On Friday's Houston Matters: As the Fourth of July approaches, we talk to a local fireworks retailer about sales after the pandemic and a supply shortage. And Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen gives an overview of fireworks safety.

Also this hour: The Battleship Texas closed a year and a half ago for major repairs, but they’re lowering the gangway again this Fourth of July weekend.

Then, this Independence Day Weekend, we’ll be met, one way or another, with the usual patriotic trappings – not just fireworks but song standards, speeches, and an ample supply of red, white, and blue on display. It’s a natural time to consider what it means to be an American.

Plus: Ever wonder why it’s hotter in some parts of the Houston area than others? The Guardian delved into the connection between heat, tree cover, zoning (or a lack of it), geography, and economy in Houston as part of a series of reports called America’s Dirty Divide. Guardian digital producer Erum Salam joins us to explain. 

And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week's news.