Houston Matters

On Monday's show: We preview this week's vote on the Harris County budget. The budget process this year has often been contentious as tensions rise over funding cuts. Also this hour: Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine discusses his book, Science Under Siege, which examines growing opposition to science and the threat it poses. Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listeners’ questions about their pets. And Jeff Balke previews a season-defining week ahead for the Astros and the Monday Night Football matchup between the Texans and the Buccaneers. Watch

On Friday's show: Eight years after Harvey’s devastating flooding, Houston continues to develop in floodplains. A recent Houston Chronicle report analyzed who is benefitting and who is not. Also this hour: From Houston supplanting Philadelphia as America’s poorest large city, to Carnival Cruise Line and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream unveiling sunscreen-flavored ice cream, this week’s panel of non-experts weighs in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And, ahead of a live performance on Saturday night, we dive into the rhythms, steps, and stories that bring flamenco music to life in Houston. Watch

On Thursday's show: We get updates on several stories from reporter Dominic Anthony Walsh, including striking hotel workers at the Hilton Americas-Houston, the results of the latest homeless count, and the ongoing saga over City of Houston employees who took an early retirement to save the city money still waiting to receive their buyout payments. Also this hour: Everything is bigger in Texas, but is that always a good thing -- especially when it comes to governing and serving a state that is huge in terms of both area and population? Then, we hear from author and archivist J.D. Doyle, the creator of Queer Music Heritage, an historic collection of Houston LGBTQ+ music. And producer Brenda Valdivia speaks with some Houstonians putting up a ghost bike roadside memorial and learns about the cyclist they’re remembering and the sometimes-deadly interactions between cyclists and drivers on Houston roads.

On Wednesday's show: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo walked out of a budget meeting, while Texas A&M plans to audit its classes after a professor is fired amid conservative backlash over teaching gender identity in class. We get context and clarity on those and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: We learn about efforts by law enforcement to keep reckless drivers in check. And this month, Houston blues acts battle for a shot to represent the city at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. We learn more and bring you a special live, in-studio performance by the first woman to win the competition, Houston native Diunna Greenleaf, and her band, Blue Mercy.

On Tuesday's show: We learn how Texas and other states are facing off in the fight over access to abortion pills. New York's attorney general says she will intervene in a legal fight related to the Texas ban on those pills. Texas Tribune reporter Alex Nguyen explains what's going on. Also this hour: We learn what lessons the deadly crowd rush at the 2021 Astroworld festival can teach us. That event is highlighted in Edward Segal’s newly published Crisis Casebook. Then, we consider what it costs to become a U.S. citizen in both time and money as we talk with immigration attorney Ruby Powers and Cesar Espinoza of FIEL Houston. And David Sarkozi of the Texas Ornithological Society talks about his new guidebook, Birds of Texas.

On Monday's show: Houston-based oil and gas giant ConocoPhillips announced last week that it is cutting about 3,000 jobs -- as much as a quarter of its global workforce. The company says rising costs and a push for efficiency are behind the move, which comes despite the company posting nearly $2 billion in profits last quarter. We talk over what the news means for Houston. Also this hour: On the 125th anniversary of the deadliest natural disaster in American history, the 1900 Galveston hurricane, we reflect on that disaster led to the construction of the Galveston seawall and how it protects the island from storm surge more than a century later. Over the weekend, the seawall was awarded the world record for longest continuous walkway. Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners' gardening questions. And the Texans dropped their season opener to the Rams on Sunday. We recap the game with Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast..

On Friday's show: The second special session of the Texas Legislature wrapped up this week, with bills headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk related to flood prevention and summer camp safety. We recap what did and did not get done. Also this hour: We talk about the life and legacy of late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who's the subject of a new PBS documentary called Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect, which airs Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 9 p.m. on Houston Public Media, TV 8. Then, this week’s non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And we learn how a pair of Houston organizations aim to reduce clothing waste.

On Thursday's show: A 42-year-old Houston man was arrested this week and charged with murder in the shooting death of a boy who was playing a prank by ringing on doorbells and running. We discuss the story with Houston Chronicle writer Leah Binkovitz, who wrote an opinion piece about how the country has changed since she played the same prank as a kid. Also this hour: Two of Space City’s NASA veterans are making sure their former colleagues get recognition they’re due. Larry Bell and Chet Vaughan tell us about ceremonies they hold for otherwise unsung heroes of the space program. Then, the Hearst Corporation now owns the major newspapers in the state’s four largest metro areas, including here in Houston. We learn what it means for the business with Michael Hardy from Texas Monthly. And can comedy be a tool for recovery? We ask comedian Andy Gold and the organizers of a fundraiser this weekend for The Council on Recovery called Addicted to Comedy.

On Wednesday's show: We seek insight from area experts on the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: In this month’s installment of The Full Menu, Houston food writers discuss their favorite area restaurants that they should have told you about sooner -- the ones that maybe defy any category but deserve a little attention. And Japan Festival Houston returns to Hermann Park this weekend, and the festival’s chairman joins us to share its history and to preview highlights from this year’s free celebration.

On Tuesday's show: We learn about the FDA’s new COVID vaccine restrictions and who should still get one of the latest vaccines anyway. And as Harris County Commissioners wrestle with an impending budget deficit, a proposed budget would give significant raises to county constables, who want to be paid more than the sheriff. We learn about the role of constables in county law enforcement, which was the subject of a recent Houston Chronicle investigation. Also this hour: We discuss the impact that on-again, off-again tariffs have had on Houston-area restaurants. Then, writer Rob Franklin talks about his debut novel, Great Black Hope, which tells the story of a young, privileged, queer Black man whose life gets upended by an arrest for cocaine possession. As he enters the legal system, his class is an asset but his race is not. Franklin will speak at JLF Houston on Saturday, Sept. 6. And we hear from Houston native Hayes Carll. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and alt-country star performs at The Heights Theater on Thursday night.

On Friday's show: We learn about Elon Musk's involvement in a $760 million plan to dig tunnels under Houston to help alleviate future flooding. Would it be worth the cost? Investigative reporter Lauren McGaughy from the Texas Newsroom brings us the details. Also this hour: On this date 20 years ago, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on Louisiana causing devastation in that state, including New Orleans. In the days and months after, many evacuees sought refuge in our city, and many made it their new home. We reflect on how those evacuees changed Houston — and how Houston changed them. And two local photo journalists recall their experience covering the aftermath of the storm in the immediate days after it struck and share some of the photos from that disaster that had the greatest impact on them -- and the world. And, from the Astros suing the Harris County Appraisal District for trying to levy property taxes against Daikin Park, to the co-owner of a Houston gun store being prohibited from owning or using a firearm, our panel of “non-experts” breaks down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

On Thursday's show: In light of the school shooting in Minneapolis, we get a refresher on the safety requirements the Texas Legislature established in 2023 and how much of those requirements are paid for by the funding passed during the most recent legislative session. And we learn about efforts at the capitol to replace the STAAR test. Also this hour: We learn why the premiums for some health insurance plans in Texas are expected to rise a lot next year. Then, on this month’s edition of The Bigger Picture: The horror film Weapons features a scenario that would frighten any parent. We talk about the film and discuss real world concerns that stick in some parents’ minds. And we reflect on the punk rock scene in Texas, including here in Houston, which is documented in the new book, Someday All the Adults Will Die! The Birth of Texas Punk by Pat Blashill, who will reminisce about the Houston punk rock scene at an event this Sunday, Aug. 31, from 4-6 p.m. at Basket Books and Art.

On Wednesday's show: From the latest developments surrounding the second special session in Austin, to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ongoing social media trolling of President Trump, we seek insight on the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: Former President Lyndon B. Johnson was born on this date in 1908. We revisit several past conversations about his life, political career, and legacy. And author Jasminne Mendez talks about Story of My Anger, a novel about a teen battling racism and book banning in her Texas school. Mendez will appear at Kindred Stories on Sept. 19.

On Tuesday's show: President Donald Trump wants specialized National Guard units ready to deploy to U.S. cities to quell civil disturbances and ensure public safety and order. We discuss what that means, whether we could see troops deployed here, and whether this is largely a pretense to step up immigration enforcement. Also this hour: A new Texas law expands when someone can be detained for psychiatric evaluation. Some welcome the change while others worry it crosses a line. We discuss the debate over involuntary treatment and its cost. Then, a recent investigation by the Texas Observer explores the murky legal world of some private foster and adoption agencies. And we meet a competitive Scrabble player.

On Monday's show: The Texas Senate approved new congressional district maps on Saturday, which Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll sign “swiftly.” Does this mean lawmakers will now get to other items on the agenda for the second special session? We learn the latest from Blaise Gainey of the Texas Newsroom. Also this hour: Some recent tests suggest the secretive Chinese space program could beat the United States back to the moon. We learn more from Eric Berger of Ars Technica. Then, we learn about the latest developments in consumer technology with the help of columnist Dwight Silverman. And Major League Baseball is contemplating expansion and realignment. We discuss what that might look like for the Astros as we check in with Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast.

On Friday's show: The Houston Chronicle is reporting that UTHealth Houston is laying off dozens of employees due to “financial headwinds.” The move comes after the academic health science center implemented a hiring freeze in early July. Is this and other belt tightening at area health care institutions in recent months a momentary blip or a sign of more to come for Houston’s health care industry? Health economist Vivian Ho breaks down what it all means. Also this hour: Not all zoos and aquariums are created equal. While many advertise fun for the whole family or showcase loved and well-cared-for animals, the reality is that caring for a multitude of exotic and endangered species requires extensive education and expertise. We learn how the AZA and the Houston Zoo set and enforce standards to make sure all animals get the best care possible. Then, from HISD being among the 11 Texas school districts temporarily blocked from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms after a ruling in federal court, to the City of Houston launching a “Train Watch” webpage with real-time info on rail crossings with stopped trains, our panel of "non-experts" decides The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And veteran voice actor Phil LaMarr talks about the many characters he's voiced. He's one of many voice actors and celebrities coming to Houston this weekend for The Nostalgia Con at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

On Thursday's show: A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked 11 public school districts in Texas’ largest metropolitan areas from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms as required by a new state law set to take effect Sept. 1. A legal expert joins us to discuss the case and where it goes from here. Also this hour: Sen. Ted Cruz is largely opposed to regulation of AI, while the state is set to be one of a few to implement the first legislation related to the industry. We discuss that dichotomy. Then, Houston native filmmaker Nell Teare discusses some of the lessons she's learned about overcoming the barriers and naysayers to building a creative career. It's a topic she'll discuss Sunday afternoon during the Houston Media Conference. And we learn how school publications like newsletters, zines, and podcasts are giving students ways to take control of their media and better understand how media works.

On Wednesday's show: From the second special session beginning in Austin, to the latest developments out of Washington, to what’s happening in the cities and counties across Greater Houston, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: Another school year means another opportunity for parents and kids to establish better habits when it comes to social media. A local psychologist discusses how social media use can affect kids’ mental health. And we revisit a conversation with actor Jeff Goldblum whose jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, performs Sept. 14 at The Hobby Center.

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Education Agency released its accountability ratings for the 2024–25 school year on Friday, covering public school districts across the state. Five districts are at risk of a state takeover, while HISD, which is already run by the state, is seeing improvements in test scores. Bob Sanborn from Children at Risk weighs in. Also this hour: We learn what a recent ruling means for Houstonians with unpaid medical bills. Then, we find out why some longtime city employees who took Mayor John Whitmire’s early retirement offer haven’t been paid yet. Plus, we revisit a conversation from last year where longtime residents offered their suggestions for some Houston do's and don'ts for life here. And we discuss the business side of filmmaking in Houston with organizers of this weekend’s Houston Media Conference.

On Monday's show: The Texas Legislature’s second special session is under way, with what are likely to be far different outcomes for the same agenda. Blaise Gainey from the Texas Newsroom and News 88.7's Andrew Schneider join us with the latest. Also this hour: We take a closer look at Texas aquaculture -- growing and harvesting marine life. Some reports say the industry is shrinking. Others say it’s growing. We try to figure out what’s true. Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listeners' questions about their pets. And the Astros are hanging on for dear life these days atop the American League West. We talk over baseball's stretch run with Jeff Balke.