Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday about the Trump administration's move to end temporary protected status, or TPS, for migrants fleeing war and natural disaster. A local immigration attorney explains what's at stake.

Also this hour: When it comes to homicides, Black women in America are killed at higher rates than women of any other race or ethnicity. We discuss why that is and consider how that trend is reflected here in Houston.

Then we learn about some efforts to prevent and address juvenile crime.

And Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Dawes talks about her legacy and the future of gymnastics.

Watch

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

Also this hour: As the University of Houston prepares to host the first Conference on College Athlete Mental Health this week, we discuss what needs to be done to ensure players are healthy on and off the field.

And we meet the folks behind Ice House Radio, an online radio station streaming from Houston dedicated to the music of southern culture -- past and present.

Watch

On Tuesday's show: We get highlights from the annual Houston Area Survey from Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research, which takes stock each year of Houstonians' thoughts and attitudes on a variety of issues facing our region.

Also this hour: The state of Texas is all in on the development of data centers. But just how much electricity will they demand from the power grid, and what does it mean for the rest of us?

Then, college sports have entered a new era in which athletes can get paid, through name, image, and likeness agreements. But it’s a complicated world for those students and their families to navigate. We contemplate the legal complexities.

And Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell will be in town next week to perform with the Houston Symphony. His performance will include works he commissioned from five celebrated modern composers called The Elements. We revisit a 2022 conversation with Bell when he was just getting starting on the project.

Watch

On Monday's show: A court is set to hear evidence this week in a suit challenging new rules effectively banning most hemp-based consumable products in Texas. We learn what is at stake and discuss what it means that the Trump administration has eased some rules on medical marijuana.

Also this hour: We discuss plans to permanently close the Memorial City Ice Rink this summer and why some residents are trying to keep it open.

Then, from state takeovers, to displaying the Ten Commandments, a lot in public education news these days has something to do with increased engagement in local schools by the state of Texas. A group of local education reporters talk it over.

And we get an update on Houston sports.

Watch

On Friday's show: We take a closer look at some recent changes in leadership in Fort Bend County and ponder how some candidates assuming new roles might affect looming elections.

Also this hour: We examine why a recently planned conference on pan-African spirituality never happened and what it says about our current political and economic climate.

Then, our panel of non-experts will break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And writer Yann Martel is coming to town Monday for an event with Inprint Houston where he'll discuss his latest novel, Son of Nobody. The bestselling author of Life of Pi talks with us first and explains why he often loves to give starring roles in his stories to animals.

Watch

On Thursday's show: In a 13-4 vote, the Houston City Council revised a measure intended to limit the police department's coordination with federal immigration enforcement. We learn what has changed about the ordiance directing how HPD officers should interact with ICE agents.

And we contemplate whom the Texans might select in today's NFL draft.

Also this hour: We discuss Discovery Sands, a controversial development project that would neighbor Jamaica Beach on the island's west end.

Then, we learn about distilleries here in Houston.

And we talk with a couple members of the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer ahead of an April 28 performance celebrating America’s 250th year of independence.

Watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26db_H_9dps

On Wednesday's show: From U.S. talks with Iran, to the City Council contemplating police interaction with ICE, to another Trump cabinet departure and beyond, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Ahead of a screening Saturday of the documentary Spacewoman, which is followed by a Q&A with the film's subject, retired astronaut Eileen Collins, we revisit a conversation we had with Collins, the first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft.

And author Ashanté Reese considers how gardens, reunions, and everyday meals can create connection, resilience, and care, which is the subject of her book, Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness.

Watch

On Tuesday's show: Fresh off of a weekend of localized flooding and a big drop in temperatures, Houston faces another week of stormy weather. Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard joins us for a forecast.

And, after nearly fifteen years at the helm of Apple, its CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, and the man replacing him is taking the reins just as Apple's biggest AI bets are on the line. We learn what it means for the company and for Houston.

Also this hour: In the 20th century, three Houston women, Ima Hogg, Alice Baker, and Julia Ideson, left their mark on this rapidly growing city. Historian Kate Kirkland tells us about her book, Building Community in Houston.

Then, we learn how the Houston-based Ramona Residency program helps women around the world get space -- and more importantly time -- to make art.

And Houston native Doug Johnston talks to us about his book, Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart.

Watch

On Monday's show: We learn why the Texas Medical Board sanctioned three doctors for delaying care of two pregnant women, which the state board says contributed to their deaths, as reported by Pro Publica.

Also this hour: We revisit a conversation with actor George Takei, who shared his family’s experiences with Japanese-American internment during World War II.

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

And, we get an update on the Rockets' playoff series with the Lakers, and the Astros' weekend series with the Cardinals, as we chat with Bleav in Astros podcast co-host Jeff Balke.

Watch

On Friday's Houston Matters: Houston City Council's consideration of a repeal of a recent ordinance that updates how the Houston Police Department interacts with ICE has been postponed until next week. But Harris County Commissioners Court held its own discussion about such policies for county law enforcement. We learn more from Houston Public Media's Sarah Grunau.

Then, FIFA officials are in town this week to do final inspections and approve the city of Houston’s preparations for the World Cup. We learn the latest from Houston Public Media’s Michael Adkison. 

Also this hour: We break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

Watch