On Wednesday's show: From the latest developments surrounding the second special session in Austin, to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ongoing social media trolling of President Trump, we seek insight on the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Former President Lyndon B. Johnson was born on this date in 1908. We revisit several past conversations about his life, political career, and legacy.

And author Jasminne Mendez talks about Story of My Anger, a novel about a teen battling racism and book banning in her Texas school. Mendez will appear at Kindred Stories on Sept. 19.

On Tuesday's show: President Donald Trump wants specialized National Guard units ready to deploy to U.S. cities to quell civil disturbances and ensure public safety and order. We discuss what that means, whether we could see troops deployed here, and whether this is largely a pretense to step up immigration enforcement.

Also this hour: A new Texas law expands when someone can be detained for psychiatric evaluation. Some welcome the change while others worry it crosses a line. We discuss the debate over involuntary treatment and its cost.

Then, a recent investigation by the Texas Observer explores the murky legal world of some private foster and adoption agencies.

And we meet a competitive Scrabble player.

On Monday's show: The Texas Senate approved new congressional district maps on Saturday, which Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll sign “swiftly.” Does this mean lawmakers will now get to other items on the agenda for the second special session? We learn the latest from Blaise Gainey of the Texas Newsroom.

Also this hour: Some recent tests suggest the secretive Chinese space program could beat the United States back to the moon. We learn more from Eric Berger of Ars Technica.

Then, we learn about the latest developments in consumer technology with the help of columnist Dwight Silverman.

And Major League Baseball is contemplating expansion and realignment. We discuss what that might look like for the Astros as we check in with Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast.

On Friday's show: The Houston Chronicle is reporting that UTHealth Houston is laying off dozens of employees due to “financial headwinds.” The move comes after the academic health science center implemented a hiring freeze in early July. Is this and other belt tightening at area health care institutions in recent months a momentary blip or a sign of more to come for Houston’s health care industry? Health economist Vivian Ho breaks down what it all means.

Also this hour: Not all zoos and aquariums are created equal. While many advertise fun for the whole family or showcase loved and well-cared-for animals, the reality is that caring for a multitude of exotic and endangered species requires extensive education and expertise. We learn how the AZA and the Houston Zoo set and enforce standards to make sure all animals get the best care possible.

Then, from HISD being among the 11 Texas school districts temporarily blocked from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms after a ruling in federal court, to the City of Houston launching a “Train Watch” webpage with real-time info on rail crossings with stopped trains, our panel of "non-experts" decides The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And veteran voice actor Phil LaMarr talks about the many characters he's voiced. He's one of many voice actors and celebrities coming to Houston this weekend for The Nostalgia Con at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

On Thursday's show: A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked 11 public school districts in Texas’ largest metropolitan areas from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms as required by a new state law set to take effect Sept. 1. A legal expert joins us to discuss the case and where it goes from here.

Also this hour: Sen. Ted Cruz is largely opposed to regulation of AI, while the state is set to be one of a few to implement the first legislation related to the industry. We discuss that dichotomy.

Then, Houston native filmmaker Nell Teare discusses some of the lessons she's learned about overcoming the barriers and naysayers to building a creative career. It's a topic she'll discuss Sunday afternoon during the Houston Media Conference.

And we learn how school publications like newsletters, zines, and podcasts are giving students ways to take control of their media and better understand how media works.

On Wednesday's show: From the second special session beginning in Austin, to the latest developments out of Washington, to what’s happening in the cities and counties across Greater Houston, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Another school year means another opportunity for parents and kids to establish better habits when it comes to social media. A local psychologist discusses how social media use can affect kids’ mental health.

And we revisit a conversation with actor Jeff Goldblum whose jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, performs Sept. 14 at The Hobby Center.

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Education Agency released its accountability ratings for the 2024–25 school year on Friday, covering public school districts across the state. Five districts are at risk of a state takeover, while HISD, which is already run by the state, is seeing improvements in test scores. Bob Sanborn from Children at Risk weighs in.

Also this hour: We learn what a recent ruling means for Houstonians with unpaid medical bills.

Then, we find out why some longtime city employees who took Mayor John Whitmire’s early retirement offer haven’t been paid yet.

Plus, we revisit a conversation from last year where longtime residents offered their suggestions for some Houston do's and don'ts for life here.

And we discuss the business side of filmmaking in Houston with organizers of this weekend’s Houston Media Conference.

On Monday's show: The Texas Legislature’s second special session is under way, with what are likely to be far different outcomes for the same agenda. Blaise Gainey from the Texas Newsroom and News 88.7's Andrew Schneider join us with the latest.

Also this hour: We take a closer look at Texas aquaculture -- growing and harvesting marine life. Some reports say the industry is shrinking. Others say it’s growing. We try to figure out what’s true.

Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listeners' questions about their pets.

And the Astros are hanging on for dear life these days atop the American League West. We talk over baseball's stretch run with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Cryptocurrency mining in Texas can draw as much power from the electrical grid as the city of Austin, and the industry is only growing. But how much energy is it using? No one knows because the Public Utility Commission refuses to release data on the industry. Reporter Keaton Peters from Straight Arrow News joins us to explain.

Also this hour: With news that Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is closing two of its six clinics in the area, there are fewer options for women’s health care in Houston. How are other clinics and health care providers filling that gap?

Then, from plans to seize nine acres of unused land from Hermann Park to expand Ben Taub Hospital, to the possibility of a UFC cage fight at the White House next year, our panel of non-experts discusses The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the news.

And unpaid bills, broken agreements, and bad behavior -- what are your rights if your roommate crosses the line?

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council has approved plans to spend some $315 million in federal recovery funds, including $100 million for home repairs and housing, marking a significant turnaround from Mayor John Whitmire’s initial proposal and a major victory for housing advocates. We learn more about that and some other recent developments in city government, including money for more beds for the homeless in the East End and new solid waste trucks. 

Also this hour: Recent comments from President Trump suggest some hostility towards wind energy. We consider what that could mean for Texas.

Then, we learn about the challenges of running a restaurant -- when that restaurant is on wheels.

And Stacey Allen, the author of a new children’s book about dance, called D is for Dance, explores how the rhythms of the African diaspora continue to shape Houston’s creative scene.