Houston Matters

On Friday's show: From Katy's Pride celebration being moved last-minute when the venue that had agreed to host it bowed to pressure brought by conservative leaders, to some Texas airports deciding not to show a video blaming Democrats for the federal government shutdown, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And we preview a performance from Mercury Chamber Orchestra of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" as one of the most famous pieces in classical music turns 300 years old this year.

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On Thursday's show: The timeline is set for how school vouchers will roll out in Texas beginning in February -- except that timing might only benefit parents who could already afford to send their kids to private school. Houston Chronicle reporter Isaac Yu explains why.

Also this hour: Artificial intelligence is shaping our future, but could it also reinforce oppression? Ahead of a lecture this afternoon at the University of Houston, Safiya Umoja Noble explores how bias shows up in AI and what it means for marginalized communities.

And we talk with members of the Drunk Shakespeare Company, which has set aside its usual celebration of The Bard's works to present a production tailor-made for October: Drunk Dracula.

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

Also this hour: Today is National Grouch Day. Since at least the mid 1970s, the day has celebrated grouches everywhere, including and highlighting Oscar the Grouch of Sesame Street fame. It’s billed as a day to embrace the inner grouch within us all, and maybe find a way to laugh about our sometimes over-the-top grumpiness. But does it seem like grouchiness is having too much of a moment? That too many of us, too often, are too angry, by default? We talk it over.

And jazz saxophonist Walter Smith III talks about how growing up in Houston shaped his musical career. He pays homage to his home town in his latest album, wrly titled three of us are from Houston and Reuben is not. He performs from that recording, along with fellow Houston natives Jason Moran and Kendrick Scott, in a concert for DACAMERA Friday night at the Wortham Center.

On Tuesday's show: A strike by hotel workers at Hilton-Americas Houston has ended after 40 days. Late last week, the parties reached a deal to raise wages for housekeepers, stewards, and laundry attendants in a result that could have repercussions for the rest of Houston’s hospitality industry -- and for labor in general. We learn the details of the deal and discuss what it means.

Also this hour: A new book called Police Against the Movement explores police violence during the Civil Rights Movement with some focus on how the Houston Police Department tried to undermine activism here at the time.

And, every week across Greater Houston, vendors visit festivals and other events to sell their wares. We visit the recent Bayou City Art Festival to talk to vendors about what that life is like.

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On Monday's show: One week from today, early voting begins for this fall’s election. A Congressional seat, a city council seat, and 17 state constitutional amendments are up for consideration. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider explains what's on the ballot.

Also this hour: Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners’ gardening questions.

And Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast, discusses what the Astros need to do to return to the postseason next year.

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On Friday's show: We learn what's next in the case of Robert Roberson, whose execution was halted by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals this week.

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

And we visit the Houston Quilt Festival.

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On Thursday's show: Houston police recovered the body of a man in White Oak Bayou Wednesday morning, the seventh body found in the bayous in about a month. Investigators do not suspect foul play. Houston Public Media's Michael Adkison brings us the latest on this particular instance and what law enforcement has to say about the frequency in which human remains are found in the city's bayous.

Also this hour: We examine what renewed efforts to ramp up coal production might mean for the energy industry here in Texas.

And Chef Adán Medrano discusses his new cookbook celebrating the plant-based traditions of Texas Mexican-American families and their ancestors.

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

Also this hour: We reflect on the legacy of Monica Roberts, an influential activist for transgender rights who passed away five years ago. We remember her work fighting for equality and visibility during a time of progress and pushback, and we discuss where Houston’s transgender community is headed next.

And how can something as innocuous as design fight racism? Author Omari Souza discusses his book, Design Against Racism, ahead of an event at Kindred Stories Thursday night.

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On Tuesday's show: A new Texas-based national stock exchange has moved one step closer to becoming a reality. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is allowing the Texas Stock Exchange, operated by a Dallas-based startup, to move forward as a direct competitor to the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. We learn what this could mean for Texas and its economy.

Also this hour: From solitary confinement, to group recreation, we learn how small changes are reshaping life on Texas death row.

Then, comedian Maria Bamford has an amazing ability to slip into and out of characters on stage. We talk with her in her real voice (and maybe some others) ahead of a performance at Houston Improv Wednesday night.

And we learn how Houston’s Korean community is shaping the city’s cultural landscape ahead of the annual Korean Festival this weekend at Discovery Green.

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On Monday's show: Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week that the Department of Public Safety is launching a new task force in Harris County aimed at targeting what he called “repeat violent offenders.” The governor says the DPS-led effort will bring more resources to Houston and Harris County law enforcement. But questions remain about what this task force will actually do, how it will operate alongside local agencies, and what role politics may play in its creation.

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.

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