City Cast Houston: Recent Episodes

City Cast

Food, culture, news and nature in the sweaty Bayou City. Join Host Lisa Gray and the City Cast Houston team 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.

We’re always talking about how diverse Houston is, but we keep eating the same types of cuisine. We’re changing that today! Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Chron.com food editor John-Henry Perera to get his picks for places that will help us diversify our palate in H-Town.

Lanka Mex

Aga’s Restaurant and Catering

Our episode with Shaukat Maredia of Aga’s

Nikko’s Cheesecake

Artisian 360

Pecan Creeke Grille

Coltivare

Lucy’s Ethiopian

Hungry Jacks in Crosby

Ebi Ebi Shrimp

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It’s been a busy start to the week so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on lead producer Dina Kesbeh to breakdown the biggest stories that are impacting Houston. From a new report on hate crimes to a major expansion that could change the airport game for Houstonians, Raheel and Dina recap it all. Plus, Raheel puts Dina in the hot seat with a game of guess the fake headline.

Featured stories:

New hate crime report

Traditional Iraqi house in Houston

Pictures of the mudhif

Hobby Airport expansion

Texas Southern University wipes student debt

New school zone signage

Dozens busted in gang activity

Stolen wedding dress

Angler breaks fishing record

Children’s book in a dream

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eleven inmates have died inside Harris County Jail so far in 2023 and now families of inmates are fighting back. But, will this help with the issues that are leading to so many deaths? Houston Public Media’s Lucio Vasquez joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about his latest investigation into Harris County Jail and what is being done to slow down the number of deaths.

Read and Listen to Lucio’s reporting here

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might have unplugged from all the happenings around the city during the long weekend, so we’re here to catch you up. Host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones kick off the short week talking about the growing number of people experiencing depression in the summer, the local high schools who made it to the top nationally, and so much more.

NASA pollution images

Seasonal depression in the summer

Top Houston high schools are getting national and state love

Residential views rankings

Shaq’s Big Chicken opens in Richmond

Tumble22 opens second location

AC problems in HISD

Free Port of Houston tour

Visit the Buffalo Bayou Cistern

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re heading into the long weekend by breaking down the biggest stories of the week impacting H-Town. From the Ken Paxton impeachment trial starting to a white truck stuck in Buffalo Bayou, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’Chelle Nova recap it all!

Featured stories:

Death Star Bill update

How Nate Paul ran the Texas AG

Gulf of Mexico wind auction

Alison Peck’s new movie on Netflix

Katy ISD’s new policy

Love is Blind is in Houston

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston has a lot of firsts, but the distinction of first Chinese restaurant ever belongs to China Garden in downtown. Since 1969, Carol Churchill and her family have served scratch-made Chinese food to the biggest names in Houston, but since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has been struggling and that includes China Garden. Host Raheel Ramzanali chats with Carol about the challenges China Garden is facing and how they’re adapting. China Garden Houston

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home ownership is getting to be more expensive in H-Town, but how much money do you have to make to afford a starter home? Plus, with the new school year underway, a lot of new legislation goes into effect as well for schools. Also, what should you do when you find a stay animal? Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh talk about those stories and more to prepare you for the week!

Featured stories:

Stray animals primer on Hey Houston

85 dogs seized in Pearland

New laws impacting schools in 2023

100 Chaplains speaking out about new legislation

GOP picks Houston for Republican National Convention in 2028

Sandcastle classes

How much first-time buyers need to make to buy a starter home

New law protects referees

FBISD school lunch debt

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the first day of school for HISD and this is the perfect time to learn about what concerns parents have as we start another school year. From school safety to banned books, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to KHOU 11’s Mia Gradney about her station’s recent parent survey and her talks with superintendents from across the great Houston area. Mia Gradney’s interviews on KHOU

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Virgo season is here and Antre’chelle Nova is letting you know as she joins host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to recap the news. From the latest on who will run the city elections to STAAR testing trends impacting our kids, the trio break it all down on today’s episode.

Grace’s 1.5 hour policy

STAAR testing trends

Houston, 5th worst for rats?

El Bolillo Celebrates 25 years

UTMB gets $2 million for gun violence research

Harris County elections

Beyoncé tickets are expensive

$10k to redo your 21st birthday

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This heat isn’t going anywhere, so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Dr. Wafi Momin, cardiologist at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, to talk about which groups of people are most at-risk to suffer from heat exhaustion, what you can do to prevent heat related emergencies, and why it’s important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dr. Wafi Momin

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are so many good South Asian restaurants in Houston, but one consistently gets brought up as the best: Aga’s Restaurant and Catering. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to owner Shaukat Maredia about how this once struggling restaurant turned it around and became the spot for desi food in the city. Aga’s scholarship fund application

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Police Department released their latest crime numbers and the trends are definitely surprising. Plus, Harris County Health might finally get a much-needed boost to expand hospitals if voters approve a new bond. Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh recap some of the biggest stories in H-Town and also start the conversation with a tough question in honor of José Altuve!

Jose Altuve enters the 2000 hits club.

Homicides were down by more than 22 percent during the first seven months of this year.

County Commissioners voted to add a 2.5 billion dollar bond to the November 7th elections to improve Harris County health facilities.

Finance Buzz is offering one lucky Texan $1,000 to go try and review 25 of the best Buc-ee's snacks in two weeks.

H-E-B launches a documentary series on Texas State parks and endangered animals, “Our Texas, Our Future”.

Dina’s favorite state park: McKinney Falls

Raheel’s favorite state park: Galveston Island State Park

Sports reporter/anchor Daniel Gotera calls it a career on TV after 14 years at KHOU.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have updated their 2023 Atlantic hurricane season activity predictions to be “above normal” so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Rich Johnson from the Insurance Council of Texas to discuss what things we should all be looking out for right now in our insurance in case a hurricane does hit our city. From home owners to renters, we’re breaking it all down!

Insurance Council of Texas

Texas A&M tuition freeze

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a really hot week, literally. A heat wave that just won’t let up, topped with our local legend Macaroni Tony being beaten by a father who accuses him of allegedly trying to inappropriately touch his daughters, and Harris County GOP candidate has dropped his lawsuit. Producer Carlignon Jones unpacks the stories of the week with media personality Antrechelle Nova and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz.

Featured stories:

Macaroni Tony

Harris County GOP drops Lawsuit

Excessive heat wave

Missing migrant water

Galveston Referendum

HISD chaotic conference

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we hit another 100 degree day in H-Town, it’s time to cool off by enjoying the crashing waves of Galveston. From being greeted by the sounds of seagulls to the endless restaurant options, Galveston is the place to cool down during this heatwave. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis to discuss the pros and cons of our neighbors down I-45!

Explore what Galveston and its surround areas have to offer by visiting these spots:

Galveston Beach

Kemah Boardwalk

Clear Lake Park

Moody Gardens

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Restaurant Weeks has become an annual summer tradition for foodies to try out award-winning restaurants at unbeatable prices, but with hundreds of restaurants on the list, it can be overwhelming picking the best ones. Host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on Houston Chronicle food reporter Erica Cheng to get her recommendations for spots you need to try during Houston Restaurant Weeks.

Try out these restaurants before Houston Restaurant Weeks ends:

Best things Erica has eaten so far: Shabu Squared and Ishin Udon

Rainbow Lodge

Gyu-Kaku

Étoile Cuisine et Bar

Fadi’s

PHAT eatery

Dak and Bop

Trill Burgers is coming to NRG Stadium

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot has happened in H-Town to start the week so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Hey Houston writer Brooke Lewis to recap some of the biggest stories that caught their eyes. From a landmark revenge porn ruling to an update on the hurricane season, they’re breaking it all down. Oh, and things of course they have some hot takes on food!

Featured stories:

114-year-old Houston woman

Revenge porn ruling

Bullet train to Dallas

Shipley Do-Nuts is growing

It’s hot!

More hurricanes

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Houston on the verge of becoming unaffordable? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by economics professor Chris Clarke to talk about what factors are driving our city to becoming unaffordable, what we can do as a city to prevent it, and what the future of interest rates look like as residents deal with high interest rates.

Clear the Shelter event at Houston SPCA

Follow professor Chris Clarke on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Things get emotional as host Raheel Ramzanali, media personality Antre’chelle Nova, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz breakdown Judge Lina Hidalgo mental health leave, Travis Scott coming back to the city to perform, the looming childcare shortage, and more. It’s time to recap all the biggest stories from the week!

Stay in touch with Evan Mintz and Antre’chelle Nova by following them on Twitter (A.K.A. "X") Featured stories:

40% of childcare facilities could close in Texas

More on childcare budget

Travis Scott concert drama

Winter Storm Uri Reporting

Tory Lanez gets 10 years

Whataburger still our favorite

Hamburger Mary’s benefit for teachers

Richard Hanania story

Minneapolis inflation

Judge Hidalgo takes a break

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, wasps look scary and our first instinct is to kill them, but Rice biology professor Scott Solomon is here to change your mind on wasps. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh talks to professor Solomon about why we need wasps around our houses, the different types of wasps around the city, and so much more!

Read the latest from Scott Solomon

Monkey on the loose

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Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring food! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Houston food blogger Shawn the Food Sheep to get his top spots for healthy food around H-Town. From best salads to a vegan spot that you need to try ASAP, we have it all for those of you who are ready to put down the cheeseburgers and pickup a smoothie.

Try these spots to make your next diet a breeze:

Mamaka Bowls - Acai Bowls

Flower Child - Salads

D'Lites - Healthy Ice Cream

Vibrant - Date Night

Earthcraft Juicery - Smoothies

SweetGreen - Reliable Healthy Food spot

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston news never stops so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on producer Carlignon Jones to recap stories you might’ve missed from the weekend and start of the week. From an update on HISD to the city not backing down from Food Not Bombs, we’re recapping it all. Plus, our rapid fire section will have you laughing and excited about the future of our area.

Featured stories:

Houston re-filing dismissed cases against Food Not Bombs

Texas Pete lawsuit

Trill Burgers customers getting scammed

Fort Bend County income gap

Travis Scott $4.5 million clause

Travis Scott reaches settlement with another family

Texas A&M reaches settlement

Texas A&M leaders texts revealed in investigation

HISD purchasing increase

Port of Houston expansion

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Independent School District has gone through significant changes, some extremely contentious that have gained backlash from Mayor Sylvester Turner. So, why have these changes brought on so much controversy? To recap it all, lead producer Dina Kesbeh chats with Houston Landing reporters Asher Lehrer-Small and Miranda Dunlap.

HISD receives backlash

HISD restructures their power

Special Education and HISD

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday, which means it’s time to dive into the hottest news stories of the week! The tea was hot this week and producer Carlignon Jones, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz, and lead producer Dina Kesbeh have some hot takes on it! From HISD trying to hire uncertified teachers to the Lizzo lawsuit, we’re unpacking it all!

Featured stories:

HISD seeks to hire uncertified teachers

Houston ranked #2 for “things to do”

HISD special education plans

Lizzo Lawsuit

Houston's TIRR Memorial Hermann named best rehab hospital in Texas

Harris County's November election trial begins

Houston facing possible budget crisis

Food Not Bombs found not guilty

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is winding down, but before you start planning your back-to-school shopping and prep, join host Raheel Ramzanali, lead producer Dina Kesbeh and producer Carlignon Jones as they share their must do last minute summer adventures.

End your summer by trying out these adventures:

Break Life Houston

Angel Pines Safari

Astros Tickets

Hamilton Pool

Houston Dynamo Tickets

San Marcos Premium Outlets

Rio Vista Park

Toyota Center Events

Fishing Charter in Galveston

Candlelight Concerts

Featured Story: H-town listed as one of the best cities for Gen Z

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston has an incredibly underrated coffee scene, but with so many places to choose from, it can be overwhelming. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Bianca Carol, creator of @HoustonCoffeeBlogger, to get her best recommendations for drinks, shops, and more!

Check out these recommendations:

Blendin Coffee Club

Latte at Catalina Coffee

Iced cold brew – Grinder’s Coffee

Siphon style method- Siphon Coffee

Smoked rosemary cortado – FIX Coffeebar

Rose latte- Urban Brew

Luce Coffee

Vietnamese coffee- Long Coffee

Italian coffee – Fellini Cafe

Blacksmith – homemade biscuits & mexican breakfast

Wild Coffee Bar – full service bar /espresso martini

Brass Tacks

Segundo coffee lab

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Raheel Ramzanali and lead producer Dina Kesbeh want to make sure you’re caught up on all things H-Town so today they’re recapping some stories you might’ve missed. From a new investigation regarding inmate violence at Harris County Jail to Houstonians hibernating during the summer, the duo recap it all.

Food Not Bombs Volunteer Trial Harris County Jail investigation AstroWorld Report Houston summer hibernation Houston Restaurant Weeks is back New traffic box murals Flea bite leads to man losing his hands

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jugging and slider crimes are on the rise across Houston, but how can we protect ourselves from becoming victims? Houston Police Department Sergeant Jeremy Lahar joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain the steps you can take to protect yourself and what to do if you’re a victim of these crimes.

Learn more about Jeremy Lahar

HPD safety tips

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Get ready for the hottest of hot takes from host Raheel Ramzanali regarding the Houston Oilers uniform drama. Then, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antréchelle Nova help recap the news from the week featuring stories about the HISD Zoom rooms, the cost of renting, dry snitching in the Texas A&M system, and more!

Zoom Room examination

Mayor Turner not happy with changes at HISD

Teacher fired for attending drag show

10 indoor playgrounds

Texans WR returns

Harris County renters are cost burdened

HPDU President calling for changes

Constable rehired

Texas A&M drama

Houston Endowment to fight homelessness

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know you could book a recording studio with your Houston Public Library card?! Yeah, we definitely didn’t know that was possible. Host Raheel Ramzanali is helping you unlock the full power of your library card with tips from Houston Public Library’s assistant director of customer experience Roberto Zapata.

Learn more about Houston Public Library resources by clicking here. Featured story: Tickets for President Bush’s Exhibition

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zombie oil wells are wrecking havoc on the environment, but what exactly are they and why isn’t anybody stepping up to stop the damage? Longtime Texas energy reporter Loren Steffy joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why zombie oil wells are impacting us now, who is responsible, and what we can do to stop further damage to the environment.

Read more about Zombie Wells here

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Ice cream is a great way to cool down during the Houston heat, but the game is changing and we’re moving on from just the basic chocolate and vanilla scoops. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Marissa Fiala, the creator of the popular @HoustonHotSpots account, to get her top spots for the best ice cream in Houston.

Houston Hot Spots

Craft Creamery

Booza

Creamistry

Cosmic Ice Cream

The Dough Cone

Flower and Cream

Milk & Sugar Creamery

Lick Honest Ice Cream

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Last week a whistleblower came forward to describe the inhumane conditions that migrants were facing as they crossed the Texas-Mexico boarder, but these conditions aren’t new. Cesar Espinosa, executive director at FIEL Houston, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to breakdown what migrants are facing at the boarder, how policy is impacting our immigration crisis, and how Houstonians can help.

Migrants facing inhumane conditions

FIEL Houston

Be Safe, Drive Smart campaign.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we traveling less as Houstonians? Plus, is there a new energy source on the horizon that could help us generate cleaner power? From illegal campaign donations to HISD changing the teacher salary structure, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and writer Shiyam Galyon join host Raheel Ramzanali to break down all the news impacting Houston.

Featured Stories:

HISD teacher pay change

Some HISD teachers have more value than others

Compromises made in Austin interview

Illegal campaign contributions

Geothermal breakthroughs

Border whistleblower

Houstonians are traveling less in the city

Sticky Note bandit

The impact of gun violence on the youth

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picking the right snack at HEB can be overwhelming because of their huge selection. So, today we’re bringing in Emily Meghill, the creator of @HEBobsessed on Instagram, to join producer Carlignon Jones, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and host Raheel Ramzanali to pick their favorite Texan HEB snack, best poolside HEB snack, best HEB snacks for kids, and more!

Get more HEB snack tips from Emily by following her on instagram @HEB_obsessed or check out her website! Continue the food fun by taking a listen to our best burgers guide!

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a quiet hurricane season thus far, but it only takes one major storm to change that lucky streak. Host Raheel Ramzanali is taking this quiet time to get hurricane ready by bringing on ABC-13 meteorologist Elyse Smith to get tips on what you need to do now to prepare your home and items you should buy now before a storm hits.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the perfect taco exist? Well, it’s not a secret that we have an abundance of taco joints to choose from, but where can we get the best taco? We call on the taco king Marco A. Torres, the Taco Columnist at the Houston Chronicle, to take us on a tour through the city one taco at a time.

Best Tacos Spots

Taconazo (4003 Fulton Street)

Alamo Tamale & Taco (809 Berry Road)

Inside the loop

Tacos Bomberos (2206 Edwards Street, Holler Brewing @ Sawyer Yards)

Gerardo's Drive-In (609 Patton Street)

Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe (1511 Airline Drive)

Downtown area

Space City Birria (415 Milam Street)

Calavera Mexican Kitchen (409 Travis Street, inside Bravery Chef Hall)

Brother's Taco House (1604 Emancipation Ave)

Laredo Taquera (915 Snover Street & Washington Ave)

J Bar M BBQ for brisket tacos (2201 Leeland Street)

Heights

Chilosos Taco House (701 E. 20th Street)

TJ Birria y Mas (2025 N. Durham Drive)

Montrose

Tacos Tierra Caliente (2003 West Alabama Street, next to the West Alabama Ice House)

La Guadalupana Bakery & Cafe (2109 Dunlavy Street)

Pico's Mexican Restaurant (3601 Kirby Drive)

Northwest

Los Dos De Nuevo Leon (in the CVS parking lot 6504 West Little York, corner of Bingle & North Houston-Rosslyn) Northeast

Tita's Taco House (320 Wilson Road in Humble)

Tacos Flores (4806 FM 1960 in Humble/Atascocita)

Manuel's Mexican Resturant 529 (13083 West Lake Houston

Parkway in Summerwood/Humble)

West side

Tacos Doña Lena (8878 Hammerly Blvd in Spring Branch) East side

The Original Villa Arcos (3009 Navigation Blvd)

Cochinita & Co (5420 Lawndale Street)

Tacos La Sultana (7011 Capitol Street)

Porras Prontito (6301 Market Street in Denver Harbor)

Southside

Taqueria Del Sol (8114 Park Place Blvd)

Tacos Tec (8449 Gulf Freeway by Hobby Airport)

Taconmadre (905 Edgebrook Drive)

Wild cards

Urbe (1101 Uptown Park)

El Tiempo Market & Taqueria (5526 Washington Ave)

Featured story: HPD says watch out for sliders

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new investigation by the Houston Chronicle found that the Houston Police Department is responding to high priority calls at the slowest rates in decades. So, why is this happening and what can be done to improve these response times especially in communities that need it the most? Today on City Cast Houston, investigative reporter Mike Morris joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about his latest investigation.

Bush Airport is the 6th best in the world!

HPD response times are slowest in decades

Read all of Mike Morris’ work here

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot happened this week in Houston so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and writer Shiyam Galyon to recap the biggest news stories from the week. From fecal matter in our beaches to why Texas is dropping in lists when it comes to business, the trio is breaking it all down on today’s episode.

Featured stories:

Texas is declining in business

Exxon officially moves to Houston

Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz on Fox 26

Fecal matter in our beaches

311 calls story on Houston Landing

J.J. and T.J. Watt on the Wheaties box

Jeffery Hildebrand feature

Houston equity report

Webb Telescope anniversary

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throw up your H because it’s 713 Day! There’s no hiding the fact that we really love H-Town so today host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on producer Carlignon Jones, lead producer Dina Kesbeh, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to talk about things they love about Houston and misconceptions they want to change.

News story:

Cyclospora cases on the rise

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Houston was ranked as the 12th hardest place to live for people with allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with Jessica Rajan, M.D., FACAAI, FAAAAI Board Certified Allergist, Immunologist, and founder of Bellaire Allergy and Asthma about why allergies are so bad in Houston, how you can survive pollen season, and a forgotten indoor allergy that‘s wreaking havoc on Houstonians. Bellaire Allergy and Asthma

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired of eating fast food as your late night meal when you’re heading home from a fun event in Houston? On today’s episode, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Houston writer Olivia Flores Alvarez to get her list of the best late-night spots you need to try around the city after a fun night out.

Check out these spots on your next late night out!

Shipley Do-Nuts on Westheimer

Frank’s Pizza

Dot Coffee Shop

La Calle Tacos

Chacho’s TexMex

Mai’s Houston

Featured Stories:

Read Olivia’s work

We’re running out of numbers! Help Houston come up with its next area code.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bzzzz! Bzzzz! Nothing says summer like Houston mosquitoes buzzing by your face, but could we be in for some relief when it comes to these pests? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to Scott McGrath, owner of McGrath Pest Control, about how an unlikely source could be the reason we see less mosquitoes this summer and what other summer pests could be invading your home.

Hottest ZIP codes in the USA

Houston heat impacting mosquitoes

McGrath Pest Control

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CItyCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a week full of fireworks in the city and in the news! From a major update in the Ken Paxton impeachment trial to an update on a missing man from 2015, host Raheel Ramzanali recaps the biggest stories oh the week with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’chelle Nova.

Missing man found

Lake Conroe fireworks explosion

Blue Button jellyfish in Galveston

New Sunnyside grocery store

Ken Paxton impeachment drama

H-GAC proposed changes

Drainage Project shortfalls in budget

9th inmate dies in Harris County Jail

Antre’Chelle loves her dentist!

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CItyCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston is constantly changing and so many places from our youth are closed. Of course AstroWorld is the most iconic place that no longer exists, but there’s so many more! From restaurants to malls and even nightclubs, host Raheel Ramzanali takes a trip down memory lane with lead producer Dina Kesbeh and ESPN Houston radio host Lance Zierlein.

The Cougars are heading to the Big 12

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CItyCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, you aren’t being dramatic by complaining about the Houston heat this year because it is historically hot right now! So, is this the new norm in the summer or is this just a heatwave that will pass? Plus, what long-term impact will the scorching heat have on the city and how will it influence hurricane season? Meteorologist Matt Lanza from Space City Weather joins host Raheel Ramzanali to break it all down.

Check out Space City Weather

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CItyCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper on PBS, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give a daytrip recommendation you need to do ASAP. From crab fishing to a look back on the deep musical history of east Texas, this town has it all! Chet gives a detailed itinerary that gives you the perfect blend of outdoor time, good food, and appreciation of this often forgotten town off I-10!

Learn more about what Texas road trips you should take by watching Chet on The Daytripper

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CItyCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a week full of news in our city, catch up on what you missed with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz, writer Shiyam Galyon and producer Carlignon Jones. They’ll dive into what the latest special session means for Texans, how water breaks were stripped from construction workers this week, how the heat has impacted our power grid and so much more.

No more water breaks

ERCOT breaks demand record

Another Texas special session

METRO redevelopment plans

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston and Atlanta have been throwing jabs at each other for years when it comes to which city is the best in the south. Today on the show, we’re ready to settle the debate. Host Raheel Ramzanali is taking on his youngest sister, Maheen, who grew up in Houston and now lives in Atlanta and her Atlanta native husband, Ali. From best food to overall culture, it’s time we pick a winner in the Houston vs Atlanta rivalry!

Featured story: Superintendent Mike Miles meeting with the community

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CItyCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Montrose has always been the most popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Houston, but could that be changing? Brian Riedel, associate director of the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Rice University, joins the show to talk about the history of Montrose, why Houston’s gay community migrated to the neighborhood, and why change is inevitable for this vibrant neighborhood.

More on Brian Riedel's work here.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask 100 Houstonians where the best kolache is in town and you’ll probably get 100 different answers. Kolaches have been an institution in H-Town for decades, but with so many great bakeries to choose from, where should you go first? Houston food content creator Shawn the Food Sheep joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give his recommendations of places you need to try ASAP. From fruit fillings to hearty meat choices, these kolaches will have you ready to conquer the day.

Houston Landing’s story on daycare

Apply for EARLY Reach

Kolache Shoppe

Koala Kolache

Koffeteria

Shipley Donuts

The Original Kolache Shoppe

Shawn The Food Sheep on Instagram and TikTok

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sometimes forget why Houston is called Space City, but now as the crew of the Artemis II Mission starts their training to orbit the moon, all eyes are once again on the Johnson Space Center as we venture into the next phase of space exploration. Commander Reid Wiseman joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about why Artemis II is such an important mission, what he misses about being in space, and why humans on Mars isn’t as far away as we think it is.

Artemis II news

Dr. Hagop Kantarjian Feature

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was literally so hot this week that roads were buckling in H-Town and the news was even hotter. From campaign finance misspending to a new law focusing on drunk drivers, host Raheel Ramzanali breaks it all down with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and media personality Antre’chelle Nova.

Want to dig deeper into these stories? Check out the links below:

Greater Houston Partnership New Leader

Oil demand is peaking

Michael Kubosh investigation

Road are buckling in the heat

Two more deaths inside Harris County Jail

Bentley’s Law

13-Year-Old missing girl found

Higher Education Social Media Conference at UH-Downtown

Pride Parade in Houston

City Cast Houston’s episode on Harris County Jails

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston summers can be draining, but they’re also packed with unique events that you have to check out. Writer Olivia Flores Alvarez and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis join host Raheel Ramzanali to give their picks for the must-do summer events in H-Town. And yes, a lot of them are indoors!

Make sure you check out some of these events this summer!

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Thunder Knocking on the Door at Stages Houston

George Lopez at Smart Financial Centre

Wicked

Apollo Chamber Players

The Waterwall

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

The Post Houston

Showboat Houston Drive In Theatre

Moonstruck Drive In Theatre

Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

Read some of Olivia's latest work here.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston hip-hop legend Lil’ Keke is celebrating his 25th year in hip-hop with his new album “25 Summers”. Producer Carlignon Jones sat down with Lil’ Keke to talk about H-Town’s impact on hip-hop, how he keeps moving his sound forward, and what he’s learned over the last 25 years in the industry.

Follow Lil Keke on instagram @donke713 and check out his latest project, 25 Summers, on all streaming platforms!

Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here. Make sure you stay connected to us by following us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are SO MANY delicious burgers to pick from in Houston so we’re helping you narrow the list with our guide to the best burgers in H-Town! From most unique burger to the most H-Town burger, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Nick Scurfield, co-founder of Trill Burgers and president of the Scurfield Group PR Firm, to break it all down.

Want to try out some of Raheel and Nick's recommendations? Check them out below:

The Q Stack at Q’s Deli

Spicy Greek Burger at Tornado Burger

Shake Shack in Rice Village

Butter Burgers at Riel

Double Double at Tookie’s

Trill Burger

FM Kitchen Burger

Animal Style Double Double at In N Out

Stanton City Bites

Fajitas Burger at Ninfa’s

Sticky Monkey Burger at Hubcap Grill

Chopped Cheese at Burger Bodega

Lankford’s Grocery

Sam’s Deli Diner

Bubba’s Burger Shack

Jax Grill

Bosscat Kitchen

The Limbar

Hoffy Burger at Demeris BBQ

Burger Chan

Lucille’s

Keep up with what's going on in Houston by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston! Keep up with us by following us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook! Keep us up with you, by leaving us a text or voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was a lot going on in Houston this week! From the Ken Paxton trial moving to Harris County to a new coalition forming to help animal shelters and how new courts could help the overcrowding in our jails. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks it all down with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and writer Shiyam Galyon.

Ken Paxton Trial

New Courts in Harris County

The best and worst legislators

It’s hotter in Houston

Mayoral candidates discuss art

Coalition of Animal Shelters

Title IX lawsuit

Governor Abbott and migrants

City Cast Houston’s episode on Juneteenth

Keep up with what's going on in Houston by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston! Keep up with us by following us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook! Keep us up with you, by leaving us a text or voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keeping the kids entertained during summer break can be overwhelming, so we’re focusing on summer activities for kids in the second installment of our Summer Entertainment Guide! Jenny Isaminger of Houston Moms and producer Carlignon Jones join host Raheel Ramzanali to give their best recommendations of things to do around H-Town so you can make it a memorable summer for the kids.

Check out some of these great recommendations:

Drippin Slime

CreATEery

Houston interactive aquarium & animal preserve

Bounce Bounce

Big River Water Park

AGR Sports

Moody Gardens

Johnson Space Center

Surfside Beach surf lessons

Schlitterbahn

Houston Moms Ultimate Summer Guide

Houston Moms Guide to Splash Pads

Houston Moms Guide to Water Parks

Children's Museum of Houston

Fort Bend Discovery Center: Kidtropolis

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Space Cowboys program

Levy Park Splash pad

Discovery Green Fountains

Typhoon Texas

Splashway

Showboat Theater in Hockley

Moonstruck Drive In - East River

Foster Village Lemonade stands

Featured stories:

Houston Ranks #3 for Birding

City Cast Houston episode on birds

Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here. Make sure you stay connected to us by following us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next week will mark the third year we celebrate Juneteenth as a federal holiday, but how can we celebrate it respectfully while honoring the history of one of the most important days of our region? Houston artist Reginald Adams, who has painted 10 Juneteenth murals across the nations along with his team of creatives, joins host Raheel Ramzanali to answer just that! He'll also explain why every Houstonians should celebrate and what traditions the historical day inspired.

Learn more about Reginald Adams’ work and ways to celebrate Juneteenth below!

Reginald Adams’ murals

Galveston Events

Other featured stories:

Cooling Stations

Portable AC Unit giveaway

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We already know Houston has one of the best food scenes in the nation and with that comes a vastly underrated pizza scene that features several types of pies and unique toppings. So, what’s the best slice in H-Town? Lead producer Dina Kesbeh, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and producer AK Al-Moumen chat with producer Carlignon Jones about their top spots to try right now!

Check out these spots!

Coltivare

bellagreen

Home Slice

Pizaro's Pizza Napoletana

Vinny's

Love Buzz Pizza Pub

Frank’s Pizza

Empire Pizza

Star Pizza

Pink’s Pizza

Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here. Make sure you stay connected to us by following us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food Not Bombs has been serving meals to the unhoused community in Houston for years without any issues, but now HPD has started to ticket members of the group for their food distribution events. So, why are they being targeted and what are they doing to fight the potential fines? Food Not Bombs volunteer Nick Cooper joins Raheel to explain why he thinks the group has been ticketed almost 30 times since March and what the group is doing to help stop these tickets. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast [City] an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 5 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you!

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The weather is heating up and so is the news in H-Town. Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz and Houston personality Antre'chelle Dorsey join host Raheel Ramzanali to breakdown how a small city budget win will have a big impact on neighborhoods, why Houston is making noise nationally, and so much more!

Saudi Oil ramp down

Ashby High-Rise drama

Drainage gets a bump in the budget

Trill Burgers opens up

Uplift Harris

Houston still the tallest

Jugging crimes on the rise

Houston makes the best cities list

Houston Landing has launched

We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast [City] an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 5 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is finally here and we’re helping you put together the perfect first day of summer with tips and ideas from producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston! editor Brooke Lewis, and host Raheel Ramzanali. This is the first installment of our Summer Entertainment Guide where the City Cast Houston team will have you ready to take full advantage of summer like a pro!

Check out some of our recommendations!

Places to eat:

Crafty Crab, Dona Leti’s, Lopez Mexican Restaurant, Bebidas Houston, Escalante’s, Los Tios, Verde Beer Garden in Montrose, Shrimp n Stuff, Beignets at Shipley, and La King’s Confectionery

Activities:

Picnic at Discovery Green, Check out “ResortPass” for a luxury swim day, camp out in Galveston overnight

We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Houston an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey —it’s only 5 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.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that the Texas Education Agency has officially appointed Mike Miles as the new superintendent of HISD and a new board, what major changes are coming to the district? Houston Chronicle reporter Kennedy Sessions has been covering the TEA takeover and she joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain how Miles’ background could impact the future of HISD schools and how a new outcome based model could change the salary structure for teachers.

Check out more of Kennedy Session's work here Listen to our show with Abbas Dhanani from Burger Bodega here

We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Houston an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 5 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.

Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here. Make sure you stay connected to us by following us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s something so perfect about getting fresh Louisiana crawfish and boiling it up to the perfect spice level with your friends, family, and neighbors at a crawfish boil, but what if you’re a beginner to the boil game? Mike Trinh of Mike’s Seafood joins host Raheel Ramzanali to breakdown how to do your first at-home crawfish boil, why our city loves these mudbugs so much, and the perfect way to eat them!

Check out Mike's Seafood here!

We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Houston an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 5 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. Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here. Make sure you stay connected to us by following us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2023 hurricane season is officially underway and this year is a bit different because of El Niño, but what exactly does this mean in terms of how many hurricanes we could see impacting Houston? ABC13 Chief Metrologist Travis Herzog joins host Raheel Ramzanali today to explain how El Niño will impact Houston, what the early models are showing, and what it’s like to cover a major storm in local news.

Keep up with ABC13 Hurricane coverage here

We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Houston an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 5 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. Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here. Make sure you stay connected to us by following us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happened this week in Houston? Host Lisa Gray and University of Houston historian Raúl Ramos hash out the news.Conflict between Houstonians and state regulators over boil water notice.Issues continue after boil water notice is lifted.The statement by Governor Greg Abbott on "Defending Texas Against Invasion".The Texas Tribune reporting on the statement by Governor Abbott.New York Times summary of the events surrounding Vanessa Guillen's death.New York Times reporting on the guilty plea in Guillen's murder case.The U.S making it to the knockout stages of the World Cup.Mexico get eliminated from the knockout stage of the world cup after winning.Lights in the Heights.Visit some places to catch the rare sighting of Fall Color in Houston.Keep up with everything H-Town by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston.Follow us on Twitter to get up to date updates on what we do.See what we're doing around the city on our Instagram.And if you want to tell us what's on your mind, leave us a text or voicemail at 713-489-6972Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could you, in a pinch, buy your holiday gifts at Texas’ biggest, beaver-iest roadtrip stop? The City Cast crew gives it a go, considering everything from $400 bluebonnet “paintings” to two-for-a-buck chocolates.Curious about what else Buc-ees may have to offer? Stop by and tell us what you found for the Holiday season.Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston here, for more news from around the city!Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston to stay connected with us!You can also leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Montrose — Houston’s most walkable neighborhood, full of interesting places to eat, drink, and hang out — remains the center of LGBTQ life in Houston. Rice professor Brian Reidel talks about Montrose’s past and its gentrified present.

Want to explore the beauty of Montrose? Check out some of these places below! The Menil Rudyards Katz Deli Want to know more about the area and it's history? Check out these articles! Disco Kroger Closing Demolition of Grocery Store Pride Parade Moving Out of Montrose A Breif History of How Montrose Grew as a Gaybrohood New Devlopments in Montrose

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why buy your holiday gifts from Amazon or big-box stores? You’ll find cooler stuff at locally owned businesses — and patronizing them helps keep Houston interesting.

M-K-T in the Heights. Anvil Cards. Murder By The Book. Brazos Bookstore. Blue Willow Bookshop. Celebration Company. Cacao & Cardamom. Crumbville, TX. Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs. Rocambolesc. Goode Company. JED's Finest. Clark's Jerky Instagram. Kuhl-Linscomb.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston for more Holiday ideas! Our Instagram is the place to see what Houston is all about! Keep up with us on Twitter! And if you want to reach out for your own ideas, text us or better yet leave us a voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston has one of the fastest-growing Black populations in the U.S., and it’s among the leading cities for Black businesses. Influencer Keandré Jordan, of My Southern Brands, tells us why some now call Houston “America’s best-kept Black secret.”

mysouthernbrands' Instagram page. mysouthernbrands' series on Houston Black businesses. Black neighborhoods lead the surge in population growth in HTX. A breakdown of Black populations in Metro Areas.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anita Jaisinghani, the owner/chef behind Pondicheri, one of Houston’s favorite restaurants, has just published a cookbook: “Masala: Recipes from India, the Land of Spices.” In it, she describes an Indian cooking technique that can change the way you cook everything — as well as her approach to life in a multi-cultural world. “Food should unite us,” she says, “not divide us.”

Want to spice up your life and try some of Anita's cuisine? Check out Pondicheri

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 1960s “brown-eyed soul” to present-day cumbia, Houston’s Chicano music reflects our Gulf Coast multicultural meltdown. Guests Nick Gaitan, Isaac Rodriguez, and Pat Jasper are trying to make sure that H-town’s greats get their due.

You can get your tickets for Tejas Got Soul right here: https://www.discoverygreen.com/signature-experiences/tejas-got-soul/

Subscribe to our newsletter Hey houston to get the latest updates on what's popping at https://houston.citycast.fm/newsletter/ Follow us on twitter for updates on what we war doing at https://twitter.com/CityCastHouston Follow our Instagram to see what we're doing at https://www.instagram.com/citycasthouston/ And if you just want to cut through the noise and tells something directly leave us a voicemail or call us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades we’ve heard that shopping malls are withering away. So why is the Galleria packed? In this rebroadcast of a favorite show from summer, Alexandra Lange, author of “Meet Me at the Fountain,” joins City Cast architecture contributor Allyn West and host Lisa Gray.

Alexandra Lange's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Fountain-Inside-History-ebook/dp/B09JXK1KBL

Subscribe to our newsletter Hey houston to get the latest updates on what's popping at https://houston.citycast.fm/newsletter/ Follow us on twitter for updates on what we war doing at https://twitter.com/CityCastHouston Follow our Instagram to see what we're doing at https://www.instagram.com/citycasthouston/ And if you just want to cut through the noise and tells something directly leave us a voicemail or call us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Time to wrap up the week’s Houston news! Host Lisa Gray hashes it out with producer Carlignon Jones and cultural contributor Antréchelle Dorsey.

Houston Chronicle on Governor Greg Abbott's call to investigate Harris County allegations of election irregularities: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Gov-Abbott-calls-for-investigation-into-Harris-17583824.php The Houston Chronicle reported that Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has started an investigation of the allegations against the county and asked for the Texas Rangers to help: https://apple.news/AIlHr99BrRQORHMwaDqu4wA ABC 13's story on the woman who robbed a convenience store for cigarettes: https://abc13.com/woman-robs-convenience-store-robbed-at-gunpoint-cigarette-robbery-gas-station/12456860/ Reporting on the shocking statistical increase in child gun deaths: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/crime/article/Houston-child-gun-deaths-rising-17573055.php?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter.com The Texas Tribune's reporting on Judge David Count ruling that taking the gun of domestic abusers is an infringement on their 2nd Amendment right: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/11/14/texas-judge-domestic-abusers-second-amendment/ ABC 13's story on the FBI hunt of the FoodStore Bank Bandit: https://abc13.com/harris-county-bank-robberies-grocery-store-banks-robbed-suspect-images-man-wanted-by-fbi/12460120/ Pena at the Raising Cane's: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/Jeremy-Pena-Raising-Canes-17583964.php The migrants that were sent on busses to Philly got received by Philly volunteers: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/11/16/texas-migrants-greg-abbott-philadelphia/

Subscribe to our newsletter Hey houston to get the latest updates on what's popping at https://houston.citycast.fm/newsletter/ Follow us on twitter for updates on what we war doing at https://twitter.com/CityCastHouston Follow our Instagram to see what we're doing at https://www.instagram.com/citycasthouston/ And if you just want to cut through the noise and tells something directly leave us a voicemail or call us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City Cast crew has your back. Plus, producer AK AL-Mouman asks what so many of Houston’s immigrants wonder: What’s with this strange American holiday? What is the U.S. president doing with that turkey every year? Do families really get together to eat and fight.

Luby's website: https://www.lubys.com/ Fadi's Cuisine website: https://www.fadiscuisine.com/ Turkey Leg Hut's website: https://www.theturkeyleghut.com/ State Fair Kitchen & Bar website: https://www.statefaretx.com/ House of Pies website: https://houseofpies.com/ Three Brothers Bakery: https://3brothersbakery.com/ Megan Thee Stallion's H-Town Hottie Pie at GoldBelly: https://www.goldbelly.com/megan-thee-stallion/megans-sweetest-pie President Joe Biden's Turkey Pardons: https://www.wcnc.com/article/life/holidays/president-joe-biden-white-house-turkey-north-carolina-pardon-thanksgiving-2022-circle-s-ranch/275-c6aca837-fb87-4305-a47a-42de6ad10f37 And some context on the tradition: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Houston: We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at: And Instagram! Follow us at: Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Got overdue Houston speeding tickets? Through Saturday, you can pay them off at a discount, and without getting arrested. But the municipal courts’ amnesty program raises a deeper question: Why do so many Houstonians speed? And how can we make our roads safer? Joe Cutrufo, of Bike Houston, says that our biggest problem isn’t a lack of police enforcement. It’s that Houston’s roads are designed badly — in ways that lead us to drive faster than the the legal limit.

Want more information? Check out The Houston Municipal Courts Amnesty Program, Vision Zero, and Bike Houston!

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever thought about getting a tattoo, but the “permanent” part held you back? Ephemeral, a small chain that recently opened an outpost on Westheimer, is all about removing that barrier. Ephemeral CEO Jeff Liu explains why his company especially wanted to be in Houston, and newsletter writer Brooke Lewis semi-commits herself to ink.

Ephemeral Tattoo's Houston studio website. The Houston Chronicle's announcement of Ephemeral opening in H-Town. Fast Company reporting on the complaints from the San Francisco Ephemeral studio.

Don't forget to catch Brooke Lewis's update on her tattoo! Sign up for our morning newsletter: Hey Houston. Keep up with your favorite morning podcast on Twitter. And see more pictures about our experience with Ephemeral on Instagram. Why not reach us directly! Text us or leave us a voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 with your tattoo experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Alley Theatre — Houston’s oldest and biggest theater — turned 75 this year. For several of those decades, the Alley was led by artistic director Gregory Boyd, who in 2018 went down in Houston’s biggest #MeToo scandal. But now, says City Cast arts contributor Olivia Flores-Alvarez, the theater’s future is bright.

The Alley Theater website: ite where you can find where you can check out when TORERA will premier and other shows. The Houston Chronicle's expose of Gregory Boyd from 2018. OutSmart Magazine Gayest & Greatest 2022 Arts winners.

Let's get you caught up with what's going on in the H! Subscribe to our newsletter, Hey Houston. You can keep up with us daily on our Twitter and Instagram We also have a Facebook page! why not give it a look? Want to talk to us directly? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yow, what a week for Houston news this has been! Scott Braddock, of the Quorum Report and Texas Take, joins host Lisa Gray to process it all.

Our newly named Hey Houston newsletter is a great way to keep up with all the news around the city! Make sure you sign up! We’re also on Twitter and Instagram follow us @CityCastHouston We love hearing from you! Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though Republicans swept statewide offices (same as it ever was), Democrats overwhelmingly won in Harris County. Do those skinny margins of victory mean that Harris County is firmly Democratic now? Plus, were Tuesday’s polling place problems understandable screwups or harbingers of future chaos? Political contributor Evan Mintz and host Lisa Gray try to get their heads around it all.

Texas Election results update by the Texas Secretary of State. Houston Chronicle reporting on Election issues in Harris County. KHOU 11 Breakdown of one of the election's major issues: Crime.

For more great Houston content, make sure you subscribe to our morning newsletter, Hey Houston. You can also keep up with us day-by-day on Twitter and Instagram Let us know your Houston hot takes! Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Election update from host Lisa Gray. Plus, producer AK AL-Moumen interviews Rafael Struve and Eliot Carter about the GOP push to attract young people.

For regular updates on the polls check out FiveThirtyEight

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producers Carlignon Jones and AK AL-Moumen capture the sounds Astros’ World Series championship parade. Plus: City Cast Philly makes good on its bet.

Astros World Series MVP Jeremy Pena's interview at the parade. Fox 26's Live Coverage of the prade. The Houston Chronicle's reporting on the parade.

Wanna enjoy more of our Astros coverage? Head on over to our Twitter Wanna see City Cast Philly pay up!? Check out our Instagram And if you want to tell us what this moment means for you don't be shy! Text us, or leave us a voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Politics contributor Evan Mintz and host Lisa Gray discuss tomorrow’s mid-term election. What do we know from early voting? How does it look different from other years? Will challenger Alexandra Mealer unseat County Judge Lina Hidalgo?

New York Times's story on Republicans focusing on inner-city Hispanic voters. Houston Public Media's reporting on the unassociated mailers trying to pit Hispanic voters against Black voters. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency breakdown of GOP candidate Johnny Teague's book “The Lost Diary of Anne Frank".

Stay connected with the city and get more Houston news by signing up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political analyst Scott Braddock joins host Lisa Gray and producer AK AL-Moumen to unpack the week’s news.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're talking food trucks today, and producers Carlignon Jones and AK AL-Moumen reveal their top three — plus a bunch that AK loves too much to leave out.

Food trucks mentioned in this episode:

Abu Omar Halal

Oh My Gogi!

Turkey Leg Hut

Stick Talk Cajun-Hibachi

Pollos Asados La Silla

Tacos Tierra Caliente

Khan Baghdad

True Dog Houston

Yoyo’s Hot Dog

Yummy’s Hot Chicken

Dripped Biria

BunSlut

Brunch Bus

Houston Sauce Pit

Want even more food truck hot takes? Check out these lists from the Houston Eater, Houstonia, and Thrillist.

Do you have a favorite food truck? Leave us a voicemail or text us and let us know! +1 713-489-6972 To start your day off with even more great Houston content, check out our morning newsletter, Hey Houston. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sprawling, spread-out Houston is a different kind of city than Chicago or New York, so we need to think differently about our parks. Our guest, Pulitzer-winning architecture critic Blair Kamin, author of the new book "Who Is the City For?", says that transforming Houston’s park system won’t be easy — but he’s impressed by what he’s seen so far.

Find out more about Houston's ParkScore (from the Trust for Public Land).

For more great Houston content, make sure you subscribe to our morning newsletter, Hey Houston. You can also keep up with us day-by-day on Twitter and Instagram Let us know your Houston hot takes! Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fall means that the weather perfect for exploring Houston neighborhoods. Today we’re revisiting one of our favorite “neighborhood guide” episodes. Two West University residents — novelist Chris Cander and City Cast contributor Evan Mintz — tell us where to go and what we should know when we visit their town.

Chris Cander's phenomenal fictional novel 'Gracious Neighbor'. Here are some parks to try it out if you find yourself in West U. The Chron reporting on the famous 'Darth Vader' house. Tiny's Milk and Cookies. Little Matt's Cafe. The platonic ideal of softball team grub places El Topo Recent reporting on improving Poor Farm Ditch by Community Impact.

Make sure you subscribe to our Newsletter: Hey Houston. You can keep up with us by following our Twitter. If you want to tell us your thoughts on Houston, you can always leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When playwright Brendan Bourque-Sheil was 18, he and his mom lived in an apartment in The Woodlands. One night, they started hearing a knocking sound that kept waking them up around 3 a.m. Eventually, his mom became convinced that there was a ghost in the house. Brendan tells the true story of their ghostly encounter, and talks with host Lisa Gray about why it's still impactful years later.

Check out Grown-Up Storytime, where Brendan first shared this story.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the World Series about to start, City Cast Philly’s Trenae Nuri challenges host Lisa Gray to a bet that Philly is gonna regret. Plus, Lisa and producer AK AL-Moumen talk over the week’s Houston news.

FiveThirtyEight's breakdown of Astros dominance by the numbers. The Center Square reports inspectors sent to Harris County to monitor election. ABC 13'S reporting on the Houston ISD lead in water situation.

Sign up for our newsletter, Hey Houston it has a new name and exciting Houston news on the daily! Stay connected with us by following our Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Obviously Houston is better. But why? Dallas partisan Angelica “Jelly” Walker bravely makes the case for the wrong city. Host Lisa Gray and producer Carlignon Jones respect her for even trying!

Check out our previous episode on Texas city rivalries. And what makes Houston a tier above the rest!

Want a deeper dive into the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Houston Want updates at a glance? Follow our Twitter Want to see it to believe it? Follow our Instagram Tell us your favorite spooky season events and places! Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independence Heights, now in northwest Houston, was originally its own town — and in fact, was Texas’ first municipality registered by African Americans. Tanya Debose, a fourth-generation descendant of an Independence Heights landowner, tells us the best way to experience the history that gentrification threatens to erase.

The community site for Independence Heights Esther's Cajun Soul Food Gatlin's BBQ Gatlin's Fins & Feathers

Want a deeper dive into the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Houston Want updates at a glance? Follow our Twitter Want to see it to believe it? Follow our Instagram Tell us your favorite spooky season events and places! Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does Beto have to do with the Alamo? Why are people screaming at school boards? And what’s the deeper meaning of it all? University of Houston history professor Raul Ramos dives in.

Raul Ramos' UH page and link to his book; Beyond the Alamo: Forging Mexican Ethnicity in San Antonio, 1821-1861 Houston Chronicle's reporting on the strange Beto O'Rourke billboard

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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When did bike paths become the stuff of attack ads? And was that Pride Ride hit-and-run an accident or an attack? Joe Cutrufo, executive director of Bike Houston, brings us up to date.

The Fallout from Alexandra del Moral Mealer campaign ad. Click 2 Houston full story on the Pride Ride victim. Click 2 Houston full coverage of the Waller rolling coal incident.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our newly named Hey Houston newsletter We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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What happened this week in Houston? Host Lisa Gray, producer Carlignon Jones, and journalist and podcaster Donnie Houston recap it for you.

Our daily newsletter has a new name. It's now called Hey Houston! Our twitter bio got a shiny upgrade! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Get a visual of our stories by following our Instagram! follow us at @citycasthouston We love hearing from y'all! Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Outdoor horror movies, costume ideas, and other suggestions from the City Cast crew — host Lisa Gray, producers Carlignon Jones and AK AL-Moumen, and “Hey Houston” writer Brooke Lewis.

Hocus Pocus Movie screening at Levy Park next Friday, Oct. 28th. Hermann Park Centennial Gardens has a screening of Ghostbusters on Thursday. Rooftop Movie always has endless Halloween movies throughout the month. The Post Houston Halloween party Called “Post Apocalypse Party” Scream Fest events are every weekend through the whole month of October Nightly Spirits is offering a variety of tours, pub crawls and haunted history walks. the 11th annual RuPaul's Drag Race: Night of the Living Drag is coming to Sugar Land Smart Financial Center on Oct. 20th

Our daily newsletter has a new name. It's now called Hey Houston! Our twitter bio got a shiny upgrade! Follow us at @CityCastHouston you can see H-Town live & in color on our Instagram! follow us at @citycasthouston We love hearing from y'all! Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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What does the poet laureate of Houston do? Can poetry be a day job? Emmanuel Outspoken Bean, Houston’s poet laureate, talks about his career — as well as his latest project, “The Space City Mixtape.”

Want to find out more about Outspoken Bean? Check out his Website , Twitter, and Instagram

Want more Houston news at your fingertips? sign up for our morning newsletter here. Get in touch with us on social media by following us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Standing sewage, gang extortion, and guards who carry knives to protect themselves: Keri Blakinger, of the Marshall Project, recently reported on the post-pandemic breakdown of our overcrowded, understaffed jail.

Keri Blakinger's Book Corrections in Ink Keri's article on the conditions in Harris county Jail The meltdown at Harris County Jail by the numbers The consequences of the breakdown at HCJ The County response to the jail issue

Want to keep up with the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Want to read what we're up to? Check out our Twitter Want to see what we're up to? Check out our Instagram Want to tell us what you're up to? Text us or leave us a voice mail at +1 713-489-6972

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Last week Joe Biden pardoned people for federal marijuana possession. Does that change anything in Houston or Texas? What’s the deal with Delta-8 here? And what would it take for the state to legalize marijuana completely? Katherine Neill Harris, a Baker Institute researcher on drug policy, explains.

More about Katharine Neil Harris. Texas Tribune on whether the pardons have an effect on Texas. ABC 13: Experts weigh in!

Want a deeper dive into the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Want updates at a glance? Follow our Twitter Want to see it to believe it? Follow our Instagram Tell us your favorite spooky season events and places? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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What happened this week in Houston? Scott Braddock, of “Texas Take” and “The Quorum Report,” joins host Lisa Gray and producer AK AL-Moumen to unpack the news.

Harry styles endorsement of Beto O'Rourke Uvalde shooting still shakes the state Yordan Alvarez' smashes one home into the record books

Want a deeper dive into the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Want updates at a glance? Follow our Twitter Want to see it to believe it? Follow our Instagram Tell us your favorite spooky season events and places? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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If you could designate four great people who represent this city, who would they be? Barbara Jordan? Beyoncé? The City Cast crew — host Lisa Gray and producers Carlignon Jones and AK Al-Moumen — discuss their picks.

Want to know more about why we picked some of these Houston greats like Phyllis Frye and DJ Screw? Check out these episodes!

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Why was Houston picked to play a dystopian, crime-ridden Detroit in “RoboCop 2”? What did that wretched movie have to say about us in 1990, the year it came out? And why, for Houstonians, is it still worth watching? Host Lisa Gray is joined by graphic artist and RoboCop fan Evan O’Neil; and by City Cast culture contributor Allyn West to explain.

Searching for some daily news to get you more in touch with the city?Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. We're on social media! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Call us and leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you!

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In Harris County, early voting starts October 23. What’s at stake this year? Will Beto have coattails? How is a normal human being supposed to deal with our super-long ballots — to pick the best probate judge or justice of the peace? City Cast politics contributor Evan Mintz helps host Lisa Gray make sense of it all.

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Can the Astros win the World Series? What do roller-coaster oil prices mean for Houston’s economy? And can police find the man who, on downtown Main Street, bit a chunk out of a stranger’s ear? The City Cast crew — host Lisa Gray, producer Carlignon Jones, and cultural contributor Antréchelle Dorsey — break down the week’s news.

Authorities are asking for any info on a man who bit a chunk off a victim's ear More problems at Harris County Jail Texas is having an unusual spike in Flu Cases

Want a dose of Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Scrolling through Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Or give our Instagram a try! Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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How should we savor this glorious weather? The City Cast crew — Lisa Gray, Carlignon Jones and Brooke Lewis — weigh in on the best spots to enjoy the outdoors! ⁠

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Rodeo Goat, in EaDo, serves great burgers. But what really wows its guest is the welcoming spirit and the wildly diverse staff that makes everyone who enters feel at home. General manager Kelsey Rabah sits down with producer AK AL-Moumen to explain how she pulls it together.

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The City of Houston already buys more renewable energy “than any other place,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner told us when we sat with him this past week — and that’s only part of his plan for the city’s green future. But can the city handle climate change and the economic turmoil of the energy transition by itself? City Cast policy contributor Evan Mintz says we’re going to need help.

Sign up for our newsletter here. It'll make your mornings much brighter! We're also active on social media! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram You can also leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! We love hearing from you!

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In the wake of Hurricane Ian, we thought you might be wondering: How do hurricanes work? And what's the best way to prepare for one? So, to help answer your questions, Meteorologist Eric Berger from Space City Weather joins host Lisa Gray to talk all things hurricanes.

Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you!

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It’s that time of the week y’all! We’re diving into a weeks worth of news from around Houston with producer AK AlMoumen, host Lisa Gray and special guest Gabriela Barahona, program associate at Texas Jail Project.

Fight Toxic Prisons Harris County Jail Spaghetti Western

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Want to see what we are thinking? Follow our Twitter Want to see what we are doing? Follow our Instagram if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are this city’s best places to relax with friends? To meet them for a night of drinks? Or after a heartbreak? The City Cast crew — Lisa, Carlignon, AK and Brooke — have loads of ideas. Some Karaoke at Spotlight? Or maybe canoeing in Conroe? How about some ritual healing then?

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Want to see what we are thinking? Follow our Twitter Want to see what we are doing? Follow our Instagram Don’t have social media and want to be heard? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ChopnBlok serves up smoky jollof rice with a side of West African culture, and in less than a year, it’s become one of Houston’s most talked-about restaurants. But its founder, Ope Amosu, is still surprised when people call him “chef.”

To keep up with ChopnBlok, follow it on Instagram.

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Houston is the most diverse city in America, but one thing that makes us even more unique is the deep rooted hispanic history here that's unlike any other place in the U.S.! It goes far beyond Tex-Mex and our love for Latin music. Today producer Carlignon Jones sits with University of Houston History professor Raul Ramos to discuss the wide variety of Hispanic cultural contributions from a community that is increasingly defining the core of the city.⁠ KHOU 11's Our Story History's 'Texas would not be Texas if it weren't for Latinos'

Do you want a Houston morning greeting? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can read our thoughts on Twitter and see our hearts on Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you want to share your piece, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972, sometimes we want to hear y'all talk to us.

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Hispanics, Latinos, Latinx people. However you define this overlapping set of groups, whatever you call it. It is clearly the fastest growing demographic in the state of Texas. And one that does not yet command the political power that its numbers would make you expect. Today we’re talking to Tony Diaz, a political analyst and college professor, about his definite ideas as to why that is the case.

Tip of the Pyramid, Tony’s new book More on Nuestra Palabra

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It’s been a long week, which means we have a lot of news to roundup! Don’t worry, Lead Producer Dina Kesbeh is here with editor at OutSmart Magazine Olivia Flores Alvarez and City Cast Houston producer AK Almoumen to cover all the stories you may have missed! From book bans to Hungry Howies expansion.

Book Ban Fort Bend County Judge Hungry Howie's

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Today the team chats all things museums in Houston. In addition to producer Carlignon Jones and newsletter writer Brooke Lewis, joining us is our newest producer, AK Al Moumen, who is here to help out the team as lead producer Dina Kesbeh prepares to head out for Maternity leave. Join us for our weekly roundtable discussions where we gush over the best things in Houston.

Station Museum The Menil Collection Buffalo Soldiers Museum Children's Museum Houston

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Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing grew up in Third Ward and is raising her own kids there now. Today she gives us a crash course on the neighborhood: Where to go and what you should know.

Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you!

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With cooler temperatures on the horizon, City Cast contributor Evan Mintz can’t wait for Houston’s best season to grow veggies. Year-Round Food Gardening: For Houston And Southeast Texas

Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you!

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Today, host Lisa Gray sits down with Phyllis Frye. She's dubbed the grandmother of transgender rights who pioneered transgender law. She's also an activist who fought hard to put the T in LGBTQ+. Phyllis is the subject of a new biography called Phyllis Frye and the Fight for Transgender Rights, by Michael G. Long and Shea Tuttle. Learn more about it here.

Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you!

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It’s that time of the week y’all where we dive into a weeks worth of news. Today, producer Carlignon Jones is joined by contributors Shiyam Galyon and Abdulla Kais ALMoumen. They’ll chat about how well the Astros are doing, Ted Cruz’s reaction to gun control, gun buybacks, and so much more.

More on gun buybacks More on Little Mermaid

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Today, in our weekly team chat, we’re tackling our favorite things to do this Fall season. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh talks about how Kemah Boardwalk becomes THE place to be in October; producer Carlignon Jones shares how her wardrobe changes the moment the leaves change color, and Brooke Lewis drops her favorite comfort food places to visit.

Kemah Boardwalk Rooftop Cinema Club Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival

Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you!

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Joshua Martin is the Youngest SGA President in history at the University of Houston after winning his freshman year on campus, and with that title he’s making big plans, including getting more students out to vote! With Election day stiffly approaching on November 8 and early voting kicking off October 24th, Joshua has started an initiative to get at least 2,000 students registered by the October 11th deadline. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh sits down with Joshua to find out just how he plans on doing this.

More on UH's Student Government here UH SGA Twitter

Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you!

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Today, DJ, producer, journalist, and podcast host Donnie Houston is here to chat with producer Carlignon Jones about how he got to work with some of the biggest names in our city and just how he made a name for himself.

Listen to the Donnie Houston podcast here You can also watch it on Youtube! Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @ImDonnieHouston!

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American alligators, the kind that live in the Houston area came off the endangered species list in the 1990s. But now they're facing a whole new round of threats. Today, host Lisa Gray is joined by City Cast contributor Scott Solomon, biology professor at Rice University and alligator expert Cord Eversole to explain how you study an alligator next and what risks face the alligator population at Brazos Bend Park.

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It's that time of the week where we look back at a weeks worth of news! Today, you'll hear a special shout out from our contributor Antrechelle Dorsey, host Lisa Gray talks about the state of the elections, lead producer Dina Kesbeh spotlights the Spring Branch ISD school that broke a losing streak and so much more.

More on the inflation rates here More on the 7.5 million grant here More on Spring Branch ISD school here

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Houston spawns talent. (You’re welcome, world.) Today lead producer Dina Kesbeh will rave about Mo Amer, producer Carlignon Jones talks about Meghan Thee Stallions' love for our city, newsletter writer Brooke Lewis spot lights a special Gray's Anatomy star that happens to be from Houston, and host Lisa Gray shares the inspirational Karamo Brown.

To enter the giveaway, be sure to email or text us your full name, email address and answers to houston@citycast.fm or text us +1 713-489-6972

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Today, we're bringing back one of our favorite episodes. The one where we talk about DJ Screw. In the early 90's, Houston hip-hop artist DJ Screw developed a sound called "chopped and screwed." It drew from artists he'd appreciated from a decade earlier – like DJ Glove, Ice T's DJ whose appearance on the movie Breakin' inspired him.Screw was not drawn by the rappers in that movie, nor the breakdancers, but, rather, the turntables and what the spinning of albums at different speeds could do to a song. So, when the mid-90's hit, Screw did something incredible: he created quite possibly the most "Houston" sound ever. Today, Lisa Gray talks DJ Screw with Lance Scott Walker, whose book DJ Screw: A Life In Slow Revolution. They are also joined by Derrick D-Reck Dixon, owner of the entertainment company Wreck Shop Nation.

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Hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, and floods: Thinking about Houston's natural world can be stressful. But investing in nature not only makes our city more resilient against all those threats, it also boosts Houstonians' mental health. City Cast nature and ecology contributor Jaime Gonzalez is here talking with host Lisa Gray about how to get more of the goodness of nature in such an urban place.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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It’s that time of the week where we dive into a weeks worth of news. Today, host Lisa Gray is joined by producer Carlignon Jones and Rachel Carlton, a report for America fellow for Community Impact Newspapers. They discuss the violence prevention conference at NRG, the mysterious case of a woman who was poisoned by a napkin, Serena Williams' retirement and so much more.

Napkin Poisoning A Final Wish NASA Artemis Launch

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If you’re looking to thrift on a budget or hunt for the latest designer items for half the cost, we’ve got it all covered. Today, producer Carlignon Jones shares the deal she scored on a designer wallet. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh highlights how Harwin is the place to shop for just about anything. And host Lisa Gray shares her favorite Estate Sale purchase.

Harwin Outlet Mall Estate Sales Family Thrift Center Sarah Furniture More Than You Can Imagine

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The iconic Shamrock hotel was torn down decades ago, but its presence still looms large in Houston legend. It was filled with glitz, green glamour, and big stars; making it one of the biggest ritziest hotel and club that oil money could buy in the 1940s and fifties. Host Lisa Gray is with David Bush and Jim Parsons, the executive director and programs, director of preservation Houston to reminisce on one of Houston's old gems.

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Today, Beekeeper Nicole Buergers, from Bee2Bee Honey Collective, responds to an episode we aired earlier this month called Why Houston’s Bees Are at War With Each Other, where we discussed environmentalists’ concerns for native bees. Nicole shares with host Lisa Gray about how Houston’s rich biodiversity has created the perfect environment for honeybees to thrive.

The fun doesn't stop here! We've got even more Houston news here when you sign up for our morning newsletter. We love hearing from you! Give us a call, text, or leave us a voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

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Charter schools, private schools, public schools and more! Houston, has so many options when it comes to schooling.. possibly more than any city in America. So how do you choose what’s best for your kids? Well, host Lisa Gray is here with City Cast contributor Evan Mintz to help you weigh your options and narrow things down.

The fun doesn't stop here! We've got even more Houston news here when you sign up for our morning newsletter. We love hearing from you! Give us a call, text, or leave us a voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

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It’s that time of the week where we dive into a weeks worth of news from around Houston. Today host Lisa Gray is joined by lead producer Dina Kesbeh and Bloomberg energy reporter Sergio Chapa. They’ll talk about how a Katy ISD police officer temporarily removed what some parents call a controversial book from the school library. And Dina and Sergio gush over Houston star Mo Amer’s new Netflix show Mo, that is filmed in Alief.

More on Mo Amer here More on Katy ISD here Read Sergio Chapa's article in Bloomberg here

Do you have a go-to bargain spot? Tells us! Give us a call/text at 713-489-6972 Catch us Tweeting only when we're fully caffeinated @CityCastHouston Subscribed to our daily newsletter? If not, here's where you can sign up!

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This week, we dive into the best date night spots from around the city. Producer Carlignon Jones is a thrill seeker who convinces the team that go-karting around downtown Houston is an experience worth having. Newsletter writer Brooke Lewis will share her go-to first date ideas that offer both food and entertainment. Host Lisa Gray dishes her favorite intimate spot for a fancy night out. And, lead producer Dina Kesbeh offers two practical ideas for a quick date night that eliminates any hassle of planning and making reservations. Places mentioned: Better Luck Tomorrow Mo' Better Brews Ostia Bowl & Barrel Le Jardinier Prey Houston Somi Glyderz World Amorino Toulouse Cafe Hotel Granduca

Do you have a great date night idea you want to share? Give us a call/text at 713-489-6972 Catch us Tweeting only when we're fully caffeinated @CityCastHouston Subscribed to our daily newsletter? If not, here's where you can sign up!

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Lead producer Dina Kesbeh, who grew up in Alief, discusses the neighborhood with two of her high school classmates, Firas Abulawi and Christina Phan — and shouts out restaurants worth getting to know.

Want more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. We're on social media too! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram You can also leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Magnolias are a symbol of the Old South — but they’re also so much more. Lisa Gray talks with City Cast environmental contributor Jaime González about the trees’ past and future in Houston.

Want to know more about magnolias? Here are a few resources:

Magnolias and Pollination

Magnolias, a symbol of the Old South, should we plant it? (One perspective)

About Southern Magnolias

Houston nicknames, including the 'Magnolia City'

Have an idea you want to share or thoughts? Give us a call/text at 713-489-6972 Stay connected with us on Twitter too! You can find us @CityCastHouston Subscribed to our daily newsletter? If not, here's where you can sign up!

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Texas teachers are leaving the profession in droves, and to get a grip on the problem, the governor has appointed a task force. But we thought, why not ask former teachers why they left? So here’s a frank, emotional talk with two Houston-area women who recently left the job they used to love.

Searching for more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. We're also on social media! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have thoughts about the show? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Houston news: The Farmer’s Almanac chilling prediction; new developments in a 50-year-old serial-killer case; and how Megan Thee Stallion repped Houston (salty! hot!) on the Tonight Show. Contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez joins producer Carlignon Jones and host Lisa Gray to kick around the developments.

More on The Farmer's Almanac here More on Megan Thee Stallion reppin' our city here More on the serial killer Elmer Wayne Henley here

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Do you brunch? Even if you don't after you hear this episode we promise you'll walk away with a robust list of top brunch spots that you must try! Producer Carlignon Jones talks about the high bar set by Taste Bar for amazing mac and cheese, newsletter writer Brooke Lewis gushes about her love for the Breakfast Klub's fried chicken, host Lisa Gray convinces us of a salad at Local Foods that combines watermelon and Brussels sprout and lead producer Dina Kesbeh tries to convince the team of eating a donut burger at Bosscat Kitchen.

Pondicheri First Watch Present Company Toasted Yolk Eggcellence Cafe & Bakery La Madeline Another Broken Egg

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Rice University biologists Scott Egan and Scott Solomon describe the gorgeous, disgusting, and supremely weird lives of insects that grow inside oak galls.

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Houston is changing before our eyes — and nowhere more than downtown. Joining host Lisa Gray to discuss the radically different approaches architects have taken over the last 50 years are Stephanie Burritt, co-managing director of the architecture firm Gensler’s Houston office; and Raj Mankad, the Houston Chronicle’s op-Ed editor and a former managing editor of Cite, the magazine of the Rice Design Alliance.

On the hunt for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. We're also on social media! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have thoughts or feelings about this episode? We'd love to hear from you! leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972

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Divorce has never been an easy subject, but now with factors like the pandemic and new abortion rights laws in place - it seems to be getting even meaner. Host Lisa Gray talks with family lawyer Susan Myres about how all this plays out in a court of law!

Looking to check out the new restaurant mentioned in today's newscast? Here's the link to Pacha Nikkei

On the hunt for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. We're also on social media! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have thoughts or feelings about this episode? We'd love to hear from you! leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972

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On Fridays, we look back at a weeks worth of news in Houston. Host Lisa Gray, lead producer Dina Kesbeh and cultural contributor Antréchelle Dorsey will talk about HISD's largest teacher raise, increased school security, the loss of Shasta VI and so much more.

More on HISD teacher raises here More on Shasta VI here More on school security here More on Pearland Little League here

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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How, in just a day, can you make your out-of-town friend understand what’s great about this place? The City Cast crew — Lisa Gray, Dina Kesbeh and Carlignon Jones — has loads of ideas. (Spoiler: Most involve food.) Food spots to take your pal from out-of-town:

Snooze

the Breakfast Klub

We’re Dough

Cedars

Native

Phil & Derek’s

Turkey Leg Hut

Luce

Fadis

Kasra

Graces

Chocolate Zeina

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

The Blind Goat at Bravery Chef Hall

If you want to hear more about great breakfast spots in Houston? Check out our show on Kolache's

Fun activities for you and your friend:

Children’s Museum

Top Golf

La Pasha

FAO

Kemah

POST Houston

Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours

Prospect Park

Lost & Found

Kamp Houston

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Wasn’t e-commerce supposed to kill malls? Or the recession? Or COVID? Why do those havens for Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Build-a-Bear Workshop survive? City Cast architecture contributor Allyn West and Alexandra Lange, author of “Meet Me By the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall,” join host Lisa Gray to talk about ice rinks, mall walkers and food courts. More on Alexandra Lang's book here

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even before the pandemic, anxiety was rising among kids and teens — and now the Uvalde shooting is causing many Texas families to fear for children’s safety. Host Lisa Gray talks with mother Wafa Taiym; and with child psychologist Melissa Goldberg Mintz, author of the upcoming book “Has Your Child Been Traumatized? How To Know and What To Do To Promote Healing and Recovery.” More on Melissa Goldberg Mintz's book here

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Houston, host Lisa Gray speaks with Houstonian, Don Hartsell, founder and 1st Commissioner for the World Air League. He's organizing a first of its kind, a race of airships that will fly around the world, which is known as the World Sky Race. He envisions a race of blimps, dirigible, and Zeppelin. And it would include a stop in a Texas city, maybe Houston. We're talking with them today. More on the World Sky Race here

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, which means it's that time of the week where we round up the news! One of Sylvester Turner’s top aides pleads guilty to a bribery charge. Homeland Security buses border-crossing migrants out of Texas — and to the wrong address in New York. FIEL Houston executive director Cesar Espinoza joins host Lisa Gray and producer Ferrill Gibbs — who says goodbye in this, his last episode on staff.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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Alligators, ships, and water the color of chocolate milk: Can we talk about Buffalo Bayou? Happy Thursday everyone! On team chat today, the City Cast Houston crew talks about Buffalo Bayou - that life source of Houston touching so much of our daily lives. Listen in to discover so many cool things about it, like its boat tours, parks, hiking trails, and the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern where you can catch a cool concert reverberating in an underground cavern. Join us! Check out this link, which is an explainer on the Four Major Bayous of Houston. Also! Wanna see more on that super cool place Dina mentioned: The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern? Well, go here! Check us out around the 'net! Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston. Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 60 years since the Rice Stadium speech when John F. Kennedy announced the creation of NASA. And, it's been more than 50 years since Houston was the first word ever spoken on the moon. Today, we wonder: is Houston still “Space city?” Lisa Gray speaks with David Alexander, Director of The Rice Space Institute and Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Aerospace Committee, about Houston's space-going past – and its space-going future. Want more Houston news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here! Also, you should tag us on Instagram... Go Here! We’re on Twitter! Follow at @CityCastHouston You can also leave us a voicemail (or text us) at +1 713-489-6972 with thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like pollinators everywhere, the bees native to the Houston area are struggling. Environmentalists say that’s in part due to honeybees, which came from Europe and often out-compete our homegrown species. As local honey and beekeeping grow in popularity, can a truce be reached? City Cast Houston environmental contributor Jaime González explains. More on Native bees of Harris County here Resources for growing good bee habitat at your house here, here, and here More on Honey Bees here More on Honey bees vs. Native bees here and here

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we are bringing back one of our favorite episodes. City Cast's velvet voice CEO David Plotz has a list of basic Houston questions, and he's using them to test host Lisa Gray and lead producer Dina Kesbeh's Htown knowledge.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s that time of the week where we look back at a weeks worth of news. Today, host Lisa Gray, lead producer Dina Kesbeh and Raj Mankad, editorial editor at the Houston Chronicle, are talking monkeypox, highway expansions, a blimp race and so much more. More on monkeypox here More on unhygienic apartments here More on a blimp race here More on Beyonce's new album here Listen to our episode where we talk about hat-cicles here

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s team-chat Thursday! Today, we are talking about all the great spots you can take your dog in Houston. Also! We are sharing some tips that, in this blistering heat, might help keep your dog safe from burning, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Join us! Also, you should check out Johnny Steele Dog Park- you might just catch host Lisa Gray there! (It's awesome.) Millie Bush Dog Park is the fantastic dog park that Ferrill visited in Katy. Make sure to bring a tennis ball for the pool ;) Cabela's around 288 at the Sam Houston Tollway - they are very dog friendly! So is Baybrook Mall - and the great Chef Hugo Ortega restaurant Urbe! Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're passing the mic on to you, our listeners. We have been asking y'all to call in and give us tips on ways to stay cool in Houston in this awful unbearable heat. And man did y'all deliver. Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! From the newscast, more on monkeypox here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we kick off an occasional series about Houston neighborhoods – this time, we're talking about West U. It's a small, upscale town entirely surrounded by Houston, and two proud West U. residents join the show today! City Cast contributor Evan Mintz, along with Houston writer Chris Cander, who has some spot-on descriptions of West U. in her brand new book, A Gracious Neighbor. (You should definitely check it out – it will teach you all about "Crepe murder.") (Also, speaking of West U., if you haven't seen the "Darth Vader House," you should definitely check this out...) Let us know what neighborhood we should cover next! Call our voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 . Also sign up for the pod! Subscribe to the newsletter! Be a better Houstonian!! Go here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The oil companies' favorite option to fight global warming appears less and less viable. So, what now? Is carbon capture still a viable option? Is Houston's green energy future screwed? Today, on the podcast, Lisa Gray speaks to business contributor Loren Steffy, author and writer-at-large who explains all that is wrong with this current model in Houston, and abroad. Stay up to date with Houston news by signing up for our morning newsletter here. Follow our socials! We're on Twitter and Instagram You can also give us your thoughts by leaving us a voicemail or text at +1 713-489-6972

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Today, City Cast Houston features a bonus episode – it's our friends at the Houston Chronicle's podcast Texas Take! It's hosted by Quorum Report's Scott Braddock, along with Chronicle politics reporter Jeremy Wallace. Today, the two journalists break down the upcoming gubernatorial election – and just how tight the race may be. If you enjoy this episode (and we hope you do!) – make sure to find their podcast on this site – or! You can find them wherever else you may get your podcasts... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday again! That means we’ve got a week’s worth of news to catch up on. Host Lisa Gray, Producer Ferrill Gibbs and special guest Dr. Batoul Abuharb wrap up the week.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out The Houston Palestine Film Festival Want more details on some of the story's mentioned in today's show? Look no further:

Home testing makes predicting new COVID waves in Texas challenging

J.J. Watt to help pay for funeral so Houston woman can keep her Texans gear

Stay up to date with Houston news by signing up for our morning newsletter here. Follow our socials! We're on Twitter and Instagram You can also give us your thoughts by leaving us a voicemail or text at +1 713-489-6972

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In its annual “Top States for Business” ranking, CNBC gave Texas an F for “Life, Health and Inclusion.” Join host Lisa Gray, lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Ferrill Gibbs and roving producer Carlignon Jones as they dissect this survey and discuss their own rankings for The Lone Star State.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston we have a PROBLEM, and this time it's more than just the heat! A drought has started causing some major issues for our water system. Pipes are bursting all over the city, but that hasn't stopped Houstonians from increasing water usage. The Director of Drinking Water Operations for the City of Houston, Drew Molly, is here to tell us how our water system really works and how we can help decrease the impact.

Love Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram Not big on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is not your average hot dog. Jacob Irving is a 16-year-old who started his own hot dog food trailer with the help of his parents. The inspiration behind it all was his grandfather, affectionally known as Pop Pop. He’s not only in the name of Jacob’s food trailer, Pop Pop’s Dandy Dog, but he’s also the guy behind a lot of the recipes and wisdom passed down. Today, Lisa Gray chats with the young entrepreneur about how he got started and what he plans for the future. More on Pop Pop's Dandy Dog here More on Montgomery County here

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston’s record-breaking heat has been the talk of the town for months, and it seems there’s no end in sight. KPRC chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley explains why it’s so hot this year — and what it’ll take to break the heat wave.

Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

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It's FRIDAY! Which means it's time to round out the week with some of Houston hottest news stories [weather pun intended]. Host Lisa Gray along with Lead Producer Dina Kesbeh and City Cast Contributor Antrechelle Dorsey chat about a few viral videos, Lizzo, and NASA's latest success. They top it off with a few moments of joy, one of which might just help you cool down in this record breaking heat.

More on the heat wave here. Parents Pranking their Kids here. COVID Cases Rise here.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the time of year for a good road trip. However, the temps have been so blistering, is it even worth doing? Are road trips even fun in this kind of weather? It's team chat Thursday! Today, the City Cast Houston crew breaks down the best road trip destinations far and near, with very special guest, roving producer Carlignon Jones.

Looking for some near by summer fun? Check out some of the spots we mentioned in the show!

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Big River Waterpark

Kalahari Resort

Great Wolf Lodge

Searching for more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston We're on Instagram too @CityCastHouston Not into social media, but still want to keep in touch? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a master planned community in Cypress, a couple named Kathleen and George Rowe have been feeding the ducks behind their house for years now. But recently, their homeowner's association filed suit against them for a penalty that could amount to $250,000, if they don't stop feeding. Will it be enough for the couple – who really love to feed their ducks – to stop? Today, the Houston Chronicle’s Rebecca Schuetz – who covered this story in a wildly popular piece for the Chronicle – breaks it down for producer Ferrill Gibbs.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston We're on Instagram too @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston has one of the best food scenes in America, but inflation is hitting prices hard. Still, there are deals to be had — and City Cast cultural contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez has hunted them down. Today, she describes seven great lunch deals under $15.

Treebeards, four locations

La Carreta, the Heights

Champ Burgers, Second Ward

D’Amico’s Italian Market Cafe, Rice Village

Zydeco Louisiana Diner, Downtown

Collina’s, three locations

Burns’ Original Barbecue, Second Ward

Know of any ways to stay cool in this Houston heat? leave us a voicemail (or text us!) at +1 713-489-6972 and you might just hear it on the show! If you're looking for more Houston hotspots or news. Make sure to sign up for the newsletter here. Lisa Gray is always dropping need–to–know gems! You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, not many smaller companies seem willing to announce public support for their employees who seek an abortion. However, in Houston, the law firm AZA has not shied away from it – even as the conservative group Texas Freedom Caucus sent a letter to a similar firm in Dallas threatening litigation. On behalf of AZA is attorney Jane Robinson, who explains to Lisa about where her firm stands, and why. Also, what it means for those in their employ who seek an out-of-state procedure. Here is the AZA Website: AZA – and if you would like to find Jane Robinson and learn more about her, you can find her page here – Jane Robinson's Bio. Also! Lisa is now calling for submissions – how do you keep cool, in Houston? It's already been a brutally hot summer, so, do share your tricks! Call us at (713) 489-6972, leave a voice mail – and it may make it on the show! Finally! Make sure to find us on Social - we are here! Or, if you're an Instagram-type person, go here! (Heck, why not just follow us on both!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a Friday News Roundup! Each Friday, we talk about the most important Houston news stories of the week. Today, Lisa is joined by producer Ferrill Gibbs and City Cast contributor A.K. Al-Moumen. They cover everything from the Brittney Griner trial, NASA’s newly-set sights on the moon (Houston is still Space City!), Ken Paxton’s State Bar struggles, and those creepy dolls that washed ashore near the Mission-Aransas Reserve — John Oliver is offering good money to have those creepy things destroyed! If you want to keep up with more cool Houston things like the opossum Violet Pickles, make sure to sign up for the newsletter here. Lisa Gray covers all kinds of great food, events, books, plays – all the things that make Houston great! Go find us on Twitter! It's at @CityCastHouston You can also leave us a voicemail (or text us!) at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas just doesn’t do sweet tea the way other Southern states do. Why is that? Host Lisa Gray and lead producer Dina Kesbeh and producer Ferrill Gibbs break down this cultural difference and talk about their own experiences and preferences with iced tea, sweetened and unsweetened.

Want more Houston news and culture in your life? Then sign up for our morning newsletter!

We’re also on Twitter! Join the conversation @CityCastHouston

And don't forget to let us know how you're staying cool this summer! Send us a text or leave us a voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 with your favorite tips and tricks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court is evaluating the scope of the Clean Water Act and its protections of wetlands, with oral arguments scheduled for this fall. Depending on the outcome, it might get easier for developers to build on sites that cause flooding ... so what does this mean for Houstonians? To help answer that question and others, host Lisa Gray speaks with Kristen Schlemmer, the legal director at Bayou City Waterkeeper, who is filing a brief in the case. Here's an article Kristen recommended with more information on what's next for our water. Also, if you want to get involved, check out the Bayou City Waterkeeper "Take action" page!

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston How are you staying cool this summer? Give us a call or text us at +1 713-489-6972, and your answer might be featured in an upcoming episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The issues mount as November’s election closes in. Recent decisions by the Supreme Court have sent shockwaves across the country – and particularly here in Texas. In Houston, the threat of a shaky electric grid is an omnipresent source of concern, with heat records falling constantly. As these issues heat up, so has the rhetoric, and it all leads to one simple question: Does Beto O’Rourke have what it takes unseat Governor Abbott, whose war chest is perhaps more lucrative than the Republican National Committee itself? Today, we speak to Scott Braddock of Quarumreport.com, who details for Lisa some of the problems that Republicans have been dealing with, and, what it will take for Beto to be competitive as the election approaches. Be sure to check out Scott's website. He is also up on Texas political events on Twitter, so check him out here! Like Lisa said, make sure to sign up for the newsletter here. We cover all kinds of great food, events, books, plays – all the things that make Houston great! Like Mr. Braddock, we’re also active on Twitter: @CityCastHouston You can also leave us a voicemail (or text us!) at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday, which means we are diving into a weeks worth of news in Houston. This week, host Lisa Gray and lead producer Dina Kesbeh chat with City Cast Contributor Shiyam Galyon about the temporary ban on abortions in Texas, how HEB’s donation is helping rebuild Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and so much more! Catch up on the temporary ban on abortions here More on HEB's donation here Bug-A-Salt

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From motoring around the Port of Houston to rolling your own sushi, strolling the arid scrublands of Hempstead, and getting great burgers and beer, there's a million things to do in (and around) Houston before you die. Thankfully, we at City Cast Houston (on a team chat Thursday!) whittle it down to nine for you. So many wonderful places/things were mentioned on today's show! Check them out:

The kayak/painting tour by Artist Boat in Galveston that Lisa mentioned

Here's the great sausage Ferrill mentioned: Krolczyk Meat Market & Drive-In

Daiso is the Japanese stationery/department store that Dina raved about — there’s one on Westheimer and Westchase

Also, Dina mentioned the Rooftop Cinema — a great place to catch a classic flick

Here's where you can take a sushi hand-rolling class

Get that awesome burger, the Hot Bastard, at Rodeo Goat

Also, here's another Lisa recommendation for a good boat tour: Sam Houston Boat Tour

Don't forget about the killer view and great burgers (and beer) at St. Arnold's Brewery!

Finally, make sure you get down to Discovery Green — it's really a Houston treat.

For more Houston news – sign up for our morning newsletter here! We’re on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston Also, you can leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your recommendation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Twilight Epiphany Skyspace at Rice University is one of Houston's most peaceful places. The structure is among more than 85 Skypaces that sculpture James Turrell has designed and built across the world. Today, host Lisa Gray and City Cast Houston contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez talk about how this design is the first to be engineered for acoustics and what it means to have this structure in our city.

Learn more about the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace here.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texans continues to grapple with the most influential Supreme Court decision of our lifetimes, but the overturning of Roe V. Wade is not the only case that could change the landscape of Texas – and everywhere else. A case involving gun licensure and one regarding prayer at school has all eyes on the land’s highest court, as everyone’s left to comb through the nuances of this new world, post-Roe.

Have thoughts on today’s episode? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972! Stay connected with us by following us on Twitter at @CityCastHouston -- and tag us on Instagram! We would love to see you: City Cast Instagram! Finally – looking for more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, and abortion became illegal in Texas. (Even though the “Trigger law” has yet to go into effect, older Texas laws may now be enforceable. So, clinics have begun to close their doors.) In this episode, Lisa Gray addresses the post-Roe world in Texas, and also breaks down how people in search of an abortion must now navigate the landscape. Also, regarding the endless stream of brutal temps in Houston – what does it mean for our city, long term? Can we find a way to combat the damage the heat causes? Contributor Jaime Gonzalez stops by to discuss the changes we should make to fight the heat waves. (Jaime shared with us a handy heat map, too - Go here! H3AT.org ) As for the Roe V. Wade decision, here are the sites that Lisa discussed in her intro: Aid Access Texas laws and getting abortion drugs by mail TOR - the safe browser Signal Messenger- Speak Freely And here's a helpful article about The Trigger Law, and why it's not gone into effect: Texas' Trigger Law Has Yet To Take Effect, So Why Are Abortion Clinics Closing Now? For more Houston news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, here. We’re also on Twitter - Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, which means it's time to round out the week with some news! This week Host Lisa Gray and Producer Ferrill Gibbs are with City Cast Contributor Evan Mintz talking about everything from the Texas GOP to Houston's first ever brick and mortar marijuana shop!

Want to stay in the loop? Follow us on Twitter at @CityCastHouston Have something to say about today’s episode? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 to let us know! Looking to find more Houston news like this? Sign up for our morning newsletter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s chat time! And this week, the City Cast Houston team is talking about some of the most prestigious universities in the state of Texas. Tune in as we take a trip down memory lane and discuss the good, the bad, and surprising sides of our alma maters.

Want a further look into Rice's past? Check out our episode: A Reckoning With History at the Heart of Rice

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 to let us know! Stay connected with us by following us on Twitter at @CityCastHouston Looking for more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Texas Republican platform is only the latest reason why trans people in Houston feel that their rights -- and maybe their lives -- are in danger. On today's show host Lisa Gray is joined with longtime trans activist Lou Weaver, of the Trans Legal Aid Clinic of Texas, to talk about how the anti-trans rhetoric has progressed and impacted the community. Lou also talks about what people could, and should do to be more supportive of the trans community. Check out this resource for trans youth in Texas here

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The novel, 'The Last Queen' takes readers on a historical journey by telling the fascinating story of Rani Jindan. This romantic yet game of thrones like story is the 20th novel for award winning author and professor of writing at UofH, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni but she isn’t done yet; a movie and a new book are also on the way! Host Lisa Gray, sits down to talk to Chitra about her creative process and what influences her work.

Want to dive into some of Chitra’s mystifying stories? Check out The Last Queen and Before We Visit the Goddess

Searching for more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. Follow us Twitter while you’re at it! @CityCastHouston Not into social media? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's that time of the week y'all! We're looking back at a weeks worth of news. Lisa is joined by lead producer Dina Kesbeh and contributor Antrechelle Dorsey. Today, they'll talk about the spike in COVID cases; the price hike that many Houstonians will face when they renew their electric contracts; and the heat raining in on Texas Children's Hospital following a lawsuit from a family that says their 4-year-old received an "unintentional vasectomy" during a hernia surgery. Tune in to hear what other stories they touch on.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's blazing hot – with no relief in sight! As all-time temp records drop like flies, so does the morale of Houstonians sweltering in this unreasonable, unseasonable heat. So! What can we eat - or drink - to bring us back to life? Something sweet? Perhaps something cold? Or, maybe something nostalgic, to remind us of summers past? It's team chat Thursday! And with an extra Houstonian in the house (Roving producer Carlignon Jones!) we discuss all the wonderful refreshments that Houston has to offer its sun-scorched citizens this summer... Here's some of the wonderful things mentioned in the episode: Dina's nitrogen-infused ice cream cereal puffs at Dragon's Breath, in Cypress. The cheese Dina said goes great with watermelon! Wadi Zahle Nabulsi cheese. Lemon mint tea! You can find it at Sayad Grill, and also at La Pasha. Crawfish at BB's Tex-Orleans. Somisomi - the Korean soft-serve, green tea - go Here! A Dippin' Dots locator! Go here! Want more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Think social media sucks? Leave us a voicemail! Or text us! We're at +1 713-489-6972! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is upon us! So you know what that means: constantly swatting at mosquitos, declaring war on fire ants, and slamming doors to keep all the flies out. It's true: Bugs can be a nuisance! But, on today's episode, Scott Solomon - Biology professor at Rice University - attempts to convince lead producer Dina Kesbeh that we should embrace insects, because we really, really need them. Check out Scott's page at Rice, @ him on Twitter, he's super active and is constantly teaching what he loves, illuminating biological mysteries all around us: Scott Solomon. Can't identify an insect? Here's a helpful guide! Also, you can "Ask an entomologist" - Here! City Cast Newsletter is great - get in on all that chatter! It's here! We’re on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Think social media is for the birds? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what your neighborhood looked like before there were buildings on the land? What was Uptown like before freeways and the Galleria? What about the Astrodome area and Alief and West University? On today's episode, environmental expert, Jaime Gonzales may blow your mind. Houston before development was probably not what you imagined. If you're as curious as where, here's where you can download Google Earth to look into your own neighborhood's history! Wake up to a nice cup of coffee and our newsletter! Sorry, there's only one of those things we can provide to you every weekday, but I promise it's worth it! Subscribe here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The current proposal for the Ike Dike - a barrier to protect the Houston/Galveston area from hurricanes - is making its way through Congress. If passed, it would be the largest proposed piece of engineering in US history. However! Just because it's proposed, does that make it a good idea? Not entirely, says Bayou City Waterkeeper's legal director, Kristen Schlemmer. Kristen joins the show today and campaigns for Houstonians to be a partial answer to our storm-vulnerability problem, not a beefed-up set of Army Corps of Engineering plans. Here is the SSPEED Center map for vulnerable infrastructure that Kristen mentioned: SSPEED Map. If you would like to hear a case for the Ike Dike, we did a show on this very thing back in April... Check it out! It's called Ike Dike 101, featuring Evan Mintz... City Cast's newsletter - get in on all that chatter! It's here! We’re also on Twitter, so follow us at @CityCastHouston. Not on social media? Leave a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with thoughts/opinions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s News Roundup Friday! Lisa is joined by producer Ferrill Gibbs and the City Cast culture contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez. Some of today’s topics include: Texas’ war on trans people; the Uvalde shooting sparks a note of Texas partisanship; the new musical “Noir” opens at the Alley Theatre; a 42-year-old Houston cold case takes a wonderful turn, and a few moments of genuine Houston joy… join us! Here is a link to Noir, the new show at the Alley Theatre: Get show info Here! Also! Check out this link to The Book Cycle that Olivia mentioned -- take advantage! Remember when Ferrill talked about "Houston Gripes?" Well, Lisa Gray and Brooke Lewis periodically cover them in the City Cast Newsletter - you should get in on all that chatter! It's here! We’re on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? You can leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you like yours? Stuffed with cottage cheese? Maybe with meat and jalapeno? Or, perhaps you like an old-school flavor, like apricot, or with poppy seeds? Today, the City Cast crew breaks down kolaches in its Thursday's team chat – the food that burst on the scene generations ago and has shown no signs of slowing down...particularly in Texas. Some of the flavors we mentioned! Kolache Shoppe is where Lisa's favorite kolache is! Koffeteria - the "bougie" joint that Dina mentioned. The Kolache Factory has the barbecue brisket kolache that Dina loves. Kolache Rolfs are the frozen section Kolaches that Ferrill spoke about, that can be found at H-E-B... Also, don't forget about 7 Bright Donuts... We got our Insta up and running! You should tag us with all your Houston pics! Send 'em Here! For more Houston news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Want something a little more intimate than social media? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's summertime, you're walking around barefoot running through the grass and you get bit by a snake, what should you do? Today, Producer Ferrill Gibbs sits down with snakebite expert Dr. Spencer Greene. He's the director of the annual Houston Venom Conference and director of toxicology at HCA Kingwood. Dr. Greene dives into the fear we all have of snakes, but he also explains that fear is irrational, especially in Houston.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Part II of Keri Blakinger's story: a top-level ice skater who, after her skating career fell apart, fell apart herself. Keri ended up living on the streets shooting and selling heroin until 2010 when she was busted carrying Tupperware full of it. Now, after two and a half years in prison, she lives in Houston covering prisons herself as a top-level journalist for the Marshall Project. Tonight, Keri will be celebrating the release of her new book at Brazos Bookstore. The location: 2421 Bissonnet Street Street in Houston, a moderated conversation with Keri from 6:30 to 7:30. Her memoir Corrections In Ink can be found here: Corrections In Ink: A Memoir Also, you can purchase a copy to donate to a prisoner, if you like. Find that link Here! We've got our Insta up and running! You should tag us with your Houston pics! Send 'em Here! For more Houston news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Want something a little more intimate than social media? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 17, Keri Blakinger was a top-level ice skater. But after her skating career fell apart, so did she. She ended up living on the streets shooting and selling heroin. In 2010, she was busted carrying a Tupperware full of it. Now, after two and a half years in prison, she lives in Houston and covers prisons herself as a top-level journalist for the Marshall Project.

Her memoir Corrections In Ink will be released June 7th. You can find it here: Corrections In Ink: A Memoir Also, if you would like to purchase a copy to donate to a prisoner, you can find that link: Here! For more Houston news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey City Cast Houston listeners, today we have something different for you. For today’s show, we’ve teamed up with The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news org that covers politics and policy, to bring you the latest from their show, TribCast, a weekly podcast full of water-cooler talk on political news.

Click here to learn more about TribCast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're looking back at a weeks worth of news around Houston. Freelance producer AK Al Moumen joins Lead Producer Dina Kesbeh and Host Lisa Gray to discuss how Texas Governor Greg Abbott requested school officials to conduct safety inspections. Abbott said he wants a through study into what actions could be taken to prevent any future school shootings. COVID has been detected yet again in the city's wastewater, but it's not as bad as we think. And the trio talks about Squable, the European eatery with the small but dense, dinner portions. Read more on School Safety here. Follow up on COVID in our Poop here. You can learn more about Squable here.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday was the first day of hurricane season, and already "Alex" threatens to form from the remnants of Agatha. The good news? If Alex does form, it will surely steer clear of Houston (and Texas). But the even better news is, it will give Houstonians more time to prepare for what's sure to be a busy hurricane season. Join the City Cast Houston gang as they talk about their own hurricane experiences, and what items are essential in their own hurricane kits. Speaking of! Here are a few of their essential items that they discussed on the show: For the most basic, essential kit building, you should visit Build a Kit at Ready.gov. The Yeti Lithium 1000X Portable Power Station - it's actually $1,500 (and not $1000 as Ferrill suggested). But! It sure does look awesome for hurricanes...and any other kind of outage! "Tushy" Classic 3.0 - no electricity required! (It's "The Freshest Way To Clean Your Bum." ... in a hurricane.) 3 Gallon Stackable Water Bottle

Give us a call (or a text) at 713-489-6972 - what's your most essential hurricane item? Hit us up on Facebook while you're at it! You can find us Here! Subscribed to our daily newsletter? If not, here's where you can sign up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's officially hurricane season. We continue our weeklong hurricane coverage by breaking down what an actual hurricane is. To tell us more about the ins and outs of a hurricane, we invited none other than Meteorologist Eric Berger. He's one of the founders of Space City Weather, Houston's hype-free weather website.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomorrow is June 1st, which means it's hurricane season. So! We will be covering all things "hurricane" this week on City Cast Houston, starting with today's guest: KPRC Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley. Frank explains how hurricanes are not all born equal, and what you should watch for as news outlets cover tropical storms and hurricanes this season. You can find KPRC’s Flood Survival Guide at 7 p.m. tomorrow night on TV, and Click2Houston.com. Get even more Houston news and events by signing up for our daily newsletter. If you're not already following us on Twitter, you should! We're @CityCastHouston Have something Houston-y you need to get off your chest? Leave a voicemail or text us at 713-489-6972! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The weekend following the elementary-school shooting Uvalde, the NRA shamelessly holds its convention in Houston. Host Lisa Gray, City Cast contributor Shiyam Galyon and Evan Mintz, discuss Texas and guns: Why didn’t the city send the NRA packing? Was Beto right to make a scene? Could an upcoming Supreme Court decision mean that all the U.S. will soon be as wide-open to guns as Texas?

Want to join in on todays protest? Here is a link to all the times and locations where they will be held. Have thoughts about today’s episode? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 to let us know! Stay connected with us by following us on Twitter at @CityCastHouston Trying to find more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here

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Roller coasters? Funnel cakes? Ferris wheels? What exactly defines an amusement park, and do we have any now near Houston? The City Cast crew — host Lisa Gray, lead producer Dina Kesbeh and roving producer Carlignon Jones — discuss childhood memories and current thrills.

Follow us on Twitter at @CityCastHouston Not big on social media? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Looking for more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here

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Ancient people dealt with sea levels that changed even faster than they are now. What does geology and archeology tell us about what’s going on here now? Today, we talk with geologist Dan Worrall about what our coast looked like in the deep past — and what that history indicates about Galveston’s future. Check out Dan's book: A Prehistory of Houston and Southeast Texas: Landscape and Culture.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Magnolias are a symbol of the Old South — but they’re also so much more. Lisa Gray talks with City Cast environmental contributor Jaime González about the trees’ past and future in Houston, the Magnolia City.

Want to know more about magnolias? Here are a few resources:

Magnolias and Pollination

Magnolias, a symbol of the Old South, should we plant it? (One perspective)

About Southern Magnolias

Houston nicknames, including the 'Magnolia City'

Have an idea you want to share or thoughts? Give us a call/text at 713-489-6972

Stay connected with us on Twitter too! You can find us @CityCastHouston

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Chris Clarke explains high-level economics on a social platform more often used for dance trends. In 60 seconds or less, his 28,000 followers learn stuff like why Bitcoin isn’t real money, and why dollar stores are often located next to each other. Host Lisa Gray asks why he’s doing this — why talk about money if you’re not getting paid? — and gets Clarke to untangle, rapid-fire, some Houston economic puzzles.

Want to see what else Christopher can teach you? check out his TikTok page!

Give us a call/text at 713-489-6972 and let us know your thoughts!

Hit us up on Twitter while you're at it! You can find us @CityCastHouston

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Instead of bringing the news to life, in this bonus episode, we're leaning into the sleep-inducing qualities of the rules that shape our world. Next time you're looking for something to fall asleep to, listen to this episode, where Lisa reads Chapter 42, Article 4, of Houston's Municipal Code (but be sure not to listen while driving or operating heavy machinery!).

Music in this episode by Calm Shores, from the Epidemic Sound library. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of City Cast Houston’s Friday Round-Up: Texas Tribune’s Zach Despart joins Lisa and Ferrill to discuss the federal aid given to Texas for Hurricane Harvey relief, but withheld from Houston in its dispersing. Also, the team covers: the new variant threat; Wesley Hunt’s rise up the Republican ranks; more to discuss about Roe v. Wade and what its overturning could mean for Texans; and the shaky electric grid. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the Harvey aid, written by today's guest, Zack Despart: The Texas Tribune Breakdown. Also, the New York Times story on Wesley Hunt. Sign up for our morning newsletter here! We’re on Twitter! At @CityCastHouston - or, you can call us directly! Our number is 713-489-6972! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there one main Texas accent, or are there many? How differently do Texans speak from other Southerners? And what about Houston? Can you pick out a Houstonion by the words they use or the way they say them? Writer John Nova Lomax joins Lisa and Ferrill in today’s episode to talk all about Texas dialects and accents, from “y’all” and “howdy” to doodlebugs and feeder roads, and if Rice University and other schools have their own accents.

What's your take on Texas accents? Give us a call/text at 713-489-6972 and let us know your thoughts!

Hit us up on Twitter while you're at it! You can find us @CityCastHouston

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From time to time, the City of Houston's sewage overflows and spews poo and other undesirable waste into our city. To ensure we have an infrastructure capable of handling it, Kristen Schlemmer — legal director of Bayou City Waterkeeper — went to bat for Houston and raised $2 billion for infrastructure, as well as helped produce the "Poo Reports": data for Houstonians who want to keep track of the City of Houston's sewage performance. Today, Kristen talks with Lisa about what is being done to help fix the system, and what individual Houstonians can do. Here is an interactive map of sewage overflows - it was put together in conjunction with Rice. Keep an eye on your area from here!

Curious about Coco, the food delivery robot mentioned in the newscast? You can read the article "My quest to follow Coco" right here.

And that's not all! Get even more Houston news and happenings by signing up for our daily newsletter.

If you're not already following us on Twitter, you should! We're @CityCastHouston

Have something Houston-y that you need to get off your chest? Leave us a voicemail or text us at 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to get past the cliché. Who are the people that make Houston great? We put out the call last month for listeners to share their stories of individuals, communities, and institutions that make Houston special, and we heard from so many people! In this episode, we're sharing some of our favorite listener stories and shoutouts about everyone from the “Tan Man” Phil Brayton and muralist Anat Ronen to writer John Nova Lomax and artist/connector Sarah Gish, plus love for independent bookstores, the art car scene, and much, much more.

Who is your favorite Houstonian? Let us know on Twitter, or text/call us at 713-489-6972! We also have a daily newsletter that’s the talk of the town! Sign up for those morning emails on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LyondellBasell, in a recent announcement, said it would shutter its Houston refinery at the end of 2023 — a site that’s over 100 years old and can process up to 268,000 barrels of crude a day. According to company execs, it’s been increasingly difficult, what with rising costs and global volatility, for the refinery to stay profitable. Since the refinery is one of only ten in Houston, should we be concerned about its closing?

Loren Steffy, a longtime energy reporter, joins Ferrill Gibbs to break it all down.

If you'd like to check out Loren's new book, "The Big Empty," you can find out more on his website!

Here's the Texas Tribune article that ran late last week and mentioned the refinery as one of five in Texas that have emitted more benzene pollutants than the EPA allows.

Sign up for our daily newsletter here! Also, we're on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston Call or text us at 713-489-6972! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday — and the City Cast Houston gang rounds up the week! This week's coverage: the Roe V. Wade protest at Discovery Green; the skyrocketing price of goods around Houston; the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh; H-E-B opening a home goods line; Thai Gourmet shocking Houston by closing its doors; and a Sugarland resident hauling in an enormous alligator gar. Join lead producer Dina Kesbeh, producer Ferrill Gibbs, and guest Shiyam Galyon as they break it all down. We appreciate all our Houstonian friends! Thank you for listening to us this week — subscribe to our morning newsletter! We've got all you need to know right here! Also, we're on Twitter, follow us here! Call or text us at 713-489-6972 and let us know what you think is moving the meter in Houston! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s hot, y’all! With temperatures already in the 90s, we figured it wasn’t too early to talk about how to survive Houston’s crazy summer heat — and have fun in the process! Producers Dina and Ferrill are joined by City Cast contributor Antre'chelle Dorsey to share their advice on staying cool, and their suggestions for places to go in Houston this time of year, from beaches and parks to libraries and movie theaters.

Here are some of our faves: Free concerts at Discovery Green Indoor skydiving Miller Outdoor Theatre Houston Public Library Downtown Aquarium

Check out our daily newsletter for more on what's going on in Houston! You can sign up right here.

What's your favorite summer activity in Houston? Give us a call (or text us) at 713-489-6972!

We're also on Twitter, and love connecting with people there! You can find us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Cast lead producer Dina Kesbeh has been in the market for a house for a while now, in Houston. But every time she rushes over to see a new listing — particularly one near her family in Alief — another buyer swoops in and makes an offer before she can get there, often offering well over the asking price. It’s a hot, wonky market in Houston, and it’s a tough time to buy a new home. So, Dina has recruited Houston realtor Robert Searcy for the pod today, to pick his brain about good house-buying strategies, particularly in those areas around Houston where she can find a great deal on a house, in an area she loves.

We have more Houston news for you every weekday morning! Sign up for our newsletter right here.

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Houston is changing. It's getting hotter here, and summer lasts longer. We're getting bigger storms. Energy is way more expensive. And now, lots of Houstonians are thinking about ways to live here that won't wreck the planet for generations to come. So how do we DO that? Today, Dina talks with Rives Taylor, co-leader of Global Design Resilience for the architecture firm Gensler. He also teaches architecture at both Rice and the University of Houston. And as a long-time Houstonian, he's though a LOT about how to make our buildings better.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.7 million people live in Harris County, making it the third-most populous county in the country … and one run by powerful people with a multibillion dollar budget. But what does all that mean for the people who live here? Lisa talks with Texas Tribune reporter Zach Despart about everything — and everyone — Harris County, from County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Commissioners Court, to election issues, tensions with the state, and how things are different in the unincorporated parts of the county.

Want to know more about what's happening in Houston today? Subscribe to our morning newsletter here. We're also on Twitter, follow us here! What's your hot take on Harris County? Call or text us at 713-489-6972 and let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's news round-up, contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez joins producer Ferrill Gibbs and host Lisa Gray. They dive into Texas Southern University's uptick in applications and how that's likely attributed to none other than Megan Thee Stallion. The rise in housing costs is pushing local Houstonians out of the market, but who is to blame? And in light of the leaked draft majority opinion from the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, what can Texas expect to happen when Roe V. Wade is overturned? This and more news from around Houston!

Don't miss the scoop, subscribe to our morning newsletter here. We're also on Twitter, follow us here! If you ever want to tell us a secret about Houston, something no one knows, call or text us at 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably seen the meme: Texas cities as depicted by different versions of Matthew McConaughey. Dallas: the Tuxedoed McConaughey. San Antonio: the sexy, cowboy-hat wearing McConaughey. Austin: the weird, strung out, hippie-fied McConaughey — and Houston? Houston is the slick, confident, coat-and-tie wearing McConaughey driving a fine, Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. (Ok, alright. Some Houstonian probably made that meme.) The point is, every Texan believes their city to be the best Texas city, and their rival city to be the worst. So! Join the City Cast Houston team as they grade all the big Texas towns (which are all inferior to Houston!): From Austin, to Waco, to Lubbock, to Dallas, to San Antonio.... And! Be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter - you can find it here! It will make you a better Houstonian, no matter which Texas city you love to hate! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Finally, if you're ever feeling vocal, you should leave us a voicemail (or text!) It's +1 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most Houstonians know Crime Stoppers as that nonpartisan, nonprofit group who pays rewards for tips that help police solve crimes. Well, last month, the group found itself on the front page of the New York Times. The headline? "Crime-Fighting Group Takes Turn to the Right in Texas." Today, Lisa Gray speaks with one of the two reporters who wrote that story: Keri Blakinger, criminal-justice reporter for the Marshall Project. Two things about Keri! First, she recently started a Tik Tok page, and there she talks about criminal justice issues. You can find it... here! Also, Keri has a new memoir coming out called Corrections In Ink. (We are all excited about it!) If you would like, purchase a copy for donation to someone in prison. Go here: Corrections In Ink donation. We appreciate our audience! We want you to be super informed! So, make sure you visit our website and sign up for our newsletter, and also the pod. Go here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early 90's, Houston hip-hop artist DJ Screw developed a sound called "chopped and screwed." It drew from artists he'd appreciated from a decade earlier – like DJ Glove, Ice T's DJ whose appearance on the movie Breakin' inspired him. Screw was not drawn by the rappers in that movie, nor the breakdancers, but, rather, the turntables and what the spinning of albums at different speeds could do to a song. So, when the mid-90's hit, Screw did something incredible: he created quite possibly the most "Houston" sound ever. Today, Lisa Gray talks DJ Screw with Lance Scott Walker, whose book DJ Screw: A Life In Slow Revolution is set to drop on May 17th. Also, they are joined by Derrick D-Reck Dixon, owner of the entertainment company Wreck Shop Nation. If you would like to check out Lance Scott Walker's book, you can find it Here! Be sure to subscribe to our morning newsletter... here! We're also on Twitter, follow us here! And, you can always call (or text) our hotline! 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic forced many Houstonians to work from home, and it left vacant office buildings in the lurch. It's still anybody's guess as to what comes next in the progression of office work, but in Houston, the numbers have pointed to a gradual return to the office – 55% returning, actually, which is above the national average (compared to other major U.S. cities). Kristopher Larson, president and CEO of the downtown management district Central Houston, Inc., breaks it all down for Lisa, and conveys a new vision for the "playscape" that downtown Houston could be. Be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter - you can find it here! It's full of great perspectives on Houston, just like you heard today on the podcast. We’re also on Twitter! You can follow us at @CityCastHouston Finally, if you're feeling vocal, you could leave us a voicemail (or text!) Our line is +1 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and we're talking news. This week advocates for asylum seekers are calling for an investigation into Houston’s Asylum Office. Some of the reasons are over conducting fear interviews without the asylum seekers lawyers knowledge, and forcing asylum seekers to be interviewed in a language they don't know well. We also talk about an upcoming two year closure of a ramp in the most congested part of town and more news from around Houston. Here are the links to the Banh Mi mentioned in the episode: Hughie’s Oui Banh Mi Saigon Hustle Kim’s Pho & Grill Don'e miss the latest news, subscribe to our morning newsletter here. We're also Tweeting whatever thoughts come to mind, follow us @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People who are not Houstonians have no clue how full this city is of incredible sights to see, foods to taste, and cultures to experience. So! With so many choices, what's a great place you'd take an out-of-town guest if you had just one shot to show them the very best of Houston?Today, the City Cast Houston team offers up a variety of different spots, from Goode Company Barbecue to Kemah Boardwalk to Minute Maid Park – and that's just to name a few. Here's some others mentioned! The Natural Museum of Science Houston, Luce Coffee Roasters, The Boardwalk: Galveston's Historic Pleasure Pier, Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House, and Memorial Park. Never miss a beat! Subscribe to our morning newsletter, here! We're also on Twitter, so be sure and follow us, here! Also, call us and help us! We want to know what exactly it means when people say, "It's the people who make Houston great!" Who makes Houston great that you know of - Call 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weekend, hundreds of Houstonians will play along with the city nature challenge. They’ll take photos of the wild things around them, upload them using a free app and experts will help identify exactly what bird, bug or animal or plant that they are looking at. Today we talk with conservationists and nature writer, Suzanne Simpson, who is one of this year's organizers.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaby Diaz is a teacher at Bellaire High School who recently penned an op/ed for the Houston Chronicle called, "Texas Teachers Don't Need A Task Force. We Need a New Governor." For Diaz, the past two years have been the most challenging of her 16 year career, as she and her colleagues have had to reinvent education on the fly. Adding to the difficulties caused by COVID, she and her peers have also become targets for politicians trying to score points in the Texas political game. You can check out Gaby's op/ed in the Houston Chronicle here. Never miss a beat! Subscribe to our morning newsletter, here! We're also on Twitter, so be sure and follow us, here! Also, call us and help us! We want to know what exactly it means when people say, "It's the people who make Houston great!" Who makes Houston great that you know of - Call 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With hurricane season just over a month away - a season forecast to be 130% more active than last year - the debate resumes over the "Ike Dike," a barrier along Galveston Bay to minimize death and destruction in the event of a 100 year storm. Evan Mintz, City Cast politics and policy contributor, believes that the Ike Dike should be the #1 concern for every Texas politician. A severe impact in the Houston ship channel could create an economic crisis for the entire country, and could devastate Houston, causing Chernobyl-like death and destruction. Here's City Cast Houston's Website - sign up for the podcast and the newsletter to be a way better Houstonian. Also! We are working on an episode on Houston's better angels - do you know somebody who's done something wonderful for you? A Houstonian who's changed your life ... for the better? Call us and tell us the story! It's 713-489-6972. We’re also on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday! And on Fridays, Lisa Gray recaps the week in Houston news, like when Lizzo appeared on SNL. She dropped the name of a Houston street last weekend when she hosted and performed on Saturday Night Live. Also, Simone Biles dropped a new active wear line, and Texas teachers are leaving the trade in droves, overburdened and under-salaried and worn thin from Covid. Finally, the Steven Hotze drama led to a grand jury indictment this week. Our guest this week is film maker Rafa Farihah. Call us and help us! We want to know what exactly it means when people say, "It's the people who make Houston great!" Who makes Houston great that you know of - Call 713-489-6972. City Cast Houston's Website is the place to sign up for the podcast and the newsletter so you can be a way better Houstonian. We’re on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Thursday, and this week the team chats about the best coffee in Houston: from Minuti Coffee to Koffeteria to 85°C Bakery Café. (Not to mention the places with the best whole beans for sale.) Since Houston is a caffeine town with no shortage of places to sip and enjoy the show, host Lisa Gray, lead producer Dina Kesbeh, and producer Ferrill Gibbs kick around what makes a great Houston coffee spot a great Houston coffee spot… What spots did we miss? What's the absolute best coffee in Houston that we failed to mention? Call us... or text us! 713-489-6972. City Cast Houston's Website is the place to sign up for the podcast and the newsletter so you can be a way better Houstonian. We’re on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you ever wonder what Houston was like, before there were freeways and concrete? What was the land like before the Allen brothers founded this city? Before there was a Buffalo Speedway, did we have buffalo? Today we talk to City Cast contributor Jaime Gonzalez and Dan Worrall, author of A Prehistory of Houston and Southeast Texas: Landscape and Culture. We're talking about Houston... before it was Houston.

On Thursday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m. Dan will oversee three illustrated panels dedicated by the Harris County Historical Commission. They will be erected along Buffalo Bayou, and detail this history.

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Should you get solar panels? Wouldn’t Houston be the perfect place for them to soak up so much glorious sunshine and save you money while reducing strain on the power grid? City Cast Houston host Lisa Gray recently installed solar panels on her roof, and she's a big fan. Today, she speaks with Hanna Mitchell, the Texas program director for Solar United Neighbors which is a nonprofit group designed to educate Houstonians interested in solar. If you want to get more information about solar from Hanna Mitchell and her team, Go here! City Cast Houston's Website is the place to sign up for the podcast and the newsletter so you can be a way better Houstonian. Speaking of that, we are working on an episode about "Houston's Better Angels" - do you know somebody who's done something wonderful for you? A Houstonian who's changed your life for the better? Call us and tell us your story! It's 713-489-6972. We’re on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 29, to protest the latest wave of banned books, caravans from Houston and San Antonio will converge on Austin carrying books to launch underground libraries. The Librotraficantes, they call themselves: "Book smugglers." Tony Diaz, head of the organization, speaks with Lisa Gray on today's episode and swears that if "they ban our history, we're going to make more." Check out Tony's Website, and get all the information you need on the Librotraficantes! City Cast Houston's Website - sign up for the podcast and the newsletter to be a way better Houstonian. Also! We are working on an episode on Houston's Better Angels - do you know somebody who's done something wonderful for you? A Houstonian who's changed your life ... for the better? Call us and tell us the story! It's 713-489-6972. We’re also on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. If you would like to check out our sponsor, go hear How to Buy a Home with David Sidoni! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we look back at the week in news. Host Lisa Gray, Lead Producer Dina Kesbeh and La Opinion reporter Gustavo Rangel dive into the COVID-19 outbreak at Rice University that led to the administration reinstating a mask mandate for all students. They also talk about moments in Houston that brought them joy, and so much more. Never miss a beat, subscribe to our morning newsletter here. We're also on Twitter, so be sure to hit the follow button here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Galleria opened just before Thanksgiving in 1970, it changed how the country viewed shopping malls. It was massive, completely air conditioned, and away from downtown – it was designed to be its own destination spot. Now, over fifty years later, the Galleria isn't just existing, it might still be thriving. Today on City Cast Houston, the team chats about the Galleria and what it has meant to Houston throughout the years. Here's City Cast Houston's Website - sign up for the podcast and the newsletter to be a way better Houstonian. Also! We are working on an episode on Houston's better angels - do you know somebody who's done something wonderful for you? A Houstonian who's changed your life ... for the better? Call us and tell us the story! It's 713-489-6972. We’re also on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2018 Lina Hidalgo shocked pretty much everyone in the world by winning an upset election to become Harris County's county judge -- basically, the chief executive of a county with a population larger than Louisiana's. She was 27 years old then, an immigrant from Colombia who'd never held public office before. She ran promising to clean up the way that Harris County does business. But this week, a Harris County grand jury indicted three of Hidalgo's aides on charges related to an $11 million contract. So, what is going on?

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It was once the Barbara Jordan Post Office, but Houston’s new downtown spot POST Houston has become a galleria-type oasis, custom made for the modern Houstonian. Complete with a (don’t call it a food court!) “food hall,” its beautiful stairwells offer cavernous spaces for patrons to lounge on blue bean bag chairs while considering the “convivial expression of our capitalistic exuberance.” Houston Chronicle’s opinion editor Raj Mankad (who uttered the aforementioned description of Post) joins City Cast Contributor Allyn West to break down for host Lisa Gray whether POST Houston is worth the hype. Here's City Cast Houston's Website - sign up for the podcast and the newsletter to be a way better Houstonian. Also! We are working on an episode on Houston's better angels - do you know somebody who's done something wonderful for you? A Houstonian who's changed your life ... for the better? Call us and tell us the story! It's 713-489-6972. We’re also on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re approaching the peak of birds’ spring migration, which means that soon, thousands of birds will pass over your head each night. Scientists know remarkably little about how birds manage these epic journeys. On today’s podcast, Rice University professor Cin-Ty Lee joins City Cast contributor Scott Solomon to describe to Lisa Gray a fascinating project. In 2020, when the pandemic quieted the city, Lee set up a recorder on a Rice soccer field to catch the sound of birds as they flew overhead. He’s recorded eagles and peregrine falcons, and added roughly 30 species to the number of birds ever identified on the campus. Plus, he has a greater appreciation of just how thousands of birds migrate over us all here in Houston. Cin-Ty’s website includes his field notes, his paintings of birds, and a “Sounds of Nature” section. Scott Solomon will talk about how scientists at Rice University use the campus as a living lab to study biodiversity, April 20th. You can register here. City Cast Houston's Website is where you can sign up for the pod and the newsletter! It'll make you a way better Houstonian. We have a number - text us! Call us! It's 713-489-6972. We’re on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a Friday round up! On this week’s episode, we discuss the ongoing conflict between Kim Ogg and Lina Hidalgo. Also on the agenda: Dan Patrick’s Don’t Say Gay push, the tragic catalytic convertor thefts around town, and a successful study showing surprising, positive data that involves the Houston Police Department. This week’s contributor is Evan Mintz, who joins Lisa Gray and Ferrill Gibbs. Sign up for our newsletter! Lisa Gray crafts it each week day to spotlight everything that's important, cool and unique about this city we all love – you don't want to miss it! Our number is 713-489-6972. You can text or leave a voicemail. Let us know who's your vote for Houstonian of the Week! We’re also on Twitter - @CityCastHouston And Facebook! City Cast's Facebook Page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Art Car Weekend peaks Saturday when the 35th Annual Houston Art Car Parade rolls through downtown. The giant rolling chicken will be there — not to mention lowriders, slabs, the enormous roach, the car with a beaded foam Steve Ray Vaughan on top, and a new “Rising Strong” mechanical phoenix. Today, art-car artist Rebecca Lowe joins Lisa Gray to tell her all about it. Here’s a complete schedule of Art Car Weekend events! City Cast Houston's Website is where you can sign up for the pod and the newsletter! It'll make you a way better Houstonian. We have a number - text us! Call us! It's 713-489-6972. We’re on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boozy groups pedaling party bikes are a fixtures of Washington Ave. and Eado, but Trill on Wheels is different: It’s a Houston hip-hop themed pedal party through historic Third Ward. Its four wheels are bedecked with swangers. Megan Thee Stallion and DJ Screw blast from its speakers. And if the pedaling partygoers aren’t karaoke-rapping to classics from the city’s past, they might be smoking a hookah. Today, owner Johnathan Mark joins City Cast Houston cultural correspondent Antréchelle Dorsey and me to talk about Trill on Wheels.

Check out Trill On Wheels! Their website is here –– it's $35 a person, or $365 for your whole group. Sign up for the City Cast Houston newsletter! It's a great way to wake up to the news of the city every day. Our number is 713-489-6972. Text or leave a voicemail. We'd love to hear from you. We’re on Twitter - @CityCastHouston We're on Facebook! City Cast's Facebook Page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lawsuit forced Harris County to release most people accused of misdemeanors while they await trial, rather than keep them in jail. Two years later, that’s working great, says City Cast Houston contributor Evan Mintz (who’s also Arnold Ventures’ communications manager for criminal justice issues). It’s the rare change supported by Crime Stoppers, the county sheriff and the ACLU. And it’s ridiculous to blame it for the rise in violent crime. Sign up for our newsletter! Lisa Gray crafts it each week day spotlighting everything that's important, cool and unique about this city we all love – you won't want to miss it! Our number is 713-489-6972. Text or leave a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show. We’re also on Twitter - @CityCastHouston And on Facebook! City Cast's Facebook Page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Trump with Ted Cruz or against him these days? Is Tucker Carlson an ally or an enemy now? And one more time: What did Houston’s hometown senator really think of January 6? Keeping track of Cruz is harder than remembering Marvel Cinematic Universe lore — but Ben Wermund, the Houston Chronicle’s Washington correspondent, walks us through his twists and turns. Sign up for the City Cast Houston newsletter! It's a great way to wake up to the news of the city every day. Our number is 713-489-6972. Text or leave a voicemail. We'd love to hear from you. We’re on Twitter - @CityCastHouston We're on Facebook! City Cast's Facebook Page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of City Cast Houston, it’s a Friday news round up! Todays topics include whether there’s much of a case to be made against aides of Lina Hidalgo for illegally steering a contract (Texas Monthly says it’s pretty flimsy), and if there’s a case to be made against the Museum of Fine Arts Houston for a piece that once was sold to a Nazi art collector. Also, with booster shots now available for Houstonians over 50 this week, will there be citywide motivation to get them with COVID numbers so low? Sign up for our newsletter! Lisa Gray crafts it each week day to spotlight everything that's important, cool and unique about this city we all love – you don't want to miss it! Our number is 713-489-6972. You can text or leave a voicemail. Let us know who's your vote for Houstonian of the Week! We’re also on Twitter - @CityCastHouston And Facebook! City Cast's Facebook Page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ramadan begins this weekend in Houston, and it means a time of fasting, prayer and self-reflection for Houston's Muslim Community. When it concludes 29 days later, it will bring about a time of celebration, friends, family and the great tradition of food and community. In this episode, Dina Kesbeh, City Cast Houston's lead producer, is among the devout who will observe Ramadan this month. She shares her fond Houston memories of the observance with host Lisa Gray and producer Ferrill Gibbs, and illustrates just how accommodating Houston's Muslim Community is to its faithful. Check out Cedar's Bakery, that Dina and Lisa talked about: it sounds delicious. Here's City Cast Houston's Website - sign up for the podcast and the newsletter and be a way better Houstonian. Also! Call us, or text us! It's 713-489-6972. We’re also on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We think of Houston as a city of skyscrapers, sprawl and freeways — but it's also a surprisingly natural place. Today we’re talking with City Cast Houston's environmental contributor, Jaime Gonzales about Houston's designation as a "hotspot city" for biodiversity. Here's where to find the iNaturalist app. Here's where to find the SEEK app. Have a thought or an idea you'd like to share with us? Call and leave us a voicemail or text us at 713-489-6972. We love hearing from y'all! We're also Tweeting our thoughts and secrets, you'll have to follow us to spot some juicy Tweets though, @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recreational weed has been available in Illinois since 2020. Meanwhile, in Texas, Beto O'Rourke will be stomping for weed legalization while he makes his case for Governor. On the other side of the aisle, the Republican contingent is still resistant to the idea, even though there's evidence that they, too, might be softening. City Cast Houston’s Lisa Gray and City Cast Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran talk about the status of legal weed in both states, as Jacoby offers his tips on what Texas should watch out for as it inches toward legalization. It’s a crossover episode! Make sure you check out City Cast Chicago – Jacoby has some roots in Houston! You can find him here: City Cast Chicago's Podcast and Newsletter. While you're at it ... visit ours too! City Cast Houston's Website - and sign up for the pod and the newsletter! It'll make you a way better Houstonian. Finally! We have a number - text us! Call us! It's 713-489-6972. We’re also on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should Houston do? The sanctions against Russia sent the world scrambling to make up for hundreds of thousands of lost barrels, which could force Houston's energy sector to consider the pursuit of even more oil and gas development – at least in the short run. Business writer Loren Steffy stops by the show to give his thoughts on why Houston should develop more fossil fuels in the here-and-now, while continuing to be a "city of big ideas" in the pursuit of green energy. Sign up for our newsletter! Lisa Gray crafts it each week day to spotlight everything that's important, cool and unique about this city we all love – you don't want to miss it! Our number is 713-489-6972. You can text or leave a voicemail. Let us know who's your vote for Houstonian of the Week! We’re also on Twitter - @CityCastHouston And Facebook! City Cast's Facebook Page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First-time guest and journalist Claudia Kolker joins City Cast Host Lisa Gray and Lead Producer Dina Kesbeh to talk about the news of the week, from Russia’s uncertain future with the International Space Station to the refugee crisis and the Texas wildfires. We also had to mention some Houstonians doing cool things right now, like Douglas Mills, who wowed the judges with his audition on American Idol this week, and Brené Brown, whose HBO Max show based on her latest book, “Atlas of the Heart,” will be streaming March 31. Find out more about Tasos Katsaounis and Bread Man Baking Company on their website.

And here’s the DL on entrepreneur Krish Himmatramka from “Shark Tank.”

Sign up for our newsletter to start your day off right — it pairs beautifully with the podcast and a cup of coffee, or so we hear. Call or text us and let us know who your Houstonian of the Week is! Our number is 713-489-6972. We’re also on Twitter! Check us out: @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years after the start of the pandemic, Hermann Park is coming back to life, and Houstonians are there for it! Today, City Cast Houston Host Lisa Gray and Producers Dina Kesbeh and Ferrill Gibbs chat about Hermann Park's latest projects and events, what this 108-year-old urban park means to Houston, and some of their favorite spots. And then, of course, there’s the perennial struggle to find parking...

Find out more about the Kite Festival this Sunday, and see what else is coming up at Hermann Park.

What’s your favorite spot at the park? Let us know on Twitter: @CityCastHouston

Or, feel free to reach out the old-fashioned way, by leaving us a voicemail or shooting a text to 713-489-6972.

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Let’s just say it: Houston’s art scene is way whiter and more Anglo than the rest of the city. But there’s a proposal that is gaining traction — and money — to build a major Latino arts center. It’d be on par with the Museum District’s Asia Society, or with Latino centers in cities such as Dallas, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles. City Cast’s Cultural Correspondent Olivia Flores Alvarez couldn’t be more excited. Today, Lisa Gray is talking with Olivia and artist Geraldina Wise, the board chair of Advocates for a Latino Museum of Visual and Cultural Arts and Archives for Houston and Harris County — “ALMAAHH,” for short — about what this center would bring to the city.

Want the latest scoop on Htown? Subscribe to our morning newsletter here. Follow us on Twitter, our handle is @citycasthouston Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at 713-489-6972 with your thoughts. You can also email us at houston@citycast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston's Dr. Peter Hotez is having an extremely busy year. In February, he was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and last week, his vaccine, Corbevax, began to enter the arms of 300,000 children across India. Now, as he turns his attention to the new subvariant Omicron BA.2, does he expect it to spread dramatically in Houston? And, if so, does he believe it will be mild or severe? What about Houston's shot at a life completely free of COVID? In today's episode, Dr. Hotez sits down with City Cast Houston host Lisa Gray to answer these and other questions. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. Lisa Gray assembles it daily with her brand of tender love and care. Also! Check us out on Facebook - it's here! We're also on Twitter, so follow us at @CityCastHouston. We also love hearing your voice. Got a message you'd like to send our way? Call us at 713-489-6972 and give us an earful! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a two-year hiatus, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo came back in full force at the end of February, and just ended its run yesterday. It was a milestone year for RodeoHouston, already the biggest rodeo and livestock exhibition in the world, as they celebrated their 90th anniversary. But does the rodeo really reflect Houston's roots?

In 1932, the Houston Rodeo (known then as The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition), was born. Ever since then, it has styled itself in the Old West tradition: Jeans, boots, spurs – all of it a tip of the ol’ cowboy hat to a history that never was. Today, Pulitzer finalist and City Cast Houston Contributor Evan Mintz sits with Producers Ferrill Gibbs and Dina Kesbeh to retrace the history of the rodeo and Houston's origins as a port city, revealing what parts of the rodeo's current incarnation are plainly manufactured, and why.

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Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at 713-489-6972, and tell us what you thought of the Houston Rodeo this year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we'll dive into the most important stories of the week and the ones that weren't in the headlines enough. Contributor Shiyam Galyon joins City Cast Houston producers Dina Kesbeh and Ferrill Gibbs. Together they discuss the thieves that got away with over a thousand gallons of diesel, a young Ukrainian trying to get his family to safety, and a high schooler who is fighting a book ban by giving away books.

Want all the Houston gossip straight to your inbox? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We're building up our Twitter game, so follow us at @CityCastHouston. Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at 713-489-6972 with the stories you'd like to share.

If you'd like to learn more about how to help Dmytrii Dolhov bring his family to Houston from Ukraine, visit his GoFundMe page here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blue Bell lovers, today's sweet treat is for you! Blue Bell just dropped a new flavor called Peachy Peach, and people are stoked! But is Blue Bell really all that? Just how special is it? Today, we got Roving Producer and Denverite Lizzie Goldsmith to try Blue Bell and give us her hot take. She joins producers Dina Kesbeh and Ferrill Gibbs for a chat about why everyone loves this creamery.

And on a less-pleasant note, for tips on how to avoid getting Listeriosis, check out these recommendations from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention.html

Want to tell us what your favorite Blue Bell ice cream flavor is? Text us or call us and leave a voicemail at 713-489-6972. Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They say you can find anything on Harwin Drive: Clothing, party supplies, jewelry, furniture, and the list goes on and on. This bargain shopping strip near near Hillcroft Street in Southwest Houston has been called “Houston’s best-kept secret,” and today we’re cracking it open with long-time shop owner Sam Kesbeh, who happens to be City Cast Houston producer Dina Kesbeh’s dad. He’s owned American Eagle Trading, Inc., since 1987, where he primarily sells flags. Dina and her dad talk about Harwin’s past, present, and future; how his business has changed over the years; and how current events impact his inventory. Get more Houston intel in our daily newsletter! Sign up here and we’ll be in your inbox every weekday morning with more of the content you love. Join the conversation on Twitter! You can follow us at @CityCastHouston Give us a call or text us at 713-489-6972 with your thoughts and Houston hot takes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would Houstonians ever eat insects, not just as a fear factor kind of dare, but because they are delicious? Chef Hugo Ortega, best known for Hugo's and Xochi, and Dr. Scott Solomon, entomologist at Rice University and City Cast Houston contributor, join us today to tell us the benefits of eating bugs. Today's episode will either leave you salivating for a cricket, or make you run for the hills.

Do you want the juiciest Houston news delivered straight to your inbox? Then subscribe to our morning newsletter here. We're also on Twitter, only tweeting when we're fully caffeinated. Follow us @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston hustle is real, and knows no bounds as far as age is concerned. At least, that’s been 17-year-old Aaliyah Arnold’s experience. She started BossUpCosmetics at age 14, and, thanks to a TikTok video featuring her grandpa, the business went viral last year. City Cast host Lisa Gray and producer Dina Kesbeh go behind-the-scenes with Aaliyah to talk about the company’s origin story, how it’s truly become a family operation, and what’s it like juggling high school and her business at the same time.

Find out more about Aaliyah and BossUpCosmetics on their website.

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On Fridays, we discuss the most important stories of the week (and the most under-reported ones, too). Today, author and City Cast Houston business contributor Loren Steffy joins Lisa Gray to cover the incredible rise in oil prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Also: The transgender fight simmers in Texas this week, becoming useful as a hot-button issue to opportunistic politicos. Finally, the fate of WNBA star Brittney Griner remains unclear as she's held in Russia on charges of hashish possession. Visit our Website! There you can subscribe to the newsletter... and you can subscribe to the Pod! (You will become an even more of knowledgeable Houstonian than you already are!) Also, if you feel conversational about any of the topics covered today, please call our hotline! Give us a piece of your mind! It's (713) 489-6972. We're on Twitter, too - follow us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houstonians are passionate about their doughnuts: Is it light and crispy? Is it too heavy? Is it just a chunk of wet fried dough? Or maybe it’s too sweet, too lurid, or gives you thoughts of the “diabeetus” guy? At any rate, the Canadian fast food chain Tim Hortons has dared set up shop here, which prompts a City Cast team discussion of what’s good in the Houston doughnut world: Krispy Kreme vs. Shipley’s, or maybe all the great boutique shops like Voodoo Doughnut. So... will the newcomer with the Justin Bieber tie-in (a.k.a. the "Timbiebs Doughnut") even stand a chance in Houston? Visit our Website! You can sign up for the newsletter there, and subscribe to the podcast. (We promise, it will make you a much better Houstonian!) Also, join us on twitter! We are gaining steam every day... Finally, if you would like to speak to us using your human voice, call us on the City Cast Houston Hotline! It's 713-489-6972 - leave us a message! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This months Harris County primary elections were a wreck, a total disaster. And now, Harris County's Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria has submit her resignation, which will take effect July 1. Today City Cast contributor Evan Mintz joins us to talk about what went wrong – and how, with democracy in the balance, we can fix it.

Want the latest Houston news straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter here. We're on Twitter, follow us here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The proposed megaproject to widen I-45 has been controversial for loads of reasons – including that it would displace many people of color, and destroy historic buildings in Independence Heights. But according to Tanya Debose, a fifth-generational Independence Heights resident – as well as founder of Preserving Communities of Color – TXDOT has listened to the concerns. Sealed into the environmental impact study are now every concession requested of it to that benefits the community. Today, Tanya breaks it down for Lisa, as they are joined by Amal Ahmed, a journalist who's written about the freeway project and who will soon lead a tour focused on its impacts. For more information about Preserving Communities of Color, visit Tanya Debose at History Is Not The Past. Also, make sure you follow us on Twitter! Visit the City Cast Houston Website and follow the Pod – get the Newsletter – the sum total of all of it will fill your mind with so much useful Houston knowledge you won't know what to do with yourself. Finally! Call our City Cast Houston Hotline and tell us all your Houston-y thoughts: It's 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston has begun to rethink many of its streets. It's making them friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists and other people not encased in their cars – but not everybody loves that. Today, Joe Cutrufo, Director of Bike Houston, and City Cast Houston contributor Allyn West, who is car-less, discuss the improvements that Houston has made to some roads, with resistance from others around the city who've muddied the waters. Check out Bike Houston and see what Joe has been up to: Bike Houston's Site Also, make sure to sign up for our newsletter, and while you're at it, subscribe to the podcast! City Cast Houston's Webpage City Cast Houston's phone number is 713-489-6972 - Call us! Leave us a voicemail! We might just feature you on the show... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey City Cast Houston listeners, today we have something different for you. On March first, Texas voters schlepped to their neighborhood polling locations to cast their ballots in our state’s primary election. For today’s City Cast, we’ve teamed up with The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news org that covers politics and policy, to bring you the latest from their show, TribCast, a weekly podcast full of water-cooler talk on political news. In this special LIVE edition of TribCast, recorded March second, you’ll hear Trib reporters and editors talking through the primary election’s winners, losers and in-betweeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday! And on Fridays, we talk about all the latest news! Raj Mankad, the op-ed for the Houston Chronicle, and City Cast Houston culture contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez join us this week to kick around the week's biggest and most interesting news.

Have you checked our our morning newsletter yet? What are you waiting for! Sign up here. If you ever want to reach us about a topic we should cover or a sweet compliment you've got for us, call or text us at 713-489-6972 You'll also find us on Twitter connecting with other cool Houstonians, follow us @CityCastHouston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As America tuned in to one of the most momentous State of the Union Addresses in modern time – one that featured a “masks optional” crowd in the House Chamber – the president’s message was clear: Go back to work, open up the schools, and “Fill our downtowns again.” That is exactly what Lisa Gray did: She drove to Discovery Green to experience her first full-fledged dinner out at a restaurant in a very long time – a restaurant jam-packed with jolly, rowdy Houstonians. Although the experts say the pandemic remains unpredictable and that a new variant could arise anytime, for one mild Tuesday night in March, Lisa and her fellow Houstonians thoroughly enjoyed what was, at worst, a comforting trough between waves. Today, she and lead producer Dina Kesbeh along with producer Ferrill Gibbs discuss how they feel about being faced with the prospect of trying to enjoy life in Houston like it’s 2019. If you like our show, and we sure hope you do... subscribe to it today! City Cast Houston's Website Also, if you would like to comment about anything you heard in the show, call our hotline – leave us a voicemail! 713-489-6972. Finally, Tweet @ Us! City Cast Houston's Twitter... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An hour north of downtown Houston, on I-45, is Huntsville. The home base of Texas' enormous prison system. Keri Blakinger, a corrections reporter for the Marshall Project, recently published a story called "The Rise and Fall of a Prison Town Queen." In it, she tells the story of Melinda Brewer. Along the way, she captures Huntsville and the lives of the people who work in the prison system in a way that is pretty uncommon.

You can grab a bowl of popcorn and read Keri's story here.

Get the latest tea on Houston straight to your inbox by subscribing to our morning newsletter here. We're also on Twitter, follow us here. If you ever want to tell us something, be it a secret or just a tip text or call us at 713-489-6972 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The day Bravo’s Top Chef asked Evelyn Garcia – the chef behind Kin HTX – to appear on its 19th season, she had to think long and hard about it. Yes, it was a chance to compete for $250,000, and yes, it was great publicity. But was she ready? Evelyn had already turned down Top Chef in 2014 when she felt too young and inexperienced to compete. But this time, she considered all she’s learned in the past several years working in New York and Southeast Asia, experiencing so many different kitchens and preparing so many different kinds of foods. Now feels ready – and the best part? She’s steeped in the rich Houston food scene ... the site of this year’s Top Chef competition. This season's first episode of Bravo's Top Chef airs at 7 p.m. Thursday. There'll be Top Chef-watching parties at Axelrad and St. Arnold's Brewery, and on Friday evening, there's an After-Party and Pop-Up Market at Stomping Grounds. As you cheer Evelyn on, make sure to subscribe to our podcast - and sign up for Lisa's awesome newsletter! Go here! Check us out on Twitter, too. City Cast Houston Tweets! Also, visit the City Cast Houston website! And our voice line is 713-489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few weeks ago, a glowing op-ed appeared in the LA Times: “What Can Houston Teach Los Angeles About Solving Homelessness?” This article referenced the way Houston has more-than-halved its homeless population in the past decade and hailed it as a national model. Now, as Houston seeks to eradicate homelessness entirely, The Beacon – a nonprofit organization serving the Houston homeless community – has transformed into a gathering spot for those in need. Because the homeless often wait outside the building during off hours and sleep on the sidewalks, huddling close to their belongings, a tension has sparked amongst residents from the neighborhood and the homeless who suddenly feel harassed. The police are now involved, and they've intensified their presence recently, and now, they're writing citations – even making arrests whenever they see fit. Rebecca Schuetz – Houston Chronicle writer covering homelessness – speaks with Lisa about the status of the homeless population filling that curbside, and what hopes they may have through Houston’s heralded housing program to finally make it off the streets and into a real home. You can read Rebecca's piece on The Beacon here: Frustration Mounts Over Houston Rules on Sitting ...and the op-ed that appeared in the LA Times that praised Houston's efforts: What Could Houston Teach Los Angeles About Curbing Homelessness? Finally, make sure to join our newsletter, here! Got something you want to tell us? Don't feel like typing?? Call our City Cast Houston hotline: 713-489-6972 and leave us a message ;) And here's our Website! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been an eventful week – and not just here in Houston. Our planet felt the tremors of war on Thursday morning and with it, the instant demand for energy as rifts snaked throughout the world. As always, with its vast resources and technologies, Houston remains as internationally relevant as ever. Each Friday, City Cast Houston asks its correspondents to break down the most important Houston stories of the week, and the most underreported ones. Of course, today, the primary focus is on Russia and Ukraine - not just concerning energy, but the refugees-to-be who will surely need asylum here in Houston. Join Lisa Gray, Evan Mintz, and Shiyam Galyon as they discuss how this new war could be felt here in Houston.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter - you can find new episodes linked there daily! City Cast Houston's Twitter And also, get subscribed to the City Cast Houston newsletter. It is meaty, relevant, and stuffed with all kinds of Houston-centric goodness that you are gonna love to know ... find it Here!

You can also leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts and emojis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm sure you had a lot of epiphanies during the pandemic. That was definitely the case for Ivy Walls, who while working as an infection preventionist learned just how much of a food desert her neighborhood Sunnyside really is. So she did something about it by starting Ivy Leaf Farms. She talks to us about her five-acre farm and how a new grocery store is only the beginning.

Check out what new things Ivy Leaf Farms is planning by visiting their website here.

Love learning about cool Houstonians doing cool things? Then sign up for our newsletter. Want to follow some cool Houstonians on Twitter? Then make sure to follow @CityCastHouston. We're cool Houstonians, right? Not on social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Houston neighborhoods seem to flood every time it rains. So why do people keep rebuilding there? After Hurricane Harvey, sociologist Rachel Kimbro, dean of Rice's school of social science, interviewed 36 women in one of Houston's frequent-flooding neighborhoods. Today she joins host Lisa Gray to talk about her book, In Too Deep, and how it gets into the ways of how families and neighborhoods work.

We drop all our gossip lines in our newsletter, so you'll have to subscribe here to get it straight to your inbox! Catch us on Twitter too, click here to follow us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You would not believe why fire ants, who only recently arrived in Houston (probably in the 1930’s when stowaways docked at the bay of Mobile, Alabama) have successfully marched across four states to Texas with little or no resistance: Because they have been conditioned to work together and to never attack neighboring colonies. Which is smart! Because in their world, not only must they dodge pesticides and other animals (and even the occasional stomp of an angry Houstonian’s shoe), but also, a predator so bizarre it consumes them from the inside out until their heads fall off... Today, Rice Entomologist Scott Solomon shares everything he knows about this pervasive creature, and how Houstonians could learn a lesson or two from this famous insect we love to hate. Follow City Cast Houston on twitter! Also, sign up for Lisa Gray's killer newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The day Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale donned a costume mattress and shouted “Gallery Saves You Money!” he became a Houston icon. From his wild wagers on the Super Bowl to his foray into politics - and to the touching moments in the wake of disasters when he opened his doors to help helpless Houstonians - love him or hate him, Jim McIngvale is as Houston as it gets. Today, City Cast Houston's Dina Kesbeh, Ferrill Gibbs and Lisa Gray bat around the topic of Mattress Mack as a Houston icon. Make sure to follow us on Twitter: City Cast Houston's Twitter And make sure to check out our web page where you can sign up for the newsletter - and of course subscribe to the pod! Go Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston growing seasons are not so very Texan. Our climate is humid subtropical – it has extremely mild winters – and it means that gardening possibilities are endless, especially when tomato-growing season rolls around. Today, City Cast correspondent Evan Mintz argues that gardening is the greatest escape from our world's constant dissonance, and joining him is author Pilar Hernandez, who’s been teaching Houstonians for years how to tend their gardens for food, engagement and fun. If you would like to learn more about Pilar Hernandez, she has a wonderful website and a page dedicated solely to Houston gardening: Pilar's Website! She also has a book called The Chilean Kitchen, and you can find it on Amazon here! Finally, make sure to follow us on Twitter, and be sure to sign up for the Houston City Cast newsletter, too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For half a century, Rothko Chapel has been the stillest place in Houston. We’re a city where too much is never enough, where the hustle never stops. But Rothko Chapel is minimal. And meditative. This week, the chapel finishes its year-long celebration of its 50th birthday with new music by composer Tyshawn Sorey. Today, we talk about all of that with City Cast culture correspondent Chris Gray; and Sara Rothenberg, director of Da Camera, Houston, which co-commissioned the piece.

Get the scoop straight to your inbox when you sign up for our morning newsletter, subscribe here! We're on Twitter, follow us here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smack at the center of Rice's main quad is a bronze statue of Rice's slave-holding founder, William Marsh Rice. For nearly a year students held daily "Down With Willy" sit-ins, demanding the statue's removal. City Cast correspondent and 2020 Rice graduate Rachel Carlton tells City Cast Houston’s host Lisa Gray (also a Rice alum!) all about the protests, and also, the university's effort to make things right. Follow City Cast Houston on Twitter! Also, Follow Lisa Gray on Facebook - and contribute! (She calls for user comments regularly, and sometimes, we even feature your voices! Follow her here.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we opened up the phone lines for caller submissions, Houstonians regaled us with inspiring stories from the 610 Loop. Today, just in time for Valentine’s, we were equally inspired by Houstonians’ tales of love. Listen to real love stories - some sweet, some naughty, and others that’ll bring a lump to your throat - as told by the greatest audience we know, the City Cast Houston fans! We hope you have a great Valentines Day. That said! Follow us on Twitter! Follow us on Facebook! Aaaaand SUBSCRIBE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 1982, Buc-ee's has been THE road-trip stop favorite among many Texans. Their reign over being the top gas station has stretched across many state lines, and now they're headed to Colorado. Peyton Garcia, City Cast Denver newsletter writer was filled with questions about what a Buc-ee's even is and if it's something Denver should get excited about. Today, the City Cast Houston team steps in to help a Denverite understand what getting a Buc-ee's in there state means for their road trip adventures.

Are you worried about missing all the latest discussions happening in Houston? Well, one solution to that is to subscribe to our morning newsletter! We're also trying to up our Twitter game, follow us here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When host Lisa Gray walked her dog on Monday, she saw a gnarly dark plume billowing over Southeast Houston. Turns out, that cloud was a “flare event” - spewing chemicals into the air the volume of nine Metro buses. To help her better understand what unseen elements can sometimes confront Houstonians on their dog walks, Jennifer Hadayia, of the Air Alliance Houston, and Luke Metzger, of Environment Texas, stop by to break it all down. If you would like to know more about Jennifer and Luke's organizations, you can check out the links below: Air Alliance Houston Environment Texas Also, make sure to check out Lisa's Facebook page (she's constantly getting things stirred up in Houston): Follow Lisa On Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what your neighborhood looked like before there were buildings on the land? What was uptown like before freeways and the Galleria? What about the Astrodome area and Alief and West University? On today's episode, environmental expert, Jaime Gonzales may blow your mind. Houston before development was probably not what you imagined. If you're as curious as where, here's where you can download Google Earth to look into your own neighborhood's history! Wake up to a nice cup of coffee and our newsletter! Sorry, there's only one of those things we can provide to you every weekday, but I promise it's worth it! Subscribe here We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once upon a time, Robert Thomas was a nightclub owner: District 1960 in Northwest Houston. (Acts such as Megan Thee Stallion and Moneybagg Yo performed there.) But, when the pandemic struck and the crowds thinned out, he was forced to shut down and rethink his purpose. Mulling his new status of “non-essential,” he experienced a lightbulb moment: Could he bring black vendors together and promote products made with love at a new grocery store called District Market Green Grocer? Find the charming Robert Thomas on Instagram here! Robert Thomas' Instagram ... and be on the lookout for all the brands he mentioned in the show! Also, we would love to see you on Twitter! Follow us here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to The Marshall Project’s Keri Blakinger, Texas youth prisons are a complete and total mess. They’re places of tortuous violence, horrifying prisoner confrontations, and interminable stints of solitary confinement. More than anything, she argues, it's how these institutions have failed to set up youths for future success, and in some cases, have even become an express route for kids straight to death row. For more on this story, make sure to read Keri Blakinger's recent piece at the Marshall Project here. Also, check out her story that Lisa referenced in this episode (from 2019): The Place is a Jungle Finally, make sure to subscribe to our show, and also, to the newsletter, here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s crawfish season! (You heard that right … even in early February!) Although 90% of the country’s crawfish come from across the Louisiana State line, they are still very much a Houston flavor. One of the most sought-after dishes around here is the Viet-Cajun crawfish, like the ones you can find at Crawfish and Noodles. On today’s show, enjoy a crawfish-centered discussion by the City Cast Houston team as they break down: What are crawfish? Are they healthy? And what’s the best way to eat them? We promise to make you leave hungry.

For Valentine's Day, we're looking for very Houston love stories. Did you meet when she rear-ended your car on Richmond? On your first date, did he drive you around Fifth Ward in a slab? Do you still have your Chavez High prom photo? Tell us about it! Email us: houston@citycast.fm. Or call our voicemail: 713-489-6972. Tell us who you are, then tell us your story!

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The River Oaks Theatre - Houston’s oldest and most beloved spot to catch a flick - has been shuttered since March 2021. Ever since, its fate has been up in the air… until now! Maureen McNamara, one of the founders of Friends of River Oaks Theatre; and David Bush, director of Preservation Houston, stop by to deliver some heartwarming news about the historic movie theater. Find out more about Friends of River Oaks Theatre here! Also! We'd love to see y'all on Twitter! Make sure you follow along for all the latest, coolest Houston news here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exxon Mobil announced this week that it's moving its headquarters to the Houston area -- which will make it the biggest Fortune 500 company located here. Why are Exxon's top executives leaving Irving, Texas? And what does it mean about the long-term prospects of Houston's oil companies? Today we dive into the reasons behind this move with contributor Loren Steffy.

Get all your Houston dirt right to your inbox, subscribe to our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Primary season is here! In these parts, we have roughly 90 races to vote on, which is a lot of platforms, issues, and campaign promises to keep up with! So, to help you navigate the Texas political murk, City Cast Houston contributor Evan Mintz offers ways to get a bead on the candidates so that you can vote smart all the way down the ballot. Make sure to follow along with Lisa Gray's weekday newsletter, because as she mentioned, she will be scrutinizing the process and hearing from folks like Evan as the elections draw near. You can get all that info by signing up for our newsletter here. Also, check out these helpful links: Vote 411: A League of Women Voters' website. Type in your address, and it'll tell you how to register to vote, help you verify your registration, and tell you where to find out what's on your ballot. Off the Kuff: Houston's best political blog, with in-depth candidate interviews by Charles Kuffner. Erik Alan Manning's spreadsheet: Political junkie Erik Alan Manning maintains a spreadsheet that shows every candidate in the Harris County's Democratic primaries, and lists useful information such as who's endorsed them and how much money they've raised. You can also share with us your thoughts about this year's primary season by tweeting us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Loop 610 is the city’s Mother Loop, its inner ring - the circle that defines Houston. (Either you’re in, or you’re out!) Today, City Cast listeners share their own stories from the loop: Funny, alarming, thoughtful, and sometimes, more poignant than you ever thought stories about a freeway could be. You got a good Houston love story? Valentine's Day is coming… call our City Cast answering machine and make us swoon! Make sure to tell us your name! Dial (713) 489-6972. Finally, if you're up for a juicy discussion that is Houston-centric (where today's listener comments first originated), then you should follow Lisa Gray on Facebook. She's got it cooking over there... Follow her here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whataburger is a Texas favorite but the invasion of the shiny West-Coast chain In-n-Out has sparked a debate: is In-n-Out better than Whataburger? Are both their burgers totally different or comparable. Today the team tackles a brewing debate on which burger is better and if either of them is worth a bite!

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chester Chambers, the bright-eyed owner of the Bloom Foods food truck, also holds a degree in chemical engineering from MIT. But, down here in Houston, he focuses on the perfect chemistry his plant-based burger possesses (as well as nuggets, fries, sausage biscuits, and tacos). It’s fare that any late-night bar-hopping Houstonian could find delicious, and its biggest upside? It’s healthy. Chester is joined by editor of Edible Houston David Leftwich who argues that improvements in techniques and ingredients could mean that the time for plant-forward cuisine in Houston is now. So! Go get yourself a burger from Bloom Foods! Check it out - find out where the truck will be next, here! Also, make sure to read David Leftwich's article about the plant-based burgers of Bloom Foods in Edible Houston here! Finally, find us on social media, perhaps on Facebook. Or, you can go straight to the source... sign up for the City Cast Houston Newsletter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Usually, when Houstonians talk about insects, it's about the ones that we want to kill. Mosquitoes, fleas, fire ants, but today one of the insects' biggest fans is joining bug-hating producer Dina Kesbeh. City Cast contributor, Scott Solomon studies ants. He's a Rice University entomologist, and he's just released a lecture series on why insects matter. Scott is going to make the case that yes, even in Houston, we need those creepy crawlies.

If you want to go down a rabbit hole of insect learning check these links out: Here's your guide to all things bugs! Here's your guide to common insects in Texas! Here's where you can ask all your insect questions!

Battle of the burgers: are you a Whataburger fan or have switched to the In-n-Out fanbase. We want to know! Leave us a voicemail sharing which side you're on and why! Call us at 713-489-6972.

Keep up with all your Htown news, subscribe to our newsletter! We're also out here Tweeting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Something that every Houstonian can agree on is that potholes are the worst. Good thing we have Walter Hambrick on the job! (Assistant Director of the Houston Public Works Department.) He and his team even have a pothole “War Room” from which they rush to the battlefield each time a jarred Houstonian dials 3-1-1. On today’s episode, learn all about Mr. Hambrick and his team who are making Houston’s streets a smoother ride. Check out the Houston Potholes Tracker - you'll see that these pothole folks mean business. Also, click on the link to get subscribed to the smoothest podcast around: City Cast Houston! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, Houston police responded to 470 deaths. It was one of the worst homicide rates we’ve seen in the past 30 years. City Cast contributor Evan Mintz joins Dr. Howard Henderson - founding director of Texas Southern University’s Center for Justice Research - to discuss ways Houston could be proactive instead of reactionary in this fight to end homicides. You can find Dr. Henderson's page at TSU here! Also, if you like our weekday podcast that covers Houston in insightful ways, go here and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, H-E-B was ranked #2 on a national survey - just behind Amazon. Today, the City Cast crew breaks down what makes H-E-B special… and what makes it especially Texan. (Not to mention the Texas-shaped tortilla chips.) Here's Dina's favorite drink H-E-B carries: H-E-B Sparkling Prickly Pear ...And here's the Texas-shaped Corn Tortilla chips Finally, help us prepare for an upcoming showdown between Whataburger and In n' Out! Just call the City Cast Houston line and tell us whose side you're on! (713) 489-6972. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we continue with Raj Mankad’s bicycle journey around 610 — his personal quest, after pandemic isolation, to reconnect with the city. Today he covers the eastern part of the Loop – the industrial side, the Port of Houston side, the grimy sublime part that most Houstonians know least.

City Cast and the Houston Chronicle Opinion section want to know all your 610 stories! Call us at 713-489-6972, tell us your name, and in around 30 seconds, tell us about your Loop 610 story. Or email us: houston@citycast.fm.

Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raj Mankad, the Houston Chronicle's op-Ed editor and Houston's resident utopian, has made a project of riding his bike around Loop 610. How did it go and why on earth did he venture on this journey? Today, Lisa Gray asks Raj to map out his trip for us. In the first part of our two part series, Raj takes us on a ride through the lush greenery of Memorial park and through the upscale Bellaire. But, his ride does follow a few strict rules... you'll have to listen to find out what those are.

City Cast and the Houston Chronicle Opinion section want to know all your 610 stories! Call us at 713-489-6972, tell us your name, and in around 30 seconds, tell us about your Loop 610 story. Or email us: houston@citycast.fm.

Want to learn more about all the weird things Houston has to offer? Well you'll have to sign up for our morning newsletter: click here. Follow us on Twitter @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seismique, in far west Houston, bills itself as both an “art museum” and an “intergalactic playground.” Inside a former Bed Bath & Beyond, more than 40 hallucinogenic, made-for-Instagram rooms house wildly different experiences born of everything from projectors and LEDs to crochet. The dizzying experience is less like a traditional art museum, and more like a concert, an escape room or an amusement park. Today we talk about it with art maven and City Cast contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez and video artist Joshuah Jest. Check out Seismique's website here! Also, make sure to follow our show on your favorite social media outlets, such as Facebook or Twitter! (Don't get shy, toss your opinion in there!) Finally, you should get in the Houston know - join the newsletter... here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Covid 19 has raged on, Independence Heights in Northwest Houston has suffered a loss of some historic housing - particularly with townhomes popping up right along Main Street. For Tanya Debose, a founder of the national group Black Towns Matter, MLK day on Monday will not be “a day off, but a day on,” as she continues to educate, inform and empower. For more information on how you can help, make sure to visit Tanya Debose's project, Black Towns Matter. Also, if you would like to see what she is doing for Independence Heights, check out her website at the Independence Heights Redevelopment Council. Finally, join some of our chatter on Facebook! You can find our page, Here! (But... probably even more fun would be to follow host Lisa Gray, who gins up all sorts of great conversations - go here!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This March, on Black Heritage day, Lil’ Keke will join Bun B’s H-Town Takeover at the Houston Rodeo. Alongside some of the most highly revered Houstonian rappers ever (his fellow “elder statesmen” Bun B, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, and others), Lil’ Keke’s upcoming performance will draw inspiration from a career spent representing Texas. For more information on Lil’ Keke’s recently dropped song "We From Texas," go here! For Tickets to the H-Town Takeover, you should click over to the Houston Rodeo page (tickets) And… if you would like to add to those 1 million views that Lil' Keke's "We From Texas" has already gotten – go here!

Finally, make sure to join our newsletter. Go here! (It’s all that and a bag of chips.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Houston's crime rate on the rise and gun violence wreaking havoc on the city, finding a solution is on everyone's mind. It's why all but one council member, Letitia Plummer, voted for the gunshot detection technology. The technology has definitely drawn criticism and swirled many doubts, will this actually help reduce gun violence in our city? You'll have to listen to find out. Today Lisa sits down with City Cast contributor, Evan Mintz, and with DeRay McKesson, host of the podcast, pod save the people and leader of campaign zero, a national nonprofit that advocates for data-driven policy to reduce police violence.

Want all Houston's secrets? Even the down right weird ones? You'll have to sign up for our morning newsletter! We're also on Twitter! Tweeting only when caffeinated to avoid typos...follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in the day, Houston was flush with charming weirdos. People made strange stuff here: We had the Orange Show, the Beer Can House, and art cars galore. But where’s our new generation of eccentrics? On today’s show we discuss this with contributors Allyn West and artist Phillip Pyle II, who’s working on a 20' monument for the Flower Man. Check out Phillip Pyle's art on his website, here! Also, make sure to check out Allyn West's twitter, here! Finally, subscribe to City Cast Houston's podcast. Become an uber-fan by subscribing to our newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Solomon - biologist, professor, and science communicator – takes producer Ferrill Gibbs to a portion of the shallow, muddy Brazos (just north of College Station) where certain historical rocks and their peculiar characteristics offer coordinates to one of life’s greatest mysteries. Check out Scott's new show on Wondrium, which is his greatest passion... insects! The show is called "Why Insects Matter" - and you can find it here! Also, you should sign up for the City Cast Houston newsletter. It's hand-crafted each day by the most curious Houstonian around: Lisa Gray. Go here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Great Resignation has been happening all over – but not like in Texas. Antréchelle Dorsey, contributor for City Cast Houston, explains how like other Houstonians, she has seized this moment to redefine her life and rearrange her priorities. To find Antréchelle ... you can go Here! She mentioned Mimi Irwin and Dequilla Bratcher. Find their businesses here! Fitty Wraps and Delicacies by Dee Also, don't forget to tell two friends about City Cast Houston! We could use all your help - and they could use our tips to make them far more informed Houstonians! Speaking of being a more informed Houstonian, you can also show them our newsletter: Sign Up Here. -It's awesome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In February 2021, after Winter Storm Uri rolled into Texas, the state’s power grid went down. Millions of homes and businesses lost electricity and heat, and hundreds of people died. Are we better prepared now? Sergio Chapa, an energy reporter with Bloomberg, explains the weaknesses 2022's first little cold snap revealed.

Want the coolest scoop on Houston? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter! Catch us at Tweeting and retweeting our colleagues from other cities @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nelly, Hannah, and Laura of the band “Babes In Betoland” gear up to stump (although musically) for Beto O’Rourke’s gubernatorial campaign. Inspired by his causes, though not officially part of his campaign, they take to the road to discover if yodeling for Beto can thrust a message of “making Texas safe again” across a gaping political divide. You can check out their Indigogo page, here! Also, they have a Facebook video here... Babes In Betoland Facebook Finally, make sure you follow/subscribe to Houston's City Cast podcast and Newsletter! Go Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Tank, 106.5 FM, isn’t an ordinary radio station. It’s run by prisoners, for prisoners, at the maximum-security Allan B. Polunsky Unit north of Houston. Keri Blakinger, a prisons-and-jails reporter for the Marshall Project, tells Lisa about the Tank, its wild mix of programming, and what it means to some of the most isolated men in Texas.

Read Keri's piece in the Marshall Project here.

Want the scoop on Houston? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter! We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @CityCastHouston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What better way to know that you know a city than to have an outsider ask “dumb” questions about it? On today’s episode, founder and CEO of City Cast (who also appears on the Slate Political Gabfest) David Plotz - a Washingtonian - gets schooled by host Lisa Gray and producer Dina Kesbeh on Houston’s idiosyncrasies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Need a cool, thoughtful gift two days out from Christmas Eve? Dina and Lisa have you covered! From hyper-local honey (“the only food that lasts forever”) to ornaments, art lessons and dehydrated croissants, there are still a lot of great gifts to show how thoughtful — and local — you are! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston Methodist’s Omicron cases have topped 80% in December. It only took three weeks to dominate all other variants. Dr. Wesley Long of Houston Methodist warns that Omicron has begun to spread rapidly in Houston - and what Houstonians can do as they try to navigate the holidays later this week. Dr. Long's Tweets will keep you in the know. And, make sure to subscribe to City Cast Houston - it will keep you in the know, too! Go here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricardo Molina, second-generation owner of the Tex-Mex staple “Molina’s Cantina,” has never experienced such difficulties staffing and maintaining inventory as he has recently - ever since the COVID outbreak. Today, City Cast Houston contributor Loren Steffy gives his breakdown for why it's all happening, and the emerging economic landscape that Houstonians can expect to endure. Check out Molina's Cantina Here. Also, find Loren Steffy and check out all his many projects, Here Finally, subscribe to the City Cast Houston newsletter, Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15!“: That declaration was the high point of Beto O’Rourke’s 2019 campaign for the presidency. But now that he’s running for governor of Texas, will his support of gun control doom his chances? Lisa Gray chats with City Cast contributor Evan Mintz, whose editorials on gun control made him a Pulitzer finalist. You can find out more about Evan, here! Also, sign up for Lisa Gray's newsletter (She puts a lot into it!) - go here! City Cast Houston Signup Follow Lisa Gray on Twitter, here. And, finally, you should channel your inner John Bonham with Joe Jowarski Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When plumber Justin Cauley (aka “Justin the Plumber”) found envelopes full of cash and checks spilling forth from the bathroom walls of Lakewood Church - a stash reportedly linked to a $600,000 robbery at Lakewood back in 2014 - the story became a national sensation. Today, City Cast Houston’s correspondents Marcus Carter and Evan Mintz discuss their perceptions of Lakewood Church and try to figure out why - with Lakewood - there is “always something.” Follow Marcus Carter on Instagram here ! Find Evan on Twitter here! ... and find City Cast Houston on Twitter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have a long list of people you need to buy gifts for? Have you been racking your brain trying to find that perfect gift, but also unique? City Cast contributor and arts writer Olivia Flores Alvarez is here to tell us about all the excellent gifts made by Houston's creative people -- artists, artisans and a writer. Check out our twitter Here - and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter, Here! Here's a list of all the shops mentioned in today's episode: Jim Koehn Art Space, watercolor artist Casa Ramirez, shop Blanca Trevino, woodworker Tom Abrahams, author Kiki Neumann, found object artist Valentina Atkinson, artist Viet Tran, pet portrait artist Xochi/Five of Mine, jewelry designer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a Christmas spent hunkering down last year, correspondent Antre’chelle Dorsey presents listeners with a variety of options to keep Christmas merry (and safe) in 2021. From The H-Town Christmas Countdown, to an outdoor dinner and drinks at one of her favorite spots, Pappasito's, Antre’chelle and host Lisa Gray have you covered… Check out these fun links discussed in the episode: H-Town Christmas Countdown The Houston Zoo lights Houston Botanic Garden Lightscape Pappasito's Cantina ... and the Jimmy Fallon, Megan Thee Stallion song: It Was A Masked Christmas Check out our twitter Here - and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter, Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raz Halili, a second-generation oysterman in Dickinson, Texas, has developed the reputation for being a good steward of his corner of the Gulf. Recently, he recruited Houston chef Joe Cervantez and together, they made a restaurant in nearby San Leon: Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House. (It features the oysters procured by his family's oyster processing plant, Prestige Oysters - and also, it has a really good burger.) Check out the restaurant here! A grand new pier and walkway are coming soon that will feature a breezy dining experience beside the water.) Also, sign up for City Cast Houston's newsletter here! And don't forget about City Cast's twitter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, City Cast Houston's Senior Producer Dina Kesbeh came down with what she believed was the flu. Fully vaccinated, always conscientious of avoiding the virus, she was surprised to hear that this "flu" was actually COVID -19. She is thankfully on the mend, but the questions remain: Should she disinfect everything in the house? Particularly her toothbrush? Is it Omicron? And most importantly, how long should she quarantine? Heralded virologist Dr. Ben Nueman of Texas A&M University-Texarcana - who has studied coronaviruses since 1996 - stops by to answer all of her questions … plus some. You can ask Dr. Neuman a question yourself! Find him on his Facebook group - "Ask Dr. Ben Neuman" We are doing episodes and newsletters about great Houston gift ideas - do you have one? Call our new number and give us an idea - we would love to hear from you! If you know of something great, the number is (713) 489-6972. Also, our newsletter sign up is Here! And our twitter is Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Cast Houston contributor Marcus Carter is utterly in love with the restaurant Bludorn -- so much so that he made a hashtag about it. So, what's so special about this restaurant? We don't just ask Marcus, we sit down with Chef and owner Aaron Bludorn to dive into what makes this eatery so special. To get the scoop on all things Houston, be sure to sign up for our newsletter here. And, catch us Tweeting... City Cast's Twitter

We’re working now on a podcast about last-minute holiday gifts – things you can buy locally, from a fellow Houstonian – and we’d love to use your recommendations. If you know of something great, please call (713) 489-6972 and leave us a voicemail. Tell us, briefly, who you are, what you’re recommending, and exactly what makes it so excellent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tahmina Ghoori was forced to flee Afghanistan last summer along with her family. After two stops at refugee camps in Pennsylvania and New Mexico, the family picked Houston as their new home – a city of wealth, diversity, and possibilities. Joining her is Jida Nabulsi, CEO of Amaanah Refugee Services, to explain to Lisa how the process unfolded. If you would like to hear more about the services offered by Amaanah Refugee Services, you can visit their website here. The City Cast Houston newsletter has some incredible local gift ideas that are affordable - sign up here: City Cast Houston And, on twitter... City Cast's Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, meditation expert Alejandro Chaoul offers ways to survive the holiday season — even if your relatives keep bringing up QAnon. If you would like to learn more about him, check out Alejandro's events! Meditation and Tea (In-person) Meditation and Tea (Livestreaming) Mini-retreat (Livestreaming) His new book is Tibetan Yoga: Magical Movements of Body, Breath, and Mind Also, there are weekly free meditations and a monthly meditation in Spanish called "The Power of Community" Follow City Cast Houston on Twitter, here! Follow Antre'chelle on Twitter! It's here! And sign up for our newsletter! It's here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, is fresh off the news circuit championing his strategy to strike a real blow to COVID -19: Vaccinate the Southern Hemisphere. Lisa Gray hosts as Dr. Hotez explains what we potentially face, what is known vs. soon-to-be-known, and how Dr. Hotez plans to approach the Holiday season with the ongoing threat of COVID -19. Find Dr. Hotez on twitter here! Follow us on Twitter: City Cast Houston's Twitter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olivewood Cemetery is believed to be Houston’s first black cemetery. It had been neglected for a while before a group of volunteers decided they’d help clean up and maintain the grounds. But those volunteers are getting old and the upkeep is a lot for them. So who will maintain the cemetery if they can’t? Lisa sits down with City Cast contributor Brooke Lewis who writes for Texas Monthly. We're live on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston to keep up with Houston news, nature, and other stuff you need to know. Why let your ears have all the fun? Feast your eyes on our free newsletter. You can sign up here. To read Brook Lewis' article about Olivewood Cemetery in The Texas Monthly click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, political contributor/Pulitzer finalist Evan Mintz discusses with Lisa the possible rationale behind the Woodlands’ continued resistance to becoming a city. His ultimate gut feeling? That The Woodlands have an aversion to anything even remotely symbolizing a restrictive government… Plus, some very good news regarding homelessness in Houston - just in time for the holidays.

We're live on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston to keep up with Houston news, nature, and other stuff you need to know. Why let your ears have all the fun? Feast your eyes on our free newsletter. You can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa hosts producers Dina Kesbeh and Ferrill Gibbs on the last podcast offering before Thanksgiving. What culinary disasters have the three endured on Thanksgivings past? What’s on the menu for this year’s celebration? And, Lisa calls for something good in Houston that listeners might include into their festivities this year...

We're live on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston to keep up with Houston news, nature, and other stuff you need to know. Why let your ears have all the fun? Feast your eyes on our free newsletter. You can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Photographer Geoff Winningham has been shooting Buffalo Bayou for decades. His photos are up on display at cafe Brasil for all to see -- it includes some historic photos that he found in Harvard's archives. So what is it about the bayou the drew him in for this long? Tune in to hear Geoff share all the historical details about what the Buffalo Bayou looked when he first laid eyes on it.

We're live on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston to keep up with Houston news, nature, and other stuff you need to know. Why let your ears have all the fun? Feast your eyes on our free newsletter. You can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ion building, Rice University's new high-tech hub for all things shiny and entrepreneurial, anchors a 16-acre innovation district-to-be. Does Houston need that? Is the building any good? And why are people so mad about it?

Two City Cast contributors weigh in: Marcus Carter, tech recruiter and man-about-town; and Allyn West, architecture reviewer, and curmudgeon.

For more on the ION visit their site here.

We're live on Twitter! Follow us @CityCastHouston to keep up with Houston news, nature, and other stuff you need to know. Why let your ears have all the fun? Feast your eyes on our free newsletter. You can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join City Cast Houston twice a week (for now) as we plunge into conversations about food, economy, history, and all things that make Houston a place you never want to leave. Our Host Lisa Gray and the City Cast Houston team will bring you conversations you’ve never heard before, all in the hopes of understanding this sprawling city. Coming to your podcast feed November 16th. Subscribe to the newsletter and learn more at houston.citycast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices