Houston Matters

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity and the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: We’ve been turning to area foodies for restaurant suggestions on our monthly conversation The Full Menu for ten years now. This month, they dish on restaurants past and present they’ve most enjoyed over the last decade.

And we learn how a local pyrotechnic company puts on elaborate fireworks displays.

On Tuesday's show: Hurricane Beryl made landfall over the Grenadine island of Carriacou with maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour – the strongest Category 4 storm ever seen in that area. The good news for us (as of late Monday morning) is that most models suggest the storm is not headed here. However, there is another tropical disturbance a few days behind it, and its ultimate track is anyone’s guess at this point.

We discuss the arrival of serious storms just a month into the Atlantic hurricane season and what impacts, if any, they could have for us with Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger.

Also this hour: Hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees were resettled in the United States after the fall of Saigon in 1975, including right here in Houston. Historian Erica Allen-Kim talks about her new book, Building Little Saigon, which examines the creation of “Little Saigons” across the country and how the community took root in midtown in the 70s and 80s.

Then, 60 years ago today, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law. We consider how Houston changed after that landmark legislation.

And we continue our summer series visiting area museums and attractions with a trip to the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

On Monday's show: Today is the final day the U.S. Supreme Court will hand down opinions before its summer recess. We review opinions handed down Friday as we await news of those final cases, including the one addressing former President Trump’s criminal immunity claim.

Also this hour: We offer Houstonians their monthly opportunity to vent about their pet peeves.

On Friday's show: We get updates on METRO's recent decision not to move forward with the University Corridor line and on the latest death of a Harris County jail inmate. 

Also this hour: We learn how a bankruptcy case in Houston may signal the future of live TV sports. And we remember Kinky Friedman, the entertainer, rancher, gubernatorial candidate, and dog lover died Thursday at age 79.

Then, a college coach moves from one rival to another, while a hot dog eating champion banned from one July 4th competition heads to another – and it’s all happening in Texas, of course. We discuss on this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

And, after more than three decades in TV weather, KPRC Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley is retiring. His friend Ernie Manouse checks in with him ahead of his final newscast.

On Thursday's show: We preview this afternoon’s memorial service for 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray. Then, we discuss the politicization of tragedies and crimes like her murder, which has been talked about by candidates on both sides of the aisle.

Also this hour: A number of recent stories surrounding behavior of doctors at Houston-area hospitals have raised some interesting medical ethics questions. A medical ethicist talks over the issues at the heart of those stories.

Then, the new Pixar film Inside Out 2 introduces new emotions in the mind of its adolescent protagonist, including Anxiety and Embarrassment. In this month's installment of our film segment, The Bigger Picture, the parents on our team discuss navigating such emotions with their kids.

And trans artist Jamie Diaz spent nearly 30 years incarcerated in a men’s prison. A pen pal exchange led to an 11-year friendship and a show in a New York art gallery. Her story is the subject of a new American Masters documentary short, called Love, Jamie.

On Wednesday's show: We preview this week’s presidential debate and discuss other developments in local, state, and national politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: Kevin Costner’s new film Horizon: An American Saga opens in theaters Friday. It’s the first of four films, including another out later this summer. Film critic Joe Leydon, who recently interviewed Costner for Cowboys & Indians magazine, talks about the movie and where the Western genre is going.

And we visit the recent launch party for The Black Man Project, a local organization exploring the complexity of Black masculinity for men and boys.

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Medical Board has adopted new guidance for doctors regarding what qualifies as a "life-threatening" circumstance when it comes to abortions in the state, which are only legal in order to preserve a pregnant person's life or a major bodily function. We learn what the guidance says and discuss the legal implications of it.

Also this hour: We learn what it's like to experience a hurricane from the air as we meet NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters.

Then, Houston writer Katherine Center talks about what makes a good romantic comedy, something she knows very well -- and is the subject of her latest novel, The Rom-Commers.

And we continue our summer series visiting area museums and attractions with a visit to the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

On Monday's show: In another case out of Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a federal gun law designed to protect domestic violence victims. We learn why the High Court upheld it a week after striking down another gun law.

Also this hour: We dive into a new report on housing in Greater Houston, which reinforces what a lot of us have known for a while now -- homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many of us.

Then, we discuss battery banks and other power supplies you may consider stocking up on for hurricane season along with other consumer technology stories with columnist Dwight Silverman.

And we get an update on sports with Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: Ana Rausch from the Coalition for the Homeless joins us to talk about the organization’s latest count and survey of the area’s homeless population.

Also this hour: We learn why there are two dueling Pride parades in Houston this month.

Then, we discuss a call for warning labels on social media platforms and why you may want to take a gander at Friday night’s strawberry moon on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

And, to mark Make Music Day Houston, musician Alli Villines performs for us in studio.

On Thursday's show: Houston City Council members met with HISD Superintendent Miles to discuss leadership, employee firings, and to question what is next for the district. Houston Chronicle reporter Megan Menchaca gives us more detail on the meeting.

Also this hour: We discuss concerns about how much the tech industry -- cryptocurrency mining, in particular -- might strain our electric grid as our power needs grow.

Then, we learn about barriers that prevent Houstonians from accessing good, nutritious food.

And an exhibit at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum details the role railroads played in shaping American sports.