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