Houston Matters

On Tuesday's show: Houston ISD, like many school districts across Texas, has been addressing teacher shortages in recent years by hiring uncertified teachers. A bill in the Texas House would end the practice. We learn what the bill says and what it would mean for schools here in Houston and across the state.

Also this hour: More than half of all payday lending fees issued in the country are paid by Texans, according to the nonprofit advocacy group the Center for Responsible Lending, We find out why that happens and what Texans can do to escape the cycle of debt.

Then, Todd Waite, longtime resident actor at The Alley Theatre, joins us. He’s in his final role with the theater after 25 years, performing in Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, a wacky twist on the classic tale.

And we discuss the challenges of meeting new people in a large, busy metro area like ours.

On Monday's show: Texas lawmakers filed more than 800 bills by Friday’s deadline, bringing this legislative session’s total to more than 8,600. But only a handful will actually become law. Blaise Gainey of the Texas Newsroom explains what happens next.

And we hear what the Houston Police Department is preparing for this week with the rodeo underway, March Madness kicking off, St. Patrick’s Day, and spring break.

Also this hour: We learn about the complicated racial politics and history of the Riverside Terrace neighborhood from Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing, who recently wrote about the subject as the neighborhood where she grew up turns 100. 

Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers questions about pet health.

And we get an update on sports with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: We discuss the long-term effects of COVID-19 five years after the beginning of the pandemic.

Also this hour: Hockey Day in Houston is on Saturday, and we'll talk with one of the organizers of that as well as a former player.

Then, our non-expert panel discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of the week's news.

And Laura Walker previews a new comedy whodunnit by a local playwright.

On Thursday's show: At-Large City Council Member Letitia Plummer talks about efforts to address cancer concerns in Houston's Fifth Ward.

Also this hour: David Brancaccio from the Marketplace Morning Report joins us to talk about reporting from the Houston Rodeo.

Then, we consider parallels between Elon Musk heading up DOGE (The Department of Government Efficiency) and Houstonian Jesse Jones' non-elected role in alleviating the Great Depression.

And we learn all about the new edition of the Official Guide to Texas State Parks & Historic Sites.

On Wednesday's show: The Texas House is debating private school vouchers while the U.S. House votes on a budget. We discuss those and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: CERAWeek, one of the most important annual conferences for the energy industry, is happening now in Houston, bringing in executives, foreign ministers, top officials, and more than 10,000 participants to discuss energy strategies in a time of climate change and political upheaval. We learn how Houston is more than just the host of this major event.

And what constitutes the perfect Houston sandwich? Where do you go for the Bayou City’s best bread, meats, cheeses, veggies, and sauces? We begin a month-long quest to create the ultimate Houston sandwich.

On Tuesday's show: A new statewide health care poll finds nearly two thirds of Texans are skipping or postponing care because it costs too much. We discuss that and other findings from the Episcopal Health Foundation’s annual poll on health care access and affordability.

Also this hour: Does Houston get snubbed? We certainly host our share of big events, but when it comes to popular culture -- films, television, concerts -- why is Houston sometimes bypassed? We revisit our conversation about that subject from last year.

Then, author Clint Smith talks about how Hurricane Katrina forced him to relocate from his home in New Orleans to Houston and how that experience shaped him as a writer. And he talks about his award-winning book, How the Word Is Passed, which examined historical sites across the country and how they do -- and often do not -- reckon with our nation's history of slavery. Smith speaks in Houston March 18 at a fundraising event for The Jung Center of Houston.

And we talk with comedian Russell Howard ahead of his March 18 show in Houston.

On Monday's show: Ahead of an appearance at Space Center Houston to premiere his film The Moonwalkers, we discuss all things space with actor, producer, director, and aerospace advocate Tom Hanks.

Also this hour: We get some updates on developments in the city of Houston, including Mayor John Whitmire's plans for a hiring freeze as the city faces a more than $330 million budget deficit and plans for a 700,000-square foot expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Then, Meg Tapp from The Garden Club of Houston answers gardening questions, which you can send yours to [email protected].

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

On Friday's show: We preview the Theater District Open House, which returns on March 10 for the first time since 2019. The event is an opportunity for arts enthusiasts to learn more about the city's theaters and arts organizations and to preview their upcoming seasons.

Also this hour: From layoffs at Sesame Street, to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick wanting to rename the New York strip, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

Then, a new documentary short highlights the resilience of Houston's Asian-American community during a period of anti-immigrant fervor. We talk with actor Nik Dodani, the director of Houston Rising.

And we visit the final event of Doomsday Wrestling, a comedy wrestling show which held its last matches recently after the death of its creator.

On Thursday's show: Local leaders share their memories of working with Sylvester Turner, who passed away at age 70. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reflects on navigating several crises in the region, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the former mayor. And Rep. Lizzie Fletcher talks about his leadership and his brief term serving alongside her in Congress.

Also this hour: We learn about FLATS, a roaming photography exhibit that's held in homes around Houston that also operates a community darkroom and photo lab.

Then, food writers talk about some of their favorite places to grab a quick breakfast in Houston in this month's installment of The Full Menu.

And we meet a competitive sign spinner who's participating in the 18th annual World Sign-Spinning Championship in Las Vegas.

VIDEO: Competitive Sign Spinning: It's a Real Thing.

On Wednesday's show: We reflect on the life and legacy of former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, who passed away at age 70.

We also get reactions to President Trump’s address before a joint session of Congress and discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

And we talk with Houston musician Ben Chavez about his concept album Last Day, County Fair. It draws inspiration from his own life, following a young man coming to terms with his queer identity in a town where he feels misunderstood. He performs music from the album on March 6 and 7 at the Wortham Center.