Wildest Political Quote Ever, HISD Bribery Trial, and Lunchroom Attack

It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on some of Houston’s smartest and most in-the-know journalists and commentators to recap the week’s bigest news. He’s joined by Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at the Houston Landing, and Charles Blain, conservative commentator and president of the Urban Reform Institute, to preview a major GOP showdown, changes to teacher pay, a tragic attack on Afghan girls in a lunchroom, and more.  Stories we talked about on today’s show:  Texas AG Ken Paxton officially joins U.S. Senate race challenging John Cornyn John Cornyn’s Statement on X  Mike Miles: HISD to launch ‘largest pay-for-performance plan in the nation’ in fall 2026 Houston ISD federal bribery trial enters its third week. Here's what to know. New home, same care: Former Texas Children’s midwives join Woman’s Hospital of Texas New study finds maternal mortality in Texas rose faster than national rate HISD completes transfer after alleged assault of Afghan girls GOAL! Meet the Latina behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup Houston poster Art Car Parade Learn more Houston Health Department’s Community Re-Entry Network Program 12th Annual Lyons Ave. Renaissance Festival  More things to do in April! Learn more about the sponsors of this April 11th episode: Visit Port Aransas British International School of Houston Downtown 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 [phone] with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Photo: Chen Chen/Xinhua via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices