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PODCAST

City Cast Houston

The daily podcast for food, culture, news, and nature in the sweaty Bayou City. Join host Raheel Ramzanali and the City Cast Houston team every weekday morning as we celebrate and interrogate this sprawling place with our favorite journalists, thinkers, leaders, neighbors, and gadflies. Learn more and subscribe to our daily morning newsletter at houston.citycast.fm.

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All Episodes

30:02

Is It Local Journalism? Or ‘Pink Slime’?

City Cast Houston ·

2024/10/07

With the election less than a month away, we’re all consuming a lot of information about politics, but how do we know if a website if objective and based on facts? Well, sometimes we don’t. Enter ‘pink slime’ journalism. Investigative reporter Steven Monacelli is joining host Raheel Ramzanali to explain the dangers of ‘pink slime’ websites in an election year, how we can spot them, and solutions to get rid of them. Stories we talked about on today’s show: WhoDunnIt?: West Texas Billionaire Funds

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23:58

Tax Hike Debate, Big Boy Train, and Unreported Hate...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/10/04

It’s Friday and that means host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the big news from the week. Joining him today is dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova to talk about why hate crimes are going unreported, the heated debate around property tax hikes, the difference between the rapper Big Boi and a train with the same name, and more! Stories we discussed on today’s show: Your Guide to October 2024 in Houston Hate crimes and incidents in Harris County often go unreported to police, study

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20:28

The Best Free Fall Festivals in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2024/10/03

There are SO many fall festivals happening around H-Town, but host Raheel Ramzanali is on the hunt for the best free options to check out this month. So, he’s bringing on Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of HoustonMom.com, to get her recommendations of where to go for the best fall vibes, pumpkin patches, spooky experiences, and more…all for free! Recommendations from today’s show: Cornelius Nursery Houston Farmer’s Market Great Pumpkin Hunt in Bellaire Zoo Boo Scream on the Green City Centre’s

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22:58

Michelin’s Almost Here, Burgers Rule H-Town, and...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/10/02

A lot is happening in Houston food scene, so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, to dish on the latest buzz for foodies, from the decline of steakhouses to which restaurants will get a Michelin star. Plus, is H-town now a burger city? Raheel and Erica are talking all about food on today’s episode! Here are stories that we talked about on today’s show: Houston restaurant known for fine-dining and steaks to pivot to casual menu Houston chosen as host city

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32:36

Your Guide to October 2024 in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2024/10/01

It’s the spookiest month of the year, and that means we’re exploring the haunted side of Houston. Plus, we’re going beyond the pumpkins with some memorable shows and literary festivals to check out this month. And you know we’re giving you some delicious recommendations for fall flavors in H-Town, from pumpkin cheesecake to dining in the dark. Our October guide is laying out how to enjoy the best of Houston and our surrounding areas this month. Want even more fall food recommendations in Houston? We

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20:52

Are Houston-Area Republicans OK?

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/30

In today’s City Cast Houston episode, Raheel Ramzanali gets an insider’s take on the local GOP, if they’re dealing with an identity crisis like the national party, between old-school conservatives and the MAGA movement. He talks with conservative commentator Charles Blain about that, plus the local Republican Party’s strategy for local races this November. You can check out more from Charles Blain at the Urban Reform Institute. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter

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33:51

Police Officer Found Guilty, HISD Student Arrests, &...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/27

Let’s recap the week with host Raheel Ramzanali, political analyst Rafael Lemaitre, and Monica Flores Richart, education advocate and attorney. The trio start off by talking about where our city’s justice system stands after former Houston officer Gerald Goines was found guilty of felony murder. Then, they talk about our infamous sidewalks to nowhere and what it would mean to H-town if we eliminate them. Plus, why Texas pushed over 2 million people off Medicaid, an inspiring children's choir in the

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24:40

How a Houston Latino Group Changed Policing Across...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/26

In the late 1970s, Houston was once considered the murder capital of the country, and many cases went unsolved, especially in Houston’s Latino community. So, the Houston Police Department did something radical. They created the first ever all-Latino, fully bilingual homicide team called the ‘Chicano Squad.’ Sergio Selvera joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain how the group changed community policing. He’s the executive producer of the new docuseries ‘The Chicano Squad’ on A&E, and the son of one of

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21:35

Best Breweries To Try This Oktoberfest

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/25

With Oktoberfest officially in full swing, we wanted to revisit our guide to Houston’s amazing craft beer and brewery scene. Host Raheel Ramzanali gets recommendations from Lennie Ambrose with Saint Arnold Brewing and board chair of Texas Craft Brewers Guild, of the best brews to try around H-Town! Here’s more recommendations from the show: Saint Arnold Brewing 8th Wonder Brewery Walking Stick Brewing Company Senate Avenue Brewing Company North Shepherd Brewing Equal Parts

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21:43

Higher Taxes, Turkey Leg Hut Health Violations, &...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/24

The Latino community plays such an important role shaping Greater Houston, and now their economic power has grown so much, it’s bigger than some entire states! Host Raheel Ramzanali and Danya Pérez, diverse communities reporter at the Houston Landing, are talking about that, plus why property taxes are going up in Harris County, the latest drama at the Turkey Leg Hut, and other news you need to know this week! Here are the stories we talked about in today’s episode: Texas Latinos offer

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23:34

Why Harris County Jail Is Still Broken After Bail Reform

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/23

Today on City Cast Houston, Raheel Ramzanali talks with Houston Public Media reporter Lucio Vasquez about his latest investigation into the crisis at Harris County Jail. In 2019, a massive bail reform was supposed to ease overcrowding at the jail. But, as Lucio found for NPR’s Here & Now, that hasn’t been the case. He shares stories of families who have lost loved ones in custody and breaks down the ongoing issues of understaffing, medical neglect, and rising jail populations despite reforms. Read

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34:58

Mayor Throws Shade, $6 Million Mistake, and Where’s...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/20

We all make mistakes in the work place, but imagine not reading an email that ended up costing your office $6 million! That’s exactly what happened at the Harris County District Attorney’s office. Plus, why is Houston Mayor John Whitmire talking about the previous mayor and throwing shade at that administration at his state of the city address? Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping those stories and more with Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at the Houston Landing, and Abby Church, City Hall

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26:32

Why Data Says Some Houston Children Are Less Likely...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/19

Recent data from the Child Opportunity Index revealed that despite our diversity, Houston ranks among the worst cities in the country when it comes to the child opportunity gap. But what is the Child Opportunity Index, and how does it affect the future of our kids? Host Raheel Ramzanali sits down with Aswad Walker, associate editor at The Defender, to break down the numbers and explore why there’s such a huge gap between Houston’s neighborhoods.Dive deeper here: Analyzing Houston's child

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19:27

Where to Eat for Hispanic Heritage Month, With...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/18

We’re kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a culinary tour of places around Houston you need to try. Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations for breakfast, lunch and dinner — and dessert! — from a special guest, Patti Delgado. She’s the executive chef at the Original Ninfa’s Uptown, and her resume includes cooking alongside Ronnie Killen of Killen’s Barbecue and preparing meals for former President George H. W. Bush! Xalisko Xochi Ema El Taconazo Ninfa’s El Bolillo El Sol Sabor

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25:18

Schools on Lockdown, HPD Car Chase Deaths, and Family...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/17

It’s been almost a year since the Houston Police Department overhauled their policy on high spped car chases, but did it make a difference? Plus, parents and students are on edge after threats were made on social media towards schools in Texas and two schools went on lockdown. And, a mall that’s beating the odds and celebrating Houston’s diversity. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking about those stories and more with Shannon Ryan, a reporter at ABC-13, to get you ready for this week in H-Town. Dive

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20:32

Why Don’t We Have Online Voter Registration in Texas?

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/16

The majority of American can register to vote online — just like filing taxes or ordering from Amazon. But not in Texas. With the deadline to register to vote for the general election fast approaching on Oct. 7th, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to state Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat, about how Texas could make it easier to register to vote, and where the pushback’s coming from. Check out more here: Your Guide to Registering to Vote in Texas Opinion: It’s past time for online voter

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27:34

Tax Hike, Former Police Officer on Trial, and Meow...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/13

It could get more expensive to live in Houston, now that local leaders are considering tax increases! That’s just one of the biggest stories host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down with Lucio Vasquez, reporter at Houston Public Media. They also discuss how a former Houston police officer is on trial for murder, and how the Houston Police Department is trying to regain trust from another scandal. And, for a moment of joy, what exactly is Meow Wolf? And who’s with us for the reopening of the historic

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37:57

What’s the ‘Most Houston’ Thing Ever?

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/12

Houston is known for so many great sports teams, celebrities, symbols, and more. But what is the ultimate Houston icon that represents H-Town? We put together a tournament bracket so host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee can narrow down the choices with the help of Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston on KHOU, to crown one icon as the ‘Most Houston’ thing ever!Think we got it wrong? Or want to see the full bracket as you listen to the show? Weigh in on the matchups, and

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19:03

The Best Breakfast Spots in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/11

We’ve all heard it before, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” and host Raheel Ramzanali agrees! So, today he’s talking to Bao Ong, restaurant columnist at the Houston Chronicle, to dish out the best breakfast spots around H-Town for your morning fix. Whether you’re craving American classics like eggs and bacon or want to try something more adventurous like dim sun, Raheel and Bao have you covered to kickstart your day!Recommendations from today’s conversation: The top 25 breakfast

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33:42

Houston at the Presidential Debate, School Safety,...

City Cast Houston ·

2024/09/10

Hurricane season was quiet last month, but just when we thought we could exhale, Tropical Storm Francine is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. So host Raheel Ramzanali and Faith Bugenhagen with the Houston Press are breaking down what you need to know about the storm. Plus, Raheel and Faith are talking about what tough questions need to be answered for Houston and Texas in tonight’s presidential debate. Also, HISD is taking steps to better protect students, another home insurance provider is pulling out

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