Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked 11 public school districts in Texas’ largest metropolitan areas from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms as required by a new state law set to take effect Sept. 1. A legal expert joins us to discuss the case and where it goes from here.

Also this hour: Sen. Ted Cruz is largely opposed to regulation of AI, while the state is set to be one of a few to implement the first legislation related to the industry. We discuss that dichotomy.

Then, Houston native filmmaker Nell Teare discusses some of the lessons she's learned about overcoming the barriers and naysayers to building a creative career. It's a topic she'll discuss Sunday afternoon during the Houston Media Conference.

And we learn how school publications like newsletters, zines, and podcasts are giving students ways to take control of their media and better understand how media works.

On Wednesday's show: From the second special session beginning in Austin, to the latest developments out of Washington, to what’s happening in the cities and counties across Greater Houston, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Another school year means another opportunity for parents and kids to establish better habits when it comes to social media. A local psychologist discusses how social media use can affect kids’ mental health.

And we revisit a conversation with actor Jeff Goldblum whose jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, performs Sept. 14 at The Hobby Center.

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Education Agency released its accountability ratings for the 2024–25 school year on Friday, covering public school districts across the state. Five districts are at risk of a state takeover, while HISD, which is already run by the state, is seeing improvements in test scores. Bob Sanborn from Children at Risk weighs in.

Also this hour: We learn what a recent ruling means for Houstonians with unpaid medical bills.

Then, we find out why some longtime city employees who took Mayor John Whitmire’s early retirement offer haven’t been paid yet.

Plus, we revisit a conversation from last year where longtime residents offered their suggestions for some Houston do's and don'ts for life here.

And we discuss the business side of filmmaking in Houston with organizers of this weekend’s Houston Media Conference.

On Monday's show: The Texas Legislature’s second special session is under way, with what are likely to be far different outcomes for the same agenda. Blaise Gainey from the Texas Newsroom and News 88.7's Andrew Schneider join us with the latest.

Also this hour: We take a closer look at Texas aquaculture -- growing and harvesting marine life. Some reports say the industry is shrinking. Others say it’s growing. We try to figure out what’s true.

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

And the Astros are hanging on for dear life these days atop the American League West. We talk over baseball's stretch run with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Cryptocurrency mining in Texas can draw as much power from the electrical grid as the city of Austin, and the industry is only growing. But how much energy is it using? No one knows because the Public Utility Commission refuses to release data on the industry. Reporter Keaton Peters from Straight Arrow News joins us to explain.

Also this hour: With news that Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is closing two of its six clinics in the area, there are fewer options for women’s health care in Houston. How are other clinics and health care providers filling that gap?

Then, from plans to seize nine acres of unused land from Hermann Park to expand Ben Taub Hospital, to the possibility of a UFC cage fight at the White House next year, our panel of non-experts discusses The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the news.

And unpaid bills, broken agreements, and bad behavior -- what are your rights if your roommate crosses the line?

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council has approved plans to spend some $315 million in federal recovery funds, including $100 million for home repairs and housing, marking a significant turnaround from Mayor John Whitmire’s initial proposal and a major victory for housing advocates. We learn more about that and some other recent developments in city government, including money for more beds for the homeless in the East End and new solid waste trucks. 

Also this hour: Recent comments from President Trump suggest some hostility towards wind energy. We consider what that could mean for Texas.

Then, we learn about the challenges of running a restaurant -- when that restaurant is on wheels.

And Stacey Allen, the author of a new children’s book about dance, called D is for Dance, explores how the rhythms of the African diaspora continue to shape Houston’s creative scene.

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

Also this hour: The state has begun buying land for new state parks thanks to a new source of funding. We learn where those parks might be and how the state is making that determination from Texas Tribune reporter Alejandra Martinez. 

And we get to know Afrobeat and hip-hop violinist Demola ahead of his performance this weekend at 713 Music Hall.

On Tuesday's show: Students at HISD campuses are headed back to school today, and among them are some kids you could call “pandemic babies.” We discuss the challenges faced by kids whose early childhoods were disrupted by the pandemic.

Also this hour: We remember astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away last week. We revisit a conversation from 2020 he had with producer Michael Hagerty to mark the mission's 50th anniversary. And we hear some thoughts on Lovell from the man who brought him to the big screen: actor Tom Hanks.

Plus, we explore life in Houston through the eyes of different generations, from the perspectives of Gens X, Y, and Z.

And successful food trucks often become restaurants. And sometimes restaurants simplify and become food trucks. What challenges come with these transitions? And, in a city known for its variety of restaurant choices, do food trucks have an edge in reaching new audiences?

On Monday's show: It’s been over a week since Texas Democrats left the state to break quorum in the Texas House of Representatives, delaying the passage of a new Congressional map. We get the latest on the Democrats’ protest and response from Republican officials in Texas.

Also this hour: Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, the head of Harris Health System makes his case for potentially expanding Ben Taub Hospital, which would include seizing nine acres of land from Hermann Park.

Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers listeners’ gardening questions.

And we get an update on Houston sports from Bleav in Astros podcast co-host Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was censured by county commissioners Thursday for her behavior during a Commissioners Court meeting. We learn what happened. And we get the latest on the ongoing quorum break in Austin.

Also this hour: From late sculptor David Adickes' Beatles statues relocating to a car dealership, to a Danish zoo seeking public donations of pets to feed to its captive predators, our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

Then, we revisit a tour we took in 2018 of some of downtown Houston’s most historically significant skyscrapers.

And Whataburger turns 75 today. The fast-food chain’s first location opened on this date in 1950 in Corpus Christi. We reflect on the beloved Texas burger joint's history.