Texas Redistricting Wars, Secretive Crypto & Job Losses for Black Women
All eyes were on Texas this week as dozens of House Democrats fled the state, temporarily blocking the GOP’s push to redraw political maps and gain five new seats in Congress. Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, about what makes this quorum break different — and what might come next. Plus, they dig into why rising unemployment for Black women is especially concerning, talk about how Texas cryptocurrency mining could impact our electric bill, and share their moments of joy.
Dive deeper into today’s stories:
- What’s Happening With Redistricting in Texas?
- Cornyn says FBI will help locate absent Texas Democrats, but scope of feds’ role unclear
- How a Self-Described Wallflower Came to Lead the Texas Democrats’ Walkout
- Exclusive: SAN reporter’s inquiry into Texas’ Bitcoin mines triggers lawsuit
- A staggering 300,000 Black women left jobs or were forced out in 2025. Here's why Texans should care.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 8th episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.
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...
