ⁠FotoFest⁠ ⁠CAF Wings Over Houston⁠ - Use code CCWOH25 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

It's a Lone Star Showdown today on City Cast Houston, as we take on our colleagues at City Cast Austin for the title of best city in Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali is partnering up with local journalist Laura Isensee to rep H-Town, versus City Cast Austin host Nikki DaVaughn and producer Elissa Castles. We're debating everything from affordability and entertainment to music and food to see which city deserves the crown. Stories we talked about on today's show:  ⁠Houston vs Austin affordability calculator ⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 29th episode: ⁠4th Wall Theatre Company⁠ ⁠Midtown Houston⁠ ⁠Bayou City Art Festival⁠ ⁠FotoFest⁠ ⁠CAF Wings Over Houston⁠ - Use code CCWOH25 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

It's our final day of Education Week and we're mixing it up by bringing on student journalists for our Friday news roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Sarah Knowlton, editor in chief at ⁠The Rice Thresher⁠, and David Hill, reporter at ⁠KTSU from Texas Southern University⁠, to talk about safety on campus and Mayor Whitmire's press conference in light of the Houston serial killer social media rumors, what free speech issues local university students are facing right now, and more!  Stories we talked about today:  ⁠No serial killer in Houston, Mayor Whitmire says, after five bodies pulled from bayous⁠ ⁠Rice announces Chao College as 12th residential college⁠ ⁠Rice drops to bottom of free speech ranking⁠ ⁠Rice's Student Survey ⁠ ⁠Andrew White officially launches Democratic bid to take on Greg Abbott⁠ ⁠Students struggle with mail-in ballots during 2024 election⁠ ⁠Texas Southern University's beloved campus radio station could go silent⁠ ⁠Many Texas retailers can no longer sell THC to customers under 21⁠ ⁠Soccer wins twice, ranked 25th in the nation⁠ Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our ⁠membership program⁠.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 26th episode: ⁠Texas Renaissance Festival⁠ ⁠The Village School⁠ ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST ⁠Downtown Houston+⁠ ⁠Wise⁠ 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

All week long on Education Week, we've been focusing on traditional career paths and education pathways, but there's a labor trend that could provide Houstonians with another route to career success. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Hany Khalil, executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Labor Federation, about why more and more Houstonians are turning to union apprenticeships, how these roles are benefiting the city, and why attitudes are changing toward a “college or bust” mentality.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  HISD failed to prepare students for college, career success before the takeover. Will that change? Many high school graduates don't finish college. Local unions are investing in paid apprenticeships. Learn more about Union Apprenticeships  Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.  If you enjoyed today's interview with the Texas Renaissance Festival's King, Greg Taylor, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 25th episode: Texas Renaissance Festival The Village School Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Downtown Houston+ Wise 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: Kelly/Pexels

It's year three of the state's takeover of HISD, so today's episode of Education Week is all about the issues parents and community leaders are facing this school year. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dani Hernandez, elected chair of the Houston ISD Board of Education, and HISD parent Liz Silva about state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles' lofty goals, in-class learning, school closures, and more.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Houston ISD spends $350K on billboards celebrating test scores, school rating increases HISD Superintendent Mike Miles earns $173K bonus in second evaluation from appointed board What to know about Prof Jim Inc, the AI company Houston ISD is using to generate reading passages Four ousted HISD board members submitted majority of formal information requests, records show Learn more about the sponsors of this September 24th episode: Texas Renaissance Festival The Village School Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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: Larry D. Moore/Creative Commons 

Education week continues here on City Cast Houston and today we're learning about why our youngest Houstonians need better childcare. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dr. Melanie Johnson, CEO for the Collaborative for Children, about why we're in a childcare crisis, what's being done to create more quality early learning centers in Houston, and why it should matter to all Houstonians.  Stories we talked about on today's show : Explained: The Harris County early childcare program backed by Lina Hidalgo Learn more about the Collaborative for Children  Resources to help families struggling with childcare crisis Harris County's early childhood education pilot program faces closure Learn more about the sponsors of this September 23rd episode: Texas Renaissance Festival The Village School Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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: Bruno Girin/Creative Commons

It's Education Week on City Cast Houston! All week long we'll be focusing on how the future of our city is being shaped through education-related developments like early child care, the rise of workforce training, and more. But today, we're looking at how new state education laws are changing Houston's public schools and colleges. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Samantha Ketterer, higher education reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Jaden Edison, K-12 reporter for the Texas Tribune, about these new state laws and what you need to know for this school year and beyond.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  14 new Texas laws that will transform public colleges and universities this school year From a cell phone ban to Ten Commandments posters, new state laws bring big changes to Texas schools Providing basic care to students does not violate Texas' parental consent law, state guidance to schools says Texas educators praise new school cellphone ban If you enjoyed today's interview with Switchyards' Creative Director, Brandon Hinman, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 22nd episode: Texas Renaissance Festival The Village School Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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: Bruno Girin/Creative Commons 

Harris County saw major political moves this week when Judge Lina Hidalgo announced she would not seek reelection for a third term. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down that story, from Hidalgo's legacy to what this means for the Texas Democrats, to who'll take her seat. Plus, a local suburb is getting some national attention and the heartbreaking story behind why a man died outside a restaurant. And, a special goodbye to a member of the City Cast Houston team. Stories we talked about on today's show:  Harris County politics heating up with Hidalgo's decision and more on the ballot Lina Hidalgo was supposed to turn Texas blue. What happened? | Editorial Lina Hidalgo's exit draws sharp reaction from Houston Police Officers union Houston suburb ranked No. 1 place to live in Texas What's the Best Suburb to Live in Greater Houston? A Houston restaurant carried a passed-out man outside, where he died. Why didn't staff call 911? Follow Laura on LinkedIN  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 19th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Kidney Cancer Association The Texas Tribune Festival 4th Wall Theatre Company Texas Renaissance Festival 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: Ed Uthman/Creative Commons

Houston's packed with so many things to see and do, sometimes you've got to play tourist in your own town. And now that the weather's cooling down (just a little), it's the perfect time to start crossing that off your Houston bucket list. Host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis share the must-do experiences they're adding to theirs — and we want to know, what's on yours? This conversation originally aired May 15, 2025. If you enjoyed today's interview with Switchyards' Creative Director, Brandon Hinman, learn more here. RSVP here for the Sneak Peak.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 18th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Kidney Cancer Association The Texas Tribune Festival 4th Wall Theatre Company Texas Renaissance Festival Places on our bucket list:  Texas-Shaped Pool at the Marriott Marquis  Space Center Houston  Downtown Tunnels  Get a Grillz The Cistern  Project Row Houses  Japanese Gardens  Downtown Aquarium  Houston Botanic Garden Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15th episode: Stages Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off  Buffalo Bayou Partnership Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau 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

We're all feeling the financial pressures of today's economy. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting some great budget bites around the city from Culture Map Houston's editor Eric Sandler. Plus, Raheel has a hot take on a new viral ice cream that might get Bluebell lovers in an uproar. And, what is going on with James Harden's restaurant?!  Places we talked about on today's show:  Loro's Happy Hour  Bludorn's extended Houston Restaurant Weeks Menu  Cali Sandwiches  The 5 Best Tacos You Need To Try Right Now Cantina Barba  Paulie's in Montrose Aga's Uber Eats deal More than 30 Houston bars are selling $7.13 drinks for Texas Cocktail Week James Harden's Houston restaurant locked out over $2.2 million in unpaid rent What's Eric Eating [podcast] Learn more about the sponsors of this September 17th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Kidney Cancer Association The Texas Tribune Festival 4th Wall Theatre Company Texas Renaissance Festival 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: Marco Torres/@MarcoFromHouston

Houston's annual count of our homeless population shows a troubling trend. And now, our city just ranked first in the country for the highest poverty rate. What's going on?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking with Rebecca Schuetz, housing reporter for the Houston Chronicle, about what's being done by the city to reduce homelessness. Plus, what happens when the fire truck's too big for the station, and why one of the world's most famous influencers got banned from the Galleria.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ⁠Houston's chronic homelessness is rising as funding wanes, survey shows⁠ ⁠Inside Houston's quiet shift to police the homeless and crack down on public spaces⁠ ⁠Houston has the highest poverty rate among the biggest U.S cities, new Census data finds⁠ ⁠Houston's new million-dollar firetruck goes unused because it's too big for its fire station⁠ ⁠Why thousands of bugs are taking over the Texas Gulf Coast right now⁠ ⁠Streamer IShowSpeed filmed his own ejection from Houston Galleria⁠ If you enjoyed today's interview with the Texas Renaissance Festival's King, Greg Taylor, ⁠learn more here⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: ⁠Contemporary Arts Museum Houston⁠ ⁠Holocaust Museum Houston⁠ ⁠Kidney Cancer Association⁠ ⁠Huel⁠ - Save 15% with code HOUSTON ⁠The Texas Tribune Festival⁠ 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

Last month, local journalists with the Houston Chronicle and The Texas Newsroom revealed that Elon Musk and a Texas Congressman are quietly pitching a plan to build tunnels under Houston, apparently to ease flooding. It would cost $760 million. It's part of a playbook from so-called “Tesla” tunnels in other cities like Las Vegas and Nashville. So Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Dayvid Figler, host of our sister show City Cast Las Vegas, to talk about how these tunnels have played out for residents in Sin City and what Houstonians need to know. Dive deeper into the Tesla tunnels: Elon Musk's Boring Company Is Tunneling Beneath Las Vegas With Little Oversight A Texas Congressman Is Quietly Helping Elon Musk Pitch a $760M Plan to Build Tunnels Under Houston to Ease Flooding Texas A&M weighs Elon Musk's underground tunnel system to ease campus congestion If you enjoyed today's interview with the British International School of Houston's Principal, Barrie Scymgeour, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Kidney Cancer Association The Texas Tribune Festival 4th Wall Theatre Company Texas Renaissance Festival 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: Brooke Lewis/City Cast

Meltdowns at commissioners court, a hotel workers' strike, and a new investigation into building in the floodplain— it's another busy week in Houston! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Chron.com's trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen and conservative commentator Charles Blain to unpack why Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo abruptly walked out of budget talks, what the Hilton Americas strike means for other workers, and why Houston is STILL building in flood zones. Dive deeper into stories we talked about on today's show:  Harris County Judge abruptly leaves budget talks to attend concert Houston developed 65,000 flood-prone properties since Harvey. Who profits, and who pays the price? Houston's promise of opportunity tested by striking hotel workers | Editorial Hilton Americas-Houston workers extend ‘historic' strike by 11 days, rally at city hall Houston City Council questions pension chairperson as municipal retirees await payments Learn more about the sponsors of this September 12th episode: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Awty International School Houston Holocaust Museum Houston Kidney Cancer Association Huel - Save 15% with code 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: Ed Uthman

Houston isn't the easiest place to find love — a recent study ranked us 33rd for dating, factoring in cost, activities, and more. But a new trend could change the dating scene in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali chats about it with two of our fave singles — Houston influencer Shawn the Food Sheep and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis. Places and people we talked about in our show:  Houston Hot Spots  Keenya Kelly  Shawn's recap of a run club Still filling these out - waitin gfor the descript  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 11th episode: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Holocaust Museum Houston Kidney Cancer Association Huel - Save 15% with code 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

Your go-to bar or restaurant says a lot about you, especially in Montrose! Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are welcoming back the creator of the popular Montrose meme account @⁠montrosecellectuals⁠ to get his take on some of the newest hotspots, plus some beloved classics. Spoiler alert: He listens … and judges! Places we talked about on today's show:  ⁠Phoenix on Westheimer ⁠ ⁠ChopnBlok⁠ ⁠West Alabama Ice House⁠ ⁠Light Years ⁠ ⁠Montrose Cheese and Wine⁠ ⁠Drake's Hollywood⁠ ⁠Lolas Depot⁠ ⁠Toasted Coconut⁠ ⁠Anvil⁠ ⁠El Tiempo⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode: ⁠Contemporary Arts Museum Houston⁠ ⁠The Village School⁠ ⁠Holocaust Museum Houston⁠ ⁠Kidney Cancer Association⁠ ⁠Huel⁠ - Save 15% with code 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: Laura Isensee/City Cast

Houston's great bike lane drama rolls on. Newly released texts show Mayor John Whitmire was paying more attention to his inside circle — not public safety data — when he began to remove the Austin Street bike lanes in Midtown. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks that down with ABC-13 reporter Shannon Ryan and looks at how the biking community plans to protest by “going commando.” Plus, is Judge Lina Hidalgo going to run for reelection or not? And why one cosmetics company is facing a felony.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Inside John Whitmire's texts: How the mayor shaped road projects and bike lane removalsas Houston cyclists plan naked bike ride to protest Mayor John Whitmire's bike lane removals Lina Hidalgo continues push for childcare tax hikes during State of the County address Texas Rep. James Talarico to launch Democratic primary bid for U.S. Senate Cleveland ISD driver said he was 'distracted' when bus overturned with 57 students inside, docs say Houston cosmetics company accused of releasing 100 gallons of coconut lotion into White Oak Bayou Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston British International School of Houston Holocaust Museum Houston Kidney Cancer Association Huel - Save 15% with code 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: Ed Uthman

Houston lost 30,000 jobs over the summer and now Conoco Phillips announcing major layoffs, making the local job market tough. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Juliet Stipeche, executive director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, about how hard it is get a job right now in Houston, how to make your application stand out, and other advice to land your next gig. Resources to help you in the job market:  ⁠Workforce Solutions' Career Exploration Guide ⁠ ⁠2025 Targeted Industries Report ⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 8th episode: ⁠Inprint⁠ ⁠Contemporary Arts Museum Houston⁠ ⁠Westbury Christian School⁠ ⁠Holocaust Museum Houston⁠ ⁠Kidney Cancer Association⁠ 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

It's been a hard week in Houston since 11-year-old Julian Guzman was shot while playing an age-old prank called ding-dong ditch in east Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali brings on Evan Mintz, editor of opinion at the Houston Chronicle, and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, to talk about what this crime means for kids' safety in Houston. Plus, they breakdown the latest push to get more funding for NASA, an update on the THC ban (good news for those who partake!), and more.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  "Ding-dong ditch" shooting suspect was "waiting in the shadows," police say I played ding-dong ditch as a kid. In Texas today, that could get me killed. | Opinion Neighbor accused of shooting SE Houston teen burying guinea pig now in custody Ted Cruz warns NASA is at risk of losing ground to China: 'We are in a new space race' Most Texas THC products remain legal after GOP leaders fail to break legislative impasse Houston-based ConocoPhillips says it will lay off up to 25% of its workforce R&B artist Lizzo crowns king of all kolaches in TikTok food review Japan Festival in Houston  Follow Maggie's work here  Read Evan's latest here  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 5th episode: Downtown Houston+ Wise Inprint 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 has a lot of great things about it, but finding places to hang out is not one of them. Why is that? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Regina Lankenau, a columnist for the Houston Chronicle's opinion desk, and executive producer Laura Isensee about why it's a struggle to find informal community spaces in Houston, and how we can fix that. Plus, some of our own favorite hangout spots!  Stories and places we talked about on today's show:  Houston makes hanging out hard. We need more 'third places.' | Opinion Can we make room for fun in downtown Houston? I rode an e-scooter to find out. | Opinion City of Houston Parks and Recreation  Club Tropicana on Fondren  Bohemeo's in the East End YMCA of Greater Houston Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode: Downtown Houston+ Wise Inprint 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!

From food trucks to fancy restaurants and everything in between, Houston has tacos for all occasions, at every hour, day or night. So it's a tough task to pick the absolute best, but luckily, we're friends with Chron.com's taco columnist Marco Torres. He's giving host Raheel Ramzanali the insider's guide to the top five tacos right now in Houston.  Check out the places we talked about on today's show:  Duck carnitas huarache @ ⁠Maximo⁠ Taco árabe @ ⁠Tio Trompo Taqueria ⁠ Bacon & egg breakfast taco @ ⁠Cochinita & Co ⁠ Barbacoa tacos @ ⁠Gerardo's Barbacoa in El Northside ⁠ Table-side trompo @ ⁠Xalisco in The Woodlands ⁠ Quesadillas de fajita @ ⁠Taconazo⁠ The Taco Omakase @ ⁠Late August ⁠ For more taco adventures, follow Marco on ⁠Instagram⁠.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: ⁠Downtown Houston+⁠ ⁠Wise⁠ ⁠Inprint⁠ 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: Marco Torres/@MarcoFromHouston 

Do you feel that? It's the weather slowly, but surely, getting a bit cooler. That means we can head outside more and do more fun things in H-Town. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting you ready with a curated guide featuring insider tips for the month with producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis on what to do, what stories to know, and where to eat in September!  Want even more great places to eat this month? Check out our guide for the best Caribbean food in H-Town.  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 September in Houston, check out Hey Houston's guide on the best patio and picnic spots around town.  Places and stories we talked about on today's show:  Harris County leaders clash over looming budget deficit Lina Hidalgo's proposed Harris County budget cuts would hurt Baytown and Deer Park | Opinion Texas AG warns school districts to comply with Ten Commandments law despite court block How The Trump Burger Saga Unfolded in Houston El Pueblito de Frida  Atomic Wings Houston | Big City Wings | Pluckers  Savoir  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 2nd episode: Downtown Houston+ Wise Inprint 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: Alisa Matthews/Unsplash

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