Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: Delays in heavy trash pickup around the city are sometimes forcing residents to take matters into their own hands. We find out what's behind the crisis and whether any solutions are on the horizon.

Also this hour: A national conference exploring the intersection of medicine and religion takes place in Houston March 22-24. We preview the event and discuss where those two things should and should not intersect.

And we learn about this year’s Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta, the biggest canoe and kayak race in Texas, which takes place on Saturday.

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

Also this hour: When people think “rodeo,” they often picture one thing. But in Houston, rodeo culture tells a much bigger, more layered story -- one shaped by music, diverse cowboy traditions, fashion, and community. We explore how Houston’s version of rodeo culture stands apart.

And a recent survey revealed some things about how Houstonians experience loneliness these days, so much so that it inspired a public event on the topic next week called Stronger Together. With those facts in mind, we ask a licensed professional counselor for some practical advice on how to address loneliness in our lives and communities.

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On Tuesday's show: An Australian gambler known as “The Joker” has confirmed he was behind the plot to engineer a guaranteed Lotto Texas jackpot win in 2023. In his ongoing coverage of this story, Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Eric Dexheimer tells us more about the man and the ring of high-stakes gamblers who pulled off the plot, reportedly with the full support of the Texas Lottery Commission.

Also this hour: The next launch window for Artemis II is April 1-6. The mission to send astronauts around the moon and back has been delayed over technical issues found during testing, which remind us of the complicated nature of spaceflight. We discuss aerospace and aviation safety standards with an industry expert.

Then, author Mark Stevens talks about his new memoir, The Last Club Kid, which recalls how Houston’s nightlife once offered refuge, freedom, and community for a generation during the height of the AIDS epidemic.

And, on this St. Patrick's Day, we learn about Irish Americans, immigrants, and ex-pats who gather at Houston-area parks to play traditional Gaelic football, which combines elements of soccer and rugby, among other sports.

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On Monday's show: Houston-area public school districts have recently become inundated with requests for Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, linked to Texas' new $1 billion school voucher program. Houston Public Media's Bianca Seward joins us to explain.

Also this hour: We learn why Corpus Christi could run out of water by next year and discuss the possible ramifications for the state.

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

And, we get an update on Astros Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic.

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On Friday's show: We get the latest on the status of the upcoming Artemis II mission.

Plus, we talk about the political implications of County Judge Lina Hidalgo's incident at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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

Then, spring is on the way, and your allergies might be as well. We discuss how to deal with those challenging seasonal sneezes with the help of Dr. Dat Tran of Innovative Allergy.

And movie legend Charlie Chaplin's 1940 satire of Adolf Hitler, The Great Dictator, will be screened on March 16 as a part of the Houston Jewish Film Festival. We look back at the film and consider what it's message has to tell us today.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45FJFryZNxQ

On Thursday's show: Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz have announced revisions to the department’s protocols for engaging with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We learn what’s changed and why.

Also this hour: Seeking out a spring break-appropriate trip into nature within a day’s drive? We visit Lake Houston Wilderness Park to learn more about it.

Then, we get answers to some questions about pharmaceutical drugs. For example, when you’re sick, how can you tell the difference between a symptom and a drug interaction? We ask a pharmacist about safer medication habits.

And we discover what a new photo exhibit called Between Borders has to show us about the war in Ukraine -- and the unlikely organization hosting the exhibit.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0wvHnr5z6w

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

Also this hour: Author Tayari Jones talks about how her latest novel, Kin, explores mother-daughter relationships and friendships between women. Jones appears tonight at Houston’s Kindred Stories.

And we learn about a new exhibit at The Health Museum which explores the science, stories, and human experiences behind the fight against cancer.

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On Tuesday's show: Gas prices in Houston have risen around 50 cents in the last week, bringing the average price per gallon above $3 for the first time in recent memory, according to AAA, as the Iran war intensified. We discuss how long that increase might last and how it could affect the Houston economy.

Also this hour: Houston hosting matches during this summer's FIFA World Cup brings international attention and scrutiny to human trafficking prevention in our region. So, how are local human rights groups preparing for the rise in illicit activities? And what happens once the games are over?

Then, a civil rights nonprofit recently released a report documenting modern-day lynchings, finding more than 70 have taken place since 2000 here in Texas and six other states.

And we all know Houston traffic can be challenging. But now imagine you’re in it while steering a covered wagon and a team of mules! We visit with the Valley Lodge Trail Riders as they roll into town for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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On Monday's show: Fort Bend County Judge KP George's trial for alleged money laundering is set to begin this week, and Galveston is embarking on a mission to help people live better and longer. Houston Public Media's Fort Bend and Galveston County reporters update us on those stories.

Also this hour: We visit Camp for All near Brenham, where kids with disabilities, health conditions, and other challenges can have a traditional summer camp experience.

Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers questions about how to maintain the plants in your home or garden.

And we discuss the Texans' latest plan to overhaul their offensive line to protect the team's quarterback next season.

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On Friday's show: We learn about some potential strong winds and even flooding in Greater Houston this weekend with the help of Justin Ballard, meteorologist for the Houston Chronicle.

Also this hour: We talk about movies dealing with time travel. That's the theme of Moonlight Movies, a series of outdoor film screenings this month put on by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

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

And we preview this year’s Theater District Open House, where performing arts organizations open their doors for visitors to learn about what they do and to preview their coming seasons.