Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: The Astrodome Conservancy, a nonprofit that advocates for the preservation of the one-time "Eighth Wonder of the World," has unveiled a $1 billion redevelopment concept for the Dome. We find out what the plan calls for, who would pay for it, who needs to buy in, and what may set the idea apart from past proposals for the Astrodome.

Also this hour: We discuss how physical media, such as vinyl records, DVDs, and books may be in a state of decline and renaissance all at the same time.

And, on the anniversary of the U.S. Army overturning convictions of Black soldiers that stemmed from the 1917 Houston Riots, we visit the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

On Wednesday's show: A recent survey asked Houstonians about their quality of life here. The question came from us here at Houston Matters, and we learn what they had to say.

Also this hour: We discuss some of the names already made public as likely members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration along with other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Then, in the latest installment of The Full Menu, Houston food writers share some of their favorite area restaurants to visit for special occasions.

And University of Houston film scholar Karen Fang talks about her new book, Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong. Wong was a 20th century Asian-American artist who worked on many famous films, including as the lead production illustrator for Disney’s classic Bambi.

On Tuesday's show: It’s been five years since the state funded free, full-day pre-K programs. So, how’s it going? We learn what new reports say about enrollment in and the evaluation of Houston-area pre-K instruction.

Also this hour: We talk with Houston engineer William Taggart, who says he knows how to fix the country's problems, which he outlines in his new book, Fixing America: An Engineer’s Solution to our Social, Cultural, and Political Problems.

Then, earlier this month, we heard from HISD Superintendent Mike Miles about chronic absenteeism in the district. We learn more about chronic absences across the rest of Texas.

And we learn how an aspiring local filmmaker captures the story of Houston in just three minutes. Elisha Luckett’s conceptual documentary A Town Called Houston is one of a number of short films featured as part of the annual Houston Cinema Arts Festival.

On Monday's show: Last week’s election doesn’t just mean a GOP sweep of Congress and the White House. Hardline Republicans gained seats in an even more conservative Texas House. We learn what that further shift right means for the next Texas legislative session.

Also this hour: On this Veterans Day, we learn about services provided by the Houston VA.

Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners’ gardening questions.

And Jeff Balke updates us on Houston sports.

On Friday's show: While we’ve all understandably been fixated on election news this week, there’s actual governing going on, too. Dominic Anthony Walsh joins us with the latest on some leadership changes at Houston City Hall.

Also this hour: From Elon Musk seemingly discovering Harris County exists on election day, to someone buying a dime for $500,000, our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And true crime podcasts are very popular. We meet the hosts of the Sistas Who Kill podcast who offer a unique take on the concept. Their live tour arrives in Houston on Sunday at House of Blues.

On Thursday's show: We’re keeping a close eye on the rapidly intensifying Hurricane Rafael in the Gulf of Mexico. Could it head here? We discuss the latest of what’s known about the storm’s track with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard.

Also this hour: Former President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House. Ted Cruz will stay in the U.S. Senate. So, now what? Longtime activist Sam Daley-Harris offers his advice for what to do in the periods between elections as he encourages everyday citizens to get involved in government. Harris is the author of Reclaiming Our Democracy and we talk with him ahead of a visit to Houston.

Then, we revisit a 2018 conversation with Jon Meacham about his book, The Soul of America, which examines some particularly trying times in our nation’s history when presidents and ordinary citizens came together to overcome fear and hate.

And we revisit a 2018 conversation with writer Mitch Albom, who’s headed to Houston this weekend to discuss his latest book at the annual Jewish Book & Arts Festival.

Finally, we learn about the music agency Wonky Power, which produces live concerts in Houston and helps define Latino music and culture here.

On Wednesday's show: We devote the entire hour to election results and analysis and welcome your thoughts on the presidential election, the U.S. Senate election, a variety of other state and local results, the HISD bond, and other ballot initiatives.

Party Politics co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina offer their insights throughout the hour, and we hear from our listeners.

On Tuesday's show: We mark Election Day by visiting some polling places around Greater Houston.

Also this hour: Are there lessons professional athletes learn about nutrition that can benefit the rest of us? We ask Astros dietitian Geordan Stapleton. And HISD dietitian Nathan Reska shares some insights on childhood nutrition.

Then, we talk with Pete and Crystal Damore, the Houston-area singer/songwriter duo that makes up the folk Americana band Ordinary Elephant.

And Houston native Stephanie Wittels Wachs has co-founded the award-winning podcast network Lemonada, which to date has more than 60 podcasts, including many hosted by celebrities like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Duchovny, and even an upcoming one to be hosted by Meghan Markle. Wittels Wachs talks with us about Lemonada’s story and dramatic growth.

On Monday's show: Ahead of Election Day, for those who haven't voted early, we offer an election guide for procrastinators. 

Also this hour: We offer listeners their monthly chance to vent their pet peeves about life in Greater Houston. You can share yours now at [email protected].

And we get an update on sports from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: As voters contemplate a school bond and battles over public education focus on resources and curriculum, there’s a more fundamental challenge schools face -- too many students not showing up to class. Producer Celeste Diaz Schurman talks with HISD Superintendent Mike Miles about the impact of chronic absenteeism at Houston-area schools.

Also this hour: The Texans lost last night...to the Jets? We talk about it with Jeff Balke, who co-hosts the Bleav in Astros podcast and writes for Houston Press.

Then, from many HISD middle and high schools scrapping their Halloween celebrations after new guidance from the district, to Port Arthur being named one of the worst small cities in the country, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And we preview the Houston Music Festival, featuring performances of chamber music, improv, and spoken word, including a concert of music with Houston ties, including covers of Beyoncé and Lizzo.