Strip Clubs, Walmart Cash Payments, & More from HISD Bribery Trial
Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with the Houston Chronicle’s education reporter Nusaiba Mizan about the explosive HISD bribery trial that detailed how district officials and one vendor exploited public trust and tax dollars. From the courtroom’s wildest moments to what this means for the future of HISD, Nusaiba breaks it all down. Plus, they dive into the district’s looming budget crisis, a calculation error that nearly cost dozens of teachers their jobs, and more ongoing drama at HISD.Dive deeper into the stories we talked about today:
- Former HISD COO, vendor found guilty on 33 charges of conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud
- Strip clubs, parking lot cash handoffs and other surprises in Houston ISD's federal bribery trial
- Former Houston ISD board president testifies that she accepted $17K in bribes at Walmart parking lot
- Houston ISD plans around estimated 6,800 student drop for next academic year
- Ex-HISD principal sues Mike Miles for $3M over emotional distress, 1 year after mass exodus
- Houston ISD pauses contract nonrenewal conversations with teachers after miscalculation
- Houston ISD will pay all teachers based on performance, not years of experience in 2026-27
Please see below for tomorrow's sponsor show notes:Learn more about the sponsors of this April 28th episode:Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTVisit Port AransasLooking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHoustonDon’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!
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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.
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