Have you looked out the window and noticed a random mattress or construction debris on the side of the road? Houston has had a long history of issues with illegal dumping, but what’s being done to combat it? Houston Chronicle city council reporter Abby Church joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about what solutions can help slow down the rampant illegal dumping in our city.  Learn more: Abby’s story on illegal dumping Read all of Abby’s work here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up...

It’s time to recap the news from the week with host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. From Collin Allred outraising Sen. Ted Cruz to Mayor Whitmire announcing a new independent panel to investigate HPD, the duo are breaking it all down for you to end the week! Featured stories: Colin Allred outraises Ted Cruz  Is Ted Cruz in danger of losing to Allred? John Cornyn and Ted Cruz vote against infrastructure bill Federal money coming in to help with sidewalks in...

Every Sunday night the East End community gathers in a non-descript warehouse to watch Lucha Libre wrestling. Beyond the entertainment, these wrestling events give us an insight into the history, culture, and future of the East End. Host Raheel Ramzanali is learning more about the East End with luchadore wrestler La Spooky! Learn more: Raheel goes to watch wrestling in the East End  Camilo Hannibal Smith’s story on the East End wrestling scene Follow La Spooky on Instagram Interested in...

Right now is the perfect time to sit on a patio and enjoy pounds of crawfish, but with shortages and surging prices, crawfish season is off to a slow start. So, how are local restaurants dealing with these high prices? Cory Nguyen, chef at Crawfish & Noodles in the Heights, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why crawfish prices are so high and how it’s impacting the bottom line at his restaurant.  Check out the following: Crawfish & Noodles in the Heights  How high crawfish...

We’re getting ready for Bun B to takeover the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but is Drake really joining him? Plus, Mayor Whitmire is proposing budget cuts as the city prepares for their fiscal year to start in July. And, another day, another story filled with HISD drama. This time, there’s legal action being threatened. Host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones recap the stories you need to know to start the week.  Featured stories: Mayor Whitmire proposes cuts to upcoming...

Houston has the most victims of human and sex trafficking in the nation and today we’re learning about their stories. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia to understand how sex trafficking is impacting our city, how teenagers are being coerced into prostitution, and what’s being done to stop it. Check out Pooja's story: Pooja’s series on sex trafficking Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram...

Super Tuesday has come and gone, but what did we learn about Houston from the results? Plus, the Terminal B project at Bush Airport is creating a lot of drama within the city government. Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping these stories and more with Houston Landing reporter Tim Carlin and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz! Featured stories: Recap of Tuesday’s primary races  Governor Abbott’s endorsements  Voter turnout in Houston was low Results from Tuesday’s primary races  Controller...

The weather is perfect outside and it’s time to take full advantage of it! Host Raheel Ramzanali is putting together the ultimate guide for Houston in March with Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis and producer Carlignon Jones. From the best patios to outdoor adventures, their recommendations will have you exploring Houston like a pro! Try out the team's recommendations this month: Little BIPOC book festival  Sugar Land Kite Festival  OMG Food Festival  LA Crawfish  Son’s Blue...

You might think of low-quality food when you hear frozen foods, but that’s changing with so many delicious options out there. So, today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali is celebrating National Frozen Food Day with some delicious picks from Texas Grocery Finds’ author Emily. From quick frozen meals to options for kids, Raheel and Emily are talking about all the best options around Houston’s grocery stores.  Try out Emily's recommendations: Read all of Emily’s work here Follow Emily on...

It’s only Tuesday and we already have a bunch of stories that are impacting our city. From a major dispute being resolved to an offensive presentation shown at a local middle school, host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are talking about it all on today’s episode.  Featured stories: Worst drivers list The latest on SB4  Almost half of Texas 4th graders scored a zero on the STAAR writing composition  Mayor Whitmire gets deal done with firefighters...

The Colony Ridge development outside of Houston has become a national story as conservative politicians have turned it into a major talking point, but what’s really happening there? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Houston Landing political reporter Paul Cobler about his latest story on how residents were being taken advantage of for years and why nothing was done.  Learn more: Paul’s reporting on Colony Ridge Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey...

It’s the first of the month and final day of Rodeo Week here on City Cast Houston! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and Houston Chronicle Taco Columnist Marco Torres to recap the biggest news of the week. From HPD’s suspended cases hitting 264,000 to Houston being the epicenter for weather disasters, the trio are breaking it all down. Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas. Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in...

Rodeo Week continues on City Cast Houston, and today host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with professional cowgirl Taylor Hanchey. From unequal pay to navigating her career with a new adventure on the horizon, Taylor is talking about all the ups and downs of being a professional rodeo athlete! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas. Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in Rice Village and City Centre! Learn more about Taylor and Shane Hanchey Looking...

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is known for cowboys, concerts, and cattle, but the food is starting to become one of the top attractions. From wild creations like hot cheeto dill pickle pizza to twists on classics like peaches and cream funnel cake, one man is on a mission to bring the craziest and most delicious food items to your plate. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dominic Palmieri aka The Midway Gourmet about his wildest food creations for this year’s rodeo. Find out more...

The City Cast Houston team is live from Tecovas store in Rice Village for a special Tuesday episode recapping some of the biggest news to start the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and producer AK AL-Moumen are talking about how HPD dropped the ball in sexual assault cases, how far $100K goes in Houston, rodeo trivia, and more! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas. Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in Rice Village and City...

It’s Rodeo Week here on City Cast Houston and we’re getting things started with the best tips to know before you head to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! From parking tips to picking the best food items, host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are sharing their best advice so you can tackle the rodeo like a pro! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas. Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores...

It’s been a busy week here in Houston, so host Raheel Ramzanali is helping you get caught up with the news you might’ve missed. From University of Houston students protesting to a new report on HISD budget inefficiencies, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and producer AK AL-Moumen are breaking it all down with Raheel.  Early voting results so far Sean Teare takes big lead over Kim Ogg Kim Ogg quietly drops theft case Governor Abbott’s approval results rising Ken Paxton moves to shut...

Why don’t we know more about one of the most robust Black communities in Houston history? Producer Carlignon Jones is with Debra Blacklock-Sloan, lead docent and historical researcher for the Yates Museum, and Gladys House, a native Freedmen's Town resident, to talk about Freedman Town (now known as Freedmen’s Town) and why it’s so important to the history of H-Town. More info on the Yates Museum  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on...

Houston BBQ and brisket go hand in hand, but some BBQ restaurants are now trying to figure out ways to keep brisket on the menu because of expensive the most popular cut of BBQ meat has gotten. Alec Varnell, pit master at J-Bar-M Barbecue , joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about why brisket prices are so high, how the industry is adapting, and if we could ever see brisket off the menu. Try these spots out next time you're craving BBQ! J-Bar-M Barbeque  Why brisket prices are...

Today on the City Cast Houston podcast, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by State Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani to break down the biggest news to start the week, why preventive healthcare should be a bigger focus for all Texans, and why the special sessions on education called by Governor Abbott were a waste of time.  Bills State Representative Dr. Lalani worked on Learn more about Dr. Lalani Data on uninsured children in Texas Far-right activist blasts Speaker Phelan for attending...

A group of voters are upset at one of Mayor Whitmire’s first major moves regarding road safety. Plus, a new report named us the riskiest city to own a home in, but is it really that bad? And, you know we’re talking about Beyoncé’s newest music. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz breakdown the biggest stories from the week in H-Town! Featured stories: 100.3 The Bull says Beyoncé’s new music IS country Mayor Whitmire removes median on Houston Avenue Houston is the...

So many important stories about Black soldiers are left out of our history books, but they’re finally starting to be recognized thanks to the Buffalo Soldier National Museum right here in Houston. Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, CEO, and Cale Carter II, Director of Exhibits, join host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about overlooked stories about the Buffalo Soldiers and how an event that happened right here in Houston is helping rewrite history. Want to know more? Learn more about Camp Logan and the...

Soul Food is a staple in many southern households, but what about if you want to add a little variety to your soul food experience? Well we got a treat for you! Food influencer G from Bless Tha Belly joins producer Carlignon Jones to give us the low-down on the best spots to get your meals made with love and — most importantly — seasoning! Try out these spots! Esther’s Cajun Cafe & Soul Food Mikki’s Soul Food Cafe & Catering Comfort Foodies Heavenly Choices Soul Goode Eatz Food...

The Lakewood Church community is still healing after Sunday’s shooting as they learn more information about the shooter and what happened. Plus, HISD has officially moved to a longer school year for the 2024-2025 year, but will teachers be paid more for more work? Host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis talk about the biggest stories that will impact you this week in Houston! Featured stories: Lakewood Church shooting updates 2024 Listeria recall...

A new project in the Energy Corridor could be the solution for a lot of empty office buildings around Houston. Marissa Luck, senior real estate reporter at the Houston Chronicle, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why this trend is important, what real estate trends could impact you in 2024, and why so many office buildings are left empty around H-Town. Check out Marissa’s work here.  Marissa's story on the office building conversion Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our...