Houston Matters

On Friday's show: A new survey from Texas Southern University examines which racial and socio-economic groups are most aware of the state's new school voucher program and which are most in support of it, with some surprising results.

Also this hour: Filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his latest effort, The American Revolution, which debuts Nov. 16 on Houston Public Media, TV 8.

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

And we learn about The Good Medicine Indigenous Music Festival this weekend and hear a musical performance from its organizer.

On Thursday's show: We hear what some local businesses connected to the hemp industry have to say about the component of the proposed government spending bill that could ban almost all THC-containing hemp products nationwide. 

Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in the back-and-forth prioritization of cars and light rail trains in downtown.

Then, we talk with popular social media science communicator Hank Green, who was in Houston recently to launch the Thought Leader Series at Space Center Houston.

And an aspiring filmmaker shares his harrowing experience with a disease that affected his ability to think and why he wanted to document it as a film, My Missing Mind.

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On Wednesday's show: The federal government shutdown could end as soon as tonight. Did it accomplish anything? We consider that question and what the Senate deal, if passed by the House, could do to the burgeoning hemp industry in Texas and all the other recent developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: We check out an immersive art installation at the recent AfroTech Conference.

And we take a closer look at Houston’s comedy scene, beyond standup, as we talk with improv and sketch performers around town.

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On Tuesday's show: Children at Risk has released its annual list of the top public schools in Houston. The organization's CEO, Bob Sanborn, walks us through the rankings.

Also this hour: Houstonians played a big role in the Gemini missions, which were stepping stones in America’s 1960s journey to the moon. The program that preceded Apollo is the focus of Jeffrey Kluger’s new book, Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon, the Untold Story.

Then, we visit Texas Children’s Hospital to learn about the first immunotherapy center dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer.

And, on Veterans Day, we hear local Air Force veteran Ty Mahany’s story about an encounter with a World War II veteran and discover what he learned about engaging fellow veterans in conversations about their service.

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On Monday's show: Houstonians woke up to a chill in the air this morning, and it will be back with us overnight. Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard joins us to discuss our wild swings in temperatures.

Also this hour: Today is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps. We hear from a Houstonian and retired Marine who served in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Then, we discuss how to keep your garden in good shape amid the fluctuating temperatures and into Houston’s version of winter with the help of  Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston.

And we recap Sunday's Texans game, the team's biggest comeback win in 12 season, and we look at the strong start to the Rockets season.

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On Friday's show: After elections this week, we take a closer look at the shifting politics of school boards with the help of Houston Chronicle reporter Elizabeth Sander, who has been covering the politics of suburban school districts over the last year.

Also this hour: New data suggests Houston isn't facing the effects of inflation as badly as other cities, but that’s cold comfort for Houstonians still struggling financially. We discuss what studies sometimes miss about Houston's economy.

Then, from shutdown-prompted cancellations at Houston airports, to Tom Brady investing in a Texas company that cloned his late pit bull, our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And we check in with musician Rhett Miller, the longtime lead singer of the alt-country/rock band The Old 97s, fresh off a pair of performances at McGonigel's Mucky Duck.

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On Thursday's show: Houston City Council is considering a measure that would effectively prohibit homeless people from sidewalks in a sprawling area around a new homeless services center in the East Downtown neighborhood. The addition of a new zone to the so-called civility ordinance across the Greater East End would mark the third expansion of the rule over the past year. We get the latest details from Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh.

Also this hour: Attorney and law professor Joyce Vance talks about the erosion of democratic norms and how citizens can push back on that, which is the subject of her book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual For Keeping A Democracy. Vance will speak at a Houston event on Nov. 13.

Then, we talk with comedian Steve Hofstetter ahead of his appearance Friday at The Secret Group.

And we meet the new director of Houston Grand Opera,James Gaffigan.

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On Wednesday's show: On Election Day, Democrats won high-profile races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, while back here in Houston, closely watched races for Congress and Houston City Council are headed to runoffs. We discuss election results and the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Dining out has been getting more expensive. So, we turn to our gaggle of foodies and seek their suggestions for the best low-cost eating options around town on this month’s edition of The Full Menu.

And gifted and talented programs in Texas schools can take many forms. An education expert explains how those programs have evolved to embrace more than just academic prowess.

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On Tuesday's show: HISD Superintendent Mike Miles joins us to discuss issues facing the state's largest school district, from addressing food insecurity among students as SNAP benefits end amid the federal government shutdown, to kids reading books in HISD elementary schools.

Also this hour: We talk with the co-authors of Frontera: A Journey Across the US-Mexico Border, a coffee table book designed to cut through the stereotypes and political rhetoric about the border by offering a close-up view of the communities along its entire length, from Texas to California.

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On Monday's show: We learn about renewed efforts in Texas to mine for minerals and metals needed for renewable energy, microchips, or military technology.

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

And we discuss the latest developments in Houston sports with Jeff Balke.

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