Houston Matters

On Friday's show: Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher joins us to talk about issues in Congress affecting our region and to take listener questions.Also this hour: From a recent study suggesting AI isn't saving workers a ton of time on the job, to eight Houston-area barbecue restaurants making Texas Monthly's Top 50 list (after Yelp snubbed the city), we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And Joshua Zinn chats with Bob Simpson, the retiring founder and artistic director of the Houston Chamber Choir.

On Thursday's show: Another one bites the dust in the decimated Astros pitching rotation. This time it's Ronel Blanco who's out for the season and in need of elbow surgery. Is it past time to ask what the Astros are doing to their pitchers' arms? Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast talks it over.Also this hour: The National Endowment for the Arts recently terminated grants to nonprofits nationwide, many of which had already been awarded. Houston arts organizations are among those who have had to pivot after losing money they were counting on. We hear from a pair of them.Then, we hear the story of a Houston woman trying to negotiate red tape to gain access to an apartment she can afford. It doesn't work. We discuss why and what can be done about it.And, from Pint of Science to Nerd Nite to Brains in a Bar and Philosophically Drinking, there are many longstanding Houston-area events and programs based at local bars designed to engage Houstonians' minds (and not just douse them in alcohol). We learn more about some of them.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest news from the waning days of the Texas Legislature and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Real estate in much of Greater Houston has been a seller's market for a very long time. Not so in Galveston lately. We talk over some recent trends in Galveston real estate with Marissa Luck of the Houston Chronicle and Kimberly Gaido, real estate agent with Sand ‘N Sea Properties in Galveston.And we talk with comedian and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! panelist Hari Kondabolu ahead of his standup gigs Friday and Saturday at Houston's Punch Line Comedy Club.

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Legislature was busy this weekend, passing bills in what is now the final week of the regular legislative session. Reporter Andrew Schneider walks us through developments in Austin over the last 72 hours.Also this hour: The current session of the Texas Legislature is nearly finished. State lawmakers only meet for 140 days every two years. Is that really enough time to administer state law, and could that ever change?Then, we revisit a question we asked you last year: does Houston need a new "big honkin' thing" to help seal our identity? You know, a major landmark like so many other major cities have, and Houston had for so long with the Astrodome?And we revisit a 2023 conversation with filmmaker and Houston native Nell Teare about her movie Bolivar, which will be screened and discussed May 30 at River Oaks Theatre. The film is based on memories of family trips to the beach on Bolivar Peninsula.

On Friday's show: This coming Sunday will mark five years since the murder of George Floyd sparked demonstrations, calls for a racial reckoning in the United States, and continued demands for police reform. We reflect on the life of the Houston native and what his death brought about -- and what activists believe still needs to be done.Also this hour: The International Space Station is already facing a $1 billion budget shortfall, and the Trump administration plans to cut even more. We learn how NASA is handling the situation and how it could affect both astronauts and those working on the ground here in Houston with Andrea Leinfelder, who covers space for the Houston Chronicle.Then, from a building in the Third Ward and the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter mural on it being demolished the week of the fifth anniversary of Floyd's murder, to a Houston man suing Whataburger because a store allegedly left onions on his hamburger, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we preview a concert tonight celebrating the 10th anniversary of the local the string orchestra Kinetic. The program includes a premiere work by a Sugar Land native.

On Thursday's show: Budget season continues here in Houston. The City Council is contemplating spending $7 billion next fiscal year -- $3 billion of it from coming from the city's general fund. Council has about a month left to approve a budget, but a key part of it was just locked in, as council members approved a new contract agreement with the union representing Houston police officers. News 88.7's Dominic Anthony Walsh joins us with details.Also this hour: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joins us to discuss how the county is handling its own budget concerns and other developments affecting the county.Then, in this month's installment of The Bigger Picture, we talk about our collective obsession with death and the macabre with the release of Final Destination: Bloodlines, the latest in that series of horror movies.And Lyle Lovett is performing a free concert in Tomball later this month. We revisit our 2023 conversation with the Houston native, who follows that performance with a long summer tour across the country.

On Wednesday's show: It's crunch time for lawmakers at the State Capitol, and Presidential politics reigns, as always, in Washington. And that's just some of what we'll walk through -- and seek context and clarity about -- in our weekly political roundup.Also this hour: A mental health professional discusses how to help teens and children dealing with anxiety, depression, and other challenges.And prices are high these day -- and so is the temperature. We get some suggestions on some low-cost or free indoor summer entertainment options around town.

 On Tuesday's show: We learn about the progress of some bills regarding bail reform being considered in the waning days of the Texas Legislature.Also this hour: We discuss the complicated, cloudy future of the Texas Lottery, which has been under fire over a scheme that essentially allowed gamblers to purchase every single lottery combination possible and guarantee a jackpot win. Then, ahead of an event at Brazos Bookstore on May 27, author and poet Ocean Vuong shares lessons from working in fast food and considers what drives acts of kindness between strangers. Those themes are explored in his new novel, The Emperor of Gladness.And some Houstonians might visit Galveston during the upcoming holiday weekend, and there are a number of intriguing historic sites to check out on the island, if you're so inclined. We learn more about some of them from Tristan Smith, the author of A History Lover's Guide to Galveston.

On Monday's show: What do Houstonians think about life here -- the economy, their life experiences, beliefs, and attitudes? We discuss the findings of the annual Houston Area Survey with Rice University sociologists. Also this hour: Veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller talks about issues affecting pet health.And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in sports

On Friday's show: A year ago today, the Houston derecho moved through southeast Texas, spawning four tornadoes and creating intense winds that caused widespread damage in Houston, especially downtown where windows were blown out of many high-rise buildings. Ultimately, seven people in Greater Houston lost their lives. We reflect on what happened, why it affected downtown so greatly, and what scientists have learned from studying the event.Also this hour: The nonprofit news organization Houston Landing has shut down. One of its journalists, Maggie Gordon, joins us to reflect on what the site achieved in its short run and to discuss the lessons learned from its demise.Then, from record-breaking temperatures this week, to letting moms and soon-to-be-moms have unlimited access to HOV lanes in Texas, to a streaming service that just can't stopping changing its name, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And The Ensemble Theatre serves up a slice of life after retirement in the regional premiere of the play, Coconut Cake.

On Thursday's show: We learn about a $150 million donation that will create the Kinder Children's Cancer Center, a new initiative to fight childhood cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children's Hospital. The gift is one of the largest such donations in the history of the Texas Medical Center and one of the largest ever given to a pediatric hospital in the country.Also this hour: Comedian Ramy Youssef performs Friday night at House of Blues, and he has a new animated series on Amazon Prime called #1 Happy Family USA! We revisit a 2019 conversation with him about how he got into comedy and about how much of his standup material and work on television has revolved around the experience of growing up Muslim in America.Then, a Houston mother lost her parental rights to her children for life because of allegations her ex-husband made in court. We learn why the Texas Supreme Court unanimously overturned that ruling and what it means for how protective orders are issued here.And Laura Walker visits a farm run by the Socialites Riding Network, a Black-owned nonprofit that teaches sustainable agriculture and an appreciation for animals.

On Wednesday's show: Houston City Council members have begun budget hearings this week as the city faces economic uncertainty amid a budget shortfall. But some of that shortfall could be remedied if some proceeds from toll roads are shifted from Harris County to the city, as a bill in the legislature would do. But the county has its own budget concerns.We get some insight on crafting a budget for both the city and the county in uncertain financial times -- all while navigating the intertwining relationship of those two government entities -- from two people who've been there: former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.Also this hour: We break down the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.And we get some advice for paying back student loans (or maybe being forced to) in a changing landscape for student borrowers. MORE: Resources mentioned today about federal student loans For more information on student loan repayment, visit studentaid.gov To contact the Default Resolution Group, call 800-621-3115

On Tuesday's show: We learn about a pair of bills some say might kill the renewable energy boom in the state and about this week's heat, which may be the year's first real test of the Texas electric grid.Also this hour: We learn about the fate of the Texas Renaissance Festival after a judge ordered the event's owners to sell their property and assets after siding with a prospective buyer who sued after a $60 million deal fell through in 2023.Then, on the anniversary of the famed Battle of the Sexes tennis match at the Astrodome, we revisit a 2023 conversation with Houston tennis star Zina Garrison about the legacy of that historic match, how women's tennis has changed in the five decades since, and her longtime friendship with the match's victor, Billie Jean King.And we learn about a play addressing the mental health of Black men, called The Black Man, with actor Andre Pitre and actress and writer Charnele Brown.

On Monday's show: Three Houston-area members of Congress are asking why the National Weather Service's office in the region has nearly a dozen vacancies ahead of hurricane season.Also this hour: On this date in 1941, the Z3, the world's first programmable and fully automatic computer, was first presented. With that anniversary in mind, we revisit the ethics of artificial intelligence at the same time Texas lawmakers are considering a bill to address AI-altered audio and video in political ads.Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners' gardening questions.And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in sports, including death threats again pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. and his family after a rough outing.

On Friday's show: Pope Leo XIV celebrated the first mass of his papacy this morning. And while his election is being celebrated by Catholics worldwide, he also faces some criticism from earlier in his ministry. We learn what survivors of clergy sexual abuse here in Houston want to see and hear from the new pope.Also this hour: So far, space tourism appears to be only for celebrities and the uber-rich. While its purported long-term goal is to make spaceflight more accessible, is it also making such travel seem less meaningful to the public? In the process, are we losing respect for what real space exploration can be and do?Then, from the mayor unveiling his proposed budget, to Yelp snubbing Houston barbecue, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we preview the final concert of the season from the Apollo Chamber Players, which features world premieres by Houston composers.

On Thursday's show: We talk about Houston's growing problems with trash, including how the city is quickly running out of landfill space, with Elena Bruess of Houston Landing.Also this hour: We learn about a new law creating a Texas version of DOGE.Then, we welcome your questions about our varied and fascinating insect world for entomologist Erin Mills of the Houston Botanic Garden.And issues of loneliness, hidden trauma, and breaking free of comfort zones all come to bear in Primary Trust, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play at The Alley Theatre through May 25.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss Houston Mayor John Whitmire's proposed city budget, the latest developments from the Texas Legislature, and President Donald Trump's meeting with Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with other developments in our  political roundup.Also this hour: In this month's installment of The Full Menu, food writers discuss some of their favorite restaurants to get vegetarian and vegan food around the city.And we learn about Bajo Terapia (In Therapy), a new play about three couples in therapy, which is on stage May 8-11 at the MATCH.

On Tuesday's show: Wet weather continues across Greater Houston the next couple of days. We find out what may be in store from Eric Berger of Space Center Weather walks us through the forecast.And is the tide turning in local school board battles over library books and gender identity policies? We get an update on some changes to the makeup of the school boards at Katy ISD and Fort Bend ISD and what that might mean for those districts.Also this hour: The Trump administration wants to incentivize Americans to have more children due to falling birth rates. So, how do rates in our region compare nationally, and what are the factors causing them to drop?Then, we examine how tariffs are affecting local businesses and communities with ties to China.And, with hurricane season about to start, we go shopping for an emergency kit.

On Monday's show: Houston Mayor John Whitmire says he'll unveil his proposed budget, and even as it includes a new deal with the police union giving officers more money, it'll be a balanced budget. We get reaction to that police officers union agreement.Also this hour: We offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And Jeff Balke recaps the Rockets' Game 7 loss to Golden State in the NBA Playoffs and reflects on the accomplishments of the season.

On Friday's show: Two bills related to abortion passed the Texas Senate this week. One seeks to clarify when doctors can perform abortions if medically necessary under the state's near-total ban. The other would allow anyone who mails or delivers abortion pills to someone in Texas to be sued for $100,000. Both bills must now clear the Texas House. Eleanor Klibanoff of The Texas Tribune provides details on both measures.Also this hour: A recent report ranked Houston as one of the unhappiest cities in America. Really? Whether you agree with that or not, we try to prove them wrong by having listeners and some guests share what they're happy about. Share yours now at talk@houstonmatters.org.Then, from the USDA halting a new rule requiring poultry companies to keep levels of salmonella bacteria under a certain level, to a company using what's essentially an AI-powered mood ring to build emotional trust in relationships, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we talk with the outgoing Houston Poet Laureate, Aris Kian, and her successor, Reyes Ramirez.

On Thursday's show: Despite federal and state regulations, hospitals in Texas are failing to provide real transparency in pricing for medical services they provide. We discuss a new report from health economist Vivian Ho.And we remember our colleague, longtime Texas radio newsman Matt Thomas, who died on Wednesday after a brief illness.Also this hour: We talk about efforts to deal with what's known as the “corridor of cruelty,” an area in Houston that has become a dumping ground for abandoned stray dogs and cats.Then, with Cinco de Mayo coming up next week, we revisit a 2024 conversation about how many holidays get co-opted, and how we can turn cultural appropriation into appreciation. (But also drink. And sell mattresses).And Kenny Wayne Shepherd became a star blues guitarist as a teenager, drawing comparisons to another three-named performer, the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn. We learn why Shepherd's choice to go by three names had nothing to do with emulating Vaughn and discuss the lessons he's learned from touring with another blues legend, 91-year-old Bobby Rush ahead of their Sunday concert at House of Blues.

On Wednesday's show: This week marks President Donald Trump's 100th day in office. We reflect on everything that's happened so far and discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Corinna Lain, a legal scholar and former prosecutor, has done extensive research on how the use of lethal injection became widespread in this country. We examine what studies on the bodies of the executed can tell us about capital punishment and other revelations from her resulting book, Secrets of the Killing State.And we reflect on the fall of Saigon, 50 years ago today through the eyes of Roy Vu, the child of Vietnamese immigrants to Houston.

On Tuesday's show: Last week, two economists spoke out about the impact of Trump economic policy on Houston. One said to expect a recession by the summer. But the other offered a much sunnier forecast. Could they both be right? Or both be wrong? Do economists really know what they're talking about? We talk it over.Also this hour: Many industries face an uncertain future with the back-and-forth on tariffs. What about the energy industry in Houston? And how is the Texas Legislature playing a role in all of this? Houston Chronicle columnist Chris Tomlinson shares some of his thoughts on the subject.Then, we learn about Free for All: The Public Library, a new documentary chronicling the evolution of the American public library, from the original “Free Library Movement” in the late 19th century to the present, when many libraries find themselves caught in the crosshairs of the culture wars and struggling to survive amid budget cuts and closures. Director Dawn Logsdon talks about her film, which airs tonight at 9 on Houston Public Media, TV 8.And Texas poet Ebony Stewart discusses her newest collection called “WASH.”

On Monday's show: Depending on where you live in Greater Houston, you may be closing in on an election day. We provide a rundown on some of the municipal election decisions being made today in Fort Bend County. And we get an update on Texas public school funding from the Texas Legislature.Also this hour: We discuss “tough on crime” policies that are so tough they've caught just about everyone off guard.Then, do we really need all this smart technology? Just how connected should your fridge really be? We discuss what gadgetry may really go too far and other developments in consumer technology with columnist Dwight Silverman.And Jeff Balke updates us on the Rockets playoff series against the Golden State Warriors and other news in Houston sports.

On Friday's show: We dig deeper on the Texas Education Agency's grades for Texas schools for the 2022-2023 school year, which were just released after a 19-month legal battle between the TEA and districts that sought to prevent their release. The agency gave HISD a C grade for that period.Also this hour: A local union wants to see an increase in the minimum wage for Houston hotel and airport workers, arguing they're not seeing the benefits of the area's growing number of visitors. We learn more about what they want and how it could impact that industry.Then, from bobblehead hoarding at a recent Astros game, to a driverless car that stopped driving, and (at least according to its passengers) wouldn't let them out, we ask our non-expert panel to weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we talk with composer Missy Mazzoli about her opera adaptation of the Lars von Trier film Breaking the Waves, which explores heavy topics through a contemporary lens. The production is on stage at Houston Grand Opera thought May 4.

On Thursday's show: A group of Harris County Democratic Party officials are criticizing Houston Mayor John Whitmire over his participation in a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Republican. In a recent City Council meeting, the mayor also inflated the number of accused murderers on Houston streets as lawmakers consider bond reform. And Houston Public Works expects to raise water bills to fund a $4.2 billion overhaul of the East Water Purification Plant. Reporter Dominic Anthony Walsh updates us on those developments in city government.Also this hour: Independent bookstores across the city are taking part in the second annual Houston Bookstore Crawl. (It's like a pub crawl, but with far better results for your brain cells!) We learn why indie bookstores are thriving right now.Then, this month's edition of The Bigger Picture draws from the new film Sinners to explore the history of blues and dance halls in Houston.And James Baker turns 95 on Monday. We revisit a 2015 conversation about the Houston native's career in politics.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. This week, Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina of Party Politics offer their insights on stories from the local, state, and national level.Also this hour: Today is the 40th anniversary of New Coke, the change in flavor of Coca-Cola, which was one of the most infamous corporate marketing blunders of the 20th century. But hey, we all make mistakes. We revisit a 2024 conversation about some of Greater Houston's biggest mistakes.Then, Aris Kian, 2023-2025 Houston Poet Laureate, talks about her work and reads her poem Angels Fly to My Place for Dinner.And we talk with opera star Christine Goerke ahead of her performance Thursday at an event benefitting the University of Houston's Moores School of Music.

On Tuesday's show: A challenge on religious grounds to a requirement that health insurance providers cover HIV prevention medications was heard at the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday. Legal expert Seth Chandler explains the case, which stemmed from Texas.Also this hour: Houston has higher rates of sexually transmitted infections compared to the rest of Texas, according to Harris County Public Health. We discuss how local public health professionals are fighting STIs and misinformation.Then, on this Earth Day, we revisit a 2022 conversation with Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley about how one book sparked the great environmental awakening of the 1960s and 70s.And we talk with musician and Houston native David Ramirez, who's performing Wednesday at The Heights Theater.

On Monday's show: With the passing of Pope Francis, we talk about his time in the role and the legacy he leaves behind.Then, we discuss SB3, a bill designed to ban THC in Texas, and what comes next after it passed the Texas Senate.Also this hour: On this day in 1836, Texas forces won the Battle of San Jacinto, concluding the Texas Revolution. We revisit a conversation about the original Texans who sought independence from Mexico and sparked the revolution. And we revisit a conversation about the Turtle Bayou Resolutions and how they set the stage for the revolution in the first place.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers questions about pet health.And we get an update on the Rockets loss in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs and other developments in sports from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: A bill to greatly expand efforts to lure film and TV production to Texas using incentives paid for by sales tax revenues has passed the Texas Senate and now heads to the House for consideration. We learn more about Senate Bill 22 and what it might do for film and TV production in the state.Also this hour: From backlash over this week's celebrity-studded, all-female, Blue Origin spaceflight, to prospects getting slimmer for a Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail line, to a human chain moving a bookstore down the street, a single book at a time, we hash out The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we discuss how to best declutter, downsize, and get rid of all the stuff in our lives.

On Thursday's show: In a vote early this morning that followed hours of debate, the Texas House gave initial approval to a billion-dollar private school voucher bill that stands to transform education in Texas in the years to come along with a $7.7 billion public school funding package.Also this hour: We talk with Houstonians supporting women who run for office, regardless of party. And we meet Dr. Jennifer Feltman, an expert on medieval art and architecture, who was one of only a handful of Americans who worked to help restore the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after it was damaged by fire in 2019. She recently spoke at an event with Archaeology Now Houston.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We chat with Houston Chef Michelle Wallace, owner of B'tween Sandwich Co. She was a competitor on Season 21 of Top Chef, where she was named fan favorite.And Houston author Huda Fahmy tells us about her latest graphic novel, Huda F Wants to Know? It's the latest in her series about a young Muslim girl, loosely based on herself, growing up in America. The previous installment, Huda F Cares? was a finalist for the National Book Award.

On Tuesday's show: Texas lawmakers are looking to make changes in how cash bail is set, with an eye on Harris County. But opponents of Senate Bill 9 say it will further clog the county's courts. Neena Satija of the Houston Chronicle explains.Also this hour: After she survived the Boston Marathon bombing, former Houstonian Rebekah Gregory fought to save her badly injured leg. We learn why she eventually chose to let go and have it amputated and about how she rebuilt her life to help others affected by trauma.And we meet Al Cisneros, who is the first Hispanic pilot with the Navy's Blue Angels and is a veteran of more than 150 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame last week.

On Monday's show: At least 115 students and recent graduates in Texas have had their legal status changed by the U.S Department of State over the last few weeks, according to data compiled by Inside Higher Ed and Texas Newsroom partners around the state. Those students are among more than 600 people nationwide caught in a recent wave of visa revocations.Also this hour: Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners' gardening questions.And Jeff Balke previews the return of the Houston Rockets to the NBA Playoffs and other developments in sports.

On Friday's show: A new poll sheds light on Houston-area voters' attitudes on the issues facing the city. We learn what voters had to say about their views on where the city is headed, the biggest problems it faces, Mayor John Whitmire's performance, and some initial polling on the candidates running for the 18th Congressional District, the seat left vacant when Congressman and former Mayor Sylvester Turner died.Also this hour: From the National Weather Service stopping language translations of its products, to revelations about how many school nurses HISD employs, to some exciting news for Texas Roadhouse, our non-experts discuss the The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we visit the Car-Toon Festival, which celebrates custom cars and the city's car culture.

On Thursday's show: We get updates on recent developments at Houston City Hall, including concerns about the fate of the redesign of 11th Street in The Heights as Mayor John Whitmire's administration reviews it. And we learn about reactions to the direction the mayor has gone with street projects over the last 15 months.Also this hour: Members of the group WindSync discuss their Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival, featuring contemporary solo works and a performance with the Houston Youth Symphony's Coda music program.And we learn how economic and cultural shifts are impacting Houston area coffee shops.

On Wednesday's show: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is officially running against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn next year. Also, Gov. Greg Abbott has called a special election in November for the 18th Congressional District, leaving some Houston residents without a representative in Congress for another seven months. And Fort Bend County Democrats are calling for County Judge KP George to resign after his arrest. We discuss those and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We revisit a 2019 conversation with Houston-area pilot Lynn Rippelmeyer, who made history in 1977 as part of the first all-female crew to fly for an airline.And we learn about Flex, a new play about a team of high school girls basketball players in 1997 in rural Arkansas, which is on stage at now at The Ensemble Theatre.

On Tuesday's show: So close…and yet so far. The Houston Cougars fell two points short of a men's college basketball national championship Monday night, falling 65-63 to the Florida Gators.In a near-reversal of Saturday's come-from-behind win in their Final Four matchup against Duke, this time it was the Coogs who led most of the way. They built a 12-point second-half lead only to see the Gators charge back to take a last-minute lead and hang on.Kris Gardner of Houston Roundball Review recaps the game for us. And Houston Public Media's Mark Norris describes the atmosphere as University of Houston fans descended on the Alamodome. Among the fans in attendance was sportscaster and UH alum Jim Nantz. We revisit our 2023 conversation with him about how his alma mater shaped his career.Then, to keep the basketball theme going, we hear from Cynthia Cooper, retired star of the WNBA's now-defunct Houston Comets and herself a former college basketball coach.Plus, we talk with attendees of a recent conference dedicated to helping women start and further their careers in STEM industries.Also, Houston Youth Poet Laureate Lucas Fang shares a poem about his mother's experience as a Vietnamese refugee.And we hear from political activist Nadya Tolokonnikova, the creator of Pussy Riot, the feminist protest and art movement, who's speaking at an event at the University of Houston on April 17.

On Monday's show: The University of Houston's men's basketball team will play tonight for the national title against Florida after a stunning comeback victory against Duke Saturday in the men's Final Four. Jeff Balke previews the game.Also this hour: The year's first widely recognized hurricane season forecast says we could see a busier than normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with as many as 17 named storms and nine hurricanes. Meteorologist Justin Ballard of the Houston Chronicle interprets what the forecast means for Greater Houston.Then, we offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.

On Friday's show: A number of fascinating and controversial bills are getting hearings these days in Austin over abortion, religion in schools, and high speed rail. We discuss them all.First, we examine a bill that would directly impact a long-debated proposed high speed rail line between Houston and Dallas. Then, we learn about legislation that would offer doctors and nurses guidance on when they could, in the rarest circumstances, provide an abortion in Texas.And this week's “non-expert” panel weighs in on bills in Austin that would bring religion more directly into Texas public schools as they break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And producer Brenda Valdivia completes her quest to create the ultimate Houston sandwich.

On Thursday's show: Houston Mayor John Whitmire clashed with the city's chief financial officer, Controller Chris Hollins, during the city council meeting this week after the controller's office presented an explosive report on overtime expenditures by the police, fire, and solid waste departments. We learn more and get an update on other developments affecting the city from News 88.7 reporter Dominic Anthony Walsh.Also this hour: Houston native Debbie Allen talks about an effort to help people understand what it's like to live with diabetes.Then, we talk with Cary Darling, entertainment editor for the Houston Chronicle, about Goldstone, the film he's presenting for the Movies Houstonians Love series at the MFAH.And we learn about Black Restaurant Week, which is marking its tenth year highlighting Black-owned restaurants across the city.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Food writers talk about some of their favorite places to take kids to eat (and play) in the latest edition of The Full Menu.And blues singer ZZ Ward talks about her music ahead of an April 6 concert in Houston.