Houston Matters

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.

On Tuesday's show: While some things about the City of Houston's financial situation have improved over the last year, the city still faces some significant financial challenges, according to its latest financial report. Analysts from the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University reviewed that report and share what they found.Also this hour: Matt Lanza from Space City Weather talks about a growing trend in weather forecasting: too much hype.Then, investigative reporter Lise Olsen talks about her book, The Scientist and the Serial Killer. It details how scientists have used new technology and methods to identify the remains of most of the long-unidentified victims of Houston serial killer Dean Corll.And an upcoming concert from Houston's Mercury Chamber Orchestra combines the upbeat rhythms of Venezuelan Joropo music and the classical style of Bach.

On Monday's show: A bipartisan bill to create a grant program for safer railroad crossings is headed to the Texas House after the Senate recently passed it unanimously. Senate Bill 1555 was filed after the death of Sergio Rodriguez, a 15-year-old Houston ISD student who was struck by a train while walking to Milby High School. We learn more about the bill from one of its co-authors, Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat who's also a Milby graduate.Also this hour: We explore how changing Medicaid and SNAP policy may impact Houstonians.Then, we learn about a local pilot program providing resources and education about endometriosis.And from UH making the Final Four, to the Astros' season-opening series against the Mets, we recap developments in sports with the help of Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Even on rainy days like this, it doesn't take much to remember the extreme heat and occasional drought we suffer through in Houston summers. We learn what those ever-hotter summers may do to our water supply and what's being done to prepare for potential shortages in Texas and Greater Houston.Also this hour: From a protest over the removal of bike lane dividers, to an area school district trying out some Bible-infused curriculum, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we learn about Resilient Grace, a Houston apparel brand that aims to educate customers about Black history through T-shirts.

On Thursday's show: There's potential for some heavy rainfall, maybe even a bit of flooding, over the next 36 hours. We look at the forecast with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard. And we preview the new Astros season, which begins tonight against the Mets.Also this hour: We talk over Houston's credit landscape, saving for retirement, and other financial planning concerns with the help of certified financial planner Juan Hernandez Ariano from WealthCreate Financial.Then, on this month's edition of The Bigger Picture, the new film Black Bag leads to discussion with a husband and wife about the joys and challenges of spouses working in the same industry.And Houston-raised jazz pianist and composer Jason Moran talks about his love of the music of Duke Ellington ahead of a concert Friday night with DACAMERA concert celebrating Ellington's life and music.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the White House security breach and other developments in national, state, and local politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, the board chair of METRO, joins us to outline her organization's new transit initiative, METRONow, and to discuss other issues related to public transportation in the region.And we continue our quest to craft the ultimate Houston sandwich by going in search of Houston's best veggies and condiments.

 On Tuesday's show: We learn how potential cuts to FEMA funding might affect Houston's ability to respond to and recover from natural disasters.Also this hour: Longtime Houston activist Lex Frieden reflects on what it took to get the Americans with Disabilities Act passed and signed into law in 1990. That story is the subject of an episode of American Experience called Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act, which airs tonight at 8 on Houston Public Media, TV 8.And we learn about the new teacher evaluation system HISD will have next school year. Some like it, and some hate it (just like just about everything these days).

On Monday's show: State government can move fast or slow. Consider the speed with which the Texas Senate passed a bill calling for public schools to display the Ten Commandments, and how, so far, Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be slow playing what should be a simple call for a special election in a Houston-area Congressional district. News 88.7's Andrew Schneider updates us on both stories.Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in residential real estate here in Greater Houston, which has long been a seller's market, with the help of Florian Martin of the Houston Business Journal and real estate agent Kristin Pomroy.Then, columnist Dwight Silverman talks about some recent developments in consumer technology.And Jeff Balke tells us about the UH Cougars men's basketball team making its sixth straight appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and updates us on Houston sports.

 On Friday's show: We get an update on efforts to contain a wildfire near the Sam Houston National Forest.Also this hour: We revisit the origins of civil rights protests here in Houston, and a figure at the center of them.Then, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the week's news.And with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams back on Earth after an extended stay in space, we revisit a conversation with astronaut Scott Kelly, who set a record for continuous time in space.

On Thursday's show: The Houston Police Department (HPD) says its stance of leaving immigration enforcement in the hands of federal agencies has not changed, even though a local family says a man was detained by the department and then handed over to federal agents.Also this hour: There are a lot of options out there when it comes to online education and certifications. Some may be useful. Others may be scams. Some may help your job search. While others may harm it. We discuss what area recruiters look for.Then, we talk with comedian Tom Papa ahead of his show at 713 Music Hall Friday night.And we explore the cultural history and tradition of mariachi music with the help of journalist and anthropologist Cecilia Ballí, who will talk about the subject at an event tonight at the MATCH.Audio from today's show will be available after 11 a.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, Stitcher and other apps.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Acclaimed author Emma Donoghue talks about her latest novel, The Paris Express, a work of historical fiction inspired by a very real train crash in Paris, the aftermath of which has been immortalized by a famous photograph of a steam engine hanging out the second-floor window of a train station. Donoghue, who's known for her historical fiction and her novel Room, the screen adaptation of which garnered her an Oscar nomination, will speak at an Inprint event on March 24.And Brenda Valdivia continues her series pursuing the creation of the ultimate Houston sandwich by embarking on a quest for some of Houston's best meats and cheeses.

On Tuesday's show: Houston ISD, like many school districts across Texas, has been addressing teacher shortages in recent years by hiring uncertified teachers. A bill in the Texas House would end the practice. We learn what the bill says and what it would mean for schools here in Houston and across the state.Also this hour: More than half of all payday lending fees issued in the country are paid by Texans, according to the nonprofit advocacy group the Center for Responsible Lending, We find out why that happens and what Texans can do to escape the cycle of debt.Then, Todd Waite, longtime resident actor at The Alley Theatre, joins us. He's in his final role with the theater after 25 years, performing in Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, a wacky twist on the classic tale.And we discuss the challenges of meeting new people in a large, busy metro area like ours.

On Monday's show: Texas lawmakers filed more than 800 bills by Friday's deadline, bringing this legislative session's total to more than 8,600. But only a handful will actually become law. Blaise Gainey of the Texas Newsroom explains what happens next.And we hear what the Houston Police Department is preparing for this week with the rodeo underway, March Madness kicking off, St. Patrick's Day, and spring break.Also this hour: We learn about the complicated racial politics and history of the Riverside Terrace neighborhood from Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing, who recently wrote about the subject as the neighborhood where she grew up turns 100. Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers questions about pet health.And we get an update on sports with Jeff Balke.

 On Friday's show: We discuss the long-term effects of COVID-19 five years after the beginning of the pandemic.Also this hour: Hockey Day in Houston is on Saturday, and we'll talk with one of the organizers of that as well as a former player.Then, our non-expert panel discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of the week's news.And Laura Walker previews a new comedy whodunnit by a local playwright.

 On Thursday's show: At-Large City Council Member Letitia Plummer talks about efforts to address cancer concerns in Houston's Fifth Ward.Also this hour: David Brancaccio from the Marketplace Morning Report joins us to talk about reporting from the Houston Rodeo.Then, we consider parallels between Elon Musk heading up DOGE (The Department of Government Efficiency) and Houstonian Jesse Jones' non-elected role in alleviating the Great Depression.And we learn all about the new edition of the Official Guide to Texas State Parks & Historic Sites.

 On Wednesday's show: The Texas House is debating private school vouchers while the U.S. House votes on a budget. We discuss those and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: CERAWeek, one of the most important annual conferences for the energy industry, is happening now in Houston, bringing in executives, foreign ministers, top officials, and more than 10,000 participants to discuss energy strategies in a time of climate change and political upheaval. We learn how Houston is more than just the host of this major event.And what constitutes the perfect Houston sandwich? Where do you go for the Bayou City's best bread, meats, cheeses, veggies, and sauces? We begin a month-long quest to create the ultimate Houston sandwich.

On Tuesday's show: A new statewide health care poll finds nearly two thirds of Texans are skipping or postponing care because it costs too much. We discuss that and other findings from the Episcopal Health Foundation's annual poll on health care access and affordability.Also this hour: Does Houston get snubbed? We certainly host our share of big events, but when it comes to popular culture -- films, television, concerts -- why is Houston sometimes bypassed? We revisit our conversation about that subject from last year.Then, author Clint Smith talks about how Hurricane Katrina forced him to relocate from his home in New Orleans to Houston and how that experience shaped him as a writer. And he talks about his award-winning book, How the Word Is Passed, which examined historical sites across the country and how they do -- and often do not -- reckon with our nation's history of slavery. Smith speaks in Houston March 18 at a fundraising event for The Jung Center of Houston.And we talk with comedian Russell Howard ahead of his March 18 show in Houston.

 On Monday's show: Ahead of an appearance at Space Center Houston to premiere his film The Moonwalkers, we discuss all things space with actor, producer, director, and aerospace advocate Tom Hanks.Also this hour: We get some updates on developments in the city of Houston, including Mayor John Whitmire's plans for a hiring freeze as the city faces a more than $330 million budget deficit and plans for a 700,000-square foot expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center.Then, Meg Tapp from The Garden Club of Houston answers gardening questions, which you can send yours to talk@houstonmatters.org.And we get an update on Houston sports Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast.

On Friday's show: We preview the Theater District Open House, which returns on March 10 for the first time since 2019. The event is an opportunity for arts enthusiasts to learn more about the city's theaters and arts organizations and to preview their upcoming seasons.Also this hour: From layoffs at Sesame Street, to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick wanting to rename the New York strip, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Then, a new documentary short highlights the resilience of Houston's Asian-American community during a period of anti-immigrant fervor. We talk with actor Nik Dodani, the director of Houston Rising.And we visit the final event of Doomsday Wrestling, a comedy wrestling show which held its last matches recently after the death of its creator.

On Thursday's show: Local leaders share their memories of working with Sylvester Turner, who passed away at age 70. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reflects on navigating several crises in the region, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the former mayor. And Rep. Lizzie Fletcher talks about his leadership and his brief term serving alongside her in Congress.Also this hour: We learn about FLATS, a roaming photography exhibit that's held in homes around Houston that also operates a community darkroom and photo lab.Then, food writers talk about some of their favorite places to grab a quick breakfast in Houston in this month's installment of The Full Menu.And we meet a competitive sign spinner who's participating in the 18th annual World Sign-Spinning Championship in Las Vegas.VIDEO: Competitive Sign Spinning: It's a Real Thing.

 On Wednesday's show: We reflect on the life and legacy of former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, who passed away at age 70.We also get reactions to President Trump's address before a joint session of Congress and discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.And we talk with Houston musician Ben Chavez about his concept album Last Day, County Fair. It draws inspiration from his own life, following a young man coming to terms with his queer identity in a town where he feels misunderstood. He performs music from the album on March 6 and 7 at the Wortham Center.

On Tuesday's show: Stormy weather is headed our way this morning. We get the latest details from Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard.Also this hour: While DEI programs may be on the decline, that doesn't mean businesses aren't interested in a diverse workforce. We consider how they can accomplish that.And a pair of lunar landers from Texas are in space right now. One landed on the moon over the weekend, and a second is slated to land Thursday. That one, called Athena, is from the Houston-based aerospace company Intuitive Machines, which welcomed longtime NASA chief flight director Gene Kranz to its mission control last weekend. We revisit our 2023 conversation with him about the lessons he learned from the Apollo missions.

On Monday's show: Following Friday's "economic blackout," we consider whether boycotts of this nature work as intended.Also this hour: We offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.And we talk about the Houston Rockets as they're set to face one of the best, and one of the worst, teams in their conference this week.

On Friday's show: Infectious diseases expert Dr. Peter Hotez discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas.Also this hour: We consider name changes, particularly those related to controversial historical figures, and how much they really matter.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And the story of former Texas death row inmate John Henry Ramirez is told in the documentary short, I Am Ready, Warden, which is up for an Academy Award this Sunday. The Houston attorney who won his case before the U.S. Supreme Court tells the story of the legal battle for Ramirez's religious rights.

On Thursday's show: We learn about recent actions taken by Houston City Council, including creation of the Office of Recovery and Resilience and a fund for homelessness. We also discuss a new METRO initiative focused on cleanliness, safety, and ridership.Also this hour: The Houston-Galveston Area Council is seeking comments from the public about where to spend money to improve traffic and safety along the Washington Avenue corridor. A long stretch of the street is seen as part of the city's “High Injury Network.” In other words, there are not a lot of good, safe pedestrian crossings. We learn more about the project.Then, the classic 1980s teen drama The Breakfast Club turns 40 this month. In the latest installment of The Bigger Picture, we look back at the movie and consider ways education and the high school experience have changed since then.And an ardent fan remembers Selena on the 30th anniversary of her last major concert at the Astrodome in 1995.

On Wednesday's show: The U.S. House approved a framework last night for a multitrillion-dollar plan covering energy, defense, immigration, and tax policy. We talk over what it means and what happens next as we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: We revisit our 2016 conversation with retired U.S. Secret Service agent Clint Hill, who served five U.S. Presidents and was in Dallas when John F. Kennedy was killed in 1963. He's the agent who famously leapt onto the back of the presidential limousine and shielded First Lady Jackie Kennedy as the car raced to Parkland Hospital. In the conversation, he also recalls what happened the night before here in Houston. Hill died on Friday.And filmmaker and Houston native Li Lu talks about the new film screening series she's launching called HTX MADE, which is hosting its first event Friday -- a screening of the documentary, The Strike.

On Tuesday's show: Measles alerts have been issued in San Antonio, New Braunfels, and San Marcos as an outbreak spreads across portions of Texas and other states. We talk with epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Troisi of UTHealth about the prospects of cases in Houston and who's at risk.Also this hour: As more Houston businesses dial back remote and hybrid work, what other benefits might entice good workers to stay? We learn about some of the latest employee benefit trends.Then, we discuss whether school vouchers shifting funds from public schools to private ones might ultimately impact teacher pensions.And we reflect on the music of Houston-based ska band Los Skarnales, who play Friday night at The Heights Theater.

On Monday's show: The Texas House has its own version of a school vouchers bill that would tie the value of education savings accounts to public school funding. We learn how it would work differently than a plan in the Senate and how the two houses might work out conflicts between them.Also this hour: Three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, how does it all end, and what does it mean for Houstonians? We ask a pair of local foreign policy experts.Then, Apple has announced plans to build an AI server manufacturing facility here in Houston. Columnist Dwight Silverman explains what the facility will be doing and updates us on other developments in consumer technology.And the Astros got their first look at the automated ball/strike system as Major League Baseball tests out a new challenging system in spring training. Jeff Balke lets us know how it went.

On Friday's show: The union that represents more than 5,200 officers in the Houston Police Department is seeking higher salaries, improved benefits and the recruitment of more officers as it negotiates a new contract with the city.Also this hour: Could converting old office buildings downtown into cohousing living offer an answer for cash-strapped Houstonians? We learn about a recent report examining the concept, and we visit CoHousing Houston, a similar concept being built in Houston's East End.Then, from KFC moving its national headquarters from Kentucky to Texas, to the NFL rescinding Joe Mixon's fine for things he never said criticizing officials, to a kayaker briefly ending up inside a whale's mouth, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.