Judge Hidalgo’s Low Approval Ratings, Penny Tax for Childcare & Mayor Whitmire’s Club Crackdown
It’s Friday, so host Raheel Ramzanali is catching you up on on the week’s biggest news with conservative commentator Charles Blain. They dig into the redistricting efforts in the Texas Legislature’s special session and what it means for Houston. Plus, how voters feel about Harris County officials and why Mayor Whitmire is going after clubs instead of crime. And, of course, we can’t close the week without our moments of joy!
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
- Why Is Mayor Whitmire Scrapping an Approved Montrose Bike Lane?
- Texas Republicans, including Gov. Abbott, were reluctant to redraw the state’s congressional maps. Then Trump got involved.
- Lina Hidalgo has lowest net approval rating of any Harris County elected official, Hobby poll finds
- Harris County Voters Split on County’s Top Problems, Solutions
- Houston mayor’s newly created police ‘club unit’ closed 5 clubs over 3-day period
- Why Car Break-Ins in Montrose Have Houstonians Feeling Helpless
- Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo proposes tax increase to help pay for early childcare programs
Become a City Cast Houston Neighbor!
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
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: Yi-Chin Lee/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...
