Houston Matters

On Wednesday's show: From President Trump endorsing Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate primary runoff, to other primary votes happening across the county, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Prairie View A&M University, the state's oldest public HBCU, is celebrating 150 years. Former Prairie View history professor Dr. Will Guzmán talks about the school's history and legacy, which he addresses in two books he has written this year.And we revisit a conversation with the hosts of Sistas Who Kill, a podcast focused on Black women in true crime, ahead of a live event in Houston on May 24.Watch

On Tuesday's show: The WHO has declared an Ebola outbreak in Africa a global health emergency. We talk with local epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Troisi of UTHealth about how concerned we should be about the disease spreading further, including to Greater Houston.Also this hour: We hear two conversations about artificial intelligence. First, a new study from the University of Houston examines people's attitudes toward AI and data centers. Then, a local law professor explains why he thinks students can beomce better lawyers by using AI tools, something the legal profession may be embracing more broadly than other industries.Then, a Houston businessman was recently acquitted and released by a federal judge in a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act case. Jury convictions in such cases are hardly ever overturned. We find out why it was in this case.And turtles, geckos, and snakes were among the creatures on display recently in Pasadena at Repticon. Brenda Valdivia was there and shares what she learned.Watch

On Monday's show: Early voting begins today and runs through May 22 in the runoffs for the Texas primary races. We discuss that and Joe Panzarella's victory in a special election runoff to fill the District C position on the Houston City Council with Mark Jones, political science fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.Also this hour: Sidewalks are a part of public infrastructure that could easily be overlooked. But, according to a new book, sidewalks are at the core of numerous major debates. Michael Pollack discusses his book, Sidewalk Nation, which features a chapter about Houston.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And we discuss Jose Altuve's injury and the Astros' weekend series win over the Texas Rangers with Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast, then discuss the Texans' 2026 schedule with Houston Chronicle NFL and Texans reporter Jonathan Alexander.Watch

On Friday's show: HISD officially outlined its plans to centralize special education services at its board meeting Thursday night. This came after draft documents were leaked regarding the plan, which prompted a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. We find out what district leadership had to say.Also this hour: Road construction is unavoidable in a region as large as Greater Houston, but do you ever feel like they schedule projects all at the same time? We discuss how road work gets scheduled.Then, from a former Texas Lotto official's indictment, to the WNBA's official return to Houston next year, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we hear from singer LUCÍA, who bridges the worlds of jazz, Latin, and pop music. She performs Sunday at Houston's Eldorado Ballroom as a part of the series Rising Jazz Stars from DACAMERA.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ4ALFFyBVk

On Thursday's show: Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Bolivar Peninsula this weekend for the annual gathering known as Jeep Weekend, and Galveston County officials are deploying hundreds of law enforcement officers in response to years of violence and arrests at the event. Houston Public Media's Julianna Washburn provides details on that other stories from across Galveston County.Also this hour: Former Astros closer Brad Lidge talks about his playing days in Houston and how downtime on the road led to a new career in archaeology.Then, we revisit a studio performance by Rhett Miller, the longtime frontman of the band, Old 97's, who perform at The Heights Theater on May 28.And we meet the creators of Rūng Film Fest, a Pakistani film festival, which takes place this weekend.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We reflect on the life of aviator, engineer, and businessman Howard Hughes and his impact on Houston.And poet Lupe Mendez talks about his new collection of poems, We Exist in the Whisper, which is all about efforts in the 1970s in Houston to skirt federal school desegregation laws.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Texas public schools saw a decline in enrollment this academic year. Outside of the pandemic, that is the first drop in nearly four decades, according to a report from Texas 2036, a policy research group. And one particular group is accounting for an overwhelming majority of the loss. We take a look at the numbers and consider why.Also this hour: Houston is just over a month away from hosting the first of several FIFA World Cup matches set to take place here. But is hosting a major event like this worth it for the city -- both monetarily and in terms of the disruption to our lives? Houston Chronicle reporter Dylan McGuinness shares what his recent investigation revealed.Then, columnist Joe Holley says great stories are about people, places, and the past — and the best ones are about all three. We revisit some of his favorite stories  from around Texas collected in his book, Native Texan: Stories from Deep in the Heart.And a hidden Houston treasure is entering a new era. We talk with Daniel Ackermann, the new director of the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, about history, accessibility, and the future of one of Houston's keystone landmarks.Watch

On Monday's show: We learn why the U.S. Department of Education is investigating HISD and what it could mean for students and their families.And, after two Houston residents were identified as being among those on a cruise ship exposed to the hantavirus, we learn more about the virus and how it's transmitted.Also this hour: We discuss how we evaluate a student's success after graduation -- is salary the best way to measure that?Then, gardening expert Meg Tapp will answer listener questions.And we check in on the Astros' injury-plagued season with Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast.Watch

On Friday's show: Houston in recent days and weeks has been shaken by a string of devastating domestic violence homicides, including a murder-suicide involving the prominent owners of several local restaurants and their children. The head of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council contemplates what these stories reveal and what can be done to prevent them. And we examine what law enforcement and nonprofits are doing to intervene.*If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.Also this hour: Our panel of non-experts breaks down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And there have been all kinds of adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, putting them in unusual settings. So, why not a version of Hamlet set at a family barbecue in the South? We talk with a couple of the folks cooking up 4th Wall Theatre Company's production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fat Ham, which runs through May 23.Watch

On Thursday's show: After repeated delays, Houston City Council has approved an ordinance cracking down on apartment complexes with chronic health and safety violations. We learn what the ordinance does and get reaction from a local low-income housing advocacy group.Also this hour: We preview the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season and discuss how accurately hurricane forecasts often end up playing out in reality here in Greater Houston.Then, on a new installment of The Bigger Picture, we learn about Tourette syndrome and I Swear, a documentary about the condition which just wrapped up a short theatrical run here in town.And we preview this weekend's Houston debut of Panda Fest, a large outdoor Asian food and culture festival, taking place at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup, including the results of the latest election survey from the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs.Also this hour: Foodies dish on their favorite restaurant options for both really beautiful and really ugly food that tastes great in this month's installment of The Full Menu.And we reflect on the life and work of the late artist David Adickes, who is known for large-scale sculptures like the one of Sam Houston on I-45. He's the subject of a new book called Monumental.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Houston Mayor John Whitmire will propose an “administrative fee" tied to garbage and recycling pickup that would start out at $5 per month for the first two years and would gradually ramp up to $25 per month. We discuss the city's long history that led to this potential move and the environmental effects of neglected trash pickup.Also this hour: We discuss the state of transportation in the region.Then, response to the COVID pandemic in 2020 led some to question the wisdom of public health officials and the medical community at-large. Dr. Barry Davis of UTHealth argues they've helped us all prevent many other major health disasters. He makes his case in a new book, The Preventioneers.And we talk about fishing in and around Houston with Mike Gore from Texas Parks and Wildlife.Watch

On Monday's show: Leaked documents have detailed proposed changes to special education at HISD, raising alarm among families of students with disabilities. We learn more from Houston Public Media's education reporter Bianca Seward.Also this hour: We offer listeners a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we recap the Rockets' season after their first-round loss to the Lakers and consider what needs to happen for the team to go deeper in the playoffs with the help of Jeff Balke.Watch

On Friday's show: We take a closer look at the forecast for heavy rain in Greater Houston throughout the day and into tonight as a Stage 1 flood alert has been issued. Eric Berger of Space City Weather brings us the latest details.And we learn about the latest of several HISD school officials appointed by the state to lead a district undergoing a state takeover, this time for Beaumont ISD.Also this hour: What does it mean to live between identities — and who decides where you belong? Houston artist Melissa Aytenfisu talks about Othered, a new exhibit at Bisong Art Gallery exploring the experiences of biracial individuals through more than 30 mixed-media portraits.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And two members of the classical ensemble Trio Menil discuss their music and perform for us. The group will perform a concert called Past, Present, Premiere, which spotlights Asian American and Pacific Islander composers, on Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Asia Society Texas.Watch

On Thursday's show: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday about the Trump administration's move to end temporary protected status, or TPS, for migrants fleeing war and natural disaster. A local immigration attorney explains what's at stake.Also this hour: When it comes to homicides, Black women in America are killed at higher rates than women of any other race or ethnicity. We discuss why that is and consider how that trend is reflected here in Houston.Then we learn about some efforts to prevent and address juvenile crime.And Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Dawes talks about her legacy and the future of gymnastics.Watch

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: As the University of Houston prepares to host the first Conference on College Athlete Mental Health this week, we discuss what needs to be done to ensure players are healthy on and off the field.And we meet the folks behind Ice House Radio, an online radio station streaming from Houston dedicated to the music of southern culture -- past and present.Watch

On Tuesday's show: We get highlights from the annual Houston Area Survey from Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research, which takes stock each year of Houstonians' thoughts and attitudes on a variety of issues facing our region.Also this hour: The state of Texas is all in on the development of data centers. But just how much electricity will they demand from the power grid, and what does it mean for the rest of us?Then, college sports have entered a new era in which athletes can get paid, through name, image, and likeness agreements. But it's a complicated world for those students and their families to navigate. We contemplate the legal complexities.And Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell will be in town next week to perform with the Houston Symphony. His performance will include works he commissioned from five celebrated modern composers called The Elements. We revisit a 2022 conversation with Bell when he was just getting starting on the project.Watch

On Monday's show: A court is set to hear evidence this week in a suit challenging new rules effectively banning most hemp-based consumable products in Texas. We learn what is at stake and discuss what it means that the Trump administration has eased some rules on medical marijuana.Also this hour: We discuss plans to permanently close the Memorial City Ice Rink this summer and why some residents are trying to keep it open.Then, from state takeovers, to displaying the Ten Commandments, a lot in public education news these days has something to do with increased engagement in local schools by the state of Texas. A group of local education reporters talk it over.And we get an update on Houston sports.Watch

On Friday's show: We take a closer look at some recent changes in leadership in Fort Bend County and ponder how some candidates assuming new roles might affect looming elections.Also this hour: We examine why a recently planned conference on pan-African spirituality never happened and what it says about our current political and economic climate.Then, our panel of non-experts will break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And writer Yann Martel is coming to town Monday for an event with Inprint Houston where he'll discuss his latest novel, Son of Nobody. The bestselling author of Life of Pi talks with us first and explains why he often loves to give starring roles in his stories to animals.Watch

On Thursday's show: In a 13-4 vote, the Houston City Council revised a measure intended to limit the police department's coordination with federal immigration enforcement. We learn what has changed about the ordiance directing how HPD officers should interact with ICE agents.And we contemplate whom the Texans might select in today's NFL draft.Also this hour: We discuss Discovery Sands, a controversial development project that would neighbor Jamaica Beach on the island's west end.Then, we learn about distilleries here in Houston.And we talk with a couple members of the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer ahead of an April 28 performance celebrating America's 250th year of independence.Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26db_H_9dps

On Wednesday's show: From U.S. talks with Iran, to the City Council contemplating police interaction with ICE, to another Trump cabinet departure and beyond, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Ahead of a screening Saturday of the documentary Spacewoman, which is followed by a Q&A with the film's subject, retired astronaut Eileen Collins, we revisit a conversation we had with Collins, the first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft.And author Ashanté Reese considers how gardens, reunions, and everyday meals can create connection, resilience, and care, which is the subject of her book, Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness.Watch

On Tuesday's show: Fresh off of a weekend of localized flooding and a big drop in temperatures, Houston faces another week of stormy weather. Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard joins us for a forecast.And, after nearly fifteen years at the helm of Apple, its CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, and the man replacing him is taking the reins just as Apple's biggest AI bets are on the line. We learn what it means for the company and for Houston.Also this hour: In the 20th century, three Houston women, Ima Hogg, Alice Baker, and Julia Ideson, left their mark on this rapidly growing city. Historian Kate Kirkland tells us about her book, Building Community in Houston.Then, we learn how the Houston-based Ramona Residency program helps women around the world get space -- and more importantly time -- to make art.And Houston native Doug Johnston talks to us about his book, Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart.Watch

On Monday's show: We learn why the Texas Medical Board sanctioned three doctors for delaying care of two pregnant women, which the state board says contributed to their deaths, as reported by Pro Publica.Also this hour: We revisit a conversation with actor George Takei, who shared his family's experiences with Japanese-American internment during World War II.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And, we get an update on the Rockets' playoff series with the Lakers, and the Astros' weekend series with the Cardinals, as we chat with Bleav in Astros podcast co-host Jeff Balke.Watch

Houston City Council's consideration of a repeal of a recent ordinance that updates how the Houston Police Department interacts with ICE has been postponed until next Wednesday. But on Thursday, Harris County Commissioners Court held its own discussion about such policies for county law enforcement. On Friday's Houston Matters, we learn more from Houston Public Media's Sarah Grunau. Then, FIFA officials are in town this week to do final inspections and approve the city of Houston's preparations for the World Cup. We learn the latest from Houston Public Media's Michael Adkison. Also this hour: We break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

On Thursday's show: We learn what is taking place at the annual NRA Convention April 16-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.Also this hour: We take a closer look at how and why segregation has become a permanent feature in our cities and how the promise of the 1940s through the 60s in Houston actually were periods that allowed racism to persist behind an illusion of progress. Those are subjects addressed in the book, Houston and the Permanence of Segregation. We talk with its author David Ponton III.And we learn about Black Cinema Club HTX, which is working to make the city a hub for Black cinema. The organization's founders tell us about their efforts to make Houston the next Atlanta for film and about their anniversary film festival this weekend.

On Wednesday's show: From the latest on the war with Iran, to sexual misconduct scandals and resignations, to President Trump clashing with Pope Leo XIV, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: What if the story of Eden isn't just about the past but about the African-American experience today? We talk with artist Clarence Heyward about his new exhibit at the Houston Museum of African American Culture, which reimagines paradise, exile, and hope through a powerful modern lens.Watch

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