Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: City of Houston Controller Chris Hollins discusses the city’s deficit spending, due in part to the continuing need to pay overtime to staff police and fire departments.

Also this hour: The delay in the Artemis II mission stirs memories of how the Apollo program played out decades ago. We look back on our last missions to the moon.

Then, the nonprofit Trees for Houston celebrates the planting of its one millionth tree today. We visit the site of that celebration.

And a recent report finds incomes are growing and poverty is shrinking, but living in Texas is still less affordable. We talk about why that's the case.

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On Wednesday's show: In a special election last weekend, a Fort Worth State Senate seat in a conservative district flipped to the Democrats. Is that a one-off, or a sign of things to come? We discuss that story and the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Our foodies list their favorite award-winning and award-nominated restaurants around town on this month’s edition of The Full Menu.

And we consider the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination in the history of our institutions and how those institutions reconcile that past. A new book explores that subject through the lens of Rice University, its history, and its "fundamental and ongoing process of transformation."

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On Tuesday's show: The window for families to apply for the state's new school voucher program, officially called Texas Education Freedom Accounts, opens on Wednesday for the 2026-27 school year. We discuss why the state is trying to limit which schools can participate and other questions as the new program begins.

Also this hour: How much should you trust the quality of the water coming out the tap? Pedro Alvarez, director of Rice University’s WaTER Institute, explains what we should all know about the quality of water where we live and work.

Then, representatives from The Houston Defender and the The Houston Sun reflect on the history of the Black press in Houston, how it has shaped the city through pivotal eras of history, and why its voice still matters.

And standup comedian Mohanad Elshieky performs this week at Punch Line Houston. We talk with him about his comedy and his work as a writer for NPR's Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!

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On Monday's show: The 18th Congressional District has a new Congressman-elect. But how soon will Christian Menefee be sworn in?

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

And Jonathan Alexander from the Houston Chronicle previews the Super Bowl.

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On Friday's show: Houston Rep. Lizzie Fletcher joins us to discuss immigration enforcement in Minnesota and issues affecting Greater Houston and the nation.

Also this hour: We explore how recent events surrounding immigration policy are influencing young Houstonians and their perceptions of law enforcement in particular.

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

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On Thursday's show: Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and public universities to freeze new applications for H-1B visas, which allow employers to hire foreign nationals for certain jobs in the United States. While this directive will affect many kinds of employers in Texas, we learn how it might affect hospitals and health care providers specifically.

Also this hour: The upcoming Artemis II mission will send American astronauts around the moon for the first time in decades. We take a closer look at the mission and Houston's role in it.

Then, the Oyster South Symposium takes place this weekend in Houston. The gathering is aimed at supporting oyster farmers and protecting the waters where oysters are harvested. We learn about the challenges facing that industry.

And we hear about a unique approach to one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented with puppets.

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On Wednesday's show: From the effect the freezing weather had on the special election runoff for the 18th Congressional District, to debates and endorsements in statewide primary races, to the fallout from shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: We learn about a report examining high maternal death rates among Black women in Harris County.

And we bring you the second part of our 2022 conversation with Holocaust survivor Ruth Steinfeld.

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On Tuesday's show: Texas civil rights organizations have secured an emergency court order directing Harris County to operate two additional early voting days in the 18th Congressional District special election runoff following weather interruptions this week. We get details.

Also this hour: The annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society is taking place this week in Houston. We discuss how the current political climate is affecting how meteorologists do their jobs these days and the ramifications for our region.

Then, we consider some day trips to take across Greater Houston as a way of exploring new parts of the region and finding adventure and a mini escape.

And on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we revisit the story of Holocaust survivor Ruth Steinfeld and how she found forgiveness and the courage to tell her story.

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On Monday's show: We get an update on the freezing temperatures from the National Weather Service and bring you the latest on how the freeze has affected Greater Houston.

Also this hour: The nation continues to react to Saturday’s fatal shooting by federal officers of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. We consider the political implications for the nation and for the Houston area. And we welcome listener reactions and thoughts.

Then, today is the 100th anniversary of the first public demonstration of live television. We mark that moment by discussing Houston’s television history and landscape.

And former Astro Carlos Beltran is headed to the Hall of Fame. Since he was also a major figure in the Astros’ electronic sign-stealing scandal, does his election mean furor over that scandal is beginning to fade? And does it suggest Jose Altuve and other Astros stars will have an easier path to the Hall of Fame when the time comes as well?

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On Friday's show: Meteorologist Eric Berger of Space City Weather will fill us in on the very latest on this weekend’s freezing weather. And we talk with reporters about how officials around Greater Houston and the state are preparing for the demands a weather event like this puts on the power grid and local infrastructure.

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

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