Houston Matters

On Friday's show: Tina Petersen, the head of the Harris County Flood Control District has resigned amid pressure to address looming deadlines. We learn why she resigned and what it has to do with post Harvey-flood mitigation projects.

Also this hour: Ahead of the first FIFA World Cup matches in Houston, for those among us who know little to nothing about the sport, we talk with Nick Greene, author of How to Watch Soccer Like a Genius, who explains the ins and outs of the World Cup, from the basics of the game, to what it takes to maintain the grass on the pitch, and how to enjoy the game itself.

Then, from the wrong flag being used to welcome World Cup fans to Houston, to a shuttle bus to Buc-ee’s being included in public transit for World Cup visitors in Dallas, our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And we meet a Houston psychiatrist, Dr. Raymond Cho, who has also become a composer.

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On Thursday's show: STAAR test results are out. We learn how Houston-area schools fared. And we find out if the City of Houston passed its $7.5 billion proposed budget, which would include a $5 trash pickup fee.

Also this hour: As we’ve grown more and more dependent on technology, some of us are growing increasingly wary of the tradeoffs it requires. We discuss the reasons why with Houston Chronicle technology writer Dwight Silverman. 

Then, school may be out, but reading doesn't have to be. We find out how a local reading challenge is encouraging kids to turn more pages and how adults can discover new books and community events at their neighborhood library.

And, ahead of a June 25 concert at The Heights Theater, we revisit a 2024 conversation with Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter and author Mary Gauthier.

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On Wednesday's show: The U.S. House has approved ICE and border patrol money. Houston City Council is poised to vote on the mayor’s budget. And Senate candidate and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating FIFA over World Cup tickets. We discuss those and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Estate sales draw collectors, bargain hunters, second-hand sellers, and curious neighbors. We learn more about them and what happens behind the scenes to prepare for them from Michael Dentel, owner of the Houston-based Elite Estate Sales.

And Texas-based writer Lauren Hough shares insights from traveling the country in her van -- and how bringing her dog helped facilitate conversations she might never have had along the way. She recounts those stories in her latest book, Monster of a Land, which she will discuss at an event at Brazos Bookstore on June 18.

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On Tuesday's show: Information from ERCOT shows there are some hot spots in Texas where more large data centers want to open and join the state's power grid. We take a closer look at Houston Chronicle reporting on that story and find out where many of these new data centers hope to be.

Also this hour: We consider the factors that lead to youth homelessness in Greater Houston and how to address the problem.

Then, we revisit a conversation about the challenges of teaching civics in schools amid our polarized political climate.

And we chat with organizers of the Sin Muros festival, which features readings, workshops, and celebrations by and for Latino playwrights, poets, and performers.

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On Monday's show: We get updates on the goings-on in Fort Bend and Galveston Counties.

Also this hour: We discuss why some food deserts persist in Greater Houston.

Then, we answer listener questions about gardening.

And we preview the upcoming FIFA matches in Houston.

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On Friday's show: We discuss a report from Children at Risk that assesses the quality of life for children in Harris County.

Also this hour: We talk with two Houstonians about starting their own businesses.

Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And we preview Houston's official LGBT Pride Celebration.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_csMDc5J1A

On Thursday's show: We get the latest on the City of Corpus Christi's attempts to delay its looming water crisis.

Also this hour: We revisit the original plans for Corpus Christi's desalination plant and how it's supposed to work.

Then, we learn how community land trusts strive to address both housing affordability and gentrification at the same time.

And Houstonian Kolbi Ferguson tells us he how trains for competitive weightlifting with his sights set on Olympic Games that are still more than two years away.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5bH3dEazUA

On Tuesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Two local foodies talk about restaurants with good patios and refreshing food and drink for the summer in this month's edition of The Full Menu.

And we preview the upcoming Houston Symphony concerts featuring music from the Final Fantasy video game series.

https://www.youtube.com/live/443GGLyk7hs?si=WckllKqy4QT81vfp

On Tuesday's show: A new investigation looks into a number of use of force incidents by campus police in Texas school districts.

Also this hour: We learn why local bars and restaurants are starting to do away with popular steak night traditions.

Then, a new book goes beyond the stats and highlights to offer a portrait of legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan.

And we go behind the scenes of the annual KimoKawaii Anime Experience and Convention.

https://www.youtube.com/live/dcFwg85uclc?si=CmDlor-RdmbzWhQX

On Monday's show: The Atlantic hurricane season begins today. We get a reminder about what you need to know as we head into the season.

Also this hour: We offer listeners a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.

And we get an update on the Astros.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57fcRD32nJo