Houston Matters

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.

On Friday's show: Cryptocurrency mining in Texas can draw as much power from the electrical grid as the city of Austin, and the industry is only growing. But how much energy is it using? No one knows because the Public Utility Commission refuses to release data on the industry. Reporter Keaton Peters from Straight Arrow News joins us to explain.Also this hour: With news that Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is closing two of its six clinics in the area, there are fewer options for women's health care in Houston. How are other clinics and health care providers filling that gap?Then, from plans to seize nine acres of unused land from Hermann Park to expand Ben Taub Hospital, to the possibility of a UFC cage fight at the White House next year, our panel of non-experts discusses The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the news.And unpaid bills, broken agreements, and bad behavior -- what are your rights if your roommate crosses the line?

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council has approved plans to spend some $315 million in federal recovery funds, including $100 million for home repairs and housing, marking a significant turnaround from Mayor John Whitmire's initial proposal and a major victory for housing advocates. We learn more about that and some other recent developments in city government, including money for more beds for the homeless in the East End and new solid waste trucks. Also this hour: Recent comments from President Trump suggest some hostility towards wind energy. We consider what that could mean for Texas.Then, we learn about the challenges of running a restaurant -- when that restaurant is on wheels.And Stacey Allen, the author of a new children's book about dance, called D is for Dance, explores how the rhythms of the African diaspora continue to shape Houston's creative scene.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: The state has begun buying land for new state parks thanks to a new source of funding. We learn where those parks might be and how the state is making that determination from Texas Tribune reporter Alejandra Martinez. And we get to know Afrobeat and hip-hop violinist Demola ahead of his performance this weekend at 713 Music Hall.

On Tuesday's show: Students at HISD campuses are headed back to school today, and among them are some kids you could call “pandemic babies.” We discuss the challenges faced by kids whose early childhoods were disrupted by the pandemic.Also this hour: We remember astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away last week. We revisit a conversation from 2020 he had with producer Michael Hagerty to mark the mission's 50th anniversary. And we hear some thoughts on Lovell from the man who brought him to the big screen: actor Tom Hanks.Plus, we explore life in Houston through the eyes of different generations, from the perspectives of Gens X, Y, and Z.And successful food trucks often become restaurants. And sometimes restaurants simplify and become food trucks. What challenges come with these transitions? And, in a city known for its variety of restaurant choices, do food trucks have an edge in reaching new audiences?

On Monday's show: It's been over a week since Texas Democrats left the state to break quorum in the Texas House of Representatives, delaying the passage of a new Congressional map. We get the latest on the Democrats' protest and response from Republican officials in Texas.Also this hour: Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, the head of Harris Health System makes his case for potentially expanding Ben Taub Hospital, which would include seizing nine acres of land from Hermann Park.Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners' gardening questions.And we get an update on Houston sports from Bleav in Astros podcast co-host Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was censured by county commissioners Thursday for her behavior during a Commissioners Court meeting. We learn what happened. And we get the latest on the ongoing quorum break in Austin.Also this hour: From late sculptor David Adickes' Beatles statues relocating to a car dealership, to a Danish zoo seeking public donations of pets to feed to its captive predators, our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Then, we revisit a tour we took in 2018 of some of downtown Houston's most historically significant skyscrapers.And Whataburger turns 75 today. The fast-food chain's first location opened on this date in 1950 in Corpus Christi. We reflect on the beloved Texas burger joint's history.

On Thursday's show: An announced rollback of mRNA vaccine development and funding comes as Texas is among the states seeing the largest rise in COVID cases this summer. Infectious disease specialist Catherine Troisi offers her take on what the rollback means.Also this hour: A Grand Parkway expansion project is just the latest sign of ongoing growth in Greater Houston's north and west sides. We discuss the project and what is behind the growth.Then, theater productions involve a lot more than actors stepping out on stage and reciting lines. We learn how the crew behind the scenes at the Alley Theatre design and creates sets, costumes, wigs, and props for every production.And six Houston writers will be honored at the Master Wordsmith Awards on Thursday night at Kindred Stories -- not just for what they've written but also for how their words have helped heal, connect, and inspire.

On Wednesday's show: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton want the state's Supreme Court to order Democrats who broke quorum during the special session to be thrown out of office. Can they do that? We talk through the Texas redistricting fight and discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Houston Restaurant Weeks is underway during the month of August raising funds for the Houston Food Bank. In this month's installment of The Full Menu, food writers talk about what dishes local restaurants are offering this year and what they're looking forward to sampling.And, 80 years after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, we talk with an area psychologist and author whose dad took part in the Manhattan Project that developed the bomb. Dr. Leslie Shover talks about her debut novel, Fission: A Novel of Atomic Heartbreak, which is based on anecdotes from her parents during that time.

On Tuesday's show: Texas Republican leaders are issuing threats while Texas House Democrats remain out of state in an effort to block new district maps the GOP says will help them gain seats in Congress. The Democrats say they are racially motivated. We hear from one of those Democrats, Houston-area State Rep. Gene Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.Also this hour: We examine the growing use of telemedicine among Houston-area doctors. Sometimes it's practical and beneficial for patients. Sometimes, it's not.Then, we revisit our 2023 conversation about patient portals in health care and why the people who often need to navigate them most are also the ones who often struggle with them the most.And we learn how a local nonprofit called Prevention Zone tries to help disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, serve kids of incarcerated parents, and reduce recidivism rates.

On Monday's show: Dozens of Texas House Democrats have left the state, breaking quorum in an effort to block a Republican plan to redraw district maps at President Trump's direction. We get the latest from Houston Public Media's Andrew Schneider.Also this hour. We learn why the Houston Federation of Teachers is suing HISD over how the district plans to hand out raises.Then, we offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we discuss the return of Carlos Correa to the Astros and other developments in sports.

On Friday's show: This week, experts from across Texas testified at a hearing on disaster preparedness and flooding in the wake of the deadly Central Texas floods. Among those who testified were representatives from Rice University's SSPEED Center, whose Jim Blackburn discusses how what happened in Central Texas relates to past storms here.Also this hour: A recent report from Bankrate ranked Texas near the bottom when it comes to the best states to retire. Why? And how does Houston stack up? We consider the pros and cons of retiring here.Then, from what used to be Houston's own Shipley's Do-Nuts being sold to a California company, to an ad campaign's play on words that has some worried about eugenics, this week's non-expert panel weighs in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And Hank, Peggy, and Bobby are back as King of the Hill returns after 15 years. Its showrunner Saladin Patterson talks about bringing back the beloved animated series and its depiction of small-town Texas life.

On Thursday's show: Actor William Shatner talks with us ahead of an appearance in Houston tonight at House of Blues where he'll share stories from his career following a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.Also this hour: The Trump administration this week announced plans to walk back a 2009 EPA finding that has since been the scientific and legal foundation behind regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. We discuss the legal and practical implications of such a rule change on climate policy and industry here in the Houston area.Then, we learn how zoning shapes cities from Sara Bronin, who grew up in Houston -- a city famous for having no zoning. That's the subject of her book, Key to the City.And we visit the Genuine Cup, a soccer tournament happening this week in Houston for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities on teams from all over the world.

On Wednesday's show: While a couple candidates appear to have a little bit of an early lead in the special election for the 18th Congressional District, many of the district's voters don't really know -- or have an opinion about -- who's running, according to new polling data. We discuss that, the special session in Austin, and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: On this date 60 years ago, the legislation creating Medicare and Medicaid was signed into law. We reflect on the history, impact, and future of those federal programs and what they mean to Houstonians.And the Houston Shakespeare Festival returns this week with productions of As You Like It and Henry V. We talk with the band of brothers…and sisters who are behind it.

On Tuesday's show: The White House is proposing an end to federal funding for legal aid nonprofits that help low-income Americans obtain assistance with all manner of legal matters. We learn more from R.A. Schuetz of the Houston Chronicle.Also this hour: We mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recall its roots here in Houston with Lex Frieden, a local disabilities advocate who was instrumental in creating the law and getting it passed.Then, we learn about the rise of sensory-friendly events around town, as local businesses and organizations create events for individuals who struggle with bright lights, loud noises, or overstimulation from crowds.And we take you to an exhibit at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring called “Art Unleashed,” which, unlike most exhibits and most museums, actually encourages you to reach out and touch the pieces of art on display.

On Monday's show: Houston-area Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher explains why she's opposed to the legislature's plan to redraw the state's congressional districts. State lawmakers gathered at the University of Houston on Saturday to hear public testimony on the matter.Also this hour: We learn about the latest developments in consumer technology with the help of columnist Dwight Silverman.And we get an update on Houston sports.

On Friday's show: We talk with Wilmer Chavarria, a naturalized U.S. citizen and school superintendent from Vermont, who was detained for several hours by Customs and Border Protection agents this week at Houston's Bush Airport on his way back from visiting family in Nicaragua. He tells us what happened and explains how the experience has changed the way he views international travel.Also this hour: Jamie Bryant, the new CEO of the Houston Housing Authority discusses efforts to improve the agency and help more people afford rent.And we visit a recent Drum Corps International event here in Houston.

On Thursday's show: We learn why officials in Kerr County didn't upgrade their flood warning system over the years, even when the county had a surplus of funds.Also this hour: Larry Bagneris helped launch Houston's first Pride Parade and became the first Black president of the LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. He reflects on overcoming racism and homophobia, which he details in his new memoir, Call Me Larry.And the new Ari Aster film Eddington explores the sticky world of small-town politics amid the controversies of the COVID era. On this month's installment of The Bigger Picture, producer Joshua Zinn discusses the film and how journalists covered small towns during the pandemic.

On Wednesday's show: From the special session of the Texas Legislature, to change in media, we discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics.Also this hour: We learn about the job of being a translator in Houston, a city where thousands rely on those services for vital needs such as understanding their legal rights, medical care, and finances.

On Tuesday's show: University of Houston men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has spent the last decade transforming the Cougars into a national powerhouse. He talks about his life, career, and how his Native American heritage influences his approach to coaching.Also this hour: We listen back to highlights from interviews with some well-known actors and entertainers who've been on the show over the years, including Rita Moreno, Lewis Black, Paula Poundstone, and Joe Pantoliano.And we discuss some recent problems in the funeral industry and how they can be addressed.

On Monday's show: We discuss what Texas lawmakers will be taking up during this year's special legislative session, which begins today.Also this hour: A conversation with veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller about pet care.And we discuss why the middle of summer tends to be a real dead spot for a lot of sports leagues, and who should take advantage of it.

On Friday's show: Houston Public Media General Manager Josh Adams shares updates on our resiliency campaign following the approved rescission of federal funding for public media.Also this hour: We discuss the experiences that make Houstonians truly feel like Houstonians.Then, Mincho Jacob talks with former Houstonian Shaye Ogbonna, the creator of a new series called Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, and Li Lu, the creator of HTX Made, about an event this weekend with Ogbonna.

On Thursday's show: We get the latest on activity along the Gulf Coast as Invest 93L moves westward.Also this hour: We often talk about flood safety in terms of preparing for a possible flooding event, but what do you do the moment water starts getting into your house? We discuss with local emergency officials.Then, we meet a Houston native and Navy veteran who is defying the odds -- and doctors' expectations -- by returning to the track, the weight bench, and the volleyball court for the Department of Defense Warrior Games.And we talk with the director of Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy about the deadly crowd crush that unfolded at the Astroworld Festival in 2021.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics with Renee Cross and Nancy Sims.Also this hour: A Palestinian man was detained at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for nine days with no apparent cause--we discuss that case and the implications for immigration policy.Then, we chat with comedian Kym Whitley ahead of an upcoming pair of shows in Houston.

On Tuesday's show: We talk with Houston Public Media reporter Natalie Weber about redistricting and other stories in Fort Bend County.Also this hour: Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon, we consider where we are today in our approach to nuclear power and non-proliferation.Then, amid concerns about deportations of immigrants, we consider who's responsible for detention centers here in Houston, and what does detention look like in our area..And we meet chef David Skinner from Th_Prsrv [The Preserve] at Eculent, a communal dining experience reclaiming and elevating Native American cuisine.

On Monday's show: We learn the latest on recovery efforts in Texas Hill Country after they were disrupted by more rain and flooding.We also learn about new data from Environment Texas examining contamination along Texas beaches.Also this hour: We revisit a conversation with actor Tom Hanks about the future of space exploration.Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers your questions about gardening.And we discuss controversy at this year's MLB All-Star Game with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Ten years ago this weekend, Sandra Bland died in a Waller County jail cell, three days after being arrested during a traffic stop. We look back at the impact of her death, and what has – and hasn't changed – in the decade since.Also this hour: Andrew Schneider tells us about Governor Abbott's special session addition – no, not storm response…his other addition: redistricting.Then, this week's “non-expert” panel weighs in on intrigues in the news on The Good the Bad and the Ugly.And Brenda Valdivia chats with Houston's most opinionated man: The Houston Chronicle's new Editor of Opinion, Evan Mintz.

 On Thursday's show: As the long road to recovery begins in Central Texas, many are asking if authorities did enough to protect residents and if alert systems were sufficient. Paul Flahive from the Texas Newsroom reports from the region and Joshua Fletcher from the Texas Tribune joins us to discuss why Texans keep building in areas that are flood prone. Also this hour: Legal professionals have embraced AI more broadly than many other industries.Now a professor at UH Law Center is encouraging law students to utilize AI to become better students and future lawyers. Then, Houston is set to host World Cup matches next year, but attendance at a pair of recent tournaments may give some pause about World Cup turnout. We learn more from the Sports Business Journal's Alex Silverman.Plus: The creator and a cast member from “The Women Play” – a new production at The DeLuxe Theater, exploring sisterhood and spiritual growth.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the politics surrounding the deadly Central Texas floods and other developments in the news in our weekly political roundup.Also this hour: Houston food writers discuss their favorite unique restaurant experiences around town on this month's edition of The Full Menu.And we learn about increased interest in birdwatching in Houston.

On Tuesday's show: We get the latest on the flooding the Texas Hill Country, local efforts to aid in the rescue and recovery operations, and what actions elected officials could have taken to mitigate the disaster -- and what they might do to prevent similar ones in the future.Also this hour: We learn how summer camps prepare for emergencies and work to put parents' minds at ease as they leave their children in their care for days or even weeks at a time.Then, a local therapist who specializes in grief and family trauma talks about dealing with trauma after events like the floods in Central Texas. Her practice is offering free virtual counseling sessions and a collection of trauma-informed resources for those affected by the Texas floods.Plus: Hurricane Beryl made landfall a year ago today. Houstonians saw power knocked out for days. We reflect on the state of the power grid and CenterPoint, one year later.And certain neighborhoods in Houston have become focal points for the bar and club scene. Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing explains some of the negative things that come along with that and how people who live in those areas are pushing back.

On Monday's show: The death toll continues to rise following devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country. We get the very latest from Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh live from Kerrville. We also hear the accounts of several flood victims, including a Houstonian who was preparing to move there next month. And Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger explains the weather that led to Friday's flooding and whether the blame some have sought to place on the National Weather Service is misplaced.We also welcome your thoughts on this and other major stories in the news as we chat with Houston Chronicle op-ed editor Lisa Gray.RELATED: How Houston residents can help Texas Hill Country flood victimsAlso this hour: The future of birthright citizenship.And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in Houston sports.

On Thursday's show: We learn about a controversial plan to sever an artery connecting the East End to downtown Houston. A recent study said the project to close part of Polk Street to expand the George R. Brown Convention Center would have "no adverse impact." Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh outlines what the report had to say and why some community members take issue with it.Also this hour: Sleep — there's never enough of it, it seems. Or, too often, there's something affecting the quality of our sleep or preventing it altogether. That's where sleep expert Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula comes in. She answers listener questions about sleep and sleep disorders.And this month's edition of The Bigger Picture takes a closer look at the new movie, F1, about a Formula One racecar driver who comes out of retirement, and we visit a local go-karting venue to get a taste of racing culture in Houston.

On Wednesday's show: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joins us to talk about issues facing the county, from budget issues to questions about whether she'll run for re-election.Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.And a historian explains why we could have ended up celebrating independence from England on July 2 instead of July 4.

On Tuesday's show: The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld an historic penalty against ExxonMobil for pollution at its Baytown oil refinery. We hear from the group behind the long-running lawsuit on behalf of those who lived near the plant.Also this hour: In April, Houston police called ICE agents on a woman who'd dialed 911 to report domestic abuse. We learn the details of that case and discuss the effect it might have on people's willingness to report crime.Then, the Chris Larkin ALS Act is now law and takes effect immediately. It allows some people under 65 to purchase Medicare supplement benefit plans. We talk with the Houstonian it's named for, Chris Larkin, about his journey with ALS and about the emotional moment in the legislature he credits with getting the bill passed.And we go on a walk through the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center in Memorial Park with writer Isobella Jade to learn how to connect with nature in the heart of the city -- and how doing just that helped her deal with a divorce after moving here to Houston, as she details in her book, Heart Trail.

On Monday's show: The U.S. Supreme Court's latest term ended Friday. We recap the session and discuss what the rulings might mean for Texas and Houston with the help of law professor Charles “Rocky” Rhodes.Also this hour: On this date in 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Bowers v. Hardwick, saying states could criminalize gay sex between consenting adults. In 2003, the decision in Lawrence v. Texas overturned that. We revisit a 2023 conversation with Mitchell Katine, the local attorney for the plaintiffs in the Lawrence case who spoke with us on the 20th anniversary of that ruling.Then, recent incidents, such as the murder of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband and the forcible removal of Sen. Alex Padilla from a press conference, might lead us to believe political vitriol and discord have reached unprecedented heights. But that's not necessarily true. Author Zaakir Tameez joins us to discuss his new biography of Charles Sumner, an abolitionist senator nearly beaten to death for opposing slavery and what it can tell us about our political climate today.And Jeff Balke joins us to assess the first half of the Astros' season.