On Wednesday's show, we learn more about Chevron's acquisition of Hess Corporation and what it means for Houston.

Plus, from the House Speaker saga, to local election developments, to why the Lieutenant Governor is spending campaign funds on Israeli bonds, we seek context and clarity in our weekly political roundup.

Also this hour: Writer Viet Thanh Nguyen talks about his new memoir, A Man of Two Faces, which reflects on his experience coming to the United States as a refugee after the Vietnam War and growing up feeling neither fully Vietnamese nor fully American. He'll be in Houston for an event with Inprint on Oct. 30.

And we visit an area pumpkin patch to learn about the process of keeping these staples of the Halloween season running.

On Tuesday's show: We reflect on another long playoff run by the Houston Astros, who lost Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to the Texas Rangers Monday night.

Also this hour: We continue our series of conversations with area candidates this time with State Sen. John Whitmire, who's running for Houston mayor.

Then, we discuss the history of tipping, what etiquette says is appropriate, and how that’s changing these days.

And we discuss 50 years of HSPVA – the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, with an alum and editor of a book about it, a fellow classmate, and a former principal.

On Monday's show: A new study reveals the key issues and priorities for residents and likely voters heading into the November election.

Also this hour: With some recent stories about mishaps involving self-driving cars in Houston and elsewhere, a local professor updates us on how the technology of autonomous vehicles is developing and when it might be more common -- and more affordable.

Then we discuss developments in technology with columnist Dwight Silverman.

And we get an update on Houston sports from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: A federal judge has given Galveston County's leaders an extra week to come up with a new redistricting plan that complies with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. But the legal fight over the county's 2021 political map could be far from over. We learn more from Charles "Rocky" Rhodes of South Texas College of Law Houston.

And we learn about the pickleball scene in town.

On Thursday's show: We preview tonight's mayoral debate with Houston Public Media's Christina Yao Lee, who's moderating it. The debate airs at 7:30 on TV 8, News 88.7 FM, and houstonpublicmedia.org.

Also this hour: We continue our series of interviews with candidates in some key races this November with a conversation with City Councilman Robert Gallegos, who’s running for Houston Mayor.

And we get a behind-the-scenes preview of a world premiere opera called Intelligence about spies during the Civil War. Its creator, Jake Heggie, is one of the big names in contemporary opera. The show runs at Houston Grand Opera Oct. 20 through Nov. 3.

On Wednesday's show: A new survey reveals the issues Houston voters are concerned about and asks whether residents have considered leaving the Greater Houston area and why. 

Also this hour: Houston-area Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who’s running for Houston mayor, answers listener questions. It’s the latest in a series of interviews with candidates for that office, as well as Houston controller, over the next month.

On Tuesday's show: It got downright chilly here in the Houston area lately. After our long, exhausting, extremely hot summer, fall has arrived, and we’re breaking out jackets. But it won’t last, and some heat is returning Friday, as we learn from Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard.

Also this hour: In our latest candidate interview, we welcome your questions for attorney and former METRO Chair Gilbert Garcia, who's running for Houston mayor.

And TV reporter and host John Quiñones talks about beginning his career as a reporter in Houston in the 1970s and reflects on what he's learned from hosting the hidden-camera show What Would You Do? for the past 15 years.

On Monday's show: We learn more about state Proposition 5, which voters will decide in the November election. If passed, it would provide a vehicle to allocate some money from the state’s rainy day fund to four prominent Texas public research universities, including the University of Houston.

Also this hour: Veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers your pet care questions.

And we get an update on the Astros-Rangers series from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: A “ring of fire” solar eclipse is headed the Lone Star state’s way on Saturday. We learn who will be able to see it, how to do so safely, and what we’ll be able to see here in the Bayou City.

Also this hour: From an EPA threat about ozone levels here, to some final clarification about Mattress Mack not throwing any ceremonial first pitches at Astros playoff games, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week’s news.

And the Houston Symphony’s annual Fiesta Sinfónica is Friday. Guest conductor Donato Cabrera tells us more about the concert featuring Hispanic and Latin American composers and themes.

On Thursday's show: Every year, the Episcopal Health Foundation surveys Texans to gauge where different communities throughout the state stand regarding health care. The latest report shows an alarming rise in Texans choosing to skip or delay medical care because they simply can’t afford it.

Also this hour: In our latest candidate interview, we welcome your questions for attorney Lee Kaplan, who’s running for Houston mayor.

And Houston writer Kathryn Casey tells us about largely forgotten explorer Ruth Robertson, who in 1949 mounted an expedition into the Venezuelan jungle to measure one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Later in life, Robertson settled in Brazoria County. She's the subject of Casey’s new historical fiction novel, Angel Falls.