Crime Anxiety, Goodbye Alief YMCA, & Tax Breaks for Landlords?!
Today, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC-13 reporter Pooja Lodhia to talk about why residents are worried about crime in the Third Ward, how the East End could become a new art destination, and the latest in a scandal over tax breaks for landlords. Plus, some newsthat’s actually good news!
Dive deeper into the stories we talked about today:
- Smash Mouth to play free concert at Houston's Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park
- Cactus Music is turning 50. Here are things to know about the iconic Houston shop.
- Is it a sundial? A shade from the sun? Mason Park's new $20M solar sculpture is all that — and more.
- Third Ward residents worry about safety: 'We can't love our neighbors and stop killing each other?'
- More Houstonians are staying home at night and moving neighborhoods to avoid crime, poll says
- Houston Housing Authority stops granting millions in tax breaks for not-so affordable apartments
- Alief YMCA to shutter its doors on May 30 amid federal funding cuts: 'Devastating news'
- Texas' insurance crisis is hitting an unexpected target: Public schools
- Why This Republican Wants More Money for Public Schools
- Watch all of Pooja’s Stories here
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 25th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Cozy Earth - Use code HOUSTON for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.
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
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Thank you Houston, we’ve loved the conversation we’ve been having with you for the past three years. City Cast Houston and Hey Houston have suspended operations. Our last newsletter and podcast episode was Oct. 24, 2025.
Latest Episodes
Our Final Goodbyes and What We’ve Learned About Houston
Since the beginning of City Cast Houston, every story we’ve shared on this podcast has shown us something new about this city. In this fi...

Tiny Things That Annoy Us About Houston
We’re in our final week of shows, so host Raheel Ramzanali is sharing one of his favorite episodes of all-time. We love H-Town, but when...

Where to Live: Houston vs. The Suburbs
It’s our final week of shows and we’re playing back some of our favorite episodes. Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis has today’s...

The Houston Roads to Avoid
It’s the final week of operations at City Cast Houston, and what better way to say goodbye then to share some of our all-time favorite ep...

Remember When We Won the World Series?
It’s the final week of operations at City Cast Houston, and what better way to say goodbye then to share some of our all-time favorite ep...

Saying Goodbye to City Cast Houston. Plus, Other Major News From The Week
Mayor Whitmire is breaking his silence about the removal of the iconic rainbow crosswalk. Plus, why is Ken Paxton suing to try and shut d...

Can Houston’s Theater Scene Rival Broadway?!
Believe it or not, but Houston’s theater scene is one of the best in the nation. So, why don’t we get the respect we deserve?! Host Rahee...

How Houston Restaurants Are Surviving One of Its Biggest Economic Downturns
It’s been a tough year for restaurants in Houston with so many popular places closing down. But, what’s being done by the restaurants to...

Why Our Bail System Should Matter to Every Houstonian
Why is Harris County’s bail system always brought up by state leaders? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to John Wayne Ferguson, reporter...

Gov. Abbott Targets Rainbow Crosswalks, Medical Center Workforce Reduction, and Airport Delays
Why is Governor Abbott forcing Houston to remove the iconic rainbow crosswalks in Montrose? Plus, are we going to see flight delays acros...


