Judge Hidalgo Walks Out, Building in Flood Plains, and Hotel Strike
12 September 2025

Judge Hidalgo Walks Out, Building in Flood Plains, and Hotel Strike

City Cast Houston

About
Meltdowns at commissioners court, a hotel workers’ strike, and a new investigation into building in the floodplain— it’s another busy week in Houston! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Chron.com’s trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen and conservative commentator Charles Blain to unpack why Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo abruptly walked out of budget talks, what the Hilton Americas strike means for other workers, and why Houston is STILL building in flood zones.

Dive deeper into stories we talked about on today’s show: 


Harris County Judge abruptly leaves budget talks to attend concert

Houston developed 65,000 flood-prone properties since Harvey. Who profits, and who pays the price?

Houston's promise of opportunity tested by striking hotel workers | Editorial

Hilton Americas-Houston workers extend ‘historic’ strike by 11 days, rally at city hall

Houston City Council questions pension chairperson as municipal retirees await payments




Learn more about the sponsors of this September 12th episode:

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Awty International School Houston

Holocaust Museum Houston

Kidney Cancer Association

Huel - Save 15% with code HOUSTON

Downtown 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!

Photo: Ed Uthman