Future of RenFest, George Floyd Mural Destroyed, & H-Town Exodus?!
It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter at The Texas Newsroom, and executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about the future of the Texas Renaissance Festival after its founder died this week. Plus, Houston’s growing income inequality and the legacy of George Floyd. And don’t miss our moments of joy!
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
- George Coulam, controversial founder of Texas Renaissance Festival, found dead in Grimes County
- Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2025 Results
- Houston cultural landmark quietly turned to rubble, sparking local outcry
- What a 10-minute call with George Floyd's family reveals about the meaning of May 25
- George Floyd-inspired festival to be held in Houston five years after his murder
- His Name Is George Floyd (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
- Views of Race, Policing and Black Lives Matter in the 5 Years Since George Floyd’s Killing
- Houston nonprofit devoted to homeless youth unveils new $55 million campus
- Tilman Fertitta, Mayor John Whitmire, first lady Cecilia Abbott award 66 wheelchair accessible vans
If you enjoyed today's interview with The Village School's Enrollment Officer, Cassie Riddle, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 23rd episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum 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!
Photo: Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
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...
