Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: We learn why officials in Kerr County didn't upgrade their flood warning system over the years, even when the county had a surplus of funds.

Also this hour: Larry Bagneris helped launch Houston’s first Pride Parade and became the first Black president of the LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. He reflects on overcoming racism and homophobia, which he details in his new memoir, Call Me Larry.

And the new Ari Aster film Eddington explores the sticky world of small-town politics amid the controversies of the COVID era. On this month’s installment of The Bigger Picture, producer Joshua Zinn discusses the film and how journalists covered small towns during the pandemic.

On Wednesday’s show: From the special session of the Texas Legislature, to change in media, we discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics.

Also this hour: We learn about the job of being a translator in Houston, a city where thousands rely on those services for vital needs such as understanding their legal rights, medical care, and finances.

On Tuesday's show: University of Houston men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has spent the last decade transforming the Cougars into a national powerhouse. He talks about his life, career, and how his Native American heritage influences his approach to coaching.

Also this hour: We listen back to highlights from interviews with some well-known actors and entertainers who've been on the show over the years, including Rita Moreno, Lewis Black, Paula Poundstone, and Joe Pantoliano.

And we discuss some recent problems in the funeral industry and how they can be addressed.

On Monday's show: We discuss what Texas lawmakers will be taking up during this year's special legislative session, which begins today.

Also this hour: A conversation with veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller about pet care.

And we discuss why the middle of summer tends to be a real dead spot for a lot of sports leagues, and who should take advantage of it.

On Friday's show: Houston Public Media General Manager Josh Adams shares updates on our resiliency campaign following the approved rescission of federal funding for public media.

Also this hour: We discuss the experiences that make Houstonians truly feel like Houstonians.

Then, Mincho Jacob talks with former Houstonian Shaye Ogbonna, the creator of a new series called Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, and Li Lu, the creator of HTX Made, about an event this weekend with Ogbonna.

On Thursday's show: We get the latest on activity along the Gulf Coast as Invest 93L moves westward.

Also this hour: We often talk about flood safety in terms of preparing for a possible flooding event, but what do you do the moment water starts getting into your house? We discuss with local emergency officials.

Then, we meet a Houston native and Navy veteran who is defying the odds -- and doctors’ expectations -- by returning to the track, the weight bench, and the volleyball court for the Department of Defense Warrior Games.

And we talk with the director of Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy about the deadly crowd crush that unfolded at the Astroworld Festival in 2021.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in local, state, and national politics with Renee Cross and Nancy Sims.

Also this hour: A Palestinian man was detained at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for nine days with no apparent cause. We discuss that case and the implications for immigration policy.

Then, we chat with comedian Kym Whitley ahead of an upcoming pair of shows in Houston.

On Tuesday's show: We talk with Houston Public Media reporter Natalie Weber about redistricting and other stories in Fort Bend County.

Also this hour: Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon, we consider where we are today in our approach to nuclear power and non-proliferation.

Then, amid concerns about deportations of immigrants, we consider who's responsible for detention centers here in Houston and what detention looks like in our area.

And we meet chef David Skinner from Th_Prsrv [The Preserve] at Eculent, a communal dining experience reclaiming and elevating Native American cuisine.

On Monday's show: We learn the latest on recovery efforts in the Texas Hill Country after they were disrupted by more rain and flooding.

We also learn about new data from Environment Texas examining contamination along Texas beaches.

Also this hour: We revisit a conversation with actor Tom Hanks about the future of space exploration.

Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston answers your questions about gardening.

And we discuss controversy at this year's MLB All-Star Game with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Ten years ago this weekend, Sandra Bland died in a Waller County jail cell three days after being arrested during a traffic stop. We look back at the impact of her death, and what has changed -- and what has not -- in the decade since.

Also this hour: Andrew Schneider tells us about Gov. Abbott’s additions to the agenda for the special session. No, not storm response -- redistricting.

Then, this week’s “non-expert” panel weighs in on intrigues in the news on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And Brenda Valdivia chats with Houston’s most opinionated man: Evan Mintz, the new editor of opinion for the Houston Chronicle.