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

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