Houston Matters

On Tuesday's show: Fort Bend County's new chief executive was sworn in Monday. We learn more about County Judge Daniel Wong, a former Sugar Land city council member who was appointed to the position after K.P. George was removed from office last week.And we learn about some of the reaction to Houston City Council's passage of a revised HPD policy for interacting with ICE.Also this hour: Houston's social scene quite often revolves around alcohol. But what if connection didn't require a drink? We learn how one Houston woman turned her personal journey to sobriety into a growing movement to create alcohol-free spaces and community, called Sober Girl Houston, as more Americans rethink their relationship with drinking.And we revisit the story of The Melody Maids, a group of singing teenage girls from southeast Texas that traveled the world performing for troops from World War II to Vietnam. A new documentary tells their story, and it will be shown April 15 at the River Oaks Theatre.Watch

On Monday's show: We discuss what we learned from the Artemis II mission, what's ahead for future Artemis missions, and how the mission moved us closer to establishing more permanent operations on the moon — and potentially going to Mars someday.Also this hour: Gardening expert Meg Tapp will answer listener questions. And we preview the Rockets' first round matchup in the NBA Playoffs.Watch

On Friday's show: We preview this evening's planned re-entry and splashdown of the Artemis II astronauts. Houston Public Media will offer live coverage of the crew's splashdown beginning around 6:45 p.m. on News 88.7 and on YouTube.Also this hour: We find out how the water crisis in Corpus Christi has led many municipalities in the region to rush to pump water from aquifers in order to try and avert their own disasters.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And we learn how the Brazilian community and its culture are expanding in the Bayou City ahead of this year's Brazilian Food and Music Festival.Watch

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council has approved a proposal to limit Houston police officers' cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Councilmember Alejandra Salinas joins us to discuss the details and why she supported the measure.Also this hour: From changing trends to pleasing customers and thin profit margins, running a restaurant has never been easy. But is it even harder these days with on-again/off-again tariffs and rising costs? We talk it over with some folks in the business.And an upcoming performance from the Houston Chamber Choir called The Sacred Veil explores how music can be used for healing. Watch

On Wednesday's show: Just hours before a deadline President Trump had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face widespread destruction, the United States and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement, set to begin immediately and lasting two weeks. We consider what might happen next and examine what the president has been saying and doing regarding Iran as we discuss the latest developments in politics.Also this hour: We learn about Camp Kangaroo, which helps children who are grieving the loss of a loved one.And Captain John Dyer, a longtime Houston military and commercial pilot, shares stories from his time in the cockpit. He's among those being inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame at an event Friday at the Lone Star Flight Museum.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Artemis II astronauts had an historic day Monday, conducting their lunar fly-by and traveling farther from earth than any other humans. We learn more about what they achieved.And we learn about HISD's plans to expand Superintendent Mike Miles' New Education System to nine more campuses.Also this hour: A handful of local breweries have closed across Houston in recent years. What are some of the market factors that are causing that? Has the craft beer bubble burst? Are people drinking other things these days -- or not drinking at all? We talk it over.And how much impact does a father figure really have? An upcoming exhibit at The Health Museum is turning to Houstonians to explore the answer.Watch

On Monday's show: After nearly 50 years in publication, the Fort Bend Star is closing down. This is the second community newspaper in recent weeks in Greater Houston to announce it was ceasing operations after The Leader ended publication in March after more than 70 years. Meanwhile, a company purchased the magazine Houstonia and laid off numerous editorial positions. We discuss these stories and what they mean for local journalism in the region.Also this hour: We offer listeners a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we get an update on Houston sports from Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast.Watch

On Friday's show: We get the latest on the Artemis II mission as it continues into its second full day.Also this hour: From the recent death of a man law enforcement believed was connected to the murders of several Houston-area women, to the indictment this week of his longtime friend for his alleged involvement, we make sense of a flood of new developments in some murder cases that have sat unsolved for decades and are considered part of the so-called "Texas Killing Fields."Then, from a hoax involving the death of a 193-year-old tortoise, to the case of 400,000 stolen KitKat bars, we consider The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we pay a visit to the sprawling complex of commerce that is the Traders Village flea market.Watch

On Thursday's show: NASA's historic Artemis II mission launched successfully, lifting off at 5.35 p.m. Central Time Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. We learn what's next for the mission and the role Houston's Johnson Space Center will play.Also this hour: We consider the experiences of youth transitioning out of the foster care system.Then, a dermatologist offers advice on how to take care of your skin as many of us are spending more time outdoors.And we get to know the Houston Symphonic Band.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: In this month's installment of The Full Menu, local food writers talk about some restaurants worth taking a short trip outside Houston to try.And a unique company in The Woodlands called Othram used DNA to identify a suspect in the 1990 "Lovers Lane" murders in Houston. We revisit a conversation about how they do that work.Watch

On Tuesday's show: A federal trial underway this week could force Texas to air condition its prisons, where temperatures routinely top 90 degrees and inmates have died from the heat. Reporter Bayliss Wagner provides details.Also this hour: We talk about science fairs and how they can potentially influence the careers of their student participants.Then, while the weather in Houston has been pretty nice lately, we all know heat is coming. And that means running our air conditioners more. So, how can you make sure your A/C unit isn't fighting for its life? A local HVAC contractor offers some general tips to keep your system running smoothly.And we learn how Tuffly Park was renamed after beloved local coach.Watch

On Monday's show: A number of No Kings protests took place in the region over the weekend. We learn what took place. And as the partial government shutdown enters its 45th day, we get an update on airport security wait times at Bush Airport.Also this hour: New research suggests AI can be helpful during the creative process. We ask a few Houston area creatives what they think.Then, as NASA prepares to launch Artemis II this week, taking humans back to the moon for the first time since the Apollo program, we recall Gemini, the program that preceded Apollo, and how it may have actually been what won the space race over the Russians.And we recap the rest of the Astros season-opening series against the Angels.Watch

On Friday's show: We check in on the status of long wait times at Bush Intercontinental Airport amid a partial government shutdown. And the UH Cougars were knocked out of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to Illinois last night. We recap the game.Also this hour: From repurposing the Astrodome to the high-speed rail line between Houston and Dallas, there are some big -- potentially visionary -- projects in Greater Houston that never quite come to fruition. We consider some of the reasons why.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And Houston's EZ Band, which brings Tejano flavor to covers of modern pop songs, performs for us in studio.Watch

On Thursday's show: We check in again on the latest efforts to reduce security delays at Bush Airport as TSA workers remain unpaid during the partial government shutdown.Also this hour: Following the conviction of a Houston man for murder in a case involving stalking, we discuss how to recognize it and what practical steps can be taken to help someone in danger.Then, we examine how diagnostic delays, a lack of tailored treatments, and historic underinvestment in conditions that primarily or disproportionately affect them all combine to impact women's health outcomes across Greater Houston.And we get an update on Houston's real estate market.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We check in on the continuing security delays at Bush Airport amid a partial government shutdown.Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Then, we revisit a question we've asked before: is Texas too big?And we reflect on the women's suffrage movement in Houston and Texas and discuss why women's voting access is still a relevant topic today.Watch

On Tuesday's show: The annual CERAWeek energy conference is taking place in Houston this week. We learn about protests planned during the event and about some of the conference's high-profile speakers. And we dig into the state of the energy industry amid ever-rising oil prices.Also this hour: Anti-Islamic rhetoric is on the rise. We discuss how Houston-area Muslims are responding and what they're thinking about their future in Texas.Then, we discuss the contributions of women to space exploration and how to better highlight their stories ahead of an event Thursday on that subject. We talk with Margot Lee Shetterly, author of the book Hidden Figures, and Melanie A. Adams, interim director of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum.And the third-annual Houston Bookstore Crawl takes place during the month of April, with 31 independent bookstores across the area taking part. We revisit a conversation with three bookstore operators about why the business of books continues to thrive and what readers can expect to find in Greater Houston's diverse bookstore scene.Watch

On Monday's show: The University of Houston Cougars men's basketball team is back in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament after a blowout win over Texas A&M. They will take on Illinois on Thursday night in what is essentially a home game at the Toyota Center. We review how they got here and contemplate what's next with the help of Houston Chronicle reporter Joseph Duarte.And Houston Public Media's Michael Adkison drops by to review the reaction in Houston and Texas to the allegations against the late 20th century labor leader and activist César Chávez.Also this hour: The Trump administration claims the war in Iran will not be an extended engagement. But what if it is? We discuss how it might affect Houston -- beyond high gas prices.Then, we take a deep dive into the rollout of the state's school vouchers program with Houston Public Media's Bianca Seward and Elizabeth Sander from the Houston Chronicle.And we preview the new baseball season for the Astros, who kick things off Thursday night against the Angels at Daikin Park.Watch

On Friday's show: A battle over immigration enforcement is playing out at Houston City Hall, and it puts the mayor and city council on a collision course. And Harris County commissioners have voted to pass a controversial expansion of Ben Taub Hospital through eminent domain. We get details on both stories from the Houston Public Media newsroom.Also this hour: We preview the Houston Hockey Hall of Fame induction event tonight, emceed by our own hockey enthusiast, Craig Cohen. Inductees include Chie Chie Yard, an NHL executive, former Olympian, and Houston-native. And we find out what's on tap for the annual Hockey Day in Houston event this Saturday at Saint Arnold Brewery.And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Watch

On Thursday's show: Delays in heavy trash pickup around the city are sometimes forcing residents to take matters into their own hands. We find out what's behind the crisis and whether any solutions are on the horizon.Also this hour: A national conference exploring the intersection of medicine and religion takes place in Houston March 22-24. We preview the event and discuss where those two things should and should not intersect.And we learn about this year's Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta, the biggest canoe and kayak race in Texas, which takes place on Saturday.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: When people think “rodeo,” they often picture one thing. But in Houston, rodeo culture tells a much bigger, more layered story -- one shaped by music, diverse cowboy traditions, fashion, and community. We explore how Houston's version of rodeo culture stands apart.And a recent survey revealed some things about how Houstonians experience loneliness these days, so much so that it inspired a public event on the topic next week called Stronger Together. With those facts in mind, we ask a licensed professional counselor for some practical advice on how to address loneliness in our lives and communities.Watch

On Tuesday's show: An Australian gambler known as “The Joker” has confirmed he was behind the plot to engineer a guaranteed Lotto Texas jackpot win in 2023. In his ongoing coverage of this story, Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Eric Dexheimer tells us more about the man and the ring of high-stakes gamblers who pulled off the plot, reportedly with the full support of the Texas Lottery Commission.Also this hour: The next launch window for Artemis II is April 1-6. The mission to send astronauts around the moon and back has been delayed over technical issues found during testing, which remind us of the complicated nature of spaceflight. We discuss aerospace and aviation safety standards with an industry expert.Then, author Mark Stevens talks about his new memoir, The Last Club Kid, which recalls how Houston's nightlife once offered refuge, freedom, and community for a generation during the height of the AIDS epidemic.And, on this St. Patrick's Day, we learn about Irish Americans, immigrants, and ex-pats who gather at Houston-area parks to play traditional Gaelic football, which combines elements of soccer and rugby, among other sports.Watch

On Monday's show: Houston-area public school districts have recently become inundated with requests for Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, linked to Texas' new $1 billion school voucher program. Houston Public Media's Bianca Seward joins us to explain.Also this hour: We learn why Corpus Christi could run out of water by next year and discuss the possible ramifications for the state.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And, we get an update on Astros Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic.Watch

On Friday's show: We get the latest on the status of the upcoming Artemis II mission.Plus, we talk about the political implications of County Judge Lina Hidalgo's incident at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.Also this hour: We break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Then, spring is on the way, and your allergies might be as well. We discuss how to deal with those challenging seasonal sneezes with the help of Dr. Dat Tran of Innovative Allergy.And movie legend Charlie Chaplin's 1940 satire of Adolf Hitler, The Great Dictator, will be screened on March 16 as a part of the Houston Jewish Film Festival. We look back at the film and consider what it's message has to tell us today.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45FJFryZNxQ

On Thursday's show: Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz have announced revisions to the department's protocols for engaging with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We learn what's changed and why.Also this hour: Seeking out a spring break-appropriate trip into nature within a day's drive? We visit Lake Houston Wilderness Park to learn more about it.Then, we get answers to some questions about pharmaceutical drugs. For example, when you're sick, how can you tell the difference between a symptom and a drug interaction? We ask a pharmacist about safer medication habits.And we discover what a new photo exhibit called Between Borders has to show us about the war in Ukraine -- and the unlikely organization hosting the exhibit.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0wvHnr5z6w

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Author Tayari Jones talks about how her latest novel, Kin, explores mother-daughter relationships and friendships between women. Jones appears tonight at Houston's Kindred Stories.And we learn about a new exhibit at The Health Museum which explores the science, stories, and human experiences behind the fight against cancer.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Gas prices in Houston have risen around 50 cents in the last week, bringing the average price per gallon above $3 for the first time in recent memory, according to AAA, as the Iran war intensified. We discuss how long that increase might last and how it could affect the Houston economy.Also this hour: Houston hosting matches during this summer's FIFA World Cup brings international attention and scrutiny to human trafficking prevention in our region. So, how are local human rights groups preparing for the rise in illicit activities? And what happens once the games are over?Then, a civil rights nonprofit recently released a report documenting modern-day lynchings, finding more than 70 have taken place since 2000 here in Texas and six other states.And we all know Houston traffic can be challenging. But now imagine you're in it while steering a covered wagon and a team of mules! We visit with the Valley Lodge Trail Riders as they roll into town for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.Watch

On Monday's show: Fort Bend County Judge KP George's trial for alleged money laundering is set to begin this week, and Galveston is embarking on a mission to help people live better and longer. Houston Public Media's Fort Bend and Galveston County reporters update us on those stories.Also this hour: We visit Camp for All near Brenham, where kids with disabilities, health conditions, and other challenges can have a traditional summer camp experience.Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers questions about how to maintain the plants in your home or garden.And we discuss the Texans' latest plan to overhaul their offensive line to protect the team's quarterback next season.Watch

On Friday's show: We learn about some potential strong winds and even flooding in Greater Houston this weekend with the help of Justin Ballard, meteorologist for the Houston Chronicle.Also this hour: We talk about movies dealing with time travel. That's the theme of Moonlight Movies, a series of outdoor film screenings this month put on by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we preview this year's Theater District Open House, where performing arts organizations open their doors for visitors to learn about what they do and to preview their coming seasons.

On Thursday's show: We broadcast live from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where we talk about the annual celebration of western culture with Chris Boleman, the event's president and CEO. We also discuss the future of water in Texas and how the need for it will affect the state's agriculture.Also this hour: We go shopping for Western wear inside the exhibitor hall at NRG Center. And we take an inside look at the annual calf scramble.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We examine how the races turned out in the Texas primary election and discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: In this month's installment of The Full Menu, food writers discuss some of their favorite restaurants around Houston to take a date or have a date night with a significant other.Watch

On Tuesday's show: We have the latest news on voter turnout during primary election day.Also this hour: Houston didn't make the headlines like Minneapolis or Los Angeles for aggressive immigration enforcement this past year, but it felt the impact. More than one in seven Houston-area residents personally know someone who was detained and potentially deported in 2025. We discuss new surveys from Rice University's Kinder Institute on how Houstonians' attitudes toward immigration enforcement are shifting.Then, retired astronaut Butch Wilmore joins us to talk about his career, including the nine months he spent on the ISS when his mission was originally only supposed to last eight days.Then, we discuss why the Trump administration wants to extend the Texas border wall through Big Bend National Park.And we learn about a Texas Tech University archaeology team's recent discovery of a long-lost Spanish mission site, which sheds new light on missionary life in Texas during the 1700s.Watch

On Monday's show: Sunday's mass shooting in Austin may have been an act of terrorism and a response to the U.S. and Israel's military action in Iran, which has led that country to attack several Middle East neighbors. We discuss that and other reverberations from this weekend's violence and implications in politics and on the oil and gas industry.Harris County commissioners recently voted to strip the county treasurer's office of key functions and to pursue dissolving the office altogether. The move was made amidst legal troubles for County Treasurer Carla Wyatt. We get  the details from reporter Sarah Grunau.Also this hour: It's the first Monday of the month. That's when we set aside time to sweat the small stuff in another round of Houstonian pet peeves. Send yours now to talk@houstonmatters.org.And we discuss the Astros at spring training, how the automated ball strike challenge system is going so far, and preview the World Baseball Classic as some of the tournament's games will be played at Daikin Park starting next week.Watch

On Friday's show: We learn about HISD's plans to close some of its schools, after a vote on the matter takes place.Also this hour: We discuss the homeschooling experience in Houston with Tess Harris, a former home school student and member of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, and Amber Swirsky, a homeschool teacher, mother of five, and owner of The Homeschool Store.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we chat with Rich Levy, executive director of Inprint Houston, who's presenting the next film in the Movies Houstonians Love series at the MFAH. We talk about the movie he wants you to see, Wim Wenders' 2023 film, Perfect Days, and about his 30+ years at Inprint ahead of his retirement.Watch

On Thursday's show: Apple plans to build its Mac mini computers right here in Houston, and Wall Street Journal reporter Rolfe Winkler got an exclusive inside look. We talk with him about what is driving this move and what it means for the city.Also this hour: The deadline is next week for Texas public school boards to vote on whether or not to adopt a voluntary period for prayer and reading of religious texts during the school day. We discuss the law behind this, SB 11, and concerns over how it will be implemented.Then, we learn about CanCare, a local cancer support organization that pairs patients with survivors.And we reflect on the history of the Julia Ideson Library, which is celebrating its centennial with a performance of new music from ROCO on Feb. 28.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We recap last night's State of the Union address and discuss other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Do you grunt when you get up after sitting too long? Do you feel achy after sleeping? Nearly a quarter of all U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain. We discuss how to manage it, and when it is a good idea to see a doctor or a specialist.And Houston-based singer and musician Kyle Cousins joins us and performs in studio. He's one of a number of area musicians who will be showcased in a concert Thursday that wraps up this year's ReelAbilities Houston Film and Arts Festival.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Texas rewards school districts for preparing students for life after graduation, tying college and career readiness to more school funding and higher performance ratings. But a new report shows many college prep classes are failing to live up to their promise. We talk with the researcher behind the findings.Also this hour: Amid concern about the fate of the former Garden Oaks Theater, we discuss historic preservation in Houston.Then, we talk with an area immigration attorney about Houstonians pursuing dual citizenship.And we preview Truth Be Told, a dance production Feb. 26-27 from Urban Souls Dance Company honoring the stories, ancestors, and cultural legacies that shape the Black experience.Watch

On Monday's show: We discuss how the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down many of President Trump's tariffs might affect Greater Houston.Also this hour: We learn about Blackball, an exhibit exploring baseball in Houston Freedmen's Town, from teams that barnstormed in sandlots, to players and teams in the Negro Leagues, to the eventual integration of Major League Baseball. And we learn about some of the notable Black baseball players from Houston's history from the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.Then, from the rollout of school vouchers, to districts voting on prayer in school, to plans to close some HISD campuses, there is a lot going on these days in K-12 education. We bring together a panel of education reporters to discuss those and other subjects in the news.And we recap the Winter Olympics with Houston Chronicle sports editor Reid Laymance.Watch

On Friday's show: Texas is suing Dow Chemical Co., citing hundreds of water pollution violations at the company's facility in Seadrift along the coast south of Victoria. Dylan Baddour of Inside Climate News explains the lawsuit and how it could actually end up shielding Dow from tougher penalties.Also this hour: The nonprofit Sierra Club recently released its legislative scorecard for last year, measuring how well or how poorly state lawmakers supported various environmental needs, at least according to the organization's own measurements. We discuss the ratings and whether such assessments ever move the needle on the state's environmental concerns.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And a new documentary called The Inquisitor explores the life and career of the late Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. The film airs Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. on Houston Public Media, TV 8. In conjunction, we reflect on Jordan's contributions to the political landscape.Watch

On Thursday's show: AI-focused data centers have increased the demand for memory chips that drive many electronics consumers use. And that is driving up prices we pay to get them. Technology columnist Dwight Silverman explains, and he offers advice for how to spot AI being used in campaign ads or social media posts.Also this hour: As Johnson Space Center continues preparations for the next Artemis mission and America's return to the moon, it reminds us that NASA's long-term vision includes using the moon as a stepping-stone for future missions to Mars. But there is a lot to consider about what human beings spending extended time on the moon or Mars will mean. We talk that over with Rice University biology professor Scott Solomon, author of Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds.Then, we discuss the role the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary plays in protecting birds that migrate through Texas.And, as Olympic hockey games near their pinnacle this week, we talk with Chie Chie Yard, the first Houston native to play hockey in the Olympics. These days, she plans major events for the National Hockey League, and she is one of this year's Houston Hockey Hall of Fame inductees.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We learn about a new initiative from the University of Houston-Downtown, which will guarantee admission for HISD graduates with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.And we preview a concert on Friday featuring the string quartet Brooklyn Rider, performing a work that explores the complex relationship between Mexican painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. It's in conjunction with an exhibit about Kahlo on display now at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Early voting begins today for the 2026 Texas primaries as Democrats and Republicans decide the candidates who'll be on the ballot for the November general election. Reporter Andrew Schneider tells us what we need to know about the races and voting.Also this hour: It's no secret restaurants face a variety of challenges today. So, what do they need that they're not getting? We get some insight from two local restauranteurs.Then, in testimony last week, Instagram's CEO dismissed the notion that people become addicted to social media, saying critics should separate “clinical addiction” from “problematic use.” We ask local counselor, Dr. Thomson Ivins of the Council on Recovery, to weigh in.And we learn about Houston Grand Opera's upcoming concert, Giving Voice, which celebrates Black voices in opera, and we hear a performance.Watch

On Monday's show: FEMA has released new draft flood maps for the Houston area. We discuss their implications with Jim Blackburn from Rice University's SSPEED Center.Also this hour: Veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And, as Spring Training begins, we preview the Astros season.Watch