The CI Morning Breakdown Houston

Community Impact reporter Jack Dowling discusses plans for the historic Imperial Sugar Char House development in Sugar Land. Reporter Rachel Carlton digs into the challenges currently facing Harris County Jail. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard.

This episode looks at the latest development in the Texas Education Agency's effort to have the state take over governance of Houston ISD, as well as an upcoming strategy to help mitigate future flooding in the Cypress Creek watershed. Guests include Community Impact editor Shawn Arrajj and reporter Emily Lincke. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact reporter Daniel Weeks discusses next steps for the Coastal Texas Program now that it has the federal green light. Also on this episode, reporter Jessica Shorten brings details on the growing trend of companies in the life sciences sector bringing operations to The Woodlands. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Sierra Rozen and editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

The first episode of the Houston Breakdown podcast in 2023 dives into Houston's shift toward clean energy and how the Texas Legislature is set to address startling data on maternal mortality. Community Impact reporters Leah Foreman and Hannah Norton weigh in. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

For the final episode of 2022, Olivia sits down with Community Impact's Houston managing editors Matt Stephens and Kelly Schafler to discuss some of the biggest stories from the past year. Episodes will return on Friday, Jan. 6. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron  

Community Impact reporter Jack Dowling brings insights on the Houston residential real estate market, including new data from the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center. Later on, reporter Hannah Norton gives a preview of the upcoming Texas Legislative Session. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan-Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact editor Shawn Arrajj discusses how a U.S. Department of Justice investigation is putting a spotlight on illegal dumping and cleanup practices in Houston. Also, reporter Asia Armour shares findings from a University of Houston study that revealed serious subsidence issues in several Houston suburbs, including Katy. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Sierra Rozen and editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact reporter Lizzy Spangler discusses a semiconductor chip shortage that is contributing to an expensive car market for Houston consumers. Plus, reporter Daniel Weeks returns with an update on Pearland's response to the budget error that has put a $10 million dent in the city's general fund. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

This special Thanksgiving week episode brings an interview with Jan Odegard, Executive Director of The Ion. The Main Street Houston facility brings corporate, academic and entrepreneurial communities together into one creative and collaborative environment and has built partnerships with major organizations such as NASA. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact reporter Asia Armour discusses Fort Bend County's new Innovation Council initiative to foster local entrepreneurial efforts. Also, journalist Sierra Rozen stops by to chat about the various turkey trots and other events taking place in the Houston area leading up to Thanksgiving. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Sierra Rozen and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact reporter Daniel Weeks breaks down the budget error that has set Pearland's general fund back by $10 million. Plus, reporter Emily Lincke discusses recent efforts to revitalize the Willowbrook area of northwest Houston. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan-Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***Link to patron program: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact editor Hunter Marrow stops by to discuss Sugar Land residents' fears that a local landmark, the Imperial Sugar char house, will be lost to disuse. Plus, Community Impact's statewide reporter Hannah Norton digs into the current conversation surrounding whether Texas should rely less on standardized test scores when assessing school performance. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Sierra Rozen and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***Link to E&P Reports podcast with John Garrett

Community Impact editor Shawn Arrajj discusses how projects geared toward sustainable infrastructure in the Midtown area could serve as pilot projects as the city of Houston focuses on ambitious sustainability goals. Plus, reporter Mikah Boyd discusses how the region's job market has changed since the early pandemic and how it may continue to change in the months to come. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***PATRON PROGRAM SIGN-UP: www.communityimpact.com/patron

In this episode focused on the environment in Houston, Community Impact's Bay Area editor Jake Magee discusses recent conversations among officials regarding the Coastal Texas Study, a massive effort to shore up Texas' coast to protect from hurricanes. Plus, editor Danica Lloyd sheds light on what's going on with a local super fund site in Cy-Fair.  The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***PATRON PROGRAM SIGN-UP: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact reporter Jishnu Nair discusses Montgomery County's considerations surrounding tax abatements for companies moving into the area following several failed agreements. Additionally, reporter Andrew Christman breaks down the possible Texas legislative action that could change how colleges like Lone Star Community College are funded. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***PATRON PROGRAM SIGN-UP: www.communityimpact.com/patron

This episode digs into several election-related topics ahead of the Nov. 8 election. First, Community Impact reporter Rachel Carlton stops by with details on how a possible shakeup among local judges could affect bail reform, with 14 out of 15 misdemeanor judge seats up for grabs. Then, reporter Wesley Gardner discusses how the legacy of Senate Bill 1 continues to impact mail-in voting. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***PATRON PROGRAM SIGN-UP: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact Senior Editor Shawn Arrajj brings a report from one of Houston ISD's recent town halls, where the district is updating community members on progress with Houston ISD's five-year plan. Plus, later in the episode, Community Impact's Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tess Coverman stops by with an announcement on the company's brand refresh. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. ***PATRON PROGRAM SIGN-UP: www.communityimpact.com/patron

Community Impact reporter and Report for America corps member Rachel Carlton discusses what to know heading into the Harris County bond election on Nov. 8. Plus, digital journalist Sierra Rozen stops by with details on fall events coming up this season. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact editor Anna Lotz discusses how Harris and Montgomery counties, along with a number of local businesses and nonprofits, are working to address growing calls for mental health assistance in the community. Also, reporter Wesley Gardner drops by to explain the local impact of President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan.  The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact reporter Daniel Weeks brings the latest update from the Houston Spaceport, where Collins Aerospace recently cut the ribbon for its new facility. Plus, reporter Christopher Green discusses Texas' newly approved 10-year transportation plan and what it has in store for Houston. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Sierra Rozen and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact Senior Editor Shawn Arrajj discusses the rising trend of local workers considering forming unions, including workers at a Starbucks location. Also, reporter George Wiebe reflects on Houston's sizzling summer and what can be expected from the local effects of climate change in years to come.  The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan Posey and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey brought devastating flooding to the Houston area, with some areas getting close to 50 inches of rainfall. For the fifth anniversary of the historic storm, Community Impact editors Matt Stephens and Danica Lloyd reflect on their coverage of the event as they navigated Harvey themselves. Plus, meteorologist Jeff Lindner and Harris County Flood Control District Deputy Director of Engineering and Construction Alan Black share their memories of the hurricane and how Harris County's recovery has progressed. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Summer El-Shahawy and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact's Houston City Hall reporter Sofia Gonzalez discusses Houston's proposed redistricting maps and the debate around which district should be home to the Freedman's Town community. Plus, The Woodlands reporter Andrew Christman breaks down the township's mission to assess residents' transit needs. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Holly Galvan and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

In an episode focused on education, Community Impact senior editor Shawn Arrajj discusses Houston ISD's bid to attract more teachers by raising salaries while also dealing with a major budget deficit. Plus, reporter Mikah Boyd brings the perspective of Cy-Fair ISD, where discipline infractions are up 224% as students readjust to in-person schooling after the pandemic. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Connor McGovern and Sierra Rozen and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Katie Stone, President of Houston Restaurant Weeks, discusses the organization's annual fundraiser and culinary celebration benefiting the Houston Food Bank. Plus, Austin restaurateur Gabriela Bucio discusses plans to bring her flagship restaurant, Gabriela's, to Midtown Houston. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Connor McGovern with assistance from Holly Galvan and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Report for America fellow Rachel Carlton discusses her role covering Harris County for Community Impact. Plus, reporter Asia Armour brings the latest on Fort Bend County's huge multiuse stadium currently under construction, the EpiCenter.   The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with assistance from Sierra Rozen and editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Jonathan Homan, chief of the Systems Test Branch at NASA's Johnson Space Center, discusses his involvement with the development and testing of the James Webb Space Telescope. Plus, Jesse Buffington, Manager of the Johnson Space Center's Extravehicular Development Project, details NASA's newest partnerships with local Houston companies and organizations. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Connor McGovern with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact's Houston-area reporters Jishnu Nair and Rachel Carlton break down the growth of institutional investment in local residential real estate. Plus, hear how The Woodlands is preparing to update its transportation system, the announcement of a Gun Buyback program as part of the One Safe Houston initiative and more. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Connor McGovern. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact editor Shawn Arrajj discusses the local spike in property values and its effect on the availability of affordable housing in the Houston area. Plus, hear how rising electricity costs have residents exploring solar power as an alternative energy source. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Chris Canetti, President of the Houston World Cup Bid Committee, discusses the process that led to Houston becoming a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Plus, Community Impact Newspaper's Houston metro reporter Jishnu Nair gives an update on a recent Texas Supreme Court's decision concerning Texas Central and its high-speed railway plan.  The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Connor McGovern with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Editor and co-founder of Space City Weather Eric Berger discusses what Houstonians can expect from hurricane season this year, as well as his thoughts on SpaceX, space flight out of Texas and more. Plus, hear how Harris County is looking into a countywide stormwater tunnel system, new COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for children, and more. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Connor McGovern. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

The Texas Real Estate Research Center's Adam Perdue provides insight into the current state of the real estate market in Texas. Plus, hear how residential growth in northern Montgomery County is outpacing health care capacity, the details on the newly-formed Harris County Safe Schools Commission and more. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Connor McGovern. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Shawn Arrajj, one of Community Impact Newspaper's Houston-area editors, discusses the possible end to the COVID-19 public health emergency and what that could mean for Texans on Medicaid. Plus, hear how the One Safe Houston initiative plans to reduce rising crime levels by focusing on gun violence in the city.  The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge and Connor McGovern with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

The city of Conroe approved a plan to designate a part of downtown as the “Conroe Arts District,” aimed at attracting artists, preserving historic buildings and establishing tourism destinations. Also, Harris County commissioners have a new plan to study local efforts to reduce opioid overdoses—and, after weeks of debate, League City now allows residents to keep pigs as pets. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Morgan O'Neal with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Editor Danica Lloyd highlights a report on a metric where Texas—and Harris County even more so—is lagging: maternal mortality. Plus, Editor Hannah Zedaker spoke to local sources about how parents of young children can navigate the baby formula shortage, which officials say could persist for another month or more.   The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Morgan O'Neal with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact Newspaper's Bay Area editor Jake Magee gives an update on Axiom Space, the Houston Spaceport's newest and biggest tenant. Plus, hear how Houston-area food banks are struggling to stock shelves in light of supply chain issues and inflation.  The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Houston's oil and gas industry sees a slow recovery compared to other local industries. Pearland passes a new ordinance to regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

With local elections around the corner, Community Impact Newspaper editor for The Woodlands Vanessa Holt explains the significance of municipal utility district elections. Plus, reporter Hunter Marrow gives an update on the Sugar Land 95 memorialization project. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Reporter Jishnu Nair gives an update on the Texas Central railway project, the potential high-speed train route from Houston to Dallas. Plus, Houston City Hall reporter Sofia Gonzalez shares the latest on a proposed change to Houston's noise ordinance and its effect on local residents and bar districts. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. This episode was produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather. 

J.J. Hollie, President and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, weighs in on how The Woodlands and the Greater Houston Area are dealing with the effects of inflation. Community Impact Newspaper editor Laura Aebi reports progress on the redevelopment of one of Katy's historic rice dryers into a business and entertainment center. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

In an episode focused on upheaval in local governments, reporters Hunter Marrow and Claire Shoop break down Missouri City's repeated city manager turnover, and Emily Lincke discusses the indictments served to Harris County employees this week. The Houston Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Guest Shawn Arrajj discusses Houston ISD's plan to address budget shortfalls and retain teachers. Plus, reporter Jishnu Nair breaks down how COVID-19 has affected local recovery from the opioid epidemic. The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Community Impact Newspaper's Houston Bay-area editor Jake Magee discusses the latest news from the Houston Spaceport and local aerospace industry. Editor Anna Lotz chats about a major industrial development in northern Montgomery County. The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Montgomery County tracks an uptick in family and domestic violence. One Harris County emergency services district nears completion on a new $20 million dollar headquarters.  The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

The Harris County Justice Administration Department reports positive results from recent bail reform initiatives.  The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Recent point-in-time count data tracks an apparent decrease in Houston-area homelessness. The Harris County Appraisal District expects home appraisal values to shoot up. The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

The Texas Education Agency launches a teacher vacancy task force to address low staffing levels across Texas school districts. Developers make progress at the H-E-B-anchored development Magnolia Place. The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Houston Association of Realtors data shows record-high median home prices and record-low housing inventory in the Houston area. In League City, Big League Dreams reopens after more than a year. The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Texas Rangers produce search warrants for several Harris County offices in relation to an investigation into a county-awarded contract. Plus, Tomball plans to bolster its infrastructure in anticipation of population growth and a Spring business shows support for Ukraine. The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

Data from the Greater Houston Partnership shows a strong year for job growth in the area. Memorial Hermann strikes a deal with Blue Cross Blue Shield. The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.

On the two-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, Community Impact Newspaper's North Houston Managing Editor Matt Stephens and host Olivia Aldridge reflect on the impact of the virus and its effect on local journalism.    The CI Morning Breakdown is a production of Community Impact Newspaper. It is produced by Olivia Aldridge with editing by Marie Leonard. Weather and allergy reports are sourced from www.weather.com and AccuWeather.